Isle of Barra

Arriving in Castlebay

If you really want to get away from it all, visit the tiny island of Barra for its empty golden beaches, sandy grasslands, wild flowers and rugged interior. Nestling near the bottom of the Western Isles chain, it has been quite rightly called "Barradise". The old b/w movie "Whisky Galore" (known as "Tight Little Island" in the US) was filmed here based on the novel by Compton MacKenzie who adapted the true story of the S.S. Politician which sank off nearby Eriskay with its cargo of whisky in 1941. Its sequel Rockets Galore made in colour a few years later was also shot around the island.

TOP 5 REASONS TO VISIT THE ISLE OF BARRA

Romantic getaway - unspoit sandy beaches and Atlantic sunsets
Wildlife - birds, seals and otters
Outdoor Activities - such as kayaking, snorkelling, hill walking and cycling
Gaelic Culture - experience the Outer Hebrides
Beach runway - land on the sand when you arrive by air!

Barra is very compact with its circular coastal road and you can fly from Glasgow or take the (long) ferry journey. Start island hopping here and you can visit the rest of the Outer Hebrides.

An excellent place for cycling, Barra's main road loops twelve miles around the island. At Northbay, an offshoot takes you up the Eoligarry peninsula to Barra's northern tip. The airport is set on a huge sandy beach where planes land from the mainland and neighbouring islands.

The population of the island is just over 1100. Many of the islanders still speak Gaelic.

Family-run company Isle of Barra Distillers are producing gin and rum on the island.

There is a tourist information welcome point located in the Buth Bharraigh in Castlebay which is also a Hebridean Way pit stop. Vatersay Hall (the start of the Hebridean Way) also has tourist information.

How to get to Barra

Air (a light aircraft lands on the beach)
British Airways has an online searchable timetable.
There are regular flights from the mainland (Glasgow) and flights from Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis via Benbecula.
Barra Airport info online.
Vehicle ferry from mainland:
The Calmac ferry direct to Barra departs from Oban on the mainland and sails into Castlebay. Vehicle reservation required. The official Caledonian Macbrayne web site lists the current timetables in detail. Winter timetables usually have slightly fewer sailings than the summer ones.
Sound of Barra Ferry:
South Uist is now linked by a causeway to the island of Eriskay. From Eriskay, Caledonian Macbrayne operates a small vehicle ferry to Barra (40 minutes). There are several sailings every day throughout the year. Ferries operate to Lochboisdale on South Uist from the mainland (Oban and Mallaig). Check timetable online.

Travel Tips:
Barra Island Tours is a family-run business offering guided trips (2 - 4 hours) for up to 6 people in an executive MPV. Collection from and return to anywhere on Barra is included. Ideal if you do not have your own transport. Day tours to Eriskay, the Uists and Benbecula can also be arranged. Contact Rob Daly on 01871 810255 or 07972375494.
Car hire is provided by Barra Car Hire who will deliver the car to any part of the island (tel: 01871 890 313).

Taxi services are available - tel: 01871 810 216 or 01871 810590. Island tours can be arranged.

Barra Bike Hire offers a range of cycles for hire as well as repairs and servicing. Tel: 07876 402842.

My travellers' tips file may also be useful if you are planning a trip to Scotland. It covers airlines, national car hire, train information, etc.

Photos on this page all © The Internet Guide to Scotland

Events:

June: Barra Half Marathon
early July: Heaval hill race
July: Feis Bharraigh
mid July: Fishermen's Mass
early September: Barra & Vatersay island produce show and sale

Outdoor Activities:
The island is great for cycling, walking, watersports, etc.

Isle of Barra Surf and Coastal Adventures - surf lessons, snorkelling and kayaking. Tel: 01871 810443.
Clearwater Paddling - sea kayaking day trips from Barra. Weekend tours and longer holidays also available. Tel: 01871 810 443.
Boat trips to Mingulay, Eriskay, Barra Head, etc. can be arranged - try Barra Fishing Charters (tel: 01871 890384). Mingulay (uninhabited) has fantastic bird colonies.
Hidden Hebrides (based on Lewis) specialises in island walking holidays and tours of Lewis, Harris, the Uists and Barra. Contact Mick Blunt on 07724 150015.
You can walk or cycle across the Outer Hebrides from Vatersay/Barra to Harris/Lewis on the Hebridean Way. Dowload PDF leaflets from VisitOuterHebrides.

