The Hope Spot has an intricate coastline of sea lochs, peninsulas, deep sounds, narrows and islands, encompassing several Marine Protected Areas, Special Areas for Conservation and a host of Scottish Government Priority Marine Features. This is one of the most biologically diverse marine environments in Scotland and the UK. Deep water species can find 200m of water just offshore, and the wider area supports an impressive range of birds and mammals.

 

It is no coincidence that this special place provides one of the few remaining strongholds for the critically endangered Flapper Skate. The Flapper Skate is one of the largest fish in Scottish waters, reaching nearly 3m in length and over 100 kg in weight. They may live for a century.

 

In this section of the website you can explore its many rare and internationally-important species, habitats and underwater cultural features.