Thousands of Atlantic Puffins (Fratercula Arctica) make Scotland their home in spring and summer, as they return to breed along Scottish coast.
One could say, a Puffin’s life is very predictable; they mate for life and return to the very same spot annually. Often even to the very same burrow!
Having spent most of the year at the sea, they return to land only for breeding, re-establish bond with mates and reuse their life-long home to raise a new chick. Once the chick has fledged Puffin parents return to the sea, until next spring.
The characteristics and variety of Scottish coastline offers perfect breeding opportunities for Puffins. Scotland is abundant in remote islands and inaccessible cliffs away from predators, which are best for Puffins’ colonies.
It won’t come as a surprise that Scots wholeheartedly love their ‘sea parrots’ (as Puffins are often referred to), and we do enjoy their annual visits and respect & protect them the best we can.
We use a couple of different nick names for Puffins in Scotland. You will certainly hear about the Sea Parrots or Tammie Norries.
Continue reading to find out where to see Puffins in Scotland, when to see them and how to prepare for Puffin watching adventure!
14 best places to see Puffins in Scotland
1 Sumburgh Head, Shetland
2 Hermaness Nature Reserve, Shetland
3 Fair Isle, Shetland
4 Mull Head, Orkney
5 Isle of May, Firth of Forth
6 Cruden Bay
7 Bullers of Buchan
8 Auchmithie, Aberdeenshire
9 Fowlsheugh, Aberdeenshire
10 Staffa, Isle of Mull
11 Lunga, Treshnish Isles
12 Faraid Head, Sutherland
13 St.Kilda, Outer Hebrides
14 Handa, Sutherland
14 BEST PLACES TO SEE PUFFINS IN SCOTLAND
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SUMBURGH HEAD, MAINLAND, SHETLAND ISLANDS
The southernmost point of Shetland mainland is most certainly a top location for Puffin spotting. Once on the archipelago, getting to Sumburgh Head is relatively easy thanks to good quality roads and public transport connection across Shetland.
Sumburgh Head offers instant Puffin watching, you’ll spot first birds almost immediately from the car park. This is especially valuable for less able-bodied visitors. Puffins on Shetland are not particularly shy, but definitely are curious and often allow watchers approach them for close encounters.
The high cliffs of Sumburgh Head are fenced/walled off to avoid unfortunate accidents and to allow a relatively peaceful breeding grounds for birds. But, since Puffins are not particularly shy, they don’t only stay in the fenced off areas and behind the stone wall, but rather explore the grassy clifftops and sometimes seem to ignore people’s presence altogether.
Head to the east cliffs near car park to watch Puffins relax and mind their burrows, the west cliffs thou offer best opportunities for watching Puffins in flight as they come from the sea (especially good at sunset!)
After a close encounter with Tammie Norries (as they’re usually called in Shetland) why not enjoy refreshments at Sumburgh Head lighthouse café?
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HERMANESS NATURE RESERVE, UNST, SHETLAND ISLANDS
Unst is the nornthernmost habituated island of Shetland archipelago, getting there from mainland Shetland involves taking 2 ferries; mainland-Yell, Yell-Unst. Hermaness Nature reserve was established at the far north of Unst, on a small peninsula off Burrafirth. The remote location of Hermaness guarantees fewer fellow visitors, abundance of wildlife, but also exposition to wild weather. Keep this in mind while setting off to chase Puffins on Unst.
Puffins can be found in great numbers along the coast in Hermaness, but two locations are especially good for watching these beautiful birds at close range: the headland in south-west of Hermaness, and the Muckle Flugga viewpoint at the northern end. Although the nature reserve is world famous for its Northern Gannet colony, other seabirds, including Atlantic Puffins, made it their home and are easy to watch, and quite tame.
