Call for improvements to Western Isles' play spaces

Large numbers of children's play spaces across the Western Isles need improvements, according to a new study.

The Outer Hebrides Play Sufficiency Assessment assessed 54 of 77 sites and rated 63% as sufficient and 37% as requiring improvement - particularly sites in Harris, Barra and rural Lewis.

The study included the HebPlay Survey, which consulted young people, parents, carers, service providers, community councils and the wider public.

It received 46 responses, with 74% of respondents believing there were insufficient play or "hangout" spaces within walking or cycling distance, and a strong demand for inclusive design, equipment for older children and nature-based play.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar's sustainable development committee heard that geographic coverage was "generally good", but gaps remained in the quality, accessibility and inclusiveness of some of the spaces.

Planning officer Susan Rabé said budget constraints limited the local authority's ability to deliver all desired renewals or new facilities, and suggested investment should be targeted.

Stornoway North SNP councillor, Gordon Murray, welcomed the report as a "call to action" for retaining families and building thriving communities.

He praised the emphasis on parent-friendly features such as picnic areas, sheltered sections, and toilet facilities, which he said created opportunities for parents to socialise while their children play.

But Murray added bike safety concerns were raised in consultations and he urged that dedicated bike tracks and other paths be prioritised in the comhairle's upcoming local development plan.

Stornoway South Independent councillors George Murray and Angus McCormack raised concerns play parks were not a feature of some new developments.

Rabé said: "Securing proper infrastructure and including things like cycle paths and high-quality play equipment are the sort of things that developers should be assisting with."

She added that children's facilities needed to be considered "at the beginning of a development not just as an add-on".

Council leader Paul Steele said play parks in South Uist, Eriskay, and Benbecula had been highlighted as not being sufficient.

He said: "This gives us the ability to focus on that and use that as a platform to address funding shortfalls, and actually take these things forward.

"I think it's an excellent document and commend the work that has been done on it."

The finalised assessment will be submitted to the Scottish government.

Reporting by local democracy reporter Peter Urpeth.