Wildlife is now £65m tourist attraction

A new report has revealed that wildlife tourism is worth £65million a year to the Scottish economy.

And the Highlands and Islands has emerged as the powerhouse of the sector, which supports more than 2,700 jobs.

Academics found that more than a million trips are made to Scotland every year by people who want to enjoy the wildlife.

After the Highlands and islands, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs are the next biggest draw.

The research was carried out by Bournemouth University, which assessed land, coast and sea in a report for the Scottish Government.

It has already been estimated that the Isle of Mull’s population of sea eagles generates about £2million for the local economy on its own.

And last night wildlife groups said they were delighted the new report had highlighted the importance of the sector.

Sally Dowden, who runs tour operator Speyside Wildlife at Aviemore, said she had seen a significant rise in wildlife tourism in the past 20 years.

She said: “When we started it was very much a niche market, and people were focused on specific species. Now there is a general interest in wildlife.

“Birdwatching is still extremely significant and lots of people come to see capercaillie and ospreys, but also golden eagles, grouse and the crested tit. But there are also people who want to see pine marten and badgers.”

Charlie Phillips, a field officer with the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, said: “There has been a need for a couple of years for proper research into the value of wildlife tourism.

“I’m pleased. This highlights how important our natural environment is to the gross domestic product of the country.

“People are working hard, so it’s good that it is giving returns.

“It’s also raising awareness.

“One of the most important things is that people are coming to Scotland, seeing how Scotland should be. They’re seeing lovely wild stuff and they’re going away with a good impression of both the wildlife and the people as well.”

The report revealed that terrestrial wildlife had a net impact of £27million and supported 1,136 jobs, marine wildlife brought in a net £15million and supported 633 jobs and coastal wildlife attracted £24million and provided 995 jobs.

The total spent by tourists was much higher at £276million but, taking into account jobs, income, accommodation and the wider supply chain, the net impact was put at about £65million.

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