A giant red squirrel celebrated the end of Red Squirrel Week at the Red Squirrel on Edinburgh’s Lothian Road.

The Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Sandy the Squirrel poured a pint of Autumn Nuts beer, which is made by Cairngorm Brewery. A percentage of the proceeds from sales of bottles of Autumn Nuts will go towards the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels project. Red Squirrel Week is a celebration of our only native squirrel with events and activities across the UK.

Since 1952, 95% of red squirrels have been lost south of the border and Scotland now contains three quarters of the UK’s remaining population. The biggest threat comes from grey squirrels which, although only introduced from North America in the 1870s, now number in their millions.

Scottish Wildlife Trust Chief Executive Simon Milne said:

“The red squirrel is a much loved Scottish icon. Threatened by its grey cousins and the squirrel pox virus, the Scottish Wildlife Trust and its partners are trying desperately to save it.

“If you care about Scotland’s red squirrels, join the Scottish Wildlife Trust and celebrate with a bottle of Autumn Nuts.”

Cairngorm Brewery Managing Director Samantha Faircliff said:

“We are delighted to be supporting the Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Red Squirrel Project.”

“Our brewery is located in Aviemore, in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, one of the few parts in the UK where the Red Squirrel still thrives.”

Available in draught from September to October, Autumn Nuts, a 4.8% Ruby Red Ale has been brewed with roasted crystal malt, giving an “appropriate” nutty flavour while added hops aid to leave a fresh fruit finish.

Autumn Nuts is the latest addition to Cairngorm Brewery’s bottle range and with every case sold 15p will be donated to the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels project.