Seal Watch Training
Gairloch Museum, Gairloch, IV21 2BH
Saturday 11th July 2026
Date: Saturday 11th July
Time: 10.30am-11.30am
Place: Laide - Survey from: W3W ///plants.plants.directive
Meet at Laide Shop and PO. Parking instructions will be sent out to registered participants.
Age: All welcome, recommended for 10+ (under 16's must be accompanied by an adult)
Cost: Free
Booking is essential for this event
Contact details will be shared with the Mammal Society
Join Matt Larsen-Daw, CEO of the Mammal Society and Secretary of the NW Scotland Mammal Network for a guided seal haul-out count and practical seal survey training at Laide.
This free training session offers the chance to learn how seal haul-out counts are carried out and why they matter for research and conservation. Participants will receive guidance on accurately counting seals, identifying species, and recording useful survey data that contributes to understanding and protecting Scotland’s seal populations for the future.
Please bring binoculars or a scope if you have them. Equipment will also be provided.
What to expect:
Accessibility & Joining Instructions:
Time: 10.30am-11.30am
Place: Laide - Survey from: W3W ///plants.plants.directive
Meet at Laide Shop and PO. Parking instructions will be sent out to registered participants.
Age: All welcome, recommended for 10+ (under 16's must be accompanied by an adult)
Cost: Free
Booking is essential for this event
Contact details will be shared with the Mammal Society
Join Matt Larsen-Daw, CEO of the Mammal Society and Secretary of the NW Scotland Mammal Network for a guided seal haul-out count and practical seal survey training at Laide.
This free training session offers the chance to learn how seal haul-out counts are carried out and why they matter for research and conservation. Participants will receive guidance on accurately counting seals, identifying species, and recording useful survey data that contributes to understanding and protecting Scotland’s seal populations for the future.
Please bring binoculars or a scope if you have them. Equipment will also be provided.
What to expect:
- A guided introduction to seal monitoring and survey methods
- Training in seal identification and counting techniques
- Practical guidance on recording survey data
- A live guided seal haul-out count
- Equipment and handouts provided
- Opportunity to ask questions and learn more about marine mammal conservation
Accessibility & Joining Instructions:
- Please arrive 10mins before the start time
- Meeting point: Laide Shop and Post Office
- Parking instructions will be sent out to registered participants
- The event takes place outdoors in the evening and is weather dependent
- Wear comfortable footwear and prepare for all weather conditions (sun cream, sun hat, waterproof coat, etc.)
- Bring a water bottle
- Ticks and midges may be present. Be mindful to take precautions against these.
- Suitable for all, recommended for ages 10+
- There will be very little walking required, and participants will only need to come a few metres from hard standing (road) over grass and scrub to be able to take up position with the required view over the bay.
- The activity will take around an hour, and those who would find standing for this length of time are welcome to bring camping chairs or stools for their comfort.
- If you have any access needs you would like us to know about or are unsure whether this walk is right for you, please get in touch or let us know on booking.
