What's Happening at CEN
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Coffee and a Blether at CEN
Join us for Cofaidh is Cabadaich
A chance to chat and enjoy a slice of cake. What could be better!
Each Wednesday at 11am, all levels of fluency welcome.
This event will be in Gaelic.
'Dùthchas' 2024
Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn's heritage festival 'Dùthchas' begins soon and there is something for everyone throughout the fortnight.
Check out www.galsontrust.com/events/duthchas to see what is happening in the estate.
We will have a wide choice of events for you here at Comunn Eachdraidh Nis. Check them out here Dùthchas aig CEN 2024
Not forgetting our menu choices for Ceòl sa Chafaidh!
Please help us! CEN archive survey
Comunn Eachdraidh Nis will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2027. To mark this milestone we are planning a project to catalogue and digitise the archive collection in order to safeguard it for future generations.
This will allow us to reach a wider audience, strengthen our ties with diaspora and identify gaps in our collection. We also plan to record a series of new interviews, curate a special exhibition and host community events to celebrate the occasion. This survey is being carried out in order to gauge interest and support for our project.
It will be open until 9th August 2024 and should take you less than a minute to complete. Tapadh leibh.
New Gaelic Officer for North West Lewis
Alison Campbell Clark has been appointed as Oifigear Leasachaidh Iar Thuath Leodhais, which will entail creating and developing a Gaelic Language Plan for the area, working between Ness and Lochganvich.
Read more on Alison's role here
Time and Tide by Donald Libby
New exhibition by local artist Donald Libby
Opens Wednesday 3rd till 22nd July 2024
Opening times: Monday to Friday 10am - 4.30pm
(CEN is closed Saturday and Sunday)
CEN needs volunteers!
We are looking for volunteers in the:
café / garden / museum / archive / meet & greet
If you’re looking to meet new people and try something new, we would love to hear from you.
Phone: 01851 810377
e-mail: office@cenonline.org or pop in: Comunn Eachdraidh Nis, Ness, Isle of Lewis, HS2 0SN
na Dorsan
Comunn Eachdraidh Nis is proud to announce the launch of a new exhibition on the 24th April 2024.
The exhibition entitled ‘na Dorsan’ charts the history of Galson from prehistory to community buyout in 2007. It will showcase Iron Age and Viking artefacts discovered on the Galson coastline - on loan from National Museums Scotland and Museum nan Eilean, Stornoway.
The launch of ‘na Dorsan’ is the first in a series of events to commemorate the centenary of the re-settling of Galson in 1924. The events are the result of a collaboration with Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn, Airidhantuim Community Council, Galson Grazings Committee, National Museums of Scotland, and Museum nan Eilean. This will culminate in the unveiling, by Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn, of a stone monument named ‘na Dorsan’ in the Autumn of 2024.
The exhibition will be opened by Agnes Rennie, Chairperson of Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn.
The main speaker at the launch event will be Dr Fraser Hunter, Principal Curator of Prehistoric and Roman Archaeology at National Museums Scotland. His talk is entitled:
Galson before History
People have settled around Galson for thousands of years. Clues to the area’s prehistory survive in the form of objects found in excavations or as chance discoveries. These will be used to weave a story from the first farmers in the area, some 6000 years ago, through to the area’s contacts with the Viking world.
Dr Hunter, who is responsible for the Iron Age and Roman collections at National Museums Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to collaborate with Comunn Eachdraidh Nis on this display to reveal a fascinating selection of finds from Galson’s deep past. These objects help us to understand how people have lived and thrived in this area for thousands of years. It’s been a real voyage of discovery for us in selecting material for display, and we hope visitors to the exhibition will find it equally engrossing.”
We are grateful to our funders: The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn for supporting this project and to National Museums Scotland and Museum nan Eilean for agreeing to loan these beautiful artefacts to Comunn Eachdraidh Nis.
To book a place at the launch event, call CEN on 01851 810377 or e-mail office@cenonline.org Numbers are limited so early booking is recommended.
