Easdale Island Community Hall on Easdale Island was renovated in May 2003 and was the first project undertaken by Eilean Eisdeal, the Easdale Island Community Development Group. It has been host to many different events and in addition to being a community and arts centre, the hall is available to hire for functions, conferences, seminars and workshops.

The Hall was built in 1871 as a drill hall for the island’s volunteer force with a 7 metre high central column supporting a pyramidal roof. The column is formed from a ships mast, generally agreed to be from the 630 ton sailing ship Norval which was carrying wood from Montreal to Glasgow and sank nearby in 1870. The massive rafters are supported by eight heavy struts which radiate from the central column like the spokes of an umbrella. The instant impression of this intricate timberwork is one of eternal harmony with the island and its history and the hall is now a spectacular mix of the traditional and the modern.

Music has always featured highly, with visits from Bert Jansch, The Waterboys, Lau, Dougie MacLean, Karine Polwart, Blazin Fiddles, Tam White, Dick Gaughan, Shooglenifty, Kan, Michael Marra, Mystery Juice, Sheelanagig, Roddy Woomble, King Creosote & Jon Hopkins, Southern Tenant Folk Union, Robin Williamson, John Renbourn and Wizz Jones to name a few, plus the usual ceilidhs and island concerts. Theatre has been provided by Traverse, Mull Theatre, Rapture, Mike Maran Productions plus various puppet theatre groups and not forgetting our own New Year Panto.

“The Hall itself is magical. From the first sighting of its pyramid roof and arced frontispiece across the water to stepping off its stage at the end of the concert, it cast a spell on us. A very special place to play.” Mike Scott, The Waterboys