Comhairle nan Eilean Siar - �101,211
Partners: Sgeulachdan, Proiseact nan Ealan, Western Isles Health Board, Lews Castle Colleges/University of the Highlands and Islands Millenium Trust, Seirbhis Arc-e�las nan Eilean Siar, Western Isles Enteprise, Western Isles Tourist Board.
The purpose of the LINKS project is expressed in the vision statement below:
�to extend museum audiences and to promote access to, and involvement in, the indigenous cultural heritage of the Western Isles through the development of new partnerships in the community.�
The project is bringing together Museum nan Eilean, Comainn Eachdraidh (historical societies) and other relevant community groups, Lews Castle College/UHI � Millennium Institute and other relevant agencies dealing with the cultural heritage of the Western Isles. The emerging partnership is creating a new, co-ordinated strategy for the collection, preservation and interpretation of this heritage. Most importantly this will build improved access for users and non-users alike and in turn leading to increased audiences. Gaelic and the distinctive Gaelic identity of the islands will be at the core of the work.
The Comainn Eachdraidh (Historical Societies) play a particular part in the collection, preservation and interpretation of the Western Isles, there are twenty three such groups. All, even the largest rely entirely on voluntary effort from their members who are drawn from the local community. Collectively they possess a rich historical resource and all the strengths and the weaknesses of voluntary organisations. Their potential to make a significant contribution to cultural tourism, the sustainability of local communities, local identity and lifelong learning cannot be understated.
The project will bring a collective voice, based on common standards and shared responsibilities, to these voluntary organisations. A support network will be created for sharing knowledge and skills, a strategic basis for funding will be developed and standards of collections care and management will be raised.
The project is also developing education, access and inclusion policies for the Museum and the Comainn Eachdraidh so that audience development will be a realistic and significant outcome of the research work currently underway.
A programme of Gaelic research is currently underway so that the project can be underpinned by bi-lingual interpretation and access.
A major conference is being planned for April 2005 to promote networking, share best practice and encourage commitment to new ways of working. Further details of the conference will be available in January.
Contact: Mr Richard Langhorne, Curator, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Tel: 01851 709305
Last updated 02/12/04
