Mingulay, Berneray & Pabbay
Until the last of the population left in 1912, crofting, fishing and fowling were central to the lives of the inhabitants of this island group. As on St Kilda, the islanders used the seabirds and eggs for food and trade the feathers
Mingualy ( 12 miles south of Barra) and Berneray together were made a Site of Special Interest in 1983 for the maritime vegetation, rock shore and cliff habitats found there, as well as for the seabird population. In 1994 the islands were made a Special Protection Area in recognition of the internationally important populations of breeding species of seabirds, particularly razorbill, guillemot, fulmar, kittiewake and shag. Storm petrel, common and Arctic terns, great skua, black gillemot, puffin and four species of gull also breed on the islands. Thew birds are attracted not only by the cliffs,coastal rocks and caves for nesting sites, but also by the fish supply in the area.
All the islands have significant archaeological sites, with several designated Scheduled Ancient Monuments, including the village area on Mingulay. The most northerly of the three islands, Pabby, is separated from the smaller island of Rosinish by a tidal channel.
There are no facilities or services of any kind on the islands. All the islands have very high and dangerous cliffs and landing is difficult. The Barrhead lighthouse on Berneray, designed by Robert Stevenson and built in 1833, is not owned by the Trust. The Trust's management objectives for the islands, addressing such issues as seabirds, archeology and vegetation management (grazing), are in the early stages of consideration.
Contact
The National Trust For Scotland
Mingulay, Berneray & Pabbay
Western Isles
Western Isles
HS
Great Britain
Tel: +44(0)131 243 9300
E-Mail: information@nts.org.uk
WWW: http://www.nts.org.uk
