Phase One (Completed)
Ionad Eilean na h-Òige Redevelopment
The first phase involved removing unsafe buildings, addressing structural issues, and replacing the roof and slates. This phase was funded with £858K from sources including the Scottish Government, HIE, and community support. These efforts have safeguarded the historic building, demonstrating the community’s confidence in the project while addressing the critical lack of local facilities and services.
The Demolition of The Eriskay School Buildings
The initial demolition phase saw the removal of the old school canteen and the red and yellow corrugated iron building (Room 1), both of which had become unsafe and posed significant health and safety risks. For many of us who attended the school, Room 1 holds fond memories, known to some as Bean Eòin’s room in the days of Mary MacKinnon's teaching.
While it was exciting to witness the project's commencement, the demolition of these buildings was also bittersweet, as they held countless memories and stories spanning generations.
Stage One - The Roof
BUY A SLATE FUNDRAISER: The project's strong community support has been instrumental in its success. CEE organised a "Buy a Slate" fundraiser, raising over £18K in personal donations. Participants were invited to purchase a slate for the old school building’s roof and write a personal message on the back. These slates are now part of the building for the next 100 years. The messages, some in memory of loved ones and others celebrating family members still living, were lovely to read. All messages have been recorded in a Book of Sponsors, which will be preserved in the project's Archive Room. This overwhelming financial and emotional backing reflects the community's confidence in the project and their shared commitment to its success.
The slates taken from the old school look great on the Berneray Manse, owned by Casey MacIntyre and Ashleigh Forster
Eriskay School Repurposed Slates
Key upgrades include a new roof with slates, funded through our buy-a-slate fundraiser which raised over £18k and funding through the Scottish Governments 'Islands Infrastructure Fund'.
The slates removed were recycled to assist Berneray Manse & North Uist Distillery with their projects.
Stage Two - Critical Works
The journey to this stage has been marked by numerous surprises typical of working with an old building. Unexpected critical works, such as addressing a bulging wall in the main school building and the damaged lintels, required immediate attention.
Thankfully, Highlands and Islands Enterprise stepped in to assist us with £107k of funding. These unforeseen challenges, though stressful, have ensured that the building is now more stable and poised to withstand another hundred years or more.