Barra, Outer Hebrides, Scotland



(Above image captures a beach scene on Barra)

This evening, I am posting information on Barra, one of the southernmost islands of the island chain known as the Outer Hebrides which is located off the west coast of Scotland.

Barra has a population of about 1078 of which about 70 pct speak Gaelic and about 80pct adhere to the Roman Catholic faith.

More information on Barra:
  • Accessed by ferry from Oban on the Scottish mainland which entails a trip of about 5 hours. Alternatively, there a flights from Glasgow which last about 75 minutes.
  • Barra airport s unique in that it is the only airport in the world which accommodates scheduled flights using a beach runway.
  • The principal community on Barra is Castlebay within which harbour can be found Kisimul Castle. This castle, which dates from the 15th century, is built on a rocky islet and reached by boat. It it leased to heritage organisation, Historic Environment Scotland by the Chief of Clan MacNeil.
  • On Barra is Cille Bharra, an ancient graveyard close to which is the historic ruins of a 12th century medieval church dedicated to St. Barr. Other chapels and ancient burials lie within the Eoligarry burial ground. Some of the ruins date back to thee early days of Christianity on Barra, possibly to the 600s   
  • The island benefits from many sandy beaches.
 Kisimul Castle

Castlebay

Barra Beach Scene

Barra Airport

 Cille Bharra
Beach scene on west coast

© Nigel P Cole/Catswhiskerstours Limited

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