a lantern : a beacon : a lighthouse

“We will encourage and celebrate creativity in all its forms; we will be a beacon for cultural activity in the Western Isles; we will be a genuine centre for our community; we will represent and support Gaelic culture.”

An Lanntair was incorporated in December 1984 as a registered charity and opened in Stornoway Town Hall in March 1985.

Since then, from modest beginnings, we have established a reputation as one of the most dynamic small arts centres in Scotland with a distinctive cultural identity.

We have promoted and championed the best in the visual and performing arts and toured exhibitions to national and international acclaim. Our events programme typically includes traditional, classical, jazz, rock and world music; alongside touring, commissioned and community theatre. Within our programme we showcase our rich Gaelic cultural heritage.

We have also developed an exciting range of Education and Outreach arts activity in communities and with schools. And there have been long-term activity projects for people with disabilities and mental health difficulties.

Testimony to our achievement are the awards received. These include the Scottish Tourist Board’s Arts & Tourism Trophy in 1995 for Calanais: The Atlantic Stones a project described by the judges as “world class”. While in 2003 we enabled a remote community to be a major Award Winner in the national Artworks; Young Artists of the Year competition.

On the 1^st October 2005, following a 10 year campaign, An Lanntair’s magnificent new arts centre opened on Stornoway sea front. Indeed, the facility has been an aspiration for the community since the Western Isles became a unitary authority in 1975. Some 30 years on it has finally been realised. It is of key strategic importance to the arts and culture as well as being one of the largest-ever arts developments in the Highlands & Islands.

The building was formally opened by Jack McConnell MSP, First Minister of Scotland on the 13^th February 2005.

 Archive of Exhibtions held at Old Town Hall