Arts diary: How funding decisions can bring disaster - or a Gaelic horror video game set in a seaside chippy
Another week, another box of chocolates from the Scottish arts world. Or, is it a chippie?
Last night there was due to be a meeting of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar - Western Isles Council - where the Budget for the coming year was due to be debated and likely approved.
This isn’t set to be great news for the culture sector in the region, which has warned it will have to cut back services if plans for financial cuts go ahead.
Original plans were to axe culture funding entirely, although an amendment was tabled last week by councillors Gordon Murray and Rae Mackenzie, calling for dedicated creative industries revenue funding of £109,145 for 2026/27 for specific culture and heritage organisations.
The organisations which would benefit from the funding, which would be taken from the council’s £4.1m reserves, are the Hebridean Celtic Festival, Eilean Dorcha Festival, Ceolas, Feisean, Taigh Chearsabhagh, and arts centre An Lanntair.
"The arts are not a luxury — they are a cornerstone of our identity, wellbeing, and economy in the Outer Hebrides,” said Councillor Murray.
At the time of going to press, the outcome of the meeting was not known, however, arts workers in the region tell me they are not hopeful it will pass.
Fingers crossed.
Gaelic fish and chip shop horror gaming, anyone?
On a brighter note, the latest recipients of the Creative Scotland Open Fund have been announced - and one of the winners fascinates me.
Video game Grease Trap ‘99, which has been awarded £10,000, follows a fish and chip shop worker in a Scottish seaside town who uncovers a bizarre new menu item that consumes the whole town with an insatiable hunger.
The best bit? It’s all in Gaelic.
Creator James Muirhead says the funding will allow him to dedicate his time to learning the language better. Quirky? Definitely. But potentially brilliant.
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