The Outer Hebrides’ national nature reserves, which include St Kilda, Monach Isles and Loch Druidibeg, are being promoted in a new Michelin I-Spy guide from VisitScotland and Scottish Natural Heritage.
The organisations are encouraging youngsters to put down their computer games and enjoy a blast from the past with the revival of I-Spy guides which were first published back in the Fifties and Sixties, with titles such as I-Spy Cars and I-Spy on a Train Journey.
The handy pocket-sized spotters’ books were an essential piece of luggage for any boy or girl going on a family trip and now VisitScotland has teamed up with Scottish Natural Heritage and Michelin to produce an I-Spy guide called Scottish Nature.
Families are encouraged to enjoy the region’s national nature reserves by keeping a look out for species such as barnacle geese, red kites, hen harriers, red squirrels and damselflies which are featured along with more than 100 species in the booklet. The colourful book highlights Scotland’s rich variety of nature, including everything from sea eagles and adders to waterfalls and heather.
Alan MacKenzie, Islands Manager for VisitScotland, said: “In the year of Active Scotland, we are keen to promote activities that encourage individuals and families to get out and about and make the most of their natural environment. The Outer Hebrides has so much to offer with its rich landscape which is a haven for wildlife, and we are delighted to be able to promote the region in this way via a national partnership with SNH and Michelin which is part of our latest Surprise Yourself campaign activity.”
Dougie Pollok, Campaign Manager at Scottish Natural Heritage, said: “This booklet is a must-have for any child – or adult – who enjoys getting out and about in the Outer Hebrides. Spotting wildlife is great fun and we hope it will inspire people to take a closer look at the natural world. It’s the ideal travelling companion as it can be used anywhere – in your own back garden, the local park or visiting one of our National Nature Reserves, some of the best places in Scotland to see wildlife.”
Just like the original I-Spy books, points are awarded based on the rarity of the object, with the opportunity to be awarded with a certificate for every 1,000 points.
To claim your free copy of I-Spy Scottish Nature, visit www.visitscotland.com/surpriseispy
For more information about Scotland’s National Nature Reserves, visit
www.nnr-scotland.org.uk
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