Wildlife in Wester Ross in the Scottish Highlands

The White -Tailed Eagle The White-Tailed Eagle or Sea Eagle has recently been re-introduced into the area from northern Norway after an absence of many years.

Marine Life The Minch (between the Outer Isles & Mainland) has the most diverse and numerous range of cetaceans to be found anywhere around mainland Britain. The North Atlantic Drift (a continuation of the Gulf Stream) warms the sea and provides good breeding conditions for marine life.

A Harbour Porpoise at Gairloch Photo courtesy of Gairloch Marine Life Centre

Birds to look out for Ring Ousel Red-throated Diver Black-throated Diver Great Northern Diver Guillemot Black Guillemot Razorbill Puffin Merganser Goosander Ptarmigan Red Grouse Black Grouse Crossbill Hoody Crow Raven Golden Eagle White-Tailed Eagle Buzzard Merlin Kestrel Peregrine Falcon Sparrowhawk Spotted Woodpecker Mammals to look out for Minke Whale Killer Whale (Orca) Harbour Porpoise Common Dolphin Common Seal Grey Seal Otter Mountain Hare Wild Cat Pine Marten Red Deer Roe Deer Plants to look out for Heather (Ling) Cross-leaved Heath Bell Heather Spotted Orchid Sundew Butterwort Blaeberry Bearberry Cowberry Crowberry Cloudberry Bog Myrtle Bog Asphodel Alpine Ladies Mantle

Gairloch Marine Wildlife Centre & Cruises Pier Road Gairloch Ross-shire IV21 2BQ Tel: 01445 712636 Email: info@porpoise-gairloch.co.uk Web site Visit the Gairloch Marine Wildlife information, education and research centre dedicated to raising awareness of the marine environment through interpretive and interactive wildlife displays within the centre and our associated boat trips. The centre is the perfect place to learn about wildlife found around our shores. Join our expert marine biologist guide on one of our daily marine wildlife survey cruises to record porpoise, whale and dolphin activity in the coastal waters around Gairloch. We also have regular sightings of otters, grey and common seals and many seabirds including white-tailed eagles.

Hebridean Whale Cruises Contact: Nick Davies The Gairloch Chandlery & Wildlife Centre Pier Road Gairloch Tel: 01445 712458 / 0800 008 6833 Email: info@hebridean-whale-cruises.co.uk Web site

Hebridean Whale Cruises sail from Gairloch Harbour on a daily basis. We offer cruises to suit families and the enthusiast alike. Our vessels are fully insured and coded by the M.C.A. Orca 1 is our 11 metre custom built offshore R.H.I.B. (pictured here). We also have the M.V. Kerry our 10 metre traditional Mitchell class cruiser. We are Gairloch's No1 for Whale, Dolphin and rare bird sightings. The only mainland provider of cruises to the magical Shiant Islands and specialist pelagic bird chumming cruises. Please click through to our website for full details.

Glass Bottom Boat Marine and Wildlife Cruises Pier Road Gairloch Tel: 01445 781729 Mob: 0773 3240 621 Email: info@glassbottomboat.info Web site

Be amazed at the magical world beneath the sea, as you travel gently over the seabed. Special lighting illuminates the undersea world as you watch through your own personal viewing station. The only wildlife boat to combine looking beneath the waves whilst enjoying the scenery and wildlife of Gairloch Bay. Total deck roof for comfort in all weathers, and with all essential safety and navigation equipment. Your Skipper, Richard, is a Wildlife Safe Operator and Royal Yacht Association Coach/Trainer.

Kerry Sea Angling Gairloch Chandlery & Wildlife Centre Pier Road Gairloch IV21 2BQ Tel: 01445 712458 / 0800 008 6833 Email: info@hebridean-whale-cruises.co.uk Web site

Kerry Sea Angling offer sea fishing trips from Gairloch Harbour on a daily basis. Trips to suit all ages and experience from 2hr family, 4-8hr offshore and full day Giant Skate fishing. No experience is necessary as the crew will advise and assist. We are the longest established sea angling operator in Wester Ross established in 1987. It's the most reliable way to get FRESH fish in the area. For full details please click through to our website.

Ian McWhinney Dry Island Badachro Gairloch Ross-shire IV21 2AB Tel: 01445 741263 Mobile: 07730871367 Email: IMcwhnny@aol.com Web site

Shellfish Safaris as seen on BBC 1 and recommended by The Observer A warm welcome awaits you aboard MFV Zephyr. Let local skipper Ian, whose family have fished these waters for 200 years help you experience a working, traditional fishing boat. You will see lobster and prawn creels hauled from the deep and filled with interest. Hopefully we will see seals, porpoises and dolphins. No cramming, Ian only takes 5 passengers at a time. All trips leave from historic Dry Island Pier, Badachro and must be prebooked by phone. Trips are approx 1 and three quarter hours and the first trip of the day leaves at 10am and every 2 hours after that. Adults £17.50, Children £12.50. Evening mackerel trips also available.

The Wester Ross Countryside Ranger runs many events and guided walks throughout the year -
click here for details. Tel: 01854 613904.