Barra is an island in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland and a hidden gem. It is renowned for its stunning setting and white sandy beaches. Covering just 23 square miles, the island offers visitors a unique experience.
Barra is famed for its beautiful beaches, with some of the finest in Scotland. Traigh Mhor Beach is a vast expanse of white sand that doubles as a runway for the island's airport. This beach is a marvel, offering spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean's white sands and turquoise waters.
Barra's airport is one of the most unusual in the world! It is the only one where scheduled flights land on a beach. Loganair flights connect Glasgow to Barra, with flights scheduled depending on low tide. Making this flight a fascinating experience for visitors. The sight of a plane landing on the sands of Traigh Mhor is unforgettable.
Vatersay Beach, located on the nearby Isle of Vatersay, is connected to Barra by a causeway. Another beautiful beach, with its crystal-clear waters and dramatic sand dunes.
The coastline is ideal for kayaking, paddle boarding, and spotting wildlife such as seals and dolphins. Inland, the island's rolling hills and lochs provide excellent opportunities for hiking and birdwatching.
One of the island's key landmarks is Kisimul Castle, a medieval stronghold in the bay, Castlebay, the island's main village. Kisimul Castle is perched atop the rocky Bagh, a Chaisteil islet. The historic seat of the Chief of the Clan MacNeil and remains the last complete castle in the Outer Hebrides.
Accessible by a short boat trip, the castle offers a glimpse into Barra's past. Castlebay itself is the island's main village.
Discover the Hebridean Way if you are visiting Barra. Starting on Vatersay, it covers ten islands, six causeways and two ferries.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy cycling along the island's quiet roads or walking the Hebridean Way, which passes through Barra. The island's vibrant community regularly hosts ceilidhs and events celebrating traditional Gaelic music and dance.
The Isle of Barra Distillers, established in 2016, is the first legal distillery on the Isle of Barra, making it Scotland's most westerly distillery.
Inspired by their island heritage, the aim was to create a distillery that embodies the adventurous spirit of the Barra people. Barra Atlantic Gin. The distillery's flagship product, Barra Atlantic Gin,
Accessible by ferry from Oban on the mainland, a journey that takes around five hours, passing many of the Inner Hebrides islands. Alternatively, you can experience the short flight from Glasgow and the unique beach landing.
From Barra, it's easy to explore the surrounding islands of the Outer Hebrides. Vatersay is just a short drive away, while Eriskay and South Uist are accessible via ferry or causeway.
