Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has approved a council tax increase of 8.5%, backing away from a proposal to raise bills by 9.5%.

The figure settled on came after an amendment by SNP councillors to limit the increase to 7.5% was defeated, and councillors voted 15 - 13 for the compromise 8.5% increase.

The increase will see the bill for an average band D property set at £1,505.50, up from last year’s bill of £1,387.56.

SNP Councillor Gordon Murray (Steornabhagh a Tuath Ward) has expressed deep disappointment after Comhairle nan Eilean Siar voted to defeat an amendment that would have protected dedicated revenue funding for the Outer Hebrides’ flagship arts, culture and heritage organisations.

The amendment, proposed by Cllr Murray and seconded by SNP Cllr Rae Mackenzie at todays’s budget-setting meeting, sought to reinstate £109,145 of core funding for Hebridean Celtic Festival, Eilean Dorcha Festival, Ceòlas, Fèisean, Taigh Chearsabhagh and An Lanntair, using uncommitted reserves.

Councillor Murray said:“ We had a clear opportunity to create two separate, dedicated funds – one from reserves for immediate core stability and one from the Coastal Communities Fund – which would have given our vital arts organisations the security they need. Instead, we are left with a single competitive pot into which over 30 organisations must now bid. This will be extremely tough for our local groups, many of whom already operate on very tight margins while delivering huge benefits in education, Gaelic, tourism and community wellbeing.

“This outcome is bad for the arts in the Western Isles and creates unnecessary uncertainty at a time when stability is essential.

“I sincerely hope the Comhairle will now prioritise the development of a comprehensive Arts and Culture Strategy for the Outer Hebrides. Such a strategy must properly review and strengthen partnership working with the sector so that we can move beyond short-term, competitive bidding rounds and deliver the long-term support our cultural organisations deserve.”