SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS HOLIDAYS

On our Scottish Highland weeks you can expect 100 – 135 species depending on the season, including all the key Scottish birds. For more details including a Trip Report see our website www.heatherlea.co.uk . If you have any questions, please contact us, we will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Emma, Fleur, Jolene, Lindsay, Dawn and Kevin are here to help.

Your guide(s) will be a member of the Heatherlea team: Jenna Berry, Aidan Branch, James Champion, Andrew Crowder, Mike Coleman, Pete Cosgrove, Barry Embling, Ian Ford, George Gay, Toby Green, Scott O’Hara, Holly Page, Dave Pearce, Alex Rhodes, Chris Rodger, Kevin Shaw and Mark Warren. Weekly holidays begin with dinner on Saturday evening, though you are welcome to arrive any time after 3pm. The holiday finishes after breakfast on the final Saturday. Don’t forget our courtesy collection and return service to Aviemore on Saturdays – see ‘Getting here is Easy’.

Our resident Guides are very experienced Scottish leaders with unbeatable local knowledge. Highly skilled birders and real ‘people people’, they can’t wait to show you the wonderful wildlife of the Scottish Highlands!

We are birding continuously, building knowledge each week as the seasons unfold. Where is the best place for Crossbills this year? Which Blackcock lek is still going strong? Where are Golden Eagles actually being seen? Your Heatherlea Guide knows where the birds have been showing, and the best way to maximise your chances. We gather an enormous reservoir of information not available anywhere else, and always try to make sure everyone sees the birds. Heatherlea work alongside local landowners and estates to develop brilliant birding close to hand, often with unique access, and there are some extra benefits too. As an example, we never leave before 6am to see Black Grouse and Capercaillie.

Relax and enjoy your holiday as we look after the details and find wildlife for you. No wonder our groups have a happy and friendly atmosphere! Don’t forget that our holidays show you all Scotland’s birds and other wildlife. We have a huge choice, with full-week holidays and short breaks for busy birders. Whichever you choose, all include everything you need. You may be tempted to ‘do it yourself’, but don’t forget how much more you will spend on fuel, guided trips, lunches, ferries and access to reserves – and that’s before you find the wildlife you came to see!

Heatherlea travel by roomy minibus, important for birders. We probably see Capercaillie, Black Grouse, Red Grouse and Short-eared Owl better from inside the minibus than from outside!