For the most opportunities of Puffin watching we recommend exploring Hermaness over a full day, making your way towards the Gannet colony at Saito first (many Puffins along the way), and then progressing north towards Muckle Flugga viewpoint, with return via Hermaness Hill. Most local paths are clear and easy to follow, with wooden walkways built over wettest sections, but unrestricted access to the cliff edge means taking extra care!
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FAIR ISLE, SHETLAND ISLANDS
A small island located half way between Orkney and Shetland archipelagos is world famous for its birdlife. Seabirds and seasonal migratory birds greatly outnumber local residents to Fair Isle and are a huge attraction for anyone remotely interested in wildlife watching. Proof of its fame lies in a known, long established Bird Observatory of Fair Isle.
One downside of setting off to watch Puffins on Fair Isle is getting there. Due to its location in the middle of a turbulent sea and transportation options limited to a small ferry and a small plane, getting to Fair Isle can be difficult or temporarily impossible. Connections between the island and mainland Scotland (or even Shetland) are greatly and easily affected by weather conditions, and Fair Isle gets temporarily ‘cut off from the world’ quite often.
Aside from Atlantic Puffins nesting on the island from mid-April to mid-June, local birdlife includes the elusive Storm Petrels, Fulmars, several kinds of Terns, Razorbills, the rare Black Guillemot, Great and Arctic Skuas and Northern Gannets.
Similarly to other locations in Shetland, Fair Isle Puffins are curious and not particularly shy birds, often allowing for close watch. Some of the best spots to see Puffins on Fair Isle are cliffs at Skroo, Buness and Easter Lother.
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MULL HEAD, ORKNEY ISLANDS
Orkney islands may be overshadowed by the great Shetland archipelago when it comes to birdlife, however they present just as great opportunities for Puffin watching, and most importantly, Orkney is much easier to get to! Located only 8 miles north from mainland Scotland, Orkney is only a short sailing away from the famous NC500 route and often added to the itinerary. Regular sailings guarantee easy access to the Viking islands.
One of the greatest Puffin watching spots on Orkney is Mull Head, a remote headland located at the eastern end of mainland, north of Deerness or Skaill.
The coastal terrain of Mull Head and the distance between headland and the dedicated car park limits number of visitors to this remote corner of Orkney and promises safe and undisturbed nesting opportunities for sea birds, hence they’re abundant. Other than bird watching opportunities, Mull Head also offers a wide range of stunning coastal hikes to landmarks like The Gloup (collapsed sea cave), Brough of Deerness and Covenanters Memorial.
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ISLE OF MAY, FIRTH OF FORTH
The small Isle of May can be found at the edge of North Sea, not far from North Berwick and Anstruther. Accessible by boat from both those villages, Isle of May is a popular choice for birdwatchers from Edinburgh and Fife region. The Isle is an established nature reserve to ensure research and protection of this fragile and unique birdlife habitat.
A limited number of visitors lands on the island every day and is immediately ‘greeted’ by a group of Arctic Terns nesting by the harbour. At the same time nature reserve wardens explain how to behave and stay safe in the bird world of May.
Although while visiting Isle of May you will be asked to always stick to the paths, opportunities to watch Puffins are countless. You may not be able to come close to the largest colony and burrows, however you will still spot Puffins posing on rocks and low cliffs, not far from the path, and within easy reach of your camera or binoculars.
What makes Isle of May one of the best places to see Puffins in Scotland is its convenient location, less than 2 hours drive from Edinburgh (!) and a short comfortable sailing. The restricted character of nature reserve does not exclude opportunities of close encounters (birds are free to sit/rest wherever they please!) but ensures non-disturbance of wildlife by curious visitors.
6/7 CRUDEN BAY AND BULLERS OF BUCHAN, ABERDEENSHIRE
These Puffin watching locations are particularly convenient. Cruden Bay Puffin cliffs are only a short walk from the village, towards Slains Castle. A stretch of low red cliffs offers great and safe breeding ground to seabirds. Cruden Bay cliffs and village are worth a visit outside the main seabird breeding season as the area also offers a beautiful sandy beach, about 2 miles long.
