Consultation on proposed Centre for Gaelic language, music and dance for South Uist All readers are invited to contribute to the public consultation through an online survey. [If the link does not work, please paste; http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/W59F2X6 into your address bar.]
Consultations
Given the nature of the project, many of the conversations to date have been on a confidential basis and at this stage it is probably not appropriate to provide full details in writing. I propose to visit South Uist again in
October and give a full update then. Nevertheless I can report that in recent weeks we have had substantive
conversations with a range of key stakeholders, including:
• Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
• Creative Scotland
• Education Scotland
• General Teaching Council of Scotland
• Highlands and Islands Enterprise
• Pròiseact nan Ealan
• Scottish Government
• Stòras Uibhist
• UNESCO
• University of Edinburgh
• University of the Highlands and Islands (many constituents)
• University of Strathclyde
• VisitScotland
We have also been speaking to a range of stakeholders involved in archaeology, archives, genealogy, family
history tourism, teacher training and heritage craft trails. There is a number of additional leads to follow up
and this may involve visits to Lewis and Skye. Tomorrow I have telephone conversations scheduled with
senior people at Bòrd na Gàidhlig and UHI and on Friday will be in Glasgow.
Design
A stunning design is emerging, which we can present next month, based on the large ‘broch’ concept
suggested in Daliburgh. We have conducted an assessment of the 12 different sites proposed and the site to
the north of Loch nan Geadh (57” 9’ 54.71° N 7” 21’ 18.65° W) remains the most compelling. Following
discussions with the township clerk and Stòras Uibhist, it is highly likely that the land would be made
available (subject to the necessary consents) on a leasehold basis. This arrangement of course has significant
implications for the business plan, which includes management and ownership options, which we are
investigating.] Engineers (acoustic and structural) have all been involved. The problem of acoustics in a
circular space appears to have been solved. We have discussed requirements with potential partners/tenants,
drawn on international best practice and also taken account of the spaces used by Ceòlas for its summer
school. The basic requirements include provision for a range of activities (including music and language
teaching, teacher training, performance space primarily for music and dance with outstanding acoustics,
flexible exhibition space with controlled lighting for visual art and archaeology, recording studios, archives
and genealogy research, good café and bar). The main entrance has been positioned to take account of the
prevailing winds. The build cost is likely to be in the range of three to five million pounds.
DUNIRA STRATEGY
Sustainable Business Solutions in Tourism
1216 Ceòlas Update 110928 2 © Dunira Strategy 2011
It is likely that there would be parallel proposals to subsequently bring the old school houses in Daliburgh
and Lochboisdale back into use to provide accommodation for visitors and staff. It is intended that (ideally)
the Centre would open in the Summer of 2014 with partner academic institutions starting to market new
courses and major orchestras etc being booked from 2013.
Research
Surveys conducted with Ceòlas participants, Uist residents and teaching authorities continue to show strong
support for the project and will provide a strong case for public funding.
We have also conducted research into autochthonous languages, including economic/social benefits, support
from government policies, and whether maintenance of these cultures is associated with certain cultural
centres or institutions. Through a series of case studies we have also researched the sustainability and
viability of centres which support autochthonous languages and culture. Finally we have researched whether
the promotion of Scots Gaelic culture and Scottish Studies in Scotland has the support of all the relevant
agencies and institutions, as well as the host community.
In order to make the case for public funding, we can provide evidence that:
(i) The promotion/protection of autochthonous languages and culture produces positive social and
economic benefits. (Do they create local jobs for local people and reduce migration?)
(ii) Associated cultural centres and institutions associated are sustainable and viable. (What do they do?
What are the criteria for success – and failure?)
(iii)The promotion of Scots Gaelic culture and Scottish studies in Scotland has the support of all the
relevant agencies and institutions, as well as the host community – and that the establishment of a
Centre for Gaelic language, music and dance on South Uist would extend (without undermining)
existing provision in Scotland and is in line with Scottish legislation and the priorities of the Scottish
Government and its agencies.
We will present our conclusions next month.
Feasibility Study
A range of options is being investigated, which will ultimately become the business plan. As agreed with the
Board, an appropriate and optimum mix of activities will be identified that maximises revenue opportunities,
whilst minimising risk.
Supported by appendices with case studies and market research data, the business plan will comprise three
key elements and address the following questions:
(a) What will the Centre be/do? (Activities, markets, organisation, partnerships, access/transport, etc)
(b) How will it be built? (Design, capital requirements and sources, fundraising, timetable, permissions)
(c) How will it be maintained? (Revenue streams, growth, new markets, human resources, operating
budgets, alternative uses, risk management)
There are three significant risks, all of which we believe can be mitigated:
(i) The introduction of a large number of visitors (American tourists and Scottish non-Gaelic teachers)
will undermine and potentially destroy Gaelic in its last purest stronghold, delivering an outcome
that is in direct opposition to that intended.
(ii) Other institutions will challenge the proposal, claiming precedence.
(iii)Political support and funding will not be secured quickly enough to proceed in the current Parliament
– under a Nationalist administration
