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North Uist became an island of smiles today (Friday 31 January) as just 101 islanders shared a £3 million Postcode Lottery payout.
People's Postcode Lottery players from North Uist, Berneray and Grimsay had received personal invitations to attend the big unveiling at Carinish Hall this afternoon, with a guarantee that each of them would go home carrying a cheque for at least £10,000.
The last two digits of their HS6 postcode was all that was needed to seal a big win - and it turned out that two neighbours, Sharon MacKillop and Pamela Macaskill, had done just that, each scooping a life-changing £193,055. A shocked Pamela said: "You just don't think these things are going to happen!"
For all 99 of their postcode neighbours, the payout was still breathtaking - at £21,425 for each ticket purchased, more than double what they were expecting.
And some of those who'd played more than once picked up bigger cheques, making it a historic end-of-the-month payday and the start of a huge, island-wide celebration this evening.
Picture shows big winners Sharon and Pamela together with some of the other winning players from around the islands, and presenter Danyl at the end of what he described as "a great day for the Outer Hebrides."
Careers services in the Western Isles have been given top marks in a report from education watchdogs.
A report looking into the support offered by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) was published by Education Scotland on Friday 31 January. Skills Development Scotland delivers Scotland's careers service, with careers advisers in every state secondary school in Scotland, as well as a network of careers centres. Published three months after the launch of the Western Isles Charter, which outlined a commitment between the Comhairle and SDS to deliver more joined-up services across the islands, the report recognises the proactive and flexible approach of the team and praises their performance in numerous areas.
Over the last three years, the participation measure for the Western Isles has been above national performance levels and there have been no school leavers whose destination is unknown.
The report, which grades the team as 'very good' across all five areas, also highlights two examples of excellence.
The first applauds the efforts made by the team to develop and implement the SDS Gaelic service offer, including raising awareness of the range of Gaelic careers-related opportunities available to young people.
The second highlights the support the team has given to primary schools to extending pupils' understanding of the world of work and helping them to develop their career management skills (CMS). CMS enable people to understand who they are and what they're good at, explore what they want to work towards and who can help them take those steps.
The team has attended events in primary schools to promote and explain skills to pupils and parents and contributed to a Financial Education Week by delivering sessions about the range of financial jobs and the link between subjects and the world of work.
As a result, pupils are transitioning to S1 with a greater understanding of their strengths and the opportunities that exist in the world of work.
SDS provides free, impartial career information, advice and guidance for people of all ages across the Western Isles, with advisers based in Stornoway's Francis Street; Lionacleit on Benbecula; across the region's four secondary schools and in partner premises.Anthony Standing, SDS Head of Operations North, said: "This is a fantastic review which demonstrates the commitment of colleagues across the Western Isles, and the hard work that goes in to delivering career information, advice and guidance services across this area.
"With two areas of excellent practice identified, I am extremely proud of the Western Isles team for the difference they're making to the lives of people in the area." Inspectors from Education Scotland spent a week observing the work of careers advisers based in the SDS centres and across the four secondary schools, as well as speaking with staff, customers and partner agencies about their experiences of SDS's careers services. SDS's free, impartial career information, advice and guidance is for people of all ages at any stage in their career, anywhere in Scotland. Customers can get information and advice covering areas including career choices, labour market information, training courses and apprenticeships, CVs and interviews.You can read the review of the Western Isles' careers service on the Education Scotland website.
A Gaelic version of this release is available on the Skills Development Scotland website.
Uist music students have got a very busy start to the year with their next cèilidh taking place on Thursday 6 February, at 7.30pm, in Kildonan Museum.
This ceilidh will feature music from BA Applied Music students enrolled at Lews Castle College, Benbecula.
Tea, coffee, home baking and raffle available as normal.
Please come along and listen to some of the music scene's finest and up-and-coming musicians!
Residents of the Pairc Community Estate were much more ready to give their views on the latest round of consultation, carried out by the trust in November and December last year.
Feeling confident after our successful Gravir Housing project, the Pairc Trust decided to survey residents on the option of purchasing the Resource Centre building in Kershader from the Comhairle.
There was a 175% increase in responses to the paper and online survey, a big increase in participation since a similar survey carried out in 2016.
In a statement today, the Trust said: "(The resource centre) has an excellent location next to Ravenspoint's shop, hostel, museum, café and petrol pump and currently houses our office, Pairc playgroup and Pairc gym.
"We'd like to make sure this key building is put into the community's hands long-term and have consulted with everyone to demonstrate support for the idea."
Of those who responded, 91% said they would like to see the purchase go ahead and 95% agreed with making the building energy efficient and sharing the costs of running the building between the main users.
Responders also had extra ideas on the use of the space, with some approving the current gym and some suggesting additional ways of using the gym and adjacent spaces.
But the Trust also acknowledged that not all the comments received were supportive, with questions raised about useage, rates and how viable the project might be. One said: "We should be very cautious… we are probably weaker now as a community than we ever have been so that even the viability of the school must be a concern for us."
The Trust said: "There are obviously lots of details involved in taking on the building, and no matter how people are communicating their thoughts, we're very glad that the wider community is engaging with our work. Hopefully our future consultations will have as good a response rate as this, or better."
The Leanne Fund is marking 10 years' service to people with Cystic Fibrosis with a call for people to contribute their own positive memories over a decade of the charity's work.
The Leanne Fund has been helping to enrich life for people with CF and their families since 2010. Now they're calling on anyone who has benefited to help demonstrate the charity's long-time claim, that life is for living.
Point girl Leanne Mitchell passed away due to Cystic Fibrosis in 2009, at the age of 21. In her memory, The Leanne Fund was set up in 2010 by her family and has since expanded from their home in the Isle of Lewis to cover the whole of the Highlands and Islands, Grampian and Tayside NHS regions.
Development manager Chrisetta Mitchell said: "One of the things we learnt through Leanne is how important it is to live life with positivity and to treasure the good moments. Leanne had an incredible strength and determination to live life to the full, making the most of every precious moment. Her life was inspirational and the fund represents her heartfelt desire to bring happiness to others."
It's that positivity that has inspired 100 Moments from Leanne. Supporters, Cystic Fibrosis sufferers and family members all have moments to share – whether of an achievement, a precious memory, or a time when The Leanne Fund has simply lifted their spirits.
Among the first to bring their memories forward was supporter Chrisell Macleod. She said: "It was the year I was going to be fifty and I could not have spent it in a more gruelling training regime, to walk 100 miles for Leanne, but I would not change it for the world. I was about to find out all about the amazing work of the Leanne Fund and make life-long crazy friends."
Moments like these, contributed to the charity in words or pictures throughout the anniversary year, will be shared – anonymously if that's preferred – through social media and on display in the Stornoway office. In this way they hope to spread the rainbow of supportive emotions that has kept the charity strong for a decade.
The Leanne Fund itself has a number of reasons for feeling positive about 2020, with the appointment of their second staff member and the beginning of a year-long programme of fundraising events.
Anne Nicolson from Tong has started work as a part-time administrative support officer, thanks to additional funding from the Tayside Community Innovation Fund. She'll be available at the Leanne Fund's office every morning, five days a week, and can be reached on 01851 702020.
Chrisetta Mitchell said: "It's really good to get an extra person regularly in the office, freeing up more time for me to concentrate on work across the large area of Scotland where we now provide support. It means that I can be out of the office, knowing that I am leaving the work in capable hands."
The work includes planning this year's Rainbow Raiser on February 28 – a day for wearing colourful clothes, baking rainbow bakes and doing whatever it takes to lift spirits and raise funds.
The year will also see The Leanne Fund 5k and 10k in Point, tea in the Town Hall in Stornoway, sponsored places on the Aberdeen Kiltwalk and numerous collections across supermarkets and community events Scotland-wide.
The pictures show Anne Nicolson from Tong, The Leanne Fund's new part-time administrative support officer and supporters Mina, Chrisetta Mitchell, Jimina, Chrisell Macleod and Donna at the time of their 100 mile fundraising walk.
Images from days gone by are to form a permanent feature of the new Grinneabhat community hub, at the former school in Bragar.
And residents past and present are now being encouraged to make their contribution to ensuring their ancestors and family are forever displayed on the wall of the new building.
Bragar and Arnol Community Trust (Urras Coimhearsnachd Bhradhagair agus Arnoil - UCBA) are creating the tile panel to be displayed in the building as a permanent feature, raising money for the renovation at the same time.
The 15cm square tiles can feature a picture and text, as shown in the images above. Each costs £100 and all of those purchased will go on display.
A former Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Councillor has passed away.
Tribute has been paid to Gerry Macleod, who represented the Barraigh, Bhatarsaigh, Èirisgeigh agus Uibhist a Deas Ward from 2007 until 2012.
Gerry campaigned on a range of issues particularly for enhanced ferry services and improved infrastructure.
He also served on many community organisations including Lochboisdale Amenity Trust and Lochboisdale Sailing Club.
Gerry passed away at his home in Glasgow. Convener of the Comhairle Norman A Macdonald, said: "Gerry was a robust campaigner for his community and for the islands.
"Our thoughts at this sad time are with his family and friends."
The Met Office have extended their warning for strong winds.
They originally issued a warning for "very windy weather" on Monday 3 February.
However, they have updated their warning and now expect the winds to last into Tuesday morning.
The winds are expected to come on Monday afternoon and evening.
The Met Office say gusts of 55-65mph are expected widely, with gusts of 70-80mph in parts of the Hebrides.
They commented: "Later Monday and into early Tuesday the swathe of stronger winds will transfer southeastwards, with winds easing across the northwest during this time. Gusts in the 55-65 mph range remain possible up to the point when the stronger swathe finally clears the southeast of Scotland on Tuesday morning."
The following planning applications are pending consideration by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
All information and accompanying documents are publicly available on the CnES website.
New house, Coll
Mark Macdonald of 7 Upper Coll has applied for planning permission to build a house at 9C Coll. The one-storey house is to have four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a sitting room, a kitchen/dining/living area and a utility room. Work is to include creating an access and parking suitable for three cars, and installing an air source heat pump.
Deployment of longlines for mussels, Lochs
Western Isles Mussels Ltd has applied for planning permission to deploy three 220m twin-headline longlines for the production of mussels at Ard Berinish Mussel Farm, Keose, Lochs.
Replacement and erection of poles, Ness (1)
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks has applied for planning permission to replace three poles, erect two poles and replace the H pole at Overhead Line, Fivepenny, Ness.
Replacement and erection of poles, Ness (2)
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks has applied for planning permission to replace three poles, erect two poles and replace the H pole at Overhead Line, Fivepenny, Ness. The overhead line crosses the Loch Stiapavat site of scientific interest.
New house, Uig
Roddy Maclean of 3 Leana Ruadh, Timsgarry has applied for planning permission to erect a house at 4A Timsgarry, Uig. The house is to consist of one bedroom, two bathrooms, a living room and a kitchen/dining room on the ground floor, and two bedrooms and a sitting area on the first floor. Work is to include creating an access and parking suitable for two cars, and installing an air source heat pump.
Off street parking bay, Sandwick
Norman Campbell of 36b East Street has applied for planning permission to create an off street parking bay at 17 East Street, Sandwick.
Extend house and erect garage
David James Skene of 7 Cromore has applied for planning permission to renovate and extend the house and erect a garage at 15 Cromore, Lochs.
New house, Point
Margaret Neish of 52 Springfield Road has applied for planning permission to erect a house at 22A Branahuie, Point.
Extend house, Marybank
Janet Fox of 2 Moor Cottages, Marybank, has applied for planning permission to extend the house at 2 Moor Cottages, Marybank.
Police have issued a warning to the public and retailers after reports of counterfeit Bank of Ireland £50 notes being circulated.
The forged notes are replicated copies of the current £50 note. They feature a purple design and an image of the Old Bushmills whiskey distillery on the back.
Detective Inspector Ian Whittle, of Police Scotland's Economic Crime Unit, said: "You should carefully check the features on these notes.
"The forgeries are readily identifiable as they do not have any watermark or foil hologram.
"They are just a plain copy of the note and they do not have a security thread either.
"If you suspect someone is trying to pay for something with a counterfeit note, my advice is to decline it and contact the police."
Police can be contacted by calling 101.
Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MP, Angus MacNeil, has made history after becoming the first SNP MP to be elected as a Select Committee Chair in an election by the whole House of Commons.
The MP has been re-elected as Chair of the International Trade Select Committee, after having chaired the Committee since 2017.
Mr MacNeil says the issue of international trade is now more important than ever. The International Trade Select Committee is appointed by the House of Commons to examine expenditure, administration and policy of the Department of International Trade and its associated bodies as well as scrutinising what they do.
Commenting on his re-election, Mr MacNeil said: "It is probably true to say that international trade has never been as important as it is now given that the UK is leaving the EU trading bloc, ending many of our current trade agreements with European partners - international trade will feature greatly in the months and years ahead.
"I have already had contact with the International Trade Department with a view to scrutinising trade bills going forward.
"We have to get this right, it's not about political parties, it's about the aerospace industry, pharmaceuticals, car manufacturers, food and drink exporters, the entertainment industry, the ceramics industry among many others.
"It is a huge honour to be re-elected as a Select Committee Chair in an election of the entire House of Commons. I look forward to the challenges and the great opportunities of working with cross party colleagues to hold the Government to account, to drive the agenda forward and to try to make the best of the situation that we are in."
The Harris Tweed Authority (HTA) yesterday (Wednesday 29 January) shared the story of a devotee of Harris Tweed from Chandigarh, India, who has won a jacket-length of the cloth in one of their competitions.
Dr Paramvir Singh won the HTA's latest newsletter competition with his pictures of himself and his family wearing stylish and beautifully-tailored Harris Tweed clothing.
