Barra Head Ceann Bharraigh

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Barra Head Ceann Bharraigh

Sotun Summit, Berneray/Bearnaraigh A five island expedition from Castlebay on Boy James. This is a picture of the misty grassy summit of Berneray/Bearnaraigh called Sotan. Although a rock 2 metres north of lighthouse perimeter wall at NL 54867 80229 is highest point but not yet officially ratified.
Name: Sotan
Hill number: 1632
Height: 193m / 633ft
Area: 24D: Barra to Barra Head
Class: Ma,1
Grid ref: NL 55353 79980
Summit feature: no feature
Drop: 193m
Col: Sea — Sotun Summit, Berneray/Bearnaraigh Credit: Rude Health

Barra Head, also known as Ceann Bharraigh, is a prominent coastal feature located on the western coast of Inverness-shire, Scotland. It is a headland that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean, forming a distinctive point that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Situated at the southern tip of the Isle of Barra, Barra Head stands tall at an elevation of 187 meters (613 feet) above sea level. The headland is characterized by its rugged cliffs, which provide nesting sites for a variety of seabirds including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills. It is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its rich biodiversity and importance as a breeding ground for these avian species.

The headland is accessible by boat, and visitors are often treated to a diverse range of wildlife sightings. Seals, dolphins, and even whales can occasionally be spotted in the waters surrounding Barra Head, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers.

In addition to its natural beauty, Barra Head also holds historical significance. The headland is home to a 19th-century lighthouse, which was built in 1833 and is still operational today. The lighthouse serves as an important navigational aid for ships passing through the treacherous waters off the coast of Inverness-shire.

Overall, Barra Head is a stunning coastal feature that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical importance. Whether it's for birdwatching, wildlife spotting, or simply enjoying the awe-inspiring views, this headland is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Inverness-shire coastline.

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Barra Head Ceann Bharraigh Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.779536/-7.6371144 or Grid Reference NL5579. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Sotun Summit, Berneray/Bearnaraigh

A five island expedition from Castlebay on Boy James. This is a picture of the misty grassy summit of Berneray/Bearnaraigh called Sotan. Although a rock 2 metres north of lighthouse perimeter wall at NL 54867 80229 is highest point but not yet officially ratified. Name: Sotan Hill number: 1632 Height: 193m / 633ft Area: 24D: Barra to Barra Head Class: Ma,1 Grid ref: NL 55353 79980 Summit feature: no feature Drop: 193m Col: Sea

Rude Health

Berneray/Bearnaraigh - an aerial view from the south

From about 36000ft heading west, about 30min after leaving Edinburgh

M J Richardson

Sotan, Berneray

Seen from near the lighthouse. Sotan is a couple of metres higher than the lighthouse, and the highest point of the island.

Michael Earnshaw

Sloc na Sealbhaig

The precipitous cliffs east of the lighthouse on Berneray.

Anne Burgess

Mullach a' Lusgan, Berneray

These rock pools are on top of the cliffs at Barra Head, the southernmost point of the Outer Hebrides.

Bob Jones

Cuiveg Point, Berneray

In Gaelic, 'Rubha Cuabhaig', this south-eastern tip of Berneray is populated only by a flock of extremely shaggy sheep.

Bob Jones

Rubha Ghralish, Berneray

The seabird cliffs at Rubha Ghralish

Mary and Angus Hogg

Sloc na Sealbhaig

This inlet is at the foot of the 180m cliffs to the south east of the lighthouse. Just round the cliffs is Barra Head, the most southerly point on Berneray, which is the most southerly island in the Outer Hebrides (not on Barra at all).

Russel Wills

Barra Head, Berneray

The southernmost point of the Outer Hebrides.

Bob Jones

Sloc Voacligeo, Berneray

This inlet lies to the west of Barra Head.

Bob Jones

Sloc na Sealbhaig, Berneray

Steep cliffs on Berneray's southern coast. The lighthouse at Skate Point can be seen in the distance.

Bob Jones

Headland immediately west of Barra Head, Berneray

Almost the southernmost tip of the Outer Hebrides (Barra Head, just to the east, is the southernmost point).

Bob Jones

GÃ¨arum Beag - Sphinx-like rock

This rock feature looks to me as though Marty Feldman had posed for a Scottish version of the Sphinx.

Rob Farrow

Berneray (Barra Head) - western promontories

There are many islands in the Hebrides with the name 'Berneray' or 'Bernera' - this one is the southernmost of all the islands of the Outer Hebrides and is more commonly known as 'Barra Head' (not to be confused with the island of Barra itself, some way to the north). NL5480 : Barra Head Lighthouse can be seen perched atop the promontory.

Rob Farrow

Barra Head Lighthouse

The lighthouse on Barra Head was constructed in 1833 by the famous lighthouse designer Robert Stevenson. At 208m (682') focal height it has the most elevated light of all Scottish (and probably UK) lighthouses, though the tower itself is only 18m (59') It had resident lighthouse keepers up until its automation on 23rd October 1980 Wikipedia article here: Link

Rob Farrow

GÃ¨arum Beag a rock islet off Mingulay

Alan Reid

Pier At Berneray/Bearnaraigh

Thirteen Marilyn baggers were dropped of at this rather slippy pier to explore this lovely island of Berneray/Bearnaraigh. This pier helped service the lighthouse.

Rude Health