Terrified office workers in Edinburgh called the Scottish SPCA after they discovered a scorpion.
Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted by staff at the Dog Aid Society of Scotland when the creature was spotted at the office on Blackford Avenue.
The scorpion, around the size of a ten pence piece, was collected by Animal Rescue Officer Steph Grant and taken to Edinburgh Butterfly and Insect World.
Steph said, “It’s a bit of a mystery as to how the scorpion came to be there.
“We’ve had instances in the past where we’ve rescued exotic spiders and scorpions found in boxes of fruit originating from overseas, but the people who work in the office haven’t had any fruit deliveries and can’t imagine where it has come from.
“Blackford is a residential area so there is a chance the scorpion is someone’s pet which has gone missing.
“Office staff managed to contain the scorpion by putting a glass over it but were understandably quite frightened by their little visitor.
“It was cold when I arrived but once it warmed up it became more lively.
“Usually the smaller the scorpion, the more venomous they are, however staff at Edinburgh Butterfly and Insect World have yet to identify the species as it’s so tiny.
“It’s likely this is a young scorpion which still has some growing to and the staff are hopeful they will be able to identify the species soon.
“The scorpion will remain at Edinburgh Butterfly and Insect World where it will receive the care it needs.”
Anyone who believes this to be their scorpion can call the Scottish SPCA’s Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.
Photo by Scottish SPCA
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
