Writers living and working in the Outer Hebrides are to be asked for their views on how Comhairle nan Eilean Siar should support and develop creative writing in both English and Gaelic. Their views will be incorporated into a Literature Development Plan for the islands, which will link into the Outer Hebrides Cultural Strategy.

The Comhairle has joined forces with Highlands and Islands arts development agency, HI~Arts, to produce the new Literature Development Plan, that will focus on the support and promotion needs of the area's writers and the role the Comhairle should play in supporting the development of writing.

As part of the consultation process, HI~Arts will be conducting a series of interviews with writers, publishers, arts and media agencies, and welcomes anyone who wants to contribute to the development of the strategy to contact them directly.

Comhairle Arts Development Officer, Meg Rodger, said: "This is the first time that the Comhairle has chosen to focus so specifically on writers in our islands. Within our communities, we currently have a number of highly professional and internationally acclaimed writers, with many other aspiring and talented creative people interested and enthusiastic about literature. The Outer Hebrides Literature Development Plan aims to meet the needs of this creative body and work with individuals and groups in order to assist and develop the sector as a creative industry.

HI~Arts Writing Development Coordinator Peter Urpeth said: " I very much welcome the Comhairle's plan to develop and support writing and other art forms in the Outer Hebrides. Creative writing in all its forms contributes to communities not only through employment in the creative industries but as a vital and dynamic means of expression.

"For some, the arts bring sustainable self-employment, for others, creativity and writing in particular is a fundamental and personal means of exploring their own lives, culture and history. The benefit for the Comhairle in producing a new, dynamic strategy for the arts and culture is that it offers the possibility of the Outer Hebrides being home to a vibrant writing and arts community that will bring economic and social dividends.

"I also believe that this move is important in that it represents a way in which strategic arts agencies and local authorities can really work together."

Writers working in any format - print / digital, for adults, children, fiction / non-fiction, poetry, journalism, screen or drama, wishing to take part in the survey can download a survey questionnaire below, or contact Writing Development Coordinator Peter Urpeth on: 01463 717091 or via e-mail: peter#OBFAT#hi-arts#OBFDOT#co#OBFDOT#uk