The Ultimate Beach Destination

Scotland is infamous for having one week of real summer weather per year (see previous post on weather).  During that glorious period when the sun is out and the temperatures are solidly in the 70's, Scotland suddenly becomes an epic beach destination.  If the country had more sunny and warm days, I'm convinced it wouldn't take long for it to be discovered by the Instagram influencers.  The weather being what it is, it will remain an undiscovered gem. 

Where there were beaches to be found, they were beautiful white sand.  One beach on Skye we walked a mile into, to find a small group of sunbathers and an even smaller group of swimmers in the actual water.  Most folks walked into the water and stayed for a moment or two before running out to warm themselves in the sun once more.  

There was one group of girls we greatly admired.  They spent a solid hour in the water, up to their necks in the cold North Atlantic, gossiping about local boys and singing songs from The Little Mermaid.  These gals seemed intent on eking out every last bit of the warm summer weather and we respected their fortitude and glee.  Every beach we went to seemed to be visited by locals who knew what they had: bright sunshine and temperatures moving into the 80's.  That week or two of perfect summer weather that turns Scotland into a blissful party.