THE Scottish SPCA is caring for a family of six young stoats who were found on a road next to their dead mother.

Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted after they were discovered at only five-six weeks old in North Kessock in Inverness on May, 28.

The adorable stoats are now being rehabilitated at the charity’s National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross, where they have been named Ross, Joey, Chandler, Rachel, Monica and Phoebe.

Centre Manager Colin Seddon said: “They are all feeding themselves and we’re going to move them to a large outdoor enclosure soon.

"We’ll release them back into the wild as a group when they are fully independent.

“They look very cute and cuddly now, but when they’re fully grown they will be a predator to other wildlife such as rabbits, mice and voles.”

Anyone who discovers an injured or distressed wild animal should call the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.