An ataireachd bhuan, Cluinn fuaim na h-ataireachd rd, Tha torunn a - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

“ An ataireachd bhuan, Cluinn fuaim na h-ataireachd àrd, Tha torunn a ’ chuain, Mar chualas leam-s e nam phàist ” Domhnall Maciomhar

The Background  In 2010, five public agencies - HIE, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Visit Scotland, the National Gaelic Arts Agency and the National Trust for Scotland- promoted a competition within the Outer Hebrides to identify a location for a St Kilda Visitor Centre  The submissions had to meet certain criteria including historic links, cultural connections and a line of sight to St Kilda  Jura Consultants were commissioned by the sponsors to advise on a rigorous selection process  The Uig submission for a site at the Geodha Sgoilt was selected; the consultants’ report recommended a ‘hub and spoke model’ to extend the economic benefits throughout the Hebrides.

Original Submission  Driven by the potential for economic regeneration in an area of ultra peripherality  The Geodha Sgoilt has line of sight to St Kilda  Cliff top environment is evocative of St Kilda  Like all of the Hebrides, Uig shares the language and cultural traditions of the St Kildan people  The Geodha Sgoilt is remote but accessible situated within one hour of Stornoway

St Kilda from the Geodha Sgoilt

Geodha Sgoilt Site

Stages of Development  Engagement and assistance from public agencies, particulary HIE and Comhairle  UNESCO have adopted the project as a global exemplar for “remote access”  Land gifted by Uig and Hamnaway Estate  Rebanks Report presented to potential shareholders  On-going building and strengthening connections with similar projects  HIE finance further consultations: Masterplan produced and presented at Symposium in September 2016  HIE and CNES make officers available to work with Ionad Hiort  Initial engagement with Heritage Lottery Fund  Refinement of Masterplan and production of Prospectus  Submission for inclusion in CNES Capital Programme

Ionad Hiort Vision  To respectfully tell the stories of the St Kildan people, in their own language, using a combination of new technologies and traditional media, in a Centre that itself reflects the ancient Hebridean architecture and the North Atlantic landscape  To provide a global best- practice example of ‘remote access’ storytelling, an approach favoured by UNESCO  Engage with initiatives in other island communities to spread the economic benefits of the St Kilda story and to contribute to the growth of tourism throughout the Hebrides  To work towards establishing a research ‘Centre for the Periphery’ as part of the overall development  Using the story of Hiort to create a catalyst for change and regeneration in our own community which faces the many challenges of ultra peripherality in the modern age

Proposed staged development  Phased approach as per Rebanks Report  Phase One construction includes typical Centre facilities, completion circa 2020  Phase Two including external developments and establishment of Research Base and studio spaces  Completion of entire project by 2030 – one hundred years after the evacuation of St Kilda

Ionad Hiort

Slighe Hiort Ionad Hiort is working with Sealladh Hiort in North Uist to establish an Outer Hebrides St Kilda Way which will eventually include a number of distinct, but complementary, projects across the islands. Support of Comhairle is vital to credibility with other potential funders. Our expectations are realistic but your continued support is essential.

Project Cost  Summary of Total Estimated Development Costs  £5,327,035.00  Potential Income (e.g. in Year 3)  £325,000.00  Projected Expenditure (including 3f/t and 4 p/t staff costs  £269,000.00