ARDTORNISH GARDENS

Some red deer seen in the vicinity

of the garden

Although the very handsome roe deer can be seen in woodland areas here, it is the red deer that catch the attention of most. Red deer are large, majestic, noisy and extremely tasty lightly cooked with roast potatoes! They are also quite easy to see on summer evenings or throughout daylight hours in winter.

One of the best places to see them from the car, is on the boggy ground on the road to Loch Arienas but they are best viewed on the hill. Access to the hill is restricted during the stalking season but even then there are hill walks available eg the path to Loch Ternait but check with the estate office first. Anytime from about mid-September, stags can be heard roaring, particularly in late evening near habitation or during the day if on the hill or in the Sanctuary.

The Sanctuary is an area behind Ardtornish House protected from shooting. It is a good place for viewing wildlife. There is a path at the top of the house driveway which leads there through an iron gate and past the “Iron Stag”. The “Iron Stag” was used in the past for target practice but is now a protected species.

Stag just outside the gardenStag lying in vegetation
Stag watchingsmall group of hinds on the hill

Pictures are from left to right, top to bottom -

  1. Stag photographed just below the Kitchen Garden which is why we keep the gates closed at night. Stags often become scarce during, and bold outwith the shooting season.
  2. This stag was well-camouflaged, lying in deep vegetation.
  3. Deer are woodland creatures and can be difficult to spot as they blend in extremely well.
  4. A small group of hinds on the hill - deer will often watch from the skyline and will move off if they think you are too close.

See also

Photos and text by Ian Lamb.