“Someone stopped the world and we got off for two lovely weeks. This place should be available on the NHS – it would save them millions!” Mark, Louise, Harry, Freya, Archie and Bettie the dog! Teignmouth.
When I am weary of the traffic din
The milling crowds, the endless quest for gain,
Or when I think that spring will never come
I remember islands where the skylarks sing.
I see the cliffs where nesting seabirds cling,
The caves that echo oceans ancient rune
And sandy beaches where the grey seals
Sing their strange, sad songs beneath a silver moon
The lonely croft with fleeting sunbeams kissed
The lichen covered rocks, the windbent tree,
And mountain tops cut off by morning mist
Rising in ghostly beauty from the sea.
Time, and this busy world may pass me by
When I remember visions such as these
And hear again the oystercatchers cry
Along the fringes of the Hebrides.
Ruth Thompson, Isle of Arran. Harbour Cottage 2009.
Here is a selection of the comments made by our guests over the years:
Harbour Cottage
2011
Had a very enjoyable time on this very lovely island. The house was very comfortable and in a stunning location – never tired of looking out at the ever-changing weather.
Maureen and Walter Bennett. Gt. Asby, Appleby, Cumbria.
Rained every day, Force 9 severe gale, ferries cancelled, power cut, but had a great time. Walked, got wet, got dry, walked some more. Saw an otter in the narrows from upstairs lounge, plus a merlin hunting over the grassland and great Northern and red-throated divers in the lagoon below the house. Eagles on Vatersay, Arctic skuas and a corncrake in the garden.... Cheers, Gordon and Karen Wright.
We have thoroughly enjoyed our first stay here on Barra. Loved the cottage – ‘home sweet home’. Spent most of our time in the Sunroom trying to see the famous otter! Great time riding around the island looking for sandy bays. Not disappointed here! Dogs loved the climbing + exploring outside – including the waterfall! Hope weather improves for ferry back in the morning – many thanks again for a lovely week. - Heron, cuckoo, oyster-catcher and the lonely swan all spotted – but no otter!
- Crabbing outside the cottage was G8 fun. As was the small waterfall within the cottage grounds. Dogs loved this too...Weather very changeable but added to the G8 character of this lovely island and location of the cottage.
Ben and Elaine, Tom and Murphy Colley-Wood.
Regular visitor for the last 15 years, beautiful scenic location felt right at home in the cottage – will definitely be back! Perfect holiday. Sadie Thompson, Edinburgh.
Great location. Very peaceful island. A very relaxeds time was had with some great hikes across the island. Stephen Paton, Glasgow.
Had a great time. Loved the house, especially the coal fire and sun room. Barra is great, much to see and do. Recommend visiting the airport and seal bay. Stuart Dreghorn, Glasgow.
Wonderful holiday on a beautiful island. Weather was good so went exploring many places..my favourites were Cleat beach and seeing seals along the coast. Saw a basking shark in Castlebay! Perfect holiday for everyone, especially workaholic mobile phone users! ; D Kim Mathiessen, Glasgow.
Had a wonderful holiday here on Barra, would recommend the round trip to flight to Benbecula and the food at the Kisimul Cafe. Weather has been good only one bad day this week. Cottage is well equipped and warm and clean. Would recommend it to family and friends, location is out of this world. 5 stars ***** Jim and Margaret Tierney, East Kilbride.
Done not a lot other than gaze at the views, pottered about, enjoyed the seafood and relaxed. Idyllic setting. Our second visit to Harbour Cottage. Hope to return next year if not sooner. Helen and Neil Aitkenhead, Thornhill, Stirlingshire.
What a fantastic island with a multitude of breathtaking views. Enjoyed every minute of our stay. Boat trip to Mingulay spectacular – not to be missed. Loved the peaceful setting of the cottage – every house should have a sun room to relax in and enjoy the scenery. Barra has peace; it’s beautiful, serenity is found here. Sue, Kathy + Chris, Shropshire.
Another fabulous holiday in Harbour Cottage. Fantastic weather and we explored all our favourite places. Simon, Claire, Emily and Olivia Godwin, London.
