The cemetery at South Bragar is one which has been serving the villages of North Shawbost, South Bragar, North Bragar and Arnol on the west side of Lewis for centuries, with the area having been extended a number of times and with current plans for a further extension to serve the community for the foreseeable future. However, despite these plans there is a very serious problem currently threatening it's use unless urgent action is taken on account of its close proximity to the sea. Over the years and particularly more recently the coastal foreshore adjacent to the cemetery has suffered significant erosion which unless it is addressed will result in yet further erosion resulting in the cliffs collapsing and the cemetery being seriously affected. The sea is currently eating into the cliff and removing the shingle from below as can be seen in the photo.

A recent survey of the coastal erosion was carried out by a marine engineer to assess the scale of the erosion. From this an estimate of the costs for protective work necessary to safeguard the coastal strip in the affected area was provided. The costs involved are estimated at approximately £150,000. Steps were taken to find sources of funding to meet these costs and funds totalling £105,000 have been provisionally targeted but still leaving shortfall of £45,000 still to be raised. It is hoped through this appeal that the above gap in the funding will be overcome and enable the necessary protective measures to be carried out as soon as possible as Bragar Cemetery is a vital community resource and is suffering badly as a result of coastal erosion.