It is situated near the island's airport, which links to Barra, Stornoway and Glasgow. The name Balivanich means 'town of the monks', referring to the monastery established here in the sixth century.
Today the village is home to a variety of cafés, shops and a chinese takeaway. Macleans Hebridean Bakery is located in the outskirts of Balivanich, which bakes breads, cakes and oatcakes.
