Ferries to Castlebay, Scotland

Castlebay, on the Isle of Barra, is the area’s largest village.

At one time there would have been over 400 herring fishing boats in the harbour as this was Castlebay’s main industry – the port itself was full of factories for curing and packing the fish. Today things have changed, but the port is still a busy one with ferries travelling from Oban, Mallaig and Lockboisdale.

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There is, perhaps unsurprisingly, a castle in the bay. This is Kisimul Castle, ancestral home to the McNeil clan. Only accessible via a slipway, it is necessary to take a ferry over to the castle should you want to take a look around (which we thoroughly recommend). The castle dominates the coastline near Castlebay, and it is a fascinating place to visit.

Although Castlebay itself is, despite being the island’s large village, a small place in relative terms, the Isle of Barra has plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy. These include hiking and cycling which are extremely popular. There are specific trails marked out, but you don’t have to stick to the beaten track; you are free to wander. It’s ideal for taking the children too since getting lost on the island is a difficult thing to do!