A “more imaginative” approach must be taken to fund the arts in the Western Isles in the light of the current funding landscape for the local authority, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar leader Paul Steele has stated.

Mr Steele, in response to An Lanntair’s open letter on the proposed axing of Isles arts support, said funding, especially for revenue items, is and will continue to be “challenging.”

He urged: “It is essential we continue to work collaboratively and positively together to identify additional opportunities to secure funding for our island communities. 

“But the funding position for any sector cannot remain based on the status quo in the light of the known challenges ahead; more imaginative responses are needed in our current environment.”

He also disputed a number of the points raised by arts flagship and questioned An Lanntair’s focus on education, outreach and wellbeing services offered to children and young people. 

He pointed out that An Lanntair had independently developed its own education programme, which had been supported in part through £47.5k from the Comhairle’s Crown Estate funds over the last two financial years.

An Lanntair communicated directly with schools and nurseries, which engaged as they wished. 

“We are not aware of any consultation or engagement with the Comhairle on planning, content, curricular links, timings, etc. 

“I am therefore surprised to see this work so heavily referenced in your letter in relation to the Comhairle’s funding. Given the range of activities highlighted, we would be happy to engage with you on educational provision,” said Mr Steele.

However, the Comhairle Leader did hold out some hope for the arts sector at the council’s forthcoming budget-setting meetings, given that councillors had been made aware of the public response to the budget consultation. 

The meetings at the end of February would consider the utilisation of Crown Estate Funding in 26/27, and this will include options for potential funding of the local creative industries.

Mr Steele noted in his response: “Should Members agree a further year’s funding to the sector, it is likely to be based on a new model, ensuring best value and agreed outcomes for the limited funding available and reflecting previous decisions taken in the Council Chamber.”

In terms of multi-year funding, Mr Steele continued that it is important to observe that Creative Scotland’s current cycle is scheduled to run from April 2025 through March 2028. Many recipients who secure Creative Scotland funding will do so without local authority core funding. 

Although the specific requirements and structure for future funding rounds are not yet clear, the Comhairle remains committed to supporting An Lanntair and other partners in their efforts to secure these vital external bids.

“There is no indication at this stage of the requirements for future multi-year funding or what shape that will take. We will, of course, do our best to support these and other funding bids An Lanntair wishes to make in the coming years,” he reassured.

Regarding questions about the Comhairle’s strategic position, it took issue with An Lanntair, stating the Comhairle has a ten-year Culture and Heritage Strategy, Dualchas do Dhaoine. This was supported by the Comhairle’s Corporate Strategy 2024-2027 and the Outer Hebrides Economic Strategy 2025-2035, all of which “recognise the importance of the creative and cultural industries sector to the islands.”

He commented: “Our dedication to the sector is reflected in our track record: in a strained financial climate, we have facilitated £32.5 million in capital funding for arts and heritage, alongside approximately £1.1 million in revenue and ‘other’ funding distributions over recent years.”

In the future, the Comhairle’s collaborative effort would be concentrated on delivering the benefits of the Islands Growth Deal.

“This includes the £1.55 million capital commitment for An Lanntair’s creative hub and the £300,000 allocated toward the ‘Islands Centre for Creative Ageing’. 

“By focusing on these core workstreams and agreed outcomes, we will continue to prioritise the islands’ cultural vitality while ensuring the best value for limited public funds,” Mr Steele asserted.