As part of the Year of Natural Scotland 2013, VisitScotland has joined forces with Scottish Natural Heritage to showcase some of the country’s best loved wildlife.
Scotland's Big 5 celebrates the fascinating red squirrel, red deer, golden eagle, otter and harbour seal, and is aimed at encouraging people across Scotland to enjoy these wonderful animals in their natural habitat.
Come and admire Scotland’s natural beauty, stunning landscapes, intriguing heritage and wonderful wildlife throughout 2013 and see how many of the Big 5 you can spot.
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Red deer
The majestic red deer is Britain’s largest land mammal. In summer, their hide is a dark reddish brown colour, while during the winter months, it turns a darker brown or grey shade. Spending most of the summer months in Scotland’s hills and remote glens, red deer can be spotted on lower ground during winter, where food is more readily available. Look and listen out for the impressive autumn deer rut, when stags lock antlers and jostle for power.
Best places to spot
Large numbers can be found in the hills of Dumfries & Galloway, but other hotspots include Perthshire, the northwest Highlands and the islands of Rum and Jura.
Did you know?
Stags use their loud roar to ward off competition from other stags.
Otter
Scotland is a stronghold for the Eurasian otter which can be spotted across the country in freshwater rivers, canals and marshes, as well as in the sea. They live in holts, such as burrows or caves, which they find ideal for shelter or breeding. Known for their shy nature, spotting them requires luck, patience and silence. Clear signs that otters are in the area include webbed footprints in the sand and droppings, known as spraints.
Best places to spot
Particularly high densities are found in the waters around Shetland and Dumfries & Galloway.
Did you know?
Otters’ whiskers are highly sensitive prey detectors.
Red squirrel
The red squirrel is the UK’s only native species of squirrel and Scotland boasts over 80% of the UK’s population. As well as their native Scots pine and oak woodland areas, they have also adapted well to living in commercial forestry plantations.
Best places to spot
The central Highlands in and around the Cairngorms. There is also a dedicated Red Squirrel Walk through Dalbeattie Forest in Dumfries & Galloway.
Did you know?
Young squirrels molt their ear tufts once a year.