Provide a Place to Belong

Ionad Eilean na h-Òige will provide a much-needed social meeting space for the people of Eriskay. With few public facilities on the island, this welcoming hub will be a place where islanders of all ages can gather in a warm, safe space, share stories, reduce isolation, and celebrate community life together.​​​

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Safeguard the Eriskay Pony

The centre will also provide a permanent office base for Comann Each nan Eilean – The Eriskay Pony Society, ensuring the rare Eriskay Pony has a secure future. From here, the society can continue vital work to care for and protect Scotland’s native horse, now an endangered native breed that was a big part of the island’s survival and a living symbol of Eriskay’s resilience and heritage.

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Preserve & Promote the Gaelic Language

Preserve and promote the Gaelic language. Record islander’s voices telling stories of their lives and our heritage in our Gaelic, our native language - so future generations can hear, learn, and connect with the life and language of Eriskay.

Protect Living Traditions

Preserve and share our traditions and skills before they are lost to the community. From making the Eriskay Pony Creels, hand woven plàd, baking a strùthan cake, safeguarding the hand-knitted seamless Eriskay Jersey, and the island’s fishing and crofting heritage.​​​

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Keep Heritage & History Thriving

Support exhibitions, oral history collections, and cultural events that bring Eriskay’s story to life. From the SS Politician shipwreck- the real (life inspiration for the film Whisky Galore) to Bonnie Prince Charlie’s first steps on Scottish soil in 1745 at the start of the Jacobite Rising. Your legacy will help preserve and share these iconic stories. It will also safeguard the island’s vibrant fishing industry, crofting traditions, and the proud history of Eriskay F.C., which recently gained worldwide recognition through FIFA and the Guinness 0.0% television advert.

Connect Generations
 

Expand family tree resources to help islanders and the diaspora trace their roots and preserve genealogies.​

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Support Health & Wellbeing

The centre will also provide a confidential setting where residents can meet with health professionals and advisors such as CAB, Advocacy, Mental Health services, and Health Promotion workers. Having a safe and trusted space on the island for this support will make vital services more accessible to everyone in the community

Welcome and Guide Visitors

As an information point for visitors, Ionad Eilean na h-Òige will introduce people to Eriskay’s unique history, culture, and natural beauty. By sharing stories, guiding visitors, and promoting local heritage, the centre will encourage sustainable tourism while supporting the island economy and strengthening pride in place. It will also provide a community laundrette for islanders and visitor Eriskay.

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Honour Creative Voices

Safeguard the work of photographers, filmmakers, and writers—from Werner Kissling’s 1930s images to today’s storytellers.

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