A cocky robin redbreast has added a festive touch to a Deeside store – bringing seasonal smiles to some customers.
At the time of year when robins are beginning to appear on Christmas cards, visitors to a shop in Ballater have been seeing a real life one over the past week.
Alistair Cassie’s general merchants store on the town’s Bridge Street has been a regular destination for the robin, with bird food the likely source of interest.
During these often lengthy stays he regularly ignores Mr Cassie as well as his customers and makes himself at home.
He said: “The robin pops in and has his breakfast and tea.
“I sell bird seed which is probably part of the attraction. He’s been coming here for over a week and it’s definitely the same bird.”
Asked what customers think he said: “Some think he’s great but some are scared of him.”
He added: “I used to have a pigeon that dropped by for ages but then he left. I have named this one Cocky Robin.”
That named has caught on and is used by now used by shoppers.
Mr Cassie runs the store with his wife, who is also a fan of the bird.
“It’s a nice thing to happen near to Christmas,” Mr Cassie added.
Mr Cassie and his store are well known to residents of Ballater, with locals affectionately calling him “Mr Ballater”.
As well as running his store six days a week he is also the chairman of the Ballater Local History Group.