Sun, sand, slack tide and a hungry beachcomber

North Uist An oystercatcher is feeding, unhurriedly probing the wet sand and withdrawing its prey with a wriggle of its long orange-red bill

My planned lunch stop looking out over the sea to distant St Kilda had proved just a little too chilly for comfort, but on the other side of the headland, out of the breeze, it's positively balmy.

In one of the small coves a line of sun-warmed rocks makes an inviting place to sit, and the view across the summer-bright waters of the bay to the scatter of white houses opposite is tranquil. It's pure pleasure just to lean back and soak up the sunshine while enjoying a drink and a sandwich and at the same time keeping half an eye on the wildlife.