Tales of a traveling zoologist, with a sharp sense of style and an even sharper intellect. Ermantrude is the muse of the designer Charlotte Linton www.charlottelinton.com

All stories and images are copyright of Charlotte Linton 2011

For next few weeks Charlie and I are taking a trip to the Islands to see the rich wildlife that lives and visits the Outer Hebrides during the summer months. We shall encounter the plentiful bird life - Sea Eagles, Puffins and Gannets and Whales, Basking Sharks and Dolphins which all feed in these waters at this time of year. On the ferry crossing we spot a traditional Sgoth Niseach; a clinker build skiff which was the type used for line fishing before fish stocks became depleted and fisherman had to find new ways of making an income. 

For next few weeks Charlie and I are taking a trip to the Islands to see the rich wildlife that lives and visits the Outer Hebrides during the summer months. We shall encounter the plentiful bird life - Sea Eagles, Puffins and Gannets and Whales, Basking Sharks and Dolphins which all feed in these waters at this time of year.

On the ferry crossing we spot a traditional Sgoth Niseach; a clinker build skiff which was the type used for line fishing before fish stocks became depleted and fisherman had to find new ways of making an income. 

With its brown and cream buff fur the Pine Marten, Martes martes, or Sweet marten certainly looks every bit as sweet as its name in the morning sunshine. Populations of this European member of the weasel family are growing in Scotland and its wonderful to see one on the ground, as they are usually found in woodland and are as nimble as squirrels. Each Pine Marten has its own unique bib design and is around the size of a domestic cat.

With its brown and cream buff fur the Pine Marten, Martes martes, or Sweet marten certainly looks every bit as sweet as its name in the morning sunshine. Populations of this European member of the weasel family are growing in Scotland and its wonderful to see one on the ground, as they are usually found in woodland and are as nimble as squirrels. Each Pine Marten has its own unique bib design and is around the size of a domestic cat.

A sunday walk down by Loch Long and I find a lost, rather exotic looking Salmon fly. Migratory fish such as Salmon or Trout can be caught here but must be returned to the water immediately. Numbers of these fish are in decline so fishing regulations are very strict. The fly represents prey and is hand tied to a fish hook alongside feathers, furs and threads to become irresistible to the fish that will fall for its trickery. 

A sunday walk down by Loch Long and I find a lost, rather exotic looking Salmon fly. Migratory fish such as Salmon or Trout can be caught here but must be returned to the water immediately. Numbers of these fish are in decline so fishing regulations are very strict.

The fly represents prey and is hand tied to a fish hook alongside feathers, furs and threads to become irresistible to the fish that will fall for its trickery. 

3 nights later and we finally spot our Highland Tiger!

3 nights later and we finally spot our Highland Tiger!

Tonight I will trek out to see if I can find any Scottish Wildcats in the forest. Sightings are rare these days as the Cat is critically endangered. It is the last large mammal predator in the wild in the UK and its conservation and study is critical to its survival.  This chart maps the pelt marking helping one to identify whether a creature is a true Wildcat, hybrid or domestic cat. It also shows how the cat has changed through domestication. 

Tonight I will trek out to see if I can find any Scottish Wildcats in the forest. Sightings are rare these days as the Cat is critically endangered. It is the last large mammal predator in the wild in the UK and its conservation and study is critical to its survival. 

This chart maps the pelt marking helping one to identify whether a creature is a true Wildcat, hybrid or domestic cat. It also shows how the cat has changed through domestication. 

New growth on a Pinus Sylvestris or Scots Pine. This tree is the most widely distributed conifer in the world reaching from far Northern Europe to Asia. Its heavily textured bark is the perfect habitat for richly coloured mosses, Lichens and Insects which in turn attract birds such as Crossbills and Treecreepers. 

New growth on a Pinus Sylvestris or Scots Pine.

This tree is the most widely distributed conifer in the world reaching from far Northern Europe to Asia. Its heavily textured bark is the perfect habitat for richly coloured mosses, Lichens and Insects which in turn attract birds such as Crossbills and Treecreepers. 

Aunt Castafiore with Robert, the house guard, an original suit of armour - one of many which was sent to assist the Scots by the French in the 1300’s. She stands alongside her Italian Greyhound Bo Bo. 

Aunt Castafiore with Robert, the house guard, an original suit of armour - one of many which was sent to assist the Scots by the French in the 1300’s. She stands alongside her Italian Greyhound Bo Bo. 

Aunt Castafiore’s grand house on the Rosneath peninsula will be our base for the summer. We will take a tour up the West coast of Scotland, up to the highlands and on to the Outer Hebrides.  

Aunt Castafiore’s grand house on the Rosneath peninsula will be our base for the summer. We will take a tour up the West coast of Scotland, up to the highlands and on to the Outer Hebrides.  

On our way to Scotland - an amazing view across a Loch from the train.

On our way to Scotland - an amazing view across a Loch from the train.

Greenland scarves

AW12: Greenland scarf collection is now online at www.charlottelinton.com