The Carrageen, also known by its scientific name Chondrus Crispus, is a species of red algae native to the cool Atlantic waters skirting Europe’s rocky coastlines, including our beautiful Isle of Barra.

Like many of the other seaweed varieties found on the Scottish coast, carrageen is harvested after the spring tides, when the water is furthest from the shore. Once harvested, each piece of Carrageen seaweed is washed through with fresh water and left outdoors for 5-6 weeks for the wind & sun to dry or ‘bleach’ as it is known on Barra. Once the Carrageen has dried and has changed colour to a light white/purple it is then ready to be used to create our award winning spirit, the Barra Atlantic Gin.