Photographing Wildlife in Scotland is a must for any keen wildlife photographer.
The Best Locations for Photographing Wildlife in Scotland vary by opinion and species but Scotland is a paradise for wildlife photographers, offering a diverse range of landscapes and a wealth of wildlife. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an enthusiastic amateur, Scotland’s natural beauty and rich biodiversity provide endless opportunities for capturing stunning images.
I have been living in Scotland for the past 13 years and have visited some of the most iconic and lesser known destinations for wildlife in this incredible country.
I run workshops and tours for most of the key species in Scotland.
Here is a comprehensive guide to some of the best, and my favourite places to photograph wildlife in Scotland:
Hogganfield Loch
I guarantee that this location will not feature in many peoples thoughts when it comes to the best locations for photographing wildlife in Scotland, but situated in Glasgow, Hogganfield Loch is a popular spot for birdwatching and photography. The loch is home to a variety of water birds, including ducks, swans, and herons. The surrounding parkland provides additional opportunities for capturing images of urban wildlife. The loch’s proximity to the city makes it an accessible location for photographers looking for a quick wildlife photography session. Only 15 minutes from where I live, I spend a lot of time here and have always got some very different images here. An ideal place to stop off on the way to one of the more iconic locations.
Key Species – Great Crested Grebes, Warblers, Whooper Swans
Best time to visit – All year round. Great Crested Grebes (March–June). Whooper Swans (Nov–Feb)
Take a look at workshops at Hogganfield Loch.
The Rotten Calder River.
Also known as the River Calder, flows through South Lanarkshire, Scotland. This river is a hidden gem for wildlife photography, offering a variety of scenic spots and diverse wildlife. Over 160 nature trails border the river on both banks, providing ample opportunities for capturing stunning landscapes and wildlife.
The river and its surrounding areas are home to Otters, Roe deer, Kingfishers, Grey Wagtails and Dippers. The diverse habitats also attract a variety of other bird species, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching and photography.
Key Species – Dippers and Grey Wagtails
Best time to visit. February to June. The prime time for Dippers is February to May.
Take a look at my Dipper and Grey Wagtail workshops.
Cairngorms National Park
Widely considered as one of the the best locations for photographing wildlife in Scotland. The Cairngorms National Park, the largest national park in the UK, is a haven for wildlife photographers. The park is home to a variety of species, including red deer, golden eagles, and ospreys. The diverse habitats, from ancient forests to rugged mountains, provide a stunning backdrop for wildlife photography. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to capture wildlife as they are most active during these periods.
Key Species – Crested Tits, Mountain Hares, Red Squirrels, Ospreys, Pine Martens, Golden Eagles
Best time to visit – All year round. Mountain Hares and Crested Tits (Nov-Feb). Ospreys (May-Aug).
Take a look at tours and workshops in the Cairngorms.
Isle of Mull
The Isle of Mull is also considered by most people to be one of the best locations for photographing wildlife in Scotland, located off the west coast of Scotland, is renowned for its abundant wildlife. The island is a prime location for spotting White Tailed Sea Eagles, otters, hen harriers, short eared owls and various bird species. The coastal landscapes, with their rugged cliffs and serene beaches, offer a perfect setting for capturing dramatic wildlife shots. A boat trip with Mull Charters is a must for the most incredible views of White Tailed Eagles.
The nearby Treshnish Isles are also worth a visit for their puffin colonies and other seabirds. A trip with Turus Mara can be arranged to do this and booked online.
Key Species – Otters, White Tailed Eagles, Golden Eagles, Short Eared Owls, Hen Harriers, Red Deer, Puffins (Treshnish Islands).
Best time to visit – All year round. Otters tend to be better between October and April when it is quieter. White Tailed Eagle boat trips run from April to October. Puffin Trips run from May to August.
Take a look at tours to Mull and workshops for otters and eagles.
