THE GRAND ENTRANCE At the south of the Outer Hebrides, Barra is accessible by ferry and by air. It has the only beach airstrip in the world that accepts chartered aircraft and this is a magnificent way to land on the island. Flights come in to the sa
nd at Cocklestrand, providing wonderful views on approach.
A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY Barra Heritage Centre, Castlebay, 01871 810413 www.barraheritage.com Barra is famous for its links to the Clan MacNeil, although ownership of the island was passed to the Scottish Government in 2003 and can be transferred to the inhabitants if requested.
Channel 4's Time Team visited to investigate Bronze and Iron Age remains, and the Heritage Centre provides a window into the history, and culture of this beautiful place. Barra is also the resting place of Compton Mackenzie, author of Whisky Galore.
THE VILLAGE BY THE SEA Castlebay Hotel, 01871 810223 www.castlebay-hotel.co.uk Castlebay is the main settlement and home to the best hotel on the island – a 19th-century building that sits back from the settlement nestled into the hillside. The rooms offer views out to sea or across the island and it also has a sun porch for when the sun decides to shine.
The restaurant is well known and serves interesting and affordable cuisine. The bar next door offers a warm welcome and entertainment.
KING OF THE CASTLE Barra hosts one of the most spectacular medieval structures in the Outer Hebrides. Kisimul Castle was originally a Viking stronghold and later became associated with the infamous MacNeils in medieval times who engaged in activities verging on piracy.Renovation took place during the 1900s and the castle is now a tourist attraction.
ISLAND HOPPING South of Barra is a small group of islands, called the Bishops Isles on account of their previous ownership by the church. Boat trips go there on sightseeing tours. The other islands that form the Outer Hebrides – South Uist, Benbecula, North Uist, Lewis and Harris – are also worth a visit and can be visited on a day trip or as part of a tour.
• For more information on the Isle of Barra and the Hebrides, visit
www.visithebrides.com.
The full article contains 376 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
