See the seabirds on Shetland
Shetland has become a famous destination for those who want to enjoy sensational seabird colonies. If you want close-up views of tens of thousands of breeding Gannets, alongside Guillemots, Puffins, Razorbills, Kittiwakes and Fulmars, you head for Sumburgh Head, Noss or Hermaness nature reserves.
Noss is known as one of the most spectacular wildlife sights in Europe and is just 40 minutes by sea from Lerwick, the Shetland capital. With over 20,000 Gannets, 40,000 Guillemots and 5,000 Kittiwakes festooned over a mile of cliffs - it's a sight not to be missed. Take a boat trip around the cliffs or make your way across the isle of Bressay and spend a day exploring the sights.
Shetland is also a fantastic destination to see some amazing sea mammals. You're most likely to see Harbour Porpoise, Common Seals and Grey Seals and it's often said that you can hear the seals sing, although the mournful, moaning sounds they make are not music to a human ear. In May and August you may be lucky enough to see Orcas ('Killer Whales') hunting seals close inshore, a school of White-sided Dolphins chasing a shoal of fish or even a Minke Whale!
With patience there's a good chance of seeing one of Shetland's shy and elusive Otters - around 1,000 live on the island, making this one of the main strongholds in the UK. Because of the long hours of summer daylight, reaching up to 19hours during mid summer, Shetland Otters have become used to going around in daytime. In most other parts of Britain they're nocturnal.
Find information on wildlife operators by visiting our customised Google map and create a Perfect Day.
Glimpse wildlife in Galloway
Galloway, perhaps one of the least explored areas of Scotland, is home to a wide range of rare and endangered species. Red squirrels and golden eagles find refuge in the quiet forests, red kites have been reintroduced to the Loch Ken area, and ospreys delight visitors to Wigtown.
Read more »
Other things you may like...
Zig-Zag: The Paths of Robert Burns
Dumfries continues its Homecoming 2009 celebrations by welcoming Zig-Zag. The major touring exhibition visits Dumfries to mark the 250th anniversary of Burns' birth. The exhibition sees the National Library of Scotland bring together treasures from the National Burns Collection. Contemporary and thought provoking, the exhibition shows the ways in which Burns made a name for himself, his life, loves and past-times.
Read more »
The Art of Inspiration
Orkney is a hive of creative industry with several internationally renowned jewellery manufacturers and professional artists and crafts people at work in the islands.
Read more »
Island Hopping
No trip to Orkney is complete without discovering and exploring the smaller islands that surround the Mainland of Orkney. Each island has its own unique character and individuality, with fascinating history, wildlife and attractions.
Read more »
Up Close - Scotland’s Sea Life
If you want to experience Scotland’s diverse and amazing sea life, this is the ideal way to do it. With a professional guide on board, you can enjoy up to 6 hours looking for whales, dolphins, sharks, porpoise, seals, seabirds and more.
Read more »
Glimpse wildlife in Galloway
Galloway, perhaps one of the least explored areas of Scotland, is home to a wide range of rare and endangered species. Red squirrels and golden eagles find refuge in the quiet forests, red kites have been reintroduced to the Loch Ken area, and ospreys delight visitors to Wigtown.
Read more »
Explore Moray’s turbulent past
History is abound in Moray, from the splendour of castles to the fascination of Pictish living. Let your imagination run wild with thoughts of ancient times and explore Moray’s rich legacy.
Read more »
Ayrshire & Arran – coast to coast
For a perfect sailing experience, Ayrshire & Arran is hard to beat. This beautiful area of Scotland’s west coast offers sheltered harbours, stunning views and a very warm welcome ashore.
Read more »
Let's go see a Red Kite!
Famed for its rusty-red forked tail, long elegant wings and agile flight, the red kite is one of our most beautiful and graceful birds of prey. The Galloway Red Kite Trail provides exciting opportunities to view red kites as you follow the circular trail along the shores of Loch Ken; the best area in Galloway to see these stunning birds.
Read more »
Follow history at Bannockburn
Steeped in bloody and turbulent history, the intriguing Bannockburn Heritage Walk will take you through one of the most significant historical landscapes in Scotland. This journey through Stirlingshire's most beautiful countryside is easily accessible from the nearby city of Stirling and a perfect option if you want to disocover the city.
Read more »
Spot wildlife on a Galloway walk
The Caerlaverock Castle and Reserve wildlife walk takes in the impressive triangular moated castle, set within Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve on the Solway Firth. The Reserve is internationally important for waterfowl and wading birds and there’s also rare natterjack toads, roe deer, badger and otter to look out for too.
Read more »
Sample seafood in Oban
Translating from the Gaelic to ‘The Little Bay’, Oban has a wonderful bustling harbour and a huge range of fresh seafood is brought ashore each day.
Read more »
Great Golfing in Aberdeen City and Shire
From the world class links courses in Aberdeen City and Shire like Royal Aberdeen, Cruden Bay and Murcar, to the inland courses surrounded by fantastic scenery, the beauty of the region lends itself to making picturesque, testing golf courses. We have over 50 in the area to test you.
Read more »
Scotland’s best selling Golf Pass
As one of Scotland’s most picturesque and beautiful regions, the Scottish Borders is the perfect backdrop to enjoy a few rounds of golf, and Scotland's best-selling golf pass truly offers the 'Freedom of the Fairways'.
Read more »
Visit Scotland's natural larder
The picturesque coastal town of Stonehaven is an ideal place to sample the flavours of Scotland's natural larder in the north east of Scotland. A fascinating history and distinct culture, combined with fantastic food and a warm welcome, there’s something to suit every taste.
Read more »
Golf for less in Perthshire
The Perthshire Green Card and Highlands Golf Ticket offer great golf for less in Perthshire, home to some of the finest inland golf courses in the world. With 40 to choose from you'll be spoilt for choice, and with a mix of 18 and 9 hole courses to play, you’re sure to find the perfect course for you.
Read more »