Sitting at the Southern end of the island chain of the Outer Hebrides, Barra and Vatersay offer an exciting mix of contrasting island experiences with something on offer for everyone.
Barra is the only place in the world where schedule flights land on a beach at Barra Airport. Start off your journey with an exhilarating experience by landing on a beach or you can sit in the airport cafe and watch as the plane comes into land.
Feel the strong sense of community created by crofters and seafarers who live side by side on these isolated islands each contributing their own important elements to the local identity and taste the fruits of their labours from the local food and drink outlets serving up fresh seasonal fare to fuel your island explorations.
Understand the iinfluence of past on present with visits to sites such as the iconic Kisimul Castle at Castlebay on Barra or the deserted village of Eoradail on Vatersay and listen to the lessons that history has taught these Outer Hebridean islands, allowing them to adapt their existence and survive across the centuries.
View the Barra seals at Seal Bay for a stunning snapshot of the islands natural heritage or stroll amongst the wildflowers on the Vatersay machair to truly understand the allure of Outer Hebridean isolation.
Vatersay is the start of the Hebridean Way - the long distance walking and cycling routes - which go through 10 islands of the Outer Hebrides both finishing in the Isle of Lewis.
Head for Cleat for some outdoor excitement with perfect seas for surfing, visit the bays on the east coast for some lovely swims or visit the Dualchas Heritage Centre to learn a little more about these island’s rich Hebridean history.
The Isle of Mingulay, just south of Vatersay was abandoned by its last inhabitants 100 year ago. Mingulay can be accessed, in the right conditions, by boat tours and charters from neighbouring islands including Barra and well worth a trip, particularly for the wildlife - including puffins.
Barra, Vatersay and Mingulay are a great place to learn more about the precarious nature of island life, and the way in which this influences everyday island existence to create a unique lifestyle here in the Outer Hebrides that is unmatched anywhere on earth.
