THE arts and creative industries in the Outer Isles support around 500 jobs and add more than £33 million to the local economy, according to new research.

It identified around 390 jobs directly employed in the sector from Lewis in the north to Barra and Vatersay in the south. The vast majority of these are in television and radio, fashion and textiles, including Harris Tweed, the heritage sector, publishing and architecture. The study also identifies high numbers of micro-businesses and sole traders in the industries.

The economic impact study was commissioned by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Creative Scotland, Skills Development Scotland and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council).