Isle of Barra


Below the Isle of Uist is the even smaller Isle of Barra which has a population of around 1,300 and is a total of 8 miles long which is only around a 40 minute ferry journey from Eriskay in South Uist. The Isle of Barra was once owned property of the Churches before being taken over by the MacNeil's. Similar to Uist, Barra has a lot of traditions, some of which include the Gaelic language and ceilidh music. The popular ceilidh band Vatersay Boys are originally from Vatersay in Barra. The Isle of Barra is also home to the only airport in the world that has planes land on a beach runway - which has made Barra very unique.
 
 
 
 
When deciding where to stay when visiting the Isle of Barra there is quite a limitation of options. One of the main hotels in Barra is the Castlebay Hotel which provides room views of Kimisul Castle which was built around 1030 located just off the island of Castlebay. Castlebay Hotel also has entertainment during evenings including local musicians and is the main bar in Barra. There is also the Craigard Hotel, which is located in the main village of Barra which also finds many locals in on a Saturday night. Additionally, there is the Isle of Barra Beach Hotel which is a short distance from Barra Golf Club and overlooks Tangasdale Beach (the beach that the plane lands on). This hotel has facilities that allows any customers to hire cars/bikes which is almost essential when staying on a small island. In my next blog I will be talking about St. Kilda!






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