Barra

Barra is a microcosm of all things found in the Western Isles. Glacial mountains that tower over prehistoric ruins, a castle, sandy stretches of beach that scream and shout for fishing or swimming and countless walking and nature gazing opportunities.

Kisimul Castle is the most important attraction in Barra, it was built for strategic purposes and was the home of the MacNeils of Barra, a clan known for piracy and lawlessness.

It is like you have gone back in time when you arrive (in perfect timing with the tides) at Barra's airport. Here you will see planes take off and land on the course stretches of sand and shell known as Cockle Strand or Traigh Mhor. Barra has had an industrious past, along with the herring port that used to occupy Castlebay and Cockle Strand that as you can imagine, is famous for cockleshells used to make harling (house render).