Our Lady, Star of the Sea

Introduction

The architect G. Woulfe Brennan was commissioned, and contractors MacDougall and Mac Coll of Oban were chosen.

History

In January 1891 a bell and clock were added to the tower, paid for by local collections. In March 1892 work began on the Chapel House so the priest could reside at Castlebay.

The church has a massive Norman tower with a handsome clock that commands the approach to Castlebay. In 1886 Castlebay merchant Neil MacNeil from Berneray died and bequeathed eight hundred pounds for obtaining ground and building a church. Roderick Campbell of 11 Glen offered a part of his croft for the church site, and this was readily accepted. Up to 1888 the island’s sole Catholic Church had been Saint Brendan’s at Craigston.

Sacraments and pastoral care

John Campbell of 23 Glen suggested opening a small quarry on his croft as the rock there was granite and suitable for building purposes. Mass times and places can change at short notice especially if there is a Funeral, and the weekly Parish Newsletter (Bhileag) should be checked for changes.