Billion year old sand at Clachtoll makes beach ideal for sculpture competition
It is one of the most popular activities in the north-west Sutherland summer calendar.
The annual Clachtoll sand sculpture contest, organised by High Life Highland countryside ranger service, is now in its 27th year and the 2024 eventtakes place this year next Tuesday, August 6.
Clachtoll beach is the perfect location for the competition - and not just because of its stunning views across the Minch to the Hebrides and the backdrop of the famous Split rock.
Highlife Highland senior countryside ranger Andy Summers explains why the beach is ideal for making sand sculptures.
“The beach has special sand, made from the eroded one billion year old Torridonian sandstone - the same rock that makes up Stac Pollaidh And Suilven,” he said. “The sand holds its shape well and is ideal for making sculptures.”
Mr Summers recalls many wonderful creations over the long history of the event.
“I remember one year the winning entry was ‘Godzilla Climbing the Empire State Building,” he said. “We always get a lot of dolphins, turtles and mermaids.”
There are several categories to enter, including the tallest sculpture, and a wealth of superb donated prizes to win. The competition starts at 11am with judging at 1.30pm.
