An Excellent Visitor

Barra and Vatersay are very special islands - they are islands were people live, work and bring up families. To get the most out of your visit we would ask that you help keep our islands special. Outer Hebrides Tourism have a responsible visitor code called PLACE. You can find out more from their website.

What does it mean to be an excellent visitor?

Try not to just whizz through the islands; stay in one place and soak up the atmosphere. Get to know the place and its people. Explore and discover the special places and wonderful things to do.
Join us in our community events.
Enjoy our hospitality: eat out and visit the bars, meet the locals and enjoy their company.
Book some activities, whether it is an island tour, boat trip, water sports or cycling - see the islands from another perspective.
Invest in the local economy - shop here and buy local. Don't come loaded up with shopping. We have some great shops here and a wide variety of products to meet all dietary requirements. Shop for birthdays and Christmas as well as for souvenirs: there are a range of lovely items handmade on the island that would make special gifts.

If you are camping or campervanning please book in at a campsite where all the facilities are there for you.

Our environment is fragile - please not not play or camp on the dunes, use the designated beach access points, do not drive on the Machair and please follow community information.

Please dispose of all waste responsibly.
Litter is a problem throughout Scotland. Please help by picking some up as you move around the islands and join in with local litter picks. This is a great way to meet people and get involved in improving our environment.

Barra and Vatersay are working landscapes. Keep dogs on a lead. Respect fences and use gates and stiles at all times.
If you have a dog, please pick up its poo, take it away and dispose of it correctly, regardless of whether you are on the machair, beach or rough grass.

Our roads are narrow! Please drive carefully and if you are enjoying the scenery then pull over to take it in. Use the passing places to let traffic past, both oncoming and from behind. Always give way to traffic coming uphill.

Most of all enjoy yourself and these beautiful islands we are so fortunate to call our home.

Bùth Bharraigh runs the Visitor Information and all events and activities will be advertised there. The staff and volunteers are well-informed and excellent at answering questions. If they don't know the answer then they will find out for you. Never be afraid to ask!

We are looking forward to welcoming you all #RespectProtectEnjoy