Barra

2004 0806hebridies0040 - A Twin Otter touches down at Barra Airport Barra Satellite Photo - Barra Satellite Photo Isle of barra-castlebay - Castlebay

Barra (Gaelic: Barraigh) is an island in the Outer Hebrides or Western Isles of Scotland. The main village is the ferry port, Castlebay. A causeway links Barra to the island of Vatersay and further south are the uninhabited islands of Pabbay, Sandray, Mingulay and Berneray.

Introduction to Barra

The resident population is about 1,100; two-thirds of them speak Gaelic but everyone speaks English.

Barra is predominately Catholic, so there are fewer restrictions on Sunday activities (eg shop opening) than on the islands further north. There are also some wayside shrines, unusual for Scotland.

Castlebay gets its name because Kisimul Castle and the seat of Clan MacNeil, sits on a rock out in the bay. (And Kisimul in turn is from Gaelic ciosamul meaning "castle island", so it's all very logical.) A Clan McNeil gathering takes place on Barra every two years, reuniting their diaspora from across the world.

Travel to Barra

It's either a short flight or a long ferry crossing.

Fly to Barra

Daily Flights from Glasgow take just over a hour. Flights are operated by Loganair using Twin Otters, with a 15 kg limit for checked luggage on this route. Flight timetables vary with the tide as Barra's runway is the beach, believed to be the only place in the world where scheduled flights use a beach runway.

• Barra Airport IATA Flight Code: BRR Northbay HS9 5YD 57.027,-7.450 Barra Airport (Scotland) Plane arrival at Barra Airport - Small modern terminal building with toilets and a cafe and it's reassuring that "Traigh Mhor" and the runway area, translates as big beach. The round-the-island bus W32 runs to the airport three times a day routinely plus an extra late afternoon run on request. To Castlebay it takes 20 mins, fare £2, local taxis also available. Car hire available (see "Get around") but do pre-book and they have few vehicles. Private aircraft are welcome with prior permission.

Travel by boat to Barra

 Caledonian MacBrayne ("Calmac") ferries link Barra with Oban on the mainland and with the other Western Isles via Eriskay.

• The Oban-Castlebay ferry takes 5 hours. Daily April-Oct, plus an extra Wednesday sailing via Coll and Tiree. No Saturday sailing or Coll-Tiree link November - March. One way fare is £15 per person plus £68 per car. Trains and buses from Glasgow connect with the ferries at Oban, so you can travel all the way in one day.
• Castlebay ferry terminal Castlebay HS9 5XD 56.954,-7.488 - Opening 07:00-17:00, Saturday 07:00-15:00, Sunday 07:00-13:00 Open for all sailings, it's the small white-washed low building by the pier. With toilets and Wifi. 400 yards to shops and ATM. Free parking.

• Six miles north of Barra, Eriskay is a small island linked by causeway to South Uist, so thit is nowadays the route to the main chain of the Western Isles. A ferry runs from
• Ardmhor 57.009,-7.403 on the north coast of Barra to Eriskay. This sails daily year-round, with up to 5 ferries per day, taking 40 minutes, single fare £3 plus vehicle £11. A bus may connect on Barra and on Eriskay a bus may connect all the way north via Lochboisedale, Benbecula and North Uist, with another ferry crossing to Harris. So by this Western Isles Overland Route you can travel in under a day between Barra and Stornoway on Lewis. The traditional ferry route from Castlebay on Barra to Lochboisdale on South Uist no longer sails.

Cruise ships sometimes visit Barra, eg the " Hebridean Princess". Castlebay has 12 visitor moorings for yachts and other small craft.

Get Around in Barra

GPS 56.98|-7.46 Castlebay is a small walkable place, though you need a boat ride to reach the castle. The whole island is about ten miles long by six miles wide, with its sights and settlements strung along the 13 mile loop of the coastal "primary street" A888. (Thit is basically just a lane, but well-paved). So you'll also need bike, bus, car-hire or taxi.

• Bike hire is £16 for one day and then £10 a day.
• Buses run Monday toSat, with a single fare of £1-£3.

