Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus

The Rabbit was first introduced to the UK by the Romans, in the first centuries A.D., but it probably didn't make it to Scotland until after the middle ages.
Now it is extremely common over the whole of Scotland, including the islands, except the higher altitudes, and can be found in most habitats with a dry enough substrate for burrowing.
The Rabbit, which is gregarious and colonial, can be a serious pest to agriculture and horticulture in Scotland, and the disease Myxomatosis is introduced into populations every few years to try and reduce numbers.
Rabbits are well known for breeding rapidly and frequently, and when an immunity to the disease is brought about the numbers soon rise again, until a new strain of Myxomatosis is introduced.
Also a problem in some areas is the rabbit's habit of creating vast underground warrens, which can cause subsidence.
The Rabbit's main predators in Scotland are man, Red Fox, Stoat, Weasel, American Mink, domestic cat and dog, and Common Buzzard.

Brown Hare Lepus capensis

The Brown Hare can easily be recognised from the Rabbit by its larger size, longer ears with black tips, enormous back legs, and lack of burrow to run down. Unlike the Rabbit which dives underground at the first threat, the Brown Hare does not make burrows but instead relies on its ability to run extremely fast. Our fastest mammal, the Brown Hare also has great stamina and can outrun most other animals in the UK. Unfortunately this does not include Greyhounds which are sometimes used to catch and kill them.
The Brown Hare is unfortunately declining in many areas. It can be found in lowland agricultural land across the country, and the reasons for the decline are complicated and many. They include the increase in Red Fox population, the reduction in the amount of suitable cover at field edges, the lack of winter feeding as a result of changes in agricultural practice, etc.

Mountain (Blue) Hare Lepus timidus

The Mountain Hare replaces the Brown Hare at higher altitudes, and can be found on most of the open heather moorland of the Scottish hills. Smaller and stockier than the brown, it still has the black tips to the ears. It is a greyish-brown colour (can look bluish in some lights) in summer which changes to white in winter.
The Mountain Hare is one of the main food sources for Golden Eagles in the Scottish Hills, but is also eaten by Red Fox and Common Buzzard.