Spellbinding birds in action
Nestled within the magnificent wilderness of the Scottish Highlands, Shieldaig Lodge on the west coast offers guests the chance to truly immerse themselves in the lodge’s surrounding wildlife with their bespoke falconry experiences. Find out more below..
Arguably one of the world’s oldest field sports, Falconry is the ancient practice of using a trained bird of prey to hunt.
Photo: Shieldaig Lodge
At Shieldaig Lodge, visitors have the opportunity to see these spellbinding birds in action. With a range of tailored experiences on offer, guests are encouraged to learn about, fly, observe and handle an impressive variety of birds such as eagles, hawks, buzzards, falcons and owls – all of which are found within the grounds of the lodge’s 26,000 acre estate.
Previously only accessible via boat, Shieldaig Lodge was originally a Victorian hunting lodge within the Gairloch Estate. The 19th Century lodge’s dramatic architecture and surrounding West Highland landscape act as a fitting backdrop for those wanting to try their hand at falconry. Unique to Shieldaig Lodge is the Falconry Centre situated in the Estate’s picturesque Stone Farm Cottage. From the Falconry Centre, the hotel is more than happy to arrange bespoke falconry experiences in partnership with Falconry Scotland.
Photos: Shieldaig Lodge Falconry Centre
Explore the east coast
After you have explored the most northerly of Scotland’s great houses, relax in the beautiful gardens at Dunrobin Castle near Golspie. Enjoy the enchanting aerobatic displays of owls, hawks and falcons. Andrew Bunting, their professional resident Falconer, demonstrates and describes their diverse hunting methods and will introduce you to Dunrobin’s feathered friends.
Falconry displays are during the months of April and September at 11.30am and 2.00pm
Photo: Dunrobin Castle
