Day 14 Barra ("The Island of Todday")
I am not one for "bucket lists", but if you had asked me at anytime over the last forty five years I can tell you that Barra was on mine. Ever since I had seen the film "Whisky Galore!" I have wanted to visit the island.
We had tried to watch Whisky Galore the night before on the BBC iPlayer in Coll but with poor 3/4G reception and fatigue neither of us could last the distance so we saved the other half until we arrived in Barra. But there was noWhisky
Some of the buildings were instantly recognisable such as the bank which is still there but now (sadly) had the modern signage which detracts from the building.
We walked past two churches one derelict and the other looking really well kept. There was a funeral service due to be held at 11am and so I managed to get my head around the door before it started to have a peek inside.
We eventually walked to the other side of town to the Co-op and gin distillery, there was also a general store and we hoped to be able to get some gas there but they had run out, we have been looking for gas for nearly two weeks now, luckily we carry three bottles.
After visiting the distillery and Co-op Linda tried to go back to the general store but it had a note saying that it was closed for 20 minutes to watch the funeral procession. We walked back to the boat and were amazed to see that there were about 100 cars following the hearse. I should think that almost all the permanent residents were attending.
The sun was glorious and we had heard about a fantastic beach in the next bay so rather than pay another night berthing fee we though we would go around. It was fantastic with a long white beach but the anchorage was full of boats and so all the best spots were taken and so it took us a bit of time to get the boat properly anchored in thick kelp.
…then the wake started. All the islanders arrived on one end of the beach and they lit a huge bonfire brought out loads of BBQ's a monster party was held together with bagpipe music. It was lovely to see but … I think it went on all night.
We had tried to watch Whisky Galore the night before on the BBC iPlayer in Coll but with poor 3/4G reception and fatigue neither of us could last the distance so we saved the other half until we arrived in Barra. But there was no
Some of the buildings were instantly recognisable such as the bank which is still there but now (sadly) had the modern signage which detracts from the building.
We walked past two churches one derelict and the other looking really well kept. There was a funeral service due to be held at 11am and so I managed to get my head around the door before it started to have a peek inside.
We eventually walked to the other side of town to the Co-op and gin distillery, there was also a general store and we hoped to be able to get some gas there but they had run out, we have been looking for gas for nearly two weeks now, luckily we carry three bottles.
After visiting the distillery and Co-op Linda tried to go back to the general store but it had a note saying that it was closed for 20 minutes to watch the funeral procession. We walked back to the boat and were amazed to see that there were about 100 cars following the hearse. I should think that almost all the permanent residents were attending.
The sun was glorious and we had heard about a fantastic beach in the next bay so rather than pay another night berthing fee we though we would go around. It was fantastic with a long white beach but the anchorage was full of boats and so all the best spots were taken and so it took us a bit of time to get the boat properly anchored in thick kelp.
…then the wake started. All the islanders arrived on one end of the beach and they lit a huge bonfire brought out loads of BBQ's a monster party was held together with bagpipe music. It was lovely to see but … I think it went on all night.
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The town from the marina -
The marina