Barra Island Tours
Barra Island Tours
5
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About
Let Rob or Paul take you to see Barra’s unique tiny airport, where the plane lands on Traigh Mhor (Big Beach). Barra airport is the only one in the world to have scheduled flights landing on a beach, so even if you have flown in it's a sight well worth seeing. See the abandoned village at Balnabodach, and take in the beautiful scenery and wild life that makes Barra what it is.
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Barra Island Tours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
158 reviews
Excellent
154
Very good
4
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Louise
16 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
Deb & l had 24+ hours on Barra and Vatersay! Rob picked us up from the airport and took us on an interesting 90+ minute tour around the Isle of Barra then dropped us at our hotel for the evening.
Rob's knowledge of Barra is extraordinary...he covered the social, economic, demographic, historical, geographical aspects of the Island....he has a wealth of knowledge he generously shares but Rob is also a skilled storyteller and wove a lot of the facts and stat's into stories which added enormous interest to what he had to tell us!
Rob picked us up next day and took us around Vatersay and the remaining part of Barra before dropping us back at the airport.
As a parting gesture he gave us links to numerous resources including YouTube clips that he had talked about!
There was only the two of us and that worked really well.
Rob gave us ample time to take photos.
We came away feeling excited by what we had learned.
We both very highly recommend Rob's tour....in fact we thought it was the best way to learn so much and appreciate what we saw in such a short time.
Rob's knowledge of Barra is extraordinary...he covered the social, economic, demographic, historical, geographical aspects of the Island....he has a wealth of knowledge he generously shares but Rob is also a skilled storyteller and wove a lot of the facts and stat's into stories which added enormous interest to what he had to tell us!
Rob picked us up next day and took us around Vatersay and the remaining part of Barra before dropping us back at the airport.
As a parting gesture he gave us links to numerous resources including YouTube clips that he had talked about!
There was only the two of us and that worked really well.
Rob gave us ample time to take photos.
We came away feeling excited by what we had learned.
We both very highly recommend Rob's tour....in fact we thought it was the best way to learn so much and appreciate what we saw in such a short time.
Written 19 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tpbel
Belfast, UK637 contributions
Jul 2021
Do not hesitate to book this tour with Rob. We were arriving by plane and getting the ferry to Eriskay later that day so we booked the tour as an interesting way to fill our time. Well, it proved to be so much more than that! Rob is full of knowledge and tells the stories and gives the information in such an engaging and interesting way, I really felt I learned a lot about Barra and Vatersay (which is also on the tour trail). What a beautiful place, and Rob is also happy to share his own personal story of how he got here. What a lovely way to spend a few hours - we were so impressed with this fabulous introduction to the islands. Thanks so much, Rob!
Written 8 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Tracy
Thanks for the very positive review - very much appreciated. I'm very lucky to get to do what I do, show folks our beautiful islands and share stories and info that I hope brings the place to life. I'm really glad that you and yours enjoyed it and even happier to have met another Bowie nut like me. Your husband and daughter were very understanding as we babled on about faourite albums and stuff.
All the very best wishes to you all and......
Love On Ya!
Rob
Written 13 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Inspire601959
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Family
We had a wonderful few hours with Rob earlier this month during which he took us round Barra and Vatersay & gave us some really fascinating information about the islands & their history. He picked us up from our flight then dropped us off at Barra Bikes where we were picking up our bike hire. Nothing was too much trouble & he really was a great guide, we were delighted
Written 28 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
graceph88
Edinburgh, UK73 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
Excellent tour by Rob that was packed full of local history and interesting facts alike. We learnt a lot about the different clans and settlement areas (the clans being of particular interest given my husband's surname is McNeil). Rob has a great guide style that's a perfect combination of relaxed yet equally informative and interesting and he took took us to locations that weren't easily accessible on foot or bike so we got to see much more of the island than we had seen on previous days. I'd recommend a tour by Rob to anyone looking to learn some local history and see some beautiful sights. Thanks Rob!
Written 24 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Grace
Thanks for taking the time to write a review and for your very positive comments and recommendation. I'm very luck that late in lfe I've found something that I really enjoy, that lets me meet lovely folk from all over the world and gets me paid. How lucky am I?
All the very best to you and Ben....haste ye back.
