UK & Ireland — Hebrides & Orkney

Castlebay

56°57.2'N 007°29.3'W · Castlebay (CalMac ferry, Barra) (0nm)

4–8m

Depth

Good

Holding

90m

Alarm radius

Low

Crowd level

Castlebay is the main settlement on Barra and offers one of the most visually spectacular anchorages in the British Isles — lying directly in front of Kisimul Castle, a medieval stronghold of the MacNeil clan that rises from a tiny rocky islet in the centre of the bay. The castle is occasionally open for visits by arrangement with Historic Environment Scotland. The village has a hotel, shop and ferry terminal. Barra is one of the most hospitable and characterful of the Outer Hebrides islands — Gaelic is widely spoken and the community has a strong sense of identity. The island is also famous for its beach runway at Traigh Mhòr (Cockle Strand) where scheduled flights land on the beach at low tide.

Best Months

JuneJulyAugust

Anchor Zones

Main anchorage — north of Kisimul Castle island

Good

4–8m · Alarm: 90m

Anchor in 4–7m (CD) in the wide bay north of Kisimul Castle. Sand over mud — good holding once anchor is set. The bay is partly sheltered by the surrounding hills but exposed to south through northwest. Tidal range approximately 3.5–4.0m springs. Kisimul Castle (MacNeil clan stronghold) sits on an islet in the middle of the bay — one of the most dramatic anchorage settings in Scotland. Several visitor moorings available; contact Castlebay Harbour (VHF Ch 12).

Setting Your Anchor Alarm

90m radius for the open bay. In SW or W winds the bay is exposed and significant swell enters — anchor as far into the NE corner as depths allow for best shelter. In sustained SW conditions move to Vatersay Sound (2nm S) for better protection. CalMac ferry creates wash — maintain adequate scope.

Recommended radius: 90m

Hazards & Warnings

  • !Atlantic swell from S and W — exposed anchorage in SW winds; use Vatersay Sound (2nm S) for better shelter in these conditions
  • !CalMac ferry wash — ferry docks and departs from the pier close to the anchorage; significant wash
  • !Tidal range 3.5–4.0m springs — plan scope accordingly
  • !Rocky shoals around Kisimul Castle island — maintain clearance; do not anchor within 50m of the castle
  • !Very limited provisioning — stock up in Oban or Tobermory before heading to Barra

Skipper's Tips

  • ✓The setting under Kisimul Castle at sunrise or sunset is one of the most memorable anchorage experiences in British sailing
  • ✓Vatersay Sound (2nm south) offers much better shelter in SW winds with good holding on sand and mud
  • ✓Barra beach airport runway at Traigh Mhòr: scheduled flights land on the beach at LW — a remarkable sight, visible from the water 4nm NW
  • ✓Castlebay Hotel is very welcoming to sailors — good bar meals and occasional live music
  • ✓Visit Kisimul Castle when open — Historic Environment Scotland provides access by small boat (prior arrangement required)

Facilities

WaterRestaurantProvisions

Anchoring Rules

Permit:
Not required
Fee:
Free to anchor. Visitor moorings contact Castlebay Harbour VHF Ch 12.
Restrictions:
Keep clear of CalMac ferry approach channel. Ferry operates daily service to Oban (mainland) — schedule well-publicised; give way to ferry at all times. Do not anchor within the designated ferry swinging circle.

Sleep Safely at Castlebay

Set your anchor alarm to 90m. UK tidal ranges mean your boat swings — Safe Anchor Alarm keeps watch through the night.

Download Safe Anchor Alarm — Free
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