With BBC’s Springwatch series broadcasting from Islay this year, residents expect an influx of visitors, as experienced by previous featured locations. Whilst welcoming this boost to tourism, Wild Scotland, Scotland’s wildlife tourism association, is sounding a note of caution to visitors, urging them to use responsible operators.
Following the broadcasting success of the previous two series of Springwatch, filmed on Mull and Shetland, both locations saw a significant increase in wildlife tourists. On Mull, the number of visitors to the sea eagle hide rose from 3000 to an incredible 5500 post Springwatch, doubling revenue generated. Extra visits had to be organised to meet demand, with people booking two to three weeks in advance. VisitShetland reported a 15% increase in visitor enquiries during the three weeks of Springwatch in 2006.
Caroline Warburton, Manager of Wild Scotland, comments: “Our operators on Mull noticed a marked increase in the number of visitors last year, which is a great testimony to the success of Springwatch, reflecting the increasing interest in wildlife tourism.
"Responsibly run wildlife tourism is amongst the most sustainable types of tourism in Scotland. As well as being environmentally responsible, it draws visitors to rural parts of the country, often in the shoulder or winter periods and provides local employment. It's a win-win situation.
"We're delighted to see more people are getting out and enjoying Scotland's natural environment, however, we would encourage people to make sure they use responsible tour operators who can ensure the safety of both the watcher and the wildlife.”
Wild Scotland is supported by VisitScotland, European Union, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Natural Heritage.
For more information, see the links below:
- Responsible wildlife operators -
www.wild-scotland.co.uk, www.dolphinspace.org, www.smwoa.org.uk
Land-based wildlife watching opportunities - www.greentourism.org.uk/LandWildlife.html
Responsible watching tips – www.visitscotland.com/wildlife/responsible
Springwatch - www.bbc.co.uk/nature/animals/springwatch/programmes/
