surroundings

If you are interested in wildlife, outdoor activities and wilderness while taking a bit of time to relax and unwind, then this is the location for you. 

Lamraig cottage is on the tiny Isle of Berneray in the Outer Hebrides. Remote and quiet enough for you to seek out those special, secret, wilderness places yet within range of amenities that allow you to relax and enjoy your island experience. 

The cottage is situated on the sea shore and next to a saline lagoon so you may catch a glimpse of playing otters, nesting waders and herons fishing on the falling tide. A two minute walk along the shore and you will find yourself on the white sands of East Beach over looking the Sound of Harris. 

Security is not an issue here and with quiet roads, children can spread their wings and enjoy the fresh air with a sense of freedom unheard of on the mainland. Take the day to walk around the island or find a tranquil spot in the dunes to lie back and enjoy the peace and quiet.

east beach

A two minute walk from the cottage is the beautiful East beach where you can stroll along white sands overlooking the island studded Sound of Harris, wade in turquoise waters and collect shells, including tiny cowrie. 

West beach

The West-side beach on Berneray offers 3 miles of uninterrupted white sands and views over turquoise waters to the islands of Pabbay, Boreray and the world heritage site of St Kilda.

Lonely Planet rated this beach the third best beach in Europe in 2022.

wildlife

The ecology of Berneray and North Uist is very diverse. On the North Uist hills and moorland you will have the chance to observe eagles and red deer. From there, within a couple of miles, you can be on the machair, one of the rarest habitats in Europe and almost unique to the Hebrides. This dune pasture produces an abundance of beautiful wild flowers from Spring to Autumn and is an important location for ground nesting birds and waders.

The Sound of Harris, also, has a great abundance of wildlife and variety of marine habitats. Most of the Sound is relatively shallow with a sandy base and areas of sea grass. However, it is bordered on either side by the deep water of the Minch to the East and the Atlantic to the West, with the flush of oceanic water ensuring that the sea remains crystal clear.

flowers

The machair on Berneray is famous for its wild flowers. Traditionally the arable area and common grazing for crofters it has not, however, been subject to intensive agriculture. As a result, from May until September this area is full of a beautiful array of flowers. In Spring, you will find primroses and field pansies followed by rafts of orchids ranging from deep purple to pale dotted pink. In the height of summer, the cropped and fallow areas will be full of red poppies, ox eyed daisies and corn marigolds, while the grasslands are a wash of multiple colours. Come and see it for yourself it is truly beautiful.