Balivanich facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Balivanich
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.jpg) Western part of Balivanich with former primary school |
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 Balivanich
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| Population | 510 (2020) |
| Language | Scottish Gaelic English |
| OS grid reference | NF776552 |
| Civil parish | |
| Council area | |
| Lieutenancy area | |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | ISLE OF BENBECULA |
| Postcode district | HS7 |
| Dialling code | 01870 |
| Police | Northern |
| Fire | Highlands and Islands |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament |
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| Scottish Parliament |
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Balivanich (in Scottish Gaelic, Baile a' Mhanaich) is a village located on the island of Benbecula. This island is part of the Outer Hebrides, a group of islands off the west coast of Scotland. Balivanich serves as the main center for Benbecula and the nearby islands of North Uist and South Uist.
Contents
Exploring Balivanich's Past
The name Balivanich means "town of the monk." This name might come from a monastery that was possibly founded here as early as the 6th century. An old church, Teampull Chaluim Chille, was dedicated to St. Columba. It might have been part of this ancient monastery. You can still see its remains south of the village today.
During World War II, an airfield was built north of the village. Later, in 1957, this airfield became the control center for the Hebrides rocket range. This happened during the Cold War. Today, this airfield is known as Benbecula Airport.
Understanding Balivanich's Location and Weather
Balivanich is found on the northwest coast of Benbecula. The area is mostly flat, sitting only about 0 to 10 meters (0 to 33 feet) above sea level. In 2001, the village covered an area of about 3.76 square kilometers (1.45 square miles).
Balivanich's Climate and Weather Patterns
A weather station at Benbecula airport collects climate data. Like the rest of Scotland, Balivanich has a maritime climate. This means it has cool summers and mild winters. It is also very windy because it faces the North Atlantic Ocean directly.
| Climate data for Benbecula 6m asl, 1971-2000, Rainfall 1951-1980 (Weather station 1 mi or 1.5 km north of Balivanich) | |||||||||||||
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| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 7.2 (45.0) |
7.3 (45.1) |
8.3 (46.9) |
10.0 (50.0) |
12.9 (55.2) |
14.5 (58.1) |
16.1 (61.0) |
16.2 (61.2) |
14.4 (57.9) |
12.0 (53.6) |
9.2 (48.6) |
7.8 (46.0) |
11.3 (52.4) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 2.5 (36.5) |
2.4 (36.3) |
3.1 (37.6) |
4.3 (39.7) |
6.6 (43.9) |
8.9 (48.0) |
11.1 (52.0) |
11.0 (51.8) |
9.2 (48.6) |
7.3 (45.1) |
4.6 (40.3) |
3.2 (37.8) |
6.2 (43.1) |
| Average precipitation mm (inches) | 129 (5.1) |
86 (3.4) |
89 (3.5) |
62 (2.4) |
65 (2.6) |
76 (3.0) |
83 (3.3) |
83 (3.3) |
119 (4.7) |
139 (5.5) |
140 (5.5) |
132 (5.2) |
1,203 (47.4) |
| Mean monthly sunshine hours | 40.3 | 70.6 | 114.7 | 174.0 | 201.5 | 195.0 | 142.6 | 151.9 | 114.0 | 77.5 | 48.0 | 27.9 | 1,361 |
| Source 1: YR.NO | |||||||||||||
| Source 2: ScotClim | |||||||||||||
Life and Services in Balivanich
Balivanich is an important center for the islands. The local council, called Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, has offices here. You can also find a post office, a hospital, a primary school, and several shops and cafés in the village.
Getting Around Balivanich
Road Travel and Bus Services
Balivanich is located on the B892 road. It connects to the main north-south road, the A865. This main road links North Uist, Benbecula, and South Uist.
The village has a bus route, W17. This bus travels between Berneray in the north and Eriskay in the south. The local government works with bus companies and the PostBus service to provide this. Buses run regularly, but not very often, because there are not many people living in the area.
Private taxi services are also available. There is even a special transport service for older people or those with limited movement. Minibuses take them to shops, banks, and other important places.
Education for Young People
A new school, Sgoil Bhaile a' Mhanaich (Balivanich School), opened in August 2011. This happened after the old primary school was damaged in a storm. About 140 children, aged 1 to 12, attend this school. They are in 3 preschool classes and 6 primary school classes. Older students attend a secondary school in the nearby town of Liniclate.
Benbecula Airport: A Local Hub
Benbecula Airport (Port Adhair Bheinn na Fadhla) is on the northern edge of Balivanich. It is operated by Highlands and Islands Airports Limited.
The airport offers scheduled flights to the Scottish mainland. These flights go to Inverness (via Stornoway) and Glasgow International. Mail cargo flights also use the airport. Because it is close to the hospital, the airport is also used for rescue helicopters and planes. The Royal Air Force also uses some land at the airport for refueling and transport.
See also
In Spanish: Balivanich para niños
