A Responsible Visitor

On the13th of April we had the news that we all had been waiting for: Scottish Islands would be open to visitors from 26th April. There was a huge sigh of relief from the community but also a feeling of trepidation for some. What is going to happen? How many are going to come?...

After over a year of having the islands to ourselves and enjoying the magnificence of where we live, it will be really nice to share it again and to have a buzz around the island. The majority of islanders are looking forward to getting back to some level of normality again.

Visit Scotland have launched a Responsible Tourism Campaign; for more information visit their website.

What does this mean in the context of Barra and Vatersay?

• Try not to just whizz through the islands; stay in one place and soak up the atmosphere. Get to know the place and its people. Explore and discover the special places and wonderful things to do.

• Invest in the local economy - shop here and buy local. Don't come loaded up with shopping. We have some great shops here and a wide variety of products to meet all dietary requirements. Shop for birthdays and Christmas as well as for souvenirs: there are a range of lovely items handmade on the island that would make special gifts.

• Enjoy our hospitality: eat out and visit the bars, meet the locals and enjoy their company.

• Book some activities, whether it is an island tour, boat trip, water sports or cycling - see the islands from another perspective.

• If you are camping or campervanning please book in at a campsite where all the facilities are there for you.

• Please dispose of all waste responsibly.

• Barra and Vatersay are working landscapes. Keep dogs on a lead. Respect fences and use gates and stiles at all times.

• If you have a dog, please pick up its poo, take it away and dispose of it correctly, regardless of whether you are on the machair, beach or rough grass.

• Litter is a problem throughout Scotland. Please help by picking some up as you move around the islands and join in with local litter picks. This is a great way to meet people and get involved in improving our environment.

• Join us in our community events.

• Our roads are narrow! Please drive carefully and if you are enjoying the scenery then pull over to take it in. Use the passing places to let traffic past, both oncoming and from behind. Always give way to traffic coming uphill.

• Due to COVID our personal spaces have increased. Please respect all COVID measures and social distancing measures that has been put in place.

Most of all enjoy yourself and these beautiful islands we are so fortunate to call our home.

Bùth Bharraigh runs the Visitor Information and all events and activities will be advertised there. The staff and volunteers are well-informed and excellent at answering questions. If they don't know the answer then they will find out for you. Never be afraid to ask!

We are looking forward to welcoming you all again

#RespectProtectEnjoy