Red Squirrel project in southern Scotland

Red Squirrels are both endearing and endangered - and now a project has been launched to protect red squirrels in Southern Scotland.

Outnumbered by the larger grey - which can also carry a lethal virus - conservation groups have come together to make sure the reds survive. And it's being launched in what is now National Squirrel Week.

Heinz Traut works for the Scottish Wildlife Trust he explained to ITV Border how the problem with the Grey Squirrels happened.

The red squirrels are good for tourism, with people visiting Dumfries and Galloway especially so they can get a glimpse of one.

The project is asking people to inform the trust where and when they see both red and grey squirrels, they do this by visiting their website.

There is also information about how to encourage squirrels to the garden and the best foods for them.