Dr Singh was asked to share the story behind his picture. He said: "Harris Tweed was something 'fantabulous' I bumped into two years ago while I was exploring our local stores in Chandigarh for something exquisite and elegant for my overcoat.
"I took a great fancy to this fabric and did some research about Harris Tweed on the net. I was awestruck by the history and strict quality control. Having already seen and felt the product I had no second thought about going in for a direct purchase. It was simply fun.
"Every time I ordered one for myself it used to be grabbed by one or the other family members. One by one, I gifted them to my daughter, son, son-in-law and wife. Finally, I was the last person to get one for myself.
"I got them styled and stitched in India. Then, the Orb certification mark labels of Harris Tweed were proudly affixed. I am never tired of narrating our great experience with the product to our envious family friends."
You can sign up for the Harris Tweed Authority newsletter at https://www.harristweed.org/
The pictures show Dr Singh and his family in their elegant Harris Tweed jackets.
A new speed limit has been introduced in the Liniclate.
Road users will now have to slow down to 40mph.
A spokesperson for the Comhairle said: "The Comhairle, as Roads Authority for the Western Isles, undertook an assessment of various criteria in this area and, in consultation with Police Scotland, determined that the speed limit be reduced to 40mph.
A fisherman has died at sea after falling overboard in high winds and rough seas in the early hours of this morning (Thursday 30 January).
Stornoway RNLI Lifeboat is heading for home after being called to the location of the incident, 45 miles north of the Butt of Lewis, at 3am.
Stornoway Coastguard operations centre took a call at 2.50am from a German-registered fishing vessel, asking for urgent assistance after the man was lost overboard.
The RNLI lifeboat launched at 3.20am and rescue helicopter R948 was immediately dispatched to begin the search for the missing man. Nearby fishing vessels also made full speed to the area to help in the search, in very rough sea conditions and south-westerly winds up to gale force 8.
The Coastguard helicopter had reached the limit of its range and was unable to search further when rescue helicopter R151 was called from Inverness to take over. Their team located the man in the water and the casualty vessel despatched their own fast response vessel to take him back aboard.
The man was found to have died before recovery to his vessel, and was then lifted from the deck by R151 and taken to Inverness, where he was confirmed as deceased.
All teams were stood down at 8.40am this morning and Stornoway lifeboat is expected to reach her home berth around midday.
Stock images show Stornoway RNLI Lifeboat leaving Stornoway harbour and Coastguard Rescue Helicopter R948 during training.
Harris Tweed Hebrides (HTH) has welcomed many distinguished visitors to Shawbost Mill – and this week added a former Miss Russia to the roll of honour.
Alina Charova, who won the title in 2016, was one of a group of media influencers who visited the company under the auspices of VisitBritain Russia, which is part of the UK Embassy in Moscow.
She now runs a fashion and beauty blog which has more than 500,000 followers on Instagram and over 600,000 on its YouTube channel. The group also included a writer from Aeroflot's in-flight magazine and other leading bloggers.
Marina Shatalova from VisitBritain Russia said: "The purpose of the trip is to promote Scotland as a unique tourist destination along with Scottish fashion heritage. We hope to inspire Russian travellers to choose Scotland as part of their itineraries."
The group also visited Edinburgh and Elgin. They found the tour of the mill, hosted by HTH sales director Margaret Ann MacLeod, "really interesting and unique", said Alina, and they were immediately posting images and enthusiastic commentary about Harris Tweed and Shawbost Mill for their huge Russian audiences.
HTH chairman, Brian Wilson, said: "Russia ticks all the boxes as a potentially significant market for Harris Tweed and we have developed sales there over several years with great support from the British Embassy.
"The important point of a visit like this is that the discerning Russian audience will be introduced to Harris Tweed as a luxury product by people who have seen at first hand the complexity of the process, the skills that go into it and the place from which it comes."
The Hebridean Celtic Festival's 25th anniversary celebration is sure to have everyone dancing into the night with confirmation today (Thursday 30 January) that Seasick Steve will be one of the headliners.
Seasick Steve will top the bill on the closing night of the four-day event, which will run from 15-18 July in Lewis and Harris.
Steve will include Stornoway on his UK and European tour this year as he heads out on the road with his collection of amazing guitars and his drummer Crazy Dan.
He said: "We rock. That's what we do. When I see a field full of people, they're just with us and ready to get down in the mud (sometimes real mud!). We love it, and we love them."
HebCelt has already announced that Scots rock giants Texas will headline Friday night at the milestone festival. Other acts confirmed so far include Tide Lines, Julie Fowlis, Trail West and Dual, with others yet to be unveiled.
HebCelt director Caroline Maclennan said: "This is another major coup for the festival. Seasick Steve is an internationally renowned musician with a huge following.
"We are thrilled he will be joining us in Stornoway to mark our 25th anniversary in style."
Seasick Steve has come a very long way in 14 years since he burst into the public consciousness with his amazingly raw, powerful emotional performances on TV, becoming a household name overnight.
It is those astonishing and engaging live performances that have turned Steve and drummer Dan Magnusson into such a powerful force, both live and on record, selling over 1 million albums and selling-out venues all over the world in the process.
Steve is having the time of his life, and it's the energy of putting new songs on record and the electricity of playing live that continue to drive him. He just keeps winning fans everywhere he goes.
Also confirmed today for HebCelt 2020 are Skipinnish, RURA, Kinnaris Quintet, Damien O'Kane & Ron Block, Martin Harley and Band and Còig.
Skipinnish (pictured above), who formed in Tiree in 1999, headlined HebCelt in 2018 ahead of their 20th anniversary which included a flagship summer Highland birthday party in Inverness in front of 4,500 fans.
The band's dynamic performances have rocketed them to the top of the Scottish music scene and led them to be named Live Act of the Year at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2017.
The band said: "We are absolutely delighted to be returning to HebCelt in July to join in this fantastic festival's 25th anniversary celebrations. It is one of our very favourite festivals to be part of with the HebCelt team being so well run and welcoming and with audiences being so incredible.
"The last time we played HebCelt, the reaction from the crowd was unbelievable and we cannot wait to return."
The multi-award winning Scottish folk band RURA are one of the most exciting bands on the Scottish folk scene. They have been performing together for nearly a decade and have released three acclaimed albums, most recently In Praise of Home in 2018.
Kinnaris Quintet, who mix new compositions with traditional Scottish and Irish, Bluegrass, old-time and classical music, burst onto the scene in 2017 and released a much-anticipated debut album, Free One, the following year.
The female players from diverse geographical and musical backgrounds gravitated from playing with other outfits to forming their own band and finding their own sound. All accomplished musicians in their own right, their collaboration caused much excitement in the music scene even before they started playing or recording together.
Damien O'Kane, from Coleraine and Ron Block, from California, are regarded as two of the greatest exponents of the banjo. Their collaboration created their own genre of music they call 'banjophony' which is also the title of their debut duo album released last year.
Damien has had two releases nominated for best album in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, while Ron, who has performed with Alison Krauss & Union Station, has 14 Grammy Awards and six International Bluegrass Music Awards to his name.
British guitarist and songwriter Martin Harley has created a deep impression on the acoustic blues roots and Americana scene with his last two Nashville recorded albums. He was ranked Number 16 in the Total Guitar magazine's 2018 world's greatest acoustic guitarist poll and in the same year was nominated as Instrumentalist of the Year at the Americana Music Association UK Awards.
High-energy Cape Breton outfit Còig are an exciting Celtic supergroup made up of four accomplished multi-instrumentalists. Last spring they made their debut UK tour which had to be extended due to demand. They released their fourth album, Ashlar, in March last year and their credits include a Canadian Folk Music Award, a JUNO nomination and multiple East Coast Music Awards and Music Nova Scotia Awards.
Stay connected with all the festival's news:
on Twitter at https://twitter.com/hebcelt
on Instagram at https://instagram.com/hebcelt
on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HebCelt
online at https://www.hebceltfest.com
on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/user/hebceltfest
on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/user/hebcelt.festival
on Sponsors at https://www.hebceltfest.com/backstage/sponsors
Do you have any old dog crates, cat litter trays, or even towels and blankets you don't need?
If so, Uist Cat Rescue would greatly appreciate the donation!
They issued an appeal on Facebook, saying: "Dog crates are perfect for post-op care for cats, as well as socialising them and keeping them safe.
"We can pick anything up locally if you let us know.
"Thank you so much."
If you can help, contact Uist Cat Rescue.
Stornoway police were called to an address in the town in the early hours of yesterday morning (Tuesday 28 January) to reports of an assault.
A 24-year-old man was arrested at 1.10am and was charged with assault and with police assault following the arrest.
He was kept in custody until sober and then released on citation, meaning that he will appear in court at a date to be advised later.
Since 11 January, Stornoway has had its own parkrun. This is a 5k run, which takes place every Saturday in Lews Castle Grounds, starting at 9.30am at Cuddy Point. It's completely free.
Participants just need to register on the parkrun website (www.parkrun.org.uk) and print out their barcode.
Known as Lews Castle parkrun (in line with parkrun's policy of naming events after the park where they take place), the event is open to anyone from the age of 4 (under-11s must run with their parent/carer). Babies in buggies and dogs on short leads are also welcome.
There's no need to be able to run 5k. Everyone is welcome at parkrun, including people who would like to walk the course. There are marshals along the route and a tailwalker (sometimes accompanied by a tailwalking dog!) to make sure that everyone is safe and has a good time.
The route starts just beyond the gates at Cuddy Point and goes along the Shore Road, up the Creed path to the Japanese garden, then around the base of Gallows Hill, along to the lower end of the Creed and along the Shore Road to finish back at Cuddy Point. It's very scenic, with great views on a clear day and the benefit of wildlife such as herons along the way.
A massive 130 people took part in the first event on 11 January, coming from all over Lewis and Harris. Fifteen people came from the mainland, most of them especially for the run. Lots of people were quite new to running and some walked the course. And 11 people made the event possible by volunteering. Over 200 people took part in the first three events.
Lews Castle is now one of 698 parkruns across the UK and beyond. There are over two million people registered and over 300,000 take part every week. For islanders visiting the mainland, there are lots of choices for other parkruns to attend, from city centre events to country parks. And visitors to Lewis will be able to join in our parkrun.
The Lews Castle parkrun was made possible by generous donations from the following: Ward Priority Fund donations from all eight Councillors in Steornabagh A Deas and Steornabagh A Tuath wards, RJ McLeod, the Scottish Salmon Company, and Tesco Bags for Life. A fundraising quiz and donations from The Stornoway Trust and Stornoway Rugby Club raised money for a permanent defibrillator for the Castle Grounds, as this is a requirement for every parkrun. The defibrillator will be installed shortly in the Woodlands Centre.
Mairi Maciver, event director for Lews Castle parkrun, said: "I'm so glad that there's now a parkrun in Stornoway. The Castle Grounds is a fantastic place to run and walk. I am sure that this will encourage lots of people to be more active. parkrun is open to all and I think that it will be of great benefit to both residents and visitors."
Iain Maciver, Factor for The Stornoway Trust, said: "The Trust is delighted to host the parkrun in the Castle Grounds and hope that it will encourage more people to use the park to keep fit."
For more information about Lews Castle parkrun, please visit: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/lewscastle/
Pedestrians are being urged to make sure they can be seen when walking after dark, after a number of reports of people taking risks with black clothing on dark nights.
Point Community Council, who next meet on Monday 24 February, is considering whether to initiate a campaign, after reports of pedestrians who can't be seen easily. One driver said: "We almost hit two elderly gentlemen on the Braighe Road late at night in the pouring rain. It was the headlights shining on their wet wellies that made us see them."
And in Tong there's been a similar report of adults out walking after dark with no high-visibility clothing. One resident said: "(One) evening I was met whilst driving by a lady on the wrong side of road, not on path side, and in dark clothes. Tonight whilst driving a gentleman was walking and he was head to toe in dark clothes."
Stornoway police are actively campaigning to raise awareness of the risk and to make sure people know how to stay safe when walking at night.
Police Scotland's preventions and interventions officer PC Fiona Macleod said: "As part of Operation Cedar, police in the Outer Hebrides have teamed with NHS Western Isles to extend their winter Be Active, Be Safe, Be Seen campaign to vulnerable road users.
"Marked police vehicles throughout the islands will carry high visibility reflective arm bands for issue by officers to any member of the public encountered whilst on patrol that they feel would benefit from them.
"Darkness itself constitutes a risk to all road users that should be taken into account and adaptions made to keep yourself and others safe, whether it be wearing high-visibility reflective gear or lights, ensuring that there are no oncoming vehicles or that oncoming vehicles have stopped prior to stepping onto the road, checking that where you are crossing the road is the safest place to do so, or reducing your speed to give yourself more time to see and react to hazards."
"Further information for road users about keeping safe and being prepared during the winter months can be found at https://www.scotland.police.uk/keep-safe/road-safety/winter-road-safety.
"Operation Cedar (Challenge, Educate, Detect and Reduce) is Police Scotland's current traffic campaign to reduce the number of road collisions by highlighting the known risks that can contribute to serious and fatal crashes."
The picture shows (l to r) Councillor Charlie Nicolson, sports development officer Steven Munro, Karen Peteranna of the NHS Western Isles health promotion team, and Police Scotland preventions and interventions officer PC Fiona Macleod.
The troubled development of affordable housing planned for Tarbert is to be put back out to tender, after the original contractors abandoned the site.
Hebridean Housing Partnership (HHP) has work in hand for eight two-bedroomed flats on the site of the former police station.
The contractors originally tasked with the construction project, Douglas and Stewart, left the site last autumn following a negative report on issues with the foundations.
