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Iomairt Nis is supporting a comprehensive programme of locally based projects and initiatives, offering management and administrative support to client groups and providing an essential link between projects and key agencies or sponsors.
Contact details for the project groups listed below can be found on the 'Groups' page.

Click photos to enlarge	Ness Over 60s Club
	The Ness Over 60s Club is an Iomairt Nis project aimed at providing daytime activities and generally improving amenities for people of retirement age and above. The four-element Club programme includes:- On Wednesdays, a weekly Luncheon Club followed by Sòlas - an arranged talk, presentation or event. Each Monday the Elderberry Club meets to produce quality crafts products for sale and learn new skills. And Roinn is a subsidised consumer goods distribution network to assist the elderly or infirm source new or used consumer and white goods. The Over 60s Club is principally funded by BNSF and Gaidhlig sa Choimhearsnachd. [More]

	Butt of Lewis Lighthouse
	Designed by David Stevenson, Engineer to the Northern Lighthouse Board and a grandfather of Scottish author, Robert Louis Stevenson, the Butt of Lewis lighthouse was completed in 1862 and continually manned until fully automated in March 1998. Iomairt Nis is currently examining proposals to develop the former lightkeepers accommodation on the site.

	Community Learning Plan
	The report of the Working Group on the future of Community Education, “Communities Change Through Learning” (November 1998), recommended that local authorities should produce Community Learning Plans. These plans would address the learning needs of individual communities and make a contribution to the Government’s objectives for social inclusion, lifelong learning and active citizenship. The Western Isles CL Strategy aims to: support people in developing themselves and gain ‘life skills’; to help communities help themselves; and to enable people to work together to make the best use of available resources.

	Dell Mill
	An early 19th century water-powered mill on a farm in the village of North Dell. Some much-needed repairs and renovations were carried out to the mill and associated buildings during the 1970s, which helped to stabilise and preserve key features. New proposals are currently being considered to develop the site into a high quality interpretation and visitors centre. WEB INFO: www.c-e-n.org/dellmill.htm

	Dun Eistean Archaeological Survey
	A recent archaeological report has concluded that Dun Eistean, the cliff-bound tidal island at Ness, is: "exceptional for both its complex form and its fine state of preservation." The survey, carried out by Glasgow University’s Archaeological Research Division (GUARD), represents the initial stage of a long-term project to investigate the former Morrison clan stronghold in Knockaird. WEB INFO: www.c-e-n.org/dun.htm

	Environmental Renewal
	This project, which is nearing completion, includes the provision of a tar macadam surfaced car park and landscaping at the Ness Hall.

	Falmadair
	Falmadair - The North Lewis Maritime Society is a newly formed body that aims to promote a better understanding of the local marine environment and to encourage sustainable and productive activities, such as sailing, boat repairs, training initiatives and forging links with other similar groups WEB INFO: www.utterhebrides.com

	GAIN / Eoropie Dunes Play Area
	An outdoors leisure and play area supported through the Community Fund. Situated near the shore at Eoropie, proposed features include: playground facilities; picnic & barbecue areas; adventure trail; cycle and skateboard zone. The site is currently being developed. WEB INFO: www.gainplayground.co.uk

	Ness Heritage Centre
	Comunn Eachdraidh Nis (Ness Historical Centre) is proposing to develop its visitor centre, based in the village of Habost. The organisation, with the support of iomairt Nis, has recently drawn up a new constitution and development plan, and is currently submitting funding applications. WEB INFO: www.c-e-n.org

	North Lewis War Memorials
	Following a lengthy campaign and exhaustive fundraising, memorials to commemorate the war dead of north Lewis were erected and officially opened at the villages of Cross and Borve in November 2001.

	Port of Ness Regeneration
	This project aims to develop the area surrounding the 19th century fishing harbour at Port of Ness. A new charitable company, Port of Ness Harbour Ltd, was formed to carry forward a programme of initiatives that includes the purchase of the harbour area, and the building of new facilities and public toilets.

	Riverside Park
	Outdoor play area adjacent to Cross Primary School and the Gaelic playgroup, Cròileagan Nis.

	Rural Transport Initiative
	Iomairt Nis obtained funding under the Scottish Rural Community Transport Initiative, which aims to support community transport measures which will be of particular help in the more remote areas of Scotland, particularly where there are no scheduled bus services or where the services are very limited. The fund has enabled the company to support transport initiatives, such as bus services for local shopping and school transport for young primary school children where classes finish earlier than normal school hours.

	Skigersta Pier
	The village of Skigersta was created from farmland during the early 19th century to provide housing for the crews of some of the long-line fishermen who worked from the nearby harbour. Although this industry has long since disappeared, local fishing and sailing enthusiasts are working to ensure the long term future of the harbour facilities at Skigersta.

	sporsNis
	Work has commenced on a new £1.8 million community leisure centre that is being built as an extension to Lionel School, Ness. More info to follow later WEB INFO: www.sporsnis.co.uk

	Taigh Dhonnchaidh Arts Centre
	Opened in July 1999 by Government ministers Brian Wilson MP and Eamon O' Cuive TD (Ireland), the Taigh Dhonnchaidh arts and music centre organises a comprehensive programme of events that includes talks, exhibitions and musical evenings. The Centre also offers tuition in a range of musical and arts disciplines, including: fiddle; guitar; button melodeon; keyboard accordion; bagpipes; guitar; Gaelic singing; Gaelic language; Highland dancing;and art. There are currently about 120 children and adults attending one or more of the classes. WEB INFO: www.taighdhonnchaidh.com