Ian Ford
Ian has been guiding with Heatherlea since 1999, and describes his guiding career with the words 'it has been wonderful working at my hobby and playing a part in the company’s move from only Highland trips to taking over the world'.
Ian's interest in wildlife dates back to his early childhood, with lots of freedom to explore local ponds and woods, finding newts and learning bird song and wild flowers. A licensed ringer from his schooldays, Ian visited the Isle of May Bird Observatory and Bass Rock, and was delighted to find a singing Woodlark in a local forest in the 1990s, leading to Scotland’s only breeding record.
His favourite places include Spain, particularly the Ebro river and delta area, Yellowstone for its scenery, geysers, hot springs and other thermal features as well as the wildlife, and of course the Cairngorms and Scottish islands, describing the Hebrides as 'a secret jewel recently shared with many'.
In recent years Ian has worked to help develop wildflower meadows and woodland by the Tay estuary, and he holds a license to grow Greater Yellow Rattle, a flower which grows wild in only one location in Scotland. His oakwood and orchard project will keep him busy for many years to come!
Ever popular with guests and fellow guides alike, Ian will be leading groups for us across the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, in England, and around the world. Ian particularly enjoys visiting the Inner and Outer Hebrides throughout the summer, though of course his knowledge extends to many birding destinations around the globe.
Follow this Guide
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Islands on the Edge
- 04 Jun - 11 Jun 2022
A grand tour of the Inner and Outer Hebrides, from Berneray, North & South Uist, Benbecula, Eriskay, Barra and Vatersay to Tiree and Coll!
Prices from £1995 pp
Duration: 8 Days
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Inner Hebrides from Canna to Iona
- 17 Jun - 24 Jun 2022
An island hopping adventure on the west coast of Scotland: visiting Canna, Eigg, Muck, Morvern, Ardnamurchan, Mull, Iona, Lunga and Staffa.
Prices from £2095 pp
Duration: 8 Days
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Ultimate Outer Hebrides
- 02 Jul - 11 Jul 2022
A thorough and complete grand tour of the Outer Hebrides: From Lewis to Harris, Berneray, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist, Eriskay, Barra, Vatersay & Mingulay!
Prices from £2395 pp
Duration: 10 Days
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Birds and Mammals featuring Perthshire
- 23 Jul - 30 Jul 2022
Highland birds and mammals including Beaver, Pine Marten and Otter, in Strathspey, Angus and Perthshire.
Prices from £1495 pp
Duration: 8 Days
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Highlands and the Outer Hebrides
- 06 Aug - 13 Aug 2022
A week long summer holiday to the Highlands and the Southern Outer Hebrides
Prices from £1495 pp
Duration: 8 Days
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A great introduction to African birding
Prices from £2695 pp
Duration: 11 Days
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Superb spring birding from the pre-Pyrenees to the Ebro Delta
Prices from £2195 pp
Duration: 9 Days