Isle of Barra has a strong and healthy Gaelic culture which is sustained by the church and by a rich store of folklore and song. The Isle of Barra has a reputation as a place which knows how to enjoy itself, and, with its Catholic tradition, is unhindered by the strict Sabbatarianism seen elsewhere on the islands.

The Isle of Barra was the location used for the filming of the old b/w movie "Whisky Galore" (known as "Tight Little Island" in the US) which was based on the novel by Compton MacKenzie who adapted the true story of the S.S. Politician which sank off nearby Eriskay with its cargo of whisky in 1941. Its sequel Rockets Galore made in colour a few years later was also shot around the island.

Compton MacKenzie is buried in the graveyard at the church of Cille Bharra near Northbay airport. The church dates from the twelfth century and was the parish for the island in the middle ages. Inside you will find carved grave-slabs and a display explaining the history of the church, including the famous Runic Stone, which has Norse runes (translated as "This cross has been raised in memory of Thorgeth daughter of Steinar") on one side and a Christian cross on the other.

Tales from Barra - by Coddy, John MacPherson, John Lorne Campbell (Editor)
The tales and stories of John MacPherson are a wonderful mixture of myth, tradition, and anecdote. For anyone interested in the traditions and history of the Western Isles, or for anyone who likes a tale well told, This book is essential reading. "I grew up hearing these tales from my mother, a native of the island, and so this book was like hearing her tell me the tales all over again. A must have for those interested in the cultural/sociological history of the island.

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Times Subject to Tides - Roy Calderwood
The island's airport disappears under the sea twice every day. This book looks at this airport in great depth looking at the aircraft, the personalities whose names have become indelibly linked with the island's air services and at some of the drama which has taken place. At times, in the Hebrides the emergency air ambulance evacuates seriously ill or injured islanders' and therefore this airport is crucial to the survival of the population.

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