This adorable Living Nature pine marten would love to come home with you.  This lovely soft toy is true to form and features a chestnut brown coat with a white throat and chest patch, a heart shaped face with prominent rounded ears, and a long tail.   A small information tag provides a fascinating insight into the lives of these native arboreal mammals, with information on habitat, diet and behavioural  traits of pine martens.
 

Pine martens (Martes martes) are one of our rarest British mammals and have been subjected to persecution in the past.  In 1995, the population size was estimated to be only 3650, of which 3500 occurred in Scotland.  Pine martens currently receive full legal protection from Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats.
 

Fortunately, these delightful and charismatic mammals are now thriving in wooded areas in the West Highlands, with breeding populations found in and around Moidart and the Ardnamurchan.  Seeing pine martens in the wild is a truly unforgettable wildlife experience.  Why not share the magic of this encounter by taking home a lovely realistically crafted (and extremely cute) soft toy pine marten?

Please note that the size listed is approximate and will vary between soft toys.  The length includes the tail (40cm);  body length = 25cm

This delightful Living Nature red squirrel soft toy would be a welcome addition to any home.  Each life sized squirrel has been realistically crafted, with busy tail and ear tufts and sports a fine rusty red-brown coat.  Each adorably cuddly squirrel is approximately 20cm in height and suitable for children and adults of all ages.  A small information tag provides a fascinating insight into the lives of these lovely native woodland mammals, with information on habitat, diet and behavioural traits of red squirrels.
 

In 1995, it was estimated that there were 121,000 red squirrels in Scotland.  Although still widespread in Scotland, their numbers are thought to be in decline.   The red squirrel is thought to be one of the rarest mammals in the Ardnamurchan area, with populations restricted mainly to the Atlantic oak woods and pockets of Scots pine.  We are lucky to have a thriving population in the woods behind Mingarry Lodges.   

Please note that the size listed is approximate and will vary between soft toys.

Take home this delightful Living Nature juvenile red squirrel which can be cared for by both children and adults alike. This rusty brown squirrel is approximately 11cm in height and features a bushy tail but lacks the ear tufts associated with adult squirrels. The ear tufts do not typically develop until later summer and remain throughout the winter. Red squirrels breed twice yearly, in Spring and Summer, with a litter size between 1 and 6. Spring litters are born in February/March and summer litters in May/June; summer litters are usually larger than Spring litters. Young squirrels have a hair covering by 21 days and are fully weaned at 8- 10 weeks.
 

A small information tag on each squirrel provides a fascinating insight into the lives of these native woodland mammals, with information on habitat, diet and behavioural traits of red squirrels.

The red squirrel is thought to be one of the rarest mammals in the Ardnamurchan area, with populations restricted mainly to the Atlantic oak woods and pockets of Scots pine. We are lucky to have a thriving population of red squirrels which can been seen in the woods behind Mingarry Lodges.
 

Please note that the size listed is approximate and will vary between soft toys.

These endearing badgers would love to join your clan. These charismatic soft toys are crafted true to form, with a distinctive white head with conspicuous stripes through the eyes, grey body, black legs and a short rounded white tail. A small information tag provides a fascinating insight into the lives of these much loved mammals, with information on habitat, diet and behavioural traits of badgers.
 

Badgers are found throughout Moidart and Ardnamurchan, associated mainly with open pasture and deciduous woodland. Badgers are highly social animals, living in small hierarchal clans with typically six adults sharing a sett. They are opportunistic foragers with a wide-ranging omnivorous diet, although earthworms are a particular favourite. Badgers and their setts are fully protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, and it is estimated that there are approximately 25,000 badgers in Scotland.
 

These delightful highly social soft toys would love to gather in your neck of the woods. Why not take one or more home with you next time you stay at Mingarry Lodges?

This lovely Living Nature otter is looking for new horizons. This beautifully crafted soft toy has a sleek dark brown body with a broad flat head, webbed feet and a long tapered tail. It sports a cream moustache and long bristly whiskers, and a cream chin patch that extends down the chest. A small information tag provides a fascinating insight into the lives of these aquatic mammals, with information on habitat, diet and behavioural traits of otters.
 

