Grimsay Community Association (GCA) began in 1999 as a way for islanders to discuss local issues and to develop projects to improve amenities and daily life. During our first 15 years, the GCA:
– initiated the Grimsay Boat Project which celebrated the unique Grimsay workboat through the Grimsay Boat Days (1999-2011), and created an archive on the boats;
– supported the founding of the Grimsay Boatshed Trust (2001-present) which preserves the Stewart boatbuilding tradition and maintains the local fishing fleet;
– led the community buy-out and renovation of the Heisgeir Schoolhouse (Monach Isles, 2005-present);
– organised many enjoyable community events from luncheons to ceilidhs – Grimsay’s concerts of traditional Gaelic music and song are well-known in the Uists;
– the GCA continues to be an ongoing forum to address issues of island life including water quality, connectivity and development.
You can support us by becoming a Member or Friend. To join us you can download a membership form.
In 2014, the GCA was able to acquire the former Grimsay Free Church and employ staff. We also acquired the former Manse in 2016, which is being redeveloped as the Grimsay Boat Haven and new spaces for our activities, to open in spring 2020. Now known as Ceann na h-Àirigh, we are growing and expanding to become a lively and useful Centre serving islanders and visitors alike.
The GCA is constituted as a SCIO, and purchased the former Free Church and Manse on behalf of the community with support from the Scottish Land Fund. Renovation of Ceann na h-Àirigh and our heritage and growing programmes have been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Big Lottery Fund, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Community Capital Grants Fund and Stòras Uibhist’s Sealladh na Beinne Mòire Community Fund. Redevelopment of the Manse and the Grimsay Boat Haven were supported by the Outer Hebrides LEADER programme, The Robertson Trust and the generosity of many private and business donors. Grimsay Community Association is a registered charity (SCO45009).