COMUNN EACHDRAIDH BHARRAIDH AGUS BHATARSAIDH AT A GLANCE

A Bit of Background

The centre houses artefacts, documents, photographs, archives and collections on the history and culture of Barra & Vatersay.

Formed in 1995 to conserve and promote the culture and heritage of the islands of Barra and Vatersay, the Historical Society collects artefacts, documents and photographs, and has built up extensive archives and collections. It arranges exhibitions, displays and events of a social and educational nature.

Dualchas (Heritage):
Since opening in 1996, Barra Heritage Centre has welcomed people from all over the world who have a keen interest in learning the history and culture on Barra and the Barra isles.

The centre is well situated and is within walking distance of the main street in Barra’s main and most populated village of Castlebay overlooking the famous Kisimul Castle and the islands south of Barra.

Discovering Us and Operating Hours

BARRA HERITAGE & CULTURAL CENTRE:
DEDICATION AND SERVICE WITH PROVEN IMPACT

OPENING TIMES

Now Open Monday - Friday 11.00 am - 4.00 pm.

ADMISSION

£5.00 for Adults
Under 16 year olds free

Tea Room

Now Open Monday - Friday 11.00 am - 4.00 pm.

LOCATING OUR ESTABLISHMENT

The centre enjoys a convenient location, just a short walk from Castlebay's Main Street, the primary and most bustling village on the south of the Isle of Barra, offering picturesque views of the renowned Kisimul Castle and the Bay.

COMUNN EACHDRAIDH BHARRAIDH AGUS BHATARSAIDH
TEAROOM

At our tearoom, unwind with a selection of local freshly baked treats, both hot and cold beverages. Delight in engaging in tales from our community members, providing insight into our islands rich history and current local knowledge. We're here to answer any queries you may have, ensuring a delightful experience on our beautiful island.

EXPERIENCE COMUNN EACHDRAIDH BHARRAIDH AGUS BHATARSAIDH

NOW AVAILABLE TO WATCH AT BARRA HERITAGE CENTRE

!Dates for the Diary!

Calling all closet box players - young and old!

Am Bogsa-Ciùil

Calling all closet box players – young and old!

Come and enjoy making music together at the

Heritage Centre on a Sunday afternoon 2-4 pm.

Sessions starting on Sunday 19th May 2024.

Players of all ages and abilities welcome.

TURN UP AND TUNE UP at 2.00 pm!

Am Bogsa-Ciùil

What a fantastic start to our Sunday session with a great turnout from our young box players! It's wonderful to see such enthusiasm and skill on display. We hope to see everyone again next week and extend a warm welcome to anyone else hiding out there. Please dust off your box and come along—young and old alike!

Mnathan Luaidh – Waulking Group

What an amazing turn out for our Waulking group today! It was wonderful to see such a great crowd for our cloth Waulking demonstration. Many thanks to everyone who joined us!

The Catalina Crash

The 12th May 2024 marks the 80th Anniversary of the Catalina Crash on Vatersay. The Catalina JX273 was flying a night operational flying exercise out of 302 FTU Base at Oban on 12th May 1944. Whilst climbing out, the aircraft hit the rising ground in Vatersay between 600-700 ft. Of the nine crew members, three were killed and six were injured. One of the injured crewmen Flight Engineer Sgt Richard Whiting will be 100 years old on the 24th May 2024! Sgt Whiting wishes to pass on his deepest thanks to all involved in the rescue for their thought and kindness all those years ago. The people of Vatersay and Barra wish Sgt Whiting the happiest of birthdays – an amazing milestone! Sgt Whiting is standing in the back row, second from the right. A model of the Catalina was donated to the Heritage Centre by the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum and Don Valley Model Flying Club in memory of all the aircrew that lost their lives defending our country.