Arran Wildlife

Visit Arran and you’ll soon discover an island of contrasts. Split by the Highland Boundary Fault (an ancient geological ‘tear’), Arran has rugged mountain scenery in the north and temperate lowland landscape in the south.

The result is an island packed with variety.

When walking through the northern glens, it’s not uncommon to come across red deer, red grouse, or very rarely a ptarmigan – a bird normally found further north in Scotland. There are no grey squirrels on Arran and consequently we have a healthy population of the increasingly rare red squirrel; you’re bound to catch sight of a few when you take a walk around the leafy grounds of Brodick Castle.

With so many resident wetland species, Arran is also an excellent choice for birdwatching. Heron, mallard, merganser and eider are visible all year, and are joined in the winter months by widgeon and golden eye. Further north, the mountains are home to a variety of majestic birds of prey – buzzards, peregrines, kestrels, hen harriers, sparrowhawks and, occasionally, golden eagles.

For the committed ‘twitcher’, there are boat trips to Ailsa Craig – the unmissable rocky island to the south of Arran – where you can see thousands of gannets and even some puffins each summer.

As Arran is an island, you’re never too far from the sea. So, be sure to keep an eye out for seals, porpoises, basking sharks and even dolphins. And in the south coasts and shores, you may be lucky enough to see an otter or two – dusk and dawn are the best times to spot them.

Do not forget that Arran has one of only two 'No Take Zones' in the UK in Lamlash Bay.www.arrancoast.co.uk

Click here for more information on Arran wildlife and the annual wildlife festival.