Glorious Barra

Tuesday April 23rd

Borve Campsite
Borve Campsite is fantastic. Not only is it run by the local postman who is friendly and knowledgeable. Not just because it is well equipped and has toilet facilities that wouldn't disgrace a five star hotel. But best of all it has brilliant sunny weather and a view to die for all day.

The sun has shone all day. In fact we had an aperitif before lunch outside in Castlebay. We could have eaten outside - others were but that's where the smokers are nowadays. Lunch was in an interesting cafe/restaurant which served Indian, Italian and Scottish food. I had a fantastic curry and Pauline enjoyed her Barra burger.

Glasgow flight
We set off after a leisurely breakfast to make a complete tour of the island. (it is only a small island) Pauline was at the wheel gaining her first experience of single track roads and the etiquette of passing places. We were heading for the far Northern tip of the island at Eoligarry where we were surprised at how many children were in the school's playground.
Pauline with "un petit caillou" for Andre

Next was a stop at Barra airport to see the plane from Glasgow land on the beach. That's right - on the beach. It was a surreal moment which is repeated twice a day seven days a week. There was a sizeable crowd of campervans and other tourist cheering the plane down. Later this afternoon we returned to walk along the "runway" following the tyre tracks in the sand.

We thought that a recce trip to Vattersay was in order this afternoon. I'm not sure it was too good an idea because I could see that tomorrow is going to be tough. But when the going gets tough the tough get going. So they say. We shall see.

The last visit was to Barra golf course. What a situation. It is a six hole layout. The greens are surrounded by fences to keep the sheep off. It looked fantastic but I wouldn't fancy trying to hit the first tee shot of 210 yards into the prevailing gale.


the first hole at Barra golf course
Barra Airport
Kizimul Cafe

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