Reflective barriers have been installed in a Stirlingshire village which will allow otters and other wildlife to cross the road safely.

The installation in Killin, at the head of Loch Tay, follows the International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF) saying road deaths were the reason otters in the UK have a shorter lifespan than those in other countries.

The project, led by Environmental Action Killin (EAK), was supported by Stirling Council and Robertson Civil Engineering, which installed the barriers on the A827, which is "notorious" for otter fatalities.

Rosemary Third, of EAK, said the steps were taken after the deaths of two otters on the stretch of road near Acharn.

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She said: "Following the loss of a healthy female adult otter earlier in the year, the second in the same area, we decided to take action to help ensure this beautiful, iconic species is protected for generations to come.

"In the past their population has been decimated by hunting, habitat loss, disturbance, use of pesticides and pollution - now the greatest threat comes from our roads.

"I very much hope this successful project leads the way in inspiring future partnerships between businesses and conservation groups and becomes an integral part of planning and practice internationally."

Bob Gould, construction manager, Robertson Civil Engineering, said: "Environmental best practice systems are embedded into all our core activities, so when EAK raised the issue of otter deaths related to road use in the area, we decided to offer our full support in ensuring the area around our Acharn facility is equipped to help safeguard the future of this important species."

The Callander branch of the Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Killin and Ardeonaig Community Trust provided wildlife reflectors and bollards for the project.

Further support came from the IOSF, which offered technical advice, with local insight provided by the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

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Councillor Jim Thomson, convener of Stirling Council's environment and housing committee said: "We work continuously to protect our local wildlife and were keen to help develop a proposal that would deter otters from crossing the road when vehicles are present.

"The installation of the protective road barriers was a combined effort by our officers, the developer and EAK and is a great proactive response that we hope will protect the otters from further harm."