Banner picture of scenes of Berneray in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland

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"The superb beaches of western Berneray are unparalleled in Scotland."

Lonely Planet guide to Scotland, 3rd edition, March 2004.

Berneray lies in the Sound of Harris in the Western Isles (Outer Hebrides) of Scotland. It is a small island (roughly 2 miles by 3), rich in wildlife and history.

Berneray is especially known for its beaches, such as the cockle bay, east beach, and the long sweep of white sand on the west coast, backed by high dunes and machair.

The 126 permanent residents of Berneray (as of 1st October 2008) stay mainly along the rockier east coast, forming an active and friendly community. The main industries are a mixture of the traditional (crofting and fishing), and the new (Internet services, tourism, information and media work). The ferry which plies the Sound of Harris, connecting Berneray and the Uists to Harris and Lewis, is also a major employer of Berneray residents.

Amongst the array of services and facilities, Berneray has a post office, church, fishing harbour, community hall and a shop and tea room. During the summer months, an information centre containing historical and contemporary information is manned by local volunteers.

 
Weather conditions in nearby Benbecula:Weather conditions in nearby Benbecula. The current clothing of the geisha indicate the outside conditions. The figures at the bottom are the temperature, humidity, time of last readings, wind direction, wind speed, and atmospheric pressure.

 
Current Aurora Borealis (northern lights) activity:Current northern lights activity

Meanwhile, the Historical Society employ a project worker to collate many aspects of the history of Berneray, while the Berneray Boat Club organise sailing trips all year round to islands in the Outer Hebrides.

 
Bays Loch, just after dawn   Snow on Berneray: March 2006   Creels   Sunrise over Harris
 

Residents can find out what's happening locally, obtain information about local groups, and advertise their businesses.

Visitors can discover how to get to Berneray, where to stay and what to do and see. There's some advice on exploring Berneray, and find out about Berneray's history and learn about its abundant flora and fauna. There is also a detailed downloadable guide to visiting Berneray.

For everyone, there is a gallery of photos both contemporary and historical. But what else can you do...

 
Isle of Berneray 2009 calendar
 

You can take a boat trip to Hebridean islands from Berneray, as well as join Berneray Boat Club.

Move to Berneray! Monitor local property for sale.

Island connections? Contribute to the cataloguing of Berneray history.

You can support this website by buying the Isle of Berneray 2009 calendar (opposite) from the Berneray online shop ... and on that calendar you can mark the dates for Berneray Week 2009.



Fàilte gu Làrach-lìn Coimhearsnachd Eilean Bheàrnaraigh


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