The 2020
EasterTour!
With Birding Ecosse
Thursday 01 to Monday 05 April 2020
**** 2 Spaces available ****
The magnificent Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey
Join Birding Ecosse for a long Easter weekend at the luxurious Grant Arms Hotel situated in Grantown on Spey, deep in the Scottish Highlands
Thursday
Arriving on Thursday afternoon why not treat yourself to a couple of “local brews” in the hotels stunning Capercaillie bar, prior to you enjoying your evening meal in the beautiful dining room.
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Friday
The Stunning Troup Head Gannetry.

“Gear Down to land” – Gannet
The rest of the day is spent exploring this beautiful part of the coastline, Bowfiddle Rock, Pennan, Portgordon, the list goes on and on each village has it owns unique atmosphere and characteristics.
What else may we pickup? Well how about Bottle Nosed Dolphin, Common and Grey Seals and the off chance of a Minky Whale!
(Bad weather alternative if Seacat not sailing will be a walk out to the Colony, a fantastic experience as the Birds glide past at almost touching distance)
Pick up 0800 – Drop off 1700
Saturday
Go West Young Man!
The stunning Bay at Poolewe.
Today we head over to the glorious West Coast of Scotland and some of the most beautiful scenery on mainland UK. Birding en-route we will be searching for Slavonian Grebes in full breeding plumage (viewed safely from public hides and viewing area’s) and Ospreys on their nest.
Black Throated Diver
Arriving on the West Coast we expect to see Red, Black and Great Northern Divers all in Stunning Breeding Plumage and very often close to shore, Red Breasted Mergansers and Goosanders loaf about on the water giving great comparisons. The Lunch time stop is always a great location to spend in the company of Arctic and Common Terns at their colony, and using our fantastic Swarovski Scopes (we now have two for our victims to use) it is a brilliant location to get to grips with the subtle ID differences of these problematic birds.
This area regularly turns up both White Tailed and Golden Eagle so always keep your eyes scanning the skies! And not forgetting 2019 when this splendid drake Blue Winged Teal decided to have an extended holiday at Aultbea, who knows he may still be there!
Not forgetting the small stuff either! Here we stand a great chance of Twite, Northern Wheatear, Whinchat and Stonechat. So all in all a great day out.
Pick up 0800 – Drop off 1700
Sunday
This is a “must do” trip when you visit the Highlands of Scotland! The day starts off with a visit to a traditional Black Grouse Lek, and at the same time the “Go Back Go Back Go Back” calls of its Red Cousin fill the air.
Next it is off to a beautiful classic Scottish Loch, complete with ruined castle in search of Black Throated and Red Throated Divers, 2018 was the first successful season in four years and it was a great feeling to see these two birds finally get off some young, hopefully securing the breeding in this area.
Calling in at the hotels very own superb hide we will check for the arrival of another speciality, that being the beautiful, colourful and charismatic Slavonian Grebe, before heading South to a hide with the definite “Wow” factor, this is one of the few remaining sites where we might, if we are lucky see Hen Harrier. Being surrounded by grouse moors they are a very very scarce birdy up here.
We finish the day in a what has to be one of the most beautiful valleys in Scotland, and it is here we will search for two of the “Big Ones” they are White Tailed and Golden Eagles. This area is probably the most productive sites in this part of Scotland to see these iconic birds, and the reason they are here? Herds of Red Deer roam the hillside, Britain largest land mammal is very common as its it smaller relative the Roe Deer, we may even stumble across the secretive Sika deer, Mountain Hare, Brown Hare, Feral Goats and Red squirrel are also often encountered.
Great Birds, great Scenery and fantastic experiences it really is a day not to be missed.
Monday
Give yourself a treat! Enjoy a long lie before you head down for your last breakfast at the Grant Arms. Sit back and enjoy the memories of the past three full days birding in the glorious Scottish Highlands, and start planning your next trip North!
*** 4 Nights Full Board, 3 Days fully guided Birding Trips all for just £595 per person***
So what is included?:
4 nights Full board at the Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey.
3 Full days Birding.
Delicious packed Lunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Tea/Coffee morning and afternoon on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
All transport on outings
All guiding fees.
Use of binoculars if required.
Whats not included:
Drinks at hotel
Personal insurance
Items of a personal nature