HHP had hoped to negotiate their return to the site, but in a statement issued today (Wednesday 29 January) they said: "Following a review of the options available to us to complete the development at the former police station, Tarbert, Isle of Harris, HHP are currently inviting tenders for this project. The tender return date is 26 February 2020 with the timetable for tender and contract evaluation/award seeking to achieve a site start in early April."
The development was originally proposed for completion by the end of 2021 and it is not clear whether this target date may have to be revised.
The development is to be named James' Place in honour of James Morrison, a policeman with Harris connections, who was killed while off-duty in London in 1991 and is buried in Harris, where his family originated.
A planned maintenance operation by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) means that 122 homes in the Sandwick area are without power today (Wednesday 29 January).The householders, in the North Street area, have been notified in advance and power is expected to be turned back on once the maintenance work is complete, around 5pm this afternoon.
A date has been confirmed for the 2020 Barrathon.
The popular event has been scheduled for Saturday 27 June.
Organisers say it is anticipated that entries will go live within the next 10 days.
Keep an eye on the Barrathon Facebook page for more information.
Three NHS Western Isles projects have been shortlisted in the national Digital Health and Care Awards.
It has the highest number of projects shortlisted this year in NHS Scotland, and the NHS Western Isles Technology Enabled Care (TEC) team is delighted to have been selected as a finalist in the national Digital Health Awards for the third year in a row!
Specialist nurse, Angela Woodley, along with the local TEC team, has been shortlisted in the Innovative Remote and Rural Services category for the impressive work to redesign our dermatology service.
A redesign of the service was prompted by the retiral of the consultant dermatologist. A national shortage in dermatologists meant that the service could no longer be provided in the way it had historically been delivered. This was seen as an opportunity to transform the service, reduce patient travel, improve waiting times and reduce or eliminate the number of patients breaching national waiting targets for appointments. Local staff therefore turned the old service model on its head, providing a more resilient local service, with one expert point of contact.
The solution was the creation of a nurse-led service, with remote access as required to a consultant off-island. Angela Woodley, the Dermatology Nurse, now assesses all the referrals and arranges appointments with either herself, a local GP with Special Interest, or with a Dermatologist (by remote access, via video conference (VC)).
Angela commented: "Patients are very happy with the redesigned service, having one point of contact, so they know who to call if advice is needed. Waiting times have significantly improved, far fewer patients have to travel to the mainland and we can now do biopsies and minor operations here too."
The Local TEC team has also been shortlisted in the Digital Impact category for all the various TEC strands the team has developed over the past three years to transform the way care is delivered to patients. From humble beginnings with a part time Florence Co-ordinator four years ago, to a small full-time team of two, TEC has changed the way healthcare is delivered using Florence, remote diagnostics, VC and robotics.
NHS Western Isles TEC Project Manager, Iain Trayner, said: "We're really pleased to be nominated as finalists again. It's a huge achievement for our small Board. We've been one of the most successful TEC teams in Scotland and I think we're probably the smallest as well! I'm really pleased too that Angela has been recognised for her readiness to embrace TEC solutions, none of this incredible service transformation would have been possible without her."
NHS Western Isles TEC Project Officer, Elizabeth Fowler, said: "I'm delighted that we've been shortlisted in two categories – it really is a huge achievement, especially for a small remote and rural Board. We've worked so hard to promote and embed our TEC solutions; we've seen that it makes a huge difference to our patients and we owe all of our NHS Western Isles colleagues a huge vote of thanks for supporting us along the way."
Also shortlisted this year in the Empowering Children and Young People category is the NHS Western Isles Speech and Language Therapy team for the Gaelic (STaG) Digital Resource. The Speech and Language Therapy Department developed the digital resource Speech Therapy and Gaelic (STaG) to assist children with speech sound difficulties who use Gaelic as their first or preferred language.
This first-of-its-kind and unique resource is ideal for children whose speech is hard to understand due to difficulties producing speech sounds. Having clear, intelligible speech underpins the achievement of educational potential and supports good mental health and wellbeing. While there are plenty of motivating and easily accessible resources for listening and practising speech sounds in English, this was not the case with Gaelic. STaG consists of an interactive website and a digital app with games and flashcards, as well as downloadable and printable worksheets. STaG is also suitable to support general sound and language development and for use within Gaelic Medium Education throughout Scotland.
NHS Western Isles Speech and Language Therapy Manager, Christine Lapsley, said: "We are delighted that people have recognised the value of this app, and that it has been shortlisted. Hopefully it will highlight the significance and importance of this resource, which is not just being used locally, but by a number of Gaelic establishments and by people learning Gaelic."
The Awards Ceremony will be held in Edinburgh on 25 February.
Upgrade work is set to begin at Lochmaddy harbour next month.
A public meeting is being held tomorrow (Thursday 30 January) to update islanders on the programme of upgrade work.
Individuals are invited to drop in at any time during the meeting.
Work is expected to commence in mid-February 2020 and last for approximately a year.
CalMac will continue to operate ferry services.
Representatives from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, CMAL, Wallace Stone and recently appointed contractor, L&M Keating, will attend the meeting to provide information and answer questions.
The event will take place tomorrow (Thursday 30 January) from 4pm until 7pm at Lochmaddy Community Hall.
Isles FM faces broadcasting crisis, says Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP Alasdair Allan.
He has taken up concerns expressed by Isles FM after meeting with directors of the organisation about the future arrangements for transmitting their programmes.
The communications link between the island station's Seaforth Road studio and broadcast site at Eitshal is currently served via the Connected Communities network. But when that service ceases at the end of March the station will need to find an alternative link.
The local MSP recently met with Isles FM directors and has raised this issue with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to ask what can be done to allow the station to continue to broadcast.
Isles FM has been broadcasting since March 1998 and is operated entirely by a volunteer staff working out of purpose-built studios in Seaforth Road, Stornoway.
Alasdair Allan said: "Isles FM has an important place in the community and provides a valuable public service. It is vitally important that a solution is found which allows them to continue to broadcast and I have raised this issue with HIE, who I know have been seeking solutions to this issue.
"At a time when local radio stations across the country are being squeezed, the volunteers at Isles FM have done a great job keeping the station on-air and providing listeners with music, news and other content. I know HIE and the Comhairle have also given significant help and assistance to Isles FM, without which the station simply could not continue."
The 1st Stornoway Girls Brigade has won funding towards new sound equipment, following the latest round of Community Fund awards from the Scottish Salmon Company (SSC).
The 1st Stornoway Girls Brigade meet weekly, giving over 40 girls from P1 to S6 the opportunity to take part in a range of activities to develop their confidence and skills, including drama, presentations and fundraising for charity.
The donation from SSC will contribute towards purchasing new sound equipment, which will greatly improve the quality of the Girls Brigade productions.
Part of SSC's Community Charter, the Fund was established in 2017 and encourages employees to be champions in their local area by nominating groups, charities and organisations that support health and wellbeing for a funding grant up to £250.
The 1st Stornoway Girls Brigade were nominated by Douglas Shaw, Marine Site Manager at SSC's Gravir site.
Lieutenant Maretta Maclean, of 1st Stornoway Girls Brigade said: "Our group of girls from Stornoway and the surrounding areas meet weekly to take part in activities that build their confidence, give them new skills and enable new friendships.
"We're very grateful to The Scottish Salmon Company for their kind donation towards our new sound equipment. Participating in displays and our annual prize giving is important to us, and the new equipment will greatly improve our productions."
Su Cox, Director, at the SSC, said: "The Scottish Salmon Company is committed to supporting local communities where our team live and work, and the 1st Stornoway Girls Brigade do a fantastic job of promoting health and wellbeing in their local community. We hope the new sound equipment will be put to great use in future activities."
Payroll deduction is the way forward to encourage savings throughout the Western Isles and beyond, says HI-Scot, the credit union for the Highlands and Islands.
HI-Scot has vowed to make 2020 the year when saving and borrowing are even more accessible. With a focus on payroll deduction, allowing people to save directly from their pay packet every month via their employer, the credit union offers a viable alternative to high street banking in 2020.
And it's simple for employers - with no software needed. Employees simply sign a mandate allowing their company to deduct an amount from their net pay (after tax) and the company makes one payment to HI-Scot, which then divides that as agreed between the accounts of the employees involved - who all must have HI-Scot accounts, of course.
"We're always looking for ways to make banking with HI-Scot easier for our members," said David Mackay, General Manager. "And payroll deduction is exactly that, with savings or loan repayments being made directly into a member's account from their salary."
Recent research from the Financial Inclusion Centre showed that employees saving with a credit union via payroll are much more likely to regularly save and that the simplicity of payroll deduction is a vital factor.
"HI-Scot already offers payroll deduction with several organisations across the Highlands and Islands," said Dave Rattray, Treasurer of the Board of Directors. "In 2020 we want to increase this reach and offer the service to more of our members – and also welcome new members to the credit union."
Payroll deduction with HI-Scot credit union is available to employees at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Highland Council, Orkney Islands Council, Shetland Islands Council, NHS Highland, NHS Western Isles, Highland Home Carers, Lewis Crofters and Skills Development Scotland.
To find out more about saving via payroll deduction with any of these organisations, employees should contact HI-Scot directly.
"We plan to expand the list of employers who offer payroll deduction throughout 2020," adds David. "And we'd like to encourage people who work for any of the organisations who offer the service to consider saving in this way."
The Financial Inclusion Centre's research also showed that more than half of workers reported that their current financial situation worries them. An employer who encourages a regular saving habit by offering payroll deduction can hope to support their employees - with the buffer provided by savings, people feel more in control of their circumstances, which impacts positively on an individual's sense of well-being.
With little more than 48 hours to go before Brexit and cutting of ties with the rest of the Europe Union, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has succeeded in getting more than £450,000 in European aid to fight poverty and encourage social inclusion.
CnES succeeded in an application to the European Structural and Investment Funds 2014-2020 to extend its Western Isles Poverty and Social Inclusion programme to 2022.
The initial phase of the programme was awarded European Social Fund (ESF) grant aid of £240,000 and this extension has secured a further £455,198 which gives a total ESF grant of £695,198.
The programme is focused around financial inclusion and fuel poverty and support is provided to disadvantaged people living on low income, lone parent or jobless households.
The range of services provided include:
Comhairle Leader, Roddie Mackay, welcomed the ESF funding, "which safeguards this important service which is helping to address and alleviate fuel poverty and debt in the islands and realising tangible economic benefits for individuals and households throughout the Western Isles."
The Comhairle's Financial Inclusion service has dealt with over 500 referrals to date and has generated financial gains of nearly £800,000.
The Fuel Poverty service provided by Tighean Innse Gall in phase 1 provided a service to 46 households which generated a financial saving for these households totalling nearly £70,000, a percentage of which will continue annually.
The Scottish Government is the Managing Authority for the European Structural Funds Programme. For further information visit their webpages or follow @scotgovESIF.
A power cut that affected all properties between Borve and Port of Ness this afternoon (Tuesday 28 January) has now been repaired by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN).
In all, 860 homes and businesses at a total of 60 postcodes lost power just before 4.30pm today, the problem traced to a piece of equipment which was already being checked at Melbost, Borve.
With engineers already on site the power supply was quickly restored and all properties are now back on supply.
SSEN apologised for the inconvenience to customers.
As the Islands' Open exhibition Grinneas nan Eilean draws to a close at An Lanntair, the public votes for best-in-show have been totted-up for the People's Choice award.
And topping the poll was Drowned Out by Lewis artist Christine Davidson.
The piece, comprising a glass box embossed with gold-leaf and etched with biblical quotes, is composed of Christian symbols, among them a 'crown of thorns' made from barbed wire, a Gaelic Bible and a small crucifix, submerged in water.
The People's Choice winner of the inaugural Grinneas na h-Oigridh (Young Grinneas) vote is Caitlin Morrison, aged 14, also from Lewis, whose graphic drawing of Venom, one of Spiderman's most terrifying foes, came out as best-in-show.
An Lanntair Visual Arts Director Roddy Murray said: "Congratulations to both our winners. They are both compelling pieces but could hardly be more different! They will each receive a £50 voucher to spend at An Lanntair."
People's Choice winners Christine Davidson and Caitlin Morrison join Critic's Choice winners Mairi Gillies with Piobaireachd Crubaige 1 & II (GnE), and Dulcie MacDonad with Clouded Vision (GnO), announced in December 2019.
Grinneas nan Eilean and Grinneas na h-Oirgridh close at An Lanntair on Saturday 1 February.
The latest Scottish Government figures on multiple deprivation in local communities have been published today (Tuesday 28 January) and the Na h-Eileanan an Iar local authority has no areas among the 20% most deprived in Scotland.But Scotland's chief statistician, Roger Holliday, has warned that this does not mean there are no people experiencing deprivation living there.Over half of people on low income do not live in the 20% most deprived areas in Scotland, so using the figures to identify individuals experiencing deprivation will not work in remote rural areas and the islands.Roger Halliday said: "I welcome these statistics and the work done to make this complex information more easily accessible. I know how widely the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation is used as a vital resource for local planning, by third sector organisations bringing together resources needed to do their great work, and by many others. However, we must also focus on the strengths and assets of communities if we are to work together to make Scotland a fair and inclusive place to live."The Scottish Index of Muptiple Deprivation (SIMD) is a tool for identifying the places in Scotland where people are experiencing disadvantage across different aspects of their lives, such as in education, employment, healthcare and housing.It ranks data zones covering the whole of Scotland from the most deprived to the least deprived. 6,976 data zones include some in areas of the Western Isles including in Point, Ness, Lochs, the Westside and throughout Harris, the Uists and Barra.Stornoway town has the highest comparative multiple deprivation index, with Stornoway West scoring poorly on income and employment and especially on crime, but the index rating of the area is balanced by a good score on education, housing and especially on access to services.Outside Stornoway the highest areas of multiple deprivation are in parts of South and North-west Lewis and in South Uist and Eriskay, where a very poor rating on access to services is balanced by good availability of housing and a very low crime rate.The full results are available on a searchable map here.
