UPDATE: Resident robin at Aldi store in Aviemore to be released into wild
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Aldi has said that it never had any intention of killing the robin in its store in Aviemore.
But the retail giant has confirmed that the bird will be humanely captured and released back into the wild.
The robin has become something of a 'wee store mascot' in recent months.
There was uproar when reports surfaced on local social media earlier today after a visiting customer said she had been told by a staff member that the robin was to be exterminated.
An Aldi spokesman told the Strathy: “We are working with Nature Scotland to safely and humanely move the robin back into its natural habitat and would like to reassure customers that no harm will come to the bird.”
In an update on local social media, Fiona Campbell said: "I've just been to speak with one of the Aldi managers. He's got no idea who told the visitor that they were going to kill it but there's no truth in it.
"The robin is fine and in no danger."
There has been widespread relief from those following developments.
Tea Jenny said: "That's great news."
Jane Taylor just posted: "Phew."
And Barry Folan said: "It landed on my trolley in the meat aisle on Sunday morning!"
The post by University of Dundee tutor Sandra Strathie on the Aviemore and Spey Valley Community Forum had stated: "As a visitor just popped into Aldi Aviemore and saw the lovely little robin living there.
"Talking to one of the assistants, he stated an external organisation was coming in to kill the bird as they couldn't get it out of the store.
"Try humane wildlife solutions please.
"No need to kill it."
There was an outcry on local social media with pleas for store bosses to find a humane solution.
