Mascot flies in to save birds

A FEATHERED mascot has been unveiled to help raise awareness of the plight of wildlife in the Lothians.

East Lothian councillors launched a new illustrated panel featuring Rissa the kittiwake in Dunbar, as part of a campaign to protect seabirds in the county.

They are urging people to take particular care during the nesting season for marine birds.

Countryside rangers have been monitoring kittiwake numbers, and say they are under threat from falling sand eel populations, which they rely on for food.

Colin McWhannell, from the Dunbar Harbour Trust, said: "The kittiwake colony at Dunbar is a major attraction for visitors."