Scottish Tour Guide's Blog

Castlebay, Barra, Scotland

This morning, we arrived at Castlebay after an 11 hour crossing from Oban on the Scottish mainland.This journey had taken twice the normal time due to delays caused by severe weather conditions.

Upon arrival at Castlebay we checked into the hotel for a freshen up and breakfast and then commenced a tour of the island taking in:

• The magnificent sandy beaches and coastline resplendent in the sunshine.
• Ancient religious site of Cille Bhara which dates from the 12th century but with a Christian heritage dating back to the 7th century.
• Traigh Mhor Airport, Barra’s unique beach landing strip. Here we waited patiently for a scheduled plane to land but it failed to arrive and we eventually gave up.

Mid afternoon we caught the ferry to Eriskay, across the Sound of Barra, and then drove north across the causeway to South Uist and then on to Nunton on Bnebecula where we are lodging tonight in an excellent four star guest house. We plan to catch upon sleep tonight before embarking on our travels to North Uist and Harris.

Castlebay, Barra, Scotland

Beach Scene, Barra, Scotland

Barra Airport, Hebrides, Scotland

Cille Bhara Religious Site, Barra

Peat Digging, Benbecula, Hebrides

This evening, I am posting information on a fascinating historic site on the Isle of Barra.

This religious complex at Cill Barra (‘Kilbar’) is considered as one of the most important of its type in the Western Isles. The church may date from the 12th century, possibly based on an older, refurbished structure. The separate St. Mary’s chapel has been re-roofed to house the late medieval carved tombstones (see image below) which formerly lay in the graveyard.

The central stone in the image below is, in fact, a replica. The original can be found in the Scottish Museum of Antiquities in Edinburgh. This is known as the Kilbar Stone and is Christian-Nordic Runic in origin. On the front there is a cross decorated with a four plaited pattern and bordered by a scroll. On the reverse is an inscription “This cross has been raised in memory of Thorgeth, daughter of Steinar.”

The burial ground associated with the church holds the remains of many local inhabitants including the writer and novelist, Compton MacKenzie.

This morning I am posting information on Kisimul Castle which is located in the centre of Castlebay, Barra, Hebrides.

Key points:

• Dates from 15th century.
• Consists of a square tower with a curtain wall within which there is a hall, chapel and other buildings.
• Inside are two artesian wells and a fish trap to provide resources in event of siege.
• Abandoned from 1795 then sold to Colonel Gordon in 1838.
• Purchased in he 1930s by Robert Lister MacNeil, an American who became the 45th Clan Chief. This gentleman restored the castle. His son is the current Clan Chief.
• Access is via a short trip in an open boat.

This weaponry was used at the Battle of Culloden in 1746.

MacNeil heraldry

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