Wildlife in Scotland

There are few places that match Scotland when it comes to wildlife watching. Blessed with endless miles of coastline, secluded isles, vast swathes of forest, and the untouched Highland landscapes home to soaring mountain peaks, peatlands and glen, Scotland is natural sanctuary where a huge array of wildlife can flourish. From magnificent golden eagles and roaming red deer to dolphins and colourful puffins, discover one of the best places in the world to witness these extraordinary creatures in their diverse habitats.

Woodland species

Bide your time and you may be rewarded with a glimpse of some of Scotland’s rarest and shyest creatures. Look for evidence of busy beavers constructing dams on quiet river bends, pine martens scrambling up trees at dusk, and learn about efforts to preserve the habitat of the elusive wildcat.

• Beaver – found near rivers and wetlands such as Knapdale Forest and Loch Lomond; seen year-round.  
• Scottish wildcat – very rare; found in remote parts of the Scottish Highlands, most active in winter and early spring. 
• Pine marten – mostly nocturnal; found year-round in Scottish woodlands, especially the Highlands in areas such as Loch Arkaig and Abriachan Wood.

Coastal creatures

From curious dolphins skimming alongside the bow of a boat to the immense basking sharks weaving their way just below the surface of the water, Scotland’s seas are thriving with some incredible species. Take your binoculars on a coastal walk or join a sea safari tour to see what you can find.

• Basking shark – best seen April-October around the Hebrides, including Mull, Coll, Tiree and Skye.  
• Bottlenose dolphins – seen all year-round, especially in the Moray Firth.  
• Minke whales – May-October around the Hebrides and the Small Isles of Rum, Eigg and Muck.  
• Orca – May-September around Shetland, Orkney and Scotland’s north and west coasts.

Breathtaking birdlife

Turn your gaze upward to birds of prey hovering high overheard, hear a cacophony of bird song on woodland walks, and witness the incredible spectacle of thousands of nesting seabirds congregating on sheer coastal cliffs. From windswept islands to heather-clad moorland and wetlands, Scotland is a dream come true for passionate birdwatchers.

• Black grouse – found in moorland and woodland edges such as Glenmore Forest Park and Galloway Forest Park; seen year-round.  
• Gannets – best seen spring and summer at Bass Rock, Ailsa Craig and other seabird colonies.  
• Red kite – seen year-round in areas including the Black Isle, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs and Dumfries & Galloway.

There are lots of ways you can get closer to Scotland’s wildlife. From spotting majestic red deer in the Cairngorms to the famous penguins of Edinburgh Zoo, there all kinds of wild encounters waiting for you in Scotland.

Wildlife parks in Scotland

Come face to face with fascinating creatures, from native Highland wildlife to rare and endangered species from around the world. Enjoy a drive-through adventure at Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park, or see what it’s like to be a zookeeper at Auchingarrich Wildlife and Adventure Park.

Venture into the Cairngorms with Highland Safaris & Red Deer Centre to get up close to Scotland’s iconic red deer and meet everything from rare Scottish wildcats to polar bears at Highland Wildlife Park. You can also visit the free roaming Cairngorm Reindeer Herd.

You don’t have to leave the city at Camperdown Wildlife Centre in Dundee to exotic fauna, from ring-tailed lemurs to European brown bears. See deer and other creatures at The Scottish Deer Centre in Fife, follow the nature trail at Calderglen Country Park in South Lanarkshire, and step into a miniature balmy rainforest at Amazonia near Glasgow.

Zoos in Scotland 

Scotland’s zoos offer the chance to see Scottish species alongside creatures from around the world. Visit a delightful family of pygmy hippos and watch the penguins take a stroll outside their enclosure on their ‘Wee Waddle’ every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Edinburgh Zoo. You can also see nearly 200 species at Five Sisters Zoo in West Lothian, including exotic animals as well as rescued ones.

For something a little different, spend a family day out at Almond Valley Heritage Centre near Edinburgh where you can get up close to inquisitive farm animals while learning about the agricultural heritage of the Lothians.

Sealife attractions 

Discover life beneath the waves at Scotland’s aquariums. Move through the underwater tunnel on a moving walkway at Deep Sea World in North Queensferry to watch sand tiger sharks gliding overhead, find more sharks as well as rays, turtles and rockpool creatures at SEA LIFE Loch Lomond, and see reptiles and jewel-coloured tropical fish at St Andrews Aquarium.

Get out on the water with the  Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick, which brings you closer to the birdlife of the Firth of Forth on seasonal cruises around Bass Rock. You can also join Seafari Adventures Oban on boat trip in a specialist RIB to Gulf of Corryvreckan to see more birdlife and if you’re lucky, a pod of dolphins.

Petting farms and animal experiences 

Get to know Scotland’s most adorable four-legged residents. Take an alpaca on a stroll at Alpaca Days Out, or even on a guided walk amid the beauty of the Cheviot Hills with Beirhope Alpacas. Meet cute Shetland ponies at the Shetland Pony Experience and equally endearing rescue donkeys at the Scottish Donkey Sanctuary.

See what’s rural life is like with Lennox of Lomond Farm Tours, get to grips countryside living at Jacksons at Jedburgh, or hop aboard the safari train at Clyde Valley Family Park to see the llamas, turkeys, Highland cows and much more.