Posts tagged scotland

To the edge of the Hebrides: surveying beyond the Outer Isles

Over nine days at sea, our intrepid team of citizen scientists explored west of the Outer Hebrides, gathering vital acoustic and visual data in rarely surveyed areas. Living and working aboard Silurian, our dedicated research vessel, the team encountered six species of marine megafauna, as well as reaching the most North-Westerly waters of the season. Read all about their experiences here…

Stormy seas, whirlpools and birds galore for our tough teens on the second teen expedition of the year!

With storm Floris in their sights, the teens on our second teen team of the year, braved the wild waves to survey the Inner Hebrides.

Basking sharks, white beaks and celebratory cinnamon swirls on our first teen team of 2025

Six inquisitive teens joined us aboard our research vessel, Silurian, to explore the Sea of the Hebrides, gathering visual and acoustic data.

Guess who’s back? Basking Sharks encountered during latest research expedition!

Over twelve days at sea, our intrepid team of citizen scientists surveyed 700 km of Scottish waters, exploring the Southern and Outer Hebrides. Living and working aboard Silurian, HWDT’s dedicated research vessel, the team encountered 8 species of large marine vertebrates, including our first basking sharks of the year. Read all about their experiences here…

Whale Track Stories: Loch Broom Beluga

Noel Hawkins, a member of the Whale Track community who reports sightings whilst working with Shearwater Cruises in Ullapool, shares a sighting of an unusual and rare visitor to Loch Broom this June.

©Gordon Ball

Sightings, Guest ArticlesSadie Gorvett23 July 2025marine mammals, what can you see, scotland, what can i see in Scotland, hebrides, Hebrides, wildlife, wildlife watching, minke whales, whale track stories, whale track, sightings

First humpback whale encountered during 2025 field season!

Over twelve days at sea, our intrepid team of citizen scientists surveyed 590km of Hebridean waters. Living and working aboard Silurian, HWDT’s dedicated research vessel, the team were rewarded with a moment to remember. Amongst a multi-species feeding frenzy, the first humpback whale of the season made a spectacular appearance.

Fin-omenal sightings during fifth research expedition of 2025!

Over nine days, the team aboard Silurian, HWDT’s dedicated research vessel, surveyed over 550km of Hebridean seas, collecting vital visual and acoustic data. One for the record books, citizen scientists had an unforgettable display of Scotland’s marine megafauna. Read all about their experiences here…

Stormy seas and sailing with celebrities

From stormy seas to BBQ’s on the beach, our teams of students from St Andrew’s University Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) embraced the elements to have a truly memorable time aboard our research vessel, Silurian.

Well-known west coast whales return to our waters

In recent weeks, well known minke whales – Knobble and Kasey – have been spotted in the Hebrides. Their sightings are a powerful reminder of how vital these waters are for minke whales, and how long-term monitoring is key to understanding them.

Sightings, Science & Research, SilurianMorven Summers6 June 2025Knobble the minke whale, Knobble, whale conservation, whale track, what whales can I see, scotland, Scottish whales, who is studying Scottish whales, who is studying whales, whale watching in scotland, whale watching with a difference

Clear skies, glassy seas & fascinating minke whale behaviours on our latest research expedition!

Glorious sunshine welcomed our team of citizen scientists aboard Silurian for our latest research expedition, setting the tone for an unforgettable week.

AIS data underrepresents vessel traffic around coastal Scotland

Data gathered during expeditions on our research vessel, Silurian, have contributed to a new study investigating how accurate Automatic Identification System (AIS) data is in quantifying vessel traffic in coastal waters around Scotland.

Sunshine, still seas and so many epic wildlife encounters!

Fantastic weather allowed for far-flung surveying as our latest group of citizen scientists ventured to the Outer Hebrides aboard Silurian, HWDT’s dedicated research vessel. Over five days, the team onboard encountered six species of marine mammal and surveyed over 300km collecting vital visual and acoustic data. Read all about their experiences here…

Sail into Science: Free Teen Expedition Opportunity

Thanks to generous sponsorship, HWDT are delighted to offer two free spaces to young adults living on the west coast of Scotland. If you are aged 16 or 17 and have an interest in the marine environment, apply today to join us for free on an expedition running 03 - 09 August 2025.

Silurian Sets Sail: The 2025 Field Season Begins!

The 2025 season has officially begun! Our first team of citizen scientists joined Silurian for eight days of survey from Tobermory. From bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoise to puffins, seals, and even otters — the team recorded six marine mammal species and collected crucial acoustic and visual data to support conservation efforts. Read all about their experiences here…

Whale Track Stories: Tracking Skye’s Humpbacks and Responding to Entanglement

This winter, a number of Humpback whales were sighted off the coast of Skye, bringing joy to many. However, this joy turned to despair when two of the individuals became entangled. Luckily, both were freed but not without stress and injury to the animals. Anthony Rigell, a dedicated whale watcher from Skye, was on the ground assisting with the response.

Sightings, Guest ArticlesSadie Gorvett16 April 2025marine mammals, what can you see, scotland, what can i see in Scotland, hebrides, Hebrides, wildlife, wildlife watching, minke whales, whale track stories, whale track, sightings, coastguard, helicopter

A Science Sea Trial Success!

Following an extensive period of winter maintenance, our research vessel, Silurian, set sail on Hebridean seas once again to test some new equipment on board. The data gathered during expeditions is used to better understand our seas and protect the species found off Scotland’s west coast.

Mapping Marine Life: The Power of Expedition Data

In modern times, the importance and application of data is well understood; the digital world we live in has been driven by it. Data is vital to understanding trends and it’s no different when investigating environmental changes.

Big Love for the Ocean's Giants

Our passion for whales runs deep, and there’s so much to admire about these incredible creatures. On Valentine’s Day, we highlight some of the reasons why we loves whales and why you should too.

Whales, porpoises and seabirds galore…

The team on our seventeenth survey encountered foraging minke whales, porpoises and sea birds on their seven-day survey out of Mallaig. Read all about their experiences here…

Seabirds, fin whales and Northern Lights delivered magic during the penultimate expedition of 2024

As reports of the wettest summer on record spread, the team aboard the 13th expedition this field season battled through to survey around the west of Mull, rewarded with dolphins and porpoises.

News & Social Feeds

Noel Hawkins, a member of the Whale Track community who reports sightings whilst working with Shearwater Cruises in Ullapool, shares a sighting of an unusual and rare visitor to Loch Broom this June.

In recent weeks, well known minke whales – Knobble and Kasey – have been spotted in the Hebrides. Their sightings are a powerful reminder of how vital these waters are for minke whales, and how long-term monitoring is key to understanding them.