Making arts and leisure facilities accessible to all – every age range, level of aptitude and social grouping – is a challenge that the Arts and Leisure Committee has taken up during 2003/04 by providing community-centred facilities that are mobile, adaptable and above all, meet the needs of the communities they serve.

Key Achievements

• Catering for the educational, recreational, cultural and information needs of remote communities is central to the aims of the Mobile Library Service in the Western Isles. A new van - equipped with IT facilities and a range of books, CD’s, videos and cassettes - was purchased for Harris where the demand for library services is high and consistent. Some 21,000 books were borrowed from the Harris library van alone in 2003/04. This vital service continues to help rural communities maintain their independence and will be extended to include two new vans in 2005.
• Benefiting from a cash injection from the New Opportunities Fund (NOF), the Comhairle was able to support the development of a large number of sports activities and facilities during 2003/04. These included an exciting Out of School Hours Activity Programme aimed at crime prevention and an Active Steps Programme for children under local authority care or supervision.
• Through revenue funding, the Arts and Leisure Committee continued to support the development of key centres of artistic excellence such as Taigh Chearsabhaigh and An Lanntair and to encourage the expansion of pivotal cultural events including the Hebridean Celtic Festival.
• Work on the Harris Leisure Centre was started in 2003 with an opening date set for July 2004. A much-needed resource, the centre was facilitated by the voluntary sector and will be run by the Comhairle for the benefit of the local community

Looking Ahead

The rich cultural resources of the Western Isles are a unique asset. In partnership with other local agencies, the Comhairle will undertake a comprehensive consultation exercise in 2004/05 leading to the development of a Culture Strategy which will inform future investment and stimulate economic opportunities in a sector with great untapped potential. Capital grant support for community arts groups seeking to develop and improve buildings for arts activities, purchase equipment and invest in artwork for public spaces will be introduced in 2004/05.

The opening of the new An Lanntair Arts Centre in June 2005 will signal a new era for the arts in the Western Isles. This first class facility is designed to significantly raise the profile of the arts by developing new talent, promoting the work of established artists and creating a versatile venue where locals and visitors can enjoy a variety of cultural activities. The development is supported by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.

The refurbishment of Stornoway Sports Centre is expected to be completed in 2004/05. The enhanced facility will include a 25m swimming pool, fitness suite, café, crèche and six-court games hall. The Comhairle is also working with schools, sports clubs and community groups to prepare detailed Stage 2 submissions for more NOF funding to extend and develop existing physical education and sports projects across the Western Isles.