community services
Many services in the community are located at or near the Community Centre in Breaclete, such as the Doctor’s Surgery, the Fire Station, the Café & Shop, the Gym, the EV Chargers and the Skip. Other services nearby include the Fuel Pumps, the Community Polytunnels and the Playpark. The Church is also located in Breaclete. Further community services include Defibrillators, Laundry Facilities, the Community Trailer, Bin Collections, a Mobile Library, a Mobile Bank and Electric Bikes.
At the bottom of this page is a list of useful telephone numbers.
Many services in the community are located at or near the Community Centre in Breaclete, such as the Doctor’s Surgery, the Fire Station, the Café & Shop, the Gym, the EV Chargers and the Skip. Other services nearby include the Fuel Pumps, the Community Polytunnels and the Playpark. The Church is also located in Breaclete. Further community services include Defibrillators, Laundry Facilities, the Community Trailer, Bin Collections, a Mobile Library, a Mobile Bank and Electric Bikes.
At the bottom of this page is a list of useful telephone numbers.
DOCTOR’S SURGERY
We are fortunate to have the services of a Doctors Surgery based in the Community Centre complex in Breaclete. The service is operated by the Langabhat Medical Practice and residents staying for more than three months are able to permanently register with them.
The surgery is open three days a week and provides a range of medical and clinical services. You can also pick up any prescriptions, saving trips into town. There is ample parking in front of the Surgery, and a ramp for easy access.
OPENING HOURS:
MONDAY: 9:00am-1:00pm (Nurse Practitioner)
WEDNESDAY: 10:00am-3:00pm* (Bloods Clinic & Practice Nurse)
FRIDAY: 8:00am-1:00pm (GP Surgery)
*Closed from 1:00pm on the second Wednesday of each month for staff training
Outwith these hours you can call the Practice on 01851 860222 between 8:00am and 6:00pm, Monday-Friday, or via their website.
EMAIL: wi.langabhat@nhs.scot
FIRE STATION
The Fire Station is staffed by local On Call, Retained Firefighters, who also support the community at events where their assistance is required.
They also manage the cemetery at Bosta on a voluntary basis.
If you are interested in supporting your local community by becoming an On Call, Retained Firefighter, more information is available at www.firescotland.gov.uk/careers/on-call-firefighter.
Or enquire at any of the training evenings, which take place every Tuesday at 7:30pm.
DEFIBRILLATORS
There are two public defibrillators available: one hanging on the wall of the school building in Breaclete, and one at 5a Earshader.
(There is also one in the Fire Station, however this is only accessible by calling 999.)
BERNERA CHURCH OF SCOTLAND
Described as “the wee church with a big heart for Jesus”, Bernera Reformed Presbyterian Church in Breaclete serves the parish of Bernera and is led by Rev Hugh M. Stewart.
Services are in English and take place on Sundays and Wednesdays, with additional services at Christmas and other notable times of the year. Everyone is welcome.
SERVICES:
SUNDAY 10:30am and 6:00pm
WEDNESDAY Prayer meeting 6:30pm
Check the Church Facebook page for updates or email berneralwuig@btinternet.com
24/7 FUEL PUMPS
Our grant-funded and community-managed fuel pumps are located in Breaclete just before you reach the Community Centre.
There is one diesel and one unleaded petrol pump. The price displayed reflects the price on the day the fuel was purchased from Highland Fuels.
Due to the overhead and maintenance costs, it is vital that the fuel pumps are regularly used to keep this a viable service for the community.
Payment is by card only. Note that if you are paying by credit card, a sum of £100 will be deducted from your account before fuelling. Once you have completed the transaction, the difference will be refunded. Please don’t be alarmed at the £100 deduction from your credit card—you will ultimately only be charged for the amount you have fuelled. When paying by debit card, only the actual transaction amount will be deducted.
EV CHARGERS
There are two EV charging points at the Community Centre, plus two at Kirkibost pier
ELECTRIC BIKES
There are electric bikes for hire from the Community Centre and Kirkibost Pier.
Rates start at £15 per half day. Residents of Bernera or Tir Mor can purchase a membership of Bernera Bikes for a one-time fee of £15. Thereafter, the fee is only £1 to book a bike for half a day.
Users will receive instruction in how to operate the bike safely. Minimum age 14.
All the necessary equipment, including helmets, locks and high visibility jackets are provided.
For more information and to book a bike, go to www.greatbernera.org/ebikes
GYM
Our light and spacious, well-equipped Gym offers Treadmills, Cross Trainers, an Exercise Bike, a Rowing Machine, Free Weights and a Weight Bench.
