Trapped deer rescued from tunnel
The Scottish SPCA has rescued a female roe deer after she spent at least two days trapped in an underground tunnel on the Castle Kennedy Estate in Stranraer.
The tunnel is believed to be the remains of some military buildings which existed on the site during the war when Castle Kennedy was used as an airfield.
Local Inspector Janet Proudlock launched rescue operation after receiving a call for help from the Stair Estates gamekeeper who had discovered the deer while walking with his wife in the grounds on Monday evening (16 August).
A member of the public had originally spotted the deer on Sunday and reported it to the gamekeeper, but the description of the location was so vague that it remained undiscovered until Monday night.
Inspector Proudlock said, "I was very kindly led to the site by the gamekeepers wife and found a 3ft square manmade hole.
"Twenty feet away there was another identical hole and the two were connected by a brick built tunnel or underground corridor which I understand was part of the foundations of an old military building from the war.
"The deer was stuck eight foot down and just running back and forth along the corridor, becoming increasingly stressed.
"There was no safe way to approach her so after some consideration we decided to create a staircase from straw bales which enabled the deer to scramble up and out of the hole.
"She gave us a quick glance back before disappearing off into the woods, apparently none the worse for her ordeal."
Stair Estates are now arranging for the openings to be covered over to prevent any other wild animals from falling in and becoming trapped.
Anyone concerned for the welfare of an animal, including any sick, injured or distressed wildlife, should contact our Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.