or BARRA, (from the Scandinavian, Baraey, isle of the ocean,) one of the Hebrides or Western Isles of Scotland, forming part of Inverness-shire. It lies about 5 miles S.W. of South Uist, and is 8 miles in length by from 2 to 4 miles in breadth. The parish of the same name comprehends, besides Barra, a number of smaller islands and islets, and is estimated to contain 4000 acres of arable, and 18,000 of meadow and hill pasture. The cod, ling, and herring fisheries are considerable; and its coasts abound with shell-fish, especially cockles. On Barra Head, the highest part of Bernera, one of the Barra Islands, is a lighthouse with an intermitting light 680 feet above high-water, in Lat. 56. 48. N., Long. 7. 38. W. Population of island (chiefly Roman Catholics), in 1841, 1977; in 1851, 1624.