Although Cruden Bay is not a home to the largest of Puffin colonies in Scotland, it’s quite easy to spot the birds and observe them without the need for binoculars. Please be mindful thou, as the cliffs are unstable in places and approaching the very edge is not recommended as unsafe.
A nearby cliffs at Bullers of Buchan offer very similar opportunities, and local Puffin colony is slightly larger. Bullers of Buchan is only a short drive north from Cruden Bay along A975, or alternatively along a 3 miles cliff walk from the village. Local coastline is stunning, with low stacks, arches and caves, there’s no shortage of attractions, whereas coastline at Cruden Bay is somewhat less interesting but also offers a fantastic beach.
To sum up, both locations offer great Puffin watching opportunities, while Bullers of Buchan also wows by interesting coastal views and rock features.
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AUCHMITHIE, ABERDEENSHIRE
This tiny village north of Arbroath is birdwatcher’s best kept secret as very few are familiar with its wildlife watching opportunities. You will be very lucky to come across its name in wildlife related articles, however this hidden gem deserves to be clearly marked on a Puffin spotting map.
Getting to Auchmithie is somewhat tricky due to sparse bus connections, but a drive from the nearest town, Arbroath, only takes about 15mins. Although reaching the seabirds cliffs requires circa 30mins walk, the path is in good state and easy to follow.
The village sits on the cliffs over a small pebble bay. To spot Puffins explore the cliffs to the south of Auchmithie. A series of coves and small headlands are plentiful in birdlife, but the clifftop walk (northern end of Arbroath Cliff Trail) offers more attractions than Puffin watching. Watch out for a collapsed sea cave, its ‘open end’ in the middle of a crop field.
Local Puffins peacefully coexist with other seabirds and you can often see them in company of Guillemots, Razorbills and Shags.
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FOWLSHEUGH, ABERDEENSHIRE
Similarly to other Aberdeenshire Puffin watching spots, Fawlsheugh is a stretch of cliffs (protected as a Nature reserve). Located only a shore drive south from popular Stonehaven the reserve is relatively easy to get to. A marked walking trail leaves the village of Crawton (parking facilities) and follows the coast north, to the Puffin colonies. You will find several information boards and signposts to keep you on the right track for Puffin spotting, there’s no way to miss them.
Although Fawlsheugh is a known Puffin watching area the birds are quite timid and usually confined to inaccessible ledges rather than grassy clifftops, therefore gear up with binoculars or long lens for best experience.
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STAFFA, ISLE OF MULL
Staffa is probably the smallest Puffin spotting location mentioned in this article, but it’s not one to overlook.
The island can only be reached by a boat from Isle of Mull or Iona, and the sailings do get disrupted by choppy sea and stormy weather of Scottish West Coast. Staffa is a popular destination all year round thanks to the Fingal Cave and famous basalt columns, but in the spring and summer the island gets additional attention from wildlife enthusiasts.
The island is tiny and home to wildlife only, however several boat operators offer regular sailings to Staffa, with landing on the island. It is an unmissable opportunity to explore the island and getting close and personal with its wildlife. Local Puffins allow close watch, but please be mindful not to disturb the birds during the breeding time, crucial to species survival.
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LUNGA, TRESHNISH ISLES
Not far from the Isle of Mull lies a small group of islands known as Treshnish Isles. One island in particular has been Puffins’ top choice for breeding. This has even been reflected in the island’s name!
Lunga, the largest of Treshnish archipelago, is accessible by a boat from Isle of Mull or Oban. Thanks to the human population of 0, the seasonal Puffin population flourish, and the birds enjoy their island in peace and undisturbed by farming or predators. Seabirds populations in such locations are usually birds unafraid of humans and perceiving human presence as unthreatening. Thus, watchers may be able to carefully approach the birds and observe closely.
