Frequently Asked Questions - Wildlife
To find out more about Culture, Fishing, Golf, Walking, Cycling, Outdoor, Film, Roots (genealogy) and Wildlife in the Hebrides, run your cursor over the logo menu at the top of this page to link in to nine websites dedicated to each! You'll find specific FAQs for each topic within each of the web sites.
What kinds of wildlife are there in the Hebrides?
How can I view wildlife in the Hebrides?
What is Machair, when is the best time to see it in bloom?
Where is the best place to watch for dolphins, whales, sharks and seals?
How can I visit offshore islands and see all the bird colonies?
Are there any dangerous species in the Hebrides?
Where can I see otters in the islands?
What about Golden Eagles and other birds of prey, where will I see them?
What is 'peat'?
Why are the beaches so white and soft?
What kind of flowers exist in the Hebrides?
Where can I hear the beautiful call of the corncrake?
What's so special about Lewisian Gneiss?
What kinds of wildlife are there in the Hebrides?
We have an unbelievable wildlife resource in our islands, which is virtually unknown in the wider world. As one of the last great wilderness areas in Britain, the Hebrides is an important haven for many rare and ecologically important species. Our waters are teeming with dolphins, seals, whales, sharks and fish swimming around kelp forests and deep sea-lochs. Our coastal cliffs and offshore islands include the most important seabird breeding station in North West Europe and are home to the biggest colonies of Puffins in Britain and the largest colony of fulmars in the world. We have the densest concentration of otters in Europe around our shores and the upland areas are home to grouse, red deer and majestic birds of prey, such as the golden Eagle, Merlin and the Buzzard. Other birds include the elusive corncrake with its haunting call whose only stronghold left is the Hebrides. Many migratory birds pass through these islands such as Waders, Geese and Warblers. We have Scotland's first World Heritage site, 3 National Nature Reserves, 11 Special Areas of Conservation and over 53 SSSI's among our many conservation designations. Along with Orkney we support over 40% of the world population or grey seals and 10% of the European population of Scottish Common seals. The list goes on and on; this really is 'nature in the raw' where people get the unique opportunity to see wildlife in its natural habitat, undisturbed and untouched. Check out www.wildlifehebrides.com for further information.
How can I view wildlife in the Hebrides?
The best way is to simply get out there! Whether you are driving, walking, sailing or kayaking, you are sure to see some amazing sights. Walking offers an opportunity to get deep into uncharted moorland where eagles soar and red deer roam. There are many experienced guides who can offer you an interpretative walk and show you all the best viewing spots. Sailing is a great way to see marine life and bird colonies on the offshore islands. There is nothing like landing on a deserted island and exploring ruined villages and castaway beaches. There are some fantastic boat operators who do cruises, yacht and speedboat trips around the islands. Kayaking is another brilliant option: the silence of the kayak lets you get closer to some of our beautiful species than you could imagine.
What is Machair, when is the best time to see it in bloom?
Machair is a Gaelic word that describes an extensive low-lying fertile plain. Almost half of all Scottish machair occurs in the Outer Hebrides and it is one of the rarest type of habitat in Europe. You can find out more about machair in our Natural Environment section, and about the machair flowers in our Flora section.
Where is the best place to watch for dolphins, whales, sharks and seals?
Probably the best spot in Lewis is around the Eye Peninsula (Point). In Point, Tiumpan Head is a great place to look out for minke whales and white beaked dolphins as there is very deep water close to the land. Broadbay is good for spotting harbour porpoises as is Traigh Mhor and Garry beach. The bay at Holm from Swordale Bay in Point to Holm Island is a great place to spot Risso Dolphins, especially between August and October, when they are being most sociable.
The Sound of Barra is an excellent place to watch for dolphins and whales and Loch Roag on the West coast of Lewis is great for Orcas.
You can watch for whales at any time of the day but the best times are first thing in the morning and late in the afternoon- just before sunset. Headlands and high up viewing spots are the best way to see whales and there is marine activity on virtually all of our coasts.
Seals occur in almost all fishing ports as they follow the fishing boats in looking for scraps. They are usually quite inquisitive and they will watch you out of the corner of their eye.
How can I visit offshore islands and see all the bird colonies?
