Malcolm O'Reilly
He completed a degree with honors in Animal Biology at Bangor University in North Wales where he studied octopus behavior, learned to climb and ski in the mountains, and took up kayaking on the Welsh west coast. Subsequently, he arrived in the Scottish Highlands in 1996 with a large rucksack and bank overdraft, determined to work outdoors with people and wildlife. He taught courses at outdoor centers throughout the Highlands, earned numerous certifications as a guide and instructor, and holds several professional awards for instructing mountain and paddle sports. He has recently expanded his guiding terrain to Greenland.
Much of Malcolm's career has been spent in Scotland's wild Cairngorms National Park, where he has made his home for more than 15 years. He often guides wildlife- and bird-focused groups but also instructs classes in summer and winter mountaineering, skiing, sea kayaking and mountain biking. He has worked as an educator developing in-depth osprey and capercaillie conservation projects with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and has been a seasonal ranger in Scotland's Abernethy Forest National Nature Reserve. Malcolm is passionate about helping both guests and guides discover more about the wildlife and natural history of wilderness areas. When he's not exploring the field with guests, he is busy being a husband, dad, artist, builder, Bible teacher and chocolate taster. For practical reasons, he has had to swap his preoccupation with octopi for a collie.
Upcoming adventures with Malcolm:
East Greenland Arctic Safari
Praise from Nat Hab travelers:
A. Martin
"Malcolm was a wonderful guide. He explained the activities clearly so that we always knew what we were going to be doing and when. He
R. Smith
"This young man is a winner! He knows the bird calls, the flowers, the geology, the trees, the clouds, the mammals and the shells. He is also a very safe driver and was extremely helpful to me on any walks which included irregular surfaces, slippery rocks, etc. He is personable and friendly."
J. Heidelberg
"Malcolm did a great job. We got a great amount of information on the natural history, birding, geology, culture and history."
E. McCrea
"Malcolm was the reason that I would rate this trip a huge success. He was unfailingly friendly and helpful. He had a superior depth of knowledge on just about any aspect of natural history. Since my traveling companion was a bit unsteady on her feet and had low endurance, he went out of his way to
T. Nolle
“Malcolm is a fantastic guide! We had asked him if it would be possible to see The Falkirk Wheel in Scotland and as it turned out, it was on our way. It is a really interesting feat of engineering. I'm so glad that he could accommodate that request."