LBC in talks with holiday company about birding holidays to Scottish Highlands

Thank you for that, Alan. Very thoughtful.

We went to Loch Garten last year and it was fairly quiet with no Crested Tits around . The small loch across the road from it can be productive especially for fishing Osprey. I hope everyone enjoys the trip and I look forward to seeing the list of birds seen.

A couple of people have asked about shops near the hotel.

There are a few - including a Co-op supermarket and a Boots chemist - within a couple of minutes' walk. 

RSPB say entrance to the visitor centre (ie shop/restaurant) at Loch Garten/ Abernethy is  free to RSPB members but £5 to non-members.

However, I understand  there is no charge for access to trails and other parts of the site.

I have never been to this reserve, so would welcome any up-to-date info being posted on this thread. 

Cairngorm Travel have been in touch to confirm that travel documents will be distributed shortly to those on the tour.

In the meantime, here is some info (see attachments) from Where to Watch Birds in Scotland.

Well this certainly was not in the script - Lochindorb is one of the destinations for the LBC trip.


APPEAL FOLLOWING BIRD OF PREY SHOT NEAR GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY

Officers are appealing for information after a protected bird of prey was shot near Grantown-on-Spey.

We received a report of a red kite being shot around 11.15am on Monday, 27 March, on the Lochindorb Estate, Grantown-on-Spey.

It was recovered with the assistance of the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) but had to be euthanized as its injuries were not recoverable.

Community Police Inspector Craig Johnstone said: “The red kite is a protected species and under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 it is illegal to kill them.

“I am asking anyone in the local community who may be able to help with our enquiries to come forward. If you were walking in the area on Monday then please let us know if you saw anything.

“In particular, if you saw quad bikes in the area or off road vehicles, then get in touch as even the smallest bit of information could assist with our investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1760 of Monday, 27 March, or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.