The exhibition will run until March 2025.
For more information:
Anne Macleod
Comunn Eachdraidh Nis
office@cenonline.org
Soup and pudding!
The North Lewis war memorial committee will hold a Soup and Pudding fundraiser on Saturday 30th March from 12 to 2pm in aid of their funds.
Donations to the bottle stall and the raffle are very welcome!
(Adults £5.00, children £3.00)
Bidh fàilte oirbh!
Festive opening and closing dates
We will close on Friday 22nd December for the festive break and will reopen to the public on Monday 15th January 2024.
If you require to contact CEN during this time, please email office@cenonline.org.
**The first date for Day Club aig an Taigh lunch deliveries will be Thursday 18th January 2024**
New EV charger for Ness
A new electric vehicle (EV) charging point has been installed in north Lewis as part of a community group’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Comunn Eachdraidh Nis (CEN) provides services for more than 20,000 people each year.
As the first historical society to be set up in the Outer Hebrides (in 1977), it now has an established reputation for delivering innovate projects for local people and for visitors. It also serves as a Gaelic ‘hub’ within the community and the language is spoken every day by staff and people visiting the facilities. Over the past three years, the team at CEN noticed an increasing number of electric vehicles being used by passing visitors, with up to 20 EVs stopping by each week during the summer months.
Read HIE press release here
Winter hours for the café
Our café hours will change as from Monday 30th October. Please let anyone know was hoping to visit us know.
Thank you all for your continued custom! We really do appreciate you.
Tapadh leibh uile.
Charles' fundraising efforts
If you have read the latest edition of Fios, you will have seen that Charles Young (Fivepenny) has chosen to fundraise for the North Lewis War Memorials when he runs the Great Scottish Run on the 1st October. A JustGiving page has been set up if you would like to donate to Charles' efforts.
Ceud mìle taing Charles!
Dùthchas week at CEN
As part of the Galson Estate Trust's Dùthchas week, we have published the activities that we have organised at Comunn Eachdraidh Nis. From Gaelic classes to our popular Ceòl sa Chafaidh afternoon, from weaving on to stone to an afternoon of community films, there is something for everyone.
Check out our our Dùthchas poster of events and contact us if you would like to attend any of our events.
Friday 11th August 2023
Please note the CEN café will be closed until 2.30pm on Friday 11th August for a private function.
Òraid Dihaoine
Bidh sinn a' dèanamh òraid eile den taisbeanadh aig Dr Matthew Knight air Ulaidh Adabroc agus Claidheamhean Dhail, feasgair Dihaoine 28mh An t-Iuchar aig 3f, le Donnchadh MacFhionghain.
We will be doing another presentation of Dr Matthew Knight's talk on the Adabrock Hoard and Dell Swords, this Friday, 28th July at 3pm with Duncan MacKinnon - Comunn Eachdriadh Nis.
An Tilleadh souvenir book
We are delighted to have a souvenir book on sale to mark our An Tilleadh (The Return) exhibition of the Adabrock Hoard and one of the Aird Dell swords.
The book complements this landmark exhibition and The Return of the Adabrock Hoard and the Aird Dell sword to Ness.
To buy, visit our gift shop page and look under the section 'Exclusive to Comunn Eachdraidh Nis'.
With thanks to Loom Graphics, Stornoway.
Saturday opening during July and August
We are delighted that we will be open on Saturdays during the months of July and August.
Our opening times will be
Museum, gift shop and exhibitions 11am to 4pm
Cafe 11am - 3.30pm (last orders for hot food 3pm)
Bertie's Hebridean Adventure
The Russian Arctic Convoy Museum (Aultbea) are taking their one of a kind Austin 8 NAAFI van to the Western Isles next month. Bertie is RACM’s largest exhibit and he always delights a crowd. During WW2, he busy keeping personnel properly fuelled with tea and cake on British Airfields. Now he helps us all learn what life was like on the Home Front with his interesting displays. Learn all about wartime rationing, air rais precautions and more. Vintage car enthusiasts will be delighted to hear he still runs fine!
