Hear how an annual gathering of volunteers & scientists has increased awareness and understanding of orca movements around North Scotland.
Orca Watch was first established in 2012 by Sea Watch Foundation’s former Regional Co-ordinator for northeast Scotland, Colin Bird, as a reaction to the proposal for the installation of tidal turbines in the Pentland Firth. Since then, the event has increased public awareness of how and when killer whales (Orcas) utilise waters of the Pentland Firth during the summer months, and this year we are celebrating 15 years of Orca Watch!
Killer whales are rare in the British Isles but can be observed mainly in northern Britain, around the Hebrides and the Northern Isles (Orkney and Shetland). Those from the Northern Isles derive from a population whose range extends across the seas between Norway, Iceland and the Faroes, visiting the northernmost North Sea in the winter to feed upon herring or mackerel, and then coming closer to shore off the coast of the UK, particularly between May and August, where they can be observed hunting seals. Nowadays, some can be seen in the region at any time of the year.
Sally Tapp is Scottish Officer for Sea Watch Foundation, and her role involves supporting the planning and delivery of Orca Watch, travelling around Scotland recruiting citizen scientists to record cetaceans using SWF’s new Sea Watcher app, helping SWF Regional Co-ordinators in their local areas, and strengthening ties with partner organisations.
Over the past 10 years, Sally has worked extensively in marine conservation, surveying and recording cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) and other marine wildlife for the Sea Mammal Research Unit at St Andrews University, Newcastle University, RSPB, The Wildlife Trusts, and others, across Scotland and England. Her work has focused on harbour seals on the Isle of Skye, bottlenose dolphins (BNDs) off the northeast coast of England, grey seals on Walney Island, BNDs around Aberdeen harbour and harbour porpoises around Raasay, and has contributed to the designation of Marine Conservation Zones around England and Wales.
This is a 1 hour session, with a 45 minute presentation and a Q&A at the end.
Please note this is an in person event and will be held in the theatre at the Scottish Seabird Centre.
- Tickets are £5 per person
- Doors open 6.00pm
What if my event is cancelled?
If this event is cancelled due to unforseen circumstances, we will get in touch with you the day before to let you know. You will be refunded.
This event is part of Marine Fest 2026, supported by North Berwick Trust and made possibly by National Lottery Players.
Photo credits: Orca (c) Mike Robinson