Singing Sands (Islay)

Situated on Islay’s Oa peninsula Singing Sands is a beautiful secluded beach of fine golden sand and crystal clear blue water.

The beach gets its name from the fact that under the right conditions the sand will make a sound like singing when you walk upon it. This is caused by the size of the grains of the sand and the silica they contain, but it also requires the right humidity, which cannot be guaranteed - so don’t be too put out if the sand won’t sing for you!

Singing Sands sits on the opposite side of Kilnaughton Bay to Port Ellen and requires a bit of a hike however you approach it. This means it is always quiet, but also that there is little in the way of amenities here. In addition swimming is not advised here due to the presence of strong undercurrents.

At the eastern end of the beach is the rather unusual lighthouse with its twin square towers. The building was commissioned in 1832 by local politician Walter Frederick Campbell in memory of his wife, Lady Eleanor Campbell (who Port Ellen is also named after).