Part of the proceeds from sales of Red Squirrel Ale – specially made by Kinlochleven’s Atlas Brewery – will be donated to Dingwall based conservationists, the Highland Red Squirrel Group (HRSG).

It is estimated that only 160,000 red squirrels are left in the UK, with disease, loss and fragmentation of woodland and competition from non-native grey squirrels, cited as the main causes of their decline.

The HRSG works with other similar groups throughout Scotland – within the nationwide framework of the Scottish Squirrel Survey – to raise the profile of the red squirrel by increasing public awareness, surveying and monitoring, promoting conservation management plans and looking out for any invasion of greys.

The launch of the new beer has been timed to coincide with Red Squirrel Week (4 to 12 October) when a series of events are planned to boost the profile of the creatures and encourage members of the public to report sightings.

Red Squirrel, a traditional 4.6 per cent Scottish ale, will be unveiled at the Atlas Brewery, Kinlochleven, on Thursday 9 October at 12 noon. Members of the media are invited to attend and try the new ale.

Norman Sinclair, managing director of Atlas Brewery’s parent company, Sinclair Breweries Ltd, said: “Brewing a beer to help a conservation programme is something entirely new for us, but we were delighted to get involved. The red squirrel is such an iconic Highland creature, we felt it was important to do our bit to ensure future generations will still be able to enjoy seeing them in their natural habitat.”

Ian Collier, chairman of the HRSG, said: “We are really pleased to be in partnership with Atlas Brewery to raise the profile of red squirrels in the Highlands and to take the opportunity to raise funds for the Highland Red Squirrel Group charity. I hope there will be plenty of people asking for a pint of Red Squirrel Ale and a bag of nuts!”

Other events planned for Red Squirrel Week included a guided walk at Nethy Bridge, in Badenoch and Strathspey, on 8 October. Further details are available on the HRSG website at www.highlandredsquirrel.co.uk.