July 13, 2026
GREYHOPE BAY AND PORT OF ABERDEEN LAUNCH NORTH PIER WILDLIFE WATCHING VOLUNTEER INITIATIVE
Greyhope Bay and the Port of Aberdeen are excited to launch a collaborative wildlife watching volunteer initiative on the North Pier over the summer.
Volunteers will be present on the North Pier for six weeks throughout the summer to help visitors see and learn about Aberdeen’s wildlife, the history of the port, and talk about people’s connection with the coast.
Volunteers will be stationed along the North Pier on Thursday evenings (16:00 – 19:00), Friday mornings (09:00 – 12:00), and during the daytime on Saturdays and Sundays (11:00 – 16:00). Greyhope Bay has recruited and trained 13 new volunteers to support this initiative.
Since re-opening last summer for the first time in decades, the North Pier has become a popular spot to watch bottlenose dolphins. The dolphins are seen on around 80% of days throughout the year, and are part of a population of around 150 – 200 bottlenose dolphins that range from the Tay in Dundee up to the Moray Firth. The North Pier is also a great place to look for other species, such as seals and plenty of seabirds (including terns, gannets, razorbills, guillemots, eider ducks, shags, cormorants, and more). If you are really lucky, you may see an otter!
Rosie Baillie, Environment, Social, Governance & Impact Lead for Greyhope Bay said “We are so excited to be working with the Port of Aberdeen to help visitors from far and wide learn more about Aberdeen's wildlife. Aberdeen is lucky to have bottlenose dolphins, seals, and hundreds of species of birds on our doorstep, so we want to celebrate that and help more people connect with nature.
“We have a team of brilliant volunteers who are looking forward to chatting with people, sharing their knowledge, and learning new things. We are proud to be supporting them as they develop skills and confidence, which is especially important for the students and young people on our team who are looking to get experience for their future careers.”
Gary Graham, Greyhope Bay Volunteer said, “As a proud Aberdonian, I am extremely excited to be given the opportunity as a North Pier Volunteer with Greyhope Bay. The beach, harbour, and the North Pier are parts of Aberdeen that I love the most, including the natural history. I am so looking forward to meeting other volunteers, members of the public and tourists visiting our city.”
Bob Sanguinetti DL, CEO, Port of Aberdeen, said: “As a community Trust Port, we’re proud to improve public access and share the benefits of our historic spaces with the people of Aberdeen and beyond.
“Since reopening the North Pier for seasonal access last summer, thousands of visitors have walked along this landmark to enjoy spectacular views of the city's shipping and marine wildlife.
“Through this joint initiative with Greyhope Bay, we hope to encourage many more people to experience this iconic location both enjoyably and safely."
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