Harbour Cottage is a great retreat, comfy and spacious, a great place to meet. Barra is special, an ever-changing place where life passes by at a leisurely place. We’ve had a lovely time, even though the weather was mixed. Beautiful beaches, a trip to Eriskay and South Uist and plenty of walking. The house has been very comfortable – enjoyable. The Rooneys, Rutherglen, Glasgow.
Had a brilliant stay on Barra, loved the beaches at the north of the island, enjoyed great weather for 95% of the week – Harbour Cottage is excellent and hope to return soon. James Jacobs and Sorbet, Peldon.
Cannot pretend the weather was perfect but several fine days...Highlights were the Vatersay Coastal Path- a view of the Bishop’s islands...eagles in the glen...fresh scallops, cooked in Harbour Cottage, bought at the Ardveenish fish processing factory; lobster at Castlebay Hotel; the v. touching church at Our Lady of the Waves; the view from the top of Heaval; spending time in Harbour Cottage...Greatly enjoyed getting to know the herd of cattle that crossed and uncrossed the track to the cottage every day, including a tearaway young bull from Stirlingshire ...and the permanent presence of grey seals (up to four at a time) in the harbour itself...AND it is a great place to be away from TV for a week. Howard and Stephanie Friend, Twickenham, Middlesex.
Very nice cottage comfy sofas nice sun room. Saw heron out of it. Saw 3 golden eagles, 2 sea eagles, seals and a otter on Vatersay. Went kayaking and it was COOL! BBQs and bonfires on beach. Best of all swimming in the sea Brrrrr! 10/10.
Thank you so much for a lovely stay. Gorgeous beaches, esp. the wild westerly ones; cows on the beach; mackerel skies; friendly islanders; amazing views from the top of any hills we could find. Thousands of photos and thousands of memories. Thank you.
...not to mention the amazing cottage! What a place! We hope to come back some day soon and collect and cook more delicious cockles. Thanks for a truly outstanding holiday!" Alex, Dan and Cameron, Edinburgh.
From 2010:
"A cosy cottage with beautiful views! Blue sky, silence, birds all over...We are sure to come back on our motorcycle with sidecar! Thanks!" Myra and Leon Franssen, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
"Had a really interesting and thoroughly enjoyable time. Days with no wind!! Sea eagles on Eriskay, fabulous birds on Mingulay (Trip with Donald MacLeod not to be missed). Otters and tons of sea birds. House warm + comfortable and our Swiss friend Beatrice revelled in the peace and quiet." Ken and Sally Lomax, Forest of Dean.
"Lovely beachs! and views wish I could stay longer swam 4 times it was really cold." Tex Hagan.
"I loved the views. just like a postcard The crossing was calm and cosy cottage when fire is going. Swam 2 paddled 2. Amazing 10/10." Spike Hagan
"What a fabulous time we have had again! This is our 13th visit to Barra – definitely not unlucky! – and we still find new places to see and things to do. We consider ourselves very lucky to be able to stay in such a homely cottage and in such a beautiful setting...P.S. Ruth Thompson’s poem captures Barra perfectly!" Chris and John Murphy and Pogo the Lurcher, Barford, Warwick.
"Fabulous position for holiday cottage. We had brilliant weather and saw otters and seals from sun room...Having spent 4 weeks travelling from the Butt of Lewis to Mingulay Barra really is the Jewel pf the Isles. Buy the DVD from Toffee Shop to sustain you through the long dark months if winter and relive your memories." Derek Rogers, Cornwall. Myra Musselwhite and Mary Powell, West Wales.
"Wildlife seen around the cottage – seal, heron, oystercatchers plus their young, redshanks and a corncrake next to South Bank Cottage opposite. Seals on islands offshore plus their singing is so weird. Elsewhere, over 100 ducks plus seals on beach below golf course. Heath Bank hotel is good for food and if the Vatersay Boys are playing in Castlebay Bar – go and see them! P.S. If you are fit enough, climb Sheabhal (383m) for 360° fantastic view of the whole island." Neil and Margaret, Dumfries.