The Hebridean Whale Trail website shows you maps of the best places to spot whales and dolphins. On Barra this includes the big beach at the airport.

Sightseeing

CASTLEBAY
Began as a 19th-century fishing port, today it is home to the vehicle ferry (which brings in much of the island's food and supplies) and has a couple of hotels, church, post office (originally opened in 1875), public telephones, school, Royal Bank of Scotland, grocers with petrol station, supermarket, swimming pool, sports hall, community shop.
Bùth Bharraigh (Unit 2, Castlebay Industrial Estate) is a community local produce hub selling quality goods from over 50 producers from Barra and Vatersay. Tourist info and free WiFi, plus laundry facilities and bike Hire. Open daily in summer.

The Barra Heritage & Cultural Centre (Dualchas) has a cafe, genealogy documents, art exhibitions and activities. Telephone 01871 810 413. When you drive up from the ferry, you need to turn left to get to the centre.
Cafe Kismul (Italian/Indian) in High Street is open during the day as a cafe and opens at night as a restaurant. The Heritage Centre in Castlebay has a restaurant too. Tartan Tables (opposite Castlebay Secondary School) is a great wee place. You can also eat out at The Deck (outdoor seating only) which is part of the Hebridean Toffee Shop overlooking the ferry terminal.

KISIMUL CASTLE
Kisimul Castle (there are several different spellings) sits on a rocky islet in the bay just off Castlebay. Legend has it that this has been the stronghold of the MacNeils since the 11th century.

With its square keep and curtain wall, Kisimul has a similar design to Dunstaffnage Castle. To withstand sieges, the castle was equipped with two artesian wells to provide water and a fish trap in a catchment basin. A galley used to be berthed alongside on a sloping beach with the crewhouse nearby. At the first sign of trouble, the crew were expected to launch the ship and defend the castle from attack.

The 21st chief had to sell Barra in 1838 and soon the castle was in ruins. Many of the MacNeils went to seek a better life in America. In the late 1930s, the 45th clan chief, American architect Robert Lister Macneil, returned to the island and bought the castle. Before his death in 1970 he succeeded in completing the much-needed restoration work. Water was piped from Castlebay and telephones installed.
His son Ian Roderick, Professor of Law, took over the castle and in 2000 he handed the castle into the care of Historic Environment Scotland on a 1000-year lease with an annual token rent of £1 and a bottle of whisky. This will ensure that conservation work will continue to maintain the castle for generations to come. His son, Roderick Wilson Macneil, is the current Chief of the MacNeils of Barra.
Now in the care of Historic Environment Scotland, the castle is currently closed to visitors (before Covid it was possible to visit by small boat).

More info can be found on the following sites:
Clan MacNeil Gatherings on Barra.
Clan MacNeil in Canada.
BEN HEAVAL (384 metres)
Hill overlooking Castlebay. The record to run to the top and back in the annual hill race stands at 24 minutes. Halfway up the side is "Our Lady of the Sea", a white marble statue of the Madonna and Child.
VATERSAY
This island just south of Castlebay was linked to Barra by a causeway in 1990. I believe that there is a bus from Castlebay from Monday to Saturday. Sites on this tiny island include:

the remains of a Catalina flying boat which crashed near the road during the Second World War,
Vatersay Bay, a sandy beach on the eastern side of the island,
the monument to victims of a shipwreck which occurred in 1853 when the Annie Jane left Liverpool bound for Quebec with hundreds of emigrants. The ship was swept onto the rocky Vatersay coast and most of the passengers were drowned.

