The Isle of Vatersay

The Isle of Vatersay

Vatersay is the most southerly inhabited island of the Outer Hebrides connected by a causeway, built in 1990, to the Isle of Barra. It lies to the south of Barra, facing Castlebay across the Sound of Vatersay. It is approximately three miles by three, but is so deeply indented by the sea from the east and west that only a narrow strip of machair prevents it from becoming two separate islands.

The monument which stands over Vatersay west beach commemorates the tragic shipwreck of the emigrant sailing ship the ‘Annie Jane’ which went on the rocks on this beach on 28th September 1853 with more than 400 people on board. The remains of the 350 men, women and children who lost their lives are interred here.

On the bayside road between the road and the shore lies wreckage from a World War II Catalina flying boat lying in the heather. It crashed in May 1944, during a training flight from Oban, killing 3 of the nine men crew.  Images below.

The island is rich in wildlife and there are wonderful walks on Vatersay, in particular a demanding Heritage Trail of approximately 4 miles which takes 3 hours to complete. A leaflet with details of the walk is available from the Tourist Information Centre In Castlebay.