It was a second visit to the Outer Hebrides but a first to the islands of Barra and Vaterday lying to the south of the island of Eriksay.
To reach Barra Island by vehicle it meant catching a 45-minute ferry from Eriksay to the northern-east tip of Barra Island while Vatersay is joined to Barra by a causeway.
Ferry in port at Eriksay with the island of Barra in background.
Aboard the CalMac Ferry and leaving Eriksay and bound for Barra Island.
Vehicles leaving the ferry at Barra Island.
However the trip over to Barra was capped when an RAF fighter jet emerged from the east flying at incredible speed and right over the ferry. By the time you heard the roar of the engines the fighter had disappeared into the distance.
Once on Barra, and an insland measuring just eight miles long and five miles wide, life was very much in the slow lane and with the only exception being the twice a day flights landing at Barra Airport – the only airport in the world when arrival and departures are dependent on the tides.
There is many stunning sandy beaches on Barra and Vatersay while there’s a golf course (to be featured shortly) located on the Atlantic Ocean north-west side of Barra Island and that is located in one of the most dramatic locations you will ever see.
‘Welcome to Barra Airport’.
Barra Airport – the only airport in the world affected by the tides.
Fly BE flight from Glasgow arriving to Barra Island.
Not quite Heathrow but here is the Barra Airport Baggage Claim area.
Tranquil Barra Island scene.
View of Castlebay, Barra Island.
Kisimul Castle, Castlebay, Barra Island.
Tribute in the town of Castlebay to ‘Sandy’ McKendrick and movie ‘Whisky Galore’ based on the wreck of the SS Politician.
War Memorial on Barra Island, Outer Hebridies.
George Morris hopeful of carrying this Vatersay Island ‘hazard’ – but not with my left-handed rescue club!
Bernie points the way on Vatersay Island, Outer Hebridies.
WW 2 memorial to crashed airplane.
WW2 Memorial – Names of 1944 crash victims.
Remains of crashed 1944 Catalina plane.
Remains more than 70 years on of the Catolina that crashed in 1944.
Marvellous Vatersay Island beach.
Stunning sculpture at the Barra Island ferry terminal
