There’s something undeniably delightful about puffins. With their brightly coloured beaks, sharp black-and-white feathers, and slightly awkward waddle, it’s easy to see why they’ve earned the nickname “clowns of the sea.” And when it comes to watching them in the wild, Scotland’s dramatic coastlines are one of the best places you can go.
Each spring, huge numbers of puffins return to Scotland’s shores to breed, turning the cliffs and islands into a busy, noisy, and unforgettable spectacle. But to make the most of the experience, it helps to know the best time and place to go.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan your puffin-watching trip in Scotland, including the top spots to visit and how to make it part of a bigger Scottish adventure with Skye Highlands Tours.
When is the Best Time to See Puffins in Scotland?
Timing matters. Puffins spend most of the year at sea and only return to land for a short window to nest. If you miss that window, the cliffs will be empty.
Puffin season in Scotland runs from late April to early August.
- April/May: Puffins start arriving, digging out their burrows again and reconnecting with their mates. It’s a fun time to catch their courtship behaviour and nesting prep.
- June: This is the busiest time. Puffins are incubating their eggs, and the colonies are full of activity as the birds head back and forth on fishing runs.
- July: A great month for photographers. Chicks (called pufflings) have hatched, and adults are constantly returning with small fish for them. It’s peak feeding time and perfect for those classic puffin photos.
- Early August: Chicks start to leave the nest and head to sea. By mid-to-late August, most puffins will have left until next spring.
Where to See Puffins in Scotland: The Top 7 Hotspots
Scotland’s coastline is full of great puffin-watching spots. Many of the best colonies are on remote islands, so boat tours are usually the way to go. These places are often protected reserves, which means amazing wildlife and beautiful, untouched landscapes.
- Isle of Staffa & The Treshnish Isles
These islands, just off the west coast near Mull and Iona, are popular for good reason. Staffa is famous for Fingal’s Cave, but its grassy cliffs are also a great place to spot puffins. Lunga, in the Treshnish Isles, might be even better. Puffins there are used to people and tend to stick around, making for some great photo opportunities (just be respectful and keep your distance).
- How to get there: Boat tours run from Fionnphort and Ulva Ferry on Mull, and from Oban on the mainland.
- The Isle of May
This small island in the Firth of Forth is a haven for seabirds and a great spot to see puffins up close. In summer, around 90,000 puffins nest here. You can walk along marked trails and watch them pop in and out of their burrows.
- How to get there: Ferries leave from Anstruther in the East Neuk of Fife.
- Shetland Islands (Sumburgh Head &Hermaness)
Shetland offers some of the easiest and most dramatic puffin encounters. Sumburgh Head is great for close viewing-sometimes just a few feet away. For something wilder, head to Hermaness on Unst, the UK’s northernmost island, where puffins nest by the thousands on towering sea cliffs.
- How to get there: Drive to Sumburgh Head. To reach Hermaness, take a ferry to Unst and prepare for a scenic hike.
- Orkney Islands (Marwick Head & Westray)
Orkney is another great choice for puffin lovers. Marwick Head offers incredible cliffside views and lots of birdlife. For something more remote, take the ferry to Westray and head to the Castle o’ Burrian-home to a busy and easily viewed puffin colony.
- Handa Island
Off the northwest coast of the Highlands, Handa is a protected wildlife reserve that becomes a hub for seabirds in summer. Puffins nest here in large numbers, and the walking trail around the island gives you plenty of chances to spot them along with incredible views of the sea and cliffs.
- How to get there: A passenger ferry runs from Tarbet, not far from Scourie.
- Craigleith, Firth of Forth
Close to the town of North Berwick, Craigleith is home to another important puffin colony. While you can’t usually land on the island, boat tours from North Berwick get you close enough for great views of the birds on the cliffs and in the water.
- The Shiant Isles
For a more remote adventure, the Shiants are worth the effort. Located between Skye and the Outer Hebrides, these islands are home to one of Europe’s largest seabird colonies, including around 240,000 puffins. It’s an unforgettable trip for anyone looking to get off the beaten path.
- How to get there: You’ll need to book a specialist boat trip, usually from Skye or Harris.
Planning Your Puffin Tour: Integrating it With a Highland Adventure
Most puffin tours are day trips, but if you want to really experience Scotland, they’re best enjoyed as part of a bigger journey. Reaching some of the more remote spots can take planning, especially when it involves ferries or long drives.
That’s why a multi-day tour can be so useful. Starting from a base like Inverness gives you time to explore more of Scotland while making it easier to reach those puffin-viewing points.
Many of our Scottish Highland Tours guests combine their puffin trip with visits to iconic places like Glencoe, Loch Ness, or the Isle of Skye. Adding a puffin boat tour at the beginning or end of your trip is a great way to round out the experience. If you’re already touring the west coast, you’ll be close to Staffa or Handa Island-perfect for a puffin detour.
By blending a guided Highland tour with a puffin boat trip, you get to enjoy Scotland’s culture, history, and landscapes-plus the unforgettable thrill of watching puffins in the wild.
Tips for Responsible Puffin Watching
Puffins are special, and protecting them is everyone’s responsibility. Here are a few things to keep in mind when visiting a colony:
- Keep Your Distance: Stick to marked paths. Getting too close can scare the birds and harm the chicks. A zoom lens is your friend.
- Be Quiet: Keep noise to a minimum so you don’t startle the birds.
- No Drones: Drones are banned at most colonies. Puffins see them as predators, which causes stress and confusion.
- Don’t Feed Them: They know how to fish-and human snacks aren’t good for them.
- Leave No Trace: Take all rubbish with you and don’t disturb the area.
Frequently Asked Puffin Questions
What is a baby puffin called? A baby puffin is called a “puffling.”
What do puffins eat? They mostly eat small fish like sand eels, which they catch by diving underwater.
Are puffins endangered? Puffins are classed as “Vulnerable” by the IUCN. Their numbers are dropping due to climate change, overfishing, pollution, and predators introduced to nesting areas. That’s why it’s important to be respectful when visiting their colonies.
How long do puffins live? Puffins live surprisingly long lives for small birds-usually around 20 years.
Your Scottish Puffin Adventure Awaits
Watching a puffin colony in full swing isn’t just a fun day out-it’s something that sticks with you. The flurry of wings, the patient parent returning with a fish, the wide ocean behind them-it all adds up to a moment that feels timeless.
If you’re ready to explore Scotland’s wild beauty and see puffins up close, Skye Highlands Tours is here to help you plan the perfect trip. From ancient castles to quiet lochs, and yes, plenty of puffins-your adventure is waiting.
