Annual Conference 2026 - Optional Field Trip

Explore the Highlands on this optional field trip following the Mammal Society Annual Conference.

Explore the Highlands: Optional Post-Conference Field Trip

Make the most of your time in Scotland by joining this optional field trip to explore the spectacular Highlands, taking place after the Mammal Society Annual Conference.

Whether you’re a student, conservation professional, or nature enthusiast, this trip offers a fantastic opportunity to experience some of the region’s most iconic wildlife and landscapes.

You can join us for the morning or afternoon, with an optional lunch add-on, or enjoy the full day with lunch included—choose what suits you best.

Morning Session: Moray Firth – Bottlenose Dolphins

The morning focuses on the Moray Firth, renowned for its population of bottlenose dolphins.

We will visit Chanonry Point, famous for some of the best land-based dolphin watching in the UK, with the chance of close encounters as dolphins feed close to shore. Participants can either remain at Chanonry Point for the full morning or opt to visit Cromarty Field Station for a change of scenery.

At the end of the morning, we return to the Kingsmills Hotel. Those joining only the morning session will depart here, while afternoon participants will arrive.

Afternoon Session: Cairngorms Options

In the afternoon, you can choose from one of the following destinations:

• Lochan Mor, Aviemore – a peaceful site associated with beaver reintroduction, where staff from Cairngorms National Park Authority will lead a guided walk.
• Highland Wildlife Park – home to native and internationally important species

Please note: Highland Wildlife Park has an additional entry fee, payable at the gate (special delegate rate of £8 per person).

Who Should Attend?

This field trip is open to attendees of the Mammal Society’s Annual Conference.
The trip is primarily aimed at adults, though older teenagers are welcome.
Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.

Provisional Timetable:

Morning trip - Moray Firth

8am: Depart Kingsmills for Chanonry Point

8.45am: Arrive Chanonry Point

10am: Depart Chanonry Point (optional)

10.30am: Arrive Field Station, Cromarty

11.30am: Depart Field Station, back to Kingsmills via pickup at Chanonry Point for those who chose to stay

12.15pm: Arrive Kingsmills Hotel

Afternoon - Cairngorms

12.30pm: Depart Kingsmills Hotel

1.30pm: Drop off at Lochan Mor, Aviemore

1.45pm: Drop off at Highland Wildlife Park

3.30pm: Pick-up at Highland Wildlife Park

3.50pm: Pickup at Lochan Mor, Aviemore

4.45pm: Drop-off at Kingsmills Hotel

Accessibility:
We are committed to ensuring the accessibility of our training courses. If you require accommodations or have any accessibility concerns, please contact training@themammalsociety.org in advance, and we will be happy to assist you.

For booking terms and conditions click here.