THERE’S an adage that suggests there’s no such thing as bad weather, simply inappropriate clothing. Which is just as well, given the rather mixed bag we’ve experienced lately.
But sensible footwear, a waterproof jacket and a tube of midge repellent, just in case the sun and wee beasties put in an appearance, is pretty much all that’s required to have a “wild” day out in Scotland.
July and August are good times to see Scotland’s wildlife in all its splendour and learn more about the conservation efforts that are taking place across the country.
While visitors may be drawn to better-known species such as the endearing seal and the glorious golden eagle, there also exists a range of very beautiful and rare species which visitors just might have the opportunity to glimpse – if they know where to go and what to look out for.
Each of Scotland's regions has its own National Nature Reserve, forest or wildlife park, providing the perfect opportunity to not just witness these wonders in their natural habitat, but also discover ways to conserve them for future generations, protect the species that are in decline and learn more about the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
There are many ways you can make the most of the great outdoors and experience the local wildlife this summer.
Why not take part in a ranger-led wildlife tour, enjoy a scenic boat trip, go for an energising family cycle or experience an outdoors wildlife event?
Suggested places to visit include Orkney, where visitors may catch sight of the very rare and delicate Primula Scotia, which is found only in certain areas of Orkney and the Highlands.
This beautiful purple flower, which is in decline and is being studied currently by Scottish Natural Heritage, was the inspiration behind one of the designs for Orkney jewellery designer Sheila Fleet.
Orkney’s beautiful RSPB Marwick Head Nature Reserve is also worth a visit, as the reserve is home to a range of seabirds, with puffins being the star attraction in this area.
Other bird species that make their home on the reserve include the fulmar, guillemot and corncrake, but the best way to find out more is by joining the RSPB warden for a talk at the reserve which takes place next Wednesday, July 28, at 10am. (Call 01856 850176 for more information).
In the Outer Hebrides, there’s a chance to uncover the habitat of the great yellow bumblebee, which is nationally scarce and confined to very small areas, in particular South Uist and Barra in the Outer Hebrides.
Scottish Natural Heritage and the Bumblebee Conservation Trust are working to monitor great yellow bumblebee numbers and conservation efforts.
Visitors can hire a local expert to take them on a Hebridean adventure and guide them through the area, which is a World Heritage Site with numerous nature reserves, National Scenic Areas and Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
James Macletchie, a local tour guide who featured alongside Monty Halls in the BBC2 programme Monty Halls' Great Escape, provides a fascinating insight into the lives and habitats of Hebridean wildlife.
James offers a variety of walking and wildlife tours, including otter spotting.
The north of Scotland is home to the majority of capercaillie, the world’s largest species of grouse. Due to its rare and vulnerable habitat, it is, for a second time, at real risk of extinction, with an estimated fewer than 2,000 breeding pairs in Scotland.
Various projects are now under way to protect the species, with Scottish Natural Heritage, the Forestry Commission Scotland and the RSPB working together as part of the Capercaillie Life Project.
Forvie National Nature Reserve in Aberdeenshire is a fantastic place to try and catch sight of them in their natural habitat.
However, a wildlife trip to Aberdeenshire doesn't just have to be land based, with the region famed for its amazing range of marine wildlife.
Watch inquisitive dolphins swim alongside your boat, or whales crashing into the sea while ospreys and puffins fly overhead.
Moray Diving and Wildlife Cruises are a great way to discover the Moray Firth's resident school of bottlenose dolphins, which are the most northerly in the UK.
Wildlife trips are available all week, with evening excursions also an option.
One of the cutest forms of wildlife, and a firm favourite with youngsters, is the red squirrel.
Once a common sight, today, only 121,000 red squirrels are thought to remain in Scotland, compared to 200,000 to 300,000 non-native grey squirrels.
A major project, Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (SSRS), is under way, as project officer Ken Neil explained: “Our project aims to stop the decline of Scotland’s red squirrels and help them expand across the country in the future, but we have a huge task ahead of us.
“Our success will depend on the level of support we receive from everyone across Scotland; we can only do what our funding allows.
“We are appealing to the public to show their love for red squirrels by pledging their support to our project at www.swt.org.uk.
“You can sign up to receive e-updates and donate online to help us do all we can to save this cherished native species.”
Although a shy, solitary animal, the red squirrel is particularly active during the summer months. The best places to see them include the Cowal Peninsula in Argyll, various locations within the Strathspey area and the Cairngorms National Park and Atholl Estates, which has a mile-long red squirrel trail within its grounds, starting at the Glen Tilt car park, which is five minutes from the Blair Castle caravan park.
Following red arrows, as quietly as possible, visitors might be lucky enough not only to see the red squirrels, but also see woodpeckers and other woodland birds.
Scone Palace, near Perth, also has a new wildlife trail, to encourage visitors to explore the rich flora, fauna and birdlife which can be found across the 100 acres of palace grounds.
The trail, which takes in the butterfly and woodland gardens, gives visitors access to the river area, providing an opportunity to spot the more unusual creatures such as herons, otters and kingfishers which frequent the riverbanks and surrounding areas.
Way-marked by cartoon character Cyril the Squirrel, the trail includes interpretive boards highlighting the animals, birds and plant life which may be encountered by eagle-eyed ramblers on the route.
The trail is open 9.30am-5.30pm daily until October 31, and on Fridays from November-March. Grounds admission fee applies.
For further ideas and information, visit www.visitscotland.com/perfect or call 0845 22 55 121.
To help you decide which wildlife to go in search of, VisitScotland caught up with celebrity fans to find out which Scottish species they recommend.
DAVID BELLAMY:
“My best Scottish wildlife memory is walking from Spean Bridge to John O’Groats over 50 year ago, learning about all the special plants en route with a beautiful young lady who is still my wife.”
CHRIS PACKHAM:
“My favourite Scottish animal would have to be the pine marten: Rare, elusive, shy, exquisitely beautiful and ferocious, but not inaccessible. There are quite a few places where you can be thrilled by these fabulous creatures.”
STEVE BACKSHALL:
“As a lover of the wilderness, Scotland is always calling, and never disappoints.
“Whether it’s witnessing the vast swooping bulk of a white-tailed eagle snatching a fish from the sea, fighting the urge to scratch my nose as a dog otter rolled on the rocks just metres away from me, seeing my first pine marten or having a low-flying golden eagle nearly take my head off, Scotland has provided some of my fondest memories.”
PHILIPPA FORRESTER:
“I love otter watching on the coast with my husband, Charlie.
“We have spent a lot of our lives close to otters, filming them in England, but they are much easier to spot in the broad daylight in Scotland.
“It is a luxury to watch them play or hunt and to walk along the wonderful coastline and know that there is every chance you will see an otter or even a family.
“Now our children are old enough to come with us, it is even more fun.”
STEVE LEONARD:
“Scotland's most exciting species for me has to be the Orca.
“Such a rare treat to see and such beautiful creatures effortlessly ploughing through the water.
“Spending time at the coast waiting and wishing to see one you can also see so many other fantastic species you won't get bored waiting for that once-in-a-lifetime encounter.”