Talla na Mara Update
More than four years after the first plans and artist’s impressions were drawn, the new Community Enterprise at Niseaboist opened in 2017 and has since enjoyed a successful two years of events, weddings, food and drink, camping and community projects.
The Timeline
April 2012
The Trust conducted a Community Survey and identified the following issues:
- Limited employment opportunities
- Lack of community meeting point
- Isolation of people within their own community
- Closure / distance from services / facilities
- Decline of traditional communal working practices
- The Trust’s need for sustainable revenue income streams
September 2012
Following a feasibility study and further Community Consultation, the Trust appointed Rural Design Architects to design a Community Enterprise Centre at Rubha Romagaidh, Horgabost. Their brief was to meet the community’s needs by designing an outstanding multi-purpose centre incorporating first class community, business and visitor facilities.
November 2012
The community approved Rural Design’s proposal which included:
- Four light industrial Units to be leased to creative and craft industries.
- A room available to let as a meeting room or a therapy / treatment room.
- One 21m² office for use by the WHT and one 15m² office available to let.
- A Gallery area to showcase local artists work or as a public exhibition space.
- Commercial kitchen and half of the multi-use community space available to a tenant for use as a restaurant.
- Community space for performances and events, community use and private functions including weddings and conferences.
- Three campervan hook ups
April 2014
A funding package was secured for the project from the Scottish Government, The Big Lottery Fund, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Coastal Communities Fund, the Robertson Trust, Scottish Hydro Electric Community Trust and the West Harris Trust in kind contribution.
May 2015
Trust Directors and contractors John Murray and Company marked the official build start date with a Turf Cutting Ceremony.
March 2016
Alex Passmore from Leverhulme Memorial School won the name the Community Centre Competition and the building was officially renamed Talla na mara.
September 2016
Our new 100kW Xant wind turbine was erected on the ridge behind the development. The turbine will provide electricity for the new community centre and the six HHP houses on the site. It will also heat the hot water to heat Talla na Mara and excess energy will be available for Electric Vehicle owners to charge their cars.
March 2017
Talla na Mara is officially open! We welcome friends, neighbours and visitors from near and far to our brand new Community Enterprise Centre. For regular updates regarding events and exhibitions please visit our Facebook page.