Reptiles

We have three species of native reptile to Scotland. The sand lizard was also introduced as an experiment from Dorset to the Inner Hebrides in 1971 and a small colony survives around the release site today. Visiting the island on a warm day you will usually see them.

All of Scotland's reptiles face a challenge to breed in our cool climate. Most reptiles breed by laying eggs on the ground but this isn't a good strategy in Scotland and, instead, all the Scottish species keep their eggs inside their body and give birth to live young.

The adder - our only snake

The adder is probably our most notorious reptile and the only snake you are likely to see in Scotland. Although grass snakes have occasionally been reported, there is no evidence to confirm that they live here permanently. So if you do see a grass snake in Scotland, please let us know. 

Adders are our only poisonous reptile so people tend to fear them.  Adders are timid creatures and most bites happen when they are defending themselves. Their first defence is to hide in the undergrowth but, if you come too close, they will lash out to help their escape. However most bites happen when people attempt to handle adders. If you find one in the wild, leave it alone and let it move away quietly of its own accord.

Although not seen very often, adders also put on an impressive display in the breeding season. Once mistaken for a mating display, the 'Dance of the Adders' is a form of wrestling match between males competing for a mate. They twist around each other, getting higher and higher and trying to force the other to the ground. The animal that manages to dominate the other wins the female.

Scottish lizards - with and without legs!

Scotland has two species of lizard. Slow worms are a legless lizard which can grow to the size of a snake and are often mistaken for them. However, unlike the adder, they rarely bask in the sun and you will have to look under stones, wood, compost heaps or bits of metal left lying out to find them. They also lack the defence of a poisonous bite and are often brought home by domestic cats.

Not all of our species are short-lived and slow worms can live 15 years or more in the wild. Quite widely distributed, slow worms are the only reptile known to occur in the Outer Hebrides and are happily found using places created by humans, such as embankments, churchyards and gardens.

Common lizards like to bask in open spaces and can often be heard scurrying into the undergrowth when they are disturbed. If they're caught or frightened, common lizards have the disconcerting ability to shed part of their tail, leaving it wiggling on the path whilst the animal makes it's escape. The animal can re-grow the tail to perform the same trick again if needed.

Common lizards, as the name sounds, are found widely across Scotland. They're less common in the Central Lowlands and aren't found on the Northern Isles. They like to live on embankments and in gardens but tend to be found in areas where there are few cats.

Marine turtles - our giant reptilian visitors

Scotland's shores also attract visitors in the shape of leatherback, loggerhead, Kemp's Ridley and green turtles. The leatherback is a regular visitor, migrating through the Atlantic ocean to feed off the rich swarms of jellyfish along the west and north coasts, although the others tend to arrive here accidentally. Scottish Natural Heritage do keep records of these visitors so, if you ever see a turtle when you visit the beach, let us know.

How reptiles are protected

All of Scotland's reptiles are protected  but some have greater legal protection than others. The sand lizard and all the marine turtles are protected under International law whilst our own laws prevent people killing or injuring adders, slow worms or common lizards. Scottish Natural Heritage works with several other organisations to deliver this protection, also helping with projects such as Make the Adder Count  and the National Amphibian and Reptile Recording Scheme   to improve the chances for these species.