Bus W32 circles the island either clockwise (north from Castlebay via Borve on the west coast) or anti-clockwise (via Brevig on the east coast) to Northbay. Here it takes the side lane north to Ardmhor (for ferries to Eriskay) and the airport and Eoligarry; then it retraces its route to Northbay and completes the circuit to Castlebay. There are four regular buses 07:00-13:30 plus occasional extras.

Bus W33 runs south from Castlebay across the causeway onto Vatersay, where it serves Caolas and the Uidh promontery and the main settlement of Vatersay to the south. Just two buses, at 09:30 and noon, a third in school holidays and you need to book.

And see Western Isles Overland Route for connections by bus and ferry to Eriskay and all the way up the chain of islands to the north tip of Lewis.

• Arrange car hire through Barra Car Hire on 01871 890 313 (for on-island hire only) or Car Hire Hebrides on 01870 603 228 (they'll do off-island and one way hire across the Western Isles.) Campbell Taxis | 60 Tangasdale, HS9 5XW - +44 1871 810216 - Barra Taxi | Garrygall, HS9 5UH - +44 1871 810012
• Dans Taxi +44 1871 810497
• Barra Island Tours +44 1871 810255

What to See

• Kisimul Castle Castlebay HS9 5UZ 56.9521,-7.4873 five minutes boat trip from Kisimul ☎ +44 1871 810313 Opening Hours: April-Sept daily 09:30-17:30, last outbound boat 16:30. Closed October - March Adult £6, Child £3.60, Concession £4.80 Kisimul Castle Kisimul Castle Evening - panoramio 9160 - Small castle, reached by a 5-min boat ride from Castlebay, weather permitting. Built in late 15th C and showing its age, with the Great Hall closed for restoration. Wisely and the Clan Chief lives in Edinburgh.

• Barra Heritage Centre - Dualchas | Castlebay HS9 5XD 56.956,-7.496 near community school ☎ +44 1871 810413 Opening Hours: April - Oct Tuesday to Friday 11:00-16:00, Saturday 10:00-14:00, but opening erratic Adults £3, Concession £2, Children £1 Local history exhibition.
• Overlooking the ferry port, note the 19th C "Our Lady, Star of the Sea" RC church. Masses are held here Saturday & Sunday mornings and at various times around the island.
• Along the west coast,* Tangasdale 56.9730,-7.5199 is the best beach. The medieval ruin on the islet out on the bay is "McLeod's Tower" or "Sinclair Castle". There's a small standing stone near the roadside at Borve and the Neolithic chambered burial cairn of Dun Bharpa in the hills above. On the hill just south of the turnoff for the golf-course is Dun Chuidhir Iron Age broch. On Grean Head to the north, Atlantic breakers pound against the cliffs.

• A mile east along the primary street from Castlebay towards Breivig is the start of the footpath up Heaval, see "Do". All along the more sheltered east side are views of the inner isles and on a clear day the hills of Rhum and the peaks of the Cuillins look very close.
• At* Northbay 57.00112,-7.42570 a side lane branches north. Local artist Margaret Somerville has created a statue of Street Barr and the island's saint, in the little bay here, as well as the shell pictures of seabirds and fish dotted around the island. The north end of Barra offers a vista of nearby uninhabited islands, as well as Eriskay and the Stack Isles, Ben More in South Uist and on a clear day Benbecula and North Uist.
• The lane continues north past the airport (toilets and cafe here) towards Eoligarry - a siren sounds when an aircraft's approaching and you need to get clear of the beach. This would be a really bad time for the dog to go hurtling after the seagulls.

• Chapel of Cille Bharra Web: +eoligarry+cille+bharra/ Eoligarry 57.0394,-7.4342 3 or 4 chapels here, notably the 16th C burial chapel, restored in the 1970s. This contains a replica of a stone with Viking runes and Celtic design, commemorating the Christian burial of the Viking princess Thorgeth, Steinar's daughter. The original stone is in the National Museum in Edinburgh. The "main" chapel adjacent is now a ruin and the third chapel is a scrappy ruin and the fourth has been obliterated. In the graveyard under a simple cross lies Sir Compton MacKenzie, whose best-loved work Whisky Galore was inspired by the running aground of the whisky-laden ship "The Politician" nearby in 1941.

