Scotland has a more diverse range of habitats than almost any country of comparable size.

From the unrivalled peat bog expanses of the Caithness Flow Country through the Arctic Cairngorm plateau and the temperate rainforests of Argyll to the salt marshes of the mild Solway coast, Scotland's natural environment is second to none.

The North East, rimmed by fertile lowlands along its North Sea shore, threaded by fish-rich rivers and rising to moors and mountains, this area has a huge variety of habitats in which to watch wildlife, whether in the air, over the ground or on the sea.

Around the cottages, you will regularly see Buzzards, Pheasant, Partridge, Hare and Roe Deer.

As you travel around the North East, there are many interesting spectacles and beautiful locations.

Between Ballater and Aboyne, there are gorgeous birchwoods beside heathland and open water.

The Dinnet Lochs host hordes of greylag geese and other wildfowl in winter, as does the Loch of Strathbeg between Peterhead and Fraserburgh.

North of Aberdeen, near Newburgh, the estuary of the River Ythan has a road along much of its length where you can watch thousands of eider ducks feeding on mussel beds off Newburgh beach. Move inland in the summer to see wading birds such as curlew or the golden plover in autumn

Close to the Ythan, the Sands of Forvie are amazing for both sand dunes and flowers. These are great nectar sources for many different butterflies, moths, bees and other insects. Forvie also has the biggest breeding group of eider ducks in Britain among its dunes and moorland.

Some of Scotland's largest surviving native pinewoods are near Braemear, where you might catch a glimpse of a red squirrel. Walk the moors and you will see grouse.

Come in October and see the Red Deer whenthe come down from the hills and assemble in large herds for the Annual rut.

In October & November, when the rivers go into spate, you will the Salmon coming up the small burns to spawn.

All within a few miles from the cottages.

 

While there are numerous birds of prey, they sometimes can be difficult to spot.

However just 14 miles from the cottages is the excellent North East Falconry Centre, well worth a visit just to experience what it's like to have an eagle standing on your arm!

 

Wild life tours are also available year round, taking you by Land Rover, into the heart of the Crown Estate to view, amongst other sights, the rare black grouse "Lek". Glenlivet Wildlife.

From the coast, you can see Seals and, if you're lucky, you might spot a group of the Moray Firths colony of Bottlenose Dolphins. Troup head is home to the UK's largest mainland colony of Gannets.

An even better way to see the dolphins and the Gannets is to go to sea and you can enjoy a skippered private charter out of Banff on our boat "Sue J". This is a great way to see the gannets and puffins at Troup Head and, if you're lucky, the Dolphins or even a Minke whale make an appearance!

Both our self catering cottages contain a file providing guests with full information about the wild life of the region and the different ways to experience it.

Wild life photographs Copyright Laurie Campbell

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