The historic home of renowned naturalist Sir John Lister-Kaye, the House of Aigas and Field Centre has arguably become one of the finest nature and conservation centres in the British Isles and a premier location to truly experience the wildlife and stunning landscapes of the Scottish Highlands.
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Where: Scottish Highlands
Ideal for viewing: pine marten, red deer, crested tit, goldcrest, golden eagle
Excellent for: Birdwatching, Wildlife festivals, Wildlife photography, Photography tours With Nick Garbutt
More than double the size of the Lake District, Cairngorms National Park is the largest protected area in the United Kingdom. The Cairngorms covers a substantial swathe of the Scottish Highlands, encompassing a range of habitats and a home to a wide array of wildlife including the captivating red squirrel.
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Where: The Scottish Highlands
Ideal for viewing: red squirrel, Scottish wildcat, golden eagle, pine marten, crested tit
Surrounded by stunning, wildlife-rich scenery, and with a relatively warm coastal climate, Gairloch is a group of popular tourist villages on the North Coast 500 route. There are plenty of beautiful sandy beaches and it makes an ideal base for exploring Wester Ross and the north-west Highlands.
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Where: Wester Ross, north-west Scotland
Ideal for viewing: red deer, black-throated diver, white-tailed eagle, otter, whooper swan
Lying on the northern edge of the Cairngorms, Grantown-on-Spey is surrounded by beautiful Highland scenery and there are numerous trails around the town and into the hills, mountains and woods. The town has an attractive square and high street with boutiques and shops selling a wide range of goods.
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Where: Moray
Ideal for viewing: red squirrel, capercaillie, golden eagle, red deer, mountain hare
Just 40km long and 24km wide, Islay comprises a mountainous east coast and fertile, windswept south-west and numerous uninhabited islands. It has a relatively mild climate and is a haven for wildlife. It also boasts a fascinating prehistory with numerous Neolithic structures visible around the island.
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Where: Hebrides
Ideal for viewing: barnacle goose, Greenland white-fronted goose, hen harrier, white-tailed eagle, red deer
The Isle of Mull is home to a rich flora and fauna. It’s one of the best places to see otters in the UK, and special birds here include hen harrier, white-tailed and golden eagles as well as red-throated divers. Red deer, seals and a rich marine life are additional draws for the keen naturalist.
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Where: Hebrides
Ideal for viewing: otter, grey seal, golden eagle, white-tailed eagle, minke whale
The Isle of Skye is full of natural wonders. Both white-tailed and golden eagles soar above this Hebridean island while seabirds thrive on the nutrient rich waters that in turn hold a remarkable diversity of marine life. In the lochs and bays otters forage, and across the glens red deer roam.
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Where: Hebrides
Ideal for viewing: golden eagle, white-tailed eagle, Eurasian otter, Atlantic puffin, common dolphin
Famous for its ‘Paps’ – the island’s three major peaks which rise to 785m – which dominate the landscape, its ubiquitous red deer and malt whisky, Jura has a rich history which includes evidence of Stone Age inhabitants and Vikings. It is also noted for its birdlife, especially raptors such as golden eagles and hen harriers.
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Where: Hebrides
Ideal for viewing: golden eagle, white-tailed eagle, red deer, hen harrier, otter
The Moray Firth, a large coastal inlet is a spectacular and largely unspoilt part of Northern Scotland, famed for its colony of bottlenose dolphins. This coastal stretch is home to a wealth of other marine life including basking shark, grey seal, minke whale and harbour porpoise.
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This peaceful archipelago, ten kilometres off the northern coast of Scotland, is a magical place of low-lying rocky islets, sandy beaches and blue seas – a great place to walk and see seabirds, birds of prey, whales and dolphins, along with fascinating prehistoric archaeological sites.
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Where: Scotland
Ideal for viewing: orca, minke whale, hen harrier, short-eared owl, Arctic skua
The coastal village of Scourie is situated on the north west coast of Scotland and surrounded by rugged hills, ancient lochs and beautiful coastline. The village lies to the south of the island of Handa, noted for its exceptional seabird colonies which include puffin, razorbills and guillemots.
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Where: Wester Ross, north-west Scotland
Ideal for viewing: otter, Atlantic puffin, red-throated diver, great skua, red deer
Lying not far offshore from Lewis in the north-west of Scotland, the Shiant’s are one of the most exciting and remote seabird islands in Britain. These rugged little islands offer not only a fantastic seabird experience but are also steeped in history and offer sensational scenery.