A particular invitation goes out to anyone who had a relative serve on the Arctic Convoys during WW2. RACM is busy trying to gather memories and artefacts from convoy veterans. If your relative served with the Arctic Convoys, please make yourself known to Bertie and his custodians.
Bertie will be at Comunn Eachdraidh Nis on Thursday 24th August, 10am - 4pm.
He will also be visiting Balallan Community Hub on Wednesday 23rd August (10am - 4pm) and Lews Castle on 25th and 26th August (10am - 4pm.)
Visit www.racmp.co.uk for more information or find RACPBertie on Facebook.
Wednesday photo
Every Wednesday, we will share a photograph from our archive looking back on familiar faces and our changing community. This week, the wedding of Cairistìona Drogaidh and her her husband Neil who was from Point. Màiri Seonaidh Bhig is in the middle row, centre, with three white buttons and behind her, in floral, is Oighrig Staraidh from Point, who taught in Lionel Primary for many years and will be remembered by those 70+.
CEN awarded 4 Star ‘Excellent’ Visitor Attraction rating from Visit Scotland
Comunn Eachdraidh Nis is celebrating following news that the centre has received a 4 Star ‘Excellent’ Visitor Attraction rating from the national tourist organisation, Visit Scotland. Following a recent incognito visit by a Visit Scotland inspector, CEN has been upgraded from a 3 Star ‘Very good’ Visitor Attraction assessment, to 4 Star ‘Excellent’. The CEN cafe has also received the organisation’s Taste our Best food award.
Read more on the 4 star 'excellent' award here.
Saoil an Till mi Chaoidh
To mark 100 years since the departure of the SS Metagama, SS Marloch and SS Canada, Comunn Eachdraidh Nis' latest exhibition 'Saoil an Till mi Chaoidh' (Will I Ever Return) will display artefacts from each ship and other items from the Canadian Pacific Steamship Company.
There will also be information on those who emigrated from the villages of North Lewis.
Exhibition open from 1st May
Open to view Monday to Friday
10am - 4.30pm
Metagama - Emigration from Lewis to the New World in the 1920's
Join us for a rare opportunity in this centenary year to hear from Jim Wilkie, author of the landmark book about the 'Metagama'
Friday 21st April at 2pm
Comunn Eachdraidh Nis
Booking essential. Click here to reserve your place - https://bookwhen.com/uogevents
An Tilleadh (The Return)
This event is at attendance capacity
Comunn Eachdraidh Nis (CEN) is pleased to announce the launch of a special exhibition on the 18th April 2023. Following a year of planning between CEN and The National Museum of Scotland, locally discovered Bronze Age finds will be returning to Ness. In 1910, an eclectic hoard of objects was recovered while peat digging near Adabrock.
This hoard dates to the Late Bronze Age (c.1000-800 BC). It contains bronze axeheads, a spearhead, three razors and other tools, as well as fragments of a decorated vessel, two whetstones and rare beads of glass, amber and gold. It is one of the most diverse hoards in Britain.
Read more here 'An Tilleadh'
Download 'An Tilleadh' information leaflet
Seachdain na Gàidhlig!
To mark Seachdain na Gàidhlig (National Gaelic weeek) we will be highlighting some of the ways we use and encourage the use of Gaelic at Comunn Eachdraidh Nis. For example, here is little Grace along with her mum Muriel who visit the Comunn Eachdraidh on a regular basis. Grace enjoys playing with the 'dèideagan' (toys) and reading the Gaelic books we have in the kids corner.
Free tea and filter coffee
Everyone can enjoy a cup of tea or filter coffee for free in the CEN cafe from 16th January until the end of March. Come and try our delicious range of home baking and light lunches. There will be some new additions to the cake cabinet for 2023.
