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The Wildlife Watcher’s Top 7 on the Isle of Arran

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Our Isle of Arran Adventures:

The Isle of Arran’s stunning natural environment is home to some of the UK’s most spectacular wildlife. From birds at the top of every twitcher’s must-see list, to playful mammals, every day promises a wonderfully wild encounter!

Arran plays host to all of Scotland’s ‘Big Five’ species - golden eagles, seals, otters, red deer, and red squirrels. There’s lots more in the sky, sea, and on land to keep an eye out for on Arran, too.

Discover the wildlife, landscapes, and hospitality of Isle of Arran for yourself on our 5-night adventure.

1. Golden Eagles

The iconic golden eagles of Arran spend their lives around southern Scotland, successfully breeding and living out their lives in the area without migrating. With territories ranging from 5 - 150km, the golden eagle favours wide-open areas with few trees. The eagles feast on grouse, gulls, hares, owls, and carrion, including sheep and deer - you can keep your vegetarian option because the golden eagle is not interested. On clear, breezy days, golden eagles can be seen soaring overhead, so keep your eyes to the skies - and bring a pair of binoculars for a closer look!

2. Red Deer

The largest mammal in the UK, the red deer is perhaps the animal most closely linked to Scotland. Immortalised by Sir Edwin Landseer in his Monarch of the Glen painting, the red deer is a must-see for visitors. Red deer can be found in abundance on Arran, often congregating in the area to the north of Lochranza. They’re pretty confident too, not like the shy deer you might known from other parts of the UK, so don’t expect them to dash away at the first sign of humans.

There’s also a legendary white stag that’s often spoken of, sometimes spotted, and very occasionally photographed. This beautiful, mysterious beast gives its name to a carefully selected single malt Scotch whisky by the Isle of Arran Distillers.

3. Red Squirrels

The red squirrel has established strongholds in certain areas of Scotland. The American grey squirrel both out-competes native reds and carries a virus that’s deadly to reds, but harmless to greys. This recipe for species decline means today there are only 120,000 red squirrels in Scotland, making the Isle of Arran a vital stronghold. It supports a thriving population of reds who make their homes in the island’s woodlands. Living on a diet of nuts, fruit, fungi, seeds, and tree shoots, you’re most likely to see this charming island resident darting from branch to branch.

4. Otters

While otters are a rare sight across much of the UK, Arran has a fairly high concentration of these water-going mammals, meaning you’re in with a good chance of spotting one if you’re patient. Unlike the island’s steadfast red deer, otters are easily spooked, so keep your distance and enjoy these beautiful animals from afar. You’ll see them around the island’s bays, 2-3 hours before high tide, hunting for fish and crustaceans.

5. Seals

You can usually catch sight of families of characterful Common seals lounging around in the sun on the shorelines around Lochranza, Kildonan, and King’s Cave, often spotted with pups in spring and autumn. Despite appearing to be Arran’s most well-rested residents, adult seals can actually travel up to 50km to feed and bring back ample food for their young - certainly further than we usually travel for a supermarket run!

6. Basking sharks

At up to 12 meters (39 feet) long, the elusive basking shark is the UK’s biggest underwater beast. Despite being a rare spot around the country’s waters, Arran is actually a pretty good place to see a basking shark if it’s on your list. They often spend the full spring and summer seasons off the island’s coast, inviting tiny zooplankton into their cavernous mouths - we know the feeling when somebody breaks out a big bag of ready salted.

7. Dolphins

Dolphins are a common sight off the coast of Arran. Owing to their playful and curious nature, dolphins are a firm favourite with pretty much everybody you’ll ever meet. There’s really nothing like watching a pod of dolphins sailing through the waves as they travel around looking for a fish supper, though. Bring a pair of binoculars and enjoy a proper spectacle from the shore!

Our Isle of Arran Adventures: