Published: Sunday, 16th November, 2008 3:27pm
Intruder drives court staff batty
by Ally McGilvray
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COURT chiefs were caught in a flap after an intruder threatened to close the court house in Selkirk this week.
The bat, which is believed to be a protected species, was spotted in a ceiling light in the main courtroom when Selkirk Sheriff Court met on Monday.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Courts Service later reported it dead and court business continued as normal.
However, when the district court met in the court house on Thursday, it emerged the nocturnal creature was still alive.
It had survived in the light fitting for at least four days - despite having no food and being cooked by the bulb when it was switched on.
But, after discussions with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) - which cares for wildlife and their natural habitat, a court official claimed the courtroom would have to be closed and scaffolding erected to reach the bat.
So it was decided to leave the bat in the light.
One solicitor, who preferred not to be named, told us: 'It seems a bit ironic that a bat, which is supposed to be a protected species, is not protected in a court of law.'
Concerned for the bat"s fate, the Border Telegraph contacted the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) who went to inspect the bat today (Friday).
And they in turn called out the fire brigade. However, they too were unable to reach it.
But a spokesman for the Scottish Courts Service said: The bat has been rescued and released.
"Scottish Natural Heritage came in along with the contractor and their scaffolding. The light was dismantled and the bat released."