"Loved Barra, wild flowers on the hillside, otter on our first day, seal every evening. Saw over 30 different birds. Great boat trip to Mingulay to see the puffins, even saw a basking shark. Friendly people, wonderful cottage, great location, made me so happy! Will be back, thanks." Heather Braine, Poole, Dorset.
"Great cottage and a perfect base to go out and explore Barraand the surrounding islands – and something to look forward to returning to t the end of the day. Sun room is the most relaxing at all times. Otters, seals, herons, etc in view...Barra is really a hidden “jewel”, so glad we came and found such a relaxing cottage where we could instantly feel at home. Looking forward to returning." Scott Neil, Hamilton Parish, Bermuda.
"Great, very sturdy, especially for 5 kids. You feel very at home and the cows are very friendly! They seemed to like the cottage and us (I think). They were down a few times. We hopefully will be back to Barra." Jessica Chalmers, Orkney.
"Lovely cottage and island – love the ‘sun room’ and the views. Have seen the herons seals and otters. Really enjoyed the boat trip to Mingulay – saw basking sharks close up and puffins...Got some Pollock to gut (an education for us) and cook. Climbed Heaval and swam in the sea today (icy at first but improved!). Weather mixed but not much rain. A lovely setting ...Thank you!" Gill, Michael, Andy and Jonny Gill, Sunderland.
"Ret urned again for 2 weeks this time. Wonderful 2 weeks, weather perfect and really relaxed. Saw lots, seals, hen harriers, basking sharks, etc, etc. Mingulay trip a must and also flight to Benbecula and back. Cooked up local prawns and scallops from BarraAtlantic, and Heath Bank Hotel food wonderful...where the locals go! We’ll be back again. P.S. Also saw golden eagle son Mingulay and heard corncrakes on Vatersay and puffins on the sea safari to Mingulay." Hamish, Sandie, Jessy and Jamie and Bramble, Bristol.
"Back again and just as wonderful. Discovered the Golf Course this time and enjoyed revisiting all our favourite places." Simon, Claire, Emily and Olivia.
"This place has to be good for your immortal soul – it’s wonderful! I love it – amazingly beautiful scenery – saw golden eagles/seals/otter – locals were friendly/house charming - thanks." Suzie Ramsden.
"A blessing of a place to be – thank you. We loved the fly past of golden eagles, and bird and sea-watching from the sun room, and the excellent maps and guide books, and just being here, quietly refreshing ourselves. Swimming off magical beaches – invigorating, but awesomely cold! Great to have a warm cottage to come home to. Thank you." Catherine Booth and Gill Parnaby.
"Porpoises off Eriskay, sun in the sky, t-shirts and sunburn in Castlebay, in October! Another wonderful visit to Barra and Harbour Cottage." Ian and Tracey White, Edinburgh.
"Yet again a spectacular place to be – a real blessing. We enjoyed finding new places to explore. Weather perfect – sun, rain, wind! Cottage perfect, and not having the TV makes you appreciate the peace more! Aiming at coming back asap! It was awesome: the wind, waves, rain, what more could you want? Climbed up Heaval and did the Monty Halls walk." Steve and Simeon Gurr, Anrmering, W. Sussex.
"Even as 11 years ago with the millennium roll-over we had a wonderful stay at Harbour Cottage. Warm and cosy. Felt at home. Did a lot of walking over the island, spectacular. Hope to come again." Wil Joor, Hammy Alberda and Kees Brooshooft, Cornwerd, Holland.
From previous years:
“The peace and quiet of the island have worked their charm again. The location at the edge of the sea and land is the best of both worlds – and there are wonderful beaches besides.” Ruth and Allan Thompson, Isle of Arran. 2009.
“This is s a super island and a happy house. We have had a wonderful holiday here.” Elaine Mackay and Stewart McKee, Langbank.“Barra is a very special place in so many ways – its people, its location, its beaches and its wonderful views. The house is fantastic in every way. A great holiday! Thanks to Eoin for his help.” Donald and Sheila Allan, Edinburgh.
“Fantastic location, superb holiday 10/10!!” The Bewells, Wetherby.
“Wonderful cottage. Loved watching the birds from the sun room – saw oystercatchers and herons and gulls etc.” Rachel and Simon Webster, London.
