The issue has led to a bitter dispute among local politicians, with some expressing outrage that the development could fall through on account of one animal. Fife councillors are expected to vote against the proposal - but some claim the decision is ridiculous. Independent councillor Mike Scott-Hayward said: "One red squirrel should not stand in the way of mankind's march of progress." Conservative member Roger Guy added: "We really have to get the balance right here. I'm all for protecting endangered species, but people in rural areas are entitled to modern houses just the same as people in cities."
When carrying out a survey commissioned by Mr Niven, experts spotted the solitary squirrel in the woodland on which the businessman hopes to build the homes. But local campaigners have insisted the seemingly solitary animal could be part of a larger group of animals that weren't seen during the inspection. Conservative councillor and red squirrel enthusiast Ron Caird said: "I feel for this red squirrel. I've campaigned on behalf of red squirrels for years and we need to protect them or they will disappear. There may have only been one red squirrel actually sighted, but in the trees they found more dreys, which are the homes squirrels make for themselves out of twigs. I find it hard to believe that one squirrel would have several holiday homes."
A spokeswoman for Scottish Natural Heritage said that more comprehensive surveys would be carried out on the site in due course, as Mr Niven's application had only been approved in principle by the local authority. She added: "There are several criteria the developer would need to meet, legally, if he wanted to destroy a red squirrel drey. He would need to prove that there was significant social and economic benefit by doing so or that there was no other solution to the problem." Red squirrels, which are native to the UK, could become extinct within mainland Scotland if action is not taken to preserve the species.
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