NUMBERS of capercaillie, which are critically endangered in Scotland, are up for the first time in eight years, according to a survey.
The latest survey of leks – areas where male birds compete for mates – found 168 of males, 19 more than last year.
Scotland is the only place in the UK with the large grouse and it is estimated that there are now just 542 left north of the Border.
Scientists have been previously warned the bird could be wiped out in Scotland within the next 30 years.
In continental Europe, the birds' conservation status is not rated as a concern but they are considered to be an endangered species in Scotland.
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The report from the Cairngorms Capercaillie Project states the increase was due to a spike in the Strathspey and Easter Ross populations, while Deeside remained the same as 2022 and Perthshire and Moray/Nairnshire both declined by one bird respectively.
The survey also suggested that while the genetic diversity of Scottish capercaillie was low there was no evidence it had suffered significantly.
Britain's native capercaillie were extinct by the 1780s and today's population is descended from birds reintroduced from Sweden since the 19th century.
This spring's increase has been welcomed by the Scottish Government, which has asked the Cairngorms National Park Authority and NatureScot to lead a co-ordinated conservation action plan.
Biodiversity Minister Lorna Slater said: “The capercaillie is on the verge of extinction in Scotland, however new research shows that there is hope for the species.
"I know how much work has already gone into protecting one of Scotland’s most iconic birds, and we cannot let these efforts be in vain."
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