Formation of CEE: A group of islanders met to discuss the establishment of Comann Eachdraidh, recognising the rich heritage and culture of Eriskay and the potential loss of valuable information.

Official Formation: On March 17th, Comann Eachdraidh Eirisgeidh was officially established, aligning with other Historical Societies in the Outer Hebrides.

Community Engagement: CEE began holding exhibitions in the community hall, collecting stories, artefacts, and photographs from the local community.

Logo: Competition launched with Eriskay schoolchildren to create a design for our logo. Votes were selected by the community and Michel Iain Mac Innes’s design was selected.

Community Office: CEE took on the rental of the community office in Eriskay Community Hall, providing a base for exhibitions and the safe storage of documents and archives.

On The Rocks Festival: On June 24th, CEE hosted the "On the Rocks Festival," in collaboration with Eilidh (Helen) MacInnes from South Uist, coinciding with the anniversary of the SS Politician running aground near Roisinis Point.

Former Eriskay School Discussions:

Eriskay school closed in 2013; CEE consulted with the community to gaugeinterest in purchasing the sold school on behalf of the community. Unanimous decision to take on this important asset for the island.

▪ Stage 1: Offered to Hebridean Housing.

▪ Stage 2: Offered to community groups at a reduced rate.

▪ Stage 3: Sold on the open market (If no interest from community).

CEE engaged in discussions with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (CnES) about purchasing the school through the Asset Transfer process, but withdrew months later due to land constraints.

URRAS Eilean na h-Oige formed to purchase the school and also withdrew at a later date due to the same land constraints.

Elizabeth Buchanan MacDonald donated £8,000 towards the purchase of the school.

Eriskay School Purchase Discussions- Round 2: Sandra Mac Innes reached out to Malcolm Burr, Chief Executive of CnES, for assistance with land issues. A compromise was agreed, and the application was able to proceed

SCIO Status: CEE became a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO).

Scottish Land Fund Application: Successfully applied for funding through the National Lottery, matched by Elizabeth MacDonald’s donation.

School Purchase: December 19th marked the Announcement of successful Scottish Land Fund application to purchase the former Eriskay School for community use, including plans for an exhibition area, office space, and a tearoom.

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Santa Maria III Returns home to Eriskay:  Summer exhibition topic on the fishing industry, coinciding with Donald A. MacKinnon’s (DA) return trip to Eriskay on the restored ring net fishing boat, celebrating its significance to the island's heritage.

War Memorial Blessing: Comann Eachdraidh Eirisgeidh created a War Memorial for those who have fallen in both world wars. A ceremony to unveil and bless the Eriskay War Memorial, featuring a tribute to those who lost their lives with a touching service led by Fr. Ross.

Keys to the School: CEE received the keys to the former school in May, marking a significant milestone. Unfortunately, this was around the COVID Pandemic which slowed the development project a lot.

Community Donation: The first community donation of £5,000 was received from Daliburgh Thrift Shop, a fantastic match funding start to our fundraising efforts.

Planning and Development: Completed business plans, designs, and secured planning and BW for demolition of unsafe buildings.

Construction Started: We were thrilled to announce that funding has been secured from the Scottish Government's Islands Programme Fund, the Islands Infrastructure Fund, and generous community donations, allowing us to finally commence construction on this long-awaited community-led project! After years of paperwork and planning, we are excited to take this significant step forward.

Buy a Slate Crowdfunder: Launched the “Buy a Slate” fundraiser, allowing community members to purchase a slate and write a name or personal message on the reverse. These slates will be fixed to the roof and kept in the school's archive as a Book of Sponsors. This community fundraiser was supported worldwide and raised over £18k, a fantastic amount from an island community.

Collaboration with Rob Sara from University of Cumbria: Initiated a photography project reflecting on the island's heritage.

Phase 1 Started: Work started on the old Eriskay school redevelopment. 

o Demolition of old buildings and essential structural works were completed.

Ionad Eilean na h-Òige: CEE consulted with Eriskay community worldwide for suggestions for a name for the old school redevelopment.  Suggestions went to a vote on social media and locally.  Ionad Eilean na h-Òige was selected as it was the most popular choice and the title of one of Fr. Allan MacDonald’s poems about the Eriskay and its people.

Community surveys: Community surveys were distributed to gather input on what residents would like to see in the school, their views on preserving heritage, and which aspects of our heritage should be prioritised in the redevelopment of the old school.

Community Consultation: Community consultations held over 2 days regarding the proposed plans for the regeneration of the old school. Results of survey distributed and discussed.

Community Action Plan: Launched discussions to create an "Eriskay Climate Action Plan and a Community Action Plan", to address local priorities, including climate action initiatives.

Deputy First Minister’s Visit: John Swinney MSP visited Eriskay to find out about the CEE plans for the redevelopment of the old school.

Community Events:

o 19th September: Hosted the Eriskay Archaeology Walk.

o Networking Day on May 18th focused on community support services.

o Organised various workshops and classes, including NHS Gentle Exercise classes.

o Launched a community run library and held various workshops, including knitting and storytelling sessions.

BE_ST Just Transition Award: Comann Eachdraidh Eirisgeidh won the BE-ST Just Transition Award, recognising the organisation’s grassroots leadership and meaningful impact on the community through sustainable development and heritage-led regeneration. https://www.be-st.build

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CEE registered for VAT.

