As the sky larks trill, you know spring has arrived and with it the buds on the birch trees and the songs of other early migrant birds. On the coast, gannets and fulmars arrive at the seabird colonies, to be followed later by puffins, guillemots and razorbills. It's an auspicious time for fishing as the salmon swim upstream, particularly in the rivers Tweed, Tay and Spey. The hills and valleys begin to develop a lushness that lasts throughout summer and the region's magnificent waterfalls are in full flow. Carpets of bluebells swathe the hills, and against backdrops of lochs and mountains they create vistas you could gaze at for hours.
Highlights
Birdlife
Fishing
Waterfalls
Wildflowers
| With longer hours of daylight (as many as 20 in June) and warmer weather, summer is a great time to explore fragrant Caledonian pine forests, such as those in the Cairngorms National Park. Here also, among the extensive marshlands, and in the Boat of Garten area to the north, you might spot the
area's best-known summer visitor, the osprey, while in the grand glens you may spy red deer and golden eagle. In late summer, stags shed their velvet
as the growth of new antlers is complete. Summer is also the best season for enjoying activities such as coastal walks and canoeing on vast, tranquil lochs, or just to admire the
verdant scenery, dazzling against
the bluest skies.
Highlights
Osprey watching
Outdoor activities
Fragrant forests | Autumn is when Scotland's glories really unfold. The greenest greens start to turn and the light is warmer, which is particularly satisfying for keen photographers. Misty mountains at sunset, decorated with a light dusting of snow, create a feast for the eyes, as does the riot of vivid hues, including purple heathers, ochre and russet
leaves and earthy bracken. The hillsides turn a golden brown, best appreciated at the end of the day when the disappearing sunlight lights up every hump and hollow. Listen out for the deer and stags, most vocal in the rutting season, and watch out for flocks of barnacle geese and Icelandic whooper swans arriving for the winter.
Highlights
Foliage colours
Bird watching
Stag mating season
|
What's On
Year-round, there's always something happening in Scotland. Why not plan your visit to coincide with one of these great events?
April – Scottish Grand National (horse racing), Ayr. Spirit of Speyside Scotch Whisky Festival.
May – Scottish Football Association Cup Final, Glasgow.
June – Royal Highland Agricultural Show, near Edinburgh.
June-September – Highland Games season.
July – Scottish Open Golf Championship, Glasgow International Jazz Festival.
August – Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe, Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
September – Ben Nevis Race.
October – Glenfiddich Piping Championships, Blair Atholl. |
