They’re one of the most interesting and colourful creatures you can encounter in Scotland - but it’s amazing how many Scots have never seen a puffin in real life.
The reason for that is not that they are rare - hundreds of thousands visit Scotland each year - but rather that they only live in particular areas and rarely stray far other than to hunt for food far out to sea.
They also aren’t around all year - living at sea for much of the year and only visiting land between the months of April and August.
Every April 14 puffin fans around the globe mark Puffin Day, celebrating their return to nesting grounds after wintering in the open Atlantic.
You’re going to have to make an effort to sport a puffin as they aren’t going to pop up in your back garden anytime soon.
While the gloriously-beaked birds arrive in Scotland in April, May-June is the best time to go on a puffin watching trip as you’ll have a chance to see them in action, partaking in courtship rituals, breeding, nest-building and chick-rearing (a puffin chick is adorably called a puffling).
As to where to go - here are 10 top spots which mean, unless you live in the far south of Scotland, you’re probably not more than a couple of hours away from a puffin.
9. Fowlsheugh
You don't have to get on a boat to see puffins in Scotland. Fowlsheugh is a nature reserve on the east coast just a short drive from Stonehaven, in Aberdeenshire. Park up in the village of Crawton and follow the signs until you start seeing the birds when you get to the cliffs. It's worth noting that mainland puffins tend to be a little more shy than their island cousin, so take a pair of binoculars (you should anyway). | Canva/Getty Images
10. Cruden Bay
Another spot on the Aberdeenshire coast to see puffins is on the cliffs at Cruden Bay. It's another easy location to get to - a short walk from the village and you can also take in Slains Castle and a delightful sandy beach at the same time. The nearby cliffs at Bullers of Buchan are also home to a colony of puffins. | Canva/Getty Images