Plans to refurbish Stornoway Town Hall are intended to increase civic and community usage of the facility and improve the building, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has stressed.

At the moment the Town Hall is under-used and one of the purposes of the proposed new development will be to improve usage of all areas of the building.

A spokesperson for the Comhairle said: "The whole aim of the proposals is to create a flexible and accessible building at the heart of Stornoway with a mix of complementary uses that will provide economic and community benefits.

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"It is recognised that this is an iconic landmark building with an important central place both in the town and in the economic, cultural and social life of the community. It is vital however that we maximise the opportunity for greater usage of the facility and enhance its unique historical significance."

The spokesman said the council will shortly be providing further details including an online facility which will enable people to access a walk through 3D impression of what the proposals will look like.

He continued: "A key part of the proposals is to open up the windows overlooking the square at the back of the hall which will allow more light in. In addition skylights in the ceiling would also enable more light."

Meanwhile, Stornoway Councillors are meeting later this week with representatives of those who have expressed concern at some of the proposals.

(GK/BMcC)