Phase Two
Ionad Eilean na h-Òige Redevelopment
As we prepare for Phase 2, the building has already undergone a remarkable transformation, setting the stage for further enhancements and advancements in our mission to create a sustainable, community-led enterprise. ​
​
Phase 2 funding applications are currently in progress with the Islands Program and HIE as the main funders to cover the capital costs to install boreholes for renewable energy, apply lime render to the existing building, and construct wellbeing suites and the laundrette. We will know by the end of October/November 2024 if we have been successful.
If successful, we will go out to tender before the year end and have a signed contract in the new year. Work will progress with a completion date for Phase 2 before the end of March 2026. By the end of this phase of the development, two wellbeing suites will be ready for accommodation, hosting visitors, students, and tutors for workshops. One suite will feature disabled adaptations, while the other will be a standard Twin/King-size room. The remaining two suites will serve temporarily for community activities, such as hot desking, photography/art workshops, and traditional skills workshops (e.g., knitting the Eriskay Jersey or making Eriskay Pony creels).
These suites will also house the community-run library, which currently requires relocating books and shelves from a container to the community hall each month. This phase will allow community members and visitors to suggest future uses and visit the project's progress first hand.
​
Fantastic News - Funding Update - 7th October 2024
Scottish Government has today announced the award of £651,000 towards
Ionad Eilean na h-Oige – phase 2 from the 2024/25 Islands Programme Fund.
Cllr, Donald Crichton, Chair of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Sustainable Development Committee, said: “The decision to award this funding is a very welcome one. Both projects will provide real benefits to their respective communities. I congratulate all involved for their work in securing Islands Programme Funding and taking their respective projects to this stage.”
Neil Rutherford, Senior Associate Director - Place, Housing & Economic Growth, Scottish Futures Trust: “Our infrastructure experts have worked closely with the island Local Authorities and Scottish Government to ensure the Islands Programme continues to deliver positive outcomes for the island communities.
“This new funding will go a long way to support repopulation, economic growth and local jobs, and we’re looking forward to continuing to work with the project to see their visions move into reality and achieve what the communities need most.” Scottish Government
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.
​
The first phase involved removing unsafe buildings, addressing structural issues, replacing the roof and slates, funded by £858,000.
This phase also included a feasibility study, the development of a business plan, and the creation of concept designs.
These efforts have safeguarded the historic building, preserving our memories for future use.
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.
Our Subgroup for Museum Interpretation has been diligently working to collate the important elements of Eriskay's history, heritage, and culture. These elements will be displayed in the main museum through both permanent and temporary exhibitions.