Museum Design & Interpretation
Our Subgroup for Museum Interpretation has been diligently working to collate the important elements of Eriskay's history, heritage, and culture. These elements will be displayed in the main museum through both permanent and temporary exhibitions. Progress is going well, and we are now at an exciting stage where a team of volunteers will soon be going out into the community to record stories from the islanders. This initiative will enable us to create a digital archive for the Ionad Eilean na h-Òige project, allowing visitors to the building to access and listen to these invaluable stories, ensuring that the voices and experiences of our community are heard and remembered for many years to come.
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.
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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.​
The final phase will involve constructing the main building and extensions to connect two historic structures, the main school/schoolhouse to the HORSA.
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These rooms will include a Museum, a Gathering Room, Archive Room, Community Library, Tearoom, play area, gym/horticulture rooms, offices, and a temporary exhibition space.