This wide, open expanse of white sand faces into the turquoise shallows of the Sound of Taransay. You could be forgiven for thinking you were looking at a beach somewhere in the tropics.

Scarista Beach is without doubt one of the finest on the Isle of Harris, although the rest share many of its charms. These include the wildflower-carpeted meadows (machair) which spill down to the beach and the array of wildlife. Don’t be surprised to see seals, eagles or deer when you visit Scarista.