BEÀRNARAIGH NA HEARADH:

‘TIS FIFTY YEARS SINCE

by Susanne Barding

Susanne’s new book is a unique account of community and island life here on Berneray in the early 1970s. Spending time on the island between 1970 – 1972, Susanne photographed and recorded day to day life on the island.

The book contains over 100 contemporary black and white photos from this time alongside details and records of people and places.

'Life in Berneray (Bearnaraigh na Hearadh in the Sound of Harris, now joined by causeway to North Uist) in the early 1970s was far removed from the romantic idyll imagined by many from the outside. It was dominated by hard work on the croft and at sea, by an unforgiving climate, and by social conventions which were sometimes restrictive but which helped the community survive and underpinned a rich Gaelic culture.

With over 100 accompanying photographs, this book records in meticulous detail how the crofting community operated: the use of the inbye land and common grazings, the seasonal movement of livestock to and fro offshore islands, fishing, peat-cutting, domestic life, Gaelic traditions, the church, and the role of men and women, young and old, in the interactions, personal challenges and social life.

Susanne Barding gives a unique account of community life in the early 1970s, placing her acute observations of 1970s Berneray within a wider context - both geographically (not only in the Hebrides but also in the Northern Isle of Scotland and the Faroes); and changes over time, taking account of the powerful influences which have driven pervasive economic and social trends throughout Europe over the last half-century.'

For orders of 3 or more books, please contact us for a postage cost due to weight of parcel.

Email: coral-box@hotmail.com