Why a Trail?

Launched Friday 28th June 2019 - read the press release

Watching whales, dolphins, porpoises and other marine wildlife from shore in Scotland is a wonderful experience. Sitting quietly on a headland watching a minke whale feeding in the waters below. Sharing the delighted squeals and smiles of surprise with strangers, who just happened to be there, when you unexpectedly encounter bottlenose dolphins leaping in a harbour. However, knowing where to look and what to look for is not always easy. That is where the Hebridean Whale Trail aims to help.

The Hebridean Whale Trail encourages accessible, low-impact whale-watching from land, which for many is a new way of approaching marine wildlife spotting.

The Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust is leading this exciting initiative, teaming up with local community groups, conservation charities, businesses and individuals to create trail that has community at its heart. By working together, we aim to raise awareness and celebrate the incredible marine life here on Scotland’s west coast.

Conservation is at the very centre of the trail. Across the sites you will meet dedicated volunteers and local experts all passionate about protecting our seas, to this end many people diligently survey and record wildlife sightings to further the knowledge of local species. We welcome you to get involved and support these projects.

The trail also aims to boost the local economies of our coastal communities through sustainable eco-tourism by bringing together disparate sites and giving visitors the chance to explore and enjoy the incredible places, stories and animals that make this part of the world so special. At some sites guided headland watches for interested visitors are offered, at others you can visit centres and learn about local seas and species.

We want people from all walks of life to visit the Hebridean Whale Trail to enjoy exploring the region’s unique wildlife, culture and history, and to be inspired to support the wide range of marine conservation projects underway in the region.

The Hebridean Whale Trail has been made possible by a grant of almost £200,000 by the UK Government-funded Coastal Communities Fund, which is delivered by The National Lottery Community Fund.

URRAS MHUC-MARA NAN EILEAN

The Hebridean Whale
& Dolphin Trust

The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust’s vision is healthy Hebridean seas for whales, dolphins, porpoises and people. Our mission is to conserve Hebridean whales, dolphins and porpoises through robust science, inspirational education and meaningful engagement so that they thrive in harmony alongside coastal communities.