The golden eagle came first in the Big Five polls
Say the phrase ‘Big Five’ and you may picture African savannah, khaki, and big-game hunters. That’s the ‘Big Five’ of the past, when hunting was still socially acceptable, Ron Ely was sporting a loincloth, and the term described the five toughest animals to hunt on foot. Happily, the phrase has been adopted by safari tour operators with gentler pursuits in mind. These days, if you’re off in search of the Big Five, you’ll be packing binoculars, not guns. And you don’t even need to fly to Africa, because Scotland has its very own Big Five right here. They are the red deer, golden eagle, harbour seal, otter and red squirrel.
In 2013, and celebrating the Year of Natural Scotland, VisitScotland and Scottish Natural Heritage asked people to vote for the animals which they considered the most iconic, the most representative of Scottish wildlife. The votes closed in November, and the results are here:
1. The Golden Eagle: With almost 40 percent of votes, the golden eagle was a clear favourite. It’s a fitting choice too: almost all of the breeding pairs left in Britain are in Scotland. With a wing span of over two metres, this bird can fly at speeds of up to 80 miles per hour. Head to the Highlands and Islands for a chance to see them soar. Emblematic of the importance of protecting rare species, the golden eagle is likely to become Scotland’s national bird. You can sign the petition here.
The smallest, and perhaps the most endearing of Scotland's Big Five
2. The Red Squirrel: The endearing and acrobatic red squirrel is the only UK native squirrel – the grey was introduced to Britain in the late 19th century. Scotland boasts around 120,000 reds: 80 percent of the UK entire population. Southern Scotland, the central Lowlands and the Highlands are great places to see these brilliant little flashes of rust-red life. Walk quietly and you will be rewarded.
3. The Red Deer: This is the UK’s largest mammal, and one of the biggest deer in the world. The stag’s antlers cut a striking silhouette and have become deeply associated with all things Scottish – from paintings to shortbread to whisky. Winter is a good time to see red deer as they come down off the hills in search of food. Your best bet for sightings are Perthshire, the west Highlands, Rum, Jura, or Dumfries & Galloway.
Otters are doing well throughout Scotland
4. The Otter: Though secretive, the otter is doing well, and can be found across Scotland in both coastal and inland areas; even thriving in towns and cities. However, the coastal otters around the West coast, the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, are a little less jumpy than their inland counterparts, making them easier to spot. Dawn and dusk are the best times.
5. The Harbour Seal: These seals can be spotted easily in estuarine waters around the Scottish coast. There are colonies in the Firth of Forth, the Firth of Tay, and the Moray Firth, as well as Shetland, Orkney and the Outer Hebrides. Awkward on land, these animals are incredibly graceful – and curious – when in the water.
These are just a few of Scotland favourite and most iconic animals. Close runners-up to the ‘Big 5’ classification are species such as the pine marten, Scottish wildcat and puffin. To find out more about all these species, find out where you can see them, and even to watch live webcams, see: www.visitscotland.com/about/wildlife/