Scottish Wildlife

The varied landscape of heather-filled moors, woodland and unspoiled beaches means that Brora and the north Highlands are a popular choice of home for a diverse range of Scottish wildlife.

Scottish Sea Life

As a coastal village, Brora is home to two beautiful golden sand beaches which means you don’t need to travel far to spot local sea life. 

Brora is known for some of the best sea views in the northeast Highlands. While many will travel to Dornoch Firth for seal spotting, both grey and common seals relax regularly on the shoreline of Brora beach in their own intimate and unique way. 

Further along Blue Flag Beach, Moray Firth Bottlenose dolphins swim in small groups close to the beach – a truly mesmerising and humbling site. Take a slow wander down the golden beach and see how many seals and dolphins you can spot. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a minke whale or two. 

Along the coast, a variety of ducks and waders make an appearance over the year, including mallard, goldeneye, long tailed duck and eider.

Highland Wildlife

Although we are a coastal village, we have an abundance of local Highland wildlife inland  as well. 

Roe deer are widespread and red deer can be seen wandering the hills around Loch Brora and Glen Loth.  Hedgehog, moles, shrews, voles, wood mice, fox, stoat, weasel and rabbit are all common, whilst brown hares are found on farmland, mountain hare on moorland and goats on the Morvich Rock near Rogart. 

Red Squirrels have been re-introduced to Sutherland at Migdale Woods near Bonar Bridge and there are plans to re-introduce them to Balblair Woods near Golspie.

Last but not least, Highland cows will occasionally bless our guests with their appearance on the Brora Golf Course, as well as on the banks of Loch Brora.

Birdwatching

Birdwatchers will be pleased to know that Brora has an impressive population of birds, including the Arctic tern, which features on Brora Golf Club’s emblem. Goldeneye, curlew redshank, oystercatcher and lapwing can be found on Loch Brora, whilst winter brings the Golden Eagle to the loch’s waters. To the south lies Loch Fleet, part of a nature reserve which welcomes sea ducks and waders, as well as osprey in spring time.

Birds of Prey & Falconry Displays

The ancient art of falconry is an integral part of the local history at Dunrobin Castle. The tradition is celebrated throughout most of the year with regular falconry displays held at the castle, multiple times each day.

Even those with a mild interest in bird watching and Scottish wildlife will be impressed by the aerobatic displays featuring resident species like golden eagles and peregrine falcons, as well as more exotic types such as the European eagle owl.