Double Tourism Award for Tigh Iseabal Dhaid

December 2003

There was much to celebrate at the Comann Eachdraidh’s annual Holly Tea on Saturday 13 December 2003 as Tigh Iseabal Dhaid – the historical Society’s reconstructed crofter’s cottage – had won the Best Place to Visit and the Overall Winner of the UKFX Tourism Awards 2003. And the two smart plaques were there for all to see. 

The fact that the Cottage in its first year of operation saw off attractions from all over Scotland was a remarkable tribute to the hard work of many islanders, much of it voluntary, who with the help of the Nadair Trust laboured and fund raised as never before in the island’s history. Sponsored by UKFX, specialists in foreign currency services, and Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs Tourist Board, the awards are based on visitor votes followed by a stringent judging process. Which has all been a great boost to Lismore and to all involved in the next ambitious stage of the project which hopes to see a Museum and Cultural Centre with restaurant on nearby land which, like the cottage site, was gifted by the MaGregor family.

Donald Black, Margaret MacDonald, two founders of the Society, and Nadair Coordinator Tony Perkins received the award on behalf of the Society at a ceremony at Duck Bay Marina, Loch Lomond in early December. With Lismore having such a small population it had not been easy keeping the cottage attended throughout the season but by slightly shortening the opening hours the first year has welcomed over a thousand visitors including nine visits from the luxury cruiser the Hebridean Princess. Visitors pay £2 which includes tea or coffee plus entry to the genealogical and archive material which, until the centre is completed, is housed 2 miles away in the old school house at Achnacroich where the Oban ferry docks. 

Tigh Iseabal is a healthy walk (2-3 miles) from the Appin ferry but the best way to see Lismore is on bikes which can be hired in Lismore in advance or Appin on the day. (For details click here). 

     Donald Black at the opening                                                                    Katie MacGregor cuts the ribbon 

Any readers wishing to support the Museum and Cultural Centre fund should contact Tony Perkins, Port Ramsey Isle of Lismore.