Prestigious Award Nomination for Hebridean Whale Trail
Conservation charity the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust is celebrating after its newly launched Hebridean Whale Trail was a finalist in a major award announced at a glittering event in London on 4 December.
The spectacular trail was a finalist in the New National Treasure (UK) category – alongside London’s Alexandra Palace Theatre and eventual winners the National Maritime Museum – of the National Geographic Traveller Reader Awards 2019.
The Hebridean Whale Trail is the first of its kind in the UK. It connects 33 top places across the Hebridean archipelago and Scotland’s west coast that offer opportunities for land-based sightings of whales, dolphins and porpoises, or showcase the region’s whale heritage.
Scotland’s west coast is dotted with stunning places to quietly watch out for whales, dolphins, porpoises – together known as cetaceans – and other wildlife, including basking sharks.
The trail links sites ranging from easily accessible attractions to remote and wild destinations, and features opportunities for visitors and residents to get involved in marine conservation. Its website www.whaletrail.org includes routes, transport options and site details.
While sightings can never be guaranteed, the Hebridean seas are exceptionally rich in wildlife. More than a quarter of the world’s whale and dolphin species have been recorded in the region, including many conservation priority species.
The award comes as VisitScotland prepares for the Year of Coasts and Waters 2020 – a year-long programme of events and activities spotlighting Scotland’s coasts and waters.
The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust is based on the Isle of Mull and has been taking action for the conservation of cetaceans off western Scotland for over two decades.