The embodiment of wild Scotland is probably its largest land mammal, the red deer. Known as the “Monarch of the Glen” the sight of the majestic red deer stag standing atop a mountain peak to defend his territory is quite spectacular and symbolises wild Scotland.

You may also catch a glimpse of the Scottish wildcat, the only surviving native cat in Britain. Although rare, wildcats are still seen quite regularly as they roam along a hillside or forest edge in areas such as the Queen Elizabeth and Argyll Forest Parks but are more numerous in the forests of the eastern shores of Loch Lomond. The beautiful pine marten, with its chocolate brown coat and creamy yellow chest, is most likely to make an appearance in the early morning on some forest walk or in the evening as the sun is just going down and they are out hunting. Like wildcats they eat rabbits and small rodents and lots of wild berries, though they will also take birds.

The common but shy and rarely seen red squirrel with its bushy tail and ear-tufts is half the size of its introduced American Grey cousin, and is the only squirrel native to Scotland. This enchanting creature thrives best in the conifer woodland which are abundant in this area, since this habitat supports its diet of pine seeds, nuts, berries, shoots and fungi. Although it has largely disappeared from Loch Lomondside, they can still be found in Loch Ard Forest and on the Cowal Peninsula.

Another elusive forest-dweller, the badger can be found wherever the soil is deep enough for them to dig their holes. Although they are familiar with their distinctive black and white markings, because they are strictly nocturnal, few people have actually seen them in the wild. Foxes are common throughout the area but those living in the more remote spots are harder to spot than the ‘urban’ fox which are somewhat bolder.

Stoats and weasels are ferocious hunters and it can be difficult to tell them apart as you’re likely to catch only a brief glimpse of them. They are common wherever there is an adequate food supply, even on open moorland.

In many island locations, creatures have evolved to be a little different from those on the mainland. On the island of Mull for instance short tailed voles are abundant, due to the lack of ground predators like the fox who would have preyed on them.

Winter is one of the best time to see many of the creatures as it is much quieter than the summer months and the time at which the animals are at their most relaxed. The winter months also offer the opportunity to see many animals in a very different guise: at this time of year the stoat is all-white in winter as is the mountain hare, the favourite prey of the golden eagle.