The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2021 - Issue 29

bitetravel a bay in the Atlantic Ocean dominated by Kisimul Castle and nearby islands like Vatersay. For more ad- venturous trips, sail to Mingulay, Berneray or Pab- bay, located on the very edge of the Outer Hebrides. To the west lies rugged cliffs, caves, sea stacks and promontories, and to the east, you will find green grassy slopes, white sandy bays and turquoise seas. Mingulay is the second largest of the Bishop’s Isles, located 12 miles south of Barra. It is known for its significant seabird population of puffins, black-leg- ged kittiwakes and razorbills, which nest in the sea cliffs, amongst the highest in the British Isles. Berneray is an island and community in the Sound of Harris famed for its rich and colourful history, which has attracted much tourism. Pabbay, whose name comes from Papey, Norse for 'island of the pa- par', is one of the Barra Isles at the southern tip of the Outer Hebrides. There are several beautiful places to eat and drink in Barra Island, like the family-run licensed restaurant, Café Kisimul, which specialises in Indian cuisine and combines local seafood with fragrant spices. Their inventive scallop pakora is one of the many delights on offer here. The Isle of Barra Beach Hotel restaurant has enormous floor to ceiling windows that provide spectacular views. It specialises in Barra beef, lamb and seafood with an impressive selection of wine from around the world. Overlooking the local fishing port of Ardveenish and close by the cockle strand, Heathbank Restau- rant is ideally located for supplies of the freshest local seafood. Castlebay Hotel Restaurant’s dining room boasts dazzling views over the bay, which din- ers can enjoy while having a delicious meal. Thanks to its internationally experienced chef Slawek Pilar- ski, the quality food includes an extensive seafood menu, various specials on offer and the best wine list in Barra. Adjacent to the hotel but physically separate, the Castlebay Bar is an excellent place to meet the locals and people from afar. You will be entertained by lo- cal musicians and comedians, including the famous Vatersay Boys, who perform regularly and have a loyal following. Castlebay Bar was initially built to serve the people involved in Herring Fishing in the early 1900s. There is often music at night, and the atmosphere ranges from tranquil to vibrant. Travelling to Barra Island can be done by air using the only beach runway in the world through Loga- nair or by ferry via the Caledonian MacBrayne that runs from Oban to Castlebay daily during the sum- mer and five days a week during winter. If you’re travelling from Uist, you can take the Calmac, the small car ferry from Eriskay, which will bring you to Ardmhor jetty in half an hour and runs daily with up to five return journeys a day.