What has happened to Arran’s hedgehogs?

There was a time when most gardens were conveniently de-slugged by these useful and intriguing little animals, but for a long time now, they seem to have vanished from the island. Their absence followed something of a brou-ha-ha about hedgehogs on other islands, where they were accused of stealing gulls’ eggs, but now the balance has tipped. Gulls abound, but hedgehogs no longer seem to potter round our gardens. This is a shame, because apart from their useful function as munchers-up of slugs, they are engaging little creatures who seem to have no fear of humans and readily get into the habit of coming to the back door of an evening, in case some thoughtful person has put out a saucer of unwanted cat food. Stories abound of hedgehogs getting stuck when licking a discarded golden syrup tin then getting it stuck on their heads like a helmet. If there are any on Arran, they will be hibernating during this cold weather, but even on balmy summer evenings, there is no sign of them shuffling about in their busy, preoccupied way. They are one of our most engaging native mammals, and it would be sad to think their numbers are dwindling – or, in Arran’s case, non-existent.

When the warmer weather comes, please keep an eye open for hedgehogs. If you see one, let us know. It would be good to know that these oddly cheerful, inoffensive wee creatures are still with us.