Thrillseeking 80 to 90-year-olds are heading to the Hebrides in their droves to enjoy a “gray’ whale trail.
The silver-haired visitors are expected to be among the main users of a new wildlife watching route in some of Scotland’s most stunning locations.
The Hebridean Whale Trail, which was launched yesterday, is the first of its type in the UK.
Shane Wasik, of Basking Shark Scotland, who started running boat trips from Oban in 2012, expects OAPs to demonstrate their interest in marine life by hitting the trail.
He said: “When we started, people would come just to see seals, whereas now people come from all over the world to see the wildlife.
“We have had people in their 80s going out snorkelling this month and we have just had a guy in his 90s going out to see the puffins on Lunga.”
Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, which set up the new trail, have highlighted 33 hot spots for marine life sightings.
The seas off the west coast are rich in wildlife, with more than a quarter of the world’s whale and dolphin species recorded in the region.
Karl Stevens, Hebridean Whale Trail Manager, said: “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.”
