An inhabited island lying off the west coast of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, Great Bernera (Gael: Bearnaraigh) lies in Loch Roag, a mile (1.5 km) northwest of Callanish. The island measures approximately 3¾ miles (6 km) long by 3 miles (5 km) in width. Its principal settlement is Breaclete, in the centre of the island, with other small settlements at Hacklete in the southwest, Kirkibost in the southeast, Valasay and Tobson in the west and Croir in the north. The population greatly benefitted from the Great Bernera Bridge, opened in 1953, but subsequently has shown a steady decline; 317 (1961), 276 (1971), 278 (1981), 262 (1991), 233 (2001) and 252 (2011). Salmon farming and shellfish processing make important contributions to the local economy. In 1874, Great Bernera was the site of a crofter's land revolt - known as the Bernera Riot - and this event is remembered by a cairn in the centre of the island.
