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Year of Natural Scotland 2013 © Lorne Gill/SNH

Year of Natural Scotland 2013

Make 2013 your year to explore Scotland's nature and landscapes
From stunning landscapes and iconic wildlife, to creative events and nature festivals, Scotland’s great outdoors is waiting for you.
Find out how you can get involved and experience nature for yourself in the Year of Natural Scotland 2013.

Follow a compelling portrait of Scotland's Nature during Year of Natural Scotland 2013 through the BBC Scotland series
Hebrides - Islands on the Edge.
Find out more about the featured animals and places
throughout our site.

Welcome to Big Five

Scotland’s Big 5 Celebrations

Celebrate Scotland’s most iconic wildlife creatures and vote for your favourite Big 5. Visit your local National Nature Reserve and check out our ideas and tips on where to spot some amazing wildlife on your doorstep.

Loch Lomond from the Three Lochs Way © Becky Duncan for SNH

Great Outdoors for Young People

Get out and about with some great ideas for young people by young people to get active in the great outdoors. Look out for video snippets and podcasts in partnership with Young Scot and share your stories on a new Facebook App.

Train going through woodland near Dunkeld, Perthshire © Lorne Gill/SNH

View from the Train

Make your train journey memorable and discover some iconic natural landscapes. Check out our audio guide, App and leaflets for some fascinating stories about nature and history along Scotland's scenic train journeys.

John Muir Statue, Dunbar © Becky Duncan for SNH

Celebrate John Muir

Celebrate the first John Muir Day in Scotland on 21 April 2013, the 175th anniversary of his birth. Look out for special events across Scotland during the month of April and follow his steps into the great Scottish outdoors.

Calgary Art in Nature on the Isle of Mull © VisitScotland, ScottishViewPoint

Naturally Inspired Projects

Get inspired by some fantastic projects linking Scotland’s unique culture and its natural landscapes, from artists in residence at key natural sites to outdoors theatre and classic films showcasing Scotland’s nature.

Eagles and Everything, Ardgarten, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park © Peter Sandground/SNH

Events and Festivals

Join the year’s celebrations at Scotland’s nature and walking festivals, in National Nature Reserves and National Parks, and look out for our stand at The Royal Highland Show; Scone and Moy Game Fairs or the Edinburgh Mela.