Cheap Hotels in Barra Island, Western Isles

Named after St Barr, the island of Barra is one of the southernmost of the Outer Hebrides island chain. It is approximately 13 km by 8 km (8 miles by 5 miles), covering an area of about 305 sq km (118 sq miles). It lies approximately 8 km (5 miles) south of the island of South Uist, and the highest point is 384 m (1,260 feet). Crofting and fishing occupy the majority of the small population of Barra, and the only beach airstrip still in operation in the UK can be found at Tràigh Mhór, to the north of the island.

Barra features sites of Viking and Celtic remains, and is the ancient seat of Clan MacNeil (Kisamul Castle, from which Barra's main town, Castlebay, takes its name). During the 8th century Vikings invaded the Hebrides, and as a result Norway ruled the island chain until 1266, when they were transferred to Scottish control. During the next few centuries Scottish chieftains ruled the islands, but the royal house of Scotland gradually reduced the influence of the chieftains, gaining full control over the Hebrides in 1748.

The Hebrides as a whole are renowned for their unspoilt, wild beauty, with a rocky and sometimes mountainous terrain that is broken by many bogs, moors, lakes, and valleys, they feature a vast array of wildlife and amazing scenery.