The Café is open
Monday to Friday
11am- 4pm
Wednesday photo
Every Wednesday, we will share a photograph from our archive looking back on familiar faces and our changing community. This week we have four little friends enjoying playing outside together. Who needs toys when you can bring the wally dog outside to act as a pet!
Wednesday photo
Every Wednesday, we will share a photograph from our archive looking back on familiar faces and our changing community. This week we have Ruairidh Murray (Ruairidh an t-Sasanaich) Newmarket and 11 Skigersta, who was a policeman in Fort William, Vancouver. Here he is in his warm fur coat, ready to start his beat and take on the Vancouver snow.
Wednesday photo
Happy new year everyone! Our weekly Wednesday photo is back! Starting off the year is a fantastic photograph of Inch (Cross) working with a harrow. The harrow would be pulled by a horse to break down the soil in preparation for planting the crops.
Remembering the days of the bothan
Join us in Adabrock bothan for an evening of fond memories and stories. This is our last event to mark the Year of Stories 2022.
Transport will be provided. The minibus will leave Comunn Eachdraidh Nis at 7.15pm and will collect everyone again at the end of the evening.
The evening will be in Gaelic.
Tickets £5.00 - contact us to book.
From Class to Broadcast
Many a young Niseach received their early education in Cross School, but did you know that many went on to work in Gaelic broadcasting for the BBC?
Join us for our next event to mark the Year of Stories 2022 and hear from some former Cross School pupils who will share their memories of school and what inspired them to go from the classroom to broadcasting.
The evening will be in Gaelic.
Late Night shopping 2022!
Join us at Comunn Eachdraidh Nis for two dates of late night shopping! Our gift shop will be open until 9pm on Thursday 24th November and Thursday 1st December.
There will be stalls by Scentiness, Tropic by Alice and (on Thursday 1st Dec) Island Gift Boxes.
Also open for late night shopping in the area will be:
Cross Stores
Ness Post Office
Wobbly Dog
The Breakwater (1st Dec)
Sea in Design (1st Dec)
Highlands and Islands Architectural Association awards 2022
It is with great delight and honour that we can announce that Comunn Eachdraidh Nis has won in the Highlands + Islands Architectural Association Awards 2022. Comunn Eachdraidh Nis won the award for ‘Place-making: Buildings or interventions in the public realm that enhance the quality of any location and/or create a sense of place’.
Read the full press release here.
JustGiving page for North Lewis War Memorials fund
A JustGiving page has been created to enable online donations towards the ongoing maintenance costs involved with Borve and Cross War Memorials along with the costs of wreaths.
There will be the chance to donate at each service this year but if you can not attend the services but would like to donate, please use the link below (in bold) to support this worthy cause. Tapadh leibh / Thank you
JustGiving page for North Lewis War Memorial
The page will accept donations until Wednesday 30th November.
A reminder of the dates and times of each remembrance service:
Cross - Saturday 12th November, 10.45am start
Borve - Sunday 13th November, 10.45am start
Café winter hours
From 1st November our café hours will change:
Open Monday to Friday
11am - 4pm
Last orders for hot food 2.30pm
Closed Saturday and Sunday
Soup and Pudding
We will hold a soup and pudding fundraiser on Saturday 5th November, 12 - 2pm. It will be held in our café. Donations to the raffle and/or soup or a pudding is welcome. Contact us on 810 377 if you would like to donate!
By the Fireside: Mac an t-Srònaich
On the 29th September, we spent a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon on the Cuidhsiadar sheilings hearing the story of Mac an t-Srònaich. This was as part of our events to mark VisitScotland's Year of Stories 2022.
Our thanks once again to Iain Gordon Macdonald and Ryno Morrison for their time and huge thanks to Mary and John for allowing us to use their sheiling.
A great night by the fireside
We had a fantastic start to our series of events 'Ri Tac an Teine' (By the Fireside) to mark the Year of Stories 2022. Iain Gordon Macdonald and Ryno Morrison entertained a group of brave souls with eerie tales from North Lewis. From bodach Loch Mharabhat to caileach an Druim Fhraoich, we suspect some lights were definitely left switched on that night....
