Barra Accommodation

Barra Tourist Information

Castlebay is the main and only settlement on Barra in Scotland and is where the ferries drop you off. In the 19th century it was a herring port where hundreds of boasts would moor to offload catches for the curing and packing facilities on land. This has long gone although the castle on an islet in the bay, Kisimul Castle, still exists which is open to visitors between Apr-Sept. This was the ancestral home of the MacNeil clan but was burnt down in the 18th century. It was later restored.

Barra Heritage Centre is also worth a visit to find out about the history and culture of the island. Here you'll find frequently-changing exhibitions and displays showcasing the island's culture and history and the Centre runs regular events to attract visitors.

Featured Scotland Accommodation

Uig Hotel - Uig

Former coaching inn now a luxurious Isle of Skye hotel overlooking Uig Bay on the Trotternish Peninsula. Fantastic views from most en-suite rooms, restaurant.

£40 to £165 Per person B&B (2 sharing)

Visting Barra

Barra's airport, also known as Barra Eoligarry Airport, is the only beach airport in the world that handles scheduled flights - it gets washed by the tide twice a day! There are three runways marked by posts on the beach. Beach visitors are asked to check to see if the windsock is flying or not as that indicates whether the airport is open or closed.

Flights are in the small Twin Otter plane and it is truly a very different experience landing on sand instead of a usual runway. Wellies are recommended for winter flights. What a great way to prepare for a flight lazing around on the beach until departure! Loganair/BA run flights from Barra to Glasgow and from Barra to Benbecula. The terminal building is modern with one wall dedicated to seashell murals representing local wildlife.

Passengers requiring assistance should contact the airport staff direct. There are disabled facilities in the terminal building. The airport is open Mon-Fri 9.45am-12.15pm or 2-4.30pm. Sat 12.15-1.30pm. Closed Sunday. All times are subject to tide and by arrangement. For airport information tel: 01871 890212. Taxis are available from the airport - check the Highlands & Islands Airports page for numbers.

Ferries run between Oban on the Scottish mainland to Lochboisdale on South Uist. This is a triangular service where some crossings go on to Castlebay on Barra. The journey takes almost 6 hours and there are around four sailings per week during the summer. From Lochboisdale you can carry on by ferry to Castlebay on Barra which takes around an hour and a half. From Barra Caledonian MacBrayne also run a ferry service across the Sound of Barra to the small island of Eriskay. The journey only takes forty minutes and there are five sailings every day Monday-Sunday during the summer.

Featured Scotland Accommodation

Uig Hotel - Uig

Former coaching inn now a luxurious Isle of Skye hotel overlooking Uig Bay on the Trotternish Peninsula. Fantastic views from most en-suite rooms, restaurant.

£40 to £165 Per person B&B (2 sharing)