Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
BOAT TO MINGULAY
Several of the Bishop's Isles to the south of Vatersay were inhabited until just before World
War II. The largest of the islands is
Mingulay
(Miùghlaigh), which once had a population of
160 and with its large sea-bird colonies, spectacular sea cliffs and stacks, is often compared to
St Kilda (see p.310). The crofters of Mingulay began a series of land raids on Vatersay from 1906
and by 1912 the island had been abandoned, with none of the publicity later given to St Kilda.
The most southerly of the Western Isles is Berneray (Bearnaraigh) - not to be confused with
the Berneray north of North Uist - best known for its lighthouse,
Barra Head
, which stands on
cliffs over 620ft high. For details of boat trips to the island, phone Donald (
T
01871 890384,
W
barrafishingcharters.com) or contact the tourist o
ce.
6
Vatersay (Bhatarsaigh)
To the south of Barra is the island of
Vatersay
(Bhatarsaigh), shaped rather like an
apple core, and since 1991 linked to its neighbour by a causeway - a mile or so
southwest of Castlebay. The island is divided into two peninsulas connected by a
slender isthmus, whose dunes feature the
Annie Jane Monument
, a granite needle
erected to commemorate the 350 emigrants who lost their lives when the
Annie Jane
ran aground off Vatersay in 1853 en route to Canada. The main settlement (also
known as Vatersay) has little charm, but it does have a lovely
sandy beach
to the south;
another fine beach, visible from Castlebay, is situated at the eastern end of the northern
half of the island. Climb up the chief hill,
Theiseabhal Mòr
(623ft), to get an overview
of the uninhabited islands to the south of Vatersay.
ARRIVAL AND GETTING AROUND
BARRA
By plane
Barra Airport (
T
01871 890212,
W
hial.oc.uk)
has direct flights from and to Glasgow.
By ferry
The main ferry terminal on Barra is in Castlebay
where the ferry from Oban arrives: from Eriskay, you arrive
at an uninhabited spot on the northeast of the island.
Destinations
Coll (Thurs; 4hr); Eriskay (5 daily; 40min);
Lochboisdale (Wed, Fri & Sun; 1hr 40min); Oban (1-2 daily
except Sat; 5hr); Tiree (Thurs; 2hr 45min).
By bus
There's a fairly decent bus service out of Castlebay,
which does the rounds of the island.
Destinations
Airport (Mon-Sat 4-7 daily; 30min); Eoligarry
(Mon-Sat 3-6 daily; 35min); Eriskay ferry (Mon-Sat 3-5
daily; 25min); Vatersay (Mon-Sat 4 daily; 20min)
By car or bike
Barra Car Hire (
T
01871 890313) will
deliver cars to either ferry terminal or the airport, and Barra
Cycle Hire (
T
01871 810284) will do the same with bikes.
INFORMATION AND ACTIVITIES
Tourist o
ce
Main St, Castlebay, just round from the
pier (Easter-Sept Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Sun
11am-3pm; Oct same hours Mon-Sat only; Nov & Dec
Mon-Sat 9am-1pm & 2-5pm; also open to greet the
evening ferry;
T
01871 810336).
Sea-kayaking
Available from the
Dunard Hostel
(see below).
ACCOMMODATION
Castlebay Hotel
Castlebay
T
01871 810223,
W
castlebay
-hotel.co.uk.
The
Castlebay
is the more welcoming of the
town's two hotels - a solid Victorian pile, with spectacular
views
over t
he bay from the restaurant and some of the
rooms.
£105
Dunard Hostel
Castlebay
T
01871 810443,
W
dunard
hostel.co.uk.
A relaxed, family-run place just west of the
ferry terminal in Castlebay, that has twins,
dorm
beds and
a family room; they also offer sea-kayaking.
£18
/person
Heathbank Hotel
Northbay (Bagh a Tuath)
T
01871
890266,
W
barrahotel.co.uk.
Converted mission church
now home to a comfortable hotel and unpretentious local
watering hole run b
y the
very friendly and experienced
local MacLeod family.
£96
Northbay House
Northbay (Bagh a Tuath)
T
01871
890266,
W
barraholidays.co.uk.
The old school house in
Northbay, originally built in 1888, is now a B&B run by a
genuinely friendly couple - breakf
ast m
enu includes local
smoked haddock and poached egg.
£76
Tigh-na-Mara
Castlebay
T
01871 810304,
W
tighna
mara-barra.co.uk.
For value and location - just a few
minutes from the pier in Castlebay - you can't beat this
simple Victorian
gue
sthouse overlooking the sea. Free
wi-fi.
April-Oct.
£60
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