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Where: Outer Hebrides
Ideal for viewing: Atlantic puffin, black guillemot, razorbill, black-legged kittiwake, minke whale
Off the west coast of mainland Scotland lie the Outer Hebrides, a fascinating archipelago of interconnected Atlantic islands. Each of the main islands have a unique feel, however, the rugged beauty is attributed to all. Home to minke whale, Risso's dolphin, hen harrier, golden eagle and corncrake it's a wildlife haven.
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The beauty and charm of this rugged land and seascapes are breathtaking. The region has an astonishing variety of animal and plant life, and the surrounding waters are one of the best places in the British Isles to see marine mammals. The islands are also renowned as a paradise for birdwatchers.
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Where: Scotland
Ideal for viewing: common seal, grey seal, harbour porpoise, otter, storm petrel
Vast areas of Scotland have remained wild and unspoilt, providing a haven for Britain’s wildlife. Ancient woodlands shelter elusive pine marten and red squirrel, whilst roaring red stags rut and demand attention as they bellow across the glen. Each habitat offers unique wildlife and exclusivity.
19 recommended trips.Our trip ideas are offered to inspire you and can be tailored to suit your requirements.
From a wonderful base in Grantown-on-Spey, this small-group tour devotes a week to exploring the Scottish Highlands during the magical months of Spring. In the company of expert naturalist Mike Dilger, we hope to encounter iconic species such as crested tit, Scottish crossbill, red squirrel and red deer.
Find out more about Early Spring in the Scottish Highlands
Journey through the seldom visited yet wildlife packed Western Isles on this expert led tour. From our base in Stornoway we explore all corners of Lewis and Harris in search of its majestic eagles, abundant red deer, breeding waders, secretive otters and abundance of marine life.
Find out more about Wildlife of Lewis & Harris
The spectacular Scottish Highlands provides the ultimate setting for our Festival of British Wildlife. Join some of the world’s leading naturalists and wildlife photographers for exclusive use of Aigas Estate on this trip for both photographers and non-photographers as we observe Britain's most iconic species.
Find out more about Festival of British Wildlife
The Isle of Mull offers some of the finest wildlife watching in the UK and in the company of our expert leaders we hope to enjoy a wealth of bird and mammal life. From the comfort of Knock House on the 12,000 hectare Benmore Estate we will explore by foot, vehicle and boat at the peak time for wildlife activity.
Find out more about Isle of Mull Wildlife Extravaganza
Famous for its peat-flavoured single malt whisky, Islay also offers an excellent opportunity to see a host of wildlife amongst glorious scenery. Expert tour leader and naturalist Mike Dilger has years of experience leading trips to Scotland, with an extensive knowledge on the islands' wildlife.
Find out more about Islay & Jura in Autumn
The Scottish Highlands are at their most dramatic in autumn with mist lingering in the glens and red deer stags roaring in the hills. Migrating waders and geese are heading south from their Arctic breeding grounds, while golden eagles soar over mountain tops and red grouse call on moors.
Find out more about Autumn in the Scottish Highlands
Join us on our wildlife photography trip to the Isle of Mull where we spend time photographing the islands’ wildlife including its enigmatic puffins and spectacular white-tailed sea eagles. There’s also the chance to see seals, and cetaceans and indulge in some macro photography.
Find out more about Isle of Mull Wildlife Photography
The unspoiled archipelago of the Shetlands is filled with remarkable wildlife. Wildflowers adorn the terrain, cliffs seasonally serve as coliseums for breeding colonies of seabirds, sheltered bays along the rugged coastline harbour seals and otter, whilst offshore marine mammals thrive in the pristine waters.
Find out more about The Shetland Islands with Mike Dilger
This small group trip explores the Shetland Islands from two bases: Sumburgh in the south and Baltasound on Unst – the most northerly populated island of the British Isles. Boat trips and daily wildlife walks, accompanied by an expert naturalist guide, reveal an astounding diversity of flora, fauna and marine life.
Find out more about The Shetland Islands
On this tour to Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park, we aim to photograph some of Britain’s iconic wildlife, including mountain hares, red deer and red squirrels, at the height of winter. The Scottish Highlands in winter are inspiring whilst also providing incredible opportunities for wildlife photography.
Find out more about Scotland Winter Wildlife Photography
Explore one of the best locations in the British Isles for minke whale and dolphins on our private boat charter. If we're lucky we might also see humpback, fin whale and orca on this trip focused on dolphin and whale watching in the Outer Hebrides where consistent sightings have given this area a fine reputation.
