BERNERA, an island, in the parish of Harris,
island of Lewis, county of Inverness; containing 713
inhabitants. This isle, with the isles of Pabbay, Killigray,
and Ensay, constituted the quoad sacra parish of
Bernera. It is situated in the sound of Harris, and is
about four miles in length and one and a half in breadth,
comprising 3545 acres of arable and 1310 of pasture
land. The surface is rocky, principally whinstone, and
the soil mostly of a sandy quality, interspersed with
patches of moor; the tenants have a small portion of
ground called a croft, and two tenants have each about
330 acres. The manufacture of kelp partly employs the
population; and fish, chiefly ling, cod, and skate, are
obtained at certain seasons. Fairs for black-cattle and
horses take place in July and September. The parish
was in the presbytery of Uist, synod of Glenelg, and in
the patronage of the Crown; the stipend of the minister
is £120, with a manse, and a glebe valued at £1 per
annum, with the right of cutting peat. Bernera church
was erected in 1S3S. There are some remains of religious
houses on the island.