Comunn Eachdraidh Nis

About the museum

Comunn Eachdraidh Nis, the Ness Historical Society, was constituted in 1977 as the first historical society in the Western Isles. Its aim is to record, preserve and promote the history, language and culture of North Lewis, from the Butt of Lewis to Ballantrushal, and it has built up a local history archive over nearly 50 years.

The society is based in Sgoil Chrois, the former Cross School at North Dell, whose buildings it now owns. After the school closed in 2011 the premises became a museum, archive, cafe and gift shop, and a gallery space hosts exhibitions throughout the year. The museum is accredited and is run by the society as a registered charity.

The museum is organised in sections that cover crofting, fishing and weaving, the Butt of Lewis lighthouse, the Rona Cross, the Decca Station, the two World Wars and local businesses. Visitors can also use the cafe for coffee and home-made lunches, browse the gift shop, and ask about family history in the archive, which is open by appointment. The society offers activities for people of all ages and runs initiatives such as an accessible transport scheme and an electric vehicle charger.

Highlights

• Museum sections on crofting, fishing and weaving
• Butt of Lewis lighthouse and the Decca Station
• The World Wars and local businesses
• Local history archive (by appointment)
• Cafe with home baking and gift shop

Founded

1992

Operated by

Comunn Eachdraidh Nis (Ness Historical Society)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Museum entry is free; donations are welcome. Groups of 10 or more should contact the society in advance.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

There is accessible parking at the front and side of the building. The accessible toilet has a baby changing station. Only assistance dogs may enter the building; picnic benches at the front and rear allow visitors to eat outside with their dogs. The society also runs an accessible transport initiative.

Kids & families

• Baby changing facilities

The accessible toilet has a baby changing station.

Getting there & parking

An electric vehicle charger is available at the centre.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

Cafe serving coffee and home-made lunches, and a gift shop. Free Wi-Fi is available.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit