Wildlife

Meet the locals

Arran’s stunning natural environment is a perfect haven for the incredible wildlife you will see as soon as you arrive. The island hosts all of Scotland’s ‘Big Five’ species – with seals, otters, red deer, golden eagles and red squirrels aplenty, and whilst they are spread all over the island, you can actually see all five in one short walk along Lochranza’s Newton Shore, if you’re lucky! Arran doesn’t have any foxes, grey squirrels, moles or weasels, some of which would prey on the aforementioned species, which may be why they are so prevalent. Watch out also out for adders basking in the sun up glens (or on Corrie Golf Course!).

For bird spotters, there’s loads on offer, and each month Arran Birding publishes a list of visiting birds, which can include occasional spotting of white-tailed eagles and even little puffins around Arran’s shorelines. The coast is also a great place to see gannets diving. Inland, raptors such as hen harriers, kestrels, sparrow hawks and owls are all common.

The coast itself is home to a variety of species, such as porpoise, dolphin and you may also spot minke whale or basking sharks at certain times of the year. The Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST) has a super marine discovery centre that is definitely worth a visit to find out what goes on under our seas!

Discover Arran's Wildlife

Kayak Arran

Kayak Arran offers full day and half day tours around the beautiful coastline of the Isle of Arran, and its neighbouring islands, Pladda and Holy I...
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North Sannox Pony Trekking

North Sannox pony trekking is a family run trekking centre on a working hill sheep farm on the north east of the Isle of Arran, established in 1981...
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Dive Arran

Take the plunge and become a fully certified scuba diver in the protected coastal waters around the Isle of Arran; with an incredible underwater wo...
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Mogabout - Arran Safari

This exhilarating 4wd experience aboard our Mercedes Unimog will provide safe, stress free access into some of the most remote and pristine mountai...
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Otter's Tail

Otter’s Tail offer a range of outdoor activities catering for everyone from family groups to experienced adventurers. You might fancy our family fr...
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Arran Access Trust

Since inception in 1999, the Arran Access Trust has evolved from a community group set up primarily to resolve issues between landowners and walker...
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COAST Marine Discovery Centre

Come to our family friendly visitor centre and learn about Arran's sea life and marine protection in the Clyde. The COAST Discovery Centre is the U...
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National Trust for Scotland, Arran Ranger Service

The Arran Ranger Service looks after mountains, moorland, woodlands and the historic designed landscape of Brodick Country Park and Goatfell. We p...
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Arran Geopark

OUR VISION Our landscape and heritage are conserved, enhanced, and valued for their contribution to people's well-being and Arran’s sustainability...
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Bellevue Farm Tours

Visit a real working farm; see our animals and hear about farming life and find out how your food is produced. You can feed the animals, see our ma...
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Lamlash Cruises

Lamlash Cruises run daily crossings to Holy Isle and a range of boat trips from Lamlash Pier during the summer season. We also offer sightseeing b...
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Quirky Island Fact

#6 - No grey squirrels or foxes on Arran
We also have no moles. However, you can see all of Scotland’s Big Five on Arran – red deer, otters, seals, golden eagles and lots of little red squirrels. Some are very dark brown, whilst some are almost orange!

Quirky Island Fact

#6 - No grey squirrels or foxes on Arran
We also have no moles. However, you can see all of Scotland’s Big Five on Arran – red deer, otters, seals, golden eagles and lots of little red squirrels. Some are very dark brown, whilst some are almost orange!

Quirky Island Fact

#6 - No grey squirrels or foxes on Arran
We also have no moles. However, you can see all of Scotland’s Big Five on Arran – red deer, otters, seals, golden eagles and lots of little red squirrels. Some are very dark brown, whilst some are almost orange!