ABOUT HEATHERLEA

Heatherlea is one of Britain's leading wildlife holiday operators. We show you all the special wildlife of Scotland, from the top of Cairngorm to the beautiful islands around the west and north. Most of our holidays are based at our 3 star hotel in Nethybridge, though we also offer an increasingly popular range of short breaks - under the GO FURTHER! banner - which can be taken as extensions of a week with Heatherlea or as stand-alone holidays. We also offer a short range of exciting and rewarding Overseas Adventures - full details inside!

Heatherlea was founded by Kevin and Caryl Shaw in 1991 at Heatherlea Guest House in Boat of Garten, six miles from our current location in Nethybridge. We began Heatherlea for the very best reason - we wanted to go birding with you! Both Kevin and Caryl left careers behind in Oxford to migrate north, and we have never regretted the move for a minute, it's the best thing we have ever done!

Our small guest house was full in its second year, and in 1998 we finally responded to demand and moved to The Mountview in Nethybridge. Run by birders for birders, we deliver holidays here to hundreds of people every year. It is a privilege and a pleasure to run our holiday business.

Thank you for visiting our website and hopefully considering our holidays. It is you who make us number one in Scotland, and we are just raring to show you the birds!

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How to contact us:

IN THE OFFICE

You can phone, fax or email Heatherlea any time you like. Emma, Kevin and Amanda are here to answer your call.

Heatherlea Birdwatching
The Mountview Hotel
Nethybridge
Inverness-shire
PH25 3EB
Tel: 01479 821248
Fax: 01479 821515
e-mail: hleabirds@aol.com

Our team

IF IT’S SCOTLAND IT HAS TO BE HEATHERLEA!

Kevin, Jonny, Ian, Mike, John

Wildlife watching in Scotland is best in the company of outstanding guides with up-todate local information. Scotland is a big country with a wealth of open space, and whilst guidebooks can be very helpful, you have much better chances of seeing the key birds with the help of a Heatherlea guide. This is no empty claim: we know it’s true, because our guests keep telling us! Take a look at our team, our experience, background and qualifications. We don’t think you can do better than a Heatherlea guide.

Kevin Shaw
Kevin is usually around most weeks at The Mountview Hotel in Nethybridge when not leading overseas. Kevin and wife Caryl will as ever be personally supervising every holiday behind the scenes to make sure you get what you deserve – the best birding holiday in Scotland!

Ian Ford
Ian joins us again as a Senior Guide. Ever popular, Ian will be seen from Handa to Andalucia this year. There is no truth in the rumour that Ian was the inspiration for our ‘Old Henry’ special beer!

Jonny Pott
Jonny lives on local Kincardine Moor, and is full of tales of local history and birding lore. With his caring manner and endless enthusiasm, Jonny will be there from mountains to Mull to show you Scotland’s special wildlife.

John Poyner
Guiding in Scotland for many years, John is a tip-top birder and a very likeable person, delighted to be with Heatherlea’s friendly team and keen to take you birding!

Dave Pullan
A top birder with vast experience in Scotland and worldwide, Dave lives in Nethybridge and fits right into our friendly and happy team. Dave joined Heatherlea in 2006.

Peter Cosgrove
A professional eco-consultant, of all our locally based guides Pete is the one who is most likely to be spreading the news about rarities! Pete has a passion for birding everywhere, particularly in tropical climes, though he can also be found in Spitsbergen this year.

Josef Leestmans
Our newest recruit, Josef is a very experienced birder who has taken to Scotland like a duck to water. Josef has already completed several weeks for us in Strathspey to rave reviews!

Mike Coleman
Dedicated birder Mike is a top guide with a very friendly manner. Mike is currently completing his MSc, though he will be leading our Complete Trinidad and Tobago holiday in 2008 and in Sri Lanka in 2009.

Kenny Taylor
Local expert Kenny is rapidly becoming known to a wide audience through his informed and entertaining TV appearances and contributions to leading magazines. Kenny joins us as Guest Leader on a number of holidays.

Mat Wilson
Heatherlea guide on the west coast of Scotland, Mat is an exceptional naturalist on personal terms with eagles, otters, martens and deer. On our ‘Far west coast’, ‘Top Twenty’ and ‘Top Thirty’ holidays Mat invariably produces an absorbing and rewarding day.

HEATHERLEA GUIDING – it makes all the difference!