Dùthchas 2022 at CEN
We are delighted to be taking part in the Galson Estate's Dùthchas week again this year.
During the week 5th - 9th September, we will have a variety of events at Comunn Eachdraidh Nis, all celebrating our area's heritage.
From Gaelic classes to live music, a spinning wheel demonstration to waulking songs, we have something for everyone!
See our poster and let us know if you would like to attend any of our events.
Dealbh Diciadain: An Eva
Every Wednesday, we will share a photograph from our archive looking back on familiar faces and our changing community. This week shows some village boys sitting on part of the wreckage of the 'Eva' In November 1940, a Norwegian cargo Ship ‘The Eva’ was on her way from Canada to Essex with a cargo of timber. She lost the convoy but made her own way across the Atlantic and came ashore on Tràigh Chumhail part of which is on Cross and Swainbost beach, after being torpedoed by a German U boat off St Kilda. The crew abandoned ship and came ashore in Barra. She was badly holed and weeks later was washed ashore. The wood was carted away by ‘officials’ but a lot of it was taken by locals in the dead of night. Seemingly lorries came from as far away as Bragar to get part of the spoil.
Back left to right: Làma (no 14 Swainbost and 143 Cross Skig Road), Murchadh Ruadh (12 Swainbost), Cleety (ex 19 Swainbost), Busha (22 Swainbost) Front, left to right: Malcolm Graham (19 Swainbost), Laoidhridh (5 and 16 Swainbost), Iain a’ Bhogarain, (146 Cross Skigersta Road), Balachan, (44 Habost) and John Murdo Dhòmhnaill Sheocain, (1 Habost)
Year of Stories event: Scary Tales from North Lewis SOLD OUT!
To mark the Year of Stories 2022, we will hold a series of evening events over the coming months titled 'Ri Tac an Teine' (By the Fireside)
Join Iain Gordon Macdonald and 'Ryno' Morrison on Thursday 25th August at 7.30PM for an evening beside the fireside to hear scary stories and tales from North Lewis.
This is a ticketed event (limited tickets available) priced at £5.00 and available to buy in our gift shop or over the phone.
Tha sinn a' fosgladh Disathairne!
Bidh Comunn Eachdraidh Nis fosgailte gach Disathairne anns an t-Iuchar agus An Lùnasdal, 10m gu 4f.
Thigaibh a-steach agus bidh fàilte oirbh.
Alasdair Whyte: Maim-Slè
Wednesday 25th May at 8pm
Alasdair C. Whyte from Muile/Mull (Scottish Government Gaelic Ambassador of the Year 2019 & 2020) singing some of his favourite songs and discussing his new book, Maim-slè. For this unique event, Alasdair will be joined in conversation by Agnes Rennie (Scottish Government Gaelic Ambassador of the Year 2021).
Maim-slè is a book of new writing in Gaelic and English exploring language shift, sustainability and identity. Commissioned by the Glasgow-based theatre company Theatre Gu Lèor, it features: excerpts from the critically-acclaimed theatre production Maim (2020) and the album Maim (2021) by the band WHYTE; new poetry and prose; and original artwork by Alice Louise Watson. Maim-slè – a Gaelic phrase from Muile/Mull – means ‘when the water comes suddenly’. Alasdair will sing some of the traditional songs that inspired the book, as well as a song or two with some very local connections.gow-based theatre company Theatre Gu Lèor, it features: excerpts from the critically-acclaimed theatre production Maim (2020) and the album Maim (2021) by the band WHYTE; new poetry and prose; and original artwork by Alice Louise Watson. Maim-slè – a Gaelic phrase from Muile/Mull – means ‘when the water comes suddenly’. Alasdair will sing some of the traditional songs that inspired the book, as well as a song or two with some very local connections.
Tickets £10.00 (£8.00 concession) available from Comunn Eachdraidh Nis.
