Isle of Eigg History Society

Comunn Eachdraidh Eige, the Isle of Eigg History Society was set up in 1999. The aims of the society are to encourage research into the history of the isle of Eigg, preserving and interpreting that history for islanders and visitors.

The Society's membership consists of both native Gaelic speakers and newcomers who are working together to record the island history and make it accessible to all. The Society's main task is at present to collect, copy and preserve individual photographic collections relating to the island, into a comprehensive Island Archive, cross-referencing it with genealogical data and background details, using census data and oral history recorded from the island's oldest inhabitants.

Whilst the archive is designed for use by the islanders, their families and the descendants of island emigrants, it is also intended to present a comprehensive catalogue of images of island life and built heritage to the visitor.

The society has collected some 850 photographs to date and more are still turning up! These photographs refer to families on the island and include copies of material held in national archives illustrating the changes in the island over the 20th century.

The photograph collection is available for viewing at the library in the Cleadale day-care centre, open every Mondays and Thursdays. It is otherwise necessary to make an appointment with the centre manager, Sheena Kean on 01687 482418.

Membership of the society cost £5 per annum. For more details contact the Society's secretary , Camille Dressler, by emailing her at historysociety@isleofeigg.org