The Ultimate Guide to Island Wildlife Watching in Scotland
Scotland's landscapes are its most prized asset, an embarrassment of riches that stretches from coast to coast and out to the ravishing scenery of its many islands. But what about the creatures that call these spectacular backdrops home? Hidden in the heart of the mountains, forests and bays are a complex ecosystem of animal life. This rich tableau of natural wonder ticks along outside the gaze of human overview, beautiful and deadly small-scale dramas for food and survival that have been played out for millennia. But how do we catch sight of this secret world? And where are the best places to witness wildlife in their natural habitat? CalMac has you covered:
The Red Deer Rut, Jura
On the island of Jura, deer outnumber people roughly 30 to 1 - so when they go to war for the right to a harem of mates the whole island knows about it. Every autumn these impressive beasts clash antlers to win supremacy, a phenomenon known as the Red Deer Rut. Instigated by a ferocious roar that marks territory and the protectorate of a group of female Deer, or Hinds, the dominant Stag must take on all-comers to maintain his position. Although violently fascinating, it is not recommended to get too close to one of these wild encounters - with some Stags weighing upwards of 17 stone and powered by a potent testosterone that makes them unfriendly to any potential threats. You might also encounter wild Goats, Otters, Seals and Golden Eagles when exploring Jura for its wildlife.
Manx Shearwater, Rum
On the modestly-sized isle of Rum a special visitor calls the rugged cliffs home for the summer: the slight, Black and White profile of the Manx Shearwater. These striking seabirds use Rum as a breeding ground before completing their perilous trip to South America for the winter, a journey that can take a month plus. Known for their cacophonous calls, the Vikings actually mistook their noisy neighbours as a troll living in the rocks! More comfortable on water, you may spot a 'raft' of the birds bobbing on the surface during the day before they retire to their burrows in the cliff slopes at night. All in, around 40% of the world's Manx Shearwater reside on Rum - around 70,000 pairs of these remarkable globe-trotting creatures.
Eriskay Ponies, Eriskay
Located in the Outer Hebrides between Barra and South Uist, Eriskay is a small island with some big local characters. The Eriskay Pony, a purebred line that can be traced back to the original native working ponies of the Western Isles, can still be found on the island that gave them their name. At one point the number of Eriskay Ponies in the world numbered just 20 but thanks to a successful conservation campaign there are now over 400 of these magnificent animals in existence. Once prized for their hardy work ethic - carrying anything from peat to seaweed to children on the school run - they are now feted for their handsome coats and skill in Equestrian competition.
Bellevue Farm, Arran
For animals of a less exotic but no less cute nature, consider a visit to Bellevue Farm on the magical Isle of Arran. Infinitely accessible from the central belt, Arran is the perfect escape from the city with Bellevue providing an amazing opportunity to understand the daily workings of farm life and meet the livestock that live on the land. With tour opportunities that include feeding the animals and collecting eggs, you'll get an insight into how activities shift with the seasons. You might even get a chance to meet some of the more unusual residents - the curious, long-necked Alpacas - with their thick coat perfect for the Scottish winters.
Eagles and Otters, Mull
One of the most prized destinations for a range of wildlife, Mull is often regarded as Scotland's tourism hotspot for all things wild. Among the seals and seabirds, the dolphins and deer; there are two animals that are a must-see on the island. Otters are arguably Mull's most famous inhabitants and can be spotted at various locations around the island. Technically the rare Eurasian Otter, these elusive little creatures dwell in seaweed covered rocks on beaches and shallow waters - catching sight of one in action is a real treat. The other distinguished resident is none other than the Eagle, in this case both the White-tailed and Golden varieties. These impressive creatures with their immense wingspan criss-cross the skies above the island looking for prey below.
Puffins, Iona
Just off the coast of Mull, another - much smaller - island offers the opportunity to see a true original of the animal world in its natural habitat. Nicknamed the 'clowns of the sea' these cheeky creatures are known for their distinctive beaks and famous waddle. A colony of these vibrant birds nest on nearby Staffa from April to August every year, giving onlookers a window into their technicolour world. Their charming antics have enthralled onlookers from around the world and are well worth a special trip to spend some time watching their charismatic presence.
Pine Martens, Ardnamurchan
On the remote Ardnamurchan peninsula you'll find a cute but elusive character, the Pine Marten. These furry tailed creatures come from the Weasel family and make their home in the dense forests, often nesting in trees. Deep brown with an orange-yellow 'bib', these mischievous critters are known for their playful nature as well as their dense fur. Once in serious decline, the Pine Marten population has rebounded with an estimated 3,700 adults in Scotland. A guided tour is the best bet to see these shy animals up close though they can sometimes be tempted to come close to properties on the peninsula if there's food involved!
'The Big Five', Skye
The Isle of Skye has become the ubiquitous Scottish destination. Its mix of awe-inspiring landscapes, stunning walks, gourmet food and year-round culture has made it a hotspot for tourists looking to experience a slice of island life. But did you know that a trip to Skye could also be a chance to check off encounters with 'the big five' - Scotland's wildlife royalty. Deers, Golden Eagles, White-Tailed eagles, Otters and Seals make up the famous five; and all can be spotted at various points around the island. Ticking all five of these magnificent creatures off your list is a serious undertaking but a challenge which wildlife fanatics will gladly tackle.
Highland Cows, Lewis, Harris and Colonsay
No list of Scotland's wildlife could be complete without an appearance from the iconic Highland Cow. An international symbol of Scotland. These hardy cows, recognisable from their shaggy coats and long horns, are to be found across the country in small farms but perhaps nowhere has quite embraced these gentle giants like neighbouring Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides, and Colonsay in the Southern Hebrides. Not only are they a common sight on farms across the breadth of the island but they can often be found wandering the country roads and even settling down at the beach for a seat (presumably to enjoy the view). These friendly behemoths will gladly tolerate a selfie from a distance but probably best not to get too close to their pointed horns.
Of course, all these animals are of the land-dwelling variety, choosing to nest and feed on the myriad rugged terrains of Scotland's west coast islands. But there is another, altogether more hidden, group of animals waiting to be discovered. The marine life around the islands is legendary - Dolphins, Whales and Sharks all lurk under the surface of the waters of the west coast. Check out Our Guide on the best places to catch these amazing creatures of the deep and see for yourself.
All of these locations, and many more, can be reached via the extensive CalMac network of services. Why not combine islands and create your own unique wildlife itinerary? There is a whole world of animal life to uncover and observe, beautiful creatures in their natural habitats that will redefine the narrow boundaries of your everyday perspective. Treat your eyes to the gift of something entirely new. Book your tickets with CalMac today.