Job Vacancy: Development Officer
CEN is offering an exciting opportunity for someone to join their team to support their net zero ambitions. You will be based at Comunn Eachdraidh Nis in Ness, Isle of Lewis and work as part of the CEN team to ensure the café and other services operate efficiently and cost-effectively.
The café already serves some locally sourced food but we want to expand this offering – aiming for 100% fresh, local produce if possible. Small producers supporting each other help build economic sustainability into the community. Working to mutual benefit delivers a better sense of business community cohesion, high transportation and commission costs are eliminated and the carbon footprint reduced.
You will promote the organisation’s carbon reduction initiatives on-site, through the website, social media channels and on menu cards. You will inspire others to practise sustainability through a series of community events.
Essential:
A passion for environmental sustainability.
Work experience in a sustainability related area such as tourism, hospitality, or a similar role.
Financial management skills.
Able to work on your own initiative or as part of a team.
Flexible and adaptable, with strong communication skills.
Desirable:
Qualification or experience in Sustainable Development, Business Administration or Tourism & Hospitality. (Other subjects accepted provided the candidate has the required skills)
Knowledge of the Gaelic language.
Start Date: June 2022
Salary: £24,000 per annum
Duration: 18 months (37.5hrs per week)
Closing date: 30 May 2022
This position is funded by The Western Isles Development Trust & Museums Galleries Scotland
Dealbh Diciadain
Every Wednesday, we will share a photograph from our archive looking back on familiar faces and our changing community.
This week, a lovely photo from Skigersta - left: Aonghas ‘An Bhàin, Alasdair Beag ‘An Bhàin holding Doleen Choinnich, Dòmhnall Alasdair agus Coinneach a’ Charabhaigh.
Dealbh Diciadain
Every Wednesday, we will share a photograph from our archive looking back on familiar faces and our changing community.
This week, a Sunday School outing with a group from Borve, High Borve and Melbost. Were you there?
Dealbh Diciadain
Every Wednesday, we will share a photograph from our archive looking back on familiar faces and our changing community.
This week, we have a group who were on Rona shearing sheep.
Dealbh Diciadain
Every Wednesday, we will share a photograph from our archive looking back on familiar faces and our changing community.
This week's photograph is of Ness Hall. What are your memories of the hall?
Dealbh Diciadain
Gach Diciadain, bheir sinn sùil air ais air na daoine agus a' choimhearsnachd againn tro dhealbhan an tasglainn. An t-seachdain seo, sgoilearan à Sgoil Gabhsainn.
L-r a' seasamh: Dòmhnall Allan Murray, Seonag Bhrìsidh, Murdaidh agus Donnie Finlayson
A' suidhe: Mairead Bhàn Bhrìsidh, Dòmhnall Murdo Aonghais Mhurdigan (Tubby), Angus Sheonaidh Fhionnlaigh
Aig a' bhòrd: Peter, Margaret Joan (Calum na Sùist), Neil Iain Mhurdo, Kirsty Mairead Mhurchaidh Ruairidh, Roddy John a' Chuiligich
Dealbh Diciadain
Every Wednesday, we will share a photograph from our archive looking back on familiar faces and our changing community.
Here is Uilleam Chalum Rèillidh from Eoropie receiving an award for Supporter of the Year in the Social Club in the 1980s. Iain Gordon Macdonald is on the right but who is holding the mic?
New exhibition: Visions of Ness
by Ivor Murray Mackay
Opens Monday 21st March
Exhibitions open Monday to Friday 10am - 4.30pm
Taisbeanadh ùr: Tìr an Traoin
Taisbeanadh le RSPB Scotland
A' fosgladh Diluain 21 A' Mhàirt 2022
Tha na gailearaidhean fosgailte Diluain gu Dihaoine 10f gu 4.30f
Dealbh Diciadain
Gach Diciadain, bheir sinn sùil air ais air na daoine agus a' choimhearsnachd againn tro dhealbhan an tasglainn.
