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.
Click to follow the building undergoing change, in the second image you'll notice the chips spread on the floor of the school.
Stage Three - The Windows
The windows were replaced with environmentally friendly alternatives. The new windows, made of oak and accoya, not only enhance energy efficiency, but also are much lower embodied energy and carbon than typical alternatives, reinforcing our commitment towards net zero carbon emissions.
The old windows have been repurposed and used for people's sheds, greenhouses and an old cottage on the island.
Time Lapse Cameras
Discover the rich history of Eriskay Heritage, a place where the past comes to life. Our dedicated team is committed to preserving and showcasing the heritage of our community. Over the past few years, we've documented changes to our building through timelapse cameras. South Uist based photographer Carla Regler of CR Photography Ltd is collaborating with us to capture the essence of our building's transformation. Join us on a journey through time and explore the stories that have shaped our heritage.
The following videos contain visuals and sustained flashing lighting that may affect those who are susceptible to photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.
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.
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.
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.
Look back at the old Eriskay school before the redevelopment started.
The school served not only as an educational building for schoolchildren, but also as a vibrant community hub.
The school closed in 2013 due to declining enrolment, with the remaining pupils transferring to the newly built Daliburgh School in South Uist.
With overwhelming community support and funding from The Scottish Land Fund, we purchased the school on behalf of the community and received the keys for the former Eriskay School and schoolhouse in May 2021.