Old Lochmaddy School is gearing up for the coming year with a series of changes to encourage both visitors and to fully utilise and enjoy the facility.
Redecoration and reworking of public areas are underway to brighten up the former school, including the entrance area, community room, and mezzanine floor.
Meanwhile, the flagship Àrainneachd Àlainn environmental exhibition, which highlights the geology, geography and wildlife habitats of the islands, will be supplemented with a new display on woodland regeneration, prepared with the assistance of the local arm of the Woodland Trust.
Work is also underway on a new compilation of information to be displayed outside the main exhibition area, focusing on research being conducted onshore and offshore around the islands.
Jean Archer, Chair of North Uist Development Company, which operates Old Lochmaddy School, said she is sure that the community as well as tourists will benefit from the changes.
“With so many people enjoying visits, and often re-visits, to the main exhibition we’re working hard to get everything ready for the exhibition reopening, including preparing a new guide.
“We’re also looking at ways to promote local use of other facilities in the building, such as the community room, office space, and garden, because the old school is a wonderful resource to have in the community.
“We’d like to thank the many volunteers who help keep the show on the road, the businesses who have donated towards the maintenance of the old school, those who have made use of the facility, and of course everyone who has visited the exhibition or attended an event or talk.”
Potential speakers for a new series of talks have been approached, following on from last year’s programme, which included researcher Dr Will Smith discussing rock dove genetics, detectorist Donald McPhee sharing his remarkable finds from around the islands, and artist Miranda Forrest showing how natural minerals can be used to make colour wash and pottery glazes.
Groups or individuals can email exhibition@isleofnorthuist.com to find out about hiring the community room or the rental of a private office within Old Lochmaddy School.
