The building project

The building of a dedicated purpose built arts centre has been an aspiration for the Outer Hebrides since Local Government was reformed in 1975. But it was only with the advent of An Lanntair in 1985 and Lottery funds through the Scottish Arts Council in 1997 that it became a reality.

An Lanntair have spent 10 years fundraising over £4.6 million for the centre, which is the biggest development in the arts and social scene in the Highlands & Islands since Eden Court was built in Inverness.

Designed by architects Nicoll Russell Studios, the development is of key strategic regional importance to the arts and culture in the North West Highlands. With the help of a significant Scottish Arts Council National Lottery Award in January 2002, the plans for the new building were able to proceed.

Other funding for the ambitious project has come from Highlands & Islands Special Transitional Programme (ERDF, Western isles Enterprise and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar) and the following trusts: James Shaw Grant, The Robertson Trust, The Hugh Fraser Foundation, The P F Charitable Trust.

Key dates in the development of An Lanntair:

Original An Lanntair opens – 1985

1996: appointment of architects

1997: 1^st Arts Council Lottery award

1999: Project tendered.

2000: Project abandoned

2002: 2^nd Lottery award.

10^th November 2003: Start on site

1^st October 2005: Opening!

View Video of Building Development 

Take a tour of the new building with our First Timers Guide