• From Castlebay a lane branches south, to cross a causeway to* Vatersay 56.925,-7.541 }}. Thit island has very fine beaches and the best surfing and wind-surfing. Note the memorial to "Annie Jane", a ship from Liverpool taking emigrants to Montreal, wrecked in West Bay in 1853 with the loss of 350 lives. A number of Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Age remains are found on Vatersay, while offshore to the West is the inaccessible 236-foot stack of Biruaslum - with, incredibly, a prehistoric fort.

Muslim Travel Tips

• No end of fine walks along deserted beaches.
• Climb
• Heaval 56.9670,-7.4689 Heaval - Heaval top -QQQ347 - It's a short sharp ascent from the primary street up the ridge to the summit at 384. The record for racing up it and back stands at 24 mins, but most folk take 40 mins each way. Two thirds of the way up is a statue of the Madonna and Child overlooking Castlebay. The view from the top takes in Mingulay and Barra Head lighthouse to the south; you might even see the hills of Ireland.

• Barra Golf Club Cleat, HS9 5XX 57.01217,-7.49086 north end of the island Nine-hole course the most westerly golf course in Scotland.

• Sea kayaking - 56.95606,-7.49134 - Includes point to point kayak tours around the Hebrides, wild camping overnight.

• Boat trips run in calm weather to the uninhabited islands just south. The most stunning is Mingulay, with its vast cliffs and a tumult of sea-birds wheeling over the waters.
• Castlebay Community School has a swimming pool, a fitness suite and a library with internet facilities.

• The Barrathon , Barrathon - The island's thirteen miles of primary street make nicely for a half-marathon circuit. The "Barrathon" is held at the end of June; the next is on Saturday 29 June 2019.

• MacNeil Clan Gathering - If you are a MacNeil then you are most welcome at the Clan Gathering, which is held in even years the latest being in Aug 2018. Its various events are mostly held in Castlebay Community Hall. Arrangements for the 2020 Gathering have not yet been announced.

Shopping in Barra

• Castlebay has ATMs and a filling station.

• Co-op Castlebay, HS9 5XD 56.95549,-7.49850 South side of the bay, near the school ☎ +44 1871 810 069 Opening from Monday to Saturday: 7AM Monday - 10PM; Sunday: 12:30PM Monday - 10PM
• Grocer Main Street, Castlebay 56.95462,-7.48646 sells newspapers.

• Hardware store in Castlebay 56.95527,-7.48599

• The local newspaper is Guth Bharraigh, which will tell you what's on.
• Buth Bharraigh is a local produce hub, at Unit 2, Castlebay Industrial Estate (Monday to Saturday 10:00-18:00, Sunday 12:00-16:00).

• Hebridean Toffee Castlebay HS9 5XD 56.9553,-7.4893 turn first left after leaving ferry ☎ +44 1871 810898 Opening Hours:April - Oct Monday - Thursday 09:00-17:00, Friday Saturday 09:00-19:00, Sunday 12:00-16:00, November - Mar Thursday 09:00-17:00, Friday Saturday 09:00-19:00 Scottish tablet made and sold here, with toffee and other local quality crafts and gifts sold all year round.

Halal Restaurants & Food in Barra

• For a quick Snacks there are cafés in Castlebay and the village halls in Vatersay and Northbay offer coffees, teas, home baking and gifts.

• The Deck - Outside the Toffee shop - heart-@ Castlebay - ☎ +44 1871 810898 Opening Hours: April - Oct Monday - Thursday 09:00-17:00, Friday Saturday 09:00-19:00, Sunday 12:00-16:00, November - Mar Thursday 09:00-17:00, Friday Saturday 09:00-19:00 Good local food and fresh home baking outside on the Deck: al fresco if warm, all freezo otherwise.

• Dualchas Café in the Heritage Centre, Castlebay - Opening Hours: daytime only
• Cafe Kisimul Castlebay - by the harbour ☎ +44 1871 810645 or +44 1871 810870 Opening from Monday to Saturday 10:00-22:00, Sunday 17:00-21:00 Offers Italian, Indian, traditional Hebridean and Vegetarian options. Great staff with a trattoria-like atmosphere. Only about 6 indoor tables. It is advisable to book at weekends and in high season.

All the hotels on the island offer dining to non-residents. Fresh local fish and shellfish are always a good pick.

