Scotland's Unique Beach Doubles As The World's Only Airport That Lands Planes On The Sand

Scotland is full of fascinating and quirky locations, from the artistic flair of the Riverside Museum in Glasgow, one of the best museums in Scotland, to the uncrowded charm of the Isle of Colonsay, a little-known island with sandy beaches. Scotland's character is both refreshingly modern and steeped in history. Scotland is also a land of "only's." For example, Scotland is the only country in the world to have a public beach that doubles as a fully operating airport: Barra Airport at Traigh Mohr Beach.

Located on the Isle of Barra in the Outer Hebrides, a chain of small islands off of Scotland's northwestern coast, Traigh Mohr beach sits secluded in an inlet on the eastern side of the island. Protected from the strong winds and intense tides of the North Atlantic, the beach became a landing point for planes flying into Barra beginning in the 1930s. Barra Airport as it stands today was established in 1974, and is the only airport on earth where planes both land, and take off, from a sandy beach.

Naturally, the tides dictate the flight schedule, and owing to Traigh Mohr's size, only medium to light aircraft are allowed to land on it. Private aviators must receive permission to land at Barra in order not to disturb the daily air traffic. Ground visitors are allowed on the beach, but only when the windsock –– which indicates when the airport is under operation –– has been taken down.

Owing to the tides, arrivals and departures at Barra Airport only happen twice a day during low tide. Small commercial planes operated by Loganair depart from the mainland at Glasgow, one of Scotland's major cities and a must-visit European destination for art lovers. The flight to Barra takes a little over an hour, which allows plenty of time to appreciate coastal Scotland from the air.

Landing in Barra is a unique experience. Noticeably softer landing on sand than tarmac, arrival at Barra can occasionally come with its own spray of ocean water if the sand has not totally dried under the sun. Once you've stopped, you step out of the plane directly onto the sand and get a tremendous view of the beach grass covered dunes, the wide sandy runway, and the airport itself.

It'd be easy to confuse Barra airport for a seaside cottage were it not for the state-of-the-art air traffic control tower attached to it. Several taxi services operate out of here, but you could also rent a car if you've thought ahead and called in advance of your arrival. We'd encourage you to stay for a little while to see the planes take off back for the mainland. On a good day, they can leave a sea mist behind them, which can be very scenic. You can't see that at any other airport in the world.

Traigh Mhor may be the most unique beach in the world in that it is both an airport and public beach. When the signature windsock is not flying, the airport is closed and the beach is available. Thanks to its location on the eastern side of Barra, Taigh Mhor is a very calm, sprawling beach that is perfect for swimming, walking, or boating. Those looking to surf will have better luck at the neighboring beach, Traigh Eais, as it is has access to better waves.

Visitors to Traigh Mohr also need to be aware of the potential for danger when exploring the beach. While the risks are extremely low, foggy weather, wind gusts, and landing planes can be a hazard. According to the BBC, the flight crew off a landing plane spotted a kayaker in distress off Traigh Mohr, and were able to get him to safety. Yet another perk of having this airport right in the beach.

The rest of the Isle of Barra is worth exploring too. Filled with beautiful island scenery, stunning castles, distilleries, and pubs, Barra is an all-in-one Hebridies experience that allows you to sample the very best of Scottish Island life. One noteworthy spot is Castlebay on the southern side of the island. A thriving town with access to Kisimul Castle, which sits out on the bay, Castlebay is the primary destination on Barra if you're planning on making a stay.