Great Bernera an island which divides East and West Loch Roag on the north west coast of Lewis, is joined to the main island by a handsome bridge, opened in 1953.
It is said that the people of Bernera threatened to blow up the cliffs and create a causeway across the narrow channel they got their ‘Bridge across the Atlantic’ (although it is not the only one in Scotland which may claim that title) Just over 100 years ago there was some trouble between the local people and landlords who wanted the land for sheep, with the result that the once thriving township of Bosta, dating back to Viking times, became a ‘ghost village’.
- Bernera Latitude 58.22792° N Longitude -6.8408356° E
- Bernera Postcode HS2
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Bernera is 5.5 miles long and 2.75 miles wide, with its population centred on Kirkibost, Barraglom, Breasclete, Hacklete. And Croir at the northern tip.
The island has an excellent road system and is one of the main lobster fishing areas in Lewis, it has several good trout lochs.
On the nearby Isle of Berisay is the retreat of the outlawed Neil MacLeod, where he made his last stand against Mackenzie of Kin Tail.
He had routed the 17th century Fife Adventurers but turned pirate and brigand and was eventually captured and executed in Edinburgh.
