Barra is the southernmost land mass in the Western Isles. It is linked by ferry to South Uist via the island of Eriskay and to Oban on the mainland. It is the only place in the United Kingdom where a civil airport utilises a runway on the beach.
The 19th century church on Eriskay is notable for its altar, which contains the prow of a lifeboat lost from HMS Hermes in WW2, and for its bell which which is from the WW1 German battlecruiser SMS Derfflinger which was scuttled in Scapa Flow in 1919.
However, Eriskay is even more famous because of an event that occurred in 1941. The ss Politician hit a submerged rock off the coast and was beached. Her cargo contained 21,000 cases of whisky headed for the United States. Because it was war time, the authorities were slow to arrive at the scene. In the meantime, the local people from Barra, Eriskay and South Uist helped to "save" much of the cargo and replenished their stores. The story generated the 1948 movie "Whisky Galore".
The ferry from Eriskay docks on the north coast of Barra where more outstanding white beaches run for miles in the northeast. One, Cocklestrand, named for the cockles that are a local delicacy, is the site of the airport. Twin Otters of Loganair make daily flights to Benbecula and Glasgow.
The Airport Terminal Building - no windsock in sight!
Nearby stands the 12th century church of St. Barr - perhaps St. Finbar from Ireland - after whom the island gets its name. Despite its internal appearance, the church is still in regular use.
On the south of Barra lies the major centre of Castlebay with the 15th century Kisimul Castle in the harbour. It can hardly be missed on the approach to the town.
Main Street - CastlebayOn a hill behind the town and standing next to St. Michael's Church is the Craigard Hotel. The castle was easily visible from our hotel room.
To the south of Barra lies yet another small island that has much to offer. Vatersay has a small population with its own beaches, crofts and wildflowers.
Oban, a city on the mainland of Scotland and a 7-hour ferry ride away, meant a return to reality and the end of our island-hopping holiday in the Outer Hebrides.
Caledonian Hotel
For Part 5 - click on the following link:
www.hebrideanholiday5.blogspot.com
