Oidhche Challuinn

Berneray Hostel

Berneray Hostel

The seats outside the Berneray Hostel are places to reflect on the Gaelic New Year, celebrated here according to the Julian Calendar. It’s Oidhche Challuinn – on the island and in other parts where the custom is observed tonight – 11 January – for the new year begins tomorrow. This is the ‘oidche’ [night] of the ‘challuinn’ [calendar]. Two years ago the Gaelic New Year traditions of the Uists were presented by The Guardian in an item.