This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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News arts centre opens in Western Isles
13/02/2006
First Minister Jack McConnell today opened the An Lanntair Arts Centre in Stornoway and described it as an example of how arts can be put 'right at the heart of the community'.
Speaking at the opening of the arts centre - one of the largest ever arts developments in the Highlands and Islands - the First Minister said:
"This new centre can be an example of excellence for the whole of Scotland, not just the Western Isles. It is a tremendous achievement and puts access to the arts at the heart of the island communities.
"Islanders now have a fantastic venue for theatre, music and exhibitions right on their doorstep.
"An Lanntair proves living in remote areas need prove no barrier to enjoying the very best of what British culture has to offer."
During his visit to the Western Isles the First Minister also visited Laxdale Primary School and Lews Castle College to see Gaelic being taught on the first day the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act comes into force. He said:
"Today is also tremendously important for the Gaelic language. The legislation coming into force means the new bòrd can begin spreading the word that Gaelic is a thriving language with a crucial role to play in modern Scotland."
The An Lanntair Arts Centre has been an aspiration for the community since the Western Isles became a unitary authority in 1975. The investment of public funding in the project is testimony to the commitment to the arts and the vision of the funding bodies.
Primary funding has come from the Scottish Arts Council (National Lottery) who has made a £3.2 Million award. Other key partners are Highlands & Islands Special Transitional Programme (ERDF), Western Isles Enterprise and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council). A significant of private funding has also been raised.
Facilities at the centre include:
- Auditorium/Theatre/Cinema - a fully flexible 239 seat performance space for drama, film, dance, musical, ceilidhs, conferences and choral events.
- Art gallery - to accommodate exhibitions of an international standard.
- Education Room
- Community Room Café restaurant & Bar & Shop
- Administration - new office accommodation
- Disabled access - All areas have been designated for disabled access confirming our commitment to Social Inclusion as a policy and a duty.
- External - a new public square and civic space
An Lanntair was established in March 1985. It is a registered charity and the main public arts facility in the Western Isles. Among its many roles it provides a forum for local, national and international arts.
The architects, Nicoll Russell Studios of Dundee, have a portfolio of award winning buildings in Scotland including the Rep Theatre and the White Top Centre, Dundee, and the Byre Theatre in St Andrews. The Contractor was Uist Builders Construction. The vision for the building is that of a lantern (from the Gaelic; An Lanntair), expressed architecturally through the lamp-like feature on the corner.
The Partnership Agreement for a Better Scotland includes a commitment to legislate to provide secure status for the Gaelic language in Scotland and the First Minister launched the consultation paper on the draft Bill at the Royal National Mod in Oban in October 2003. The Gaelic Language (Scotland) Bill completed its passage through the Scottish Parliament in April 2005 and received Royal Assent on June 1, 2005.
The provisions of the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 centre around the creation of a statutory body, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, to promote the use of the Gaelic language in Scotland. The Chair designate of the Bòrd, Matthew MacIver (currently Chief Executive of the General Teaching Council for Scotland) was appointed in December 2005.
The initial statutory task arising for the Bòrd following commencement is the preparation of the National Gaelic Language Plan. The National Plan will set out strategic short, medium and long-term goals for the development of the Gaelic language, not only for the Scottish Executive and Bòrd na Gàidhlig, but for all bodies which can contribute to promoting and supporting the language.