The wildlife of Scotland and where to see it.

White 'leucistic' Red deer stag seen in Scotland. Details.

There are many spectacular sights and opportunities in Scotland for wildlife watching. The Golden eagles at Ardnamurchan and Loch Shiel, Sea eagles on Mull, ospreys at Loch of the Loewes and Boat of Garten, the vast sea bird colonies of the coasts and islands, the whales and dolphins of the Western Isles and the Cromarty Firth, the Red deer, the forests and many of the UK's finest and rarest birds.

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Recent Scotland news

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Are Sea eagles coming back to Suffolk? Vote on what you think should happen

In any debate about conservation, it is always important to discount 10% of the arguments at either end of the range, as some people will support all conservation, no matter what the cost or practicalities, and others would complain about spending 5 Euros to save the last elephant. Somewhere in the middle is a rational debate and, usually, the right answer.

Britain’s only resident orca pod – No breeding for 20 years

The conservation status of the group is thought to be critical since no live calves have been sighted since research began almost two decades ago.

418 species of bird recorded in Britain in 2008

With up to 418 species of bird spotted in Britain, 2008 is looking likely to smash records for the number of bird species seen within a single year.

Scottish beaver trial – Beaver disappears after shots heard

After the first week, one adult female disappeared; the time of her disappearance coincided with unauthorized shooting heard in the same area. There has been no sign of the animal since and the matter has been reported to the local police for further investigation.

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Golden eagle poisoned in West Scotland

Strathclyde Police officers have carried out an extensive search of Beinn Udlaidh in the Glen Orchy area of Argyll following the discovery of a dead golden eagle.

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Scotland welcomes back the beaver – Wildlife Extra questions the cost

Marking the first formal reintroduction of a native mammal species into the wild in the UK, three beaver families have now been released at carefully selected sites in Knapdale Forest, Mid-Argyll.

Scottish snow storms are good for wildlife

Norwegian beavers arrive in UK for Scottish reintroduction

The Scottish Beaver Trial took a major step when four beaver families arrived in Heathrow

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Satellite tagged Loch Garten osprey ditches in Atlantic

One of two young ospreys from the famous Loch Garten nest has died during his first migration.

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Thousands of seals shot in Scotland every year – Marine bill must act

Many people are unaware that thousands of seals are needlessly shot in Scotland every year.

Spoonbills breed in Scotland for the first time

A pair of spoonbills have successfully bred for the first time in Scotland and only the second time in the UK. An adult pair have raised and fledged three chicks on Kirkcudbright Bay in Dumfries and Galloway.

World’s oldest species resurfaces in Scotland

Scotland's wildcats down to the last 400

Research shows that probably only 400 true wildcats are left in Scotland. Persecution used to be the main problem, but now hybridisation with domestic cats threatens the future of Scottish wildcats.

First wild beavers in Scotland for 250 years to be caught.

A pair of beavers has been found living in the wild in a remote Scottish Loch near the Bridge of Earn.

Only breeding female Golden eagle in Scottish Borders poisoned.

A joint investigation by Lothian and Borders Police, RSPB Scotland, the Scottish SPCA and the Scottish Executive discovered poisoned bait on a grouse moor in the Borders.

Bird crime stats jump 40%

July 2008. Reported crimes against birds of prey escalated to an unwelcome record in 2007, increasing by 40 per cent on 2006.