About

Pictured below are some of the first committee who had the foresight to establish the Comunn Eachdraidh in 1983.
Pictured above are some of the first committee who had the foresight to establish the Comunn Eachdraidh in 1983.
Princess Anne was presented with a length of Harris Tweed from the Stornoway mill by Margaret MacLeod, a former Kinloch Historical Society secretary.
Princess Anne was presented with a length of Harris Tweed from the Stornoway mill by Margaret MacLeod, a former Kinloch Historical Society secretary, as a symbol of gratitude for taking the time to join the Kinloch community in their celebrations.
Princess Anne2
Princess Anne accompanied by Lord Lieutenant Donald Martin is welcomed to Kinloch by Kinloch Historical society members, Kenneth R Mackay, Sandra Macdonald and Joan Macinnes
Kinloch Historical Society (KHS) was formed on 6th December 1983 to promote the heritage and genealogy of the Kinloch area. A dedicated group of volunteers then began to collect and document information on the history, culture and oral traditions of the Kinloch community.

KHS is now situated in the old school at Balallan which has been developed as a community hub and offers a wide range of services. Among these are two museum rooms, an archive, a heritage store and workshop, conference space, and a launderette.

The old schoolhouse has been developed with five office spaces which can be leased. Also, on the site is a new purpose- built building which houses the Charity Shop.

The school which was first used in 1879 has been redeveloped to suit present day needs and as such is the principal meeting place at the heart of the community.

The Society publishes books which are significant to the history, heritage & culture of the area.   These include a comprehensive genealogical record of the Kinloch area dating from the 1790’s, entitled Gleanings.  Sadly, this is now out of print, but is available for purchase as a PDF copy.  We produce a bi-annual magazine – Dioghlum.  This has been published continuously since 1993. 

We work in partnership with Universities and other bodies on specific projects. Presently we are involved on the Clan Mackenzie/Seaforths Project with Clan Mackenzie, UHI and the Royal Regiment of Scotland. This involves researching the history of the Mackenzie’s who came to Lewis in 1610 and shortly afterwards established a stronghold in our locality at Loch Seaforth – and thereafter created the Seaforth Regiment.

Royal Opening

The Kinloch Community Hub, managed by the Kinloch Historical Society, was formally opened by HRH the Princess Royal on Wednesday 2nd October 2019. The hub not only caters for the local community but is also a unique visitor attraction in its own right as it houses the Historical Societies Museum and Archive, launderette, Charity Shop and Meeting Space.

The project was part-funded by:

Current Committee

Chairperson: Iain Martin

Vice Chairperson: Magaidh Smith

Secretary: Kara Smith

Treasurer: Sandra Macdonald

Assistant Treasurer: Adele Wright

Minute Secretary: Jan Gold

Committee Member: Joan Macdonald

Committee Member: K. H. Macaulay

Committee Member: Joan Macinnes

Committee Member: Donna Graysmith

Committee Member: Juliette Desportes

Committee Member: Annie Macdonald

Co-opted Member: David Maciver

Co-opted Member: Donald Macaulay

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