Chairman's AGM Report 2000/01

The past year has seen an increase in visitor numbers, with about 50 coach parties and many island groups visiting the Comumn Eachdraidh.  In that time, over 2,000 people have been in the Heritage Centre, enjoying our extensive archives and being entertained and welcomed by our hardworking ladies, with teas, home baking and light lunches. 

More and more overseas visitors are calling in and making contact through the internet as they seek out information on their family histories and also sharing information with us, which further enhances our archives. The early part of the year saw a new committee being formed to manage Taigh Dhonnchaidh. 

The former home of the late Duncan Morison has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, which is enjoyed by young and old in the community. With tuition available in a range of traditional music, song and dance, we are fortunate to have most of our tutors living within our community.  Each evening sees something different, with the Ness Melodeon Band now increasing in numbers and providing entertainment in other communities.  We were successful in a funding application to appoint a Gaelic Arts and Music co-ordinator.  The post will help us develop this fine building into a precious asset which will provide and develop the Gaelic language, culture and music.  This will offer opportunities for new talent to emerge for us all to enjoy in years to come - Ar Canan, Ar Cultur ’s Ar Cèol.  We are sure Duncan would approve of the result of his generous legacy to the Society.

November saw the many years of hard work by the War Memorial Committee come to fruition with the opening of the War Memorials in Cross and Borve.  We now have impressive monuments at which we can fondly remember those who gave so much in ensuring our freedom, not just in our own community but in our family connections far and wide.  Co-incidentally it was pleasing to see Fios making a welcome return with a special edition, which will mark this important milestone.

The Morrison Clan overseas has been very busy in planning for their visit in July next year. Dun Eistean is now regarded as being an important archaeological site in a world-wide context, with excavation by students from Glasgow University expected to commence in June of next year.  The Comunn Eachdraidh is an active partner in the site investigation project and will provide a home for students within the Heritage Centre. The ‘garage’ at the end of the building is to be refurbished as a ‘finds processing room’ early in the coming year, with funding from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and professional support from the Council’s archaeologist, Dr Mary MacLeod.

The Management Committee has been active across a range of different projects which, given time and funding support over the next few years, will add considerably to our community assets.  In addition, these projects should provide opportunities for local employment, a learning environment for students who visit for research and add to the many interesting and historic sites we have in our district.

The boat, Jubilee, has now found a temporary home in the former technical sciences block at Lionel Old School.  A group (Falmadair – The North Lewis Maritime Society) has been formed to manage the restoration of the sgoth and to develop a number of exciting proposals relating to sailing and our marine and coastal environment. The Dell Mill is another project which is being considered for funding to establish an agricultural museum and visitor centre, possibly in year 2003/4. The Comunn Eachdraidh is the lead partner in developing Loch Stiapabhat as a local nature reserve. This would be the first such reserve of its kind in Lewis and Harris - Galson Estate, CNES and SNH are all active partners in this important site.

Our main target next year will be to refurbish our own building in Habost.  We have been fortunate in being awarded £60,000 from CNES to acquire title for the building and as the Council’s contribution to the development.   The overall scheme will cost £400,000. Funding applications have been submitted and, if successful, the project will commence next September.  This work will include forming a new car park to the rear on part of Angus Thomson’s croft. The volunteer group has achieved much.  But much work still remains to be done and new members are most welcome.  Partnerships with CNAG, CNES, WIE and Iomairt Nis continue to provide some money to assist us in maintaining an open door year on year.

Future exhibitions, being arranged by the Archive group, include a display on “Past Times” (e.g. village shops, the wells of Ness, transport, etc.).  Old photographs and stories are always in demand.  Please let us know if you have information or material which would add to our existing collection.

The past year has been demanding on the staff, who give of their time willingly.  But it has also been very rewarding.  This can be measured by the many letters of support we receive from visitors who appreciate the warm welcome they receive at the Heritage Centre. Each year visitors leave our district with very fond memories and perhaps a better understanding of the diversity of our language, culture and way of life.