A TINY island in the UK is home to the only beach airport runway in the world.
Barra Island, in Scotland, is home to just 1,200 locals.
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And one of the best ways to get to the island is by flight from Glasgow, travelling around 140 miles before landing at Traigh Mhòr Bay
Operating by Loganair, there are a maximum of four flights a day – two going to the island and two going back to the mainland.
However, the landing is perhaps one of the most scenic, with passengers landing directly on the beach.
And when it’s high ride, the runway is completely covered by water.
Passengers have been using the airport since 1936, and now as has many as 14,000 yearly visitors.
One person said: “This was an exhilarating experience and didn’t disappoint.”
And the rest of the island is frequently said to have some of the best beaches in the world.
One tourist wrote: “The beaches are some of the most beautiful I have ever seen – white sand and turquoise water, a truly beautiful spot!”
Another said: “Barra is the most wonderful place in the world.”
A third simply commented: “I’ll never forget it, made me emotional leaving it was so beautiful.”
While on the island, there are a number of walking trails although tourists should hire a care to get around the island.
There is also Isle of Barra Surf and Coastal Adventures which runs from April to September with sea kayaks and paddleboards.
Otherwise there is also the nine-hole The Isle of Barra Golf Course, the UK’s most westerly golf course.
One of the main attractions is Kisimul Castle, although it is currently closed.
Tourists can instead go on boat trips to see the exterior, while conservation works are going on.
Staying on the island is easy as well, with both campsites and hotels as well as cottages and hostels.
You might want to book ahead though – with campsites already being full for the summer.
Donald MacLean, proprietor of Borve Camping and Caravan Site on the west coast of the island, says his sites are already fully booked for May and June.
July and August are also quickly filling up.
Local campsite owner Donald, who has been running it for 14 years, said this summer is set to be one of the busiest.
He said: “I was talking to one of the other campsites and he said it’s the most bookings he’s ever had since he started fifteen years ago.
“I’m the same as well – turning people away actually. I’m full.”
If you don’t fancy flying to Barra, you can get there by ferry, which runs daily in the summer from Oban to Castle Bay with Calmac.
Here are some other underrated Scottish islands you need to know about.
And one woman has revealed what its like living on a remote island in the UK.
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