Prickly passengers make special journey to safety with CalMac

Two orphaned hedgehog hoglets and other injured wildlife have been given a helping hand on their journey to recovery, thanks to a recent crossing on CalMac's Stornoway to Ullapool route.

The tiny hedgehog siblings were rescued on Lewis after being found in a poor condition beside their deceased mother. They travelled aboard CalMac's ferry service to access specialist treatment at the Highland Wildlife Rescue centre in Brora, Sutherland.

Now safely in the care of wildlife experts, the hoglets are being rehydrated and hand-fed as they regain their strength. Once fully recovered, they will be released into a suitable hedgehog-friendly habitat on the mainland.

The hoglets were not the only unusual passengers making the crossing. They were accompanied by another young hedgehog and an injured rock dove, both also travelling to receive treatment and rehabilitation.

Wildlife transfers are a regular occurrence on the Stornoway to Ullapool route, which provides a vital link between the islands and specialist animal care facilities on the mainland. Just last week, the service also carried a pair of seal pups requiring rehabilitation.

A CalMac spokeswoman said: "Our ferry services provide a vital lifeline for island communities, and occasionally that includes helping vulnerable wildlife reach the specialist care they need.

"We are delighted that these hoglets are now receiving treatment and wish them, along with their fellow animal passengers, a full and speedy recovery."

The journey highlights the important role ferry services play in connecting Scotland's island communities with essential services, while also supporting the work of wildlife rescue organisations dedicated to protecting and rehabilitating native species.