Isle of Jura

The Inner Hebridean islands of Islay and Jura are the perfect destinations for a relaxing break. Islay, the most southerly of the Inner Hebrides, is famed for its smoky, single malt whiskies, wintering geese, miles of sandy beaches and friendly locals. Jura, which takes its name from Old Norse dyr-a (deer island), is a magnificent wild and lonely wilderness with Read more…

European Otters (Lutra lutra) are quite common in the Heart of Argyll. They swim and fish in the sea, but must wash in fresh water afterwards. They tend to live inland a bit from our coasts. They are opportunists, and will eat everything from frogs to fish. Otter faeces are known as spraints. They weigh about 10 kg. They are Read more…

Grey seals (Halichoerus grypus, meaning “hooked-nosed sea pig”) have grey and brown fur, sometimes with a pattern of blotches. They have no ears visible and a long muzzle. Their nostrils are parallel. They are larger and darker than a common seal, with flat or convex profile to its head (the common seal has a concave profile). Males can frow over Read more…

The Heart of Argyll is lucky to play host to both species of British Eagle. The golden eagle and the larger white-tailed (sea) eagle are seen here. These are much larger than any other birds, and the white-tailed sea eagle. A female sea eagle can have a wingspan of up to 9 feet. Eagles may be distinguished from other raptors Read more…