Comunn Eachdraidh – Ness Historical Society Claimed

Comunn Eachdraidh Nis (CEN) was established in 1977 when the need for a facility to collect and preserve local history was realised.

Minutes from the first meeting read:

“29th June 1977

Four members of the community met this evening to discuss what can be done to collect and preserve the history of the area. It was agreed that use should be made of the ‘Job Creation’ programme and, since applications need to be put forward in the next few days, it was agreed to put together a proposed project. The project will aim to collect old books, photographs, poetry, songs, fishing history along with church and school history. It was also agreed that a board/society should be formed to help steer the project…”

A team was gathered and employed through the Job Creation scheme. They began by visiting homes with their trusty recorders. Little by little, interest in the Comunn Eachdraidh grew and it became obvious that there was a want and need for such a group in the community.

The Isle of Lewis is the northern part of Lewis and Harris, the largest island of the Western Isles or Outer Hebrides archipelago in Scotland. The two parts are frequently referred to as if they were separate islands. The total area of Lewis is 683 square miles (1,770 km²).

CEN has come a very long way since those early days. We now house an accredited museum, local history archive and many genealogical records for the North Lewis area. The archive has been carefully collected and maintained by our dedicated staff, volunteers and supporters for over 40 years. The newly refurbished centre also offers a cafe and gift shop supporting local producers.

Exhibitions vary throughout the year.

The centre is open Monday to Saturday, midday to 4pm.

Tel: 01851 810 377

Email: office@cenonline.org

Find us on Facebook, Instagram (@comunneachdraidhnis)

and TripAdvisor

Comunn Eachdraidh Nis is more than just a historical society – it is a community hub for North Lewis.

Our Cafe

Are you looking for somewhere to enjoy lunch while you visit the North of Lewis?

Our cafe offers a welcoming, inclusive and secure bilingual community hub for North Lewis where visitors can sit and chat over a cup of tea, coffee or a light lunch in a Gaelic/English environment.

As well as the regular menu, we also offer a set menu option for larger groups.

Set Lunch: Homemade soup, sandwiches, home baking with tea/coffee £10.00 per person

Home made soup, sandwiches, tea/coffee £7.50 per person

Set Lunch Afternoon Tea: Home baking, tea/coffee £5.00 per person

Buffet and other options are available on request.

Afternoon Teas

We offer afternoon teas at Comunn Eachdraidh Nis on Friday afternoons (pre booking essential). For £10.00 per person, you will enjoy a selection of sandwiches, fine baking, tea and coffee in the comfortable surroundings of our cafe.

Vouchers also available for our afternoon teas. Contact us for more information.