A group which brings together people who live with long-term health conditions has received a double boost, with the success of two applications for funding.Long Term Condition Hebrides (LTCH) are to receive £5,240 from the National Lottery's Awards For All pot, to meet the costs of a core project.The Bridge Project, which started in September 2018, was set up to provide activities designed to enhance the life experience, health and well-being of people living with a long-term condition and their carers.LTCH co-ordinator Dr Gail Cunningham said: "We are delighted to have been awarded this funding as it secures the delivery of our Bridge Project for another year."The group also learnt recently that they have been awarded funding of £2,000 from the Robertson Trust to fund a weekly yoga session at the Bridge Centre. These sessions, with occupational therapist Lucy Harness, will resume in early March.The LTCH group meet every Tuesday morning from 11am at Stornoway Fire Station. It's open to any adult who would like to participate in self-management techniques, relaxation exercises and mindful movement.These activities are led by Dr Gail Cunningham and provide a welcoming and informal environment to share experiences, gain self-confidence, learn new self-management skills and build friendships.Drop-in sessions are available to anyone who might be interested in finding out more about the group and it is not necessary to have a referral from a health professional. You can find out more from their Facebook page here.
A 27-year old piper will make history this April as the first female competitor in the Pipe Major Donald MacLeod MBE Memorial Competition.
Sarah Muir, winner of the 2019 Dunvegan Medal for piobaireachd, will also be giving a recital this winter, the Lewis and Harris Piping Society have announced. Sarah, who works as a piping tutor in Fife, comes from Campbeltown.
The Pipe Major Donald MacLeod MBE Memorial Competition is an invitational competition, with pipers invited to compete based on their successes over the previous year on the piping circuit. As a result, the line-up is regarded as a showcase of eight of the current best pipers in the world.
Sarah, who is taught by Willie McCallum, was interested to learn she will be the first female piper to take part in the Donald MacLeod competition. "For me, that's quite a big thing," she admitted. "It's nice to be a female breaking into what's still a male-dominated – at the top, anyway – discipline. It's nice to be an individual in that regard."
Sarah's win in Skye qualifies her for a place at the Donald MacLeod and the Piping Society are delighted she will be able to take part. They are also delighted she will give the third recital and workshop in this year's programme, to be held in Stornoway on Saturday 29 February.
Sarah said she was looking forward to it, especially having never been to Stornoway before. "I'm really looking forward to coming up and meeting the kids. I've heard good things about them and the Youth Pipe Band already, so I'm looking forward to helping them enjoy their piping."
The previous recitals and workshops were given by Callum Beaumont and Glenn Brown. And, like Callum and Glenn, Sarah has praised the compositions that are PM Donald MacLeod's legacy.
"When you look through his collections of tunes, every tune he writes is such a blockbuster. His piobaireachds are some of the loveliest I've played and to be able to write piobaireachd and the light music is pretty unique, I would say. It's really hard to write piobaireachd, there's only a couple that have done it, and every tune he wrote is still worthy of being played at the top level."
A programme of recitals was a regular feature on The Lewis and Harris Piping Society's calendar from the time it was formed in the 1970s until about a decade ago, with anything up to six recitals in each series, and the best pipers in Scotland were invited then too. Then, recitals were held in the Royal Hotel and latterly the Royal British Legion Club but it had been "a bit beyond their means" to bring in star pipers in recent times, due to resources.
However, Piping Society chairman Dr Smith said "a very generous donation from a private individual" had made it possible for them to organise a winter recital programme for 2019/2020 and they hoped to hold four recitals in the series.
The recital will be held in the Caladh Hotel at 7.30pm, with tickets available on the door, priced £10 and £8 concession. Under 16s get in free.
Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP Alasdair Allan has backed proposals for a new Scottish Visa to address depopulation and cut skills gaps in the Western Isles set to be made worse by Brexit.
Under plans announced by the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, migrants who want to live in Scotland could choose to apply for a Scottish Visa, or one of the existing immigration routes offered by the UK Government.
All of Scotland's population growth for the next 25 years was projected to come from migration.
However, new UK Government immigration controls and the end of free movement after Brexit are expected to exacerbate the risk of skills gaps and labour shortages in Scotland.
Population projections from the National Records of Scotland show that the Western Isles are expected to lose 15% of their population by 2040 – the highest expected loss of population of any area in Scotland.
Without migration, the Western Isles would suffer an even more severe demographic crisis that could hammer public services like the NHS.
Alasdair Allan MSP said: "Brexit, and the end of freedom of movement, poses a huge risk to the islands' economy and public services.
"With the working age population of the Western Isles set to decrease by 17% over the next decade, it is absolutely vital that we continue to attract people to live and work here. Migrants make hugely valuable contributions to our economy, public services, and communities – and that must continue.
"We can already see the effects of the one-size-fits-all approach by the UK government with their refusal to allow non-EEA works to help fill the crew shortages in the west coast fishing fleet.
"UK government proposals to end freedom of movement and put in place inappropriate salary and skills requirements for all migrants would be disastrous for our economy and society and would risk acute labour shortages across a variety of different sectors.
"These sensible Scottish Government proposals, in line with other regional migration systems such as in Canada and Australia, would give us the ability to create a system tailored to our needs that helped address the skills and recruitment challenges we face.
"If the UK government refuse to deliver that plan it will yet again underline the urgent need for Scotland to take these decisions for ourselves."
Games Night
Date: Friday 31 JanuaryTimes: 7pm to 9pmVenue: Daliburgh Manse, Isle of South Uist, Daliburgh, HS8 5SS
Organised by the Church of Scotland- all welcome!
Iolaire Exhibition
Dates: Until Saturday 1 FebruaryVenue: Museum nan Eilean, Sgoil Lionacleit, Isle of Benbecula, HS7 5PJ
See artefacts from the disaster and accounts from the survivors. Includes a new panel about the men with Berneray Connections.
David Cass – Horizon Rising
Dates: Until Saturday 29 FebruaryVenue: Gallery 2 at Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum and Arts Centre, Lochmaddy, Isle of North Uist, HS6 5AA
Info: https://www.taigh-chearsabhagh.org/events/david-cass-horizon-rising/
Faodail | FOUND Archive Film Project
Dates: Until Saturday 29 FebruaryVenue: Gallery 1 at Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum and Arts Centre, Lochmaddy, Isle of North Uist, HS6 5AA
Info: https://www.taigh-chearsabhagh.org/events/faodail-found-archive-film-project/
Saturday Club: Free and Fun Children's Art Classes
Dates: Until Saturday 2 MayTimes: 10:30am – 11:30am ages 5 – 7 or 12pm – 1pm ages 8+Venue: Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum and Arts Centre, Lochmaddy, Isle of North Uist, HS6 5AA
Every Saturday, each class is tutored by a skilled professional artist and assistant! Your child will have the opportunity to improve their art and design skills and learn new ones in a fun and lively environment.
Info: https://www.taigh-chearsabhagh.org/events/saturday-club-free-childrens-art-classes-at-taigh-chearsabhagh/
Drawing from the Land
Dates: Sunday 10 May - Sunday 17 MayLocations: various locations across Lewis & Harris and North Uist
Drawing & painting holiday with Ellis O'Connor, Wild at Art Ltd
Regular events
Benbecula Parkrun/Machair Run (Unofficial): Free Timed 5km Run/Walk
Dates: Most Sundays: Feb: 9, 16, 23 Mar: 1, 22 Apr: 12, 19Times: From 2.30pm to 5.30pmLocation: Starts at Liniclate School and runs along the beach/machair land... run, walk, set your mind free, you'll love it, the Parkrun by the sea!
Liniclate School, Liniclate, Isle of Benbecula, HS7 5PJ
Local Produce Market
Dates: Every WednesdayTimes: From 11am to 4pmLocation: Ceann na h-Àirigh, Scotvein, Isle of North Uist, HS6 5JA
Grimsay Community Association: Our weekly local produce market is held every Wednesday, year-round at Ceann na h-Àirigh. If it's Wednesday, it's market day! Local food, arts, crafts and gifts from local producers, growers and makers. All goods grown, reared or made on the Uists.
A snow and ice warning has been issued for the Western Isles.
The Met Office have said: "Frequent showers will affect the northwest of Scotland during the rest of Monday, overnight and through to late Tuesday morning, falling as snow away from the western coastal fringes.
"Some spots may see accumulations of 1-3 cm below 150 m, with more widely 5-10 cm above 150 m.
"Strong winds may also bring temporary blizzard conditions in association with the showers at first, though winds will ease overnight.
"In addition, icy patches becoming widespread overnight away from western coasts."
Wine, beer and spirits drinkers who remain largely unsure of how many drinks make up the recommended weekly alcohol unit guideline are encouraged to Count 14 by NHS Western Isles.
People who have looked to reduce their alcohol intake in January are being urged to Count 14 in February, and beyond, to keep the risks from alcohol consumption low – with the campaign providing an easy guide to what 14 units actually looks like for a range of different alcoholic drinks.
Only 15 per cent of beer, lager and cider drinkers in Scotland were able to correctly identify that six pints equals 14 units, with 16 per cent of wine drinkers knowing 14 units equated to six medium glasses of wine.
Almost a quarter (24 per cent) of those who drink spirits regularly knew seven double measures added up to the recommended maximum unit guideline.
Of those who drink wine, beer, or spirits, many simply answered 'don't know' when asked how many of each drink made up 14 units (17 per cent, 13 per cent and 28 per cent respectively).
The Scottish Government's Count 14 campaign, backed by NHS Western Isles, aims to help people understand how their weekly drinking adds up.
NHS Western Isles Director of Public Health, Dr Maggie Watts, said: "NHS Western Isles supports this campaign to increase awareness of current guidelines around alcohol consumption and promote a more considered approach to drinking alcohol.
"Changing your alcohol use can help to reduce your health risks. If you intend to drink you should drink no more than 14 units a week on a regular basis, making sure you spread your drinking over three or more days and that you have three or more alcohol-free days each week. If you are concerned about your drinking, talk to your GP or a health professional."
Figures released last year highlighted that in 2018, Scots bought enough alcohol for every adult to drink 19 units of alcohol per week, meaning that, on average, every adult in Scotland is drinking 36 per cent more than the lower risk guidelines.
Scotland's Alcohol Framework 2018: Preventing Harm was launched in November 2018 which set out the Scottish Government's national prevention aims on alcohol.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Catherine Calderwood said: "The alcohol guidelines are based on the clear evidence that as alcohol use increases, so does the risk of a range of health harms. To keep these risks low it's recommended that men and women don't drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis.
"The 14 unit guideline equates to six pints of medium strength beer, lager or cider; six medium glasses of wine or seven double measures of spirits over the course of a week.
"By increasing understanding of what this means in terms of actual alcoholic drinks, our hope is that adults in Scotland are able to make more informed choices."
For further information on the guidelines visit count14.scot
A unit is the best way to describe the quantity of pure alcohol in a drink. Fourteen units is the equivalent of:
Six pints of medium strength beer, lager or cider (4 per cent ABV, 568ml)
Six medium glasses of wine (13 per cent ABV, 175ml
Seven double measures of spirits (40 per cent ABV, 50ml)
Are your mealtimes stressful? Does your child refuse to eat? Are you concerned about their nutrition? We can help!
The NHS Western Isles Happy Meals team runs information sessions for parents of children of any age who are fussy eaters.
The sessions are led by a Dietitian, Occupational Therapist and Speech and Language Therapist and are available to residents of the Western Isles. The health professionals' different backgrounds are complemented by a shared knowledge of feeding, and allow you the unique opportunity to benefit from their expertise in an informal setting.
NHS Western Isles Occupational Therapist, Careen Laird, explains: "Fussy eating is a common problem for parents and we want to provide some ideas for parents to try at home to stop mealtimes turning into battles. Anyone who has concerns relating to their child's fussy eating can attend."
Some of the feedback received from parents who have attended our previous sessions includes:
"It was good to be given ideas of things to try at home with my child."
"I felt really reassured that my child's eating isn't as bad as I thought."
"It was good to know I'm not the only parent that struggles with this."
The Happy Meals team has already run sessions in Stornoway, Balivanich and Castlebay.
Following feedback from those who attended these sessions, the team has agreed to trial a live on-line presentation that you can attend from the comfort of your own home.
This session will take place on Tuesday 10 March from 10am-11.30am.
Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL) were offered a sensible, safer and better value for money option by their own consultants in the ongoing dispute about centralising air traffic control (ATC) services, said transport chiefs in the Western Isles.
The comments follow a debate in the Scottish Parliament last week on a motion condemning the proposals by Shetland MSP, Beatrice Wishart. Widespread support was expressed by Highlands and Islands MSPs.
HIAL's proposals also now include downgrading Benbecula Airport to an Aerodrome Flight Information Service (AFIS). The Comhairle has previously criticised the move as a lack of ambition on HIAL's part.
Comhairle Leader Roddie Mackay said: "The Scottish Government need to reflect where they are being led by HIAL and reconsider where this is going. At the moment what is being proposed will result in a waste of tax payers' money.
"Why are HIAL pursuing this option when they were offered a perfectly sensible, safer and better value option by their own consultants? Indeed the consultants, Helios, identified HIAL's preferred option as the riskiest and costliest option and there are alternative options for modernisation."
