Iolaire Tweed features in upgraded chamber

Communications are being improved at public buildings across the Western Isles as refurbishment work on Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s chamber in Stornoway nears completion.

The work, which is within budget, includes new furniture and information technology (IT) equipment and redecoration.

The new chamber furnishings incorporate the commemorative Iolaire Tweed into the design, providing a legacy to the disaster which took the lives of 201 men and affected so many communities across the islands.

New LED screens and enhanced IT will improve presentations and video conferencing in the chamber and at other comhairle sites leading to a reduction in travel for members.

The furniture chamber in the dated comhairle back to when the building was originally built in the late 1970s. The seating had become tattered and insecure and the desks were unsuitable for modern working. On lifting the carpet, it was clear the floor needed to be replaced.

Desks were provided Harvey McLean Limited by at a cost of £37,000 while construction work, costing £112,000, was undertaken by Lewis Builders Limited.

State-of-the-art IT systems were provided and installed by Ajenta and MediaScape at a cost of £90,000 as part of wider improvements across the islands totalling £268,000.

The new system allows for live broadcasting of committee meetings over the internet.

New chairs have been supplied by Mackenzie Holdings Limited at a cost of £16,000.

The comhairle thanked the suppliers and contractors for the professional manner in which the work was undertaken.