PRESENT: D.Murray; R.Murray; A.Murray; R.MacLeod; M.Murray; A.MacKenzie; A.M .Henderson. 

APOLOGIES : A.A. Smith; S. MacIver; DJ MacRitchie; A. Macleod.   

CHAIR : D.Murray

1.                 Note of the Last Meeting  

The Note of the last meeting was approved. 

2.                 Matters Arising

2.1             CED

Most of the books had now been sold.

2.2      Web Site

Guest page: the archive had been retrieved and could be viewed.

2.3     Painting

CnES had forwarded the cheque for the above work.

2.4      Photograph

Person in the photo had been identified as Catherine MacDonald, daughter of Donald Macdonald. 

          Tolsta Township 

Continually being flagged up as a worthwhile project for the Society.

Extensive editing work and additional (new) information required before publishing. Admittedly an onerous project, but it was agreed that it was one that the Society should pursue. 

2.5      New Year Ceilidh

The Ceilidh was very successful and was reported on in Seanchas, which was now in the shops. Grateful thanks was expressed to Pròiseact nan Ealan for their help in organising the event and providing the artistes. A thanks would be put in the Stornoway Gazette. The Ceilidh was well attended, although there was not a great turnout from the village. A considerable amount of funding was raised on the night, with subsequent additional donations from individuals and grant aid from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. Young Historians filmed the Ceilidh, but not for showing in public (copyright, etc.)       

2.6      Photocopier

It was now working.

2.7      Computers

The Anti-Virus was updated

3.       Correspondence

HI-ARTS would publicise local events/ceilidhs, etc

Blue Heron Marketing (Karen MacDonald) had forwarded some promotional material from her company. She may be a useful contact, depending on the nature of future Society projects.

4        Young Historians

D. Murray would e-mail the latest Progress Report to A.Murray for forwarding to BNSF.

5.       Bàrdachd Project

A. Murray had submitted the application to Gaelic in the Community; early feedback positive. Project may also attract funding from the Comhairle.  A. Murray to draft job description for the post. D.Murray to forward further quotes to A.Murray for forwarding to CnAG/Gaelic in the Community.

6.       AGM

It would be held in the Tigh Ceilidh on 25 February 2004 at 7.30pm. (Subsequently postponed due to the death of John MacDonald (Iain Choinnich); AGM held on 1 March 2004).

7.         Genealogy  

Bill Lawson would give a talk on Friday, 12 March 2004, and the Community Hall would be booked for the purpose. Tea/Coffee would be provided.

7.1      Family Histories

Work was ongoing.

8.       Caidreachas Eachdraidh

D.Murray attended the AGM; no change to office bearers.  The Caidreachas discussed the possibility of securing funding (LEADER+) for a development officer to work on its behalf.

9.       Seanchas

400 copies were now being printed in line with increased demand; the Printers had been paid.

10.     Finance

No financial statement available on the evening of the meeting.

11.     Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting would be the AGM.