Submitted by Owen McCafferty on Tue, 2009-12-01
The sands of Kyle, Rabbit Islands and Eilan Nan Ron (one of the islands) have resident grey and common seals. The latter island takes its name from them. 1793 was the year that rabbits were first recorded in Sutherland!
Low tide reveals all manner of sea life and birds attracted include Red and Green Shank, Ring Plover, Curlew, Turnstones, Terns and Fulmars with the ever present Herons, Ducks, Cormorants, Oystercatchers and Buzzards. Dawn and dusk are best if Otters are to be seen in the wrack, rocky inlets and river pool sides.
The scenic roads round the Kyle via Strathmore and Strathnaver offer throughout the seasons, Deer and Birds or Prey. The Woodlands, in particular Borgie Forest, offer leaping Salmon, Squirrels, Crossbills, Roe deer and Badger.
Prized spotting can include the Eagle, Osprey, Northern, Red and Black Throated Divers, Peregrines and Merlins inhabit the crags and cliffs, Woodcock, Snipe and Geese the marsh and loch sides.
Famed in botanical terms the Primula Scoticia magenta Flower can be seen on the headlands with many Orchids, Vetches and Worts including Fly catching Plants among the cotton grasses. The Moines peaty terrain and Ben Hope and Ben Loyal offer cloud and Blaeberries in season.
Watch out for Highland Cows, there are plenty about. You will also see many special breeds of sheep.
Click on the image for full view
Public Toilets
These are available in the centre of Tongue where the road splits and turns back on itself down the hill. The toilets are in the “V”.
‹ Lochan Hakel up The Signal House › Similar of ‘Nature in and around Tongue’
