A Day on the Isle of Barra
A day by car, from Kisimul Castle to Vatersay Beaches.
Written by Graeme Johncock
Scotland has over 90 permanently inhabited islands to explore, but most people will only ever see Skye, Mull, Harris or Lewis. One of my favourite places is somewhere a little quieter, at the very south of the Outer Hebrides – the Isle of Barra. I’ve travelled there both by plane and by ferry, but no matter how you arrive, this is how I would spend a day there.
- How
- A day by car
- Distance
- About 23 miles
- Starts
- Kisimul Castle
- Ends
- Vatersay Beaches
- Good for
- Castles, Islands, Beaches, Whisky
The day
Kisimul Castle
An attraction
An icon of the Isle of Barra stands proudly on a rock in the middle of the aptly named Castlebay – Kisimul Castle. Once home to Clan MacNeil, they had a particularly impressive chief in the later 1500s known as Ruari the Turbulent. He pillaged so many passing ships that Kisimul’s cellar was full of the finest wine and its walls decorated in expensive silks! Unfortunately, due to conservation work, the castle is closed to visitors at the moment. During the tourist season, Historic Scotland do run free boat trips which should be booked in advance, however, even the view from the village is incredible!
More about Kisimul CastleThe rest of this day is for members.
7 more stops, what to do at each, and the drive between them. Members read every one of our days, and the magazine.
Isle of Barra Distillers
An attraction
Cille Bharra
Barra Airport
An attraction
Heaval
An attraction
Shop at Bùth Bharraigh
A shop
Barra Heritage Centre
An attraction
Vatersay Beaches
An attraction
More days by Graeme
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