History of Berneray : Eachdraidh Bheàrnaraigh
Berneray: the nameThe 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 SocietyBerneray 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 new full colour version of its historical guide. It contains a map and historical notes of over 30 sites of interest around the island. This is an essential publication for anyone exploring Berneray. The newly published 'Berneray – Historical Guide and Trail' is now available at a cost of £4 from Ardmaree Stores, the Nurse's Cottage and other places around Berneray. Project workerDileab 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. PublicationsHistorical guideThe 20-page Berneray Historical Guide and Trail, produced by the Historical Society, is structured around a walking trail which takes in all the key historical sites on the island, including the Gunnery, the Giant MacAskill Monument, the Viking court at Sgàlabraig and the Clach Mhòr. All the sites are given their Gaelic names, plotted on a map of the island and illustrated with colour photographs. The Guide is available from Ardmaree Stores, Berneray, priced at £4. Copies can also be obtained by writing to The Secretary, Berneray Historical Society, The Nurse’s Cottage, Berneray, HS6 5BD; please send cheque made out to ‘Berneray Historical Society’ for £5 per copy (inc P&P).
Donald MacKillop was born and raised on Berneray, and took an active role in the Historical Society for many years. We were therefore delighted to be asked to provide images for his new book, a collection of his Gaelic songs and poems, including the beautiful song 'Coille an Fhàsaich'. Together with an account of his early life on Berneray, the Gaelic works have been edited and translated by Anne Lorne Gillies. It provides a colourful and fascinating insight into Berneray's past. It is available for £12.99 directly from the publisher Brigh Publications at www.brigh.co.uk or from the Nurse's Cottage on Berneray. Other historical materials
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