Conservation in action

We work directly with local communities to ensure whales, dolphins and porpoises are protected and valued throughout Scotland’s west coast.

Explore our interactive map to find out where the latest sightings are.

Find out about our dedicated research vessel and how to get on board!

Learn about our fascinating species of whale, dolphin and porpoise.

The Hebridean Whale Trail

The Hebridean Whale Trail is a network of fantastic whale-watching and whale heritage sites across the west coast of Scotland that will showcase the amazing wildlife, landscapes and heritage that make this area so special.

Find out more

The Challenge

Our seas are under huge pressure; increasingly busy, noisy and polluted. Scotland’s whales and dolphins exist in a fragile state, threatened by a range of environmental, climatic and man-made stresses.

There have been significant changes in the Scottish west coast marine environment over the last two decades. Our research has identified that the consequences for whales and dolphins are already apparent:

20%

of Hebridean minke whales have entanglement scars

8

killer whales left in West Coast Community

0.5°C

rise in sea surface temperature in 10yrs

What We Do

Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) is a marine conservation charity that takes action through a unique programme of community based research and education. This two pronged approach ignites strong local stewardship and supports meaningful change for the conservation of Hebridean cetaceans and marine life.

We are change agents; conducting the research that underpins the future safeguarding of whales, dolphins and porpoises. Training up volunteers to become citizen scientists on our research boat trips as well through our sighting networks.

We also provide educational experiences in our dedicated Discovery Centre, on our boat Silurian and by visiting schools around the whole of the Hebrides.