About Isle of Barra

The Isle of Barra is the second southernmost inhabited island in the Outer Hebrides off the northwest coast of Scotland. It has secluded, golden beaches and hilly grassland blanketed by wildflowers, earning it the local nickname of ‘Barradise’. However, the standout feature on this 60-square-kilometre island is the medieval Kisimul Castle on an islet just off Castlebay to the south, from which the village gets its name. The small fortress is just a short boat ride from the harbour, offering great views from the top of the battlements. Barra is also a top location for mountaineering, with the rugged interior reaching 1257 feet. The hills have an impressive statue of Madonna at the top and also offers superb panoramic views, so remember to bring your camera. For one of the smallest islands in the Outer Hebrides, Barra offers a wide choice of sailing options with two ports providing frequent crossings to the mainland and nearby islands. You can sail from Castlebay in the south and from Ardmhor to the north, which are both found just off the A888 circular road.

About South Uist

South Uist is a large island in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, situated between Barra, to the south, and Benbecula, to the north. With a glorious, mountainous east giving way to some of the best sandy beaches in Britain on the western shoreline, South Uist’s mesmerising landscape keeps all visitors on their toes. The highest point, Beinn Mhor, reaches over two thousand feet, setting an imposing backdrop for any hike or walk. Lochboisdale is the primary settlement: a charming seaside town on the east coast which thrived from the herring boom in the nineteenth century, home to a mission church and fascinating castle ruins from the 1200s. Whether you’re travelling from the Scottish mainland or the Outer Hebrides themselves, reaching South Uist by ferry is a quick and reliable, with regular routes from a few destinations including the port town of Oban.