Barra
Barra takes its name from it patron Celtic saint St Barr or Finbarr of Cork, who was a follower of St Columba. The 12th century Cill Bharra (St Barra’s Church) at Eoligarry at the north of the island was dedicated to him. In its open graveyard a rune stone from the Viking era was discovered. It depicted a Celtic cross, the symbol of Christianity, as well as a runic inscription.
An Dubharaidh, black shieling, is a restored thatched cottage museum situated down a rough path at Craigston village road end. Above the village is the huge chambered cairn of Dun Bharpa. At over 30 metres wide and five metres in height it is an excellent example of a Neolithic grave and is surrounded by a partial stone circle.
The courage of the 28-strong crew of the Barra lifeboat is immortalised on a new first-class stamp issued by the Royal Mail. The rescue boat is featured on the new Mayday – Rescue at Sea set of commemorative stamps. Since the Barra RNLI lifeboat station opened in 1931, there have been 505 launches and 412 lives saved.