NHS funding grant to help preserve Lews Castle Green

Hebridean Celtic Festival (HebCelt) was successful in applying for a £15,000 NHS Western Isles funding grant to help facilitate the staging of the event and ensure that the popular green space also remains available for future use, making it easier for those taking part to explore activities across Lews Castle Green.

The funding will be used to purchase durable, interlocking ground guards designed to minimise turf damage and soil compaction. They will be used annually, making it a long-term investment in both site sustainability and the festival’s long and continued track record for environmental responsibility.

HebCelt not only enriches the cultural landscape but also positively contributes to the health and wellbeing of the local population, visitors, and participants.

Lews Castle Green is a vital community asset and a focal point for public life in Stornoway all year-round.

Carol Ferguson, Festival Operations Coordinator, said: “By securing this funding, we aim to take proactive steps to reduce environmental impact, protect the integrity of this treasured green space, and support its continued use by the public and for future events.”

“We have identified the specific ground protection system most suitable for our needs, based on consultations with event safety professionals and site managers. Technical specifications have been reviewed, and suppliers have been sourced and ground guards acquired.”

NHS Western Isles Director of Public Health, Colum Durkan, said: “We are delighted to be able to support HebCelt. The festival offers a wide array of physical activities that encourage attendees to engage in movement, from dancing to music in the main venue, to active participation in outdoor events. For many, the festival provides an opportunity to be physically active in a social, enjoyable setting, which can help reduce stress, improve cardiovascular health, and increase energy levels.

“HebCelt also serves as a powerful tool for improving mental health and emotional wellbeing. For many, the festival is a cherished annual tradition, providing a sense of community and belonging. It gives people the chance to reconnect with friends, family, and other attendees, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness that can affect mental health, particularly in rural areas. Music and art have been well-documented as key components in promoting mental health, and the positive impact of enjoying live music, participating in arts-based activities, and being part of a shared cultural experience can help reduce anxiety, depression, and stress. HebCelt offers a space where people can find joy, distraction, and emotional release, contributing to improved mood and overall wellbeing.”

The mats will be implemented as part of the festival’s standard infrastructure plan, with clear deployment strategies integrated into site build schedules for 2025 and beyond.

NHS Western Isles funding for the purchase of the ground guards also creates an opportunity to support other local events and initiatives. When not in use by the festival, they will be made available for loan to other local community groups and organisations.

That maximises the value of the investment, supports smaller events in managing their own environmental impact, fostering greater collaboration and mutual support across the community events sector.

It should also help ensure the Castle Green remains accessible, attractive, and usable as a public space for all throughout the year. It supports outdoor recreation, family gatherings, and community events outside festival time. These activities can have other mental health and wellbeing benefits including social interaction, physical activity, and connection to nature factors – all proven to enhance community wellbeing.

The investment also strengthens the environmental responsibility of the festival, reinforcing HebCelt’s role as a sustainable community-led event.