Sound Of Barra Integrated Transport Project

Ceann a Gharaidh

For the first time ever, it is possible to drive from the Butt Of Lewis in the north of the Western Isles to Barra in the south without leaving the comfort of your car, as the new Sound Of Barra Vehicular Ferry is now operational.

To mark the occasion, a delegation from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar including the Convener, Vice-Convener and Chairman of Transportation travelled from Stornoway to Barra by car. Along the way they met with Western Isles MP Calum Macdonald and MSP Alasdair Morrison as well as Eriskay Councillor David Blaney before meeting up with local councillor for Barra, Donald Manford. This was the culmination of a series of transport projects undertaken by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar aimed at improving access for business and the travelling public and bringing economic and social benefits for the whole of the Islands.Chairman of Transportation Norman A. Macdonald, said: "This is a truly historic occasion, linking our Islands in a way that has never been done before. We have been supported in what was undoubtedly an ambitious transport strategy by central government, our M.P. and M.S.P. and by the people of the Islands themselves. I am delighted that we have been able to deliver.

In the past it has not been unusual for people in Lewis never to travel to Barra and the other way around. Colleagues at sea who shared a link with the Islands, say one from the north and one from the southern isles,
couldn't travel easily to meet up. Those days are now gone."

Further information on the building of the ferry terminal is available here.