Man airlifted to hospital after cow attack on Isle of Barra 'Whisky Galore' beach

A man has been airlifted to hospital after becoming “surrounded” by a herd of cows on one of Scotland’s most famous beaches.

The cattle, including a bull, encircled the man and two female companions on Traigh Eais in Barra – the setting for the cult film Whisky Galore – on Saturday evening.

The trio called in support from the Coastguard, Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) after being left hurt by the miffed heifers, with both women taken to a local medical facility.

The 56-year-old was taken to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in Glasgow for further treatment, but all three have since been discharged.

Traigh Eais is famed for its sand dunes and provided the setting for the 1948 film.

Police said advice was given to the walkers before they were transported away from the area.

The beach, famed for its towering sand dunes, portrayed the fictional shores of Todday in the 1948 adaptation of Compton Mackenzie’s novel of the same name.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said no further action was taken.

They added: “Police and emergency services were called to Eoligarry, Barra, following a report that three people, a man and two women, had been injured by a heard of cows and a bull whilst walking between near Traigh Eais and Traigh Mor.

“A 56-year-old man was flown by air ambulance to the QEUH but has since been discharged. The two women were treated at St Brendan’s Hospital in Castlebay and have also been discharged.

“Advice and assistance has been given to all parties.”

A Coastguard spokesperson said: “Barra Coastguard Rescue Team assisted three people who encountered a herd of cows near Traigh Eais on the Isle of Barra.

“The alarm was raised at about 8.20pm on Saturday, September 16. Police Scotland and the SFRS were alerted.

“The three people were brought to safety and taken to hospital by the Scottish Ambulance Service.”