We were very excited to finally capture on film this evening our elusive visitor, the pine marten.  We have known for some time that a pine marten has been frequenting the gardens at Rhumhor but had not seen one before for more than an instant.  Looking out at the back garden early this evening we saw him (or her) trotting across the lawn, pausing, running back to the trees and then finally going on his way.  It was a fantastic chance to get the camera out and take a photo.

The pine marten was once found throughout Britain. However the species is particularly susceptible to persecution and, in the 19th century, it suffered one of the most dramatic declines of any UK mammal.  Fortunately the pine martens held on in north west Scotland, and now with protected status, their numbers are increasing.

The pine marten is definitely one of the most striking of our wildlife visitors and we aim to encourage them to visit Rhumhor’s gardens regularly so that our guests will also have the opportunity to spot this beautiful creature during their stay on Loch Goil.