Cultural Pathfinder Project 2007/08 

The Western Isles is one of thirteen local authority areas in Scotland selected by the Scottish Government in 2007 to help develop new cultural policy which will be legislated  through the National Cultural Bill in 2008. 

The aim of the project was “to explore processes best suited to consulting communities, developing cultural entitlements, promoting and delivering them and gauging their impact and success”. 

The Pathfinder Project was carried out by a group of consultants, namely, Creative Services Scotland, Fablevision and Theatre Hebrides. The approach was creative and included workshop techniques and experiences as well as questionnaires and meetings. 

A detailed Delivery Plan was prepared by the consultants that outlined the approach to the project; essentially this comprised two phases: 

Phase 1 Consultation with stakeholders in the cultural sector 

Phase 2 Consultation with community groups and individuals. 

The aim of the consultation process was to gather views, ideas and opinions on what cultural provision means to communities in the Western Isles, what shape it should take and how it should be delivered.  

Theatre Hebrides consulted with members of the community throughout the Western Isles on current cultural provision and gathered their thoughts, aspirations and ideas on what is working or is valuable to them now as well as how things might be improved in the future.  

Altogether, Theatre Hebrides co-ordinated 33 meetings throughout the Islands with well-attended meetings. Almost 600 members of the community were given an opportunity to express their views, ideas and opinions in these creative discussions. What became very apparent was the importance attached to the Gaelic Language amongst all ages, describing it as an essential part of the culture. 

People view culture as a way of life. The following are some of the answers given when asked the question “What does Culture mean to you?” 

Our history, Gaelic language, the natural environment, scenery, crofting, music, drama, storytelling, fishing, boat-building, crafts, space and freedom, sense of community, the extended family, neighbours, sporting activities, knitting and religion. 

A final report on the project should be available by the end of June 2008. 

The findings and other detailed information can be found on the Scottish Government’s website. 

Theatre Hebrides staff would be pleased to answer specific questions regarding the Pathfinder Project. 

QUOTE from one crofter in Benbecula: 

“I remember when everyone grew corn. We would catch dogfish in the morning then lay them amongst the sheaves of corn in the stack. The wind preserved them over the Winter. You would take out sheaves to feed the animals and a fish to feed yourself”