The ward was created following the 2019 Reviews of Electoral Arrangements which were instigated following the implementation of the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018. The act allowed for the creation of single- and dual-member wards to allow for better representation of island areas. Barraigh agus Bhatarsaigh was formed from the previous Barraigh, Bhatarsaigh, Eirisgeigh agus Uibhist a Deas ward. The ward is centred around the islands of Barra and Vatersay in the south of the Outer Hebrides and includes the uninhabited islands of the Barra Isles as well as Fiaraidh, Fuday, Gighay, Hellisay and Orosay in the Sound of Barra.[2]