The Ross of Mull Historical Centre
Ionad Eachdraidh An Rois Mhuilich

The Ross of Mull Historical Centre, Bunessan

Sited on the roadside to the west of the village, in a portakabin, the group was set up in response to worldside demand from those seeking their roots in the Ross of Mull. Being an area from which many have emigrated, willingly or otherwise, throughout the centuries, there are many overseas whose bloodline started in the Ross of Mull and who are now researching their origins, genealogical and historical.

As interest has grown, so the need for a resource in the local community into which information and material from around the world could be placed, so that others could access it, became apparent. From this need, grew the Ross of Mull Historical Centre.

In 1997, a Steering Group was formed and in 1998 the portakabin was made available as a temporary measure until a permanent building could be made available.

In addition to being a resource of received information, the group soon realised that the collection of existing records etc from the area was essential, so that it could make itself a one-stop-shop for information on the Ross.
ROMHC are currently working on the interpretation of all aspects of of the Ross of Mull - genealogical, archaeological, built and social heritage, geology, flora and fauna. By using historical documents, census records, passenger lists, family histories and the physical remains of the many deserted townships on the land, the group can build a picture of life before and during the time of the Clearances which stripped the area of its most valuable asset - the people.
This linking of the people of bygone days to the place, brings the ancestors of those seeking their roots back to life.

The Manager of the centre is Fiona Shannon with Research Assistant Andrea Sayers

The Centre is managed by a team of Directors:
Rosie Burgess (Chair), Neil Cameron (Treasurer), Tania Hunter, Stewart MacDougall, Neil MacCallum, Sandy MacCallum and May MacCallum.
With the help of a grant from the Scottish Land Fund & Community Land Unit we were able to purchase the Old Mill & Cottage, Bunessan in 2001. We are currently seeking further funding to develop this as a permanent home for Ionad Eachdraidh Rois Mhuile. This will be supported by a programme of research - including further study of MoLRS sites on the Ross of Mull.
For the latest information log onto: www.romhc.org.uk

Back to: History of Bunessan