Where to See Puffins in Scotland: A Guide to Scotland’s Best Puffin Watching Spots
Scotland is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife, and one of the most iconic birds you’ll encounter here is the puffin. With their colourful beaks and comical antics, puffins are a beloved sight for nature lovers and birdwatchers. These charming seabirds can be found on some of Scotland’s most remote and dramatic cliffs, where they nest in colonies and spend the summer months before returning to the sea for the winter.
If you’re planning to see puffins in Scotland, you’re in luck! Scotland offers some of the best puffin watching opportunities in the world. In this guide, we’ll highlight the best locations for puffin spotting, the best times to visit, and some helpful tips to make your experience unforgettable.
1. The Isle of May
The Isle of May, located off the east coast of Scotland, is one of the top locations for puffin watching in the country. The island is home to a large puffin colony, with thousands of puffins arriving each spring to breed. The puffins here are incredibly friendly and are often seen waddling around the cliffs or flying back and forth between their nests.
The best time to visit the Isle of May is from late April to early August, when the puffins are actively nesting and feeding their chicks.
Tip: You can reach the Isle of May via a ferry from Anstruther or North Berwick, via the Seabird Centre. The Seabird Centre also offers trips to another puffin hotspot, the Bass Rock.
2. The Farne Islands
The Farne Islands, located off the coast of Northumberland (northern England, a short drive from the Scottish border), are another prime location for puffin watching. These islands are home to one of the largest puffin colonies in the UK, with thousands of puffins nesting on the rugged cliffs. In addition to puffins, you’ll also find a variety of seabirds, including guillemots, razorbills, and kittiwakes.
The best time to visit the Farne Islands for puffin watching is from May to July. The puffins typically leave the islands in August, so visiting earlier in the summer gives you the best chance of spotting them.
Tip: Boat trips to the Farne Islands are available from Seahouses, and they offer fantastic opportunities for close-up views of the puffins.
3. The Shetland Islands
The Shetland Islands, located off the northern tip of Scotland, are a fantastic destination for puffin watching. The islands are home to large puffin colonies, particularly on Noss, Fair Isle, and Unst. Puffins are a common sight on the cliffs and can be easily spotted as they fly between the sea and their burrows.
The best time to visit Shetland for puffin watching is from May to August, with June being the peak month when the puffins are most active. This is also a great time to see whales and dolphins in the area, particularly in August.
Tip: You can reach Shetland by ferry or flight from the Scottish mainland. Fair Isle is particularly renowned for its puffin population.
4. The Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is not only famous for its dramatic landscapes but also for its wildlife, including puffins. The island is home to several puffin colonies, particularly on the Trotternish Peninsula and the cliffs around Staffin Bay. Puffins are usually seen here from April to August, with the best sightings typically occurring in June and July.
Tip: Staffin Bay is a great location for puffin watching on Skye, and boat tours are available for those who want a closer look at these charismatic birds.
5. The Orkney Islands
The Orkney Islands, located off the northeastern coast of Scotland, are another hotspot for puffin watching. The islands are home to large colonies of puffins, especially on Rousay, Westray, and Papa Westray. The puffins here are often seen on the dramatic sea cliffs, where they nest in burrows.
The best time to see puffins in Orkney is from late May to early August. Orkney is one of the most accessible places for puffin watching in Scotland, with plenty of opportunities for boat tours and shore-based sightings.
Tip: The island of Papa Westray is known for its large puffin population and is one of the best places to see them up close.
When is the Best Time to See Puffins in Scotland?
The best time to see puffins in Scotland is during the breeding season, which typically runs from April to August. The peak months for puffin sightings are usually June and July, when the puffins are most active, feeding their chicks and coming and going from their nests.
Keep in mind that puffins are migratory birds and spend the winter months at sea, so if you want to see them, you’ll need to visit during the breeding season.
Tips for Puffin Watching in Scotland
- Go Early or Late in the Day: Puffins are more active in the early morning and late afternoon. If you’re hoping to capture some great photographs, these times offer the best lighting and activity.
- Respect Their Space: Puffins are used to humans, but it’s important to keep a respectful distance. Avoid getting too close to their nests or disturbing their natural behaviour.
- Bring Binoculars and a Camera: Puffins are often seen from a distance, so binoculars can help you get a closer look. A camera with a good zoom lens is also helpful for capturing their adorable antics.
- Join a Guided Tour: Local guides can help you find the best puffin colonies and give you interesting insights into the birds’ behaviour and natural history.
- Dress for the Weather: Scotland’s coastal weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for all conditions, including rain and wind. Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear, especially if you plan on hiking to remote puffin hotspots.
FAQs
Where can I see puffins in Scotland?
The best places to see puffins in Scotland include the Isle of May, Farne Islands, Shetland Islands, Isle of Skye, and Orkney Islands.
When is the best time to see puffins in Scotland?
The best time to see puffins in Scotland is from April to August, with June and July being the peak months when the puffins are most active.
Can I see puffins from the shore?
Yes, in many locations such as the Isle of May and Staffin Bay on the Isle of Skye, puffins can be spotted from the shore. Boat tours can also offer closer views.
How can I get to the best puffin spots in Scotland?
You can reach many of Scotland’s top puffin watching locations by car, ferry, or flight. For example, you can reach Isle of May by ferry from Anstruther, or the Shetland Islands by ferry or flight.
Conclusion
Scotland is a paradise for birdwatchers, and seeing puffins in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience. Whether you visit the dramatic cliffs of the Shetland Islands, the Isle of May, or the Isle of Skye, Scotland offers some of the best opportunities to witness these charming seabirds. With the right timing and a bit of patience, you’ll be rewarded with unforgettable memories of puffins in the wild.
