Castlebay - Harbour Operations Information
The Ferry Terminal
Castlebay
Isle of Barra
HS9 5XD
Phone: +44 (0) 1871 810306 (Press Option 2)
VHF: Ch12
Coordinates | 56.9545° N, 7.4866° W |
Wind & Weather Data | Live wind and weather data can be viewed on the following link: |
ISPS | Yes |
Yachts | Yachts should enter Castlebay keeping the land area of Ledaig on their starboard side. Yachts are reminded to keep clear of the ferry approach line when approaching Castlebay. CFL do not operate any moorings in the bay area. Moorings are privately owned and there is a Marina with pontoon facilities operated by a 3rd Party located to the West of the pier. Yachts must make prior booking before approaching the pier. |
Cruise Ships | Cruise vessels, up to 100m length and 4m draught, can go alongside the ferry pier with prior booking. Priority will be given to the scheduled ferry service. For more information on things to do in Barra visit Isle of Barra |
Cruise Ship Tenders | The linkspan can be used for tender landings if notice is given. Slipway access may also be provided but only upon consultation with the port in advance. |
Commercial Vessels | Vessels up to 100m and 4m draught can be accommodated alongside. The scheduled ferry has priority access to the berth. |
Fishing Vessels | Fishing vessels can use the main ferry pier and there is a small slipway that can also be utilised to land catch, subject to consultation with the port in advance. The scheduled ferry has priority access to the berth. |
About the local harbour | Castlebay is generally sheltered from all directions. The main attraction is Kisimul Castle which sits out in the bay area to the immediate South of the pier. More information on local attractions and services can be found at the following link: Bùth Bharraigh |
Ferry Movements | There are over 700 ferry movements a year. |
Anchorage | Anchorages available as per charts. |
Moorings | Moorings are privately owned and there is a Marina with pontoon facilities operated by a 3rd Party located to the West of the pier. |
Pontoons | For further information, please visit Marina | Castlebay Marina | Castlebay Isle of Barra. |
Authority / Operator | Authority: Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) Operator: CalMac Harbours (Division of CalMac Ferries Ltd) |
Approx annual tonnage | 2 000 000 GT |
Principal Traffic | Ferry / Cruise / Fishing / Local Sea Tours |
River / Tidal Berths | Yes |
LOA | 100m |
Draft | 4.0m |
No. of berths | 1 |
Commercial cargo handling facilities | Linkspans: 1 capacity 120T |
Facilities | Waste - Yes |
Harbour User Consultative Forum | Latest meeting records can be found at the links below: Harbour User Presentation Castlebay Oct 2022 [1MB] Harbour User Meeting Record Castlebay Oct 2022 [212KB] |
Harbour User Information | CalMac Harbours would welcome all feedback on Navigation and Port Waste Management. For the questionnaires, please refer to the Procedures and Documents section of the website. |