The Best of Scotland Wildlife

Outdoor Activities > Scotland Wildlife

Knowing where to go is undoubtedly the secret to seeing what you want to see, and Scotland throws up a great deal of opportunities for lovers of wildlife.

A camera is a must as you explore the best places in the country for rare wildlife, marine life and birds, with the added bonus of the scenic beauty of the lochs, the splendour of the mountains and some magnificent countryside. The country has many zoos and safari parks, but nothing quite compares to seeing the best Scotland wildlife in their natural habitats on land and in the sea, so let's have look at where to find what.


The Hebrides islands on the west coast has some very spectacular scenery, which is best seen by sailing.

With their remote islands and sheltered lochs you can catch some unexpected sightings of Dolphins, Minke Whales, Grey Seals, Otters and seabirds including Puffins, Guillemots, Razor Bills and Gannets.
The Moray Firth is also a great place for spotting Bottlenose Dolphins.


The Shetland Islands off the north coast of Scotland, has a bird observatory located in Fair Isle, home to the famous Fair Isle knitwear.
At night you can spot Storm Petrels, and by day see Black Guillemots, Red-throated Divers, Arctic Skuas, and Grey Seals on the shore.


The West Highland Way is Scotland's most famous walk, through woodlands and forests from Milngavie to Fort William, a distance of 153Km/95miles.

People visit from all over the world to do this series of fabulous woodland walks, some just for the hike and the scenery, and some come for the wildlife. Along the way you are likely to spot Red Deer and birds of prey like the Kestrel, the Red Kite, and you may even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the majestic Golden Eagle.


Dumfries & Galloway in the south, has an abundance of woodland walks where you are likely to see Red, Roe and Fallow Deer, Peregrines and Buzzards along with some rare plants.

The Cairngorm Mountains is home to Britains only Reindeer herd. There are approximately 130, with around 50 of them ranging free in the mountains, while the rest are very well looked after on Glenlivet Estate, some 30 miles away.


Scotland wildlife can be seen almost everywhere you go, and most of Scotland's woodland and forest walks provide you with the opportunity of spotting some Red Squirrels, although they really are becoming quite rare.

Royal Deeside is probably the best place left for seeing the Red Squirrel. Sadly, their numbers have been steadily declining over the years, but they can be seen more frequently here than anywhere else.


The Scottish Highlands, one of the most scenic regions in all of Britain, is a popular location for outdoor activities of all kinds.

Wildlife lovers can spot the rare Pine Martins, the Scottish Wildcat, and possibly the Red Squirrel.

Scotland is blessed with hundreds of miles of rugged coastline and freshwater pools, which make ideal habitats for the Eurasian Otter, the only otters native to Britain.


Find out more about wildlife in Scotland by visiting one of the many National Nature Reserves, which protect our rare species and habitats. They are located throughout the country, and are open to everyone.


Scotland Wildlife Tours are magical journeys that combine the best wildlife viewing with other outdoor activities. You could be hiking through forests, exploring caves in kayaks, or sailing round our remotest islands.

Fishing in Scotland
The best in Fishing Packages, Bait & Tackle and Outdoor Wear.

Golfing in Scotland
Links to pristine Golf Courses.

Hiking in Scotland
Choose from a range of Walking and Hiking Packages.

Kayaking in Scotland
Kayaking, Canoeing & White Water Rafting. Open sea or lochs.

Skiing In Scotland
A good challenge for winter sport enthusiasts.

Extreme Sport in Scotland
Skydiving, Ice Climbing, Quad Biking, Canyoning, etc.

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