With the cost of living crisis continuing to bite many of us will be sticking to staycations this year, and seeking our beach fix in Scotland.
Thankfully, Scotland is home to some of the most breathtaking beaches in the world and there is one rugged and beautiful island in particular that lies off the west coast, waiting to be discovered by us city dwellers.
The spectacular secluded Hebridean island of Coll, which lies west of the better-known island of Mull, is home to over 20 incredible beaches as well as a tranquil nature reserve and a scenic loch.
And one tourist who made the trip there recently while on holiday in Scotland even declared that its beaches were "better than Australia".
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Talking in the Scotland from the Roadside Facebook group, they posted: "Two Aussies having a picnic lunch on a stunning beach on Isle of Coll. The beaches here are better than Australia."
And it's not just the beaches, the wildlife and the welcoming community that have meant people love going there, this tiny island is also one of the best places in Europe to see the night sky.
Due to its remote location and lack of light pollution, Coll is also a great spot to do some star watching when the sun goes down.
Being the only island in the UK to receive official Dark Sky designation, its beaches are the perfect place to just sit and gaze at the stars.
Stargazing is often at its best during the spring, winter and autumn months, however, in summer you can enjoy the brilliant weather coupled with opportunities to see rare natural phenomena such as Noctilucent Clouds, which are night-shining clouds of ice crystals some 80km above the island.
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