A Scotch whisky distillery is home to the UK’s most north-westerly population of rare brown long-eared bats – and it’s holding a special Bat Safari.
These bats, as well as a colony of common Pipistrelle bats, which were discovered nesting in the roof of Borodale House, prior to the distillery build.
Raasay’s nocturnal residents were carefully looked after throughout the distillery build and were temporarily re-homed in bat boxes in the surrounding trees.
When the building work was complete and it was safe to return, that bats were settled into their very own ‘Bat Hotel’ in Borodale House.
On Wednesday, 1 August, from 7-11pm the distillery will be hosting a very special interactive evening giving visitors the chance to learn more about the distillery’s furry friends and to help monitor their summer movements through an after-dark Bat Safari.
The distillery’s Batman and Robin (ecologists Ross Preston and Janie Steele) will chat to visitors about how they have looked after these unusual creatures and will discuss the importance of these curious creatures as indicator species for any other localised environmental problem.
After a distillery tour, tasting and bat talk the fascinating evening will culminate after dark with a Bat Safari in which visitors will head outside to observe these extraordinary nocturnal mammals in their natural habitat. Guests will also be able to try out bat detectors to listen their sonic communications, and will help complete an invaluable summer survey of the Raasay Distillery bats.
The event is open to all ages with a range of batty craft activities for younger guests taking place throughout the evening as an alternative to the distillery tour and whisky tasting. There will also be tea and coffee available, alongside a licensed bar.
More information, including a full programme and link to purchase £10 tickets can be found HERE.
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