South Uist Machair and Lochs. 05/01/76; Scotland; 5,019 ha; 57°19'N 007°20'W. Special Protection Area EC Directive, SSSI. A complex site that includes inland, marine and coastal wetlands on the west coast of South Uist in the Outer Hebrides, with outstanding examples of relict woodland, moorland, blanket bog, freshwater marsh, salt marsh, coastal dunes, and sandy rock shores. Part of the largest "machair" (sandy coastal plain) system in the British Isles. Coastal dunes with dune slacks grade into the machair plain consisting of shallow, nutrient-rich lochs, associated fens and marshes. The site is important for wintering and breeding waterfowl such as Anser anser (4.8% of the breeding population) and Charadrius hiaticula (2.5% of the breeding population). The machair is used for traditional rotational cultivation and grazing, as well as for nature conservation, tourism, and recreation. Extended on 01/12/97 from the Ramsar site Loch Druidibeg, Loch a'Machair & Loch Stilligarry, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Ramsar site no. 71. Most recent RIS information: 2007.