2026 Great Scottish Squirrel Survey

That the Parliament recognises the contribution of the 2026 Great Scottish Squirrel Survey, organised by the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels (SSRS) project, in encouraging people across Scotland to record sightings of red and grey squirrels; understands that the survey helps to build a national picture of squirrel distribution and population trends; notes that the information gathered through the survey supports efforts to conserve Scotland's native red squirrel population and informs action to address the impacts of invasive non-native grey squirrels; acknowledges the valuable contribution made by volunteers, local communities, land managers and conservation organisations in collecting and using this data; notes the innovative work being undertaken by SSRS, including the use of trained scent detection dogs to support squirrel monitoring and management; recognises that the eradication programme in Aberdeen will be the world’s first urban mainland eradication of grey squirrels when completed, and commends all those involved in helping to safeguard Scotland's red squirrel population for future generations.