Scotland's wildlife in all its splendour

July and August sees Scotland’s wildlife in all its summer splendour. While visitors may be drawn to better known species such as the endearing Seal and the glorious Golden Eagle, there also exists a range of very beautiful and rare species which visitors just might have the opportunity to glimpse - if they know where to go and what to look out for.

Each of Scotland’s regions has its own National Nature Reserve, forest or wildlife park which provide the perfect opportunity to not just witness these wonders in their natural habitat, but also discover ways to conserve them for future generations, protect the species that are in decline and learn more about the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

To experience the best of Scotland’s wildlife this summer, there are a host of ways to make the most of the great outdoors. Take part in a ranger led wildlife tour, enjoy a scenic boat trip, go for an energising family cycle or experience an outdoors wildlife event. And while conservation is top of mind, why not tie this in with sustainable accommodation such as an eco-pod, green croft or Neolithic cottage and enjoy delicious locally sourced food. A wildlife getaway in Scotland is easier to plan than you think.

Below are some inspirational wildlife ideas to make the perfect summer break, all of which can be found on VisitScotland’s Perfect Day website: visitscotland.com/perfect

ORKNEY - CATCH SIGHT OF THE PRIMULA SCOTICA
Look out for the very rare and delicate Primula Scotica, which is only found in certain areas of Orkney and the Highlands. This beautiful purple flower, which is in decline and is currently being studied by Scottish Natural Heritage, was the inspiration behind one of the designs for Orkney jewellery designer Sheila Fleet.

Go for a walk on Orkney’s beautiful RSPB Marwick Head Nature Reserve. The reserve is home to a range of seabirds, with Puffins being the star attraction in this area. Other bird species that make their home on the reserve include the Fulmar, Guillemot and Corncrake.

Local wildlife experts:
See, hear and smell this seabird spectacular with the RSPB Warden at the magnificent Marwick Head reserve.

Place to stay:
Try The Byre at Heddle, Finstown, on Orkney’s mainland. This 5 star self catering property has been awarded a Silver Green Tourism award by VisitScotland and features turf roof, a natural, organic habitat in the garden and the extended 10 acre wildlife reserve, and a full range of Ecover household products.

OUTER HEBRIDES - UNCOVER THE HABITAT OF THE GREAT YELLOW BUMBLEBEE
The Great Yellow Bumblebee is nationally scarce and confined to very small areas of Scotland, in particular South Uist and Barra in the Outer Hebrides providing some of the best habitat. Scottish Natural Heritage and the Bumblebee Conservation Trust are currently working to monitor Great Yellow Bumblebee numbers and conservation efforts.

Employ a local expert to take you on a Hebridean Adventure. The Outer Hebrides honours a World Heritage Site, 53 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), three National Scenic Areas and four National Nature reserves, meaning you can truly relax and get back to nature.

Local wildlife experts:
James Macletchie, a local tour guide who featured alongside Monty Halls in the BBC2 Programme ‘Monty Halls’ Great Escape’, provides a fascinating insight into the lives and habitats of Hebridean wildlife. James offers a variety of walking and wildlife tours, including ‘Be a better Otter spotter’.

Places to stay
Blue Reef Cottages provide a touch of luxury with sauna and Jacuzzi, while making sure that their eco credentials are bang up to date with fair-trade products and a carbon offset scheme. These award winning properties, which are a new take on Neolithic housing, are set in wildflower and Machair, and are only a short walk away from shops, local pubs and cafes.

DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY - SUPPORT RED SQUIRREL CONSERVATION
The endangered red squirrel thrives in woodlands like Balloch Wood in Dumfries and Galloway, and is the only squirrel native to the UK, with around 75% found in Scotland. Conservation projects such as Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels exist to protect the current population. Adopt a red squirrel through the Scottish Wildlife Trust and support this conservation work.

With the UK’s first Dark Sky Park, a deer range, wild goat park and a ‘Red Kite Trail’, Dumfries and Galloway is a region not to be missed if you are considering a wildlife trip this summer. VisitScotland and Scottish Natural Heritage this month launch a new initiative with 12 wildlife walks across the region which includes advice on the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, so walking in the region couldn’t be easier.

Local wildlife experts:
8 August, 10am - 3pm, Minibus tour - Galloway Red Kites. Departs from Castle Douglas Information Centre, Dumfries and Galloway. Join Forestry Commission Scotland and the RSPB for an informative look at these magnificent birds. The tour will follow part of the Red Kite Trail and visit the Red Kite Feeding station.

Places to stay:
The beautifully assembled, remarkably spacious wigwams at Barnsoul Farm just west of Dumfries make a great base to explore the countryside and enjoy the wildlife on the edge of Galloway Forest Park. Barnsoul is a 300 acre working farm situated within beautiful parkland and woodland.

ABERDEENSHIRE - EXPLORE SCOTLAND’S WOODLAND IN SEARCH OF THE CAPERCAILLIE
The Capercaillie is the world’s largest grouse species and, due to its rare and vulnerable habitat, is at real risk of extinction with under an estimated 2000 breeding pairs left in Scotland. Various projects have been undertaken to protect the species, with Scottish Natural Heritage, the Forestry Commission Scotland and the RSPB working together to save these species with initiatives like the Capercaillie Life Project.

The north of Scotland is home to the majority of Capercaillie, with areas such as Forvie National Nature Reserve in Aberdeenshire being a fantastic place to try and catch sight of them in their natural habitat. However, a wildlife trip to Aberdeenshire doesn’t just have to be land based, with the region famed for its amazing range of marine wildlife. Watch inquisitive dolphins swim alongside your boat, or whales crashing into the sea while Ospreys and Puffins fly overhead.

Local wildlife experts:
Moray Diving and Wildlife Cruises are a great way to discover the Moray Firth’s resident school of bottlenose dolphins, which are the most northerly in the UK. Wildlife trips are available all week, with evening excursions also an option.

Places to stay:
Habitat at Ballater is a purpose built hostel ideal for families, groups and independent traveller. The hostel has been built adhering to environmentally sound principles including the installation of a ground source heat pump, its use of fair trade and eco products and has been awarded a silver Green Tourism Business Scheme award by VisitScotland.