Photo by Mark O’Clery
Much discussion has taken place about the south west boundary of the National Scenic Area (''NSA'') as it relates to Scolpaig. Maps produced for/ by Scottish Natural Heritage (''SNH'') are not consistent in defining the south west boundary of the NSA at Scolpaig, and the written description of the NSA as originally prepared by SNH is insufficiently detailed to be precise.
However, SNH Commissioned Report No.374 (refer below) gives specific details of the special qualities of the NSA and specifically references Scolpaig in the first of the extracts given below. This clearly indicates that the beach and headlands either side are included within the NSA and, therefore, virtually the whole of Scolpaig farm is to be considered as included in the NSA, as would be expected. This is as shown on the particular SNH map with the boundary overlain on the Ordnance Survey map (part copy below).
The photograph above is of the area of Scolpaig Farm not shown as included within the NSA on SNH's digital map, but shown as included within the NSA on SNH's Ordnance Survey based map, with the boundary overlain. On a clear day St. Kilda is visible on the horizon beyond the Haskeir Islands in the centre of the photograph. The photograph speaks for itself.
This is significant as it affects planning considerations. The other extracts also have a very particular resonance to Scolpaig:
“Scolpaig, on the western edge of the NSA is a good example of intertidal rock platforms flanking an outer bay, with a well-formed dune situated at the bay head - a form typical of North Uist’s coast”
“Westwards the expansiveness of the Atlantic Ocean is a constant reminder that this is the edge of Europe - reinforced by far distant St Kilda visible low on the horizon.”
“Throughout the isles, scenery and landscape is permeated by a sense of history. Human activity has left subtle, yet perceptible traces that give a strong sense of continuity and place.”
“Hebridean sounds add richly to the scene: the sound of the wind is a defining quality, and in coastal areas, the sound of waves is ever present - their loudness determined by the prevailing weather. The call of the birds is a summer sound of the machair. Natural sounds tend to predominate due to the absence of traffic and other man-made noise”
—- Extracts from: Scottish Natural Heritage (2010). The special qualities of the National Scenic Areas. SNH Commissioned Report No. 374.
(Site link - https://sitelink.nature.scot/site/9149)
Map of the Scolpaig region showing south west boundary of the National Scenic Area