Forming part of the Outer Hebrides, the Isle of Barra lies surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean off the north-west coast of Scotland. It is named after Saint Finbarr of Cork and famously hosts one of the only commercial airports in the world with a beach runway.
Delve into the local history at the Barra Heritage Centre, which exhibits antique furnishings, household objects and vintage fishing equipment. A short boat ride from Castlebay will take you to one of Scotland’s most famous “castle islands”, Kisimul, which is topped by a fortification dating back to the 11th century.
Some of the Isle of Barra’s most beautiful beaches are located near Eoligarry, a small hamlet on the island’s northern peninsula. You can watch the planes taking off and landing from the beach at Traigh Mor or climb to the island’s highest point, Heaval, for panoramic views across Barra.
Getting there
Regular ferries connect from Oban on the Scottish mainland to Castlebay and Barra Airport receives direct flights from Glasgow. Buses connect towns and villages around the Isle of Barra while Castlebay can easily be explored on foot. Cycling is a popular way of getting around the Isle of Barra.