Business Details
Your Home Away From Home in Barra
Heathbank Hotel is a family-run licensed guest house operated by the MacNeil family, who have lived on Barra for generations. Our establishment combines local knowledge with hospitality to ensure guests enjoy their island stay. We offer five en-suite bedrooms, a renovated bar and conservatory, and a private lounge area. A 20% discount rate applies to residents of the Outer Hebrides. The bar hosts traditional Gaelic music sessions during summer, and our garden provides scenic outdoor seating.We have been finalists for Best Hotel Experience at the Highland & Islands Tourism Awards and won the 2023 Hospitality Hero Award. Our policies include a minimum two-night stay during high season and no pets allowed in public areas.
Services
Accommodation
Bar Services
Restaurant
Parking
Event Hosting
Highlights and features
- We are a family-run business with generations of local knowledge.
- We offer a 20% discount for residents of the Outer Hebrides.
- We have won the 2023 Hospitality Hero Award.
- Our bar hosts traditional Gaelic music sessions during summer.
- We provide scenic outdoor seating in our garden area.
What people say
Scenic garden views
Friendly local staff
Authentic music sessions
Comfortable accommodation
Helpful family service
Services
Accommodation
We offer five comfortable en-suite bedrooms with modern amenities, including flat-screen TVs, tea/coffee facilities, and free Wi-Fi. Rooms feature central heating, hairdryers, and bathrobes in Superior Room 1. Parking is available, though vehicles are left at the owner's risk.
Bar Services
Our bar serves drinks and hosts traditional Gaelic music sessions during summer. It is newly renovated with a conservatory and private lounge area. The bar reopens weekends in November after October closure. Local islanders often frequent the space.
Restaurant
A limited restaurant service operates three days weekly. Meals are available until October closure, with reopening details announced annually. Breakfast is served Monday-Friday 8am-11am and weekends 8:30am-11am.
Event Hosting
We host traditional Gaelic music sessions during summer months. The bar provides a venue for local cultural experiences, with islanders often sharing stories and live performances in a relaxed atmosphere.
Parking
Onsite parking is available for guests. Vehicles are left at the owner's risk, as the hotel does not accept responsibility for damage or theft while cars are parked on our premises.
Questions
When does the bar reopen after October closure?
The bar reopens in November, operating weekends only.
Are pets allowed in the hotel?
No pets are permitted in hotel rooms or public bar areas.
What payment methods are accepted?
Credit card details are required for bookings, but American Express is not accepted.
Is there a minimum stay requirement?
A minimum two-night stay applies during high season, with single nights available where possible.
How can I reach Barra?
Travel options include Calmac ferries, Loganair flights, or driving via causeways to the island.
Are there local attractions nearby?
Yes, including Kisimul Castle, Vatersay beaches, and the world's most westerly golf course.
Reviews (6)
Joe Lad
Aug 20, 2021
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Only went for drinks but very nice hotel bar in a lovely location north of Barra, according to reviews food is great too
David Firth
Jun 19, 2021
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Called twice to enquire about a booking, left my details for them to call me back but they couldn't be bothered.
Nick Hayes
Jun 21, 2020
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Just the Public Bar is open to the general populace at the moment. It is as welcoming as ever though as a haven at the end of every walk, cycle ride or fishing foray. The screening to establish social distancing is a bit off putting, but don't be too perturbed by that. Bring your binoculars, bag a window seat and watch whats happening around the bay outside. Or, get one of the picnic benches in the garden front and watch the same with full surround sound. Midges and clemency allowing!
Rory McLaren
Jun 17, 2020
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Absolutely fantastic hotel. Marion, the owner, is lovely and is very easy going regarding breakfast/dinner. Food is great and the relaxed ambience of the place is ideal for a pleasant stay on Barra. When I come back to Barra, I'll be looking to stay here again!
Sheila Burton
Nov 10, 2019
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Friendly welcome. Lovely clean room with new carpets and comfy bed. Nice wee tray for coffee / tea & nibbles. Staff all helpful. Meals in the bar were excellent and breakfast provided everything you could ask for. Owner on site to offer helpful advice on the local area. Just had 2 night stay and it was superb. Cant recommend this wee gem highly enough.
Peter Halliday
Sep 05, 2019
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Spent a couple of happy days here at the start of our tour of the Hebrides. Staff very friendly at reception and also in the bar/dining room, and at breakfast. Five rooms, very comfortable, with excellent shower, supplied with removable half height step, very thoughtful for older guests. Delighted to visit Barra Airport and see the small plane landing on the beach. Many spectators present, armed with cameras to record the event. Spectacular!
