Traigh Mhor

About

Traigh Mhor is a beautiful white shell sand beach, surrounded by machair which is a profusion of wild primroses in spring. But it is also the site of Barra’s airport –and the only one where the runway is washed twice a day by the tide. At low tide you will see the orange windsock flying near to the tiny airport terminal building to alert people of imminent aircraft movement – it’s worth biding here a while to watch the show, which is fascinating. Not many airports use a tractor to retrieve passenger luggage! In between low tides, the beach is open to the public. It is very popular with cockle collectors and is an outstanding place for photography.

Photographers' Tips

Crannog at the south east end has a small bay which is a good place to start. Look for the house with the red roof on the small promontory, to include in your picture. Good lighting early morning in spring and autumn.
If you want to capture a take-off or landing, look at the windsock to see the wind direction and choose a good vantage point. The planes will land and take off into the wind.