The Isle of Barra may be one of the smaller Hebridean islands – but that doesn’t mean it has little to offer.
A day on the Isle of Barra – and it’s even smaller neighbour, Vatersay – offers a little bit of everything the Outer Hebrides has to offer.
You’ll find white sand beaches, an imposing castle, hills and moorland, and Hebridean sheep lazing by the side of the road (or in Barra’s case, on the golf course). And that’s before you get to the famous Barra Airport, the only place in the world where commercial flights land on the beach.
Although I’ve spent most of my life living in the islands, this March was the first time I found myself in Barra, and despite the wind and rain, it was wonderful. But don’t take my word for it: press play on the video and transport yourself to the Isle of Barra!
Music: Maraiche Nan Aighe, by Manran.
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Have you ever been to any of the locations in the video, or would you like to visit?
Let me know in the comments below – I’d love to hear from you!
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Want more stories from the Outer Hebrides?
A Local’s Guide to Visiting the Outer Hebrides
A Boat Trip to the Shiant Isles – On Video!
The Outer Hebrides: A Travel Video
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Great music on this great wee video.
For anyone who has never been blessed by a visit to these wonderful little islands do not be put off by the sight of rain!
One minute it can be like the video but the next you’ll have glorious sunshine and, when the sun is out, I swear you will think you’ve arrived in some south-seas destination. Such is the magnificence of the beaches. You will be astounded by the scenery you’ll see at every turn of the road.
As my old granny used to say ” what’s the problem about rain? Your skin is waterproof!”
And, there’s always the pub to visit until the sun reappears.
Thanks for your comment, Eric! And you’re right – you can’t be put off by rain in Barra, or in the rest of the islands 🙂
Spent 4 days on Barra with 200 other MacNeils from around the world. Would LOVE to go back to that peaceful little island!
That sounds like an amazing experience, Elle – I hope you get to visit again sometime soon!
Hi there,
I used to fly down to Barra from Stornoway for work. When I’d finished my meetings I would wander across the beach collecting mussels into a little cool bag. I’d then lie in the sand in the sunshine listening to Oyster catchers and wording my reports in my head, my brief -case lying abandoned beside me. My shoes would be off so that I could wriggle my toes in the white sands whilst waiting for the plane to arrive. When I got home to Stornoway we would cook the little bag of fresh mussels in white wine and garlic for supper.
Some summers we would drive to Barra and camp along the shore. I’m not sure if the campsite is still there. Did you see it?
Hi Elspeth! Thanks for your lovely comment – that sounds like absolute bliss! (And oyster catchers are one of my favourite birds; I love watching them on the beach.) I didn’t notice the campsite, but I could have easily missed it. I really want to visit again in the sunshine (especially after reading about your experience!).
My favourite island. Used to visit regularly and have walked all over Barra. Unfortunately I am now a long way off, living in Brisbane, Australia. Tried to persuade my wife we should live on Barra but no joy.
Thanks for your comment, John! I bet Barra is lovely to go for walks on – sadly the weather didn’t cooperate with me this time!
I wrote two novels with settings in the Outer Hebrides. I think these islands are the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited, especially Barra.
Susan Delaney
Hi Susan! Thanks so much for your comment. I’ve read More Full of Weeping, and loved it 🙂 (You might remember getting an email from me about 4 years ago, when I wrote about it for The Heb Magazine in Stornoway – it’s so lovely to hear from you again!)
Thank you! The Heb is a wonderful magazine. Celtic Crossing is my latest novel–partially set on Barra. I really, really want to get back there!
Oh, I’ll have to read it! I want to go back to Barra too – especially since the weather was so bad on my first visit!
I’d like to say, “I’ll see you there!” but I have no idea when I’ll get back. Someday…
Wow, very cool!! I love seeing how the plane operates – though it’s making me not want to take it now haha and I love the views on the beaches and those massive waves! Beautiful!
It does look a little nerve-wracking, doesn’t it?! I thought that when we watched them land… I still want to fly in one, even if I’m terrified haha!
I went to Barra in April, en route to Harris. Loved it! We planned to hire bikes and cycle round the island but woke up to hurricane force winds so decided against it. I will just have to go back
Thanks for your comment, Jenny – I’m so glad to hear you loved it too! I need to go back as well, on a sunnier day… those beaches look gorgeous in good weather 🙂
The plane will land as soon as the traffic controller has his tea, aye? ❤️ On our last trip to the islands that was the announcement. Most heavenly place in Scotland. ❤️
That’s absolutely brilliant 🙂 ! (And doesn’t surprise me at all!)