Scottish Tour Guide's Blog » Barra

Visit Cille Bhara, Visit Outer Hebrides

catswhiskers — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 22:54:47 +0000

Cille Bhara, Barra, Scotland

This evening, I am posting information on the historic religious site of Cille Bhara on the island of Barra off the West of Scotland. This may translate from Gaelic as ‘Church of St. Barr’s Island’.

Visit Barra, Visit Scotland

catswhiskers — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 22:48:42 +0000

This evening, I am posting information on Barra ( Eilean Bharraigh) the southern most principal island of the Outer Hebrides which lie off the West of Scotland, well into the Atlantic. Key aspects of Barra are:

Visit Castlebay, Visit Outer Hebrides

catswhiskers — Mon, 28 May 2012 21:25:54 +0000

Kisimul Castle, Barra, Hebrides

This evening, I am focusing on the small town of Castlebay on the Isle of Barra which is located on the southern tip of the Outer Hebrides. Castlebay is an important ferry port for the Hebrides (direct link with Oban), has a major castle sitting proudly in the bay and has a sizeable hotel for visitors.

Kisimul Castle is an impregnable fortress with a long association with Clan MacNeill.It has a three storey tower within a curtain wall which almost completely encloses the rock on which it stands.There are two artesian wells and a fish trap to aid resistance against sieges. The castle is managed by Historic Scotland and is open to visitors who gain access via small boat.

In addition to the castle and hotel there is a church and a few small shops.

Tour Barra and Uist, Tour Scotland

catswhiskers — Mon, 14 May 2012 20:29:02 +0000

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.

Cille Bharra, Barra, Hebrides, Scotland

admin — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 18:43:00 +0000

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.

A pace for reflection and contemplation. It seems likely that the coastline has been pushed back since the site was originally established-due the growth of extensive sand dunes which now separate Cille Bharra from the sea.

Kisimul Castle, Barra, Hebrides, Scotland.

admin — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 08:53:00 +0000

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.

Barra-the most Scottish part of Scotland

admin — Sat, 06 Jan 2007 14:56:00 +0000

The West Coast island of Barra is known for two features:

The unique aircraft landing strip on its beaches.
Cockles, which are collected by hand and exported to many parts of the world.

Visit Barra with catswhiskerstours