In November 2005 the realisation of the Comann Eachdraidh’s dream of a dedicated museum to house and display their archive and much more, came a step nearer when Duncan MacGregor turned the first turf on the site donated by his family. Stage one of the project had been the award winning Taigh Iseabal Dhaidh reconstructed thatched cottage opened in 2002. In bright sunshine the crowd watched Duncan and his sisters Annie and Katie break the historic ground and afterwards a celebrate with a dram and a cuppa.
Duncan MacGregor turns the first sod
The Comann Eachdraidh has signed a contract with Stuart Carmichael of Appin to start the Lismore Gaelic Heritage Museum on 3 April 2006 with a finishing date of mid to late September. Meanwhile Taigh Iseabal cottage will be closed for the season due to health and safety but one room of the old school house at Achnacroish, where the archive is currently housed, will be open daily.
Duncan MacGregor with spade and Mairi Smith
The Comann Eachdraidh is currently advertising for tenants for the cafe and gift shop which will open in the centre. Applications close at the end of February and Tony Perkins, the Project Co-ordinator, hopes that as many locals as possible will also be able to make and sell items and/or produce at the museum.
Report: Pauline Dowling
November 2005