Taking the main road in a clockwise direction from Castlebay on Barra you will see the following places of interest:
MACLEOD'S TOWER - Dun Mhic Leoid (a few miles west of Castlebay)
Also known as Castle Sinclair. Located on an islet in Loch Tangusdale is a medieval tower-house which originally had 3 storeys, measuring 2.9 x 2.6 metres inside, with walls 1.4 metres thick. Nearby is the so-called St. Columba's Well.
BORVE
Small standing stone near the roadside.
CRAIGSTON
Follow the dirt track up from the car park to the thatched cottage. You can walk on the old Coffin Road. This is eagle territory so keep an eye on the sky!
DUN BHARPA
A large well-preserved Neolithic chambered burial cairn 2.5 km south of the road (map grid reference NF 671019).
DUN CHUIDHIR (or Dun Cuier)
Before the turn to Grean and Cleit, on a low hill close to the road, are the well-preserved remains of an Iron Age broch (map grid reference NF 664034).
ISLE OF BARRA GOLF COURSE
This 9-hole golf course overlooking the sea at Cleat has electrified fencing around the holes to keep the sheep away. Daily green fees can be paid for at nearby hotels.
QUEEN VICTORIA'S ROCK
Just outside Northbay. When viewed at the correct angle, resembles the monarch's distinctive profile. Overlooks a reservoir.
NORTHBAY
Start of the road leading up the Eoligarry peninsula. In the 1970s a fish processing plant was built at Ardveenish and this now includes a small shop selling fresh fish. You'll find a public telephone just before you get to Cockle Strand.
BUAILE NAM BODACH
Old village of 5 or 6 former dwelling houses on the shore of Loch na Obbe, near Bodach (just east of Northbay and south of the road end at Bruernish). Its Gaelic name means 'Meeting place of the old men'. The Buaile nam Bodach Preservation Society was set up in January 1999 to raise funds for archaeological research on the site. It is thought that there may also be a buried Viking village in the same area.
COCKLE STRAND (Eoligarry peninsula)
Huge tidal beach which serves as the island's airstrip for regular flights from Glasgow and Benbecula. Unique in this country as being the only runway washed by the sea. Refreshments can be bought in the small airport terminal building. Toilets also available. The islanders go out collecting cockles from the wet sand.

"Suidheachan", a huge white bungalow overlooking Cockle Strand was built for famous author Compton Mackenzie in 1935. In the 1980s the house was a B&B and the owners also ran a small harling business (using cockle shells from the beach). When they retired, the house was bought in 1996 by Sir Compton's great nephew, Alan Mackenzie Howard (an actor), and his partner Sally Beauman (a writer).

If you cut across the grass opposite the airport building and head into the dunes to the rear of "Suidheachan", you will come to a wonderful beach called Traigh Eais which looks westwards out across the Atlantic ocean. Over a mile long, at times it is often deserted.

COMPTON MACKENZIE'S GRAVE
The novelist's very plain grave (a simple cross) can be found in Cille Bharra cemetery which is situated a little way up the hillside overlooking Eoligarry jetty. Two 12th-century chapels stand in the middle, one lays in ruins, whilst the other has been restored to house carved stones and a sort of Catholic shrine.
EOLIGARRY
Jetty from which ferries used to sail over to Ludag on South Uist and the island of Eriskay.
DUN SCURRIVAL
Climb this hill on a clear day for panoramic views of the sea, beaches and islands.

Photo from Dun Scurrival overlooking Eoligarry, Eriskay and South Uist

Mingulay

MINGULAY & BARRA HEAD
The uninhabited islands of Mingulay, Berneray and Pabbay (also known as the Bishop's Isles) sit at the southern most tip of the Western Isles chain. There are high cliffs and huge seabird colonies. The islands (now in the care of the National Trust for Scotland) were evacuated in 1912 and the ruins of croft houses can still be seen. Built by Robert Stevenson, the Barra Head lighthouse on Berneray was completed in 1833. The light was automated in 1980 and the keepers' accommodation is now partially derelict (care should be taken inside).
Visiting these islands is very much weather dependent. Small boats go out from Barra (such as Barra Fishing Charters) and the occasional cruise ship will visit in the summer months. There is a small slipway on Berneray but the usual place to land on Mingulay is on the beach (where there is a seal colony). In summer time you can see beautiful carpets of wild flowers.

