Burn Beach. Handa island, Caithness Scotland UK

Burn beach, Handa, Caithness Scotland UK Handa Island is one of the most important seabird colonies in northern Europe. Home to over 100,000 seabirds in the summer, including internationally important populations of Guillemot, Razorbill and Great Skua. Small numbers of Puffin and Arctic Skua amongst other seabirds also nest. The island is also superb for botany and for spotting whales, dolphins, seals and the occasional otter. The scenery and geology is also fantastic.The reserve is owned by the Scourie Estate, and managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. There are few facilities on the island, just a small visitor shelter, composting toilet and shop. The reserve is reached by a ferry boat from Tarbet, near Scourie, and runs from April to September (Phone to check dates). The ferry runs on demand Monday - Saturday from 9.00am, with the last boat out to the island at 2pm. Returns available all day with the last one being at 5pm. Ferry charges £12.50 for adults, £5 for children (ages 5-14), under 5's are free. Please note, the ferry does not run on Sunday or in severe weather.