To the southern end of the Outer Hebrides, Barra is only eight miles long by four miles wide but nevertheless supports a population of around 1300. Barra's name is derived from St Barr and there is a 12th century church as well as prehistoric brochs and cairns on the island. It also boasts Kiessimul Castle, the ancestral home of the McNeils of Barra. The castle was restored by the 45th McNeil chief in 1937 when he returned to the island from his home in America. The Gaelic language is still strong on the island. There is a road which circles the island which was the prototype for Compton McKenzie's "Little Todday" in his book "Whisky Galore" - the author settled on the island in 1928 and is buried on the island. The main town on the island is Castlebay and on the neighbouring mountain of Heaval there is a prominent statue of the Virgin and Child carved from marble overlooking this strongly Catholic population. There is a ferry from Castlebay to Oban on the mainland and to Lochboisdale on South Uist. There is also an air service to Glasgow. There are a number of smaller islands around Barra, including Vatersay and Mingulay and the Bishop's Isles.