Copy of Freedom of Information request tendered to Live Argyll 9th May 2025

Dear Live Argyll,

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I would like to request the following information relating to the closure/repurposing/change of format of Tiree Library:

Closure of Library

  1. The date on which the decision to close Tiree Library was made.
  2. The date on when the decision to not close Tiree Library was made.
  3. When was Argyll and Bute Council informed of the closure and to who?
  4. When was Argyll and Bute Council informed of the rescinding of the closure and to who?
  5. Copies of all reports, meeting minutes, correspondence (including emails), and internal documents that informed or discussed the decision to close the library.
  6. Any correspondence with stakeholders or elected representatives concerning the future of the library or alternative proposals to closure.
  7. Details of any public consultation processes that took place prior to the closure decision, including dates, formats (e.g., surveys, public meetings), and outcomes.
  8. Any information on what legal basis Live Argyll decided not to do an Island Impact assessment study, prior to announcing the closure of Tiree Library.
  9. A copy of the Island impact study assessment that Live Argyll subsequently produced.
  10. What loss to the community costs were used in this assessment.
  11. Live Argyll’s analysis of the Island Impact Study and how it met the requirements of the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018.
  12. Details of contractual obligations between Live Argyll and Argyll and Bute Council for the provision of library services in Argyll and Bute.

Costs

  1. A breakdown of the costs associated with operating the library in the last three financial years.
  2. Projection of costs for any replacement library service over the next three years.
  3. Where was the money saved by the closure of Tiree Library in November 2024 reallocated?

Required information on Additional Funding

  1. Has Live Argyll sought funding for Gaelic activities in their Libraries and for Tiree Library in particular?
  2. Has Live Argyll sought funding for STEM activities in their Libraries and for Tiree Library in particular?
  3. Has Live Argyll sought funding for those on the Autistic spectrum in their Libraries and for Tiree Library in particular?
  4. Has Live Argyll sought funding for using Libraries as warm spaces and for Tiree Library in particular?
  5. Is there any other third-party funding that Live Argyll has sought to fund the activities in their Libraries and for Tiree Library in particular?
  6. Which of these has been successful?

Questions arising from Live Argyll Email dated 22nd of April.

1. What were the actual opening hours of Tiree Library for the last five years?
2. What was the provision to cover any employee absence due to illness, etc?
3. How are Live Argyll going to calculate footfall to account for reduced opening hours?
4. What was the average books issued/per opening hour?
5. Live Argyll have said the library is being currently used by the “Council”. What is the nature of this use?
6. Were Live Argyll consulted on this change of use?
7. Copies of all reports, meeting minutes, correspondence (including emails), and internal documents that discussed this change of use.
8. Copies of all reports, meeting minutes, correspondence (including emails), and internal documents that discussed the purposing of the library space for accommodation.
9. What are the costs of moving the library to the new location?
10. Full details on what alternative library services (if any) will be provided to local residents following the closure/repurposing/change of format of Tiree Library. Including details of opening hours and FTE employment.
11. Will the new library be open when the school is closed?
12. Will the new library be allowed flexible opening hours for special events?
13. Have Live Argyll seen timescales for the proposed conversion of the building the library is currently housed in.
14. Will the library be able to still be used as a warm space.

Please provide the information in electronic format where possible. If this request exceeds the cost limit, I would appreciate any advice and assistance you can provide to narrow it down.

I look forward to your response within 20 working days as outlined in the Act.

Yours sincerely,
Gerard McGoogan

Convenor Tiree Community Council

Gerard@tireecommunitycouncil.com