Lunga’s Puffins are friendly and curious birds, patiently posing for photos with their mates or in front of burrows. In locations like Lunga, with unrestricted access to birds it’s really important to keep distance from their breeding grounds to avoid accidentally stepping on a burrow and crushing the bird. Remember, where there are Puffins, there are burrows, even if you can’t see them easily.
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FARAID HEAD, SUTHERLAND, NORTH-EST HIGHLANDS
Puffin colony at Faraid Head offers probably the best Tammie Norrie watching opportunities along the famous NC500 route. Moreover, this far corner of Scottish North is breathtakingly beautiful and a visit to Faraid Head can be much more than just a wildlife watching trip.
Getting to Faraid Head involves a relatively long but very picturesque walk starting at Balnakeil Church, at the southern end of a fabulous sandy Balnakeil Beach. While it’s also possible to follow the cliffs all the way to Faraid Head from Sango Sands beach and campsite, we recommend walking to the headland from Balnakeil Bay as it’s easier and slightly shorter.
Initially cross the Balnakeil beach and look out for a wide track at its far end. Usually, the track appears as a gap in the sand dunes and is completely covered by loose sand. This paved trail has been partially reclaimed by nature, and the grey concrete hardly ever emerges from the sand.
The loose sand trail winds thru a desert-like landscape and small dunes passing a couple of smaller beaches as it arrives to the lighthouse of Faraid Head.
For best Puffin spotting opportunities head to the low cliffs beyond lighthouse, or continue east along the coast, towards the sea stacks.
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ST.KILDA, OUTER HEBRIDES
Probably one of the most tricky locations to get to on our list, St.Kilka islands offer unique and spectacular Puffin watching experience.
Located approx. 60 miles west from Outer Hebrides islands, St.Kilda archipelago can only be reached by a small boat (from Outer Hebrides or Isle of Skye). Mind you, crossing the choppy sea to St.Kilda can be an adventure itself.
St.Kilda consists of several islands and sea stacks, now uninhibited and protected as UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE. The main island, Hirta, features dramatic high cliffs, green pastures for wild sheep (domestic animals were abandoned while village population of 36 was ‘evacuated’ to Scottish mainland in 1930), remains of the village and, most importantly, abundance od seabirds.
Cliffs of Hirta and Boreray are seabirds paradise, however landing is only possible on Hirta. The abundance of Puffins and other seabirds on St.Kilda is legendary. In olden days they often were main source of food for local community, who captured birds in spring/summer and preserved for food, or risked lives to collect eggs from nests on cliff face.
Despite its dramatic past, St.Kilda is today perceived as a remote wildlife heaven, perfect for watching Puffins, Guillemots and Gannets.
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HANDA, SUTHERLAND, NORTH-WEST HIGHLANDS
Hidden in the remote North-West Highlands of Scotland is Handa. This small island turned a Nature Reserve is home to countless seabirds, including a couple of elusive species. Consisting of wet bogs edged by high cliffs of red Torridonian Sandstone, Handa provides undisturbed and safe nesting grounds for Puffins, Guillemonts, Great and Arctic Skuas, Arctic terns, Razorbills and Shags. You will spot the birds easily while exploring the island, but no sonner than Terns and Skuas hover over your head while investigating the new arrival and deterring potential threat to their nests and chick.
Getting to Handa requires a bit of forward planning as the boat connections are sparse and launch from a very remote harbour in Tarbet. Usually, the visitors can enjoy 2-3 hours exploring the island and wildlife watching, before the boat returns.
You may be unsure about you first impression of Handa, but as soon as you set off along the marked trail, you will discover that the island is teeming with wildlife. Almost immediately you get spotted by lively Arctic Terns and the intimidating Great Skuas. Occasionally even Arctic Skua may pay you some attention as you come closer to the nesting wet grounds, all Skuas’ favourite.
