Taigh Dhonnchaidh

Taigh Dhonnchaidh is a centre of music and arts based in Ness and is run by a committee and a group of local volunteers who work year-round to provide musical and cultural opportunities to the youth of the district and beyond.

Taigh Dhonnchaidh at 44 Habost was gifted to Comunn Eachdraidh Nis in 1997 by Duncan ‘Major’ Morrison who was well known to generations  of islanders as an itinerant music teacher in Lewis schools. Taigh Dhonnchaidh was one of the first ‘white houses’ in Ness, dating back to the middle of the 19th century. Duncan, who was a Freeman of the Western Isles, died in Stornoway at the age of 92 on 21 April 1998.

In 1999 Taigh Dhonnchaidh was renovated and converted into a Gaelic arts and music centre, with a strong focus on traditional elements of our culture. The new arts centre was officially opened on 24 July 2000.

Each Easter the venue hosts a ‘fèis’ - a Gaelic music and cultural festival - offering tuition in instrumental music, as well as Gaelic singing, drama and art. Instrumental classes also run throughout the school session.

In addition, various ceilidhs, storytelling evenings and other community events are held throughout the year and the premises is also the base for the Ness Melodeon Band.