Rare bat roost found in Galloway forests

A Galloway forest has been confirmed home to Scotland's second recorded maternity roost for a rare species of bat.

The roost, found in Galloway Forest Park, is being used by a group of female Leisler’s bats as a location to have their pups.

Leisler's bats, also known as the hairy-armed bat, can be found throughout the British Isles.

To find a maternity roost is very rare, especially in Scotland.

The first recorded find of a maternity roost was in Culzean Country Park in 2012 where 40 adults were found.

Galloway's roost is said to have at least 27 adult females.

Forest Enterprise Scotland says the finding is long-awaited: