Established in 1998, the company’s original aim was to set up a weekly community newspaper in the Isle of Lewis.  The publication, Fios – The North Lewis Weekly (ISSN 1466-2086), offered the latest news, articles, regular features, as well as private and commercial advertising, and proved to be extremely popular within the circulation area.  A web version of Fios was also produced.   On completion of a scheduled two-year publication run the publishers accepted that the newspaper’s ‘community’ identity offered limited scope for growth.  Fios ceased production on 29 December 2000 with Issue 99.

Throughout this period Cuan Ard Press was busily developing other media interests: In 1999 Cuan Ard was instrumental in delivering a pioneering Gaelic web channel - Reidio.Com - on behalf of sponsor client, Iomairt Nis Ltd.  The twelve-month pilot project, funded by Comataidh Craolaidh Gaidhlig (CCG), provided a global web ‘audience’ with the latest news and events from the Western Isles.  The Reidio.Com web channel featured bi-lingual text, superb colour photography and was supported by high-quality Real Audio sound commentary in Gaelic.  The success of this innovative Gaelic web led to a second tranche of project funding from CCG, Western Isles Enterprise and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, which supported Reidio.Com for a further year.  The site is currently updated on an occasional basis as the phase II funding package for the project was formally concluded on 30 June 2001.

Cuan Ard Press has also successfully delivered client-focussed surveys and compiled associated databases.  Survey programmes have included: investigating the availability of rural accommodation, assessing the local skills base and examining levels of tourism.

The company has built on its experience in publishing and is able to offer a wide range of media and print services.  These include: producing leaflets & ‘special interest’ newsletters, designing & printing video case covers, web publishing, advertising, high quality Gaelic translation service, press releases, booklets, promotional material, photographic prints, digital images…….