A good Puffin view point can be found at the northern shores of Handa, local sea parrots sharing nesting grounds with Razorbills and Guillemots. While the marked trail heads back to the landing beach along the western shores you’ll pass several coves, fissures and stacks, before re-joining the outward trail near cottage ruins.
OTHER PLACES TO SEE PUFFINS IN SCOTLAND
The above 14 locations are THE BEST places to see Puffins in Scotland where Puffin watching is almost guaranteed on any day during breeding season, however the list is not exhaustive. Several other locations offer Puffin spotting opportunities, although these colonies may be smaller and seeing Puffins is not guaranteed.
Examples of other places for possible Puffin encounters:
- North Berwick near Edinburgh. Puffins can be spotted during birdwatching boat trips, they are known to visit Lamb and Craigleith, or can sometimes be seen on water. However these trips are not focused on Puffins, but rather on neaby world-famous gannetry at Bass Rock.
- Abbs Nature Reserve, near Coldingham, Scottish Borders. This reserve is a paradise for watching the wide scope of seabirds and sea mammals (seals, dolphins), Puffins are also known to visit the majestic cliffs of St.Abbs.
- Troup Head, Aberdeenshire. Another example of a massive gannetry where dozens of other seabirds can be spotted, including Puffins.
- Inchcolm island on Firth of Forth (boat trip from South Queensferry). Home to a historic Abbey, Inchcolm is an easy destination to get to. In spring and summer the island becomes a home to countless seabirds, including Puffins.
- Almost anywhere on Shetland islands. Although not every mile of Shetland coast homes a busy Puffin colony, there were only single spots where we did not see Puffins during our month-long visit. You may say ‘there’s no such thing as too much Puffin’, but to be true you will probably suffer a Puffin-overload while visiting Shetland 🙂
Want to know what to expect? Check out webcams on Scottish Seabirds Centre website North Berwick, Inchcolm island FB page or website, Sumburgh Head webcams.
WHEN TO SEE PUFFINS IN SCOTLAND
The annual Puffin breeding season lasts several months. First Puffins arrive to Scotland in April (can certainly call them the ‘early birds’) and they have usually left by mid-August.
During these months the opportunities to watch Puffins are countless, but vary from month to month, as Puffins’ activities change. And so, early in the season you’ll watch puffins arrive, reestablish bonds with mates, sometimes fight. It’s a spectacle. Whereas mid breeding season (hatching time) Puffins spend extended periods of time underground, and chances of spotting them decrease as one bird per couple always stays in the burrow to hatch the egg while the other feeds at sea (they then swap). The birds’ activity (and spotting opportunities) shoot up as the chick has hatched and demands enormous amounts of food. This period of breeding season certainly is the most spectacular, with stunning opportunities to watch and photograph Puffin parents constantly providing food for the ever-hungry chick, their beaks full of nutritious sand eel as they return to burrows.
CAN YOU SEE PUFFINS IN EDINBURGH
Frankly, no you can’t. But, you can have a good chance to see Puffins during a day trip from Edinburgh.
So, where to see Puffins from Edinburgh? The best options include Isle of May (boat from Anstruther), North Berwick (Sula II boat tour) and Inchcolm island (boat from South Queensferry).
DO YOU NEED TO TAKE A WILDLIFE WATCHING TOUR TO SEE PUFFINS IN SCOTLAND
Again, no, you don’t need an organised tour, but often you need to book a boat to take you to a good Puffin spot or have a car at your disposal. Or, you may have to make provisions to visit a remote corner of Scotland (like Shetland archipelago) where Puffin watching opportunities can easily be described as ‘unlimited’.
ESSENTIAL GEAR TO SEE PUFFINS IN SCOTLAND
This may surprise you, but most importantly you need weatherproof clothing. Wearing a water or wind proof jacket (insulated) can greatly improve your experience while spending prolonged periods of time laying on the ground motionless, exposed to coastal weather.
Many locations we listed as ‘the best’ allow for close encounters with Puffins and binoculars or long lens can come handy but may not be necessary.
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