Some of Scotland’s best-kept secrets have been highlighted by Parkdean Holidays as the holiday park operator reveals a collection of gems which can be found while holidaying in Scotland.
Hidden treasures found on or near its parks include unusual or endangered animals, historic facts, and revelations that blockbuster films were made within striking distance.
Parkdean’s six Scottish parks are home to an abundance of wildlife, with birds of prey like buzzards, golden eagles, hawks and ospreys appearing at Sundrum Castle in Ayrshire, south-western Scotland, and Grannie’s Heilan’ Hame in the Highlands, Parkdean’s most northerly park.
John Waterworth, chief executive at Parkdean Holidays, said: “We’re sharing this treasure-house of information to encourage holidaymakers to explore what the UK has to offer. Our holiday parks are set in the most idyllic coastal, countryside and woodland locations, so each of them is distinct in character and history. Whether people are on the hunt for the singing talent of the future, the rarest bird or the backdrop to their favourite film, every park is special for a different reason.
Fans of sea life should book a holiday at one of the two parks in the Scottish Highlands, either Nairn Lochloy or Grannie’s Heilan’ Hame, as both are set just minutes from beautiful beaches on the east coast which have bottlenose dolphins, minke wales and seals playing in the waves.
Those looking for furrier wildlife should keep an eye out for red squirrels and pine martens at Grannie’s Heilan’ Hame and Sundrum Castle, and roe deer are said to stroll around the grounds at Wemyss Bay, Tummel Valley and Grannie’s Heilan’ Hame, too.
More-unusual species can be found at Southerness Holiday Park, Dumfries and Galloway, where an endangered population of natterjack toads appear at certain times of year and bats come out at night.
A wealth of history has also been uncovered in Parkdean’s Hidden Treasures. A stunning viewpoint near Wemyss Bay, Renfrewshire, was named Queens View after Queen Victoria visited the spot in 1866, and the traditional postage stamp was pioneered by a gentleman called Robert Wallace, who used to own Wemyss Bay Holiday Park.
Visitors to all Parkdean holiday parks are being given the chance to share any of their own Hidden Treasures with Parkdean at www.parkdeanholidays.co.uk/hiddentreasures