Oystercatcher eggs on pitch hit football fixtures

An oystercatcher has laid its eggs on the pitch in Dumfries

An oystercatcher which has laid its eggs on a pitch in southern Scotland has hit football fixtures in the area.

The discovery was made on Friday at the North West Community Campus in Dumfries, which hosts a number of different sides.

Threave Rovers Under-20s were due to play East Kilbride Thistle at the ground on Friday night, but that game had to be postponed.

Lochmaben FC's Saturday fixture against Creetown FC in the Cree Lodge Cup and Queen of the South Ladies' League One match versus Airdrie Ladies on Sunday were both due to be played on the pitch, but could also be affected.

Two oystercatches near to where the nest is believed to be on Friday

It is believed that the oystercatcher has nested its eggs near to the centre circle on the 3G artificial pitch.

Threave Rovers confirmed the unusual reason for the game cancellation on their Facebook page.

It said Dumfries and Galloway Council had been left with "no option" but to close the facility ahead of the weekend's football fixtures.

The club said the Scottish SPCA was dealing with the situation but it could take up to 28 days to be sorted.

The Castle Douglas team tried to arrange an alternative venue for its Friday night fixture but had been unable to do so.

"A very unfortunate event for all involved", the statement added.