The figure is an increase from an estimated 650,000 in recent years.
The increase, initially due to lockdown, was followed by continued interest and enthusiasm across the nation for spending time in nature in this difficult year.
Winter is a wonderful time to continue that habit.
There’s plenty to see on nature reserves in the North East, from whooper swans to grey seals to deer, and they’re often easier to spot at this time of year because of the bare trees.
NatureScot Chief Executive Francesca Osowska said: “People throughout Scotland have been enjoying spending time outdoors more than ever in 2020.
Record numbers of visitors have visited Scotland’s national nature reserves during the year.
NatureScot, the official government body for the outdoors, estimated more than a million people enjoyed spending time in the reserves throughout 2020, and increase from previous years’ figures of 650,000.
There are 43 national nature reserves in Scotland, which have nationally or internationally important species and habitats and which are maintained to provide opportunities for visitors to experience these.
NatureScot Chief Executive Francesca Osowska said: “People throughout Scotland have been enjoying spending time outdoors more than ever in 2020.
“Nature is helping us all cope with anxiety throughout this difficult time and strengthening our resilience.
Fear of bird flu outbreak in north-east as public urged not to touch dead or sick birds 19/12/2020, 10:56 am
A warning has been issued after sick birds were spotted near Ythan Estuary which are believed to have bird flu
A warning has been issued to members of the public not to touch dead or sick birds at a north-east beauty spot.
The warning comes amid fears that there has been an outbreak of Avian flu after birdwatchers reported sighting sick wading birds near to Ythan Estuary,
The fear of bird flu has been noted mainly in the Knot species.
The suspicion has not yet been confirmed, however, along the coast in Fraserburgh, three whooper swans are said to have died from Avian flu.
DONALD Trump’s corporation has let Scotland down by failing to deliver its promised £1 billion boost, according to a former consultant on his course. Dr Thomas Dargie has been mapping the country’s sands and machair for 50 years and spent three years advising Trump International at Menie in Aberdeenshire at what is now Trump International Golf Links. During that period, he warned the US leisure giant that the planned course – which was to come with a £1bn investment – posed a “very significant threat” to the protected dune system there, a mass of dynamic shifting sands that had been designated a site of special scientific interest (SSSI).