The Outer Hebrides

Today we travelled through Benbecula and South Uist to Ardmor on Eriskay to catch the 'Loch Alain', the ferry travelling to Barra.  It was a two hour crossing, and just wonderful with lots to see, and with great sunshine all the way.  We have been lucky!  And Tommy was our guide today too!

When in Barra we carried on to Castlebay and crossed the causeway to Vatersay, a very small island at the tip of Barra.  Back in Castlebay we wandered around, it is little more than a village but did have a café or two where we had some delicious scones.  

For some, including the HG, the highlight of the day was watching the landing and take off of the planes from the runway which is the beach not far from Castlebay.  When the windsock is flying nobody is allowed on the beach, for obvious reasons, as the 19 seater Twin Otter aircraft flies in.  Quite a sight!  This is the only tidal beach used for aircraft landing in the world, I am told!

The image of Kisimul Castle sitting in the bay at Castlebay will stay in my memory.  It is the seat of the MacNeils of Barra, and is such a stunning scene.

Have uploaded some extra shots for those interested.