Rob
Written 24 April 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jacqui F
Manchester, UK73 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
What a fab way to spend 4 hours in Rob's company on Barra. The trip takes you in a circuit round the island, stopping at places of interest. Rob's really knowledgeable about the island's history and gave us a great glimpse into island life generally. We were blessed with great weather and Rob suggested a couple of walks we could do on our short trip. A great way to see the island and whetted our appetite for a return visit. Thanks Rob!
Written 6 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sheila H
Spalding, UK53 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
As we were flying into Barra and therefore had no transport, I had contacted Rob by email and arranged being picked up from the airport, half a days tour and then dropped off at our B&B in Castlebay. I had arranged a days boat trip for the following day and agreed a pick up time for the following day at our B&B for the rest of our tour and then dropped back off at the airport in time for our flight back.
You can always research the history and information on places prior to your visit, but when someone can drive you around and fill you in with their excellent knowledge it's worth every penny. Rob has so many personal interesting stories to share as well, it was great and we thoroughly enjoyed our time spent with him.
You can always research the history and information on places prior to your visit, but when someone can drive you around and fill you in with their excellent knowledge it's worth every penny. Rob has so many personal interesting stories to share as well, it was great and we thoroughly enjoyed our time spent with him.
Written 28 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Frank M
Motherwell, UK320 contributions
Sept 2021
After arranging a day trip to Barra the thought then turned as to what to do for the 4 hours or so.
A quick check brought up Barra Island Tours operated, when we visited, by Rob.
Having made contact via email with Rob we never looked back. Great communications throughout prior to travel, and Rob was waiting for us in his spacious Kia to show us around the island in a timely, but unhurried manner.
Apart from the expected, and some unexpected, sights, Rob also had a vast knowledge of the history of the island and its populations dating back to pre-Christian times.
Rob did most of the work by driving around mostly single lane roads littered with passing places (although some other drivers don't seem to know what they are there for) although there was ample opportunity to stop, wonder at some of the fantastic sights, vistas and beaches on Barra and Vatersay.
Our day was a bit overcast with low cloud sitting atop hills but this didn't spoil the enjoyment of hearing about the island and its history.
The tours are customised to your needs so it can be a full-on island tour, one way trips or split into two, for example, if wanting dropped and then picked up again later. In our case Rob was already waiting for us and had us back at the airport in time for us to see our plane landing.
Search Barra Island Tours for the company.
You won't be disappointed.
A quick check brought up Barra Island Tours operated, when we visited, by Rob.
Having made contact via email with Rob we never looked back. Great communications throughout prior to travel, and Rob was waiting for us in his spacious Kia to show us around the island in a timely, but unhurried manner.
Apart from the expected, and some unexpected, sights, Rob also had a vast knowledge of the history of the island and its populations dating back to pre-Christian times.
Rob did most of the work by driving around mostly single lane roads littered with passing places (although some other drivers don't seem to know what they are there for) although there was ample opportunity to stop, wonder at some of the fantastic sights, vistas and beaches on Barra and Vatersay.
Our day was a bit overcast with low cloud sitting atop hills but this didn't spoil the enjoyment of hearing about the island and its history.
The tours are customised to your needs so it can be a full-on island tour, one way trips or split into two, for example, if wanting dropped and then picked up again later. In our case Rob was already waiting for us and had us back at the airport in time for us to see our plane landing.
Search Barra Island Tours for the company.
You won't be disappointed.
Written 8 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Frank
Thanks for your long and detailed review. It really helps folk who are considering booking with me get an insight into what they will experience shoud they go ahead.
All the very to you and your friend whose name escapes me.
Cheers
Rob
Written 16 September 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kfothwatson
Laurencekirk, UK15 contributions
Jul 2021 • Friends
My friend Lynne and I had a fab 3 hours taking in the sights of Barra and Vatersay with the very knowledgeable Rob last weekend. So interesting and informative and how Rob retains all he knows about everything possible on the islands is amazing. Lots of stops at places of interest and for photo opportunities as well. We would highly recommend doing this tour. Along with Rob’s engaging and easy manner he made it fun as well as really interesting. Thanks again Rob!
Written 27 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Kay
Thanks for the positive review and for taking the trouble to write it. I'm so glad that you and Lynne enjoyed the tour and that you like what you saw and heard. Like it says on my website I hope that my tours give folks "A chance to see what others miss" and I'm especially pleased that you found it fun.
