Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
More recently the SS
Politician
sank just off the island in 1941. The islanders salvaged
much of its cargo of around 250,000 bottles of whisky and, after a binge of dramatic pro-
portions, the police intervened and a number of the islanders landed in jail. The story was
immortalised by Sir Compton Mackenzie in his comic novel
Whisky Galore,
later made
into a famous film.
A CalMac (
Click here
)
car ferry (pedestrian/car £7.50/21.65, 40 minutes, four or five
daily) links Eriskay with Ardmhor at the northern end of Barra.
Barra (Barraigh)
POP 1150
With its beautiful
beaches
, wildflower-clad dunes, rugged little hills and strong sense of
community, diminutive Barra - just 14 miles in circumference - is the Outer Hebrides in
miniature. For a great view of the island, walk up to the top of
Heaval
(383m), a mile
northeast of Castlebay.
Castlebay
(Bagh a'Chaisteil), in the south, is the largest village. There's a tourist office
(
Click here
)
, a bank with an ATM, a post office and two grocery stores.
Sights
Kisimul Castle
(HS; 01871-810313; Castlebay; adult/child incl ferry £5/3; 9.30am-5.30pm Apr-
Sep)
Castlebay takes its name from the island fortress of Kisimul Castle, first built by the
MacNeil clan in the 11th century. A short boat trip (weather permitting) takes you out to
the island, where you can explore the fortifications and soak up the view from the battle-
ments.
The castle was restored in the 20th century by American architect Robert MacNeil, who
became the 45th clan chief; he gifted the castle to Historic Scotland in 2000 for an annual
rent of £1 and a bottle of whisky (Talisker single malt, if you're interested).
CASTLE
Traigh Mor
This vast expanse of firm golden sand (the name means 'Big Strand') serves as Barra's
airport (a mile across at low tide, and big enough for three 'runways'), the only beach air-
port in the world that handles scheduled flights. Watching the little Twin Otter aircraft
come and go is a popular spectator sport.
BEACH
