Oidhche Challuinn 2007

Calluinn night is an ancient Berneray tradition that marks the start of the old new year (under the Julian calendar, before it switched to the Gregorian calendar c.1600AD). Berneray is one of the very few places to still celebrate this date. In past years, it used to be teenagers and young men who wandered around the houses, collecting food. In more recent years, the primary school children of the island went round the various houses, reciting an old Gaelic rhyme, and collecting sweets and money.

In 2007, Berneray Historical Society received funding to hire a project coordinator, and also film the event. As the number of primary school children had declined in recent years, older children also participated.

On January 13th, one group, as in recent years, started from the Sandhill end of the island at about 5 o'clock. This year, many of the children wore masks that they have made themselves. The group made its way round the island to various houses, collecting booty. The two pictures on this page show the children wearing their masks during the visit to one house.

The night before, a ceilidh was held at the Community Hall, which featured performances by the children and other local artists.