The organisation delivering Gaelic arts in Scotland faces going out of existence after essential funding was axed.
Pròiseact nan Ealan (PnE) -
Job losses and winding down the Gaelic language cultural body is the inevitable consequence of the decision, according to concerned observers in the Gaelic community.
The issue raises questions how Gaelic arts can continue to have a prominent role in Scotland.
Hebrides News understands Creative Scotland did not visit or check any PnE project or show over the past year.
Scotland’s finale WW1 centenary commemoration event faces being scrapped as a result of PNE’s impending demise.
Funding blow set to kill off Gaelic arts body
3 December 2014
Former First Minister Alex Salmond announced the Iolaire disaster -
In April, Mr Salmond awarded funding to PNE to mark what he highlighted was “one of the most poignant tragedies of the First World War,” deeply affecting an area which proportionally lost more men than any other part of Scotland.
Events to mark the HMY Iolaire story were to take place at the tragedy’s 100th anniversary in January 2019.
Isles MSP Alasdair Allan said he is very concerned over the consequences.
He said he plans to stress the important role PNE plays on the Gaelic scene when he meets Creative Scotland bosses over the row later this week.
A Creative Scotland spokesperson said: “Due to business confidentiality it is not appropriate to discuss the details of individual applications with anyone other than the organisations themselves.
“Pròiseact nan Ealan have requested and received their detailed assessment which expands on the funding decision and we have met with them to discuss alternative funding routes.
“Pròiseact nan Ealan were previously funded as an Annual Client receiving £75,000 in 2014.
“Project funding of up to two years, continues to be available through the new Open Project Funding route.
However, the alternative funding suggestion forces PNE to go up against a huge number of fiercely competing bids for a tiny slice of the money pie.
The project funding scheme for Scotland is only £12 million -
PNE has won acclaim and awards throughout its history, with project such as the internationally performed and appreciated St Kilda Opera as well as its Mach ann an Deich plays.
Gairm nan Gaidheal -
There was standing room only at its very popular Na Mo Chuid Aodaich events involved different communities hosting their own fashion shows using vintage clothing and bygone fashions.