Guide to spotting Scotland’s favourite animals

SCOTLAND’S largest conservation charity is celebrating World

Wildlife Day today with a spotter’s guide to the nation’s most cherished species on its properties.

The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) owns and manages 130 properties across 180,000 acres of land, where it provides sanctuary for an array of rare and protected species.

The charity has highlighted properties where animals including Scotland’s iconic “Big Five” – the golden eagle, red deer, red squirrel, harbour seal and otter – call home, along with myriad species from the endangered Scottish wildcat and majestic white-tailed eagle to the boxing hare.

Scotland is a haven for some of Europe’s rarest animals, with the nation’s highlands, islands and coastlines serving as the perfect habitats for endangered and threatened species.

Today, the UN will turn the spotlight on those breeds and the challenges of a changing world and climate as it hosts its annual UN World Wildlife Day.

NTS properties provide perfect places to spot animals, with miles of walking paths which crisscross deep woods, glens, hills and mountains and follow the nation’s riverbanks and burns.

A spokesperson for the NTS said: “As the first signs of spring begin to emerge, so too will our favourite animals, some of whom have been tucked away for winter, hiding in hibernation.”