Find out more about Whales & Dolphins of the Outer Hebrides
Join our small group tour to explore the natural wonders of the Isle of Skye. Amongst spectacular scenery we’ll search for otters, white-tailed and golden eagles, red deer and corncrake, while boat trips will offer a chance of whales, dolphins, seals and seabirds including puffins.
Find out more about The Wild Wonders of Skye
Join conservationist and broadcaster Mark Carwardine on the voyage of a lifetime as we sail from Scotland to the icy realms of Svalbard. During the voyage we’ll visit prime sites in the North Atlantic and Arctic Ocean as well as a host of remote islands, all of which are home to intriguing wildlife.
Find out more about Z) North Atlantic Adventure with Mark Carwardine
Join photographer Kevin Morgans in the Shiant Isles where puffins and seabirds breed in their thousands and the surrounding waters are home to a variety of whales and dolphins. On this photographic workshop, we develop our skills and portfolio whilst enjoying a remote and rugged archipelago.
Find out more about Z) Shiant’s Spectacular Puffins
Join us on a wildlife photography holiday to the Isle of Mull in autumn, specifically timed to witness the spectacle of the red deer rut and the vast numbers of pupping Atlantic grey seals. Amongst stunning autumn colours we also hope to photograph otters, white-tailed and golden eagles.
Find out more about Z) Isle of Mull Wildlife Photography in Autumn
The west coast of the Scottish Highlands is renowned for its superb scenery and limpid summer light. Golden and white-tailed eagles soar overhead, while otters feed and play in rocky inlets. Enjoy the stunning peaks and lochs of Wester Ross, accompanied by naturalist and conservationist Mike Bagshaw.
Find out more about Z) The Splendours of Wester Ross
This exclusive wildlife cruise circumnavigates the wildlife-rich Hebridean island of Mull, one of the best places in the UK to see otters as well as a variety of marine mammals and birdlife. We also visit the enchanting islands of Lunga and Coll in search of grey seals, Atlantic puffins and gannets.
Find out more about Z) Isle of Mull Wildlife Cruise
Early summer is a fabulous time to visit the Scottish Highlands as the forests, moors, coastline and glens come alive with an incredible diversity of wildlife ranging from Caledonian butterflies and marine mammals to raptors and iconic passerines and land mammals.
Find out more about Z) Early Summer in the Scottish Highlands
Embark on an extraordinary journey to explore the untamed beauty of Scotland's wild isles. Renowned for breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and abundant wildlife, these far-flung and rugged islands are a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Encounter a variety of seabirds and an abundance of marine life.
Find out more about Wild Islands of Scotland
Price
(exc. flights): 12 days
from £8,295
Trip type:
Voyage
When to go:
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When to go
Scotland’s distinct seasons each have something different to offer, and it’s not unusual to experience all seasons in any given day! Spring signals the start of the breeding bird season, with both resident and migratory species taking up territories. The warmth of summer brings basking sharks to the coast, whilst autumn provides a stunning back drop to events like the red deer rut.
Seasons
Spring
Mar to May: There may be showers, but spring is generally a pleasant time. Wildflowers bloom and the landscape turns green.
Summer
Jun to Aug: Days are long and often warm; however, it can be a busy time and be prepared for the occasional shower!
Autumn
Sep to Nov: As the days shorten the foliage reddens and falls. The weather cools but days may be crisp and bright.
Winter
Dec to Feb: Days are short and weather can be harsh. The parks can be beautiful in snow providing good photographic opportunities.
Wildlife events
May to Oct: Minke whale can be seen off the coast
May to Jun: Atlantic puffins visit their breeding sites
Sep to Oct: Red deer rutting
Sep to Nov: Grey seals pup
Wildlife cruise vessels
2 recommended wildlife cruise vessels.Please contact us for further suggestions.
The Hjalmar Bjorge is a comfortable yet sturdy ice class vessel that makes an ideal base from which to explore the rugged and wildlife rich coastline of North-west Scotland. It combines comfortable cabins, excellent food and guides with the small size required to anchor in the remotest corners of Scotland.
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With a choice of comfortable cabins, a wonderful deck saloon for dining and wildlife viewing, and a high foredeck, the Seahorse II is ideally equipped for cruising around the Isle of Mull and other Hebridean islands, while an onboard chef provides locally sourced fresh food each day.
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