All the best to you both.
Cheers
Rob
Written 16 September 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tom H
Ayr, UK18 contributions
Mar 2023
Rob is a retired teacher on the Island and has a great in-depth knowledge of the island and dates of significant events.
He has a good roomy car which was a bonus and we went round BARRA and also across to Vatersay.
I would recommend Rob as a good choice to see the island fast and in detail. His rates are affordable also as it’s by the hour for the car. We used toilets in the local Castlebay CO-OP. Toilets are not plentiful. Sorry I didn’t have my video turned on in time for you showing Compton Mackenzie’s grave. Stories of Whisky Galore and the air crash site and remaining wreckage of the Catalina Flying Boat on Vatersay was interesting. We were the only 2 passengers on the flight back to Glasgow.
Many Thanks Rob.
He has a good roomy car which was a bonus and we went round BARRA and also across to Vatersay.
I would recommend Rob as a good choice to see the island fast and in detail. His rates are affordable also as it’s by the hour for the car. We used toilets in the local Castlebay CO-OP. Toilets are not plentiful. Sorry I didn’t have my video turned on in time for you showing Compton Mackenzie’s grave. Stories of Whisky Galore and the air crash site and remaining wreckage of the Catalina Flying Boat on Vatersay was interesting. We were the only 2 passengers on the flight back to Glasgow.
Many Thanks Rob.
Written 9 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lesley S
2 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
My experience with Rob has been first class since my first enquiry over a year ago. He is a true gentleman, full of knowledgeable historical information and a lovely teller of stories. We had a leisurely comfortable tour of the whole island and a drive down to Vatersay in his new hybrid Tuscan Hyundai.
Rob clearly thinks of “everything” from his vast experience of engaging with students, island visitors and the general human population! Binoculars, water bottles, a handy photograph album, bird bible reference book and best of all a lovely “surprise” gift at the end of the tour.
Finally, Rob sent links via email to me afterwards of our joint interests and connections to our conversations throughout our tour. This is a must do for anyone visiting Barra. Many thanks Rob ❤️
Rob clearly thinks of “everything” from his vast experience of engaging with students, island visitors and the general human population! Binoculars, water bottles, a handy photograph album, bird bible reference book and best of all a lovely “surprise” gift at the end of the tour.
Finally, Rob sent links via email to me afterwards of our joint interests and connections to our conversations throughout our tour. This is a must do for anyone visiting Barra. Many thanks Rob ❤️
Written 27 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, I am coming to Barra for a couple of days on Monday 14th May. I will arrive on the evening ferry from Oban and would like to take a tour on Tues 15th May. I am staying at Tigh Na Mara near Castlebay. Many thanks, Eleanor Talbot
Written 11 March 2018
Hi Eleanor thanks for your enquiry. I am free on May 15th so I'll pencil you in. Please address any further questions if you have any to my email which you can find on the website. I cant type it here but if you Google Barra Island Tours you'll find it.
Kind regards
Rob
Written 12 March 2018
How long was it, in what vehicle and how much was it please?
Cheers Alf
Written 19 October 2017
Alf
I think our tour was about 4 1/2 hours.
The vehicle was a People Carrier.
The tour is charged by the hour and it depends on what you want to see, how many stops etc.
The tour was a birthday gift so best bet is to look at the website.
barraislandtours.
Roy
Written 20 October 2017
Hi rob I seem to have given my review 1 star instead of 5 for which I must apologise. If you know how I can edit this please let me know as I can't work out if this can be done. Thanks Lori.
Written 26 July 2017
Hi Lori...I dont know how you can change the star rating....maybe you could delete your review and start afresh? If it's not possible I wouldnt worry too much about it - your very positive comments make it clear what your thought - and I'm sure some people will read it because of the one star rating! I'll look at some of the reviews I've made and see what can be done.
Cheers
Rob
Written 26 July 2017
Hi there ..basically it's £25 per hour (not per person) Please see web site for options available:-
barraislandtours
I cant post link -not allowed
Kind regards
Rob
Written 7 August 2016
Apologies Eileen I think in my response I called you Lesley....that was the day before I think! Only excuse is old age brain fade :)
Written 1 May 2016
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