Councillor Uisdean Robertson, the Comhairle's Chairman of Transportation and Infrastructure, said: "HIAL is a public company wholly owned by Scottish Ministers, similar to the management arrangements for Cal-Mac and CMAL.
"No one needs reminded of how poor decisions on ferry provision has resulted in ferry chaos for island communities. One would have expected that more due diligence would be exercised in ensuring that the same thing did not happen to our air services. However, it appears that no lessons have been learnt.
"Once again we are seeing a mainland based, Government owned company taking decisions which detrimentally affect those of us who live in the Islands. Centralisation is not the way ahead and is certainly not in line with the Islands Act, Island proofing and community empowerment.
"Instead we are going down an ill-advised route that will result in an expensive service for the Islands at great and unnecessary cost and a downgrading of Benbecula Airport costing jobs in an area in which we should all be working to grow the economy.
"I would urge the Cabinet Secretary to listen to those who HIAL purport to serve. And if HIAL need reminding of who that is – the clue is in their name – Highlands and Islands Airports."
MSPs last week attacked HIAL's proposals for Western Isles' airports and ferries.
Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant condemned plans from HIAL to centralise ATC to Inverness and urged the Scottish Government to step in and stop the "vanity project".
In a debate in Holyrood on Thursday (January 23) Mrs Grant told MSPs that the plans would cause harm to the Air Traffic Controllers, the families and the economic ecosystem of vulnerable rural communities.
Mrs Grant, who has been campaigning against the plans since 2017, said: "The overwhelming feeling from staff currently employed is that most of them are wholeheartedly against the centralisation plan, but clauses in the contracts of new staff over the last couple of years have made provision for relocation from local airfields to Inverness in the future showing that the decision was taken some time ago without proper consultation, or an Islands Impact Assessment.
"We are being told that an Islands Impact Assessment will be done, but the contract is already out to tender. Benbecula and Wick are already being downgraded. The decision has been made and they are treating this as a tick box exercise, it's a farce.
Mrs Grant said: "Staff have put forward alternative proposals for safe and cost-effective modernisation which retains local skills, jobs and infrastructure, but there is no evidence that these have ever been considered.
"HIAL invested time and money recruiting and training local staff; people vested in their communities who wanted to live there. They are now throwing that away – a slap in the face to the communities they purport to serve. Staff who have invested their hearts and souls in local communities are now being forced to consider moving for employment and give up their homes. The personal cost is already proving too much."
Mrs Grant added afterwards: "This vanity project needs to be stopped now, before it causes irrevocable harms to Scotland's communities."
SNP warned that HIAL plans are losing confidence of island communities.
Highlands and Islands Conservative MSP Donald Cameron agreed with Mrs Grant after MSPs debated the plans. "There is great concern across our island communities about the implications of HIAL's plans for centralising air traffic control.
"Even local SNP politicians are expressing unease about the proposals which are, after all, being put forward by an organisation wholly owned by the Scottish Government and ultimately responsible to SNP ministers.
"The Scottish Government failed to intervene in the CalMac ferry fiasco which has severely undermined the confidence of island communities in the government's capacity to look after their transport connections. It must not repeat that failure with our vital air links too."
And he reiterated his criticism of the CalMac ferry fiasco.
Mr Cameron spoke out after Wednesday's meeting of the rural economy and connectivity committee at Holyrood where MSPs learnt more about the disastrous mismanagement of the two-ferry contract, which includes the vessel destined to be used on the Skye-Harris-North Uist triangle.
Mr Cameron said: "I am very concerned at the impact this continuing fiasco may have on business confidence in the Western Isles. We simply cannot afford any more bad news about our vital infrastructure. It is putting jobs and prosperity at risk.
"How can we hope to persuade people to set up businesses and create jobs here if the Government fails to take responsibility for vital publicly-funded projects? They should have been knocking heads together, rather than just wringing their hands.
"The Western Isles needs a thriving business sector if we are to address depopulation, and these revelations demonstrate all too clearly that the SNP Government simply does not understand that."
A maritime heritage project officer has been employed as part of this year's Coasts and Waters 2020 initiative.
Shona Maclellan from South Uist is the 'Dualchas na Mara' Project Officer and her remit will be creating a programme of activities that are connected to the coasts and waters.
Shona is from South Uist with strong family connections to boat builders and fishermen, as well as being brought up by the sea on the island. As part of her degree with the University of the Highlands and Islands, Shona has been researching the history of pirates and Vikings in the Outer Hebrides.
Shona said: "There are so many Gaelic stories and songs about boats, seals and mermaids in Gaelic culture, much of it forgotten or locked away somewhere. This project is a great opportunity to unlock those stories but to also explore other maritime heritage such as lighthouses, ship wrecks, ferries and fishing.
"Through the activities programme, we will get to hear those stories again, re-learn old methods such as rope knots and record the placenames around our coastlines. Although the post is based in Stornoway, many of the activities will happen throughout the islands."
From the herring trade to the kelp industry, the islanders have always made a living from the sea, and although times have changed, many still rely on the sea for their livelihoods today.
Caitriona MacCuish, Museum nan Eilean Development officer stated: "This is a really interesting and important project for Museum nan Eilean. We are very grateful to the funders because it allows us to create a programme of activities about the heritage of the sea for this national Year of Coasts and Waters. The activities will not only be within our museum's walls but also outdoors and throughout the whole of the Outer Hebrides."
Museum nan Eilean and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar have received funding from Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Museums Galleries Scotland.
The year long project will focus on the maritime heritage of the islands and how important it was in history and still is for communities today.
Bòrd na Gàidhlig gave £25,000 support towards the project and another £4082 came from Museums Galleries Scotland. With this funding a programme of activities with the Gaelic language at the heart of them will be developed and will showcase the culture, language and heritage connected to the sea.
Fhuair Museum nan Eilean agus Comhairle nan Eilean Siar taic airgid bho Bhòrd an Gàidhlig agus Museums Galleries Scotland airson oifigear pròiseact Dualchas na Mara fhastadh mar phàirt den bhliadhna Cladaichean agus Uisgeachan 2020. Chaidh Shona Nic Illfhialain fhastadh mar an t-oifigear, agus mar phàirt den obair aice bidh Shona a' cur air dòigh seiseanan airson clann agus inbhich air na cuspairean a tha a' buintinn ris a' Mhuir agus Air a' Chuan. Maireadh a' phròiseact bliadhna agus `s ann a' coimhead air dualchais na Mara, a tha air leth chudromach dha na coimhearsnachdan sna h-eileanan a tha e. Thug Bòrd na Gàidhlig seachad maoineachadh de £25,000 agus thàinig £4082 bho Mhuseums Galleries Scotland. Leis an taic-airgid seo, thèid prògram de cur-seachadan is bùthan-obrach a chur air bhonn a tha a' leudachadh agus a' neartachadh Gàidhlig agus dualchas na mara. Le eachdraidh na h-eileanan gu dlùth teannaidh air a' mhuir gu h-àraidh, `s e cothrom air leth a tha seo airson a' phròiseact, an cultar, an cànan agus dualchais na mara a thaisbeanadh. `S ann à Uibhist a Deas a tha Shona, le ceanglaichean làidir san teaghlach ri luchd-togail bàtaichean agus iasgairean, a bharrachd air a bhith air a togail air an eilean faisg air a' mhuir. Tha i air a bhith a' rannsachadh eachdraidh spuinneadairean agus na Lochlannaich anns na h-Eileanan an Iar mar phàirt den chùrsa aice aig Oilthigh na Gàidhealtachd agus nan Eilean. Thuirt Shona: "Tha leithid de sgeulachdan is òrain Gàidhlig mu bhàtaichean, ròin, maighdeannan mara, is eile ann an cultar na Gàidhlig, gu leòr dheth air an dhìochuimhneachadh no glaiste suas an àiteigin. Tha an dualchas cuideachd a' toirt a-steach taighean-solais, bàtaichean a chaidh fodha, aiseagan, agus iasgach air a' mhuir is air na lochan. Leis an obair seo, bidh cothrom againn na sgeulachdan a chluinntinn a-rithist, dòighean-obrach ceangailte ris a' mhuir ath-ionnsachadh is ainmean-àite aig oir na cladaichean a chlàradh tro na h-eileanan." Bho ghnìomhachas an sgadain gu obair an fheamainn, tha a' mhòr-chuid do dh'eileanaich air an cuid beò-shlàint a dhèanamh bhon mhuir. Ged a tha gnothaichean air atharrachadh beagan bhon uairsin, tha gu leòr fhathast a' faighinn beò-shlaint às an-duigh ach ann an diofar dhòighean. Thuirt Caitriona NicCuthais, Oifigear Leasachaidh Taighean-tasgaidh aig Museum nan Eilean: "`S e pròiseact inntinneach agus cudromach a tha seo airson Museum nan Eilean. Tha e a toirt dhuinn an cothrom prògram ùr de chur-seachadan mu eachdraidh na mara a chur air dòigh air feadh na h-eileanan mar phàirt den phrògram nàiseanta airson Cladaichean agus Uisgeachan 2020."
For further information on Seas of the Outer Hebrides and its projects and events, visit: http://www.mpa-management.eu
There's yellow warning of snow and ice affecting the Highlands and thew Outer Hebrides from the UK Met Office for all tomorrow (Monday January 27).
Showers are expected to be turning increasingly wintry overnight on Sunday and continuing Monday.
Icy patches are also expected to bring some disruption on the roads.
Frequent showers will affect the northwest of Scotland overnight Sunday and through Monday.
Falling snow will reach low levels away from the western coastal fringes by dawn.
Some spots may see accumulations of 1-3 cm below 150 m, with more widely 5-10 cm above 150 m and 15 cm above 300 m.
Strong winds may also bring temporary blizzard conditions in association with the showers.
Also icy patches becoming widespread away from western coasts, bringing some travel disruption.
Fresh from runaway success at Celtic Connections and the Barrowlands in Glasgow on Friday and Saturday, the new album by Hebridean phenomenon Peat & Diesel registered high in the UK charts on Sunday 26 January.
Boydie made a superstar-style entrance into the concert hall over the heads of the crowd. (https://www.facebook.com/welovestornoway/videos/890234234726596/)
Light My Byre was recorded at Wee Studio in Stornoway.
Thousands greeted the band at the Barrowlands - https://youtu.be/9ppNv5WUePk
They were praised on welovestornoway.com Facebook page - "We were there last night and what a night, absolutely bouncing all night, well done Peat & Diesel for a fantastic night, can't wait for the next one."
And: "It was awesome! Wish we had tickets for Stirling."
On Instagram, Keith Morrison of Wee Studio said: "One of the biggest moments of my life. Two of my bands from my record label, Astrid and Peat & Diesel, are performing at a sold-out Barrowlands Ballroom tonight to mark their sold-out tour while our album Light My Byre is storming the UK album charts. I'm so overwhelmed. So proud of all the team."
Peat & Diesel attended a major publicity event at the Eastgate Centre in Inverness on their way back from Glasgow - and over the weekend their gig at the Barrowlands on November 27 sold out completely.
Earlier the BBC put out a special programme segment devoted to Peatlemania - https://twitter.com/bbcscotland/status/1221040267945373696?s=21
Pictured above Charlie Clark and Willie Campbell of Astrid. They have a new website at http://www.astridmusic.net
The row about whether learning Gaelic damages young pupils has provoked a dramatic upsurge in people using the new Duolingo Gaelic app where the number of users has soared past the 200,000 mark after being at 130,000 only three weeks ago, it was reported on Saturday 25 January.
And the row has split the Scottish Conservative party with the claim that their education spokesman Liz Smith was only expressing a personal opinion.
Highlands and Islands Conservative MSP Donald Cameron said: "Personally, I support the decision of the Comhairle to change the default position to Gaelic at P1, not least because parents can still opt out and choose English medium education for their children if they so wish.
"Ultimately, this is a matter for the local authority taking into account the specific, indeed unique, circumstances in the Western Isles.
"Bilingualism is plainly beneficial. We are all aware of the mistakes of the last century, where one language was promoted at the total exclusion of the other. In terms of this policy, I am very confident that council officials will ensure that parents who do "opt out" are not marginalised in any way.
"It's also important the policy is deliverable across the Western Isles in light of the challenges we face in recruiting GME teachers on a national level.
"The Scottish Conservatives have supported Gaelic for over 40 years both in government at UK level, and latterly in the Scottish Parliament, where MSPs such as Liz Smith, myself and others regularly promote the language.
"As the Vice-Convenor of the Cross-Party Group on Gaelic, I've frequently argued for the need to depoliticise the language, given the ongoing threat to the very existence of Gaelic itself."
Liz Smith stated on Twitter: "May l apologise to those members of the Gaelic community who have been offended. My concerns did not relate to the quality of GME teaching and learning, both of which have such a strong record."
The Comhairle said in response that it "appreciates the apology from Liz Smith and recognises that the initial statement she made contained her own personal views and not the official position of the Conservative party. It is clear that she remains concerned about the Comhairle's position and, as previously stated, she is welcome to come and meet with us to address these issues. We can then all look forward to working together to develop and promote the Gaelic language."
There was continued support for the position of CnES on Twitter: "My great grandparents were native speakers but it was lost in two generations as children were punished for using Gaelic and English was imposed. Shameful," said one.
And Paul Wheelhouse MSP said that "Ironically, Liz's original comments may have boosted Duolingo's Gàidhlig student numbers."
What Liz Smith, MSP, Scottish Conservative shadow education spokeswoman, said was that the move towards "default" Gaelic Medium education was "A deeply troubling step and one that could put children in the Western Isles at a distinct disadvantage to their peers."
She was also reported in the Scotsman newspaper as saying: "This worrying move will inevitably put pressure on primary children in the Western Isles to speak Gaelic for those first crucial years of school. That could have all sorts of consequences that have clearly not been considered fully."
