The old block at Leverhulme Memorial School is now in the hands of the community and plans are progressing to create much needed local services.

Planned developments include a community café, gym, Post Office, laundrette, charity shop and an exhibition space for the local comunn eachdraidh (historical society).

Leverhulme Community Hub received the keys for the block this week, 100 years after the village of Obbe (An t-Òb) was renamed ‘Leverburgh’ by the industrialist Lord Leverhulme who built the old school building in 1925.

HIE’s investment will help purchase and install commercial laundry equipment, providing a local service and creating an income for the community hub.

The money will also support the group to commission professional services to help get the second phase of the project off the ground. Once developed, the new hub will be used by community groups, clubs and visitors and is expected to create four new jobs. Two part-time staff have been recruited, initially working from home and will move to the hub building when it’s ready. 

Rose Bugler, development manager at HIE’s Outer Hebrides area team, said: “This is a fantastic project by the community of South Harris that will provide a range of benefits to the area for many years. The group’s progress despite the pandemic has been impressive and this new facility will strengthen the community’s resilience. We are very pleased to provide support and look forward to seeing the project take shape.”

Angus Macleod, chairman of Leverhulme Community Hub, said: “The development of Leverhulme Community Hub will contribute substantially to the regeneration of South Harris and beyond. The creation of a multi-purpose facility for use by locals and visitors alike is much needed.

“As the building purchase is complete, it is a timely occasion as we mark 100 years since Leverburgh was re-named by Lord Leverhulme, who built the old school building and many others in the area. We are grateful to HIE for this grant, which has assisted us financially and for the advice we have received from them throughout each stage.”

During the COVID-19 lockdown, a survey took place with members of the public, which found that 98% of residents were in favour of community ownership of the building.

A team of 50 local volunteers have signed up to help with the running of the hub in the future. Local fundraising through quizzes and curry nights for the hub commenced by the steering group in 2016, generating £23,000 to date. Catering equipment has been donated by Macdonald Hotels, The Anchorage Restaurant has donated chairs and tables for the café and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (CnES) has donated gym equipment.

Funding of £49,167 was announced in September by the Scottish Land Fund and enabled the building to be bought by the community following a discounted sale by CnES as well as repair works and a part-time post to advance the work in the months ahead.

It is expected that the first phase of work on the Leverhulme Community Hub (charity shop, gym, laundrette and the Comunn Eachdraidh - Historical Society) will commence later this month (December) with a view to opening in spring 2021.