A tawny owl was rescued from a stove’s flue in Noranside, near Dundee, after a customer reported hearing unusual noises and seeing the bird’s eyes inside the chimney. John Soutar, a local chimney sweep, responded to the call and carefully dismantled the stove to reach the trapped owl.

Soutar, 43, managed to coax the bird out by wrapping it gently in a towel before releasing it safely into the garden. He described the experience as a rare and special opportunity to be in close proximity to such a large bird.

The incident highlights the unexpected encounters that chimney sweeps sometimes face while carrying out routine maintenance and inspection work. The owl appeared unharmed and was able to fly away after being freed.