Islanders want to see arts and culture protected from council cuts

Islanders want to see spending on arts and culture protected from cuts, according to a survey carried out by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.

The local authority, which is facing a funding shortfall of £4.1m for the coming financial year, sought public views ahead of setting its budget next month.

More than 1,270 people took part in the survey with education and health and social care also chosen as priorities to protect from service reductions.

An Lanntair arts centre in Stornoway recently voiced concern about the potential loss of public funding support.

The survey suggested 45% of respondents saw arts and culture as the most important area to protect from cutbacks.

Only four people had mentioned this area in a similar survey last year.

More than half of respondents - 57% - said using the council's financial reserves was the best way to meet its budget shortfall.

Raising council tax was selected by just over a third.

The vast majority - 89% - expressed the view that the comhairle did not receive enough money to deliver public services in the Western Isles.

The Scottish government has said its draft budget delivered record funding of almost £15.7bn for local authorities.

Comhairle leader Paul Steele said difficult decisions would have to be made on services, but islanders' views would be taken into account.

"In the coming days and weeks comhairle members and officers will analyse this public feedback and use the information you have provided to help inform the decision-making process," he said.