Machir Bay (Kilchoman)

Also known as Kilchoman Beach, Machir Beach is a glorious 2 mile stretch of soft sand surrounded by dunes. It is on the west coast of the Isle of Islay in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland near the small community at Kilchoman. It is south of Coul Point and Saligo Bay and north of Kilchiaran Bay.

Parking is easy at the end of the track above the beach with a short walk beside the stream to the sand. The extreme ends of the beach are rocky with a generous patch of sand in-between. At the north end of the bay, several streams flow out into the bay providing a fun place for children to splash, paddle and play. Swimming is not advisable due to strong currents. Facing west, it is quite exposed but a popular spot for sunset watching.

Machir Bay has seen several shipwrecks in the past, notably Stella which ran aground in 1835 with no loss of life, and the La Plata Norwegian vessel which listed and ran aground when the cargo slipped. It was also the infamous site of the worst convoy accident in WWI when the HMS Otranto collided with HMS Kashmir due to a navigation error.

Nearby highlights worth a visit are the Old Kilchoman Parish Church and the Kilchoman Distillery which produces a fine whisky named Machir Bay. The island also produces candles made of local beeswax and sold in support of BeachWatch charity. One of the fragrant candles is named Machir Bay - another great souvenir of your visit!