M Keltie, N Johnson, A MacAulay, A. MacNeil, C MacCuish,
G MacDonald, I MacKillop, H McDonald, J Macleod MBE, F Pearson.

Background

In 1993, there was no provision for arts' activities on the Uists. There was also no permanent centre for the North Uist Historical Society to house and display their impressive collection of archival photographs. The Uist Art Association had been growing in strength and agreed to join forces with the Historical Society in the search for premises.

A derelict building in Lochmaddy was identified as an ideal location due to its proximity to the main ferry terminal. A 'listed' three-storey building, it belongs to the North Uist Estate. In 1993 it was leased by the newly formed Taigh Chearsabhagh Trust (Company Limited by Guarantee with Charitable Status) on a 75 year lease. Taigh Chearsabhagh Trust is a partnership between the North Uist Historical Society and the Uist Art Association with directors drawn from both groups. The Trust manages the building premises and employs the staff. The two groups plan the programmes of events, exhibitions and activities in conjunction with the staff.

The building was restored and extended during 1994 and opened to the public in March 1995. This initial project cost £270,000 and was funded through LEADER I, Western Isles Enterprise, The Foundation for Sports and The Arts, and the Western Isles Islands Council (Comhairle Eilean Siar). Private fundraising included a 'Sponser a Tile' scheme whereby the walls of the café were decorated with handpainted tiles each bearing a name or message chosen by the sponser.

In 1997 it was clear that an extension was required to extend the studio and research spaces at Taigh Chearsabhagh. The high visitor numbers, which by 1997 were 23,000, and an expanding range of activities including poetry and music, called for more space. The very popular café was overflowing. In January 2001 Tessa Jackson, Director of the Scottish Arts Council, opened the extension and it is now an airy inviting interior offering wonderful open views of the bay.

The extension project was funded 75% by The Scottish Arts Council National Lottery Fund. The project cost was £550,000 and the other main funder was Western Isles Enterprise.

Philosophy

Mission Statement:
To generate enjoyment, interest and activity in the arts and heritage.
To strive for quality and innovation
To provide a meeting place for people and ideas.

Taigh Chearsabhagh was planned to answer specific needs in the community. The collaboration between the Uist Art Association and the North Uist Historical Society is the key to our approach. Arts and heritage combine to celebrate the distinctive environment of the islands. Taigh Chearsabhagh provides a focus and a meeting place. It is very much rooted in the community. Through all the planning there is an aim to offer an exciting, challenging programme, but one that will remain relevant to the people of Uist.