Scottish Photography Hides
For pure diversity of species and photographic opportunities this really is one of the best locations for photographing wildlife in Scotland. Located in Kirkcudbright, Scottish Photography Hides run by Alan McFadyen offer a variety of wildlife photography opportunities, including kingfishers, pine martens, and badgers. These hides provide a unique environment and opportunity for capturing intimate shots of wildlife. The hides are strategically placed to maximize your chances of photographing elusive species in their natural habitats.
Key Species – Otters, Badgers, Pine Marten, Kingfisher, Sparrowhawk, Red Squirrels
Best time to visit – All year round. There is always something to photograph. I love Spring and Autumn because the backgrounds are incredible.
Take a look at workshops at Scottish Photography Hides.
More information on Scottish Photography Hides can be found here
The Isle of Islay
Known for its diverse wildlife, Islay is a paradise for photographers. The island is home to otters, grey seals, red deer, and a variety of bird species, including corncrake in summer, golden eagles and thousands of wintering barnacle geese. The island’s stunning landscapes, including its sandy beaches and rocky shores, provide a perfect backdrop for wildlife photography. The whisky distilleries on the island also offer unique cultural photography opportunities.
Key Species – Otters, Red Deer, Chough. Corncrake, Golden Eagle, White Tailed Eagle, Barnacle Geese, White Fronted Geese.
Best time to visit – All year round. There is always something to photograph. October and November are particularly spectacular for the wintering geese and the possibility of photographing White Tailed Eagle hunting the geese.
Contact me for private tours to Islay.
Troup Head
Situated on the north coast of Aberdeenshire, Troup Head is home to Scotland’s largest mainland gannet colony. The high cliffs also host kittiwakes, guillemots, razorbills, and puffins. The dramatic coastal scenery provides a stunning backdrop for bird photography, and the location offers excellent opportunities to capture gannets in flight and on the cliffs.
Key Species – Gannets
Best time to visit – May to July
Take a look at workshops at Troup Head for Gannets
Isle of May
This small island off the coast of Fife is a haven for birdwatchers and photographers. The Isle of May is particularly famous for its puffins, but you can also find seals, gulls, and other seabirds. The island’s varied landscapes, including rocky shores and grassy areas, provide a unique setting for wildlife photography. The island is accessible by boat, and guided tours are available.
Key Species – Puffins, Seals, Arctic Terns
Best time to visit – May to July
Take a look at puffin workshops on the Isle of May
Tay Reed Beds
Located near Perth, the Tay Reed Beds are a great spot for capturing images of reedbed wildlife, including bitterns, marsh harriers, bearded tits and various waterfowl. The extensive reed beds provide a unique habitat for a variety of bird species, making it an ideal location for bird photography. The area is also home to otters and other mammals, providing additional opportunities for wildlife photographers.
Key Species – Bearded Tits and Marsh Harriers
Best time to visit – November to February
Contact me for private workshops to the Tay Reed Beds for Bearded Tits.
Ardnamurchan
The Ardnamurchan Peninsula is one of Scotland’s most remote and unspoilt areas, providing a haven for wildlife. The peninsula is home to red deer, wildcats, golden eagles, white tailed eagles and otters. The rugged coastline, ancient woodlands, and heather moorlands offer diverse settings for wildlife photography. The area’s isolation and natural beauty make it an ideal spot for capturing untouched wilderness.
Key Species – Otters, Pine Marten, Red Squirrels, Golden Eagles, White Tailed Eagles, Red Deer.
Best time to visit – All Year. Autumn is a beautiful time of year with incredible orange and red backgrounds and the Red Deer Rut in October is also an excellent time of year to visit.
Contact me for private tours to Ardnamurchan
Glenshee
Located in the eastern Highlands, Glenshee is known for its stunning mountainous landscapes and diverse wildlife. Photographers can capture images of red deer, mountain hares, and various bird species. The area’s dramatic terrain, including the Cairnwell Pass, provides a striking backdrop for wildlife and landscape photography. Winter months offer the chance to capture wildlife in snowy conditions, adding a unique element to your photos.
