Ride the white waves on a marine tour

Ayrshire & Arran both have so much to offer wildlife lovers, and winter is no exception.

The coastline is alive with sealife. Take a boat trip around Ailsa Craig, which is a prime location to spot a variety of wildlife. Look out for seals, porpoise and even basking sharks.

This imposing rock, which rises to more than 1,000 ft, is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Protection Area, due to its seabird population. In winter, look out for large flocks of birds gathering to feed, or flying at dusk to form large roosts to keep warm.

Around Ayrshire & Arran, birdwatchers can look out for mallard, shelduck, merganser and eider, which are present all year round and joined in the winter months by widgeon, golden eye and teal.

Arran is also a fantastic place to see one of Scotland's great birds, the golden eagle, which you'll find inland of the glens. The UK's second biggest bird of prey, winter is a good time to see these majestic birds, as this is when the adults are starting to establish their breeding territories for the coming year.

Find out about Ayrshire & Arran’s wildlife.