Known as the Gateway to the Highlands, the Braes of Doune in Stirlingshire, Scotland, is home to Argaty Red Kites, a working farm on Argaty Estate. It’s here where Scottish Lowlands meets the wild Highlands and where travelers can see the rugged landscape in its purest form, wildlife and all.

Within Argaty Estate resides the red kite, a bird reintroduced to the area by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and Scottish Natural Heritage. The red kite was once Britain’s most common bird of prey, but, by the early 20^th century, was nearly gone from Scotland and England after centuries of persecution by gamekeepers.

© Lynn Bowser

Niall and Lynn Bowser reintroduced the red kite to the area on their 1,400-acre farm at Argaty and have since founded Argaty Red Kites. Now, travelers and locals can visit the farm to see and learn about the red kite. Argaty Red Kites has provided Central Scotland’s only red kite feeding station for the last 20 years.

Lynn and Niall’s son, Tom Bowser, wanted to create even more of an immersive and enlightening experience for visitors when he and his wife took over the farm and project. The duo recently renovated Argaty Cottage, allowing guests to stay on the estate to enjoy more time exploring the landscape and the wildlife within. The couple are currently refurbishing a second cottage to offer even more accommodation options.

Argaty Cottage sleeps up to six guests and features a log-burning stove, garden, free WiFi and more. In addition to a cozy stay, guests at the self-catering Argaty Cottage also enjoy discounted rates for visits to see the kites, as well as for ATV buggy tours of the estate.

© Lynn Bowser

Other activities offered during a stay include bespoke wildlife tours, pond-dipping sessions, dragonfly walks and workshops on creating bird boxes (which guests can bring home). Guests can even be a shepherd for a day, particularly during lambing season.

Argaty Estate lies less than 50 miles from Edinburgh and 35 miles from Glasgow.