Sustainability Milestone: Pioneered the use of whole-life carbon analysis in the Ionad Eilean na h-Òige redevelopment, making it the first project in the Western Isles to adopt this approach demonstrating a commitment to long-term environmental sustainability and setting a precedent for future community-led developments.

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Community Networking Day:  May we paired with NHS Western Isles and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Social Inclusion Officer, Children and Families to bring together local support services for a well-attended event focused on health, wellbeing, and community resources.

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Eriskay Archaeology Walk: In September we hosted a guided walk exploring Eriskay’s rich archaeological heritage, highlighting sites of interest and engaging the community in local history.

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Community-Run Library Launch: Established a monthly mobile community library service, offering regular access to Gaelic and English titles alongside seasonal children’s activities and literary events all while enjoying some tea and home baking.

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Wellbeing Workshops: NHS Gentle Exercise Classes: Delivered in partnership with NHS Western Isles to support mobility, balance, and physical wellbeing—especially valued by older residents.

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Mental Health & Wellbeing Sessions: Informal drop-ins and structured support sessions for all ages, promoting connection and emotional resilience.

Fr. Allan Trail / Cuairt Mhgr Ailein Heritage Trail Launched: Collaboration between St. Michael’s Church and CEE for the development of the Fr. Allan Trail, launched on April 21st 2024. A book written in collaboration with Parish Priest Fr. Ross Crichton and members of Comann Eachdraidh Eirisgeidh to follow in 2025. 

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First Minister’s Visit: John Swinney MSP visited for a second time to see the progress of the Ionad Eilean na h-Òige redevelopment, this time as First Minister of Scotland. He praised the impressive transformation of the old school and commended the dedication and leadership shown by the island community in delivering the project.

October: St Michael’s Church was named a finalist in the National Churches Trust Open for Visitors Awards, thanks to its collaboration with Comann Eachdraidh Eirisgeidh on the popular Fr. Allan Trail. This recognition celebrates the success of our joint efforts to make local heritage more accessible and engaging for visitors.

Ionad Eilean na h-Òige: Phase one complete, securing the building for another hundred years!  

Phase 2 funding and Phase 3 Funding in Progress.

Phase 2 of Development: The Scottish Government’s Islands Programme announced a successful funding bid for CEE, granting £651k towards Phase 2 construction, which is expected to be completed by March 2026.

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Ionad Eilean na h-Òige: Phase one complete. The first phase of the redevelopment of the former Eriskay School was successfully completed, transforming the building into a safer structure. This included replacing the roof, installing new eco-friendly windows and doors, and preparing the site for future development. Phase One laid the foundation for the creation of a new heritage and community hub at the heart of Eriskay.

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50/50 Fundraiser launched

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Croft History of Eriskay Book Launch: In December Comann Eachdraidh Eirisgeidh proudly hosted the launch of The Croft History of Eriskay by Bill Lawson in Eriskay Community Hall. This long-awaited publication contains detailed croft and family history information dating back to the 1700s, making it an invaluable resource for genealogists, locals, and descendants of the island. The launch was very well attended and marked a significant moment in preserving Eriskay’s heritage for future generations.

Funding secured for Phase 2 Capital Work :  CEE secured significant support from multiple funders for the Phase 2 construction of Ionad Eilean na h-Òige. The Scottish Government’s Islands Programme awarded £651,000, with additional contributions including £251,000 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE)*, £170,000 from the Garfield Weston Foundation, £16,000 from the Western Isles Development Trust, support from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, and £10,000 from the NHS Western Isles Capital Fund. Phase 2 construction is expected to be completed by March 2026.

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Comann Eachdraidh Eirisgeidh Website Goes Live : Website launched in 2024 as a growing digital home for Eriskay’s stories, history, and projects connecting our community with audiences near and far.

Traditional Skills & Heritage Workshops

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Knitting the Eriskay Jersey: Hands-on sessions teaching this well known island craft, helping safeguard a near-lost tradition.

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Storytelling & Oral History Workshops: Encouraged community members to share and record island tales and personal histories.

Creative & Cultural Activities

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Photography Classes: Workshops for all ages and skill levels offered for free.

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Seasonal Craft Workshops: Activities such as card making, seasonal wreaths, and coffee mornings, popular with both residents and visitors.

Bore Holes: The island did a bit of shaking in July 2025 when the bore holes were being drilled for our ground source heating system. 

Phase two started in May with Eriskay Construction Group as the successful tender for the work. Due to complete by end of June 2026. 

• Phase 3 Funding applications in process:  This is the final stage of the construction of Ionad Eilean na h-Òige.

• BBC ALBA TV Documentary: Iagan MacInnes from CEE Committee talks to the Katie (Hebridean mermaid) about the salvage of the cargo on the SS Politician and Fr. Ross spoke about St. Michaels Church and the Comann Eachdraidh Eirisgeidh Fr. Allan MacDonald walking trail

• MSP Visit: Alasdair Allan MSP visited in July to review progress on the school renovation and was very impressed with the work carried out.

• The Currie family visit Eriskay: Sr. Monica Marie Currie to Eriskay where her family lived before emigrating to America. Sister will speak about her Eriskay family’s roots and share stories of those from the Currie family who emigrated, as well as her vocation as a Sister of Life.

• Storytime and Rhyme:  In May we started including Storytime and Rhyme sessions for the younger members of the community visiting our in our monthly library.

• RNLI and Comann Eachdraidh Eirisgeidh fundraiser: In June we held an RNLI Fundraiser due to the strong connection with the sea and out fishing industry.​