Shepherds of Berneray

The Shepherds of Berneray was a 50-minute television programme that aired in 1981. The documentary revolved around the people on the island of Berneray, North Uist, Scotland, during that time, and how they lived.

The show starred the people of Berneray, who had lived there for most of their lives. It was filmed by Allen Moore and the late Jack Shea.

Synopsis

The story begins at a croft belonging to Kate Dix; at that time she was the oldest person on the island. They interview John Ferguson, a crofter on Berneray, and he tells how the population of Berneray has decreased rapidly; only around 100 live on the island now. Next there is a sheep dip.

Angus Munro is seen in winter, gathering seaweed for fertiliser. He describes how he passed on his boat to his son, retired from fishing, and moved to full-time crofting. Angus Munro's son John finds it good work. The show visits summer grazing on the nearby islands of Pabbay for shearing and castrating of the rams. The show ends with Kate Dix at her croft, praising Berneray and everything on it.