bernera wildlife, fact (and fiction?)

The countryside around Glenelg and Bernera is a haven for wildlife. Dolphins, porpoises, seals and otters can be seen in the Sound of Sleat and nearby waters. Eagles, buzzards, and many sea birds in the air. And on land, sightings range from the shrew to the red deer.

One of the rarest, and shyest, wild animals in this part of Scotland is the Scottish Wild Cat. This is not often seen here, but it has prompted some strange tales...

Scottish Big Cats and the Cait Sith

Over the years, there have been myths and rumours about a large, strange animal that roamed the Scottish highlands, the Cait Sith. There have also many reported sightings of big cats in Scotland. Some of these are probably wild cats that have grown larger in the telling of the story. Others are possibly a hybrid wild cat that does seem to be larger than the most wild or domestic cats. No one can be sure - but the web site www.scottishbigcats.co.uk has a wealth of information on the subject, including an account of the cait sith - and a report on a sighting in Bernera in the 1980s. Could this be the "beast of Bernera"?

We do not believe there is any such thing, but pine martens, wild cats, and other creatures almost certainly inhabit the woods above Bernera.

You can read more about the bernera farmhouse.