The Council has used its powers under the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 as amended to make the following changes: 1) The Council's name ceases to be the Western Isles Council and becomes - Comhairle nan Eilean Siar 2) The administrative name of the area ceases to be the Western Isles and becomes - Na h-Eileanan an Iar These changes take effect from and including 1 January 1998. Otherwise, all contact details remain the same.