“Fantastic house, fantastic location on a fantastic island. Lots of sun and some mists. Bird calls, lots of wildlife (flowers, birds) lots of sheep! Kayaked to Castlebay + Eoligarry. Biked everywhere. Fabulous beaches. We will be back. Many thanks to Eoin and owners." Alan and Mandy Gordon. Drylawhill.“Great house and many thanks to Eoin for his help. Highlights were bedtime stories in the sun trap upstairs!” Sillars family, London.
“Fantastic cottage. Spectacular location, very, very special! Met someone at the beach today who said to their husband “They have our cottage, we saw your car and considered slashing your tyres!” They had apparently tried to book the cottage a second time (which says it all)! I would certainly come back – excellent. I think this is a great location and a fantastic place.” Judith, Simon, James and Beth Whamsley. “We WILL be back! So much done and seen in 2 weeks – but not enough time! Even to just sit in the sun room and watch the tide, birds, seals and sheep is a great holiday. The cottage and the islad just feel like home.” Sara and Bob, Great Ouseburn.
“We have had an amazing week here – our first time in Barra, a place we will undoubtedly wish to return to. We’ve loved the cottage – can’t imagine anywhere else we’d rather stay on the island-perfect views and seals every day! Wonderful!” Stephen and Suzanne Gurr, West Sussex.“Wow!! Lovely cottage and we all agree it’s got the right amount of ‘homeliness’ for a truly relaxing holiday.” Amanda, Hayden, Jasmine Bolton, Scott Lidell, Loughborough.
“GREAT to be back! Stayed in Barra 1 week every year 1988-1998 –9 of those in Harbour Cottage – we LOVE the place! Cottage very clean, smelt lovely on our arrival. Appreciated all the improvements. Sun lounge and views just as good...Harbour Cottage remains our favourite ‘home from home’”. John and Chris Murphy, Barford.“Wonderful week – our first time on this glorious island. Enjoyed many swims (with wetsuits!) in the harbour and nearby coves. Loved here playing on the rocks, playing my fiddle outside, painting, reading.” Jane, Martin, Ben (11), Joshua (9) and Eleanor (6) Harris, Dunkerton.
“We loved this cottage – don’t change anything! Our highlights included kayaking in the harbour, catching mackerel from the pier and barbequing it on the beach, body-boarding, toffee muffins from ‘The Deck’ and kite flying... We celebrated a 70th and a 3rd birthday around the kitchen table. We Y Barra and will be back for more!” Simon, Thomas and Kate with guests Kevin and Jane and Rachel, Greg, Hazel and Ginny.“We have saved for 2 years to come back and it’s been worth it! Can’t think of anywhere else we would want to stay – I love it that the cottage is not too “fussy”, I love watching the sun rise over the sea and the seals come in (if you stay still enough!) I love the wile unpredictable weather – and I saw a sea otter today! We will begin saving again, so hopefully be back in another 2 years!” Suzanne and Stephen Gurr, West Sussex.
“One week is all too short! Time has flown by. We all enjoyed our holiday and found the house just right as a holiday home you could return to and feel at ease!” George and Maggie (Monce??). “Yet another PERFECT BARRA holiday. Perfect weather, perfect walks, perfect place. Cottage was brilliant overlooking harbour – a noisy otter appeared one morning! Idyllic with the tides coming in and out, sitting on the sun catcher bench. Kisimul Cafe, a curry treat, as was the feast of barbequed garlic prawns. All together a fantastic tonic after winter.” Glenn, Karen, Nina, Jess and Grandpa Robiin Huthchison from Gourock.“This cottage is lovely. It reminds me of holiday cottages I stayed in with my family 35-40 years ago. It’s warm and bright with lots of charm.” Helen and Neil Aitkenhead, Thornhill.
“Came to Barra with Dad. It’s my first time here. Saw loads of seals in the bay. It’s been very wet but we’ve still had a great time. I’ve especially enjoyed walking on the beaches, a trip on the ferry to Uist, our plane flight to Benbecula and relaxing in the cottage. Hope I can come again.” By Simeon (10) and daddy, Stephen Gurr. West Sussex.
