Callum the Stag put down after health concerns

A Highlands red deer know as Callum the Stag has been put down over concerns about his health.

The stag was well-known to tourists at Torridon's Beinn Eighe car park, often walking up to visitors as they took his photograph.

Land manager the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) did not reveal the stag's health issues, but said the decision was made following advice from a vet.

The Ross-shire Journal reported that visitors had been feeding him the wrong foods, which caused the stag to lose his teeth and left him unable to forage.

NTS said the stag had lost most of his teeth.

A spokesperson said: “We are saddened to say that following expert vet advice, Callum the Stag, who was often found in the car park at Torridon, has had to be humanely put down.

"We know that many in the community, and visitors too, will be sorry to hear this.

"As a conservation charity, we take our responsibilities for animal welfare seriously and the advice was that this was the kindest option.”

In 2020, tourists were warned not to give friendly red deer in Glen Coe whisky after claims the animals were getting drunk.