Yes, we know Edinburgh Castle is the backdrop to many a must-take selfie but there is much more to Scotland’s tourist attractions than its tourist-trap capital, haggis, tartan and bagpipes.
About 20 per cent of Scotland is considered wilderness and it’s home to an incredible array of wildlife.
Right now, Scotland’s landscapes are putting on a show of glorious autumnal colours and it’s a perfect destination if you want to escape the Australia’s weather extremes and spot some animals in their natural habitat.
Or maybe add it to your must-see list for a trip to Europe next year.
Red Squirrels
When: Best spotted in the winter months of December – January when their vibrant reddish coats will stand out against the snow.
Much smaller than their grey cousins, the fluffy red squirrel is an elusive addition to Scotland’s forests and woodlands. The UK has around 160,000 red squirrels, and approximately 75% of them live in Scotland’s woodlands, parks and gardens. To find these beautiful little mammals, visitors can keep an eye out for their red coat during a walk in Britain’s largest forest park, Galloway Forest Park. Sightings are also common when following the Devilla Forest Red Squirrel Trail, as the Scots Pine trees are a perfect habitat for red squirrels.
The Scottish Wildlife Trust is working with NatureScot, Scottish Forestry, RSPB Scotland, Scottish Land & Estates and the Red Squirrel Survival Trust to protect these adorable creatures by asking people to report sightings.
Red Deer
When: Red deer are best spotted during the autumn months of September – November. One of the most iconic animals associated with Scotland, the red deer is the UK’s largest land mammal and can be spotted in almost every region in the country.
These stunning animals can be seen in locations including the Isle of Arran, Isle of Jura, Lochaber, Torridon, Cairngorms National Park, and Queen Elizabeth Forest Park.
Visitors can stop by Aberfeldy, Perthshire and visit the Red Deer Centre to get up close and personal with these large mammals and learn about their unique traits.
Insider tip: The Cairngorms National Park is home to Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer; Find out more about how to visit this beautiful reindeer herd here.
Seals
When: Seals are best spotted during the autumn months of September – November but can also be spotted during the summer.
Seals are very common inhabitants off the coastlines of Scotland. Visitors might be lucky enough in the autumn months to spot fluffy grey seal pups too.
Seals are very common inhabitants off the coastlines of Scotland. Visitors might be lucky enough in the autumn months to spot fluffy grey seal pups too.
These adorable creatures can be spotted all across Scotland, but in particular in the Moray Firth, Firth of Tay, Ythan Estuary, and on the Isle of May.
Basking Shark Scotland runs Seal and Lagoon tours throughout the year from Oban, Tobermory, or Isle of Mull, where visitors can swim in crystal clear water alongside seals. Basking Shark Scotland also runs various other tours to allow visitors the chance to enjoy the special wildlife in Scotland, including basking shark tours (of course!), snorkelling experiences, scuba diving trips, and more.
