All the gear, no idea? Family cause uproar on Outer Hebridean beach after driving 4×4 on to sands and pitching a safari tent – ignoring locals’ advice that tide could ‘wash it away’

Tourists who parked their 4×4 on a remote Outer Hebridean beach and then pitched up a safari tent and picnic table next to it have sparked fury amongst locals – after refusing to heed warnings about the dangers of the incoming tide. 

On Thursday, a post on the Isle of Harris Facebook group revealed the family had driven the vehicle on to the remote sands, believed to be Northton beach on the island’s west coast, and erected a large safari-style tent. 

A photograph showed the campers pitched next to the shore, apparently enjoying their close proximity to nature and ocean views.

Resident Peter Harris, who shared the photos to the group which has 42,000 members, revealed the campers apparently had no intention of moving when warned about the dangers of camping close to the lapping waves. 

He wrote: ‘When asked why they said we are not doing anything wrong and there is no sign saying no camping.’ 

However, those with local knowledge of the tides on that section of the coastline said they were foolish to not heed the advice to move. 

As the post went viral, and moved to Twitter, one user updated that the campers had refused to take down their tent in spite of warnings about the potential for the tide to come in and wash it away – although they did move their 4 x 4 to a safer spot. 

One person updated: ‘They have been advised by various locals both politely and not so, that the tide will come in. 

The family of wild campers were seen enjoying the ocean views in the remote West Coast spot on the Isle of Harris earlier this week – but have irked locals with their ‘entitled’ attitude

‘They have moved their vehicle, which is not supposed to be on the beach as it’s an SSSI area. But they are resolutely camping. Hope the bund holds…’

There was debate about whether the family had broken any laws by camping on the beach. 

The untouched area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC) suggests that driving a car on to the beach means the stay wouldn’t be classed as wild camping.

On the SOAC website, the code reads as: ‘Access rights extend to wild camping. This type of camping is lightweight, done in small numbers and only for two or three nights in any one place.’

The Isle of Harris lies in the north west of the Outer Hebrides, or Western Isles. 

The responses from those seeing the photos have come thick and fast ever since, with some 137,000 people viewing the images on Twitter. 

One joked: ‘Is it Michael Stipe – he’s a big fan of nightswimming.’

Another added: ‘We eagerly await an update after high water.’

One person penned: I don’t know when this pic was but… have they never been to the beach and watched what the tide does to sandcastles?

Clearly gripped, another said: ‘Looks like high tide is 9pm tonight. Hope you’re still there with your camera handy!’

Others were concerned for the younger members of the family, one wrote: ‘I looked at all the comments on Facebook, some funny etc but it seems they have kids sleeping in the tent as well! I am disgusted by them and hope they go home soon.’