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A Highland Midweek getaway with Birding Ecosse and the Grant Arms Hotel.
Monday 10 to Thursday 13 August 2026
*** 4 Spaces available***
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Monday 17 to Thursday 20 August 2026
*** 4 Spaces available***
And
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Monday 24 to Thursday 27 August 2026
*** 4 Spaces available***
Monday – Arrival Day
The magnificent Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey
Arriving on Monday 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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Tuesday
It’s life on an ocean wave!
An exciting day ahead as we head over to Ullapool to catch the Ferry across to Stornoway. Witness pelagic birds close up, Manx and Sooty Shearwaters, Storm Petrels, Skuas and Divers, Puffins and Black Guillemots are all up for grabs. (please note we do not spend time in Stornoway, it is purely a pelagic trip)
The Bonxie (Great Skua)
Culinary highlight of the trip? A fantastic hot chocolate whilst watching seabirds!
Target Birds for today: Manx and Sooty Shearwaters, Storm Petrels, Great, Arctic and Pomarine Skua, Puffin.
(Bad weather: Very occasionally the ferry may cancel or run late due to weather or operational purposes, in these few instances we will operate a land based sea watch at a location suitable at that time)
Pick up 07:30 – Drop off around 19:00
Accessibility: At present (September 2025) the walkway at Stornoway Port is not working so we may have to walk from the upper deck of the ship, through the car deck and out to the waiting room, then do the reverse journey a few minutes later, people with mobility issue can use the ships lift.
Wednesday
Highland Birds
This is a “must do” trip when you visit the Highland 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.
Red Grouse
Next it is off to a beautiful classic Scottish Loch, complete with ruined castle, in search of Black Throated Divers before they head off to the open sea for winter. 2025 was an excellent year for these rare breeders and they successfully reared two chicks to fledging.
A beautiful Black Throated Diver
Calling in at a local lochan we will check on the progress of another specialty bird, that being the beautiful, colourful and charismatic Slavonian Grebe.
Slavonian Grebe
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 is its 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.
A magnificent Golden Eagle
Great Birds, great Scenery and fantastic experiences it really is a day not to be missed.
Pick up 0800 – Drop off 1630/1700.
Accessibility: No accessibility issues on this tour.
Thursday
Little Grebe (Dabchick)
Give yourself a treat! Enjoy a long lie before you head down for your last breakfast, sit back and enjoy the memories of the past two full days birding in the glorious Scottish Highlands, and start planning your next trip North!
A fantastic break for just £660 per person
So what is included?
3 nights Full board (Dinner, Bed and breakfast).
2 Full days Birding.
Delicious, packed Lunch on Birding Days
Tea/Coffee morning and afternoon on Birding Days
All transport on outings
All guiding fees.
Complimentary Checklist
Use of binoculars if required.
What’s not included:
Transport to and from Hotel
Drinks at hotel
Personal insurance
Travel Insurance (Recommended)
Items of a personal nature
Interested? Then please feel free to contact Birding Ecosse for more information or to book your place.
