Bat mystery discovered at Doune Castle
Doune village lies to the west of Stirling, and is home to Doune Castle, used as Castle Anthrax in the backdrop for the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975). In 1984, the castle was given to the Secretary of State for Scotland on a 999 year lease and has subsequently been in the care of Historic Scotland.
The castle has become the centre of a mystery relating to the pipistrelle bat, which has been recorded roosting there in large numbers during the summer, but virtually disappears in winter, with observed numbers falling from over 1,500 to little more than 30 in the two seasons. The mystery arose when the largest number of bats was noted to nest in the local comfy telephone exchange, ideal for breeding, yet largely disappeared from the area in winter, when the cool and humid atmosphere of the nearby castle would provide them with ideal conditions in which to hibernate. Experts note that the pipistrelle is not noted for travelling any great distance.
Bats in Poland have been found in their thousands, hibernating in deserted World War II bunkers, and identified as having travelled from Germany in order to find the the right conditions for their winter rest.
Picture by Brian MacLennan.
