Scotland’s islands are among the most biodiverse places in the country, where the mix of low intensity agriculture and wild spaces has benefitted numerous species. The remote Monach Isles have been uninhabited since the 1940’s and every autumn these white sand beaches host the largest breeding colony of Grey Seals in Europe. More than 10,000 pups are born as bulls fight for dominance and the right to mate.

Just a few kilometres to the east lie the Uists, Scotland’s lowest lying chain of islands. The west of the isles are home to an incredibly rare habitat, the machair. Here low intensity agriculture on sandy soils allows wildlife to flourish, with huge populations of waders nesting here. Tiny lapwing chicks can be seen foraging as their parents ward off curious neighbours. In the nearby crofters barn a pair of wrens are raising a family, all under his caring and watchful eye. While on the far side of the croft a pair of short-eared owls have chicks of their own. They’re getting themselves into more bother, wandering widely and coming face to face with this years’ lambs, who aren’t the most delicate of playmates.

In the shallow waters around Scotland’s islands great fields of seagrass can be found. An incredibly important habitat for numerous species here, while buffering against the impact of storms and collecting huge quantities of carbon, locking it up in the sediments below. Warmed by the gulf stream, the rich waters of the west coast attract the second largest fish in the world during the summer months, basking sharks. These huge fish come here to feed on plankton every year. But they’re not the only species drawn here. Scottish waters are home to hugely important seabird colonies, and on the Shiants more than 10% of the UK’s puffins can be found. Nesting in an auk metropolis alongside guillemots and feisty razorbills.

High up on the rugged Isle of Rum, eerie calls fill the night sky. When the Vikings came here they thought these hills were inhabited by trolls, but in fact here one of the world’s largest colonies of manx shearwaters can be found. On the lower slopes one of Scotland’s most iconic mammal can be seen and heard. As the glens are filled with the roaring of red deer, it’s rutting time and the dominant stag is about to face challenges to his supremacy.

In the far North, otters are faring well, Shetland is home to the highest density in Europe and a mother is busy foraging for her 10-month-old cub.

Wildlife is benefitting people in numerous ways in the islands and on Mull eco-tourism is big business, with more than £8million generated for the local economy each year. White-tailed eagles are the star attraction, these birds were reintroduced in the 1970’s and Mull is now home to more than 20 pairs of these huge birds.