Do we have lizards in Scotland?

[Cycloang]

Hi all. I was out cycling around the lammermuirs in the Scottish borders yesterday and I'm sure I saw a little wee lizard run across the road in front of me. He was only about 4 inches long and bright green.

So, did my eyes deceive me, or do we really have lizards in Scotland?

Thanks.

Angela.

[Wild-Woman]

Yes and on the increase in some areas apparently. However, I think they are under-recorded so your sighting may be worth getting recorded.

[tearortwo]

I was surprised to find a little green lizard on the golf course fairway at Bonar Bridge in early June 2008. Terrain quite hilly with lots of gorse and heather. For those unfamiliar with Scottish geography, this is some 20 miles or so north of Inverness.

Can anyone support this with similar northern sightings?

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by tearortwo

I was surprised to find a little green lizard on the golf course fairway at Bonar Bridge in early June 2008. Terrain quite hilly with lots of gorse and heather. For those unfamiliar with Scottish geography, this is some 20 miles or so north of Inverness.

Can anyone support this with similar northern sightings?

According to distribution maps Common Lizards do occur that far north. No other similar species should be present.

[earthdragon64]

Originally Posted by tearortwo

I was surprised to find a little green lizard on the golf course fairway at Bonar Bridge in early June 2008. Terrain quite hilly with lots of gorse and heather. For those unfamiliar with Scottish geography, this is some 20 miles or so north of Inverness.

Can anyone support this with similar northern sightings?

Not as far north, but I regularly see Lizards fairly high up in the Cairngorms.

Regards, Audrey.

[~T~]

I've only seen slow worms and that was around Ben Lomond but my uncle saw quite a few Common Lizards round about Loch Awe. I'm pretty sure I heard there are Sand Lizards in one location in the Borders too.

[Endrick]

Lizards are very common. I've seen them all the way up including Sutherland. In fact the area just to the south of Assynt is a real hot spot for them.

[Johnny Redgate]

I've seen Common Lizard on Strathy bog, almost on the north coast.

[~T~]

Originally Posted by Endrick

Lizards are very common. I've seen them all the way up including Sutherland. In fact the area just to the south of Assynt is a real hot spot for them.

I wouldn't say common in all parts of Scotland, localised yes. I know around the Glasgow area all reptiles seem pretty scarce. Actually if anyone knows where I could observe common lizards or adders in the Glasgow or surrounding areas (particularly East Renfrewshire) then please let me know.

[Endrick]

Don't know about East Renfrewshire but there are fair numbers around the Campsie Fells. We occasionally get them in our garden.