Barra Head cliffs	Mingulay
Barra Head lighthouse	Mingulay

Accommodation

There are hotels, B&B and self-catering accommodation on the island. For listings, visit:

the official Western Isles Tourist Board web site

isleofbarra.com

Miscellaneous list of B&Bs:

Mrs. Linda Maclean, Tigh Na Mara, Castlebay. Tel: 01871 810 304. Family guest house. 2 minutes walk from ferry. 5 bedrooms (single, double, twin).

There are 4 hotels on the island:

Castlebay Hotel. 3 stars. Tel: 01871 810 223.
Craigard Hotel in Castlebay. Tel: 01871 810 200. 3 stars. Rooms: 3 double, 3 twin, 1 family (all ensuite). Open all year.
Heathbank Hotel - a 3 star inn with 5 ensuite bedrooms at Northbay. Tel: 01871 890266.
Isle of Barra Hotel, Tangasdale Beach. 30 rooms. Large modern building, family run, good food, nice location on the west coast of the island overlooking a beach near the main road. Tel 01871 810383.

Several self-catering places are available on the island. These include:

Mingulay Cottage at Bruernish in the north-east of Barra sleeps up to 6 people.

Dunard Hostel offers accommodation in Castlebay 5 minutes walk from the ferry and shops. 4-star, family run hostel with 16 beds. Sea kayaking trips can be organised. Contact Chris & Kate. Tel/Fax: 01871 810 443.

Books

The Outer Hebrides Leisure and Tourist Map is ideal for most holidays.

	Uists and Barra Lovely colour guide with over 100 pages of photos devoted to these islands. Covers local heritage and culture, nature, the landscape, places to visit, etc. Written by Francis Thompson. Even if you don't get chance to buy it before you go, you will certainly want a copy for a souvenir when you have visited! Available from Amazon.co.uk (commission link)
	Barra and Vatersay Delightful book by Iain Campbell Photography covering the two most southerly inhabited islands of the Outer Hebrides. The book contains stunning photographs and text covering the major features, geology and ecology, the famous tidal airport on Barra, as well as Kisimul castle, and tales of the colourful characters and episodes in the islands' history. The layout enables you to extract some photos for framing. Available from Amazon.co.uk (commission link)
	Tales from Barra The only book available detailing the history and folk traditions of Barra. Foreword by Compton Mackenzie. Introduction and notes by John Lorne Campbell. The tales and stories of John MacPherson - The Coddy - were an instant success on their first publication, and they have been in constant demand ever since. The Coddy was one of the best storytellers and characters of the Western Isles, and he is the inspiration for Whisky Galore. His warmth and personality shine through these stories, which are a wonderful mix of myth, tradition and anecdote. Available from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk (commission links)
	Polly If you are interested in the story of the the SS Politician which ran aground off Eriskay with a quarter of a million bottles of whisky onboard (this real-life wartime event inspired the Whisky Galore book/movie), then I recommend this book written by Roger Hutchinson in 1998. Using eyewitness accounts, historical papers and official documents, this book tells the story of the SS Politician and the circus that surrounded her, from islanders in small skiffs to wartime excise officers and the final solution to the problem of the vessel affectionately known as the 'Polly'. Available from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk (commission links)
	The Ancient Monuments of the Western Isles This is an excellent visitors' guide to the main historic sites and monuments on the islands. Very readable, lots of photos and drawings. The book takes you from the prehistoric, through the early Christian period and Norse settlement, to the building of medieval churches and castles, and later traditional dwellings such as the blackhouses. Includes details about Kisimul Castle and a drawing of its floorplan. Available from Amazon UK (commission link)

Book cover copyright kea publishing

Times subject to tides: the story of Barra Airport
(ISBN 0951895834). Published in 2000.
Orders can be placed directly with the publisher: kea publishing or via Amazon UK (commission link)
The book 'tells the story of this unique airport which disappears under the sea twice every day. It looks at the aircraft which have graced the broad sands of the Traigh Mhor, the personalities whose names have become indelibly linked with the island's air services, and at some of the drama which has inevitably become an accepted feature on certain occasions, not least of which are emergency air ambulance evacuations of seriously ill or injured islanders'.

Other Hebridean islands:
The Uists - Isle of Harris - Isle of Lewis - Isle of Skye