WE looked hard for whales and dolphins but there were no confirmed sightings – although who knows when that dark crest of a wave may have been one of the great creatures of the sea? These are things we did see – or that others have recommended:
1 RSPB SANCTUARY, Balranald, North Uistwww.rspb.org.uk Great visitor centre with lots of information and big puzzles of birds and mammals to amuse the kids. Venture into the sanctuary –
on foot or bike (we cycled) – and you might see barnacle geese, corn buntings, lapwings, turnstones and hear the repetitive, rasping call of the male corncrake. Three miles north of Bayhead, turn off for Hougharry off the A865. Toilets at the visitor centre.
2 HIGHLAND COOSYou may get hung up on golden eagles, whales and dolphins, but the kids are often happy just spotting Highland coos. There are lots of them all over the Outer Hebrides and many of them are happy to amble over and pose for pictures. One in South Harris perched high on a rock and ruminated for a great photo.
3 SEALSSeals divide opinion – some people love them, others (often angry fishermen) don't. There are lots of places to see seals, notably Seal Bay in Barra (see previous page) and at Flodda on the island of Grimsay, attached by a causeway to Benbecula. A short walk takes you past a long-abandoned car with a 'Seal News' update regularly pasted inside the window.
4 SCENIC CRUISES, Flodabay, Harris01859 530310
www.scenic-cruises.co.ukThis is a word-of-mouth recommendation, but I am assured Hamish, the skipper/owner of Lady Catherine, lives up to his reputation as the most experienced cruise courier in Harris – and does his very best to get you some good sightings.
5 OTTERSThere are signs to watch out for otters all over the causeways of the Outer Hebrides – and if you have patience and luck, you have a fair chance of spotting the little critters. There are also some otter walks organised by the RSPB.
The full article contains 349 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
