Concerns raised after rats spotted at Lochwinnoch beauty spot

A concerned local has raised concerns as “an influx of rats” has been spotted on the grounds of the former RSPB Lochwinnoch site. 

Our source, who wishes to remain anonymous, told the Gazette that since the RSPB centre was razed last month, the place has been “over-run with rats” sparking major health and safety concerns. 

She explained: “Since the RSPB building at Lochwinnoch was knocked down around three weeks ago, there’s been a noticeable influx of rats- and it’s far more than just one or two. 

“We’ve seen at least a whole family of them, and it’s obvious that they were living under the building before it was brought down. 

“It’s is a serious health and safety concern. They’re crawling over tables and picnic benches and are out in broad daylight where children play, especially around the bird feeders. 

“I even saw them running across the path from the feeders straight towards the main RSPB shop. 

“What happens if someone gets bitten? Rats can carry so many diseases. 

“Something urgently needs to be done to tackle this, especially given how close it is to the public.”

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The woman claims that the rats are often spotted just feet from where children are playing and are often undisturbed by people’s presence. 

She added: “Children play in this area regularly with sticks and things like that.

“At the weekend there was a couple of wee boys playing and picking up sticks. 

“You could see the rats scurrying around in the undergrowth as the kids played. 

“It’s not worth thinking about but what if the rats had urinated on the sticks and the boys didn’t wash their hands?

“Or what if a child attempts to pick a stick off the ground, or their ball and is bitten by one of these rats. 

“This is a facility for the community and has recently received funding for investment. 

“Something has to be done to limit the risks of these rats to make the area safe for everyone.”

In February, RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve secured more than £19k funding from Renfrewshire Council to enhance its visitor experience.

RSPB Lochwinnoch was awarded £19,236 funding from the council’s Village Investment Fund (VIF) to install a 13ft wooden gazebo, providing a sheltered space with picnic benches, creating an all-weather area for volunteers and visitors to rest, learn, and connect.

RSPB Lochwinnoch was also successful in securing almost £15,000 from the Villages Investment Fund earlier in 2025.

This funding supported the installation of new children’s play equipment as well as a raised pond and interactive non-invasive pond equipment.

The raised pond will support inclusive and educational nature-engagement activities for all, while supporting a range of plant and wildlife species.

A spokesperson for RSPB Scotland said: “Rats are widespread throughout the countryside of Scotland and the rest of the UK.

"They have been present at Lochwinnoch for many years but there is no evidence to suggest their numbers are increasing and they are not present inside any of RSPB Lochwinnoch’s buildings.

 “There is currently a lot of change happening on site and it may be that they are being seen in new places as a result. 

"We think that will change again once landscaping works are completed in the next few weeks, as we convert the old building site to a new viewing and seating area for visitors. 

 “We have removed bird seed from outdoor storage containers adjacent to the visitor centre, which should discourage rats from feeding in this area, too.”  

A Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: “Any complaints regarding rats in this area would be dealt with by RSPB Lochwinnoch as the landowner.

"We have not been made aware of any specific issues at RSPB Lochwinnoch but will support them to manage any concerns.

 “If you see or have concerns about rodents in your community, we encourage you to report these via MyAccount or by email at bsregservices@renfrewshire.gov.uk .”