Seabird in flight at Balranald RSPB nature reserve
Seabird in flight at Balranald RSPB nature reserve
One of two nature reserves in the Uists (the other being Loch Druidibeg reserve on South Uist). Balranald includes the westernmost point on North Uist; the Aird an Runair peninsula. The reserve offers wonderful coast and grassland habitat to a wide variety of birds; in particular corncrakes, corn buntings, lapwings, and other wading birds are prominent.

Other 'star species' include Barnacle geese, most of whom arrive from Greenland and spend the winter at Balranald.

There is a visitor centre and toilets at the entrance to the reserve. From there a circular nature trail leads through Balranald, covering about one mile. You do not have to follow the trail, however, and are free to wander along the beach or follow the line of the machair further inland.

Access is easy; the reserve is signposted off the A865 in the north-west corner of the island.