Crown Estate could plug culture funding gap in Western Isles

A report to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Sustainable Development Committee confirmed a temporary funding arrangement worth £110,000 for flagship cultural venues and events in the area - including HebCelt and An Lanntair in Stornoway - would come to an end in this financial year.

However, it said the council should consider looking for other sources of funds, citing "disappointment and concern" in the sector over the cuts.

The report, compiled by the council’s chief officer for economic and community regeneration, said in the absence of any available funds from the Gaelic or heritage budget, “the main option would appear to be continued allocation of Crown Estate funding”.

Crown Estate Scotland provides funding to the council from revenue generated by local marine assets within 12 nautical miles from the coastline to support community projects that promote sustainable development, local regeneration, and wealth building.

Last month, arts centre An Lanntair in Stornoway warned services provided by it and others arts organisations in the area were at risk if Comhairle nan Eilean Siar proposals to entirely axe arts funding from its budget go through.

An Lanntair in Stornoway, which has been running for 40 years and hosts Lewis’ only cinema, said the cuts would “inevitably” force An Lanntair to increase prices, warning the financial impact “will be felt widely and deeply” across the island.

The council is currently consulting on its Budget plans, which propose to sever arts funding entirely. This decision follows the local authority’s withdrawal of core arts funding two years ago, which was replaced by a short-term, temporary scheme intended to bridge the gap.

The temporary arrangement, which gave An Lanntair alone £47,500 a year in funding, is also now due to come to an end, with the result a removal of all secured local authority annual investment in the islands’ arts sector.

The report said: "The close of this financial year will see the conclusion of arrangements for c£110k of funding for the creative and cultural industries in the Outer Hebrides.

“Officers have sought to keep external organisations aware of the Comhairle’s funding position. Nonetheless, there is disappointment and concern regarding cessation of Comhairle funding for the sector, and it is anticipated there will be approaches to members from a number of organisations seeking to make the case for continued revenue funding.”

It added: “In the absence of any core economic development, Gaelic or Heritage budgets available for this, the main option would appear to be continued allocation of Crown Estate funding, which will need to be considered by members as part of the wider strategy and requirement for use of these funds.”

Ana Parrodi, an artist who has previously exhibited at An Lanntair, said the cuts would be “a serious cultural loss”.

She said: “The defunding of An Lanntair would represent a serious cultural loss. Its role in supporting artists, nurturing meaningful engagement with the Hebridean landscape and maintaining spaces where Gaelic, material culture and contemporary practice can coexist is invaluable.”

Sean Paul O’Hare, chief executive of An Lanntair, said:“The withdrawal of £47,500 of core funding is not an abstract saving — it has real consequences for education delivery, support for young people, and our ability to sustain programmes that help learners meet national curriculum outcomes. At the same time, we are being asked to compete nationally for future funding without the local authority support that many other organisations rely on. That combination puts years of work, and real opportunities for young people in the islands, at risk.”