Archives Service for the Western Isles

Funding for a new Archives Service for the Western Isles was announced this week.

The three year project was has received significant support from the European Regional Development Fund, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Comunn na Gàidhlig and is the result of over a year of consultation and research by the Comhairle with a wide range of heritage partners across the Western Isles, and national partners.

A report commissioned by the Comhairle by the University of Dundee Western Isles Archives and Records Study (2009) was instrumental in helping to identify priorities and develop the vision.

A number of academic historians also helped and encouraged the Comhairle. Visits to Archives in other areas of Scotland defined good practice, and the views of local heritage partners were crucial to developing a model that would be relevant and inclusive to the Outer Hebrides.

The new Archives service will support the preservation, awareness and access to the archive collections in the Outer Hebrides by increasing the level of professional support and advice available to public agencies.

It will build on the richness of local archive collections, and promote the Gaelic language, culture and heritage of the Western Isles.

The ground breaking project represents a significant opportunity to develop a Hebridean Archives brand which will be a catalyst for cultural and ancestral tourism and academic research, generating economic growth and employment opportunities.

A team of three new staff will be employed to deliver the project from April 2010. A Project manager, an experienced archivist, will be supported by a Gaelic speaking trainee Archivist (partly funded through Comunn na Gàidhlig’s Graduate Placement Scheme) and a project assistant.

The team will be based initially at Stornoway Library.

The Comhairle has also applied for Heritage Lottery Funding to create a new archive repository and search room as part of the redevelopment of Lews Castle.

Council leader Angus Campbell said:

“It is great news that the Comhairle has reached its aspiration of having a professional Archive Service.

Thanks go to those that have helped us reach our goal.

This will consolidate Hebridean Culture and Heritage across all our communities and also have a tangible economic benefit in these Islands”.

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