Tiree Wildlife photography Tour
8 - 15th May 2027
Join myself and Lutra Grampia’s Otter Specialist, Alana Dewar, for a unique photography and wildlife adventure in the most westerly island in the Inner Hebrides, Tiree.
Experience the thrill of being held in Tiree’s landscape, capturing your memories in top-quality photos and learning life-long photography skills that you can build on and develop with personalised instruction and tips.
Whether you're an experienced wildlife photographer or just starting out, Alana and I will provide you with the perfect opportunities on land and sea, to get intimate photos of Tiree’s charismatic wildlife.
With our guidance, you'll learn how to take images to be proud of, capturing native species in their natural habitat.
From choosing the right camera settings and lenses, mastering the use of light and composition, and learning how to read animal behaviour, we’ll be with you every step of the way to ensure you get the best shots possible.
As passionate and experienced wildlife and photography guides, we'll share some of our favourite areas on the island, where you'll encounter an incredible variety of iconic species, from wading birds, racing hares, and of course the iconic otter.
guided wildlife photography tour in stunning Tiree
The Scottish Island of Tiree will be sure to leave a mark on your heart with its wind-swept white sand beaches, turquoise waters and unique wildlife.
What to expect
With 6 full days, packed with photography opportunities and other ecologically-focused activities, we will give you a true taste of Tiree.
Staying in a traditional croft house overlooking the stunning beach at Soroby Bay, Balemartine, we will make sure you are comfortable with your own room and place to relax in between excursions.
All meals will be provided, either being prepared at the accommodation or served at local cafes and restaurants.
To make the most of the landscapes and wildlife that Tiree has to offer, we will arrange:
We will make the most of the magical light that shines across Tiree getting up for dawn, which will be around 05:00 am, and staying out for sunset, which will be around 21:45 pm; when the conditions allow. Time will be scheduled for attendees to rest, edit photos with my guidance or explore at their leisure throughout the day.
We'll take care of all the logistics during the trip, so you can immerse yourself in the local culture and wildlife, focus on your photography and enjoy the experiences fully.
Staying in a traditional croft house overlooking the stunning beach at Soroby Bay, Balemartine, we will make sure you are comfortable with your own room and place to relax in between excursions.
All meals will be provided, either being prepared at the accommodation or served at local cafes and restaurants.
To make the most of the landscapes and wildlife that Tiree has to offer, we will arrange:
- 3 days of otter photography
- 2 days focusing on capturing the wild landscapes, hares and birds including waders and - we hope! - corncrakes as Tiree is one of the best places in the UK to see these elusive birds
- 1 private boat trip to the island of Lunga, for the chance to photograph seabirds, with a focus on the majestic puffin
We will make the most of the magical light that shines across Tiree getting up for dawn, which will be around 05:00 am, and staying out for sunset, which will be around 21:45 pm; when the conditions allow. Time will be scheduled for attendees to rest, edit photos with my guidance or explore at their leisure throughout the day.
We'll take care of all the logistics during the trip, so you can immerse yourself in the local culture and wildlife, focus on your photography and enjoy the experiences fully.
Wildlife highlights
On this 6-day guided tour, you'll have the rare privilege of experiencing some of the region's most iconic wildlife. We will set up the trip to offer the best opportunities to see the following highlights, and many others:
The Brown Hare is a spectacular sight, and always a pleasure to photograph. With their golden-brown coat, black-tipped ears and amber eyes, getting portrait shots of these sprinters is a very rewarding experience.
Brown Hare
Surprisingly small, not much larger than a blackbird, these secretive birds spend much of their lives hiding in grasses and teasing photographers with its instantly recognisable call, which sounds a lot like their species name: Crex crex. Tiree is one of the best places in the UK to get a glimpse of these elusive birds.
Corncrake
A private boat trip to Lunga will offer us the opportunity to see all sorts of seabirds, and none more iconic than the Puffin. May is one of the best times to see and photograph these characterful birds, as they are flying between their burrows and the sea to feed their pufflings.
Puffin
Undoubtedly one of Scotland's most charismatic animals, these animals play a key role in the ecosystems it inhabits around Tiree. For generations, the magic of the otter has inspired and connected people with the rocky coastal environment it’s so perfectly adapted to.
