Barra

: This article is about the island of Barra in Scotland. For other places of the same name, see Barra (disambiguation).

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Barra (Eilean Bharraigh in Gaelic) is a mostly Roman Catholic island, and the southernmost inhabited island of the Outer Hebrides in Scotland. In the 2001 census its usually resident population was 1,172. The Clan MacNeil has strong ties to the Isle of Barra and can trace its lineage back to the O'Neils of Ulster (hence the red hand on the arms of the Chief) who came to Barra from Ireland around the year 1000.

Related Topics:
Gaelic - Roman Catholic - Outer Hebrides - Scotland - Clan MacNeil

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Barra's main village is Castlebay (Bàgh a' Chaisteil). The town is home to Kisimul Castle, hereditary seat of the MacNeil's, and the Dualchas Heritage and Cultural Centre.

Related Topics:
Village - Castlebay - Kisimul Castle

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Barra is also linked by a causeway to Vatersay.(Eilean Bhatarsaigh).

Related Topics:
Causeway - Vatersay

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Other places of interest on the island include the Black House Museum, a ruined church and museum at Cille-Bharra, a number of Iron Age brochs such as those at Dun Chuidhir and Dun Ban and a whole range of other Iron Age and later structures which have recently been excavated and recorded.

Related Topics:
Black House Museum - Cille-Bharra - Iron Age - Brochs

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The west of the island has white sandy beaches backed by shell-sand machair and the east has numerous rocky inlets.

Related Topics:
Beach - Machair

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Barra is abundant with stunning scenery, rare flowers and wildlife, which can be appreciated by coastal or hill walks, drives or cycle rides along the various small roads. Car and bicycle hire are available locally.

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Every summer, the Feis Barraigh brings the whole island together in a cultural festival.

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