The Isle of Berneray lies at the northern end of the Uists, but historically was part of South Harris. The island has a very active community with some significant attractions mainly cultural and related to the wonderful scenery. The landscape is mainly agricultural, with corn fields on the western side of the island on the Machair (sand based grassland) Corncrakes and other long grass nesting birds are common in early summer.
The village has a small shop and cafe, post office, picturesque fishing harbour, and the Caledonian MacBrayne pier for the connection to the Isle of Harris. At this teminal there are also facilities for camping waste disposal. Wildlife is prolific on the island and the 'beware of Otters' sign is there for good reason. Berneray in the north of the Uists and Vatersay in the south of the island chain are the two small but significant 'jewels in the crown'.
What to do - Isle of Berneray
Beaches are a huge attraction on North Uist and Berneray. Traigh Lingeigh has a huge expanse of pure white shell sand, crystal clear waters and a safe shallow sandy bay suitable for swimming and snorkelling. There are also picnic tables and benches. The West Beach on Berneray is a three mile stretch of wide, clean and often deserted sand. It is widely acclaimed as one of the world's great beaches. Behind all of the beaches is the machair- green grassy plains covered in a mass of amazing wild flowers in the spring and summer.
Clach Mhor Standing Stone
Clach Mhor Standing Stone stands at 8 feet high and was built on a site associated with St. Columba on the hill Beinn a’ Chlaidh overlooking Loch Borve.
Giant Macaskill Angus Mor Macaskil
Giant Macaskill Angus Mor Macaskill is known in the Guiness Book of Records as the World’s largest giant.
MacLeod Gunnery
Macleod’s Gunnery situated close to the Youth Hostel is the oldest surviving building on Berneray, dating back to the 16th Century.
Nurses Cottage
The centre provides leaflets and information on a huge range of Berneray related topics, including history, ancestry, crofting, fishing, where to stay and what to do.
Seal Colony
Seal Colony Bays Loch on the eastern side of the island is an ideal place to watch the colony of Common and Atlantic Grey seals.
Thomas Telford Church
The church was built in 1827 by Thomas Telford and has two doors; one was for the residents of Berneray, and the other for the residents of the Island of Pabbay, who would row over for the services.
Map of Isle of Berneray
Map of Berneray; HERE
