Berneray (North Uist)
Berneray (Scottish Gaelic: Beàrnaraigh na Hearadh) is an island and community in the Sound of Harris, Scotland. It is one of fifteen inhabited islands in the Outer Hebrides. It is famed for its rich and colourful history which has attracted much tourism. It lies within the South Lewis, Harris and North Uist National Scenic Area, one of 40 such areas in Scotland which are defined so as to identify areas of exceptional scenery and to ensure its protection from inappropriate development.
| Scottish Gaelic name | Beàrnaraigh |
|---|---|
| Meaning of name | From Old Norse Bjorn's island |
| Location | |
Berneray Berneray shown within the Outer Hebrides | |
| OS grid reference | NF912817 |
| Coordinates | 57.72°N 7.19°W |
| Physical geography | |
| Island group | Uist and Barra |
| Area | 1,010 ha (2,496 acres) |
| Area rank | 50 |
| Highest elevation | Beinn Shleibhe (Moor Hill), 93 m (305 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Country | Scotland |
| Council area | Outer Hebrides |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 138 |
| Population rank | 41 |
| Population density | 13.6/km2 (35/sq mi) |
| Largest settlement | Borve and Rushgarry |
| References | |
With an area of 10.1 square kilometres (2,500 acres), Berneray rises to a height of 305 feet (93 m) at Beinn Shlèibhe (Moor Hill) and 278 feet (85 m) at Cnoc Bhuirgh (Borve Hill). It is known for its sandy beaches backed with sand dunes. Tràigh Iar (West Beach), a three-mile stretch of wide, clean and often deserted sand, is widely acclaimed.
There is strong evidence that points to Berneray being inhabited since the Bronze Age, and possibly before. The island is scattered with ancient sacred sites, stone circles, signs of Viking inhabitation and historical buildings, some several centuries old.
Although Berneray is geographically closer to North Uist, it is part of the Bays of Harris Estate and under the Parish of Harris.