Ness Historical Society - the early days

Initially, a focus group was put in place to examine how best to develop a local history society for north Lewis.  The group, with the help of the Western Isles Islands Council’s Community Education department, quickly concluded that Manpower Services Commission (MSC) sponsored employment schemes would offer some very productive use of local unemployed labour. In November 1977, following a successful MSC application, six people and a supervisor began a 20 week employment programme to record, document and archive aspects of Ness’ history.

Typically, the history of rural, Gaelic-speaking, communities in the Western Isles was passed on to subsequent generations through oral tradition rather than written documentation and records. This unique way of preserving local history, legend and indeed myth, was supported and perpetuated through ceilidh (social gatherings), reminisces, song and bardachd (poetry).

Initially, the Comunn Eachdraidh invited local residents to contribute to the archive through recorded audio or video interviews.  As CEN became better established, community involvement flourished.

Individuals volunteered oral recollections of local history, which usually were recorded in the native Gaelic language before being transcribed and often translated into English. Photographic contributions from the public subsequently developed into a rich archive of several thousand images relating to north Lewis during the late 19^th and the 20^th centuries. These would also prove to be invaluable in providing a powerful resource for further research and documentation. In addition various artefacts relating to the cultural, social, domestic, agricultural and maritime history of the community were loaned or donated to the historical society. Other material was also sourced through established organisations such as the School of Scottish Studies, The Ordinance Survey Archaeological Department and The Royal Commission for Ancient Monuments, the National Museum of Antiquities and the BBC.

A second MSC Job Creation Programme in 1978 saw three individuals employed on various local history related themes, such as: Reminisces of World War One; local genealogical records of croft tenacies; bardachd (poetry) and spiritual songs.

Between 1978 and 1986, the society produced a series of four audio cassette tapes – Na Nisich I to IV – featuring local singers interpretations of traditional Gaelic songs written over the years by the bards of Ness.

Publications included books like Leabhar nan Comharraidhean (a unique record of earmarks used by local crofters to identify sheep), and later, the ever-popular Leabhar a Fon (Ness phone book) which contains the names, addresses, telephone numbers and Gaelic patronymics of every telephone holder in north Lewis.

In 1978, CEN salvaged and renovated a traditional Sgoth Niseach (Ness type skiff). The boat, a veteran of the former line-fishing fleet that operated from Ness, was named the Jubilee to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of the coronation of King George V.  Following infrequent spells at sea and laterly a period of inactivity on dry land, the 28 foor clinker built Jublee is currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment to prepare her once again for sea. 

In 1981, retired Ness farmer Donald Morrison leased the Dell Mill to the Comunn Eachdraidh.  A small but productive restoration project managed to carry out much needed repairs.

In 1984 CEN managed to obtain a lease of the Lionel Old School, which offered the society its first permanent base and exhibition space. Previously, archives and artefacts had to be stored in temporary accommodation at Cross School. This enabled a further programme of activity and MSC sponsored employment which further enhanced the society’s collection.

The Comunn Eachdraidh relocated to a larger building in the village of Habost in 1992. The Ness Heritage Centre, as its called, currently houses CEN’s collection and administrative operations.

And the rest, as they say, is history.