Scotland is home to a diversity of wildlife. From the bottlenose dolphins of the Moray Firth, the golden eagles in the Highlands to the thousands of puffins and seals inhabiting our magnificent coastline, each region of Scotland offers excellent opportunities to see wildlife and marine life at all times of the year.

The spring and summer months are the prime time for many wildlife enthusiasts as the warmer weather approaches; flowers come into bloom, plant life begins to grow and the last of the snow begins to melt allowing streams and rivers to flow. Salmon, in major rivers such as the Tweed and Spey, make their way upstream to spawn, puffins take up residence in burrows around the country’s coastline and male capercaillies in the Highlands can be found attracting females at leks within the pine forests. 
 
We have hostels in prime locations for wildlife watching, and many are particularly suitable for families. Our hostel managers will be able to share their expert knowledge and provide information. We also have a web site specifically for marine life enthusiasts - www.scottishmarinelifewatch.com 
 
Wildlife Favourites

Bottlenose dolphin
A favourite amongst wildlife enthusiasts, the bottlenose dolphin is the most regularly sighted species seen year-round in our Scottish waters. Most popular in the Moray Firth, in the North East of Scotland, these dolphins are large with distinctive dorsal fins and can be seen performing remarkable gymnastic displays. The summer time is by far the best time to spot these beautiful creatures as many dolphins move further down the coast during the autumn and winter months.
Hostel Nearby – Inverness

Puffin
An unmistakable comical looking bird with a bright colourful beak, the puffin is common during the spring and summer months in certain areas around the Scottish coast line. Millions of these birds each year flock to islands and high sea cliffs to nest. Best spotted from Inchcolm and the Isle of May (accessible from Edinburgh) or Staffa and the Treshnish Isles off Mull.
Hostels Nearby – Edinburgh Central & Tobermory

Atlantic Salmon
Atlantic Salmon spend the first few years of their life in fresh water before heading downstream to the sea. Each year they return to the same river and swim upstream to spawn during late March, April and early May. The best locations to see these fish battle their way to their spawning grounds are the Philiphaugh Fish Pass on the river Tweed in the Scottish Borders, Pitlochry Fish Ladder in Perthshire and the Falls of Shin in Sutherland.
Hostels Nearby – Melrose, Pitlochry & Helmsdale
 
Golden Eagle
The Golden Eagle is one of the largest and most spectacular British birds.  With a wingspan of more than two metres and recognisable by the light golden brown colouring on their head, neck and shoulders, they can be seen up to a mile away soaring over Highland Glens searching for prey.  In Scotland their breeding density is the highest in the world. These majestic hunters live in high, open, mountain areas where there are few trees. The best places to spot these magnificent creatures are Perthshire, Fort William, Skye, the Outer Hebrides and the Isle of Mull.
Hostels Nearby – Pitlochry, Glen Nevis, Uig, Raasay, Broadford, Glenbrittle & Tobermory

Red Deer
Monarchs of the Glen and symbolic of wild Scotland, the red deer are Britain’s largest land mammal. With an estimated population of 300,000 in Scotland they can be found in abundance on country estates and in forests. Red deer are red coloured in summer, hence their name, and in winter their colouring changes to a greyish brown. Red deer can be found all year round grazing on the lower levels during the winter and in summer higher up on the hillside. Favourite places to spot them include Torridon, North West Highlands, Inner Hebridean Islands and Highland Perthshire.
Hostels Nearby – Torridon, Minnigaff, Glen Affric, Loch Ossian & Pitlochry

Red Squirrel
The red squirrel is the only squirrel native to Britain, but sadly its future is endangered throughout the UK as the non-native grey squirrel expands across the mainland. The tufty-eared, bushy-tailled creatures are easy to spot with their gingery reddish coat making them one of Scotland’s most enchanting mammals. The best place to spot red squirrels is in South West Perthshire or the Cairngorms National Park.
Hostels Nearby – Pitlochry, Aviemore, Cairngorm Lodge, Tomintoul, Inverey & Braemar

 

Top photo by Mike Hunter - Many thanks