Responding Brian Wilson, former newspaper editor and former Government minister, wrote in the Scotsman: "There is no danger of any child growing up without competence in English because they are taught through the medium of Gaelic. And, of course, parents can opt out if they don't fancy it for their child.
"I challenge anyone to produce evidence that children with Gaelic competence are disadvantaged in education or life. That exists only as a prejudice. There is, however, abundant evidence of enhanced performance through bilingualism.
"Some say "why not offer Italian or Mandarin"? I agree. Scotland has an abysmal record on language teaching. Immersing children in a second language during early primary years need not be restricted to Gaelic. Responding to that demand, where it exists, would be a positive, creative approach – rather than nasty, negative sniping.
"But this is at the other end of that spectrum – a practical attempt to maintain continuity in places where Gaelic is a living language, but still an imperiled one. As for the Tory education lady who said silly things, she should check her own party's record over recent decades on pro-Gaelic initiatives. From the days of George Younger, they have been positive and respected. She should not break the consensus in pursuit of cheap applause."
Shona Maclellan from South Uist has been employed as Dualchas na Mara Project Officer and her remit will be creating a programme of activities that are connected to the coasts and waters.
This came after Museum nan Eilean and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar received funding from Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Museums Galleries Scotland to employ a maritime heritage project officer as part of this year's Coasts and Waters 2020 initiative.
The year-long project will focus on the maritime heritage of the islands and how important it was in history and still is for communities today.
"Through the activities programme, we will get to hear those stories again, re-learn old methods such as rope knots and record the place names around our coastlines. Although the post is based in Stornoway, many of the activities will happen throughout the islands"
"From the herring trade to the kelp industry, the islanders have always made a living from the sea, and although times have changed, many still rely on the sea for their livelihoods today."
Caitriona MacCuish, Museum nan Eilean Development Officer, said: "This is a really interesting and important project for Museum nan Eilean. We are very grateful to the funders because it allows us to create a programme of activities about the heritage of the sea for this national Year of Coasts and Waters. The activities will not only be within our museums walls but also outdoors and throughout the whole of the Outer Hebrides."
Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has welcomed Fergus Ewing's announcement on the planned distribution of convergence money in which he included a cap on maximum receipts and the distribution of an extra £10 million brought forward for crofters.
"It is good to hear from Mr Ewing that the first tranche of the convergence rebate will be paid by the end of March, with a much-needed cap on the basic payment element," said SCF chair, Yvonne White.
"This will ensure that more of the money goes to where it is supposed to and will prevent excessive payments to individual businesses. The intention of convergence was to bring payments up for those currently receiving below average amounts, not a bonus for those who already get high payments."
Ms White went on to say, "The extra £10 million in this tranche won by SCF for crofters will be very welcome for those on Region 2 and Region 3 grazing and the distribution is well balanced with most going to Region 3, which has notoriously low basic payments.
"It has been a hard fight for us to try to get the convergence rebate to be distributed in the true spirit of convergence, but Scottish Government has listened and gone some way to modifying how the convergence money is used; this should be acknowledged. SCF will continue to press for a fair and principled use of the rest of the convergence rebate," concluded Ms White.
Haggis has risen in global prominence over the past ten years, with the total export value of haggis over the past decade at £8.8 million and a 136% increase in tonnage of haggis shipped across the world. Appetite for the iconic savoury pudding has spread to 20 countries, including Iceland, Malta, and the Czech Republic. Hong Kong has become the fourth-most popular market for haggis, closely following the Republic of Ireland, Spain and France.
The other stars of the Burns Night plate – neeps and tattoos – have also increased in popularity across the globe. Potato exports have increased by 32% over the past ten years to be worth £108 million in 2019 – with the Republic of Ireland, Spain, and Egypt making the top three markets. Turnip exports also increased to a value of £11 million last year.
Burns Night is often also celebrated with a dram of Scotch whisky, which continues to be exported to markets across the world. A burgeoning thirst for Scotch whisky in Asia has seen 23 Asian markets including Taiwan, Singapore, and China grow in the last decade.
Environment Secretary, Theresa Villiers said: "This Burns Night I encourage everyone to sample some haggis and pour a wee dram to celebrate Scotland's iconic food and drink and growing presence on the world's culinary stage."
Minister for Scotland, Douglas Ross said: "The life and work of Robert Burns is rightly celebrated around the world. Another Scottish global success story is our iconic food and drink sector and it's so pleasing to see products such as haggis and whisky enjoying an exports boom."
Macsween of Edinburgh, a third-generation haggis making business, has witnessed the world's change in appetite for the iconic product. In 2018, Macsween began exporting haggis to locations such as Canada and Singapore. It is are now looking to take a bigger bite out of markets in the Middle East and Asia, with a particular focus on the United Arab Emirates and Taiwan.
James Macsween, Managing Director and owner of Macsween said: "Macsween now exports haggis to seven international markets, and we expect to see that demand continue to grow as more people around the world come to love our traditional Scottish delicacy.
"We are proud to grow through innovation, and are dedicated to introducing our award-winning products to people around the world who are yet to discover haggis."
In 2018 total exports of UK food and drink reached a record £22.5 billion. As part of the government's ongoing Food is Great campaign, government and British industry are aiming to boost UK trade in food and drink exports and government will continue to work with exporters to help them tap into new markets.
Back Football and Recreation Club will be hosting an art exhibition as part of their International Women's Day Celebrations on Saturday 14 March and are looking for female artists to submit their work.
The exhibition is open to amateurs, professionals and hobby artists, photography and crafts are also welcome. Young or old, as long as you're female and have a connection to the Western Isles, Back FRC would love to hear from you.
Isle of Harris Distillers are celebrating Valentine's Day with a limited-edition run.
The collection features a new label design, created especially for February 14, reading: "I love Harris Gin" and is framed with flecks of copper hearts.
Mike Donald, Chief Storyteller, Isle of Harris Distillers stated: "Despite the harsh Outer Hebridean climate, we're a warm-hearted bunch here in Harris.
"In 2019 we created a special label on three occasions to help some romantic young men propose to their beloveds on nearby beaches.
"We're happy to say they all said yes!
"So, with Valentine's Day just around the corner we thought it would be fun to share some of this island love with the wider world too..."
The Valentine's Day editions will be available from January 31 onwards.
Horshader Community Development welcome all to a special evening event which is an opportunity to view a number of Margaret Ferguson's Iolaire 100 portraits, as well as hearing about the process from Margaret.
The evening will also feature James Duncan Mackenzie (Breabach) who will play the pìobaireachd Lament for the Iolaire.
The event is at 7pm, Friday 31 January, it is free of charge and open to all.
The Volunteer Centre on Cromwell Street is now an official drop off point for unwanted bras.
The Centre is now on the map supporting Against Breast Cancer and their very own Bra Bank is ready to receive your used, new or surplus bras.
Volunteer Centre Western Isles - Lewis commented on social media: "By supporting this cause not only will you be helping to raise vital funds for research into secondary spread breast cancer but you will also be helping small businesses across the African continent to sell them at affordable prices."
A storm of protest erupted yesterday (Thursday January 23) after Tories – fresh from their Westminster success in getting Brexit approved – went on the attack against the use of Gaelic as a language to teach pupils in primary schools.
Gaelic is listed alongside Welsh, Galician, Catalan and Basque as a semi-official European language, but this legal defence will vanish as the UK leaves the European Union.
In a war of words on Twitter and in the national media, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar hit back: "This statement suggests that education in any language, other than English, is detrimental to children's education. All reputable academic research and practice demonstrates that bilingual education has a hugely positive impact on cognitive development learning for all children."
Tory MSPs had earlier endorsed claims that the Gaelic language is "divisive", Gaelic "is not and never has been the language of Scotland", and that Gaelic road signs have "led to confusion amongst foreign drivers, and even some locals."
The row erupted over a new policy from CnES which will see Gaelic become the "default" language for pupils for the first time in island primary schools. This means that parents will have to actively opt for their offspring to be taught in English.
Liz Smith, MSP, Scottish Conservative shadow education spokeswoman, said this was "A deeply troubling step and one that could put children in the Western Isles at a distinct disadvantage to their peers."
Local MSP Alasdair Allan said: "The level of ignorance on display in Liz Smith's comments is staggering. Children educated in Gaelic, far from being 'disadvantaged', come out of school bilingual, and evidence points to them having higher attainment in all areas, including English.
"The Western Isles are the last place in Scotland were the majority of the population still speak the language. They do so despite ignorant remarks directed at Gaelic speakers down the ages.
"I had been under the impression that all parties in the parliament supported both Gaelic and Gaelic Medium Education (GME).
"I would ask Ms Smith to withdraw and apologise for these highly offensive remarks, which show a total lack of understanding of what Gaelic medium education is."
Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron has reiterated his longstanding support for the provision of Gaelic-medium education.
Mr Cameron said: "Personally, I support the decision of the Comhairle to change the default position to Gaelic at P1, not least because parents can still opt out and choose English medium education for their children if they so wish. Ultimately, this is a matter for the local authority taking into account the specific, indeed unique, circumstances in the Western Isles.
"Bilingualism is plainly beneficial. We are all aware of the mistakes of the last century, where one language was promoted at the total exclusion of the other. In terms of this policy, I am very confident that council officials will ensure that parents who do "opt out" are not marginalised in any way.
"The Scottish Conservatives have long supported Gaelic for over 40 years both in government at UK level, and latterly in the Scottish Parliament, where MSPs such as Liz Smith, myself and others regularly promote the language.
Parents spokes out on the CnES Twitter feed.
"Ms Smith should come visit our son who is in GME - we never taught him to read, only did Gàidhlig practice and guess what, he could read English all on his own before P4 and our son is of average academic ability, nothing special - so the only explanation is the magic of GME!"
Another said: "I went through GME and have felt so strongly about Gaelic all my life (hereditary!). I can't believe I am lucky enough to be able to call what I do 'work' when it gives me so much joy to promote, use and develop our beautiful language every single day among people of all ages."
A further comment was: "My three kids are in GME, come from a family where both parents are fluent speakers in Gàidhlig. Son is on P3 has not had any English in school yet, but can fluently read and write in English, not quite sure what the "consequences" are that Liz Smith was on about today."
Another said: "English bird here and Gaelic Learner, both my kids in GME. Fabulous education and blown away by the quality of education. My dyslexic son is now in S1 and in the P7 test had a reading/comprehension age in English of 16+ years and Gàidhlig of 12+ years. We love Gàidhlig in our house."
One remembered: "My grandmother was the last surviving native speaker from the Braes of Glenlivet. She and her brothers and sisters were forced to speak English at school. However, my two youngest children were educated through GME and both are following great career paths. And I have learned it, too!"
Further comments included: "Great to see CnES normalise Gaelic Medium Education. Glasgow looking to open a 4th GME Primary School to meet demand. Always amazed to see how talented the young people of @SGGArdsgoil are. The question is why wouldn't you choose GME?."
And one commented: "Multilingualism is the norm in most parts of the world: stimulating thought, vocabulary and innovation from a diverse range of perspectives. Proud to be ann a' #Gàidhealtachd. You have our full support @cne_siar."
And various organisations pointed out that you can now learn Gaelic at N5 and Higher level anywhere in Scotland through e-sgoil organised from the Western Isles.
Extra sailings are being added to the ferry service between Berneray and Leverburgh during June-August.
The 43 additional sailings are planned to provide additional capacity in the height of the tourist season.
They will be added to the timetable this summer on a permanent basis. The aim is also to provide more economic and social benefit for local people and businesses.
An extra 153 services will also sail between Mallaig and Armadale from the 2nd – 26th March. They are being introduced on a trial basis for the next three years to support local efforts to extend the tourist season.
Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands Paul Wheelhouse said: "I am very pleased to announce these additional services for two key routes on the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services network.
"They will help support communities on Skye, Harris and North Uist by giving local people, visitors and businesses more options on when and how to use these ferry links.
"The extra sailings have been added following consultation with community councils and local elected representatives, including both communities' constituency MSPs, the Sleat Transport Forum and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, so I hope they will be welcomed by all involved.
"This announcement underlines the Scottish Government's commitment to ensuring our islands thrive and are supported by good transport links."
Alasdair Allan MSP commented: "This is a very welcome development and one which I have continued to request over the past few years. "There is clearly a capacity issue on the Sound of Harris, as the service has the highest utilisation of any Western Isles ferry route during the summer. "I hope that these additional sailings will help to ease from the congestion issues and make it easier for tourists and locals alike to get about during the busy summer months."
The best of produce from near and far 24/01/2020
Or call 07771645238 to place your order, free delivery within the Town, Broadbay, Point Area.
Price Each
Butternut Squash
Green Cabbage
Savoy Cabbage
Cabbage (White UK)
Cabbage (Red UK)
Celeriac (UK)
Celery (UK)
Garlic Large
Price Per KG
Beetroot (UK)
Broccoli (UK)
Dirty Carrots
Leeks (UK)
Mushrooms UK
Onions (White)
Onions (Red)
Golden Wonder
Kerr's Pink
Sprouts (Inverness)
Swede (Scottish New Season)
Sweet Potato
White Turnip
Little Gem (x2)
Cos Lettuce
Spring Onions
Peppers (Mixed Red, Green, and yellow)
Tomato (Cherry on Vine)
Plum Tomatoes
Cox Apples (UK)
4 for £1.50
Gala Apples
5 for £1.50
Red Delicious
Clementine's (Nordacotts)
Kiwi Fruit
Yellow Melon
Oranges Large
3 for £2.10
Blood Oranges
Pears (Conference)
Price per Kg
Chillies Red
Green Grapes
Red Seedless Grapes
Rhubarb (UK)
Seville Oranges ( Marmalade Oranges)
Local Fresh Eggs
The Comhairle have launched a brand new Instagram page.
