Scotland gets new wildlife-spotting Hebridean Whale Trail
- Published
Orca are among the marine mammals that can be seen from Scotland's coast
The UK's first whale and dolphin trail has been launched.
It features more than 30 sites on Scotland's west coast considered to offer good opportunities for spotting marine mammals.
Developed by the Mull-based Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, the network ranges from the Clyde to Cape Wrath in the north and west to St Kilda.
A map and website have also been created for the new Hebridean Whale Trail.
Whale-spotting sites on the network include lighthouses at the Butt of Lewis in the Isle of Lewis, Eilean Glas on the Isle of Scalpay and the UK mainland's most westerly point at Ardnamurchan Lighthouse.
Beaches at Clachtoll in the Highlands and Huisnis in the Isle of Harris have also been suggested as well as harbours at Tobermory in Mull and Ullapool.
The trail map suggests places to spot marine wildlife from land
Trail manager Karl Stevens said: "Scotland's west coast is one of Europe's best places to catch sight of whales, dolphins and porpoises from land - including bottlenose and common dolphins, harbour porpoise, minke whales and killer whales.
"We want people from all walks of life to visit the Hebridean Whale Trail to enjoy exploring the region's unique nature, culture and history, and to be inspired to support marine conservation."
Tourism body VisitScotland has welcomed the launch of the trial.
Harbour porpoises are among Scotland's marine mammals
The Coastal Communities Fund provided a grant of almost £200,000 for the initiative.
Scotland's west coast has a small community of orcas, whose number includes a bull nicknamed John Coe.
In 2017, 12 sperm whales were spotted resting in the sea near Tiumpan on Lewis.
The animals were logging, a term used to describe sleeping whales and dolphins.
Dolphins can potentially be seen from many locations on Scotland's coast
- Published7 August 2018
- Published18 May 2018
