Such is the density of wildlife on the island that some species rare elsewhere are becoming a pest.

Otters steal fish from the fish farms and signs warn drivers where they regularly cross roads, geese eat the crops raised in the short growing season, hen harriers have decimated the grouse and deer leap into gardens to eat the rare and husbanded trees.

It does mean though that visitors are much more likely to see rare birds and mammals here than other places on the mainland.

For those more interested in small creatures, the machair is home to some of the rarest bumble bees in Britain, which nest in abandoned rabbit holes. Hebridean wrens run up the walls of old abandoned buildings and voles wander happily along eerily quiet roads in the gloaming.

Tours, with knowledgeable guides, are available to suit your requirements depending on whether you want a gentle stroll along the machair and beach, or a strenuous climb in the hills.

Wildlife photos © Saint.Tobias.