It is hoped the new account, which can be found here, will give the Comhairle another platform to communicate with members of the public.
A spokesperson for the Comhairle's Communication Team said, "It was important for us to establish the Comhairle on Instagram alongside other local authorities in Scotland.
"It gives us another platform to communicate with members of the public, staff and other stakeholders, and we recognise that many people are now spending a lot more time on Instagram.
"The Western Isles is a terrific place for people to visit and we would encourage members of the public to tag us in photos connected to the Western Isles using @cne_siar and #WIplace2b and we will be sharing as many of these as possible."
There is also a competition running in partnership with the Lewis Sports Centre for a year's free Slàinte Mhath Scheme membership worth £225. You will find details on how to enter on the Instagram page.
A drop-in consultation event has been rescheduled for Wednesday 29 January.
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Western Isles Integration Joint Board (IJB) are currently reviewing the respite policy across the Western Isles.
Different options are being considered about how respite is utilised across the islands and whether it should be allocated differently in the future.If you are unable to attend but would like to provide feedback, details of how to do this are on the 'Have your say' page on the council website here.
All comments and feedback on the contents of the draft Respite Policy are welcomed and responses will be collated and submitted to the Education Committee and the IJB for discussion and consideration before implementation of the policy.
The drop-in consultation event in Barra is now scheduled for 3-6pm on Wednesday 29 January in Comhairle Offices, Castlebay, Barra.
Prawn crates have been stolen from the harbour area in Lochmaddy.
Police say the crates have been stolen between Sunday 12 January and Sunday 19 January.
They have asked anyone with any knowledge of suspicious activity in the area to call 101, citing reference 3255 of 19/01.
Skilled at darts? Then why not try your hand at the Western Isles Darts Festival, running from Monday 27 January to Saturday 1 February!
Over £5,000 in prize money is up for grabs at the festival.
Organised by the Stornoway Sea Angling Club, the event is the 16th of its kind.
Andy Dowie, who set up the festival, told welovestornoway.com today (Thursday 23 January): "Darts festival is now in its 16th year and starts Monday 27 January until Saturday 1 February and has lots of different competitions on each day and open to everyone.
"We have lots of players coming up from all over Scotland and some from England.
"The main event is on the Saturday when the open singles takes place we have had seven different winners in the last 15 years all taking place in the sea angling.
"Also great week to even just to watch some fantastic darts."Andy
The event kicks off on Monday 27 with Early Bird Singles and the Area Cup.
On Tuesday 28, the Open 4 Man Team competition will start at 7pm.
Wednesday 29 will see the Western Isles Masters take place.
The Over 40's Singles and the Sea Angling Classic Singles will both be held on Thursday 30.
Various events, such as the Blind Draw Doubles, Open 3 Man Team, Open Doubles and Losers Doubles will be held on Friday 31.
The last day of the festival will see Mixed Doubles, Open Singles, Losers Competitions and Women's Singles all held.
The impact of modern Gaelic culture is continuing to grow in Glasgow. In fact, Glasgow is home to the largest number of Gaelic speakers outwith the Highlands and Islands and a growing number of citizens are speaking it, learning it and participating in Gaelic cultural events.
A painting celebrating Gaelic culture in Glasgow has been unveiled. The distinguished painter Alexander "Sandy" Moffat – who was artist-in-residence to the Royal National Mòd 2019 – has created an impressive artwork inspired by Gaelic culture at the festival and the vibrant health of Gaelic medium education in the city.
The painting was commissioned by Glasgow Life in partnership with The Hunterian and the University of Glasgow, to celebrate the Mòd's return to Clydeside for the first time since 1990.
As artist-in-residence during the October festival, Sandy Moffat OBE RSA immersed himself in the atmosphere and events, and spent time researching the city's Gaelic past and present.
He then spent several weeks working on a huge, 6ft x 5ft canvas, which includes references to Gaelic history and culture, both in Glasgow and across Scotland. The finished work was unveiled at the City Halls last weekend as part of Celtic Connections.
Celebrated for his own famous works, including Poets' Pub and Scotland's Voices, Moffat is also a former head of painting and printmaking at the Glasgow School of Art, who is widely credited with igniting the resurgence of figurative painting in the city by inspiring future greats such as Peter Howson, Alison Watt and Ken Currie.
Speaking about his Mòd commission, Sandy Moffat says: "There were two starting points. The first was a dish towel I bought at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall during the Mòd. The design was based on a medieval map dating from when Glasgow was primarily Gaelic-speaking, showing the Gaelic place names for all the districts of the city.
"The second influence was Gaelic education. After the Mòd finished, I visited the Glasgow Gaelic School in Berkeley Street, and was really impressed by the whole atmosphere of the school."
Moffat was struck by the children's grasp of the language and by the creative atmosphere within the school. "It was a blaze of colour," he recalls, mentioning the décor, artworks on the walls and even the children's bright red sweatshirts. "It was like walking into a Matisse painting," he laughs. That vibe is evident in his effervescent finished work, which draws both from the city map and from his school visit.
The new painting also makes reference to William McTaggart's famous painting, The Sailing Of The Emigrant Ship, which reflected on the draining away of the Highlands and Hebrides population during the Highland Clearances.
And while Moffat says he "loved every minute" of his artist-in-residency, which left him feeling "very optimistic about the future of Gaelic in Glasgow", he adds that there are still challenges.
The Royal National Mòd took place in Glasgow from October 11-19, 2019. Before that, it had last been held in Glasgow in 1990, during its year as European City of Culture. Three decades on, Gaelic – which has been spoken in the city for centuries – is flourishing. Last summer, the revival was accentuated with Niall O'Gallagher's appointment as the first ever Bàrd Baile Ghlaschu (Glasgow's City Gaelic Poet Laureate).
Niall O'Gallagher will read a poem at City Halls, where Moffat's painting is to be unveiled. The event will also include a performance showcasing Glasgow University's innovative Gaelic Song In Performance course.
Councillor David McDonald, Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of Glasgow Life says: "It will be fascinating to find out how the 2019 Mòd, and Gaelic culture in Glasgow has been depicted by an artist as renowned as Sandy Moffat, whose work has motivated generations of artists. I'm sure this wonderful new painting will be a real celebration of Glasgow's proud Gaelic roots and an inspiration to our growing, youthful, vibrant community of Glaswegian Gaels."
The Hunterian Deputy Director Mungo Campbell says: "The Hunterian is delighted to have been able to work with colleagues at the University of Glasgow and Glasgow Life to support this commission. Sandy Moffat's painting commemorates wonderfully an important moment for the language and communities associated with Gaelic in Glasgow."
Professor Roibeard Ó Maolalaigh, Professor of Gaelic, Vice-Principal and Head of the College of Arts at the University of Glasgow, says: "Sandy Moffat's colourful painting artfully captures both aspects of the past and future of Gaelic in the environs of Glasgow, its deep historical roots as well as the hopes for the future.
"The University of Glasgow is at the forefront of Gaelic research, development and education supporting the growing numbers of Gaelic learners as well as Scotland's traditional Gaelic communities. We were delighted to support this creative work showcasing the vibrancy of Gaelic in Glasgow."
The call is out to all filmmakers to create their own film to be screened at An Lanntair cinema in its Fèis nam Film/One Minute Film Festival, part of Mìos na Gàidhlig, March 11 to April 11.
Just make a short film of one-minute duration on any subject, although suitable for family viewing, please.
Your film can be animation, motion-graphics, or live action; and you can shoot it in one shot as a long take, or piece or edit together multiple takes. Any narration or dialogue must be in Gaelic.
Filmmakers can submit up to five separate films. Please ensure that you give your film a title and add credits at the end.
And if you shoot with film, please convert it to digital format to ensure we can edit films together for screening purposes.
Take some creative risks! Find collaborators! Have fun! Be experimental!
Deadline for entries to our Fèis nam Film/One Minute Film Festival is Friday 28 February.
Screening will take place on Wednesday 14 March as part of the Mìos na Gàidhlig programme.
"The climate emergency is going to dominate all we do and crofters have an important part to play, having a very sound record in good management of our environment."
That's the view of the Scottish Crofting Federation after it held its first meeting of the new year on Friday (January 17) at which the campaign priorities for 2020 were set.
"As the only organisation dedicated to campaigning for crofters and fighting for the future of crofting," said SCF's chair Yvonne White, "this year is going to be busy with many fronts to cover on behalf of crofters.
"Leaving Europe on January 31 will bring many challenges with regards to trade of meat and croft produce, and agricultural support – especially the support of the less favoured areas which is due to be reviewed this year. It is absolutely imperative that crofters join together under one banner to protect our rights." Ms White added.
"We have had some significant wins in the past year, not least our campaign that got the convergence funding more fairly distributed. The benefit to crofters of this increased share of the rebate will pay for their subscription of SCF many times over. And there is the distribution of the second tranche yet to fight for."
Ms White went on to say, "The climate emergency is going to dominate all we do and crofters have an important part to play, having a very sound record in good management of our environment. Most high nature value areas in Scotland are under crofting tenure, for example machair, known for its incredible biodiversity, and peatlands, which are the best ecosystem for sequestering carbon. And of course crofting produce is the finest quality and eco-friendly."
"The National Development Plan for Crofting will be finalised in the next year and there is much at stake in this for crofters. Also, whilst crofting law reform has been put on hold for now, it is important that we keep a watching brief."
"As always, many things that effect crofting are discussed in 'stakeholder' meetings and are therefore open to competition from other sector representatives," concluded Ms White. "It is essential that crofting is represented by the organisation set up by crofters, run by crofters, for crofters."
Stornoway is being hit by a power cut in some areas tonight (Wednesday January 22).
SSEN says: "Our engineers are on site working hard to get the power back on as quickly as they can. If you need more information, please call us on 105 or send us a message on Facebook or Twitter (@ssencommunity) and quote reference 'FY4782'
The postcode areas affected include a swathe of domestic properties around the Western Isles Hospital including areas like Torquil Terrace and Cross Street.
The power went off at 19:52 and SSEN are aiming to have your power restored by 23:00.
On Twitter SSEN stated: "Thankfully, we have been able to narrow it down to Laxdale, Marybank, Guershader and the surrounding areas. Our engineers are on route to begin their investigations."
Short power cuts affected other areas as far out of Stornoway as Aird, Point; Ranish; and Breasclete.
The aftermath of Storm Brendan has sparked plans for various beach cleanups.
Tessa Gehringer Monk is organising a cleanup effort on Cula Bay on Sunday 26. She said today (Tuesday 21 January): "I haven't heard or seen anything about any official cleanups from the council or any other organisation so I think it's something we're going to have to take on ourselves as island residents.
"I'm going out this Sunday to Cula Bay at low tide (1:30pm) to try to clear the plastic and fishing debris that have covered the beach in the storm.
"I hope that others will join me so we can make sure all of this trash doesn't end up back in our ocean or left in the dunes.
"It would be wonderful to see everyone coming together for this cause because, as islanders, protecting our coast is absolutely critical. Hopefully more cleanups will follow on our other beaches!"
HM Coastguard Benbecula stated: "We are aware that a number of beach cleanups are being planned throughout Uist following Storm Brendan.
"Please be aware that there is the potential for both Marine Pyrotechnics and Ordnance to have washed ashore.
"If you find something unusual, dial 999, and ask for the Coastguard."
Picture shows beach debris. Image taken by Tessa Gehringer Monk.
A new scheme to help trace vulnerable missing people has been launched.
Called the Herbert Protocol, the initiative helps police officers respond quickly if someone vulnerable goes missing.
The scheme has already had success throughout the UK prior to its launch in the Highlands and Islands.
It is made up of a detailed form, which can be pre-populated with vital information such as a photograph, contact details, medication required and significant locations.
This can be used by officers to save vital time in a missing person inquiry.
The scheme will be promoted with everyone registered with adult care services in the Highlands, including people living with dementia, a learning disability or experiencing mental ill health.
Sergeant David Campbell, missing person co-ordinator for Highland and Islands Division, said: "People go missing for a variety of reasons and unfortunately vulnerable people becoming lost, distressed or disorientated is something that we can be faced with.
"This not only puts the missing person at risk but it also causes considerable distress for their loved ones.
"In the Highlands alone, more than 40 people with dementia have been reported missing in the last year.
"Speed is of the essence in any missing person enquiry - the longer someone is missing, particularly if they are vulnerable, then the greater the risk to them.
"The Herbert Protocol enables people to be assured that all relevant information can be passed quickly to police, and will provide vital assistance to officers in their search efforts."
The Herbert Protocol originated in Norfolk and takes its name after Normandy landings veteran George Herbert, who lived with dementia and sadly died in 2011 after he went missing while looking for his childhood home.
If a family has a relative in a care home and wishes to complete the paperwork in their respect they would initially discuss that with the care home who would then include that in the individual's care plan.
For relatives at home the paperwork can be obtained through any police station.
Mìos na Gàidhlig (Gaelic Month) - a month long celebration of Gaelic art running from March 11 to April 11 - has been announced by An Lanntair.
There will be concerts from Mhàiri Hall with her Airs project, and Joseph Peach and Charlie Grey will present their project, Air Iomall - a film and suite of new music, inspired by a voyage aboard the tall ship Wylde Swan to some now uninhabited islands deep in the North Atlantic.
The festival will also feature dance show Endling/Crìocharan; a One Minute Film Festival, and MAIM - a unique collaboration between Theatre Gu Leòr and the band WHYTE, inspired by exquisite tracks from their latest album Tairm, and features live music, dance, spoken word and video.
