Wildlife, flora & fauna

Ardnamurchan’s most famous residents are arguably its huge range of wildlife. They’re part of our everyday life and are more easily spotted here on the Peninsula than most other parts of the country – much to the delight of our visitors.

With a bit of patience (and perhaps a pair of binoculars or some local expertise) you might make a sighting of golden or sea eagles, buzzards and other raptors. Owls and bats often make an appearance in the long summer evenings too.

Red deer are an almost permanent fixture of the landscape, particularly in the morning and evening. During the warmer months the spotted calves accompany their mothers on nocturnal visits to graze in the fields. In the autumn, rutting season, you’re more likely to hear the deer before you see them. Roaring contests and even duels between competing males is common at this time. Fallow and roe deer, foxes, pine martens, badgers and even the elusive wildcat call this area home.

And that’s just a few of the land-dwellers. Look to the coast and its surrounding waters and you might find otters, common and grey seals, dolphins, basking sharks and minke whales. Quite the aquarium.

These animals, by their very nature, are wild and while we can’t guarantee every visit will include a sighting – our dedication to the conservation and maintenance of the Peninsula’s flora and fauna means that we’re in a great place for giving you the best chance of spotting something.