An Tobar began life as a concept in 1993 when a group of local people formed a steering group to investigate the possibilities of raising the necessary finance to rescue the derelict old school which had closed in 1976.

Led by Mary Norton Sherbatskoy, the steering group were successful in their aims and, with support from various funders, including becoming the first arts project in Scotland to receive support from the National Lottery, the work commenced in 1995.
 

Renovation

The renovation was carried out in two stages, first making the building wind and watertight and then transforming the interior.
 

Architects & Contractors 

The building work was supervised by architect John Renshaw and carried out to a very high standard by local contractors Norman MacDonald Ltd whose workforce included many ex-pupils of the school.