It is estimated that there are approximately 8000 adult otters in Scotland, and the West Highlands is a great place to see them. If you are lucky, you may see otters swimming, fishing or foraging along the rocky coastline or in nearby freshwater rivers in and around Moidart and Ardnamurchan. The Garbh Eilean Wildlife Hide on the shores of Loch Sunart, approximately 15 minutes from Mingarry Lodges, is an ideal spot to seek out coastal otters, as well as common seal and grey seal. It is always a privilege to see these shy and playful creatures, whether it is a large dog otter, a nursing female or young cub. Share the thrill of your experience by giving this lovely soft toy a new den and home range. Easy to care for, this little fellow only requires a few cuddles and an occasional light groom.
 

Please note that the size listed is approximate and will vary between soft toys.

This cheeky chappie is looking for a new homestead. Each Highland cow soft toy sports the distinctive upturned horns, fluffy mane, broad face and long wavy ginger coat of the breed. An ear tag provides information on habitat, diet and behavioural traits of these good natured bovines.
 

The Highland cow is a hardy native breed of cattle adapted for survival in the harsh winters of the Scottish Highlands. It is thought to be descended from the Hamitic (Egyptian) Longhorn brought over to Britain in the second millennium BC by Neolithic farmers. Features of Highland cattle include a stout body, short legs, double coat of hair and long upturned horns. Bulls can weigh up to 800 kilograms and cows up to 500 kilograms. Despite their size, Highland cattle are renowned for their docile temperament and have excellent parenting skills. They were originally kept as house cows in Scotland to provide milk and meat. A group of Highland cattle is referred to as a 'fold' reflecting the traditional of keeping the cattle overnight in open stone shelters (folds) to protect them from adverse weather.
 

Highland cattle can be seen grazing in fields throughout Moidart, Morar and Ardnamurchan. Why not take a few 'Hairy coos' home with you and start your own 'fold' (herd)?

Please note that the size listed is approximate and will vary between soft toys.

Bats are fascinating creatures being unique amongst mammals in being able to fly. They also make use of echolocation to manoeuvre about their environment and detect their prey. They are widespread throughout the UK and are frequently found in close proximity to human habitation. Bats are also the subject of much mythology and have been variously regarded as omens of good and evil. In traditional Chinese culture, the bat is a symbol of good luck and happiness; and has been associated with wealth, good fortune, tranquillity, health and longevity. There are nine species living in Scotland, five of which you may be lucky enough to encounter in the Highlands; these include two pipistrelles (soprano and common), the brown long-eared bat, Daubenton's bat and Natterer's bat.
 

This Living Nature soft toy features soft brown fur on its upper body parts, a white smooth belly, soft brown wings and prominent ears. The attached ring allows it to be suspended from the ceiling. A small information tag provides a fascinating insight into the lives of these nocturnal flying mammals.

We love bats at Mingarry Lodges and have positioned numerous bat boxes throughout the grounds to act as roosting sites. Pipistrelle and long-eared bats can be seen flying and feeding around the lodges during Spring, Summer and early Autumn. These wonderful little creatures enjoy feasting on midges and can eat up to 3000 midges per night. Whilst at Mingarry Lodges you can use one of our bat detectors to hear the range of calls emitted by various bat species as they navigate and detect their prey by echolocation.

Why not provide a roost for one of these fascinating creatures of the night near you? We hope that it will bring you joy and good fortune.

Please note that the size listed is approximate and will vary between soft toy.

This fabulous canid would like to join your pack. This dapper character has been crafted true to form, and features a yellow brown coat, prominent black-backed ears, a slender white fringed muzzle, white bib, black socks and a long bushy tail with a white tip. A small information tag provides a fascinating insight into the lives of these charismatic mammals, with information on habitat, diet and behavioural traits.
 

The unspecialised diet and versatility of foxes allows foxes to inhabit a range of habitats and they can flourish in both urban and rural areas. In the Highlands, small mammals, such as wood mice and field voles and lagomorphs (rabbits and hares), form the main part of their diet, supplemented by peanuts, fruit and other tasty morsels.

Foxes tend to live in family groups, with territorial size reflecting food availability and the terrain. They are mainly nocturnal and crepuscular in their activity. Foxes are infrequent visitors to Mingarry Woods, but it is always well worth checking out the mammal tunnel for a possible nocturnal encounter. The disappearance of feeding bowls and other objects is also a good indicator that Reynard the fox is out and about. In Celtic mythology, the fox is considered wise, clever and cunning and the possessor of magical powers. This attractive mammal is also renowned for its playfulness. Take a little magic home today.

Stay connected with the Highlands by taking home the fragrance of Hebridean seaweed.
 

