The village capital of Barra is Castlebay (Bagh a ‘Chaisteil) - known for its beautiful setting, relaxed atmosphere and friendly residents.
CASTLEBAY ANCHORAGE AND FUEL
There is an excellent marina in Castlebay, water is available by hose on the pier. If you are needing fuel in Castlebay petrol, road and marine diesel pumps are all available within walking distance of the pier and you can buy Calor gas on Barra by calling 01871 810846.
FACILITIES AND FUN IN CASTLEBAY
There are two hotels in Castlebay with full service restaurants as well as a number of guest houses and B&Bs offering accommodation to Barra visitors. The harbour village also has range of shops, a bank, a petrol station, tourist information and a hospital. Car rental and bike hire are also available.
Yachting crews and cruisers can walk to the nearby Castlebay leisure centre where there are showers, a swimming pool and internet access.
An additional wifi connection can be found at the Buth Bharraigh, a local produce shop and tourist information, in Castlebay, where you can also see the Barra Bunting project on display. The project is creating a collection of small flags created by those who live on or have visited the island – you may even decide to add you own flag after visiting to add to those already received from Barra visitors from all over the world.
Castlebay boasts a nine hole golf course built on the machair, the natural turf providing a perfect playing surface. Green fees are payable via an honesty box at the course
HEBRIDEAN ISLAND HISTORY AND HERITAGE
Perched atop a rock in the bay, Kisimul Castle gives the settlement its name, as well as being an intrinsic piece of local history as the ancestral seat of the clan MacNeil – who by the 16th Century were reputedly using Castlebay as a pirate base from raids on the ships of the English Queen Elizabeth I.
You can learn more about the history of the area at the Barra Heritage Centre or Dualchas, which is located in the centre of Castlebay.
