A YOUNG dog is recovering after surviving alone for more than four months in the desolate wilds of a Scottish island.

Border collie Tess scavenged for food, endured heavy snow and shivered through temperatures as low as -15C during her ordeal on Shetland.

But following a heartwarming rescue mission, she is now settling into a charity-run rehabilitation centre near York, and is enjoying life to the full.

She was originally taken on by a crofter to be trained as a sheepdog, but showed no interest so was given away as a family pet in September last year.

Within a week of going to her new home, she ran away and ended up living on Stanley Hill, overlooking the town of Lerwick.

Despite the efforts of dog wardens and local people, she vanished into the wilderness.

On the few occasions she was sighted, she stayed out of reach, running from those who approached her.

In January, particularly severe weather forced her down the hill closer to human habitation in search of food, at one point stealing a cooked chicken.

She was seen on several occasions hanging around and heard howling at night, but would not let anyone approach her.

Tess gained the respect of people, who also had to cope with the harsh Shetland conditions.

She was caught after a humane trap was baited with gammon.

Officials then called the charity Border Collie Rescue charity, based in Richmond, North Yorkshire.

She arrived at the charity’s rehabilitation centre at Stamford Bridge near York, in mid-March.

Spokesman Mike Cooke said yesterday: “She is not out of the woods yet and is still very protective of her food, but she is coming on in leaps and bounds.

“Her recovery and rehabilitation has been speedy and inspiring.

Her story is a good example of how many different agencies and charities can work together to make a difference.”

To help the charity, visit bordercollierescue.org