Family centre handover marks a new era for community wellbeing in the Western Isles
Published on 3 October 2025 1 minute read
A new facility supporting the wellbeing of people of all ages in the Western Isles is celebrating a major step towards opening its doors to the community.
Martin's Memorial Church and Stornoway-based charity The Shed Project are delighted to announce the official handover of The Barn Family Centre by O'Mac Construction — a major milestone towards strengthening family and community support across the Western Isles.
The refurbished centre, located in the heart of Stornoway, has been purpose-designed to meet the growing needs of families, young people, and community members navigating hardship, isolation, or recovery, and includes dedicated spaces for one-to-one support, group work, counselling, and a café-style welcome area.
The new facility has been created by O'Mac Construction in partnership with local Church of Scotland congregation Martin's Memorial Church.
Exceeding expectations
"We have been blown away by the professionalism, attention to detail, and heart that O'Mac and our wider build team have brought to this project," Rev. Tommy MacNeil of Martin's Memorial Church said.
"Their work has exceeded all expectations, and we are so thankful for what they've helped us create."
Claire Smith, chair of The Shed Project, which provides youth, schools, family and recovery support services across the Western Isles, commented: "The opening of The Barn Family Centre heralds a new era in the development of The Shed Project, deepening our work with families and expanding our reach across the island communities.
"We are truly excited for what this space will make possible."
In celebration of the handover, The Shed hosted a Barn Business Dinner at Lews Castle with one of Scotland's best-known business figures, Stagecoach co-founder Sir Brian Souter, as keynote speaker. Local business leaders were invited to explore how they can sponsor and partner with The Barn in future. Businesses, groups, and individuals interested in learning more about its work and how to get involved are invited to book a private tour of the centre by contacting Barn manager Christeen MacDonald at christeen@theshedproject.org.uk
An official community launch event will be announced shortly.