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RIGHT:  A small group of Ness residents attending a consultation meeting arranged by Iomairt Nis

Company objectives are: to create and attract jobs; extend the reach of education and training into the community; foster innovation - especially in relation to digital media; promote cultural renewal; optimise the natural advantages of the area and its people; and develop an effective marketing strategy for Ness.  To date, Iomairt Nis has been able to work with, and offer practical support to, a number of organisations, partner groups, projects and private and community initiatives.

Company Formation
In the summer of 1997, Ness Community Council was successful in securing LEADER funding for the short-term appointment of a Community Animator.  The Animator identified a number of issues which were of concern to the wider community.

The Ness Community Council also set up a small, local steering group in October 1997.   Its remit was to examine issues identified by the Animator project and to address some of the social and economic problems that were affecting the community.  

After a relatively short, though hectic, period of meetings and e-mail exchanges it became increasingly clear to the steering group that a dedicated development body was required for the Ness district.  Following a number of subsequent meetings and consultations with local groups and individuals, Western Isles Enterprise, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, LEADER, Lews Castle College and the Scottish Office, it was agreed that the most appropriate long-term response to the community’s needs would be the establishment of a local development company.  

In February 1998, Iomairt Nis Earranta (Ness Enterprise Ltd) was established as a company limited by guarantee and not having share capital.  The key objectives of Iomairt Nis Ltd would be to improve the economic, social and cultural well-being of the Ness community and to promote a positive and dynamic identity for Ness.

The first project undertaken by Iomairt Nis was the renovation of the local community hall, which had fallen into a state of disrepair.  After a relatively brief period of renovation and refurbishment, the Ness Hall (or Ness Development Centre) is now fully occupied.   RIGHT: Ness Development Centre 2000

		LEFT: The Centre is currently undergoing external improvements with the addition of a much extended car park, surfaced with tarmacadam, the building of a drystane walling feature, a timber entrance canopy and surrounding landscaping with the planting of native small trees and shrubbery.  This environmental improvement work is being carried out in partnership with the Ness Community Council using local labour undertaking a vocational training programme

The company managed to secure a 3-year financial package from the Scottish Office, under the auspices of the Scottish Rural Partnership Scheme – subject to additional secondary funding being sourced.  This was achieved with the support of the LEADER European programme, Western Isles Enterprise (WIE) and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (CnES)

A number of key agencies and groups are represented on the Iomairt Nis Board.  The company employees a full-time Development Manager, who is responsible for operational matters and project development, as well as an administrator who also has responsibility for front office work and financial record keeping. 
                [see also: Personnel]

The Ness Hall is the administrative base for Iomairt Nis.  The local authority - Comhairle nan Eilean Siar – also rents office space within the building, as does Voluntary Action Lews (VAL).  The building also accommodates the Ness Learning Centre, a lecture and computer room managed by the Lews Castle College.  The Ness Hall (which is sometimes referred to as the Ness Development Centre) is also home to the local Youth Group and to various other community groups that regularly use the building.