South Bank
2011
Two weeks of outstanding weather, all the catalogue pictures came true. We enjoyed this island, to cycle the hill on the way to Castlebay was challenging again and again, we enjoyed the nature with all the flowers, birds and sealife, this cosy cottage with the close distance to the ever changing sea and, last not least, the very friendly and open-minded people living on this island. Sophie, Fritz and Caspar from Rostock, Germany.
Arrived last Saturday. Have had a great time. Peace and quiet...brilliant. Locals very friendly. Weather was great for the first three days – mixed thereafter. Enjoyed the fishing. Best place for mackerel the causeway at Vatersay. Girlfriend caught more fish than me...will never hear the end of it now : ) Hope you enjoy staying as much as we did. Des and Andrea.
This was our first holiday in Barra, or any of the Hebridean islands and we have thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We were married last week an chose the island for our honeymoon. The sun has shone for us all week and it has been warm enough to swim in the sea. We bumped into an old friend who, by coincidence, was also here and knew the island well, he was able to give us a great tour and took us along the Grin Peninsular where we encountered at least 30 seals (at a distance) before climbing up to the most dramatic views of our stay. My arm is growing tired so I’ll stop there (partly due to an afternoon in a kayak) but we could not have had a better time nor a nicer but’n’ben.
Chris and Flora, Oxford...Berlin.
Our first visit to Barra and we love the island. Locals very friendly, you will notice they wave every time you pass a car, so make sure you acknowledge anyone you pass by! Cottage is lovely and cosy, even more so when the wind is blowing a gale outside and wild, but it’s cosy inside. Explored the island but will certainly return again, it’s just so peaceful and calm. Beautiful beaches, make sure you find them all. Vatersay is such a calming peaceful island, also recommend the village hall for lunch or even just a cuppa, don’t miss the homemade cakes. Boat trip to Kisimul Castle in Castlebay is a must. Cafe Kisimul is worth a visit, lovely food. Heritage Centre in Castlebay has a lovely cafe. Isle of Barra Hotel on the west side of Island worth a visit for lunch or cuppa, fab location with wonderful view.
Weather been mixed in our week, showers come and go but it didn’t spoil our stay!
Hope you enjoy the island as much as we have.
The Drape family, Northumberland.
We have really enjoyed our stay in this cosy cottage and on this beautiful island. With stunning beaches to explore, hills to climb, the castle to visit, and lochs to fish in, it has been our perfect holiday. We have especially enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere and great friendliness of all the people, and will be sad to leave. Margaret and Mike.
“A lovely holiday in a lovely spot, sunshine all week, great walks and friendly people. Snug and cosy in the cottage.” Derek and Anita Perkins, Bromsgrove.
“Excellent week in beautiful location...lovely cottage, clean with everything we needed...what a wonderful place.” Heather and Jonathan Holme, Forgandenny, Perth.
“This cottage has been welcoming and cosy. It is very well equipped...It is one thing to see this little cottage on the website and on Google Earth. It is not obvious though what a little treasure of a place it is to keep us comfortable during this fabulous week exploring Barra, Vatersay and Mingulay.” Helen McNeil and David Williams, Auckland, New Zealand (Aotearoa).
“Beautiful island, fair weather and a cosy cottage!” Vincent Pickering and Annette Lake.
“A lovely wee house that wraps itself around you – I came to unwind – I am unwound...”. Bridget Doogan.
“A beautiful island – the cottage was ‘just right’...Hope to return soon.” Michael and Liz Bennett, Berwick-upon-Tweed.
“Wonderful views from cottage. Lovely walks headlands and beaches...sighting of seals on two evenings – wonderful!” Alan and Pat Hancock, South Shropshire.
“A wonderful place to escape from the hectic nature of life at the cutting edge of the NHS...Long evenings, good food, the cottage definitely grows on you. White beaches, turquoise seas.” Gavin and Louise Stewart, U.K.
"This was our second visit to Barra. It is a beautiful place. The people here are really friendly. During our stay the weather had been stormy but the cottage has kept us warm and cosy." Ray and Andy. Congleton, Cheshire.
