Wildlife in the Outer Hebrides

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Year of Natural Scotland 2013
Year of Natural Scotland 2013

Celebrate Scotland's natural beauty throughout 2013

VisitScotland The Outer Hebrides Guide
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Find out more on the Outer Hebrides

The varied landscapes and environments of The Outer Hebrides provide the perfect natural habitat for an incredible variety of wildlife species. Visitors to these remote and peaceful islands enjoy unrivalled opportunities to see rare and spectacular species including golden eagles, puffins, corncrakes, otters, dolphins and sharks amongst many others.

Given this, it's no surprise that the Hebrides also play a key role in conservation and you'll be able to see the excellent work being done across the region by visiting any of the numerous National Nature Reserves, National Scenic Areas and Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

The Outer Hebrides really is one of the last real wildernesses in Europe and a mecca for wildlife enthusiasts.

  • Looking over the machair to the sand dunes of Traigh Iar beach, North Uist
    Looking over the machair to the sand dunes of Traigh Iar beach, North Uist
  • A close up of a golden eagle in Scotland
    A golden eagle
  • Loch Druidibeg, South Uist
    Loch Druidibeg, South Uist
  • Exploring a cave, Isle of Lewis
    Exploring a cave, Isle of Lewis
A seal rests on a rock at Loch Flodabay, Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides

Finding wildlife

Explore rugged coastlines and uninhabited islands to encounter a thrilling wildlife experience on the Outer Hebrides.

On board one of Hamish Taylor's Scenic Cruises, Isle of Harris

Birdwatching

The Hebrides are a birdwatcher's paradise with an amazing variety of species within easy access.

St Kilda, Outer Hebrides

Boat charter and wildlife cruises

Explore the stunning islands of the Outer Hebrides on a boat charter or wildlife cruise.

Balranald RSPB reserve, Outer Hebrides

Hides and reserves

Explore the Outer Hebrides and discover the abundance of wildlife in their natural surroundings, from dramatic cliff faces to tranquil sandy beaches.

A red deer roars as part of the annual autumn rut on the Isle of Rum

Red deer ruts

Watch some of our largest deer lock antlers in fiercesome head-to-head battles as part of the UK's most amazing wildlife spectacle.