Bùth Bharraigh has secured planning permission to begin a long-awaited renovation of their ageing premises in Castlebay.

Approval of their planning application is one step closer to the realisation of their project.

Announcing the milestone, Bùth Bharraigh said: “Planning permission has been approved for the renovation of our building.

“One more hurdle cleared in our journey, and we are so pleased to have achieved this. Big thanks to Iain Angus Campbell and Bracewell Architects and everyone who has done surveys etc. to get us this far.”

Refurbishment of the former Castlebay Co-op building has been in the pipeline for years but finally gained traction in 2023.

Bùth Bharraigh grew from the Island Markets, which were set up by Barra and Vatersay Producers Association in 2000. It rented its premises for nine years before beginning negotiations to purchase the building. A deal for the former Co-op was formally struck in July 2023.

Plans for the building overhaul were first drawn up in 2017 but had to be repriced since then due to rising costs.

Bùth Bharraigh is a social enterprise community shop and hub which sells local products, runs Barra and Vatersay Visitor Information, has free wi-fi and a cafe space which hosts community events.  

Bùth Bharraigh also acts as a community wealth-building organisation and runs other initiatives to support the local community. 

The planned renovation is designed to turn their premises into a sustainable building which meets the needs of Bùth Bharraigh and its role as a central hub in Castlebay for the community and visitors.


Image content - Bùth Bharraigh