United Kingdom Birding Tour: Highlands and Islands of Scotland in Spring

Scotland forms the northernmost part of the United Kingdom (UK) and is fringed by hundreds of islands around its coast (mainly the north and west coasts). Scotland offers a range of habitats that are rare or absent elsewhere in the UK, including high alpine and mountain landscapes, expansive upland heather moorland, vast inaccessible coastal cliffs ideal for seabirds, and large ancient Caledonian pine forests. Combining this with comfortable accommodation throughout, vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and amazing wildlife encounters, Scotland is a truly exciting prospect for birdwatchers.

The UK endemic Scottish Crossbill is found exclusively in Scotland while Red Grouse, a more widespread UK endemic, can be easily seen in Scotland. This small-group spring birding tour begins and ends in the historic Scottish capital, Edinburgh, and is perfectly timed to coincide with the return of many migratory species and the peak of the breeding season for a wide range of birds. This Scottish bird tour links up perfectly with our preceding England in Spring birding tour.

We hope to see the United Kingdom’s endemic Red Grouse while birding in the Scottish Highlands. 

Our Highlands and Islands of Scotland in Spring birding tour starts in Edinburgh, we then transfer through breathtaking landscapes towards the Inner Hebrides (along the west coast). On our way, we will get to grips with some of the more common species found throughout Scotland, such as Common Eider, Red-breasted Merganser, Eurasian Whimbrel, European Robin, Coal Tit, Eurasian Nuthatch, and Common Reed Bunting, while targeting Osprey, Red Squirrel, and Eurasian Beaver. We then have three nights on the amazing Isle of Mull, one of the Inner Hebrides, where we will target a long list of outstanding species, many rare within northwest Europe. Top targets include Golden Eagle, White-tailed Eagle, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Atlantic Puffin, Black Guillemot, Common Loon (Great Northern Diver), Corn Crake, Twite, Eurasian Otter, and cetaceans such as Harbor Porpoise and Common Bottlenose Dolphin. As part of our time on Mull we will visit the quaint Isle of Iona and its white sand beaches, and enjoy a boat cruise to look for seabirds.

Beautifully adorned Horned Grebe breed in the Scottish Highlands.

The second half of the tour takes place in the Scottish Highlands, where we explore dramatic landscapes ranging from alpine environments to ancient pine forests and picturesque lochs (lakes) of the Cairngorms National Park. Up in the mountains we seek high-altitude breeders such as Rock Ptarmigan, Eurasian Dotterel, and breeding plumage Snow Bunting, while in the lush forests below, species like Crested Tit, Wood Warbler, European Pied and Spotted Flycatchers, White-throated Dipper, Scottish and Red Crossbills, and Pine Marten. Taking a break from the Cairngorms, we visit remote lochs and glens (narrow valleys) for Horned Grebe, Red-throated Loon, Common Goldeneye, and we have more chances for Golden and White-tailed Eagles, before targeting waterfowl, seabirds, and wading birds along the coast of the Moray Firth. We conclude our tour by focusing on specialist heather moorland species such as Red Grouse, Black Grouse, and Merlin, before transferring south again to Edinburgh.

Rock Ptarmigan is a subtly beautiful species, and a major tour target while we explore the Cairngorms Mountains.

Scotland has long been a favorite destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, offering dramatic landscapes, rich cultural traditions, and excellent birding and wildlife experiences across the country. From historic castles and tartan to world-famous whisky, Scotland provides an unforgettable setting for a birding holiday.