Loch Insh swan has 'gone' after temperature rise

Days of sub-zero waters imprisoned a cygnet in a quiet corner of a Badenoch loch as local walkers' fears rose, but reports today are that with the ice having finally broke up the bird was free.

That's still to be finally confirmed, but the news from one observer by the loch, near Dunachton Estate, was much brighter than yesterday's.

"The SSPCA told us they were unable to go onto the ice to rescue the cygnet themselves," said dog walker Wendy Welding of Kincraig, "but the Inspector who rang me back said they would see if the Coastguard could maybe help, since they have boats and ropes etc.

"I had stressed the risk of humans taking matters into their own hands and the risk to life if something was not done."

The problem was that the forecast for last night was for the frosts to deepen again and the water to freeze further.

The Strathy was told that several observers had tried dislodging the the ice with stones, but had stopped for fears of alarming the swan, which had been frozen into place for three full days.

The RSPB was alerted and given assurances of the public's help.

But this morning, with temperatures rising again, news came that the waters had thawed the cygnet was freed.

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