North Barra Things to Do
 

Eoligarry beach has stunning views over to Eriskay, South Uist and Fuidday. The old passenger ferry to Uist used to leave from Eoligarry Jetty. This long beach has the skeletons of old cars which can be seen at low tides. These cars were used to tackle errosion of the sand dunes.

Traigh Sgurabhal is the most northern beach on Barra. With stunning views over to the other islands, this beach has white sand and beautiful turquoise water. 
Kayak and paddle board hire is available at this beach from Croft no.2 campsite.

This ruined galleried dun is situated on top of the hill at the north of the island with stunning views over Traigh Eais and the northern beaches, as well as the other islands.

Although the dun is in ruins, it is possible to see the outer and inner walls of what would have been a commanding structure.

Dedicated the St Barr, the remains of medieval church and two ruined chapels are sat at the foot of Ben Eoligarry.

The oldest chapel on the site is dated to have been built in the 1100's with speculation that it was built on the site of a previous chapel built in the 600's dedicated to St Finbarr of Cork.
The second chapel is estimated to have been built around 1400, and the North church which is still standing was built in the 1500's, however it is unsure if it was built as a church or as a burial site due to a number of graves found inside.

​

In the North church stands the replica of the Kilbar Stone. This stone is of special interest and was moved to the National Museum of Scotland as it has early Christian and Nordic Ruins on it dating back to the 900's.

Traigh Eais neighbours Traigh Mhor, and unlike the sheltered bay of the airport, this beach faces the full force of the Atlantic. Due to the strong winds, this beach has some of the tallest sand dunes on the island.

Traigh Mhor translates to 'Big Beach', and when you see the beach, you can understand why it was given this name. This beach is used by the airport and is the only place in the world where there are scheduled flights using the beach as the runway.

Traigh Mhor is also known as cockle strand due to it being a great location for foraging the shellfish.

You can walk on this beach when the windsocks are down, indicating that the runways are not in use.

Suidhachean House - which translates to 'sitting down place' - is the name of the house built by famous author Sir Compton MacKenzie.
MacKenzie built the house in 1935 and overlooks Traigh Mhor. Whisky Galore was written in 1947, and adapted to film in 1949 which was filmed on the island.

​

The house is privately owned and therefore is not open to the public. You can however visit Compton MacKenzie's burial site in Cille Bharra.

Standing on the hill overlooking Ardmhor and the north of the island, The Great Rock of Barra is sat.

It is said that if the Great Rock ever falls off the hill, Barra will be doomed, however it is unclear where this myth came from.

In folklore, it is said that the rock landed where it is today, when an angry giant threw it over to Barra to stop his partner asking him to bring home a sheep, and that is how a rock so big ended up on the hillside.

When driving West from Northbay round the island, keep an eye out on the right-hand side of the road for one of the rocks which has a striking resemblance of the profile of the late Queen Victoria.

Someone painted the rock white to help identify it, however it did not help. Now the paint is almost gone, and it is easier to see the resemblance. 

Loch an Duin is the water supply for the Isle of Barra and Vatersay. Scottish Water built the water treatment plant in 2000 to purify the water, before then the water was peaty and came out the tap with a brown tint to it.

The loch has a ruined corn mill on it which used to have a water wheel.

You do not need to have a permit to fish on the island, and you can fish in Loch an Duin.

Also known as Dunan Ruadh na Chlif, this iron age dun or broch is sat on a rocky outlet surrounded by water when the tide is high. The walls of the remains indicate that the door to the building was on the landward side, and there was a connecting causeway for when the tide was high.

A quiet beach which has views to the most westerly point of the island - Greann Head - as well as up the north of the island.
At the end of the beach at low tides you can access the caves of Cleat. It is said that when the whisky from the SS Politician was taken to the island, it was hidden in these caves.

​Gàradh a’ Bhàgh a’ Tuath is a horticultural-based project offering a range of facilities to the community of the beautiful Island of Barra and its neighbouring Islands. We grow and sell local produce whilst helping people with special needs and reducing the carbon footprint of the local area. We love working on projects that improve the environment and health of the area through a range of activities including community gardening and conservation.

As you exit Northbay heading west, you will pass the Millenium Forest on your left had side. The first part of the forest was planted in 1900 by Lady Gordon Cathcart - who owned much of the land on Barra and Vatersay at the time. 

A new section of woodland was planted in 2000, including the woodland walk which is now a lovely forest walk, with boardwalks over the stream.