A Highland Midweek getaway with Birding Ecosse and the Grant Arms Hotel.

Photography Mid Week Tour

Tuesday 08 to Friday 11 July 2025

* 3 Spaces available *

Tuesday – Arrival Day

The magnificent Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey

Arriving on Tuesday 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.

Wednesday

RSPB Troup Head and Moray Coastline

The Stunning Troup Head Gannetry.

Today is one of my favourite outings of the Birding Ecosse itinerary. A trip with Harold onboard the “Seacat” out to Scotland’s largest mainland Gannetry. Some 3000 pairs call this rugged bit of Cliff home, and it is not just Gannets, Kittiwakes, Common Guillemot (some showing the Bridled form) Black Guillemot, Razorbills, and last but not least….. Puffins!

Atlantic Puffin

Gannet

And you never know we may even encounter the famous Moray Firth Bottle Nosed Dolphins, and lots of Grey Seals!

Bottle Nosed Dolphins

Grey Seal

The rest of the day is spent exploring this beautiful part of the coastline, Bowfiddle Rock, Portgordon, the list goes on and on each village has it owns unique atmosphere and characteristics.

The impressive Bowfiddle Rock at Portnockie

Accessibility: Todays tour involves descending and ascending a short set of stairs to access the boat and walking short distances on rough uneven mud paths.

Pick up 0800 – Drop off 1700

Thursday

Osprey and Highland Birds

It is an early start today with a pick up around 04:00 !exact time will be confirmed the day before) as we head over to some Osprey Hides near Aviemore, undoubtably one of the best birding/photographic experiences of my life. Want to get up close and personal with these birds? Then this is the tour for you!

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, in search of Black Throated Divers, we are in the lucky position to be able to view these birds from the safety of the tour vehicle from a public road.

Black Throated Diver

Calling in at a local lochan we will check for another speciality, that being the beautiful, colourful and charismatic Slavonian Grebe, viewed from the safety of the Hotels very own Bird Hide.

Great Birds, great Scenery and fantastic experiences it really is a day not to be missed.

Accessibility: Todays tour may involve a short steep walk on an uneven gravel path.

Pick up 0400 – Drop off 1500

Friday

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 two full days birding in the glorious Scottish Highlands, and start planning your next trip North!

All this for only £795 per person!

So what is included?

Three nights full board (Dinner, Bed and Breakfast)

Delicious packed Lunch on Wednesday and Thursday.

Boat trip to RSPB Troup Head

Visit to Aviemore Ospreys Hides (not exclusive use)

Tea/Coffee morning and afternoon Wednesday and Thursday.

All transport on outings.

All guiding fees.

Complimentary Check List

Use of binoculars if required.

What’s not included:

Please note there is no tuition on this course, it is aimed at photographers familiar with their own photographic kit. This tour is designed to get the photographer to the areas to take the image.

Transport to and from the 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.