Balivanish – Escape the Bustle of Life
If you are looking for a quiet little Scottish town with air links, a beach and a laid-back tranquil atmosphere, Balivanish may be exactly what you are looking for. Also spelt ‘Balivanich’, this small village is a picturesque place which is ideal for a relaxing and tranquil holiday. You certainly won't find the hustle and bustle of the city here. Instead, the characteristic cry of sea gulls will keep you company as you walk the beaches. You can also take time to explore the city and learn more about the history and people of Balivanish, Scotland.
Just off the west coast of Scotland you will find the Outer Hebrides of which the island of Benbecula is probably the best known. To the west of Benbecula lies the little village of Balivanich that, although small, has an airport and serves as the main center for Benbecula, North Uist and South Uist. It is said that the name ‘Balivanish’ means ‘town of the monks’, and it was chosen in reference to the monastery which was established at Balivanich during the 6th century. Today all that remains of this period of religious devotion is the Teampull Chaluim Chille which can be found to the south of the village. Over the years, Balivanich’s fortunes have changed in accord with its military facilities. During World War II it was decided that the village would provide the perfect support for a military airfield. This was built to the north of the village and came to be used as a rocket control center for the Hebrides rocket range in 1957 during the Cold War. Fortunately this rather deadly part of its history has long since passed and in 2002 the airport saw a major upgrade which resulted in the airport becoming the main air link in the region. It is now known as Benbecula Airport and it is currently linked with Barra and Stornoway.
Other facilities in the village take the form of a hospital, a post office, a seafood processing factory and a number of shops and restaurants. The community school had humble beginnings when in 1879 it was given a grant of £42. This allowed for the development of classrooms as well as of a dormitory which could house as many as 98 children though the average attendance of the school was only 56. There have also been a number of recent efforts to upgrade quite a large portion of governmental housing which has certainly given the town a much-needed facelift. So visit this charming little town and discover its beauty, peace and quiet.
