questions & Answers

What's the best time for Capercaillie?

Here at Heatherlea over 90% of our groups see Capercaillie, whenever you choose to join us. In spring (March - May) both sexes are active, and we usually get good views every week. In summer (June - August) the birds are quieter, although we often see females with small chicks. In autumn and winter (Sept - March) the birds are perhaps at their most visible, away from breeding and moulting seasons.

We rarely fail to see Caper any time, but must emphasise that we always look for the birds in a responsible manner. This means not disturbing the birds at lekking sites, and searching during the middle of the day in high sided vehicles in places where we have special access arrangements.

You will not be expected to be out of bed at 4 or 5 am to see Capercaillie, we can do it in comfort and with safety of the birds in mind.

I want to go to Mull. What's the best way?

Heatherlea holidays take you for a day on Mull to see all the special wildlife. See Highland Winter Birding (March), Spring into Scotland (April/May) and Highlands and Mull (August).

For a longer holiday visit, see our Go Further! Mull holidays, action-packed holidays with the very best of Mull at a very attractive price!

I don't walk quickly, and don't want to hold the group back. Will I fit in?

If you can't walk far, you don't have to miss the birds. See our 'Easy Walking' holidays, where you will enjoy the wildlife without having to walk too far. Many of our guests don't want to walk more than a mile or so in one go, many others don't even want to leave the area immediately around the minibus. On these holidays, you don't have to, and you will still see an outstanding range of wildlife.

Heatherlea holidays in Scotland cost around £800 - £850 even in 2009. Doesn't this mean a sacrifice in quality standards?

On the contrary, we give you more than many competitors offer at higher prices. For instance, at The Mountview Hotel in Nethybridge we have a three star rating, with the coveted award of TWO rosettes for food from the AA, one of only a handful of similar establishments in this area. Heatherlea day trips were awarded FOUR STARS by VisitScotland, the highest ranking in the whole Speyside area.

We are licenced to operate proper PCV minibuses, with guides/drivers qualified to suit (ask around, you won't find many others with this qualification). Our guides all live in the area, and because Heatherlea are busy all season, our knowledge is unbeatable - we know where the birds are showing.

Heatherlea holidays are the most popular bird tours in Scotland. We can keep prices down and continue to re-invest in quality for you, our valued client. In turn this means our customers enjoy their visit and either return or recommend us to others (or both). Come and see - there are many very different holidays to choose!