Scottish Island Adventures - Barra, Vatersay and Eriskay with host Coinneach Macleod, the Hebridean Baker and guest Tony Kearney

Barra, Vatersay, & Eriskay

As you approach Castlebay with the wonderful Kisimul Castle keeping watch, you’ll soon realise that a trip to these islands is a trip into the very heart of Scotland’s natural beauty. Long stretches of coastline evoke a rich sense of solitude making a visit to one (or all three) of the islands an ideal way to escape the commotion of city-living. Packed with vibrant history, outdoor activities, and delicious things to eat and drink, Barra, Vatersay, & Eriskay have it all going on despite their modest size.  

Vatersay - The Hebridean Way

The Hebridean Way officially opened in 2017 and spans 10 islands, 6 causeways, and 2 ferries. It is a magnificent walking and cycling route which takes you all the way from Vatersay, the southernmost inhabited island of the Hebrides all the way up to the Butt of Lewis. Those who undertake it traverse over Atlantic coastlines, rugged hills, and sweeping sandy beaches with plenty of ‘Pit Stops’ (official businesses partnered with the Hebridean Way) to help you rest and recover along the way. 

Barra Bike Hire 

Like many island enterprises, Barra Bike Hire is a small, family run business. It was originally set up in 2013 / 2014 when the family invested in half a dozen hire bikes to provide for guests staying in their self-catering apartment and self-catering holiday let 'across the road'. In those days the availability of hire bikes on the island was patchy at best. Since then they have invested significantly in a fleet of bicycles and they now have a varied and diverse range of bikes to cater for most needs. 

Barra - Honesty Boxes 

Visit any small community and you will undoubtedly notice an honesty box, or five. Usually filled with fresh goods such as fruits & vegetables, cakes, and eggs, honesty boxes rely on the goodwill of passers by and are a lovely way to experience a taste of the local produce even when the community shops are shut. Barra has a whole host of honesty boxes - some even have a dedicated Facebook page - and are well worth a visit if you’re peckish on the island.  

Eriskay - Am Politician bar/ Whiskey Galore

Am Politician was built over 30 years ago taking its name from the S.S Politician vessel which came onto the rocks of Eriskay in 1941. The story of the S.S Politician - which had over 200,000 bottles of whiskey on-board - inspired countless retellings but was truly immortalised by Alexander MacKendrick’s Whiskey Galore!.

Thank you for listening to the Caledonian MacBrayne podcast. You can find out more about Scotland’s west coast islands and all topics discussed on this episode at calmac.co.uk/podcast