EIGG OTTER SURVEY  

Having just returned from the Eigg field otter survey, we felt we should share with you something of the magic of this tiny island which lies 12 miles from Mallaig on the west coast of Scotland.

 The island may only measure about 5 miles x 3 ½ miles but it has a wide variety of coastal habitats from wonderful sandy beaches to high cliffs and bouldery shores.  There is also a high moorland plateau surrounded on three sides by steep cliffs and the peak of the Sgurr watches over the whole island. 

So why study such a small area?  Firstly we wanted to know more about the population of otters and its distribution and we are also interested in how this population relates to the neighbouring Small Isles of Rhum, Eigg and Canna. 

A group of volunteers helped us to cover the coastline, which was at times extremely difficult going, but we were treated to some of the best weather the Hebrides can offer.  Not only that but our wildlife sightings were unbeatable – Minke Whales, Dolphins, Porpoises, White Tailed Sea Eagle, Golden Eagle, Basking Sharks and of course the otters.  One particular male otter was particularly co-operative and would almost appear to order!

 Obviously, the data from the survey still has to be analysed in detail but there were several interesting findings.  Certain areas are particularly well used by otters but most of the east side below the cliffs shows little signs.  This is closely related to the lack of freshwater for washing and the main areas of activity in this region is around two freshwater lochans.  

However, we also found that the otters are going up onto the high moorland, presumably again for the freshwater.  John Chester, the Scottish Wildlife Trust Warden on Eigg gave us a lot of useful information but also confirmed that he had seen them climbing the steep hill onto the moors and also climbing towards the base of the cliff line, presumably in search of shearwaters nesting there. 

A full report for Eigg will be produced in due course and you will read about this in a future Newsletter.