A construction firm that admitted the reckless destruction of a colony of 150 bats has been fined £17,000. Dumfries Sheriff Court heard that the soprano pipistrelle bats died when holes they were using to enter and exit their roost were blocked.
City Building (Glasgow) LLP carried out the building works at 1 Blacklocks Vennel in Lochmaben, Dumfries and Galloway, during the summer of 2023. The court was told that it was the biggest case of its kind in Scotland, and one of the biggest in the UK.
What happened at the Lochmaben site?
The works took place between 14 June and 17 July 2023, and resulted in the deaths of dozens of bats, many of them young, the court was told. The firm was working on a property used for sheltered housing.
Soprano pipistrelle bats are among the most common and widespread in the UK. They have brown fur, black wings and a black face. Their head and body measures up to 4.5cm (1.7in) and they have a wingspan of up to 23cm (9in).
What did the defence say?
The counsel for the defence said City Building (Glasgow) LLP felt deep regret for its action, and training courses had been put in place to prevent any repeat breaches.
Sheriff Scott Pattison reduced the fine imposed on the firm from £25,000 for their early plea.
