RSPB Scotland Loch Leven nature reserve is the perfect place to get away from it all and enjoy nature at its finest this winter.

The festive period is a great time for wildlife on the reserve and there are plenty of exciting visitors to look out for.

The star visitor in the run up to Christmas is the white-tailed eagle which has been spotted recently on St. Serf's Island. This magnificent bird of prey, the largest found in the UK, often turns up at the loch to hunt when there is a cold snap.

Alice O’Rourke, RSPB Scotland Visitor Experience Officer said: “There is always lots of excitement when a white-tailed eagle arrives, the loch can be a great source of prey for them at this time of year and they return almost like clockwork at the sign of the first frost.

"They can often be seen using telescopes from the warmth and comfort of the cafe.

“Other winter highlights include thousands of pink footed geese which make for fantastic dawn and dusk spectacles when they leave or return to their roost in the bay. Red squirrels are also making regular appearances, with visitors seeing up to five at the feeders at one time!”

The cosy cafe in the visitor centre is the perfect way to warm up with homemade soup, freshly baked cakes and hot chocolate, and there are plenty of special gifts and stocking fillers in the shop without the rush of the busy high street.

The visitor centre is open 10 am – 4 pm with the cafe closing at 3 pm. The visitor centre is open every day except December 25 and 26 and January 1 and 2. During the week between Christmas and New Year the centre shuts an hour earlier. For more information, get in touch with RSPB Scotland Loch Leven on 01577 862355.