Wildlife Watching

Land-based Wildlife Watching

The natural environment offers a wild amount of things for visitors to do and see in Scotland. Some have feathers, some have fur and others have fins but there's fun for all.

You don't have to be up a mountain or out in the ocean to experience Scotland's wildlife and natural environment either, there are a host of tour operators and trips available to help show you the best Scotland has to offer.

Here are a few of our favourites.....

Sunart Oakwoods Initiative

On the shores of Loch Sunart on the west coast of Scotland are some of the most extensive oakwoods in the country. Footpaths and a wildlife hide enable access to these wildlife-rich woods and beautiful views.

Scotland's National Nature Reserves

There are over 40 National Nature Reserves (NNRs) in Scotland. This website provides information on what to see and how to get to these special parts of Scotland.

Moray Firth Wildlife Centre, Spey Bay

The exhibition at the Wildlife Centre interprets the world of the famous Moray Firth Dolphins and the diversity of other wildlife species that can be seen at this tranquil spot.

Islay Natural History Trust, Island of Islay

This small trust acts as biological records centre for Islay and has its own visitor centre in Port Charlotte, Islay

Marine Discovery Centre, Isle of Mull

Find out about whales and dolphins of the Hebrides with this wee visitor centre in the picturesque town of Tobermory on the island of Mull.

Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick

This award winning attraction relays live pictures of the fantastic bird colonies on Bass Rock in the Firth of Forth straight into the Centre.

Knockan Crag Visitor Centre, Assynt

Visitor centre telling the story of the unique geology of the Assynt area. 'The South Pole to Scotland in 600 million years' - that's quite a story!

RSPB Forsinard, The Peatlands Centre, Sutherland

Nature reserve in the far north of Scotland which is a haven to many migratory birds and a haven for Scottish wildlife

RSPB Osprey Centre, Boat of Garten, Strathspey

A true success story. Offers visitors the opportunity to see nesting Osprey during spring and summer months and for those willing to get up early, it is also an excellent place to see Capercaillie.

Kylerhea Otter Haven, Isle of Skye

An opportunity to catch a glimpse of the elusive otter, with spectacular views across the Kylerhea narrows to Glenelg and the Kintail mountains.

SWT Loch of the Lowes, Dunkeld Perthshire

This is one of Scotland's most popular sites for watching Ospreys. The reserve covers 98 hectares, nine tenths of which is open water, fringed with semi-natural deciduous woodland and sheltered bays.

SWT Montrose Basin, Montrose Angus

Montrose Basin is the extensive enclosed estuary of the South Esk river. The reserve provides a rich feeding ground for thousands of resident and migrant birds including eider duck, pink-footed and greylag geese.

SWT Falls of Clyde, Lanarkshire

The Clyde flows through the gorge and over a series of four spectacular waterfalls, from which the reserve takes its name.

SWT Jupiter Urban Wildlife Garden, Grangemouth

Tucked away amidst the smokestacks of Grangemouth lies a very special place, where the sound of willow warblers and the excited voices of children replace the hum of factories and motorway.