"An extremely relaxing and enjoyable week. The island is probably the most scenic and friendly of all the Scottish islands. Fresh prawns, crab and fish in abundance. A great location for our week in the sun, wind, rain, hail, showers..." Rachel and Andy.
"I have walked off my legs, got sunburnt, had to wish for rain to get some rest. I never read my kindle, bought specially! I timed it for baby lambs + primroses, oystercatcher, redshanks, curlew, stonechats, seals, grey lag geese, pair of golden eagles, cormorants, shags..." Jayne Lewis, Pershore
2010
"We enjoyed our stay in well-placed South Bank Cottage very much. It is well-equipped, comfortable and cosy, which made rain less of a nuisance than otherwise would have been the case. Barra’s east coast with its inlets, many birds and flowers is an interesting and beautiful part of the island." Angie and Hans Weeda, Leiden, The Netherlands.
"A great week exploring the island. The cottage is a great base – cosy in the storms!" Katherine, Alex and Robin (4 1/2 months).
"Just arrived and I love it!! Only problem is there is no TV so I am going to have to talk to my other half, well no holiday is perfect!! J" Ben Wright
"I have had a great week in Barra exploring the island. The cottage is in a lovely setting and well equipped. Barra is a beautiful island and South Bank Cottage is a great base to explore so many thanks!" Jess.
"We planned to leave on 20th August but 70mph winds cancelled the ferry and we “came home” to our immaculate, warm South Bank for our extra night, grateful for the extraordinarily thick walls, the known shelter and the great warmth and comfort as the waves whitened into rage outside, unthinkable in the balmy days that had preceded it. Swimming at Vatersay, twice in emerald turquoise seas, greeting a seal in the bay, delighting in the beauty and barren splendour of weather and rock… " Miranda and Andy.
Many thanks for the lovely cottage, so sweetly cosy and magnificently located. We are hoping to come back before too long! We saw seals almost every day, enjoyed the beaches (quiet in the east and south, very stormy in the west) and had feasts of really fresh fish (also very cheap) from the fishmonger’s van, which is parked in Castlebay...A very restful holiday!" Clémence and Ralph O’Connor, Aberdeenshire.
Curlew call, oystercatcher piping, seal peeping, wild winds, clear skies with silver sands, sand dunes and Atlantic surf. Locals raise their hand in greeting...A wild and enchanting land. All this with this cosy cottage to return to, firelight and whistling winds...everything I hoped for and more. An inspiring creative six weeks. I depart refreshed with memories full of wonder. Thank you...I hope to return...Solitary heron...the spiralling call of the curlew began soon after dawn. Flocks of lapwings flew over the hills and came down in the peace of the evening...The traveller’s instinct to inhabit the moment. Angela Guille.
From previous years:
“A lovely holiday in a lovely spot, sunshine all week, great walks and friendly people. Snug and cosy in the cottage.” Derek and Anita Perkins, Bromsgrove.
“Excellent week in beautiful location...lovely cottage, clean with everything we needed...what a wonderful place.” Heather and Jonathan Holme, Forgandenny, Perth.“This cottage has been welcoming and cosy. It is very well equipped...It is one thing to see this little cottage on the website and on Google Earth. It is not obvious though what a little treasure of a place it is to keep us comfortable during this fabulous week exploring Barra, Vatersay and Mingulay.” Helen McNeil and David Williams, Auckland, New Zealand (Aotearoa).
“Beautiful island, fair weather and a cosy cottage!” Vincent Pickering and Annette Lake.“A lovely wee house that wraps itself around you – I came to unwind – I am unwound...”. Bridget Doogan.
“A beautiful island – the cottage was ‘just right’...Hope to return soon.” Michael and Liz Bennett, Berwick-upon-Tweed. “Wonderful views from cottage. Lovely walks headlands and beaches...sighting of seals on two evenings – wonderful!” Alan and Pat Hancock, South Shropshire.“A wonderful place to escape from the hectic nature of life at the cutting edge of the NHS...Long evenings, good food, the cottage definitely grows on you. White beaches, turquoise seas.” Gavin and Louise Stewart, U.K.