The islands and seas in the west of Scotland have a very rich biodiversity. The many islands in the Southern Hebrides are ideal habitats for nesting sea birds such as puffins, guillemots, razorbills and others while the islands themselves offer perfect conditions for other wildlife such as Golden Eagles, Red Deer and many other mammals and birds. The seas surrounding the islands offer very rich habitats as well. There is the Firth of Lorn Special Area of Conservation and other parts of the Southern Hebridean waters are very rich of wildlife as well. Regular sightings are possible of seals, dolphins, minky whales, otters and the impressive basking sharks. A trip with one of the many wildlife cruises are highly recommended and takes the visitor often very close to the wildlife.
I’ve found a very interesting video about the wildlife in the Southern Hebrides with some beautiful underwater footage of basking sharks and recordings of puffins on the Isle of Handa, part of the Treshnish Islands. Enjoy!