Eurasian Otter
Proposed Tour Itinerary & Cost
pay a deposit to secure your spot on this unforgettable trip!
Cost Per Person £2,750
£500 deposit on reservation (non refundable)
full payment 30 days before trip
To make the most of the time we have in Tiree and Lunga, we will adapt the scheduled activities according to local conditions. This will include a mixture of the activities listed above, as well as the opportunity to get involved with local conservation tasks, such as beach litter picks and coastal biodiversity surveys.
To make the most of the time we have in Tiree and Lunga, we will adapt the scheduled activities according to local conditions. This will include a mixture of the activities listed above, as well as the opportunity to get involved with local conservation tasks, such as beach litter picks and coastal biodiversity surveys.
Accommodation for 7 nights
All transportation and pick-ups & drop-offs
All meals
Guidance from wildlife and photography experts Alana Dewar & Espen Helland
What’s included:
Travel to & from Tiree
Personal items, including camera equipment and clothing
Travel insurance
Alcoholic drinks or any additional drinks and snacks
Not included:
Espen Helland
Espen is a Norwegian wildlife photographer and filmmaker based in the Scottish Highlands. With a passion for ecology, conservation and photography, Espen has spent over a decade honing his skills to capture breathtaking images of wildlife and landscapes, in a variety of locations around the world.
His stunning images reveal a deep appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the natural world, and his skillful use of light and composition creates images that are both powerful and intimate. In addition to his photography work, Espen is a filmmaker focusing on using stunning visuals to tell powerful stories.
Espen's passion for meaningful conservation is evident in all of his work, ensuring that the shots he takes does not come at a cost to wildlife. His dedication for capturing and sharing the beauty of the natural world has led to him being a respected and admired figure in the photography community. Whether in front of the camera or behind it, Espen is committed to using platforming stories of the natural world, and helping others experience it too.
Alana Dewar
Having grown up on Scotland's east coast, Alana has always been concerned with conservation issues and absorbed by wildlife.
Alana has been fortunate to work across various facets of both ex-situ and in-situ conservation for over 15 years, including a long career in the zoo community; roles in river, coastal and terrestrial habitat restoration projects; biodiversity surveying and conservation education.
Otters have been at the heart of her career from the outset. After many years developing skills in practical conservation, ecological surveying, public engagement, photography and wildlife guiding, Alana founded Lutra Grampia in 2025 to root a career specialism with the species she owes so many opportunities to.
Alana is an IUCN Otter Specialist Group Member, a WiSe Scheme certified wildlife Safe Operator and a member of Wild Scotland's ethical frameworks. Otter, and broader wildlife welfare is always prioritised and influences and guides the design and delivery of all activities.
A close connection to the Isle of Tiree has afforded Alana a setting to hone a niche in coastal otter ecology and behaviour, which has evolved into offering guided workshops too. Her knowledge of conservation, the island's natural and cultural heritage, and relationships within the community allow for experiences which help connect people to Tiree, whilst giving back to the island.
Your Guides
FAQs
A minimum of 3 and maximum of 4 people.
How many people will be on the tour?
Are we guaranteed to see wildlife?
No, most of the species listed, such as otters, are highly likely, but not guaranteed. Nature is not always predictable!
You’ll be picked up and dropped off at Tiree ferry port. NB: Please don't book travel until we are able to confirm enough people have signed up to run the tour.
Are transfers included?
Email Espen to enquire about booking (info@espenhelland.com).
How do I book?
Camera, lenses, binoculars, tripod/beanbag, batteries, memory cards…
What gear should I bring?
Comfortable clothing for photography. Scottish islands have very variable weather, so we advise bringing layers, a jacket and waterproofs so you're prepared for anything!
What kind of clothing should I wear?
Travel insurance is required and it’s recommended that you insure your camera equipment.
Do I need insurance?
Depends on what we are photographing on the day, on some days we will be out before sunrise and photographing at sunset.
What time will we start each day?
In Kentra cottage with all other participants. Please see further details here.
Where will I be staying?
Dietary requirements will be taken into consideration in advance and all needs will be catered for.
Please let us know if you have any specific needs.
Please let us know if you have any specific needs.
