History of Berneray : Eachdraidh Bheàrnaraigh

Berneray: the name

The name Berneray is thought by some (though there is disagreement on this) to derive from the Norse bjorn (bear) and ey (island).

Many other place names on Berneray have their origins in Norse words. For example, the name Borve (a township) is derived from the Norse word borg, which means a stronghold or fortification. This name has been in existence since the 8th century, when the Norse raiders took control from the Pictish Celts who had built a fortress on the site in the 2nd century AD.

Historical Society

Berneray has a thriving Historical Society, consisting of residents, local historians, and other members of the public. The society meet regularly, and are custodians of a range of materials (some of which is available for viewing in the Nurse's Cottage). Membership is open to everyone.

The society has produced a publication from an original study by Eibhrig NicLeoid. The 12 page guide contains a map indicating historical sites around the island, as well as descriptions and historical notes of some of the things you can see. This is an essential publication for anyone exploring the island.

"Bearnaraigh (Berneray): a historical guide" is available from Ardmaree Stores, the Nurse's Cottage and other places around Berneray for £1.

Project worker

Dileab Bhearnaraigh, meaning Berneray's Inheritance, is the Gaelic name for the Historical Society project, which aims to source, organise and digitise a wealth of material relating to the island's history.

The society secured funding from the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund to employ a project worker, Sue Wilson, on a full-time two-year fixed-term contract to carry out this work.

Other historical materials

• An overview of the history of Berneray.
• Visible ancient sites around Berneray.
• The allocation of crofts in 1900 in Borve.
• Contemporary pictures of historical sites and buildings.
• Older pictures, mostly taken in the first half of the 20th century.