The Other Bats in Scotland
Across 2026 we have explored nearly all of Scotland’s resident bat species through a series of profile-style blog posts. Only one resident species remains to be introduced in detail: the brown long-eared bat. After looking at this distinctive species, we turn to the rare vagrant bats that occasionally reach Scotland during unusual weather events or long-distance movements.
Brown long-eared bat (resident species)
The brown long-eared bat is one of Scotland’s most recognisable but least seen species. Its large, flexible ears allow it to detect tiny sounds made by insects on leaves, making it one of the most specialised hunters in the UK. Rather than catching insects in the open air, these bats often “glean” prey from vegetation, meaning they listen for insects before taking them directly from surfaces.
Their flight is gentle and manoeuvrable, allowing them to navigate cluttered spaces with ease. They are most often found in woodland edges, mature gardens, and older buildings.
Where they roost
Brown long-eared bats frequently use:
lofts and roof spaces
churches
older houses
tree holes and woodpecker cavities
They prefer quiet spaces and are more sensitive to lighting and disturbance than some other bat species.
Why they are easily overlooked
Because they fly slowly and quietly, brown long-eared bats are rarely noticed by the public. They also emerge later in the evening than many species, making sightings less common. However, they are widespread across Scotland and form an important part of local ecosystems.
Vagrant and occasional visitor species in Scotland
Once all resident species are accounted for, Scotland’s remaining bat records come from vagrant bats—individuals that appear far outside their normal range. These sightings are infrequent but scientifically valuable, helping researchers understand migration, weather displacement, and long-distance movement.
Serotine
A large bat normally found in southern England. A small number of vagrant records exist in northern Britain. Its presence in Scotland is considered exceptional.
Alcathoe bat
One of the UK’s most recently recognised species. Scottish detections remain rare and often unconfirmed, but occasional acoustic records in northern Britain suggest that displaced individuals may occur.
Grey long-eared bat
Among the rarest bats in the UK. This species does not live in Scotland, but single vagrant arrivals are possible during strong weather events.
North American vagrants
Historical UK records show that species such as the hoary bat and silver-haired bat—both long-distance migrants—have reached Britain after travelling across the Atlantic. These events are extremely rare, but they highlight how far bats can be carried by storms.
Why vagrant bats matter
These unusual records provide valuable insight into:
bat migration patterns
the influence of climate and weather on wildlife movement
how small numbers of bats reach northern latitudes
the importance of reporting unusual sightings
Vagrants do not form part of Scotland’s resident bat community, but they help complete the picture of bat diversity in the UK.
Supporting Scotland’s bats
Whether a species is common, uncommon, or an occasional visitor, bats rely on safe roosts, access to feeding areas, and low levels of disturbance. People can support bat conservation by protecting natural habitat features, reducing unnecessary lighting, and seeking ecological advice before carrying out work on buildings or trees.
References
Bat Conservation Trust 2023. Bats in Britain: Species Profiles. Bat Conservation Trust, London.
NatureScot 2020. Bats: Licensing and Guidance. NatureScot, Inverness.
Russ, J. 2012. British Bat Calls: A Guide to Species Identification. Pelagic Publishing, Exeter.
Historical vagrant reports from UK bat groups and wildlife organisations (non-official sources).