History
What other Clans had failed to take from the MacNeils by force was lost in 1838 when the 40th Chief of the Clan, Roderick MacNeil became bankrupt and was forced to sell Barra to Colonel Gordon of Cluny for £38,050. Colonel Gordon then proceeded to clear much of the island of its tenants to make way for sheep. In 1851 most of Barra's residents were forced to board ships bound for North America, all their belongings confiscated as they left.
In 1937 the American architect Robert MacNeil, who had been recognised as the 45th Clan Chief of the MacNeils, visited Barra soon after the opening of the airport on the island. He purchased most of the Barra estate lost to the family in 1838, including Kisimul Castle.
The island's village capital of Castlebay has long been seen as the main gateway to Barra. It is the terminus for the ferry link to Oban and Lochboisdale in South Uist. From 2003, the island opened a new "back door" with the full operation of the Sound of Barra Ferry linking Ardmhor in northern Barra with Eriskay, which in turn is linked by causeway to South Uist.
Castlebay is dominated by the attractive Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea, while at the west end of the village is Dualchas (the Barra Heritage Centre). From the west end of Castlebay a side road heads south to the causeway linking Barra with Vatersay.
You can think of Barra as a shoreline of rocky bays and stunning beaches surrounding a largely inaccessible and mountainous interior. Apart from Castlebay itself, the only significant settlements are around Northbay in the north east of the island, and Borve in the west.
A detour from the main road taking in the northern end of the island is an important part of the Barra experience. Here lies the main fishing harbour of Aird Mhidhinis, industrial but full of character. Here, too, is the terminus for the Sound of Barra Ferry. And close by is Barra's world famous beach airport at Traigh Mhor. North again is Eoligarry with the ruined church and chapels of Cille Bharra and stunning views to Fuday and to Eriskay beyond it.
Barra Island
The island is great for cycling, walking, watersports, etc.
Barra Power Kiting - contact Nick and Kay - tel: 01871 810950.
Barra Snorkel Safari offers a 90-minute session with 2 experienced guides and all equipment provided. Tuition also available.
Clearwater Paddling - sea kayaking day trips from Barra. Weekend tours and longer holidays also available. Tel: 01871 810 443.
Island Adventures offers 2 hour boat trips from Castlebay towards Mingulay on the Glen Ann Tel: 01871 810 284. (purpose built for sealife observation).
Boat trips to Mingulay, Eriskay, Barra Head, etc. can be arranged - try Barra Fishing Charters (tel: 01871 890384). Mingulay (uninhabited) has fantastic bird colonies.
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, tourist information centre with community shop, next door. In the main street, there's a cafe which operates as an Indian restaurant at night.
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. A small boat takes tourists across to the castle during the summer (daily from 1 April to 30 September). Admission charge to the castle includes the boat fare. Tel: 01871 810313 or contact Historic Scotland.
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.
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.
GREAN
Nine-hole golf course with electrified fencing around the holes to keep the sheep away. Tickets available from hotels or the Tourist Information Centre in Castlebay.
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.
Miscellaneous list of B&Bs:
Mrs. M. S. MacNeil, Ceol Mara, Nask (near Castlebay). Tel: 01871 810294. Modern bungalow overlooking Castlebay. Panoramic views to Minch and islands. Large comfortable lounge. Rooms: 2 twin and 1 double (all ensuite).
Mrs. Linda Maclean, Tigh Na Mara, Castlebay. Tel: 01871 810 304. 3 star guest house. 2 minutes walk from ferry. 5 bedrooms (single, double, twin). B&B or room only.
Mrs. Anne MacNeil, Grianamul, Castlebay. Tel: 01871 810 416 / Fax: 01871 810319. Overlooking the bay, near ferry terminal. Next to swimming pool and sports hall. Rooms: 1 double and 2 twin (all ensuite). Open April - October.
(Mrs. MacNeil also has a house to rent for 5 people if you want to go self-catering)
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:
11 Ardveenish has 2 bedrooms (1 double, 1 twin) and sleeps up to 4. Situated by the shore at Northbay.
Mingulay Cottage at Bruernish in the north-east of Barra sleeps up to 6 people.
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