Accessibility improvements completed at Comunn Eachdraidh Nis

The improvements were designed to improve accessibility, increase capacity and strengthen the visitor experience.

Comunn Eachdraidh Nis (CEN) has completed the internal modifications and refurbishment works at its centre in Ness following a £337,763 investment project. HIE contributed £95,951 towards the development.

The improvements include a new ramped entrance to the café, enhanced accessibility throughout the building, an expanded gift shop with additional storage, and a new welcome desk to improve the visitor experience. Changes to the café layout have also created greater flexibility for events and bookings.

Funding for the project came from HIE, the Scottish Government's Islands Programme, the Scottish Government Gaelic and Scots Division, and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The works were designed by BARD Ailteir Ltd and carried out by O'Mac Construction Ltd.

Kathleen Stewart, HIE area team leader for the Outer Hebrides, said:

"We're pleased to support Comunn Eachdraidh Nis as it enhances its facilities to better serve both local people and visitors. CEN plays an important role in the cultural and social life of north Lewis, promoting Gaelic language and heritage while providing valuable community services. These improvements will strengthen its role as a community hub and help ensure it continues to thrive for years to come."

Roddy John Campbell, chair of Comunn Eachdraidh Nis, said:

"On behalf of everyone at Comunn Eachdraidh Nis, I would like to thank our funders, design team and contractors for supporting and delivering this project. The improvements have created a first-class facility for both the local community and visitors, helping to secure the future of the organisation as it approaches its 50th anniversary."

Leasachaidhean ruigsinneachd crìchnaichte aig Comunn Eachdraidh Nis 

Tha buidheann choimhearsnachd ann an ceann a tuath Leòdhais air crioch a chuir air phrògram de dh'obraichean ùrachaidh is ath-leasachaidh anns an t-ionad dualchais aca ann an Nis le taic bho Iomairt na Gàidhealtachd 's nan Eilean (HIE).

Tha Comunn Eachdraidh Nis (CEN) air obraichean atharrachaidh is ùrachaidh a chrìochnachadh mar phàirt de phròiseact tasgaidh luach £337,763. Chuir HIE £95,951 ris a' phròiseact. 

Am measg nan leasachaidhean tha slighe-inntrigidh ùr tron togalach, le rampa dhan chafaidh, ruigsinneachd nas fheàrr air feadh an togalaich, deasg-fàilte ùr gus eòlas luchd-tadhail a leasachadh agus bùth-thiodhlacan nas motha le àite-stòr a bharrachd. Tha atharrachaidhean cuideachd air an dèanamh air cruth a' chafaidh, a' toirt barrachd sùbailteachd do thachartasan agus glèidheadh. 

Thàinig maoineachadh a' phròiseict bho HIE, Prògram Eilean na h-Alba aig Riaghaltas na h-Alba, Roinn na Gàidhlig agus na Albais aig Riaghaltas na h-Alba, agus Maoin Co-roinnte Soirbheachais na Rìoghachd Aonaichte. 

Chaidh an obair a dhealbhadh le BARD Ailteir Ltd agus a lìbhrigeadh le O'Mac Construction Ltd. 

Thuirt Kathleen Stewart, stiùiriche sgioba sgìreil HIE airson Innse Gall: 

"Bha sinn toilichte taic a thoirt do Chomunn Eachdraidh Nis agus iad a' leasachadh nan goireasan aca gus seirbheis nas freagarach do mhuinntir an àite agus do luchd-tadhail. Tha pàirt chudromach aig CEN ann am beatha chultarach is shòisealta ceann a tuath Leòdhais, a' brosnachadh na Gàidhlig agus dualchas na sgìre agus aig an aon àm a' toirt seachad seirbheisean luachmhor coimhearsnachd. Neartaichidh na leasachaidhean seo an dreuchd mar ionad coimhearsnachd agus cuidichidh iad gus dèanamh cinnteach gum bi an comann a' soirbheachadh fad iomadh bliadhna ri teachd." 

Thuirt Roddy John Campbell, cathraiche Chomunn Eachdraidh Nis: 

"Às leth gach neach aig Comunn Eachdraidh Nis, bu mhath leam taing a thoirt dhan luchd-maoineachaidh, dhan sgioba dhealbhaidh agus dha na cunnradairean airson an taic agus airson am pròiseact seo a lìbhrigeadh. Tha na leasachaidhean air goireas den chiad ìre a chruthachadh airson na coimhearsnachd ionadail agus luchd-tadhail le chèile, a' cuideachadh le bhith a' daingneachadh àm ri teachd na buidhne agus i a' dlùthachadh ris an 50mh ceann-bliadhna aice."