Bosta Iron Age House and Bernera Museum

About

The Bosta Iron Age Village discovered in 1996, consisted of five very well preserved ‘Jelly Baby’ Iron Age House. After the excavation completed the Bernera Community wanted to show visitors what had been found on their small island off the west coast of Lewis. They reconstructed one of the village houses based on the measurements and diagrams made by the archaeologists.

The Bosta Iron Age House exact replica was opened in 2000. Our local guide welcomes you to the Iron Age House and tells you the story of the people who lived here about 1400 years ago. What we have learnt from experimental archaeology conducted at the house over the years, and how the people may have used their home. The Iron Age House is situated on Bosta Beach at the north end of Bernera, and although we are bias, is thought to be one of the most beautiful small beaches in the Outer Hebrides.

Complete your visit to Bernera with a visit to the Bernera Museum in the Community Centre at Breaclete. Here you will see some of the best finds from the Bosta Iron Age Village dig, as well as Iron Age pottery thought to be about 2500 years old. We also tell the story of Bernera and its people, for a small island a lot of local and national importance has occurred over the years including the Bernera Riot, the Bridge over the Atlantic and the Lobster Pond. Local genealogical records and photographs are also on display and available for research. The Iron Age House and Bernera Museum are open at the same times each summer season.