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Island in Outer Hebrides, Scotland
Photo: Tom Parnell from Scottish Borders, Scotland, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Barra (Gaelic: Barraigh) is an island in the Outer Hebrides or Western Isles of Scotland. The main village is the ferry port, Castlebay. A causeway links Barra to the island of Vatersay, and further south are the uninhabited islands of Pabbay, Sandray, Mingulay and Berneray.
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Small castle, reached by a 5-min boat ride from Castlebay, weather permitting. Built in the late 15th century and showing its age, and closed for restoration. During the closure there are boat trips round the castle island Apr-Sep, and a "visitor engagement centre" in Castlebay Community Hall. Wisely, the Clan Chief lives in Edinburgh.
Dualchas
Local history exhibition.
Three or four chapels are here, notably the 16th-century burial chapel, restored in the 1970s. This contains a replica of a stone with Viking runes and Celtic design, commemorating the Christian burial of the Viking princess Thorgeth, Steinar's daughter. The original stone is in the National Museum in Edinburgh. The "main" chapel adjacent is now a ruin, the third chapel is a scrappy ruin, and the fourth has been obliterated. In the graveyard under a simple cross lies Sir Compton MacKenzie (1883-1972), whose best-loved work Whisky Galore! was inspired by the running aground of the whisky-laden ship SS Politician off nearby Eriskay in 1941.
Nine-hole course, the most westerly golf course in Scotland. Beware of the bull. Golf clubs are available for hire at Bùth Bharraigh (£5/set) and green fees are payable at the honesty box at the Golf Course.
Offers Indian and vegetarian options, all dishes are Gluten Free. Great staff with a trattoria-like atmosphere. Only about 10 indoor tables.
A simple but comfy 16-bed hostel, also with two glamping pods.
Welcoming small B&B open Apr-Oct.
Comfy place with good food in village centre.
Friendly small hotel with 10 rooms and restaurant. Some noise from the pub.
Welcoming comfy B&B plus self-catering cabin, overlooking the small bay west of the port. Open all year, four nights minimum.
Simple beachfront hotel open May-Sep. Two nights minimum stay.
Charming small hotel with bar and restaurant, modernised in 2022. No pets. Open Apr-Sep, two nights minimum.
Pleasant B&B on the northeast coast near the ferry to Eriskay.
is a community and visitor hub located overlooking the pier in Castlebay. It runs local Visitor Information, accommodation finding service, laundry, free wifi and much more. It also sells a wide range of products including whole foods and local foods and crafts.
The island's main store.
Scottish tablet is made on Isle of Barra and sold in Castlebay Post Office.
Castlebay is a small walkable place. The whole island is ten miles long by six miles wide, with its sights and settlements strung along the 13-mile coastal loop of the A888.
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Eoligarry · Regional · BRR
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