Luskentyre facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Luskentyre
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![]() Luskentyre Beach |
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Language | Scottish Gaelic English |
OS grid reference | NG070989 |
Civil parish | |
Council area | |
Lieutenancy area | |
Country | Scotland |
Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
Post town | ISLE OF HARRIS |
Postcode district | HS5 |
Dialling code | 01859 |
Police | Northern |
Fire | Highlands and Islands |
Ambulance | Scottish |
EU Parliament | Scotland |
UK Parliament |
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Scottish Parliament |
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Luskentyre (called Losgaintir in Scottish Gaelic) is a small, quiet place on the west coast of Harris. Harris is an island in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. This beautiful area is part of the parish of Harris.
The name Luskentyre comes from an old Gaelic phrase, Lios-cinn-tir. This means 'headland fort'. Even though there's no fort there now, the headland does have an old cemetery. Luskentyre is most famous for its amazing beach, which has been voted Britain's best! You can get to Luskentyre from the A859 main road by taking a smaller road.
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Discover Luskentyre: Scotland's Coastal Gem
Luskentyre is a truly special spot in Scotland. It's known for its peaceful atmosphere and stunning natural beauty. People from all over the world come to see its famous beach.
Where is Luskentyre Located?
Luskentyre is found on the Isle of Harris, which is part of the Outer Hebrides island chain. These islands are off the west coast of mainland Scotland. It's a remote but very beautiful part of the world. The village is quite small, with only a few homes.
The Amazing Luskentyre Beach
Luskentyre Beach is often called one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It has miles of soft, white sand and incredibly clear, turquoise water. The views from the beach are breathtaking, looking out towards the mountains of Harris and the smaller islands nearby.
- Why it's famous: This beach has won awards, including being voted Britain's best beach.
- What to do: It's a great place for walking, taking photos, or just enjoying the peace and quiet. The water might look tropical, but it's usually quite chilly!
Animals You Might See in Luskentyre
The area around Luskentyre is home to many different kinds of wildlife, especially birds. If you visit, keep an eye out for these interesting creatures:
- Common scoter: This is a type of sea duck. Males are all black with a yellow patch on their bill.
- Velvet scoter: Another sea duck, similar to the common scoter but with a white patch on its wing.
- Eider duck: These are large, heavy sea ducks known for their soft down feathers.
- Wigeon: A medium-sized duck often found in coastal areas.
- Long-tailed duck: This duck has a distinctive long tail, especially the males.
- Red-breasted merganser: A diving duck with a thin, serrated bill, good for catching fish.
- Great northern diver: Also known as the common loon, this is a large water bird with a striking black and white pattern.
- Slavonian grebe: Also called the Horned grebe, this small diving bird has bright golden ear tufts in summer.
These birds often feed in the shallow waters near the coast or in the sea lochs. Birdwatching is a popular activity in the Outer Hebrides.