Dolphins are abundant in the seas around Scotland, but Caithness is a particular hotspot for a number of different species. As well as the 200 bottlenose dolphins resident in the northeast of Scotland, Caithness receives occasional visits from harbour porpoises, common dolphins, and Risso’s dolphins, all of which may be seen in groups around the county’s coasts. The different species are identifiable by their body shape, the size of the pod, and their behaviour. From land, your first glimpses may be of one or more dorsal fins appearing above the waves!