The best way to get to offshore islands is by boat, yacht, RIB, canoe or kayak. There are plenty operators in the Hebrides who will take you to these islands and offer interpretation. Or if you prefer to do it yourself, there is an outfitting company that will supply you with kayaks, tents, sleeping bags, etc (contact www.adventurehebrides.com) as well as kayaking companies that will take you out on organised trips. Some offshore islands have holiday homes on them, such as Taransay -the island made famous by the BBCs Castaway 2000 programme where 30 castaways were chosen to build a self styled community for one year. Visit www.visit-taransay.com for further details. Most offshore islands such as Scarp, Taransay, Killegray and Pabbay are privately owned so ask locally about access. The ultimate offshore island to visit is the renowned St Kilda.
Are there any dangerous species in the Hebrides?
We are very lucky to have no poisonous or dangerous animals on our islands: we have no snakes and even our resident sharks are friendly and have no teeth!! Some animals such as mink can be aggressive if provoked or threatened so take care. Read our section on viewing wildlife and or country code for more information...
Where can I see otters in the islands?
The Hebrides is one of the last strongholds of the Otter and the Minch has the densest population in North West Europe. They are very shy creatures so you will have to be very still and preferably downwind of them if you hope to watch them. They feed on eels and fish, especially salmon which is their favoured meal, they can be found along the coastline of virtually every island, particularly near rocks and seaweed. Click here for further information...
What about Golden Eagles and other birds of prey, where will I see them?
The upland and moor-land areas of the Hebrides are a haven for the majestic bird of prey family and you do not have to go far to spot them. It is advisable to always keep a lookout skyward, as these birds are often seen soaring by the roadside or perched on fences. The best places are the Uig and Pairc areas of Lewis, the Northern Harris Hills, the east coast of North and South Uist and the upland area of Barra. Click here for more information about viewing birds in the Hebrides...
What is 'peat'?
Much of the islands in the Hebrides are covered by peat, a dark and fibrous soil made from dead plant matter. It usually forms a smooth skin over undulating hills and rocks and occurs in deep deposits in wetter hollows and rock basins. Read more about peat in our Natural Environment section.
Why are the beaches so white and soft?
The beaches of the Hebrides have the highest shell content in Scotland (around 80-95% on some beaches) so they look tropical when the sun is shining on the turquoise waters. The Atlantic rollers on the west coast are so powerful that they have crushed these shells to a silky find consistency. The extensive shallow bays and coastlines give rise to massive areas of white sands (there are over 20 miles of uninterrupted beach in South Uist alone). We also have tides of approximately five metres, which wash our shores twice daily, ensuring they are sparklingly clean with not a footprint in sight. The waters surrounding our islands are extremely clear and clean so the only thing you find on the shoreline is seaweed and driftwood!!
What kind of flowers exist in the Hebrides?
There are over 1000 identified wild flowers in the Hebrides and because of our incredible range of habitats there is a huge variety. From the salty rock pool sea dogs to the poppies and orchids which carpet the machair and the moorland flowers and heather of the upland, the Hebrides bursts into colour in the spring and summer months. Find out more in our Flora section.
Where can I hear the beautiful call of the corncrake?
The corncrake arrives in mid April and finds cover in reeds and yellow iris. By May and June corncrakes can be heard in the evening throughout the islands, especially where there is grass or corn cover. The west coast of South Harris is a great place to listen out for them - try the Macgillivray centre at Northton as a great viewing location. Find out more about viewing birds here.
What's so special about Lewisian Gneiss?
The Hebrides is formed on the oldest exposed rock in the world, Lewisian Gneiss. Gneiss is mainly a grey coloured rock with coarse bands of white and dark minerals squeezed into alignment by the pressures of the earth movements. These twisted and contorted metamorphic rocks were formed over 3000 million years ago, when a local ice cap sculpted the sharp mountains and U shaped valleys of Harris and the upland parts of Lewis and Uist. In Harris the underlying rock has been exposed in many places and is scattered with erratic boulders, forming a lunar landscape, which is often referred to as 'Moonscape'.
The highest peak in the Hebrides is the Clisham at 799m in the Harris Hills: it offers a spectacular view over the whole of the island chain and across to St Kilda on a clear day.
The Hebridean hills are home to plentiful Grouse, Pheasants Golden Eagles, Red Deer, Rabbits and the Hebridean Black Faced Sheep.
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