Collection: Bernera Museum

Collection-level records:

• Collection history (Collection development policy)

  The Bernera Historical Society was founded in 1991 and was based in a purpose-built museum in the Bernera Community Centre. Although emphasis was placed on genealogy and croft histories, a wide variety of artefacts, photographs and sound files relating to the local area of Great Bernera and Tir Mor were also collected.

  Our photographic collection consists of scanned images, original photographs and slides relating to the people, history and culture of the island.

  We have over two hundred artefacts, mostly relating to the fishing industry in Bernera but also domestic, agricultural and archaeological.

  We have a collection of 30 – 40 digital recordings; some by the BBC, some from organised evenings and some from informal home interviews. All have been copied to the School of Scottish Studies.

  In the last five years we have updated and professionally produced new story display boards covering places and events of significant importance to both Bernera and Nationally. These are now the main attraction in the museum for our visitors who come to learn more about our island.

  We have not undertaken disposal of any accessioned artefacts.

  Source: Collection development policy

  Date: 2023

  Licence: CC BY-NC

• Collection overview (Collection development policy)

  Fishing

  • Lobster fishing display – artefacts, photographs and information panels relating to the history and development of the industry from the early 19th century.
  • General fishing – boat building tools, fishing equipment, models and records of local boats from 1869 onwards.
  • Mss Comprehensive illustrated description of fishing in Bernera up to mid-20th century, plus landmark chart by George Macleod.
  • Lobster pond -display board on the history of Loch Risa Lobster Pond and photographs of historical interest and the repair project.

  Bosta Archaeology

  • Information on discovery and excavation of Iron Age village
  • Finds from the dig including bone and antler artefacts now on display in a new secure case
  • Archaeological survey of 19h century Bosta dwellings

  Croft Histories

  • Comprehensive family trees (some dating from 16th century)
  • Collection of more than 800 photographs relating to people, life and work in Bernera. Many of which are visually displayed in rolling presentations in the Museum.
  • History of settlement and allocation of crofts.

  Bernera Bridge Exhibition

  • Press cuttings, photographs
  • Display boards showing the construction and impact of the Bridge
  • Audio tapes of life before and after the bridge
  • Engineers’ work diary
  • Gold watch presented to bridge advocate by the people of Bernera
  • Souvenir programme of opening ceremony of original bridge
  • Now including information of the replacement bridge opened in 2021

  Bernera Riot

  • Display boards telling the story of the riot
  • Publications on the Trial and history of the riot

  Bosta and Kirkibost villages

  • Display board on the abandoned village of Bosta and the first Lotted village in Scotland of Kirkibost

  Thule House Shop

  • Ledgers late 19th century
  • Invoices/receipts/price lists/catalogues
  • Shop sign
  • Artefacts (lamps/ scales/tools)

  Bernera Duns

  • Display board giving information on the four known Iron Age Duns on Bernera.

  lron Age House reconstruction

  • Photographs of the work including visual rolling display in the Museum
  • Model
  • Photographs of recent turf roofing work

  Norse Mill

  • Photographs of the mill and repairs to Norse Mill roof.

  Bernera Historical sites

  • Display board shown locations of main historical sites on Bernera and also routes for walks to some of these.

  Source: Collection development policy

  Date: 2023

  Licence: CC BY-NC