If you play a round of golf at the Pitlochry golf club or stay in one of our luxurious cottages on the Pitlochry Golf Estate, it goes without saying that you will be spoilt by magnificent views of the wonderful surrounding Highland Perthshire scenery. However an added bonus is the fact that you are likely to spot a selection of animals that co-habit the course peacefully with the club-swinging breed of humans that is ‘the golfer’.

Red Squirrels:
Pitlochry can boast that it is home to the increasingly rare (on British shores) species Sciurus Vulgaris more commonly known as the Red Squirrel. After the introduction of the Grey Squirrel to the United Kingdom, the population of the smaller, red squirrel has decreased dramatically. However red squirrels continue to live unchallenged in Highland Perthshire and it is likely that you will spot one scurrying around the golf course at some point during your stay.

Oystercatchers:
These birds can be spotted near the “Cuilc” (a pond) by the Pitlochry Golf Clubhouse. Oystercatchers are often noisy and full of character. Their plumage is striking and you will see them around the course over the summer months.

Swans:
These elegant birds can once more be spotted near the golf course as they have returned to nesting at the “Cuilc” after a number of years being absent.

Otters:
Found yourself in a burn beside the fairway? You may well bump in to a semi-aquatic mammal as you consider whether or not you should do a Jean Van de Velde and jump in to the water in order to play your next shot.

Roe Deer:
These relatively small deer are majestic in their movements and you may see one or two bounding in to surrounding foliage as you complete your round.

Ospreys:
Ospreys have been nesting at the Loch of the Lowes reserve in the heart of Perthshire for over 30 years, which is around 15 miles from the course, we have had players reporting that Ospreys have been spotted around the course in Pitlochry recently, so keep your eyes open for these magestic birds.

So whilst you enjoy a serene break in Highland Perthshire, you may be sharing the land with more beings than you might think!