Barra is the southernmost of the large islands in the Outer Hebrides, sitting to the south of South Uist. The largest settlement is at Castlebay in the south, but villages are scattered around the coast.
Kisimul Castle sits on a rock in Castle Bay. It is the home of the Chief of the Macneils of Barra. The family had to sell the island in 1838, but bought it back a century later. The castle is built around a three story tower house.
Barra Airfield is at the northern end of the island and is the only commerical airport in the world that uses the beach as its runways. As a result flight times alter daily and can be stopped entirely by the wrong weather. The same beach, Traigh Mhor (Big Beach), is also popular with cockle pickers.
To the north of the airfield is the village of Eoligarry (or Eolaigearraidh). Compton MacKenzie, author of Whisky Galore, is buried in the nearby churchyard of Cille Bharra. Above the village is the Iron Age hill fot, Dun Scurrival.