BORDERS MSP Christine Grahame has become a 'Species Champion' at the Scottish Parliament.

Charity Scottish Environment LINK is asking MSPs to sign up to the scheme to protect the country's wildlife and environment.

Ms Grahame said: "The State of Nature Report, launched last week, revealed that Scotland’s fish, mammals, fungi, birds, invertebrates, trees, plants, amphibians and reptiles are under threat as never before.

"Intensive agriculture, damaging development, over-exploitation of natural resources, invasive species and climate change all put pressure on Scotland’s unique and globally important ecosystems.

"The speug’s feeding spaces have been restricted in urban areas and competition with other species for food as well as increased levels of cat predation are threatening their existence. I’m delighted to have become a champion for it and would encourage other MSPs to do the same," she added.

Members will learn about how they can contribute to the conservation of their species in parliament and by supporting action in the community.

Ms Grahame added: "The Scottish Government is committed to delivering the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy by 2020.

"It is hoped that by becoming a champion it will rekindle people’s excitement about nature’s diversity and our understanding of its importance to health and wellbeing."