Substantial progress has been made in developing a Bairns Hoose at Taigh Sgire Sholais, with an opening date slated later this year, councillors will hear next week.

The South Uist development will act as the main hub of the pioneering child protection and support Bairns’ Hoose project, a report coming before Tuesday’s Education and Children’s Services Committee states.

Based on the Icelandic Barnahus model, the Western Isles are one of six Scottish pilot areas testing what is regarded as a major development in child welfare services. The Bairns’ Hoose is designed to provide a safe, trauma‑informed environment for children who are victims or witnesses of abuse, or whose behaviour has caused harm.

As the main hub outside Stornoway, the Bairns’ Hoose development at Taigh Sgire Sholais, officially called Rowantree House, will provide island-wide support. It will be equipped with soft furnishings and video support to liaise with Courts and conduct Scottish Child Interview Model (SCIM) interviews. 

A multi-agency project, the Bairns’ Hoose project, headquartered in Stornoway Library,  is currently fully funded by the Scottish Government and aims to integrate health, justice, and child protection services in a way that is “person-centred v process driven”.

With much of the work involved in launching completed, the focus is now switching to securing long-term financing.

The Comhairle is currently applying for funding for the 2026/27 financial year, which marks the final year of the Scottish Government grant. Ongoing discussions are taking place regarding the “sustainability of such Pathfinders projects in the longer term” to ensure An Taigh-Sholais remains a fixture in the community beyond 2027.

A formal launch and Open Day featuring drop-in sessions for staff and elected members are expected once the full build is complete.