Page 24 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Scotland

22  INTRODUCING SC O TLAND A POR TR AIT OF SC O TLAND  23

The Landscape and Wildlife Native Animals Shetland ponies are indigenous to the
of Scotland There are no large or dangerous windswept, northerly isles of the same
name, but can also be found on the
wild animals in Scotland, but mainland. The ponies are small, with
Scotland is a land of contrasts, from the austere majesty there are a few which are rarely thick, wiry coats.
of the mountains to the subtle undu lations of the found living wild elsewhere in
Lowland valleys, and from drama tic coastal cliffs to the British Isles. Shetland ponies
dense forests. It is in the wilds of the Highlands and and Highland cattle, by their Highland cattle, bred The golden eagle is one of
names alone, are instantly
islands that you are most likely to encounter Scotland’s associated with Scotland, and in Scotland since the Scotland’s most enduring
wealth of wildlife. Many once-prolific species are you are unlikely to see a golden 1500s, are recogniz able emblems. Found at high alti­
under threat; preserving them and their habitats eagle outside of the Scottish by their long horns and tudes, this majestic bird takes its
prey in one silent swoop.
shaggy coats.
is now paramount. Highlands.

Coastal Lochs and Rivers Mountain and Moorland Woodland and Forest
The immense, windswept coastline of Scotland has an The hills and mountains of Scotland are a Some of Scotland’s
Scotland provides some of the best abundance of sea lochs, refuge for rare arctic and alpine plants, forests form part of
chances to view the country’s wild­ freshwater lochs and rivers, while heather and grasses flourish on a protected Forest
life. Islands such as Skye (see enabling a wide range of the moorlands and Lowlands. This Park. Woodland refuges,
pp156–7), pictured above, animal and insect life to contrast of landscapes can be such as the one in the
sus tain myriad nesting flourish. Sea lochs, such as seen right across the Scottish Pine marten Borders shown above, are
Puffin seabirds, including puffins, Dragonfly those shown above on the Highlands and islands, as shown home to red squirrels and
guillemots and kittiwakes, while western isle of North Uist, may contain wild salmon here on Mull. Birds of prey, goldcrests, while pine martens and wildcats favour
the Bass Rock, off the east coast near North Berwick, and otters, although the latter are more likely to be such as eagles and kestrels, the rockier terrain of the Highland forests. Birch
has a breed ing colony of gannets. The Scottish spotted at a manmade sanctuary, such as the one favour this terrain; red and oak woods are dotted around the country.
coast is also home to seals, whales and dolphins. at Kylerhea on Skye. Many Scottish rivers, the Tay deer graze on the
being just one example, provide a wonderful Kestrel bleak moorland. Wildcats can still be
Grey seals have opportunity for fishermen to found in forest areas,
long inhabited catch salmon and trout. Sheep roam freely but their num bers
the rocky Scottish on the moorland are dwindling. A
coasts, such as in Wild otters breed along many and hills of Scot­ stocky body, thick fur
Shetland or in parts of Scotland’s coast and in land, but they are and short, blunt tail
North Rona, and its sea lochs. Unlike their Asian usally marked so distinguish them
are easily spotted. cousins, they have webbed they can be identi­ from a domestic cat.
feet with which they catch fied by the farmer.
and eat their prey.
Kittiwakes, with their Red squirrels are far
white and grey rarer than their grey
plumage, are wide­ Salmon swim into Red deer are the most com­ counterparts, but
spread along the Scotland’s lochs and mon deer in Europe and can they share the same
Scottish cliffs, from St rivers every year to often be sighted in the High­ bushy tail for agility
Abb’s Head on the breed. They travel lands of Scotland. Their sig­ and commu nication,
east coast to Handa miles upstream and nature coats are at their most and sharp, hooked
Island off the north­ up steep waterfalls in vibrant in summer. The stags claws for a sure grip
west coast (see p161). order to spawn. shed their antlers in spring. on trees.

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