Whale and dolphin-watching tours - an activity usually reserved for faraway trips to Europe and the rest of the world - have just got a little closer to home thanks to the UK's first trail right in Scotland.
Developed by the Mull-based Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, the Hebridean Whale Trail links up the 33 best places on the west coast to view the stunning marine mammals, from the Clyde and Cape Wrath to the Isle of Harris and St Kilda.
Beaches at Clachtoll in the Highlands and Huisnis in the Isle of Harris have also been suggested as well as harbours at Tobermory in Mull and Ullapool.
With more than a quarter of the world's whale and dolphin species recorded in the region, you will have a pretty good chance of some actual spotting - and even if you miss out, you can rest assured you have still done your bit for the country's sustainable marine tourism.
"Scotland's west coast is one of Europe's best places to catch sight of whales, dolphins and porpoises from land - including bottlenose and common dolphins, harbor porpoise, minke whales and killer whales," said Trail Manager Karl Stevens.
He continued: "We want people from all walks of life to visit the Hebridean Whale Trail to enjoy exploring the region's unique nature culture and history, and to be inspired to support marine conservation."
For those looking to go the extra mile, there is also the opportunity to get involved in marine conservation such as joining volunteers to watch, identifying and recording marine wildlife from land or by ferry, and popping into visitor centres along the trail to learn more about the history, nature and culture of the trail's unique communities.
You can find out more about the trail here - that's our next holiday sorted then!
Featured Image Credit: Unsplash/Pagie Page