Wildlife in the Highlands

During our recent surveys in the NW of Scotland we encountered some of the wildlife in the Highlands! Although we came to survey archaeological sites there was no escaping the flora and fauna.  As well as Lion’s Mane Jellyfish we had to deal with other dangerous creatures. The good weather meant that conditions for diving were ideal but also encouraged the midges to come out. Midge nets were one of our key pieces of equipment!

We also ran into plenty of clegs (horsefly).

Fortunately not all the local wildlife is so terrifying! A group of deer came to check out our operations.

A local seal also dropped by our dive site to see what the fuss was about.

 

Kinlochbervie Harbour – 29th July 2013

Today the SAMPHIRE team were conducting dive surveys from Kinlochbervie Harbour, from the local boat the MV Nimrod, skippered by Jimmy MacIntosh. We have been joined for the next few days by Bruce Greig, a volunteer dive whose years of scallop diving in the area have given him a comprehensive knowledge of local diving conditions and sites. We had a great first day of diving south of Elphin and were escorted back to the harbour by another local with extensive diving experience!

SAMPHIRE team's new escort (seal)

SAMPHIRE team's new escort