Isle Of Coll Otters

[Squidgy the Otter]

A perfect end to a perfect day !! Yesterday I went walking along the North Shore of the Isle of Coll. The beaches are simply stunning, new born lambs in every field, pretty primroses peeping through the machair. The sky was cloudless, the sea a deep turquiose, and the beach as white as any in the Caribbean. The children played happily on the sand dunes, the sun was shining, and just as I thought, this day can't get any better, an otter appeared.

Out in the bay, four curious seals watched me and I climbed halfway up a rocky hillside to try and photograph them. Concentratring on the seals, I almost missed what was happening in the rocky inlet below, and just yards from where I sat with two dogs.

First I saw a shiny brown tale slipping into the water.

I froze, almost too frightened to breath. I felt sure the dogs would scare the otter or he would catch our scent. But no. He was blissfully unaware. Playfully, he made his way along the gully and up on to the beach. I only had a standard lens with me, but took a number of photographs.

He crossed the beach and disappeared into the machair and sand dunes.

I feel so privileged to have seen the otter, which under the circumstances, having two chatty children and two dogs was quite amazing !!

It was such a wonderful experience, one I will never forget.

<meta name="verify-v1" content="NyxvVJjp14/V5Y1tPwaN6H5b7P4/ilxQLHsZYYYv7BE=" />DISCOVER COLL - OUR LITTLE PIECE OF PARADISE (photographs here, on my Notes from a Small Island Page April 2008) but not quite up to standard for WAB.

[2dogs2000]

How lucky you are. I have only seen otters in captivity. After reading about the Isle of Coll I WANT TO COME! Just a case of persuading my husband

[deer boy]

Well spotted otters are such elusive animals but one we all love.Good pics too

[Kayleigh]

Just reading through the Isle of Coll. Its a truly wonderful place. You are so lucky to see the otter especially with dogs and kids lol

Lovely images and a good read.

[Squidgy the Otter]

During the walk I did notice a lot of otter spraint so knew they were about somewhere, I had also seen tracks in the sand of a family of otters on another beach. It seems the island of Coll is seeing quite an increase in the otter population.

[DavyG]

Very nice post.

I don't suppose you are the proprietor of Annie's Croft , Superb Self Catering Cottage by any chance?

Dave

[eigg head]

For years I've dreamt of living on a Hebridean island! Coll is one of the best, with beaches from paradise -though it just needs a few more trees!
Is the old thatched croft at Sorisdale still lying derelict? Many years ago, I remember meeting the three crofting brothers who lived there.

[Squidgy the Otter]

Hi Eigghead, thank you for your post. Crofting still exists at Sorisdale. The two derelict croft houses you mention, are still standing but have been sold twice in the last few years, the last time for approx £125,000. They will now be restored using traditional methods and in keeping with the area. I am looking forward to seeing them when they are finished as obviously they are of great importance to the island's heritage.

[rlchew]

Excellent .

Otters are one of my favourite mammals and I never tire of watching them when I am up in the Highlands and Islands.

Unfortunately I missed out on any sightings on my most recent trip to Mull a few weeks ago.

Hopefully, there will be no difficulty up in Shetland in early June.

I have never been to Coll .... it looks like a beautiful island and therefore must go on my "must visit" list.

Richard

[Squidgy the Otter]

Richew, thank you for your comments. I have had a look at your website and your photographs. All I can say is Wow!! totally breathtaking. If I am ever able to take just one photograph like yours, I would be so very proud !! I am hoping to move on from the point and shoot, automatic mode and become more creative, but I am a mere novice and as they say practice makes perfect !! best wishes..