2 days ago
Scotland's most remote tennis court on picturesque isle rivals Wimbledon
Far from Wimbledon's spotlight, a remote tennis court in Bunabhainneadar on the Isle of Harris is quietly turning heads
As Wimbledon captivates global audiences with its iconic grass courts and world-class tennis, a court far from the bustle of the All England Club is capturing imaginations in its own quiet way, nestled in the dramatic scenery of the Outer Hebrides.
On the Isle of Harris, in the tiny hamlet of Bunabhainneadar, sits one of the most remote tennis courts in the world.
Carved into a rugged coastal hillside and overlooking the serene waters of West Loch Tarbert, this full-size court has become a hidden gem for tennis lovers seeking a truly unique experience, Scottish Daily Express reports.
While Wimbledon's Centre Court is surrounded by 15,000 spectators, matches here often unfold under the gaze of deer, sea birds and, on occasion, golden eagles.
"Sometimes you throw the ball up to serve and an eagle goes up overhead and it puts you off slightly," said Peggy Briggs, who co-founded the court with her husband Mike.
"But what I really like is playing in the winter. You can stand at the end of the court, ready to receive serve, you look around and you can see snow on four or five different peaks, and here you are playing tennis in amongst it all. It's lovely."
The story behind the court is just as remarkable as its setting. Mike Briggs, a former tennis coach and qualified LTA instructor, and Peggy moved to Harris from England in 1992.
Driven by a passion to give something back to their new community, they bought a plot of land for £1 and raised £62,000 to build the court, £5 of which came from none other than Australian tennis legend Bunny Austin.
Constructing the court, however, was no easy feat. More than 2,000 tonnes of rock were blasted from the nearby Clisham, the highest mountain in the Western Isles.
'It's not simply another tennis court, its foundation has literally been hewn from Harris rock, and we all know on the island what a challenge that presents,' said Andrew Morrison, proprietor of the Harris Hotel, speaking to Nike in 2020.
Far from a mere summer attraction, the court remains lively even in the colder months.
Each Boxing Day, the Briggs host a community tournament, serving up mulled wine and mince pies alongside backhands and volleys.
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Thanks to their efforts, tennis has taken root in one of Scotland's most remote locations, with many islanders learning the sport from Mike himself.
The court now attracts visitors from around the world, not just for its quality playing surface, but for the sense of peace and perspective that comes with every serve.
The location is also ideal for tourists, with Luskentyre Beach, often hailed as Britain's most beautiful, just 30 minutes away.
The mystical Calanais Standing Stones, located on neighbouring Lewis, are also within easy reach, making a visit to Bunabhainneadar's court an unforgettable addition to any Hebridean adventure.
