Machair is Gaelic for a fertile low lying grassy plain. This type of habitat is quite rare but found mostly in the Outer Hebrides and parts of Ireland.

The calcium rich shell sand, together with traditional Hebridean crofting practices, has led to the development of a mosaic of fertile grassland habitat, renowned for its wild flowers. The sheer abundance of the flowers makes the machair such a special place. The colours change with the seasons, with yellows dominating first and then fading to red, white and blue, particularly so in July and August.

At Ardroil beach on Lewis, the machair is slightly elevated at some points allowing it and its diverse colours to contrast with the darkening Lewis highlands beyond. This image seeks to reflect the colours found during the summer months.