Volunteers from the Lothian Sea Kayak Club and the Lothian Seabird Centre made 35 trips out to the island, which is difficult to access using larger boats.

The team used motion-triggered cameras and concluded there was likely only one rat present.

Sarah Lawrence, of the Biosecurity for LIFE project, praised the work of the volunteers.

She said: “The volunteers have spent two winters navigating harsh weather, Covid restrictions, and the frustrations of seeking a very elusive rat – and thanks to their hard work we are confident that the Lamb’s puffins and other seabirds will return to nest on a rat-free island this year.”