A stunning beach in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides once fooled the world—even Thailand’s tourism officials mistook it for a tropical paradise.
Berneray, a tiny island in Scotland, is home to West Beach, a stretch of powdery white sand and turquoise waters so beautiful it could easily pass for a Thai island. In 2009, the mix-up became official when Thailand accidentally used a photo of Berneray’s beach in its tourism ads, claiming it as Kai Bae Beach on Koh Chang.
The mistake was understandable. The image showed soft sand and clear blue waves, just like Thailand’s famous shores. Only one detail gave it away—the dramatic hills of Harris in the background, a landscape very different from Southeast Asia.
Berneray is small—just 10 square kilometres—but packed with history and natural beauty. It’s part of Scotland’s protected National Scenic Areas, ensuring its wild charm stays untouched. Beyond its famous beach, the island holds ancient ruins, Viking traces, and stone circles dating back to the Bronze Age.
Despite its remote location, Berneray has royal connections. In 1987, King Charles—then Prince of Wales—visited to film a documentary, trying his hand at traditional crofting tasks like sheep dipping and peat cutting. He returned in 1999 to open a causeway linking Berneray to North Uist.
Today, the beach remains a hidden gem—unspoiled, peaceful, and unmistakably Scottish. Though it once played a tropical imposter, its true identity is now clear: one of the world’s most stunning coastal wonders.
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