When we were there last June the Arctic Terns were nesting on the shingle just above the beach at Brora. I'm told every year they return. They will let you get so close then hover above your head, lo behold you if you go any further though, they will dive bomb you. The beach was virtually empty when we were there in late June but it was hardly sunbathing weather. I did enjoy taking the dogs for a walk on the beach at 11pm though.