Hebrides photo promoting Thailand

AN IDYLLIC image of the Outer Hebrides is being used to promote a tropical paradise in Thailand.

The Thai tourist industry is passing off the sparkling white sands and azure sea of Berneray – and claiming it as one of their own palm tree-lined beaches.

Tourists to Koh Chang, a large island in the Pacific Ocean off south-west Thailand, are being told that a picture of Berneray off North Uist is that of Kai Bae beach.

At first glance there are similarities over the stunning beauty of both beaches but the distinct lack of palm trees, coconuts and mangroves in the Sound of Harris may give the observant visitor a clue.

British writer Ian Mc- Namara, who runs a small guesthouse on Koh Chang island, wrote about it on his tourist guide blog.

Mr McNamara said: “Pedantic nit-pickers may point out that there aren’t actually any mountain ranges visible offshore from Kai Bae beach. But it is still a nice photo. And so what if the beach in the photo is really located on the Isle of Berneray in Scotland?

“Turns out there is an obvious explanation. Rather than send someone with a camera down to Kai Bae, the national park decided to promote a beach on Koh Chang using a photo taken from the internet.”

The Hebridean photo was originally taken by John Kirriemuir four years ago. He said he had forgotten he took the picture and was bemused at its reappearance on the other side of the world.

A VisitScotland spokes-woman said: “They do say imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, so although the use of the photo of a beach on the Isle of Berneray to represent a Thai beach is somewhat misleading, I’m sure it is a compliment in disguise.”

The Thailand Tourist Board was unsure why the photo was used and declined to comment.