CONSERVATIONISTS are warning that plans for a £50 million country club could "massively increase" the death rate of endangered red squirrels.

Campaign group Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels (SSRS) fears traffic generated by a luxury 250-bedroom hotel, country club and spa planned for Aberdeen would lead to more of the animals being killed on the roads.

SSRS project officer Steve Willis said the plans would be a "significant step backwards" and could "massively increase" the death rate.

Mr Willis said the SSRS has been working with Aberdeen City Council for five years to try and bolster the red squirrel population around Hazlehead Park, now earmarked for the Carlton Rock development.

Alan Massie, director of Carlton Rock, said ropes could be erected from tree to tree, which could help protect other animals, not just squirrels.