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About Us:

Wildlife Trips in Scotland

The Fort William area in the West Highlands of Scotland, with the towering mountains of Ben Nevis and Glencoe close by and the deeply indented coastline formed by glaciers, is a paradise for the avid wildlife watcher. The hills abound with red deer, the majestic golden eagle soars above dramatic crags, seals bask on skerries and for the persistent observer otters, whilst never abundant, thrive in the sea lochs.

But this description only scratches the surface of what you may find in this majestic corner of Scotland. Join Wild West for a tour and as well as abundant wildlife you can expect to discover hidden glens, waterfalls and deserted villages. Learn how the landscapes were formed in turbulent times when fire and ice consumed the landscape and discover how the celtic people that inhabited these wild and hostile lands used the natural environment to feed, clothe and protect themselves from their enemies.

I’m Ian MacLeod and I will be your guide on your Wild West tour. I’ve lived in the Fort William area for over 30 years and spend much of my spare time walking, cycling and kayaking, as well as observing and photographing the wildlife of the region. This means that my knowledge and understanding of my home territory is forever improving, which can only be of benefit to you when you join one of my tours.

My tours are offered on a private basis, which not only offers protection to your group in the current pandemic but allows me to focus on your interests and adjust the tour to provide the best opportunity to meet your objectives. You will travel in a comfortable Mercedes minibus, which can take up to 6 passengers currently. I’m a keen and competent photographer so can help you with camera functions if you are a novice and for the more experienced snapper I can help you get into position for the best shots.

Wild West tours are specifically designed to take my guests to the places that social media hasn’t discovered yet, so you can expect to discover Scotland as it is portrayed in the glossy brochures, without hordes of others around you. For many of my guests the highlight of the trip is simply listening to the silence…

Tours:

The Wee Wildlife Safari Scotland Trip

Scotland

Starting From GBP 33 / per person

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Red Deer Rut and Photo Safari, Scotland

Scotland

Starting From GBP 33 / per person

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Highland Safari Scotland Trip

Scotland 1 Days

Starting From GBP 85 / per person

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Wildlife:

Red deer

Red deer, the UK’s largest land mammal, are widespread throughout the highlands. October brings the rut, during which the glens resound with the roar of stags competing to mate with the females. Throughout the winter they are often close to roads giving great photo opportunities

European otter

Otters are a freshwater mammal but due to human interventions are now much more easily found in our sea lochs. Whilst always elusive on a Wild West tour you will learn where, when and how to find them so that you will be better placed to look for them for yourself

Red squirrel

One of the UK’s favourite species, red squirrels have been driven from much of their habitat by the introduction of the grey squirrel, an American species introduced in Victorian times. In the Highlands, healthy populations survive, protected by the pine marten which predates on any greys straying into the territory.

White tailed eagle

The white tailed eagle became extinct in the UK in the early part of the 20th century. Reintroduced to the island of Rum in 1970 the breeding population now exceeds 100 pairs and the birds can be found at a number of locations in the west Highlands.

Harbour seal

The harbour seal is one of two species found in the UK and is the more common. There are many locations around the coast where they can be found hauled out on rocky skerries at low tide, giving great opportunities to view them. The young are born in June.

Pine marten

This highly effective predator, a member of the mustelid family and related to the otter, is mainly nocturnal. However, we do occasionally see them in daylight hours and regularly find evidence of their activity. They are also known as the sweet mart as their droppings smell of parma violets.

Feral goats

Not strictly speaking a wild animal as goats were introduced to Scotland by early nomadic people who kept them as domestic animals for milk and meat. As people left these hostile lands the goats were left to fend for themselves, which they did very well. They give birth in January!

Black Grouse

One of three species of grouse found in Scotland, numbers have been in decline due to habitat reduction for many years. Now protected, numbers are on the rise. There best time to see the birds is during the mating season or “Lek” which peaks in April.

Emerald damselfly

Dragonflies and damselflies have been around for 200 million years, longer than the dinosaurs and fossils have been found of a species with a 2 foot wingspan. On wild west tours we may come across a number of different species including the emerald damselfly. The image here is the male.

Highland cow

OK, so they are very definitely not wild animals but everyone loves them. Highland cattle were introduced due to their hardy constitution and ability to cope with the harsh environment in the Highlands. A number of herds are kept for habitat management as their grazing encourages native species to thrive

Conservation:

Wild West does not have conservation at this moment.

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