Geese, plover … and blast-off: Western Isles spaceport threatens wildlife and tourism, locals fear

North Uist could be home to a new rocket site - but islanders say it would damage important habitats

Rocky headlands frame the silvery white sands of Scolpaig Bay on the western coast of North Uist. The spread of machair - a grassland thick with flowers in summer - moorland and rock is much loved by walkers and birdwatchers.

It is home to breeding colonies of cormorants and black guillemots as well as seals, otters and the occasional hen harrier. On the horizon to the west, the dramatic islands of St Kilda are just visible, otherwise there is nothing but the Atlantic.