Swinney announces funding for Gaelic culture projects during Western Isles visit

Funding to support Gaelic culture in island communities has been announced by John Swinney.

The First Minister arrived in Lewis on Thursday evening before undertaking engagements on Friday, and is due to travel to North and South Uist on Saturday.

He says the North Uist Historical Society’s renovation of Carinish Old School will receive £360,000 from the Scottish Government.

The funding will create two exhibition spaces and the extension of the collections resource centre.

The nearby heritage centre will then offer the chance to see artefact collections, research facilities, and offer Gaelic learning.

An additional £200,000 will help deliver the second phase of work at Cnoc Soilleir, a centre for traditional culture and arts in South Uist.

The First Minister said: “Safeguarding the Gaelic language, preserving local heritage and giving culture the chance to flourish are all central to the future success of Scotland’s remarkable islands.

“Our investments in Carinish Old School and Cnoc Soilleir underline the Scottish Government’s commitment to Gaelic and the communities to which it gives life.

“Projects like North Uist Historical Society’s renovation of Carinish Old School are key not only to the language’s revitalisation, but to the growth of rural island economies.

“We see this happening across the islands, local people coming together to preserve historical assets and bring them back into use – we need to do what we can to support their efforts.

“I am greatly looking forward to returning to Cnoc Soilleir to see the progress since my last visit.

“It is one of the recognised Gaelic success stories of recent times, providing in South Uist a guiding light for traditional culture and arts.

“It draws in people from the local community, but also visitors from elsewhere, perfectly illustrating the close connection between Gaelic revival and economic growth.”