ISLE 

OF BARRA CO-OPERATIVE

 ISLE OF BARRA CO-OPERATIVE

Co-Chomunn Bharraigh (Barra Community Co-operative) was established in 1981 to increase employment opportunities and services on the island at a time when people were leaving the island to look for work. People in the community invested along with the development bodies at the time to raise the money needed.  The projects presently running are the shop, a sub post office at the north end of the island and the tea-room at the airport. The Co-operative currently has over 160 shareholders.

The shop situated in Castlebay carries a wide range of goods like household hardware, foods, paint, car accessories, books, toiletries as well as toys, gifts, souvenirs and t-shirts and is the local lottery agent. The shop employs two full-time and one part-time/ seasonal staff  and is open Monday to Saturday 09.00 to 17.30

The Traigh Tearoom at Barra airport employs 3 staff peak season and one all year round to provide a much needed service for passengers and visitors to the airport. The tea room is open from 09.30 to 16.30 peak season and off season opening hours are subject to plane arrival times which are subject to tides.

The Northbay post office is based in St Barr's church hall and provides postal services to the north end of the island saving many the journey to Castlebay. The post office employs one part time staff all year round. The post office is open from 10:30 to 12:30 Monday to Friday.