Ian Ford

Ian has been guiding with Heatherlea since 1999, and describes his guiding career with the words 'it has been wonderful working at my hobby and playing a part in the company’s move from only Highland trips to taking over the world'.

Ian's interest in wildlife dates back to his early childhood, with lots of freedom to explore local ponds and woods, finding newts and learning bird song and wild flowers. A licensed ringer from his schooldays, Ian visited the Isle of May Bird Observatory and Bass Rock, and was delighted to find a singing Woodlark in a local forest in the 1990s, leading to Scotland’s only breeding record.

His favourite places include Spain, particularly the Ebro river and delta area, Yellowstone for its scenery, geysers, hot springs and other thermal features as well as the wildlife, and of course the Cairngorms and Scottish islands, describing the Hebrides as  'a secret jewel recently shared with many'.

In recent years Ian has worked to help develop wildflower meadows and woodland by the Tay estuary, and he holds a license to grow Greater Yellow Rattle, a flower which grows wild in only one location in Scotland. His oakwood and orchard project will keep him busy for many years to come!

Ever popular with guests and fellow guides alike, Ian will be leading groups for us across the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, in England, and around the world. Ian particularly enjoys visiting the Inner and Outer Hebrides throughout the summer, though of course his knowledge extends to many birding destinations around the globe.