107568: Bernera Historical Society

Bernera Historical Society (Comann Eachdraidh Sgìre Bheàrnaraigh) was founded in 1991. Membership consists of residents and exiles, and activity falls into two strands: Urras Eachdraidh who have Trust status and deal with business matters and policy, and the Comunn Eachdraidh who arrange the social side of the Society.

The first project was to erect a cairn to commemorate the Bernera Riot. A day-long re-enactment of the events of 1874 began with the unveiling of the cairn and culminated in a celebration in the Town Hall. A ‘Norse’ mill was restored to working order and the lobster pond at Loch Risay was repaired. After excavations at Bosta, the society helped to build a full-scale replica of an Iron Age house which is open to the public daily during the summer season and attracts many visitors. Researching public records, gathering local information and holding members meetings all continue.

The Society runs a 4-star registered museum based in the Bernera Community Centre, housing all the records and artefacts belonging to the Society. Exhibitions on loan from other museums are often displayed. The Museum is open from mid-May until the beginning of September, Monday to Friday, 12noon to 4pm, and at other times by appointment.

Bernera was a founding member of the Hebridean Connections project and virtually all the known genealogy from the island is incorporated in this database, though further contributions are welcomed by the society. For contact details, see the Comann Eachdraidh Sgìre Bheàrnaraigh page on our website.