Funding & Community Support
The acquisition and renovation of the old school into what will become the Ionad Eilean na h-Òige (Island of Youth Centre) has been made possible through an incredible network of funders and community support. This project has moved from vision to reality thanks to vital contributions from various sources, helping us achieve significant milestones along the way.
Funding Partners
Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Scottish Land Fund provided the essential funding that allowed us to purchase the building. This would not have been possible without the generous match-funding from Elizabeth Buchanan MacDonald, whose support demonstrated the community’s belief in the importance of this project.
With feasibility studies, concept designs, and business plans in place, the project was deemed "shovel-ready," allowing us to begin construction swiftly. This readiness attracted further donations and grants, starting with a heartwarming contribution of £5,000 from the Daliburgh Thrift Shop, a volunteer-run shop whose donation became the second large contribution towards the project. This put us in a strong financial position to pursue further grants and continue with the project’s development.
Key Funders for Phase One
-
Western Isles Development Trust (WIDT): £20,000 for insulation and renewable building costs.
-
Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF): £7,000 towards professional fees to kick-start the project.
-
NHS Capital Works Grant: £15,000 to support health-focused elements within the new community hub.
-
Islands Infrastructure Fund: £156,140.16, with an additional £127,400 due to underspend funds, allowing us to advance building works.
-
Islands Programme: £254,903 for professional fees and capital costs, with an additional £72,880 to ensure further progress due to the project's readiness.
-
Community Led Local Development (CLLD): £25,000 restricted to professional fees
This funding allowed the scope of the project to expand more than initially anticipated, advancing both structural and infrastructural works, thanks to our "shovel-ready" status.
Community Contributions
Local community support has been just as vital, with significant donations from organisations and individuals. Stòras Uibhist provided £3,230 for professional fees, and Co Chomunn Eirisgeidh contributed £5,000 in unrestricted funds. Additionally, Askernish Golf Club raised £180 in memory of Paddy Forbes, a keen supporter of the project, through a charity golf competition. These contributions have laid a solid foundation, both financially and symbolically, for the new Ionad Eilean na h-Òige. As the project moves forward, we remain immensely grateful to every funder, donor, and community member who has helped make this dream a reality.
Together, we are building a hub that will support heritage, culture, and community life for generations to come.
Community Generosity and Local Economic Impact
The Ionad Eilean na h-Òige project has not only been a symbol of progress for Eriskay but also a reflection of the deep-rooted community spirit that continues to support its development. Throughout Phase One, we have been fortunate to receive incredible contributions from islanders, fundraisers, and local businesses, making this project a true community effort.
Bequests and Fundraisers
We were deeply moved by the generosity of two islanders who each bequeathed £1,000 during different stages of Phase One. Additionally, we received just under £700 in donations from the congregation attending Nellie MacInnes's funeral in September 2024. Their legacy lives on in the very heart of this project, and we are honoured to carry their memory forward through the Ionad Eilean na h-Òige project.
Our "Buy a Slate" fundraiser also proved to be a tremendous success, raising over £18,000. This unique initiative allowed supporters to have their names or heartfelt messages written on the back of the slates, which are now proudly fitted on the roof of the original building and included in a Book of Sponsors which will be kept in the Ionad Eilean na h-Òige Archive & Research Room when operational. These messages will remain part of the centre’s fabric, symbolising the strong connection between the community and the project.
A special mention goes to Michael MacKinnon, from Eriskay, who generously raffled a week's holiday stay at Conan Mara, his self-catering accommodation on Eriskay, raising over £5,000 which is a staggering amount. We are truly grateful for this incredible contribution, which has made a significant impact on the project. https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Fort-William-Isle-of-Skye-The-Western-Isles-Am-Baile/Conan-Mara-1110794.html
Support from The Eriskay Gathering
We are also grateful to The Eriskay Gathering group for their generous donations. This group, formed by three Eriskay islanders, Maria Donaldson (Maria Mhicheal Neill), Donald MacDonald (Don Dhughall Eachainn), and Neil MacKinnon (Niall Aonghas Eoin), who now live on the mainland, and has supported the project with two donations of £300 each. The funds are raised annually at their dance/ceilidh, which brings together islanders and their families now living on the mainland. This event not only reconnects people but also attracts attendees from Eriskay, Barra, and South Uist for a ceilidh gathering, highland dancing performances, Eriskay Lilt and local singers, a great testament to the strong bonds within the Eriskay community. https://www.facebook.com/eriskaygathering
Supporting the Local Economy
Beyond the generous donations, the construction phase has had a positive economic impact on the islands. Local contractors and businesses have played a key role in the renovation of the old school, with Eriskay Construction Group leading the project. Subcontractors like MacAulay Askernish, MacIsaac Builders, Joseph Wilson, and Cameron MacInnes contributed their skills and expertise to the building work. Local suppliers such as Caley Timbers and MacInnes Brothers also provided essential materials, ensuring that island businesses benefited from this large-scale project.
Even the local community-run shop, Co Chomunn Eirisgeidh, has seen a boost, with construction workers stopping in for their daily coffee and sandwiches!
As we look ahead to the next phases of development, we remain committed to engaging and supporting the local community in every aspect of this project. Together, we are building more than just a centre—we are creating a future that honours the past, strengthens our community, and celebrates the character of Eriskay.
Follow our journey....
While we redevelop the old Eriskay school into the vibrant community building it once was, named Ionad Eilean na h-Òige after Fr. Allan MacDonald’s poems, where he described Eriskay as an island full of life due to the number of young people living here.
The phases of change the building is undergoing are detailed on the following pages.
The former Eriskay school was once a vibrant community building. Ionad Eilean na h-Òige will be transformed into a space that benefits everyone. It will serve as an indoor heritage destination showcasing our rich heritage and culture, enticing visitors to stay longer.
It will provide a place for residents, visitors, and people from surrounding islands to socialise, transforming Eriskay from a 'stepping stone' to a destination in its own right.
The first phase involved removing unsafe buildings, addressing structural issues, replacing the roof and slates, funded by £858,000.
This phase also included a feasibility study, the development of a business plan, and the creation of concept designs.
These efforts have safeguarded the historic building, preserving our memories for future use.
As we gear up for Phase 2, the building has already undergone significant transformation, paving the way for further enhancements in our mission to establish a sustainable, community-led enterprise.
We are currently applying for funding from the Islands Program and HIE to cover capital costs for installing renewable energy boreholes, applying lime render to the existing structure, and constructing wellbeing suites and a laundrette.
We expect to know the outcome of our applications by November 2024.