Dan Puplett will be the guide for this single base, fully-inclusive Wild Discovery tour during which we’ll search for mammals in northern Scotland. We will be staying at the highly regarded Aigas Field Centre, a beautiful historic house nestled into the side of a glen in northwest Scotland. The centre is renowned for its rich wildlife with species such as Beaver and Pine Marten present on site and we will enjoy evening viewing sessions looking for exactly these species as well as several species of bat.
Over the course of the week we will explore out around northern Scotland searching different habitats for key species from Red Squirrels in Caledonian forest to the tundra-like habitats of the Cairngorm massif which are home to a herd of Reindeer as well as Mountain Hares. The sheltered waters of the Moray Firth and the sealochs of the west coast are a great place to find Common and Grey Seals, Otter, Bottlenose Dolphin and Harbour Porpoise.
Inland we will search for Red, Roe and Sika Deer as well as Wild Goats in the straths and glens of the highlands including along Loch Ness. Closer to base we will operate small-mammal traps to try and get good views of both Bank and Field Vole as well as Wood Mouse. We will take time to set camera traps in the grounds of the centre and will also run a short workshop on how to use camera traps with plenty of hints and tips on how to get the best out of these incredible items of equipment.
One hightlight will be the day we spend on the ferry between Ullapool and Stornoway, completing a return voyage in search of Humpback, Fin and Minke Whales, Common Dolphin and Harbour Porpoise. There is even the possibility of Orca, White-beaked and Bottlenose Dolphin and Sei Whale.
Over the course of the week we expect to see at least 20 species of mammal making for a unique experience in Scottish wildlife watching. We will be using a thermal imaging scope which will substantially aid the detection of species. As well as many great mammals we may also see a number of other exciting species including Basking Shark, Golden and White-tailed Eagles, Goshawk, Crested Tit and a plethora of seabirds.
Highlights
Expect up 20 species of mammal
Beavers, Pine Martens and Badgers around our accommodation
A day at sea looking for Humpback, Fin and Minke Whales as well as Common Dolphin and Harbour Porpoise
Search for Otters and other coastal mammals
Take to the mountains in search of Reindeer, Mountain Hares, Sika Deer, Wild Goats and more
Explore locally at dusk for bats including Daubenton’s and Long-eared
Enjoy Aigas’s Wildcats, part of ‘Save Scotland’s Wildcats’ breeding programme
Learn about camera trapping techniques
Pick up top tips on tracks and signs as we explore the Highlands of northern Scotland
Stay in the beautiful Aigas Field Centre, superbly equipped for groups like ours in a stunning setting
Expect to encounter a variety of other wildlife from Golden and White-tailed Eagles to myriad moths
Expert mammologist Dan Puplett, as well as an Aigas naturalist, will accompany the group.