Here on the Morvern peninsula, we’re lucky to have stunning views and scenery all year round, and on top of that, there’s lots of amazing wildlife too. This is thanks to the peninsula’s remote location and diverse habitats plus the relatively low human impact. From woodlands and peat bogs to rugged shoreline and moorlands, the peninsula supports a range of species that are increasingly rare elsewhere in the UK. Spotting them is always a great reminder of the importance of protecting nature and existing in harmony with our surroundings. 

RED SQUIRRELS

Slowly but surely, over the last couple of years, the local population of red squirrels has been increasing thanks to the rewilding charity Trees for Life. Scotland's highlands and islands are the last main UK stronghold safe from grey squirrels and the Morvern peninsula is proving an ideal habitat for the reds to thrive thanks to the large areas of uninterrupted woodland. After the charity’s successful release of 21 red squirrels on the peninsula a few years ago, twelve more were released in 2024. The hope is that eventually, the reds should be able to move right around the coast to the neighbouring Ardnamurchan peninsula.

Image credit Rhonda Newsham Drimnin Estate

BASKING SHARKS

Basking sharks are the second-largest fish in the world, growing up to 10 meters long and can be spotted in the peninsula’s surrounding waters including in the sound of Mull. Sightings are most frequent in the summer months between May and August. Despite their size, they are harmless filter-feeders, eating only plankton. Lochaline Boat Charters who are the local diving experts are very clued up when it comes to Basking Shark sightings. On their diving trips you can sometimes find yourself swimming alongside one of the Basking Sharks and the Sound of Mull is one of the best places to do so in Scotland. So if you fancy a diving trip with the chance of spotting one of the sharks you can check out their website here.

Image credit Basking Shark Scotland

WHITE TALED SEA EAGLE AND GOLDEN EAGLE

Morvern is one of the best places in the UK to spot Golden Eagles, they can often be seen soaring above the hills. White Tailed Sea Eagles are also increasingly common on the peninsula and can be spotted along the coastal cliffs and sea lochs. They are the largest bird of prey in the UK with a wingspan up to 2.5 meters.

ORCA

Very occasionally, Orca can be spotted off the coast of the peninsula. The latest sighting from the peninsula that we know of was in July 2024 of two killer whales, named John Coe and Aquarius. They belong to Scotland's only remaining resident orca pod. John Coe, the biggest of the two orcas, is around 60 years old and is easily identified by the missing chunk out of his tail fluke (believed to be caused by a shark attack). They have a distinctive eye patch orientation and are about a meter larger than any other orca group in the Northeastern Atlantic.

Image credit Basking Shark Scotland

WILDCATS

Drimnin has a rare population of Scottish wildcats which are sadly facing extinction. Wildcats, sometimes referred to as ‘the highland tiger’ also have a tie in with our distillery team. During the 2020 lockdown, a local woman named Rhonda, rescued a sick wildcat kitten found in a garden. With travel restrictions in place, she couldn’t hand him over to conservationists, so she offered him to the brilliant Simon and Sarah Hewitt, two of our Quiet Rebels here at the distillery.

They adopted the kitten, named Taz, and cared for him until he was old enough to roam safely. DNA tests showed he’s 57% wildcat, with fully wild grandparents, but not wild enough for breeding programs. Now, Taz enjoys the best of both worlds - freedom to explore and a warm home to return to. He’s independent, clever, a bit grumpy, and deeply loved - a living piece of Scotland’s natural heritage!

Taz the Wildcat

OTTERS

Otters can be seen in and around sea lochs or around the coast all across the peninsula, it just requires a bit of patience! They can also sometimes be spotted from kayaking trips. You can find more info about kayaking trips on the Morvern peninsula here.

Hopefully if you make a trip to the peninsula you can spot some of the wildlife mentioned above whilst avoiding our least favourite wildlife species- the midges!