Aberdeen becomes the first UK city to welcome back red squirrels

Red squirrels are thriving in Aberdeen, making it the only UK city where they now outnumber greys. Conservation work led by Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels, alongside support from volunteers and Aberdeen City Council, has restored populations across parks and gardens.

Only one grey squirrel has been recorded this year, marking a sharp turnaround from earlier decades. Pine martens, natural predators of greys, are also contributing to the recovery.

Sightings of reds have risen steadily since 2009, making Aberdeen a rare urban success story.