Residents of Claggan village welcomed an unexpected visitor yesterday as a lone deer strutted through their Fort William housing estate.
Claire Grant snapped the wild animal as it walked through the streets of Grant Place near the foot of Ben Nevis.
Speaking to the Press and Journal, Claire said: “I had been collecting my dog from my friends and put him in the car, walked round to the passenger side and the deer was just walking down the road towards me.
“I was a bit intimidated and got in my car ASAP but managed to snap the animal with my phone camera as he went past.
“I followed him round towards the back of the Nupe Club where he went through the fence towards Glen Nevis.”
The photos have been shared across Facebook with delight. Commenting on the post, Ellison Dunn said: “This is fab. Majestic stag. I remember 2 deer walking side by side down Byres Road Hillhead Glasgow and they just strutted along beside traffic.”
Susan Spence joked about the occasion stating the deer was “just going home after a stag party.”
Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: “Deer are predominantly found in the countryside throughout Scotland but the numbers seen in cities and towns is rising.
“Deer can usually get away from built up areas and leaving a gate open in the evening can allow them to slip out.
“In busier areas it is important that the public are very careful not to scare the deer and chase it out onto a road as it could cause an accident.
“If you’re concerned about the welfare of an animal please give our animal helpline a call on 03000 999 999.”
