Enjoy a perfect summer in Scotland
This summer is the perfect time to take a Scottish wildlife break. From the inquisitive Pine Marten to the delicate Primula Scotica, the country has a range of exciting species to intrigue and inspire.
Find out more about some of Scotland’s rarer wildlife; go on a tour and learn about local conservation efforts and tie this in with some eco-accommodation. Ideas to create a perfect wildlife break can all be found on visitscotland.com/perfect.
To help you decide which wildlife to go in search of, VisitScotland catches up with some wildlife celebrities to find out which Scottish species they recommend.
Author, broadcaster and environmental campaigner David Bellamy:
David said his best Scottish wildlife memory is, “walking from Spean Bridge to John O’ Groats over 50 year ago. Learning about all the special plants en route with a beautiful young lady who is still my wife”.
Television presenter, wildlife enthusiast and photographer Chris Packham:
“My favourite Scottish animal would have to be the Pine Marten: Rare, elusive, shy, exquisitely beautiful and ferocious but not inaccessible. There are quite a few places where you can be thrilled by these fabulous creatures”.
Natural history, wildlife and adventure presenter Steve Backshall:
“As a lover of the wilderness, Scotland is always calling, and never disappoints. Whether its witnessing the vast swooping bulk of a white-tailed eagle snatching a fish from the sea, fighting the urge to scratch my nose as a dog otter rolled on the rocks just metres away from me, seeing my first pine marten or having a low-flying golden eagle nearly take my head off, Scotland has provided some of my fondest memories”.
Wildlife presenter, author and producer Philippa Forrester:
“I love otter watching on the coast with my husband Charlie. We have spent a lot of our lives close to otters filming them in England, but they are much easier to spot in the broad daylight in Scotland. It is a luxury to watch them play or hunt and to walk along the wonderful coastline and know that there is every chance you will see an otter or even a family. Now our children are old enough to come with us it is even more fun”.
Wildlife presenter and veterinary surgeon Steve Leornard:
“Scotland's most exciting species for me has to be the Orca. Such a rare treat to see and such beautiful creatures effortlessly ploughing through the water. Spending time at the coast waiting and wishing to see one you can also see so many other fantastic species you won't get bored waiting for that once-in-a- lifetime encounter”.
For information on wildlife events happening throughout the summer and ideas for wildlife breaks in Scotland, go to: visitscotland.com/perfect
