VisitScotland, part of the Tourism and Environment Forum, recently launched its new wildlife website with expert Bill Oddie.  The site was developed as a result of an increasing demand from tourists to see Scottish wildlife in its natural environment.

Bill dropped into the VisitScotland Centre just off Trafalgar Square, London, on 6^th May to find out just how easy it was for him to see wildlife in Scotland.  He even met Scratchy Tam, a Peregrine falcon, who had also swooped in to help launch the site. 

Checking out the online webcams and donning his own set of binoculars, Bill Oddie set about finding the best places to visit and the species he might see North of the Border. On a selection of webcams strategically placed around Scotland, prospective visitors can see, for example, the Osprey nest at the RSPB’s famous Loch Garten reserve .

Taking a look at the new website, Bill Oddie said:

" Scotland is the ideal place to go and see wildlife as it is so rich and varied with spectacular scenery. I am delighted to be able to support VisitScotland with the launch of their new website www.visitscotland.com/wildlife and hope this will inspire people to take a holiday to Scotland and experience more of the natural habitat and fascinating animals you can find there. Once you have encountered animals in the wild up close, its something you never forget and I would recommend a wildlife trip to Scotland for everyone!"

Wildlife tourism is now of growing importance in Scotland where 25% of all visitors can be expected to enjoy a wildlife-related experience during their stay. Between 2000 and 2002 (UKTS) the overall number of visitors enjoying Scotland’s wildlife rose by 10%.

Alistair Gronbach, Head of VisitScotland’s UK Marketing said:

" Scotland is cementing its reputation as Europe’s premier wildlife-watching destination. Few other countries of this scale can offer such a rich and diverse natural environment. From Shetland to the Solway Firth throughout the year there are wildlife spectacles for all visitors to enjoy".

In research* conducted for VisitScotland 71% of respondents reported that wildlife was the feature most people would like to see and find out more about during a visit. Indeed, 79% said they would like to catch a glimpse of a dolphin or porpoise in its natural environment in Scotland.  Boat trips offering sightings of whales, dolphins, seals and seabirds are increasing in availability and popularity all the time. The number of visitors enjoying such trips increased by 62% between 1997 and 2002 (Tourism & Environment Forum).

*Research produced by VisitScotland was conducted by Tickbox net.

Further Information

• VisitScotland
• Wildlife Tourism Projects
• Wild Scotland website