Gym membership is available to members of the BCA.
GYM MEMBERSHIP FEES
Full year: £100
Half year: £60
Pay per visit is also available (to BCA Members only) at a cost of £5 per hour.
Note that the Gym is not staffed and members use the facility at their own risk. An induction session is provided for new users.
To enquire about using the Gym, please send an email to berneraca@gmail.com
COMMUNITY CAFÉ & SHOP
The Café serves hot soup, sandwiches, homebaking and hot drinks, while the Shop sells basic essentials, plus a range of local arts & crafts and Great Bernera merchandise.
OPENING HOURS: SUMMER (MAY-SEPT)
CAFÉ: Tues-Thurs 12-3pm (takeaway only after 2.30pm)
SHOP: Mon-Fri 12-3pm (hot drinks available)
OPENING HOURS: WINTER (OCT-APRIL)
CAFÉ: Weds 12-3pm (takeaway only after 2.30pm)
SHOP: Mon-Fri 12-2pm (hot drinks available)
NB: Please check our Facebook Page for updates.
LAUNDRY FACILITIES
An industrial washing machine and dryer, with a 20kg load capacity, will soon be available for community use.
These are located in the Facilities Building at Kirkibost Pier.
To enquire about using the laundry facilities, please send an email to dubhthob@gmail.com.
PLAYPARK AND FOOTBALL FIELD
The playpark and football field are both community-owned and run, rather than publicly administered, which means we depend on grant funding and the work of volunteers to maintain them.
There are facilities for both toddlers and older children, as well as outdoor fitness equipment for all ages, including adults.
There is also a picnic bench and toilet, and a small car parking area in front of the park.
Although we endeavour to maintain the equipment and area to a very high safety standard, please be aware that use of the playpark and football field is at your own risk.
COMMUNITY POLYTUNNELS
Our community polytunnels are managed by the green-fingered Sandy Paterson, whose adept gardening skills enable him to grow a wide range of succulent fruit and vegetables for use in the Community Cafè and for sale in the Community Shop.
Are you interested in helping Sandy in the polytunnels, thereby contributing to the community while learning from Sandy’s horticultural wisdom? Or perhaps you’d like to enquire about reserving a space in one of the polytunnels for your own personal use?
Then contact the BCA at berneraca@gmail.com to find out more.
COMMUNITY SKIP
The skip is located in the Community Centre car park and is open every Saturday from 10:00am-12:00pm.
Please note that the disposal of soft furnishings, foam or cushions are not allowed in the skip—these need to be taken to the recycling centre in Stornoway.
If the skip is full please do not leave bags/items on the roadside.
BIN COLLECTION
Click on the links to find the latest bin collection dates:
Blue bin & Organics bin: every third Monday
Non-recyclables bin: every third Tuesday
Green bin (glass): every ninth Friday
COMMUNITY TRAILER
There is a trailer available for use by members of the community.
To book the trailer, contact Callum at dubhthob@gmail.com or call 07931 436287.
Please give at least 24 hours’ notice.
WESTERN ISLES MOBILE LIBRARY
The Mobile Library service promotes literacy and learning and ensures inclusion for all residents regardless of location. The van is stocked with a variety of materials for all ages and interests.
Borrowers can come on board to browse or request books online via the Library Catalogue, or the Mobile Library driver can help to request books for you. If you are housebound the driver can also deliver books to your home.
The Mobile Library visits Bernera every third Monday. Check the latest issue of the Bernera Bulletin for the current dates.
More info at www.wilibraries.org.uk/Mobile-Library
Photo credit: Western Isles Libraries
MOBILE BANKING
The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) Mobile Bank visits Bernera Community Centre Car Park every second Wednesday from 1:15-1:35pm. Check the latest issue of the Bernera Bulletin for the current dates.
The Mobile Bank allows you to do everyday banking such as making deposits, withdrawing cash and paying bills. If you have a disability, are elderly or find it difficult to use their services, RBS will be happy to make reasonable adjustments to suit your needs.
More information about the service can be found at www.rbs.co.uk
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
AMBULANCE: 999
FIRE: 999
POLICE (EMERGENCY): 999
POLICE (NON-EMERGENCY): 101
COASTGUARD: 999
NHS24: dial 111
NHS INFORM: 0800 224 488
NHS WESTERN ISLES: 01851 704704
ELECTRIC: 0800 300 999
WATER: 0845 600 8855
GAS: 0800 111 999
FAIRE TELECARE SERVICE: 01851 701702
SHUTTLE BUS TO GARYNAHINE: 01851 643218