• Isle of Barra Beach Hotel Tangasdale Beach - Opening Hours: Dinner 18:00-20:45 Restaurant with fine ocean views.

• Castlebay Hotel - , - Opening Hours: Daily 12:00-14:00 & 18:00-20:30 (to 21:30 May-Sept) Mains £13-20 - The food is reasonable value and quality especially the seafood. Friendly service.

• Craigard Hotel Castlebay - Opening Hours: Daily 12:30-14:00 & 17:30-21:00 Mostly sea-food. Occasional live bands and big screen football matches.

• Heathbank Hotel Northbay - Opening Hours: April-Sept Snacks from 13:00, main menu 17:00-20:00 Mainly seafood.
• Each of the four hotels has its own bar or cocktail lounge. There are often dances and ceilidhs which are either licensed to sell soft drinks or where you are expected to bring your own bottle.

• Castlebay Hotel - Often has live music late on Saturday Nights. The local group "The Vatersay Boys" are very popular locally and will get you up and dancing.

• Craigard Hotel Castlebay
• Halaman Cafe Isle of Barra Beach Hotel. - Thit is located several a few kilometers out of Castlebay. Large vehicle park. - Architect designed, it looks really posh. Great Muslim Friendly place to watch the sunset.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Barra

Barra - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Barra, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Barra. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Barra and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Barra. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Barra. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Barra: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Barra.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Barra: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Barra, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Barra.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Barra, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Barra, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Barra and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Barra, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Barra, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Barra without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Barra is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Barra.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Barra is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Barra, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Barra Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Barra

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Ramadan Celebrations in Barra

Ramadan 2025 in Barra

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Be ready to book your lodging as soon as you book your transport and vice versa. Both have limited capacity. This applies at any time of year: summer is busy, but in winter places shut down.

All the lodging is small and family-owned. It's not always listed on the tourist board website, as there are charges and hassles to do so.

• Camping: There are designated campsites (which take tourer caravans) at Borve on the west coast, Balnabodach on the east coast and two at Eoiligarry at the north tip.

• Dunard Hostel Castlebay 56.95602,-7.49194 ☎ +44 1871 810443 Bunk £20, twin room £45 A 16-bed hostel which caters for families and solo travellers. Close to the ferry pier.

• Tigh-Na-Mara Guest House Castlebay HS9 5XD - ☎ +44 1871 810304 Doubles £80 Bed & Breakfast open April-October.
• Castlebay Hotel 56.95546,-7.48741 ☎ +44 1871 810223 from £60 - It's a few minutes walk from the ferry. Website also has general info on the island.

• Craigard Hotel Castlebay HS9 5XD 56.95482,-7.48454 overlooking ferry pier ☎ +44 1871 810200 Check-in : 14:00 / Check-out: 10:30 Bed & Breakfast double from £60 - Friendly small hotel with restaurant.

• Isle of Barra Beach Hotel 56.97579,-7.51831 on the west coast, about 2 miles from Castlebay. ☎ +44 1871 810383 - Open May-Sept. In a lovely location next to Tangasdale Beach, 2 night minimum stay.
  Beware that Google map shows a duplicate of this hotel away up a rocky hill on Vatersay. No, nothing here but sheep.

• Heathbank Hotel Northbay 56.99779,-7.42032 on the east coast 6 miles from Castlebay from £75 - Small hotel with restaurant. Closes during October, otherwise year-round.

• Self-catering: At least two dozen places dotted around, including on Vatersay. They're mostly cottages plus a few static caravans and generally let from Saturday to Saturday.

Go Next

Head north to the islands to Eriskay, South Uist, Benbecula, North Uist, Lewis and Harris, maybe taking the ferry or flight back to the mainland from Stornoway.

• The Hebridean Hopscotch ticket offers an opportunity to travel either north to Uist from Barra or south to Oban.
• Going north, you can take a ferry to Harris and drive or take public transport to the main town of Stornoway in Lewis. If you take a ferry from Lochmaddy in North Uist yiou can continue your holiday through Skye.
• Going south, you can choose a ferry once a week that will take you to Tiree or Coll, or go straight to Oban, from which ferry connections to islands such as Mull or Colonsay are easy.Bus and train connections are available from Oban to take you anywhere in Scotland.Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.
  

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