Isle of Barra is the, mainly Gaelic speaking, southernmost inhabited island of Scotland’s Outer Hebrides. The Isle of Barra is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful, tranquil and interesting locations in the Western Isles. The Isle of Barra is a ideal and varied holiday destination. The island boasts a wealth of stunning scenery, rare flowers and wildlife in its 35 square miles. Beautiful white shell-sandy beaches on the west coast of the island, rocky inlets on the east and inland moors and hills provide numerous opportunities for walks, drives and cycle rides. Stunning photography opportunities are plentiful! The Isle of Barra’s largest village is Castlebay a nineteenth century herring port on the south coast. The castle that the name refers to is Kisimul Castle, a medieval fortress built on an island in the bay, that is the ancestral home of Clan MacNeil. Kisimul Castle is approached by a ferry that leaves from the slipway at the bottom of Main Street. The Barra Heritage Centre in Castlebay provides a fascinating background to the history of the island. Places of interest on the Isle of Barra include a range of Iron Age structures which have recently been excavated including the Neolithic work platform at Allt Chrisal. The brochs at Dun Chuidhir and An Dun Ban are particularly fine examples of this drystone hollow-walled tower found only in Scotland. Several standing stones and fallen standing stones can be seen across the island including those above Brevig Bay. The ruined 12th century church and museum at Cille Bharra were dedicated to St Barr.
In addition to Barra’s distinctive culture and fascinating history, there are a wide range of activities available on the island, from the more gentle pursuits of golf, walking, cycling and trout fishing to more adventurous activities such as sea kayaking, whale watching and power kiting, making the island an ideal holiday destination for individuals and families of all ages. Accommodation for all tastes can be found on the Isle of Barra, ranging from hotels and guest-houses to B&Bs and numerous self-catering properties. The family-run Heathbank Hotel provides flexible budget accommodation overlooking the bay, 3 minutes walk from the ferry terminal and can be hired out for larger groups. There are no official campsites on the Isle of Barra but it is possible to gain permission from the local crofter to camp wild on the island. The Isle of Barra is famous for its tiny airport near North Bay where small aircraft land on the beach. At high tide the runway is underwater meaning that airline schedules vary according to the tides. In addition, the Isle of Barra can be accessed via a man-made causeway to the neighbouring island of Vatersay and ferries run from Oban or from South Uist to Castlebay.
Guest Houses - Bed & Breakfast - Edinburgh - Glasgow - Inverness - Oban - Strathclyde Accommodation throughout Scotland
Airds Guest House
244 Bruernish, Northbay, off A888 Road, Bruernish, Isle of Barra HS9 5UY Scotland
Airds Guest House on the Isle of Barra provides comfortable accommodation in a friendly and welcoming environment. We have views over Loch na Obe and Northbay and are within easy reach of all the main attractions. Three rooms are available for guests: one double/family room and two twin rooms. All are en-suite and equipped with television, radio and tea/coffee making facilities.
3 Grean, Castlebay, off from A888 Road, Grean, Isle of Barra HS9 5XU Scotland
Arnamul is a self-catering cottage located in Green Village, on the west coast of the Isle of Barra. It is close to the island’s main village and port of Castlebay, which has many shops, restaurants, and interesting places to visit. The Isle of Barra is the southernmost inhabited island of the Outer Hebrides and offers spectacular scenery and unique wildlife.
Bolnabodach Bolnabodach, Isle of Barra HS9 5UT Scotland
Aros Cottage is set in tree-lined gardens in a quiet and peaceful setting on the shores of Loch na Obe, very close to the site of a prehistoric settlement. All rooms at the cottage have en-suite shower facilities, tea and coffee making equipment and central heating. Guests may use the comfortable and welcoming lounge at any time of the day or night during their stay.
Nask, Castlebay off A888 Road, Nask, Isle of Barra HS9 5XN Scotland
BayView Guest House is located in the village of Nask, in the southern region of the Isle of Barra. The guest house is just a short drive from the ferry terminal with links to Oban and Lochboisdale. The guest house has unique views of Maoldonaich island and the Minch.
137 Brevig Castlebay, Isle of Barra HS9 5UN Scotland
Brevig is a self-catering cottage located just outside Castlebay on the east coast of the Isle of Barra. The quiet location is ideal for exploring the fantastic scenery that the area boasts as well as for spotting some incredible wildlife, including eagles, dolphins and whales.
Castlebay on A888 road, Castlebay, Isle of Barra HS9 5XD Scotland
Castlebay Hotel is located in a small fishing village on the Isle of Barra in the Outer Hebrides. The stunning, peaceful location is ideal for a relaxing holiday. The village of Castlebay has several small local shops and an interesting harbour with many yachts and fishing boats. The hotel has spectacular views of Kisimul Castle and overlooks the harbour.
36 Ben Tangaval, Near Castlebay off A888 Road, Castlebay, Isle of Barra HS9 5XL Scotland
Ceum a Bhealaich is a self-catering flat located at the foot of Ben Tangaval close to Castlebay. The flat is close to many beautiful beaches, golf courses, and loch fishing and is just one mile from Castlebay ferry terminal. There is private parking at the flat and storage space for bikes.
Castlebay, A888 Road, Castlebay, Isle of Barra HS9 5XD Scotland
Craigard Hotel is located on a hill above the village of Castlebay on the east coast of the Isle of Barra. The hotel overlooks Kisimul Castle and is close to many local amenities and attractions, including the Heritage Centre, beaches, shops, restaurants and outdoor activities. The hotel is approximately six miles from Barra Airport and is close to Castlebay ferry terminal.
CASTLEBAY A888 road, Castlebay, ISLE OF BARRA HS9 5XD Scotland
Dunard Lodge opened in 2006 and is a modern bed and breakfast located in Castlebay on the Isle of Barra. The Lodge can also be rented as a self-catering property, sleeping up to eight people. The Lodge has four Twin bedrooms, as well as a living room, a fully equipped kitchen, a drying room and two shower rooms.
Castlebay A888 Road, Castlebay, Isle of Barra HS9 5XD Scotland
Grianamul and Sandray offer four star accommodation in Castlebay on the Isle of Barra. Grianamul is a small bed and breakfast with two double bedrooms and one twin bedroom. Sandray is a self-catering cottage that can be rented on a weekly basis. Both properties are open from April to October and are situated ten miles from Barra Airport and close to Castlebay ferry terminal.
Northbay along the A888 Road, Northbay, Isle of Barra HS9 5YQ Scotland
This warm and welcoming hotel is situated on the scenic Isle of Barra, on the main circular road, making us easily accessible from the ferry terminals and airport. We have five cosy en-suite bedrooms, all with en-suite facilities, TV, hairdryer, clock radio and tea/coffee making facilities. The entire house benefits from central heating.
25 Glen, Castlebay off A888 road, Castlebay, Isle of Barra HS9 5UQ Scotland
The Hillside B&B is a modern yet comfortable house situated in Castlebay on the Isle of Barra, just a short walk from the ferry terminal and many other local amenities. Our spectacular views over Kisimul Castle and Vatersay are not to be missed. Our guest accommodation comprises of a double en-suite room, plus one double and one twin room with private facilities. Tea/coffee making facilities are provided in each room, as are hairdryers and bathrobes.