If you are planning a visit to the Isle of Lewis then a visit to Comunn Eachdraidh Nis is a must. The centre boasts an extensive local history archive, including genealogical information relating to individual families from the area. Research can be carried out on request.
The newly refurbished, accredited museum, showcases a past, rural, island community way of life. The artefacts on display have been donated by the community over many years. The iconic Ronan Cross is our most important artefact - it is mounted on a bespoke stand in the centre of the museum.
The centre has two exhibition areas with exhibitions usually changing twice each year.
The café provides a welcome pit stop for tourists and is also popular with local people. The Gaelic language is commonly spoken between customers and staff and the portraits on the wall have all been donated by local families. You can enjoy a freshly prepared light lunch of soup, sandwich, panini or wrap and finish it off with a speciality tea or coffee with homemade baking. Local produce is used wherever possible. The café is open 12pm-4pm, Monday to Saturday.
Our gift shop sells a wide range of locally made items including the Ishga skincare range, Harris Tweed merchandise and local knitwear. We also stock the Sandwick Bay and Essence of Harris range of candles including our own exclusive Comunn Eachdraidh Nis candle and diffuser ‘Soirée’ - the orange scent is inspired by a local story which is found inside each box. Also available is an ever-increasing range of Comunn Eachdraidh Nis in-house publications on local history as well as a wide selection of Gaelic books for both adults and children.
Facilities include toilets, disabled access, coach parking and free WiFi. Please note we do not allow dogs, other than guide dogs, into the building.
Directions
From Stornoway: Travel North on the A857 for approximately 24 miles and Comunn Eachdraidh Nis is in the village of North Dell on your left on the main road.
Public transport: Galson Motors Ltd is the bus operator who operates buses from Stornoway to Ness. Buses operate from Stornoway to Port of Ness every 90 minutes. For detailed bus times, see https://bustimes.org.uk/services/FSAW001
