Local Environment: Otters? In the canal?

Otters? In the Canal?

Otters? In the Union Canal? Never! It may come as a surprise that in both the canal and the Water of Leith there are frequent sightings of Eurasian otters who have captured the hearts of Edinburgh’s residents with their antics, especially during lockdown.

The “Dratsi” as they’re known on Shetland, were once widespread across Scotland but numbers declined to a small population in the north and west due to pesticide pollution in the water. Thankfully as our waterways have become cleaner the number of urban otters has increased and they’ve become a common sight for people taking a stroll along the banks. If you’re out for a walk and hoping to see them, our top tip is to watch for the flick of a thick brown tail as they dive underwater to hunt.

Otter in the Union Canal

Photo by Scottish Sisters Photography

Earlier this year we were lucky enough to have an extraordinary encounter with a mother and cub on the Union Canal. Whilst her only cub stayed hidden, she worked her way up and down the water catching fish before disappearing into the reeds to join her infant and provide some much needed food. Being on such a busy and narrow section of the canal, she appeared not to have a care in the world and happily posed for passers-by who all thoroughly enjoyed watching her go about her daily routine.

Whilst the west coast and islands remain the stronghold, it’s exciting to see them return to areas accessible to everyone.

This column is contributed by Clare Harte and Kate Stevenson, who grew up in Edinburgh and now live in West Lothian. Together they run Scottish Sisters Photography and travel around the country to watch and photograph amazing wildlife and scenic landscapes. www.scottishsistersphotography.com