We are offering a gift selection of Hebridean seaweed organic shampoo (250ml) and hair conditioner (250ml) with a guest soap (35g). The Hebridean seaweed shampoo combines aloe vera with extracts of nettle, lavender and chamomile. The Hebridean seaweed conditioner is enriched with sweet almond nut oil, aloe vera, jojoba seed oil, shea butter and argan oil.

The full list of ingredients can be found at https://www.highlandsoaps.com/collections/hair-care.

We just love the fresh, invigorating scent of the Hebridean seaweed range from Highland Soap Company and hope you will too.

Hebridean Seaweed Shampoo (250ml) & Conditioner Set (250ml) and Guest Soap (35g) @ £17.00

Revel in the delicate perfume of Highland Soap Company’s wild nettle and heather range. This gift selection showcasing the Wild Nettle & Heather range includes a 250ml bottle of organic shampoo, a 250ml bottle of hair conditioner, together with a guest soap (35g).
 

The Wild Nettle and Heather Range features the lovely fresh scent of heather from the Scottish Highlands. The conditioner is enriched with sweet almond nut oil, aloe vera, jojoba seed oil, shea butter and argan oil.

The full list of ingredients can be found at https://www.highlandsoaps.com/collections/hair-care.

We hope you will love this range as much as we do.
 

Wild Nettle & Heather Shampoo (250ml), Conditioner (250ml) and Guest Soap (35g) @ £17.00

Treat yourself to a selection of organic guest soaps from the Highland Soap Company. The selection features five of our favourite guest soaps - Hebridean Seaweed, Wild Nettle & Heather, Wild Scottish Raspberry, Lavender, and Juniper and Lime.
 

The Highland Soap Company uses essential oils and wild-harvested plants in the making of its soaps.

Each soap is handmade from organic and natural ingredients and is 35g in size. The ingredients of each soap can found at https://www.highlandsoaps.com/collections/soaps.
 

Each soap comes in a small box and the five soaps are secured together in a red ribbon. Each lodge features two of the guest soaps - Hebridean Seaweed and Wild Nettle & Heather.

Larger bars of the soap can be purchased from The Highland Soap Company Visitor Centre at Inverlochy, Fort William.

The Scottish Highlands have been described as one of Western Europe's greatest wilderness areas. This two disc DVD set contains the four part BBC landmark series on the Scottish Highlands, narrated by Ewan McGregor. The series introduces the wildlife of the Scottish Highlands, with a seasonal focus.
 

The episodes include:

• Spring - Season of Extremes, which explores how animals survive in this unpredictable season.
• Summer -The Greatest Race, which describes the race to produce and raise offspring to independence.
• Autumn and Winter-Against All Odds explores the survival strategies adopted by Highland species.
• Highlanders - look at the variety of people who are involved in protecting Highland wildlife and restoring the Wild Highlands.

Highlands: Scotland's Wild Heart has a IMDB user rating of 8.4/10.

There is also a lavishly produced book to accompany the series available at the Mingarry Lodge Gift shop.
 

A lovely way to remember your holiday in the Wild Highlands. It is also a great gift to introduce someone special to the wonders of the Scottish Highlands.

The Scottish Highlands have been described as one of Western Europe's greatest wilderness areas; a wilderness characterised by ancient volcanoes, majestic mountains, deep lochs, rocky coastline, and far flung islands. Stephen Moss explores the scenic beauty of the Highlands through the four seasons, and describes the variety of wildlife that inhabits this stunningly beautiful part of the UK. The book also provides some interesting profiles on 'Significant Highlanders', outlining their contribution to wildlife research, conservation, film-making and nature photography.
 

Featured species include reindeer, red deer, red squirrel, pine marten, mountain hare, otter, wildcat, Atlantic grey seal, golden eagle, osprey, ptarmigan, capercaillie, corncrake, dotterel , Slavonian grebe, red throated diver, snow bunting, Scottish cross-bill, crested tit and puffin. There are also sections on sea birds, marine life and the Atlantic salmon. The smaller denizens of the Highlands, such as chequered skipper and mountain ringlet, and species of the Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) are also not forgotten.

A wonderful celebration of the Scottish Highlands, supported by superb photography by Laurie Campbell. This lavishly produced book accompanies the BBC series, Highlands: Scotland's Wild Heart, narrated by Ewan McGregor, a DVD copy of which can also be purchased from the Mingarry Lodge Gift shop.

The book provides a great opportunity to learn more about the wildlife and habitats of the Scottish Highlands, some of which you may have encountered during your holiday in the West Highlands of Scotland.