Key Species – Mountain Hares
Best time to visit – November to March
Take a look at Mountain Hare workshops.
Blairgowrie
Blairgowrie, situated in Perthshire, offers a variety of wildlife photography opportunities. The area is known for its beavers, red squirrels, roe deer, and a variety of bird species. The town is surrounded by rich woodlands and rivers, providing a picturesque setting for capturing wildlife. The nearby Loch of the Lowes is also a great spot for photographing ospreys and other birds.
Key Species – Beavers
Best time to visit – April to August
Take a look at Beaver workshops.
Argaty Red Kites
Argaty Red Kites, is a wildlife-friendly farm located near Doune, Stirling. The farm is part of an exciting project to reintroduce red kites, which were absent from Scotland’s skies for over a century. Visitors to Argaty can enjoy fantastic views of these rare birds thanks to a feeding station and a purpose-built hide that offers close-up views of the kites coming down to feed. There is also the opportunity to do a beaver tour in the summer and the woodland hide is brilliant for Red Squirrels.
Key Species – Beavers, Red Kites, Red Squirrels
Best time to visit – All Year Round for the Kites and Squirrels – I particularly like Autumn and Winter. April to August for the Beavers.
Take a look at Argaty workshops for Red Kites and Red Squirrels.
More information on Argaty Red Kites can be found here
Trossachs Oshttps://photographyhides.co.uk/prey Hides
Located near Callander in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, the Trossachs Osprey Hides offer a unique opportunity to photograph ospreys up close. The hides are set into the bank overlooking ponds at a trout farm, where ospreys regularly visit to catch fish. The close proximity allows photographers to capture stunning images of ospreys fishing, as well as other wildlife such as kingfishers, herons, and otters.
Key Species – Ospreys
Best time to visit – April to September. The prime time for Ospreys is June and July.
Take a look at my Trossachs Osprey workshops.
More information on the Trossachs Osprey Hide can be found here
These are my favourite places that I visit frequently and they provide a vast diversity of species and landscapes, but of course there are many other amazing locations in Scotland that are worth visiting.
Practical Tips for Wildlife Photography in Scotland
To make the most of your wildlife photography trips in Scotland, here are some practical tips:
- Time of Day: Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times for wildlife photography, as animals are most active during these periods.
- Seasonal Considerations: Different wildlife species are more visible at certain times of the year, so plan your trips accordingly. If possible look at travelling outside the main tourist seasons when it is quieter.
- Equipment: A good telephoto lens is essential for capturing detailed shots of wildlife from a distance. Especially for some of the species mentioned above. I usually shoot with a 600mm lens.
- Patience and Persistence: Wildlife photography requires patience and persistence. Spend time observing animal behaviour and be prepared to wait for the shot. Also consider hiring a local guide or travelling on an organised workshop or tour as generally the success rate will be much higher.
- Respect Wildlife: Always respect wildlife and their habitats. Keep a safe distance and avoid disturbing animals, especially during sensitive times such as breeding seasons. This is particularly important with some of the species in Scotland that are vulnerable to disturbance and most are protected by law. Also refrain from posting on social media exact locations where wildlife has been viewed and photographed – this will go a long way to avoiding over crowding and increased disturbance.
Scotland offers a wealth of opportunities for wildlife photography. With its diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity, the country provides endless possibilities for capturing stunning images of wildlife in their natural habitats. Whether you’re exploring the rugged coastlines of the Isle of Mull or the urban waters of Hogganfield Loch, Scotland’s natural beauty is sure to inspire and captivate wildlife photographers.
If you would like any information on the locations featured in this post then please get in touch or better still join me on a workshop or tour.
All of my prescheduled small group wildlife photography dates can be found here
I can combine and tailor-make any of the locations in to a custom made tour to give you the best opportunity of capturing the images that you want. Just get in touch if I can be of help
I have written more detailed posts If you are particularly interested in photographing Ospreys or Otters