Born in Dunfermline, Scotland, Barrie grew up in a small village in Gare Loch in Argyll and Bute and she currently lives and works from Fife. Barrie is a self-taught tapestry artist who draws inspiration from the Highlands and Islands and she uses hand-made textiles by local traditional weavers living on the Scottish Islands for the creation of her work.

Her tapestry sculptures are mostly made of Harris Tweed and resin. They depict the local fauna and are inspired by the colours and traditions of the dramatic Scottish landscape as well as the local heritage. Her work embraces tradition in a refreshed contemporary style.