Seo Aonghas Greumach (Misean) à Borgh ri taobh an Jubilee anns a Phort anns na 80s. Chaidh an Jubilee a togail ann an 1935 airson sgioba à Borgh, Am Baile Àrd agus Mealabost.
Leugh tilleadh mun Jubilee agus bodaich Bhuirgh ann an Criomagan 2018 a tha ri cheannach anns a' bhùth.
The My Place Awards 2022
We have been shortlisted for The My Place Awards 2022.
The My Place Awards celebrate community-led built environment projects that have transformed their locality. Read more about our entry here:
Read Here
Dealbh Dimàirt
Every week, we will share a photograph from our archive looking back on familiar faces and our changing community.
This week, a postie and his van. Does you know who he was?
Wednesday photo
Every Wednesday, we will share a photograph from our archive looking back on familiar faces and our changing community.
This weeks photo is from a Sale of Work from the 1970s. Do you recognise any faces?
Dealbh Diciadain
Gach Diciadain, bheir sinn sùil air ais air na daoine agus a' choimhearsnachd againn tro dhealbhan an tasglainn.
Seo agaibh Fèill-Reic a chaidh a chumail ann an Talla Nis sna 1970s. Cò a tha sibh ag aithneachadh?
Na h-Eilthirich
Over the coming year, we will be gathering information on those who emigrated from Ness to Ballantrushal area in the 1920s and earlier. The research will help us reach out to diaspora and promote the Hebridean Homecoming Year 2023.
Please get in touch if you can help and would like to be involved in the project.
Festive season dates
Comunn Eachdraidh Nis will close on Friday 24th December and re-open on Monday 3rd January 2022.
Due to renovation works, the cafe will not be re-opening until March.
Although the cafe will be closed, day club will continue, and we will also cater for funeral lunch requests.
We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a very happy new year.
Inspiring Scotland’s Island Communities grant
The directors, staff and volunteers at Comunn Eachdraidh Nis are delighted to have been awarded a grant from Inspiring Scotland’s Island Communities Fund. The grant of £56,411.75 will enable us to install an air source heat pump and underfloor heating in the café and meeting space, currently fitted with electric heaters which are costly to run. Inefficient windows will be replaced and additional loft insulation fitted to make the building as energy efficient as possible.
This renewables project is an integral part of the wider redevelopment of the centre. All other areas of the building have been redeveloped and are now heated by renewable heating sources. This remaining section of the building has been identified as the cause of excessive electricity costs and requires urgent upgrading. Loss of income during the pandemic has depleted the charity’s financial reserves, highlighting the urgent need to reduce running costs in order to secure the long-term future of the organisation and the jobs and community it supports.
Since relocating in 2011, the services delivered by CEN have expanded to accommodate the needs of the community. It has developed into a dynamic social enterprise, providing vital services to socially isolated groups and providing much needed employment in the area.
CEN contributes towards the aspirations within Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn’s 2017-37 Strategic Plan for the Galson Estate, impacting on the following priorities: Developing Skills; Improving Health; Relieving Poverty; Engaging citizens to become more active in the community; Promoting and protecting the rich culture and heritage of the area; Developing, revitalising and growing industry sectors.
This work will commence in January 2021 so the café will be closed to the public throughout the months of January and February 2021.
New exhibition: Eadar Talamh is Tìr
Màiri NicGillìosa is a Gaelic visual artist. In Màiri's arts practice, Gàidhlig forms a key part of the aperture through which she experiences the world.
Sandra Kennedy is an artist who explores connection to landscape. All senses are active in absorbing the surface sensations of place and detail.
Their work is a response to their different areas of Lewis - West and East side. Their shared source has been their love for their villages, kinships to their habitats. Patterns of crofts and echoes of their landscapes are explored through mixed media drawings, sculpture and painting.
Eadar Talamh is Tìr is open Monday to Friday 10am - 4.30pm until the New Year.