And further details on a special opening concert and Gaelic art installation are to be revealed in coming weeks: http://lanntair.com/events/category/mios-na-gaidhliggaelic-month/
Calum Friseal, Gaelic Officer at An Lanntair, said: "It is a special thing we have, Gàidhlig, and we need to be aware of, and take pride in, our unique culture, just as other island communities such as Orkney and Shetland do. People all over the world want to experience Gàidhlig and that is one of the reasons it is so valuable. It is alive in the island communities and confidence is growing all the time.
"We also want locals to feel that An Lanntair is a Gàidhlig centre - a place for Gaels young and old to come to speak their language, celebrate their culture, and share that with visitors.
"We hope to see people from every generation come together for Mìos na Gàidhlig."
Mìos na Gàidhlig builds on An Lanntair's already strong Gàidhlig programme with support from Bòrd na Gàidhlig.
An Lanntair would like to thank their funders and supporters of this exciting programme: Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Creative Scotland, Outer Hebrides LEADER and Stornoway Port Authority.
New police training to detect and investigate instances of wildlife crime has been welcomed by Scottish Land & Estates.
Announced by Cabinet Secretary Roseanna Cunningham MSP, Police Scotland yesterday (Monday 20 January) launched a new wildlife crime investigators course to enhance capability in this complex area of local policing.
Sarah-Jane Laing, Chief Executive of Scottish Land & Estates said: "We are fully supportive of increased resources to tackle wildlife crime alongside tougher penalties for those who are convicted so this is a positive announcement by government.
"Equipping police officers with the specialist training and knowledge they need to investigate wildlife crime should aid detection rates and hopefully lead to more offenders being brought to justice. The government's wildlife crime report published last month highlights that despite a decrease in the level of wildlife crime in Scotland over the past five years there remains a clear need to maintain momentum on this issue.
"For those found guilty of such reckless acts, we continue to call for longer prison sentences and bigger maximum fines for the most serious wildlife crimes. We also believe that enabling police to use and manage surveillance cameras under strict RIPSA procedures (Regulation of Investigatory Powers Scotland Act 2000) where evidence suggests there could be acts of wildlife crime, could act as a real deterrent and could lead to more prosecutions. This would enable those police officers who are about to embark on their new training to work even more effectively in the future."
A new South Harris Historical Society (Comunn Eachdraidh ceann a deas na Hearadh) has been set up.
In August 2019 Kenny MacLeod contacted Western Isles Lottery advising of the hopes to set up the new historical society.
He explained in his application for funding that many of the older generations in the area have passed and, sadly, so much history has already been lost. The aim of the SHHS was to buck this trend and preserve the history for the future generations.
A plea went out on their newly compiled Facebook page for old pictures, artifacts and stories from the South Harris area. The response from the outset has been fantastic and the page already has hundreds of people following it.
However, without the necessary equipment to collate all the information being received and to hold various talks and events in the area, for locals and tourists alike, these projects were unlikely to get off the ground.
Janet Paterson of The Western Isles Lottery said: "The Lottery Team were delighted to present the society with a cheque for £812.52 to cover the costs of a laptop, external hard-drive and a TV/display screen to enable them to take their plans forward as quickly as possible.
"It must be noted that the funds were raised by supporters of the lottery in the Harris area over just a few weeks so it is credit to them for supporting their own area to make projects like this happen across the Isle of Harris". Kenny MacLeod, said: "We are extremely grateful to the Western Isles Lottery and its supporters for the fantastic sum of money raised. This will give the society the chance to purchase new equipment to help us archive and preserve a great deal of history, photographs and information for future generations, giving our youngsters a chance to learn about days gone by from the older generations, keeping our history alive and bringing the generations closer together".
This brings the total raised by supporters of the local lottery in Harris to £8,200 which has now been redistributed back into the community.
To support your local community, you can join the lottery at www.westernisleslottery.co.uk or telephone their ticket line on 0300 30 20 444.
A trawler which had to be rescued from the middle of the Minch in high seas last night was safely tied up in Stornoway harbour and is now heading for the Goat Island slipway to undergo repairs later today (Monday January 20th).
The FV Ranger was escorted into the harbour by Stornoway lifeboat late last night after a dramatic rescue which involved two lifeboats, the Emergency Towing Vessel Ievoli Black and the Coastguard helicopter R948 from Stornoway.
The Ranger's three-man crew issued a Mayday appeal for help after finding they were taking on 'a significant amount' of water east of Tolsta Head soon after 1.20pm yesterday (Sunday).
Stornoway Coastguard operations centre co-ordinated a response during which two pumps were lowered onto the vessel in successive runs by the Coastguard helicopter. Lochinver RNLI lifeboat and Ievoli Black stood by, unable to attach a towline in heavy seas.
Stornoway RNLI Lifeboat later took over from Lochinver, and escorted the Ranger under her own power into the harbour, where she was met by members of Stornoway Coastguard Rescue Team.
The CRT carried out crew welfare checks and made sure the vessel was secured at the pier. Along with Scottish Fire & Rescue, the CRT then assisted with safety cover and the movement of pumps onto the vessel to stem the water ingress while she was alongside. All teams were stood down around 12.25am today (Monday).
Picture taken by RNLI Lochinver volunteer crew during yesterday's rescue of FV Ranger getting ready to go on the slip at Goat Island.
A crofter in North Tolsta has appealed to dog-owners to keep their dogs well under control, after three reported incidents in which sheep were attacked by dogs.
The latest incident saw a ewe grazing on the machair at Traigh Mhor so badly injured that she was put to sleep by a vet soon after the attack, which happened on Saturday (January 18). It follows two other reported incidents in recent weeks, one in the same area and one on the grazings near Garry beach.
Posting on the North Tolsta Community Noticeboard, the owner of the most recently injured sheep said: "Keeping livestock is hard work, but it's even harder when we have these incidents to contend with. Please can we work together to support our crofting community."
A spokesman for Police Scotland said they were aware of a report of sheep-worrying in the Tolsta area, and that all dog owners should be aware of their responsibility to keep dogs under control at all times.
Supply chain benefits from Offshore Wind in Scotland will be retained, according to a commitment by the Scottish Government and Crown Estate Scotland.
Historically, much of the primary supply chain content for Scottish Offshore Wind developments has come from overseas yards but this new commitment, enshrined in future seabed leases, should see more supply chain content retained in Scotland.
Commenting on this development, the Comhairle's Chair of Sustainable Development, Councillor Donald Crichton, said: "On the face of it, this is good news for Scotland and for our own Offshore Fabrication Yard at Arnish.
"For many years now, the Comhairle has been concerned about the procurement practices of Offshore Wind developers and for their part, Crown Estate Scotland appear to have been unable to demand economic opportunities for Scottish business in Offshore Wind procurement.
"That is one of the reasons why the Comhairle has sought more local control over seabed leasing by entering into a Local Asset Management Pilot Scheme with Crown Estate Scotland.
"Now it appears that Crown Estate Scotland's new leasing round for Offshore Wind, known as ScotWind, will require a tougher commitment to the Scottish Supply Chain by prospective developers and that can only be good news for Scottish Yards like Arnish.
"Through its new relationship with Crown Estate Scotland and Marine Scotland, the Comhairle will continue to press for the benefits of Offshore Wind to be retained in the Scottish economy."
A new language development programme has been created for young children in the Western Isles.
Named Get Me Talking, the development comes from Ashley Mackay (Speech and Language Therapist), Careen Laird (Occupational Therapist), Sally Kane (Education Psychologist) and Christina Stewart (Early Years Support Officer).
The programme has been designed to empower parents with skills to support their child's early language development through fun and easily accessible activities.
Get Me Talking has now been created into a package that any play leader/facilitator of a parent and toddler group can use. The programme can be run in any nursery with stay-and-play sessions or in parent and toddler groups. The three local authority parent and toddler groups in Lewis have trialled the programme already. It doesn't require training of staff or for the attendance of professionals from the services listed above - the package provides all of the information necessary for someone to run the programme successfully. Even parts of the programme could be used in nurseries to encourage parent/child interaction in the early years.
The development of this programme came about to address an increase in referrals to early nursery placements in the Western Isles, due to delayed language development. A team was established to develop ways to support language development for children up to the age of three.
The group of NHS and education professionals agreed that interventions needed to be carried out earlier in a child's life and that to improve language skills, interventions must be run in partnership with families. As the team explain in their package: "A baby learns about him or herself, other people and the world by being looked at and responded to, spoken to, sung to, read to and played with.
"A baby can learn by looking and playing on their own, but the learning is not as rich as when the child is looking at something or playing with something together with an adult. When a parent shares an experience with a baby or child, they give the experience meaning. They give the child a sense of what he or she should feel and they teach the child language that is associated with the experience."
The Get Me Talking programme focuses on promoting various key messages and Top Tips that parents and caregivers can use to encourage and promote meaningful and rich interaction and communication with their child.
The programme runs over five weeks and each weekly session lasts approximately 40 minutes. Every week parents/caregivers learn a new key message, such as Face Me, Talk to Me, Play and Explore with Me, and Top Tips for supporting their child's early language development, which is all carried out through fun activities.
Each week focuses on a different theme and a number of interactive stations are set up to demonstrate activities that can be easily replicated at home, but these can also be changed to suit individual settings. Parents are encouraged to practise the key message and 'top tips' at home.
At the end of the programme it is hoped that parents/caregivers will feel more confident when interacting with their child, will engage with their child more and will use more strategies to support their child's language development.
Attendees also learn about the importance of messy play, tummy time, reading aloud, as well as guidance on, and the benefits of, limiting screen time. Information sheets on these topics are included in the Get Me Talking package.
If you are interested in the programme please ask your child's nursery or local parent and toddler group whether they are or will be running the programme.
In the meantime, if you would like advice or support about your child's early language development, the AHP Advice Line, run by the Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy departments, is available every Wednesday from 2-3 pm.
Advice Line every Wednesday, 2-3pm
01851 708282 for Speech and Language Therapy advice or
01851 795685 for Occupational and Physio- Therapy advice
Over 3,000 people tuned in to a live-stream on Friday night (January 17) to watch island youngsters at the top of their game in their Celtic Connections debut in Glasgow.
Over 70 young people were on the stage at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall for Dìleab: Air 'a Chuan, a concert of music developed as part of the heritage legacy project Dìleab.
Dìleab: Air a' Chuan brought together school pupils and musicians from across the Western Isles to celebrate our rich connection with the waters which surround us through music and song, as part of the 2020 Year of Coasts and Waters.
Performers included Sgoil Lionacleit Pipe Band, the Sir E Scott school choir and soloists, musicians and choral singers from the four secondary schools in the Outer Hebrides and professional musicians Willie Campbell, Ceitlin Lilidh and Padraig Morrison, together with other island musicians in an evening hosted by former Sgoil Lionacleit pupil Linda MacLeod.
The Dìleab project started in 2018, with pupils researching different subjects connected to the history of the islands. The schools were given themes related to the island – Barra and emigration, Uist remembering World War I, Harris with protest and politics and Lewis remembering the Iolaire Disaster.
The pupils worked with local musician Willie Campbell to produce five original compositions on these themes.
Friday night's performance was just the latest public outing for the results of the project, with the live stream bringing praise from watchers far and wide.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney tweeted after the concert: "An outstanding performance by the pupils of Sir E Scott School, Castlebay School, Sgoil Lionacleit and the Nicolson Institute. Beautiful tribute to our Gaelic culture and a fabulous illustration of the strength of Scottish education."
Also praising the young performers were the musicians who steered the project through to its triumphant performances. Project co-ordinator Rhona Johnstone said: "It's a privilege and an honour to have been involved in the Dìleab project from the outset. The talent on display from our young people is phenomenal and I had immense pride listening to and playing with them."
Leading musician Willie Campbell also said: "It's been an unforgettable few days for all the kids involved. They got a well earned standing ovation last night. The growing confidence, pride and ability is something really special and it's what Dìleab is all about. It makes you proud to be an islander. I love it. It's a joy to be a part of it."
And Sir E Scott choir conductor Iain Maciver said: "I've had many highlights with Sir E Scott choirs over the years but tonight ranks as one of my proudest moments as a conductor. I am so proud and humbled to have worked with the choir for Dìleab 2020 @ Celtic Connections. Thank you all, you are all stars."
An additional bonus for the Western Isles pupils was the chance to participate in the spectacular awakening of Storm – Celtic Connections giant animated sea goddess – as she made her impressive way through the streets of Glasgow on Saturday. The Sir E Scott choir was asked to take part in the sea goddess's journey, singing as the 10 metre high Storm was awakened and rose from the river Clyde.
As part of the same event, Castlebay Community School choir and Dìleab musicians performed for a second time on Saturday lunchtime, alongside Willie Campbell, at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. The full Friday night performance is available to watch here or vimeo.
Pictures show the performers on stage at Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, and the choir of Sir E Scott School, conducted by Iain Maciver, calming the Storm in Glasgow on Saturday.
Save the date now for Barra Games!
The Games this year will be held on Sunday 12 July 2020.
Organisers told We Love Barra and Vatersay today (20 January 2020): "The Barra Games is a Fun family day that involves everyone from tots to senior citizens, locals and tourists.
"The weather hasn't been in our favour the last few years but it never seems to dampen the spirit.
"Our community is so supportive of the Barra Games this gives us the incentive to keep it going.
"There will be inflatables, dancing and piping displays, and much more to keep everyone entertained for the day followed by a family dance that evening."
A round of breast screening is set to take place throughout the Western Isles from April to June.
The dates for each screening in each location are:
If you're a woman over 50, the combination of checking your breasts and attending your regular breast screening appointments gives you the best chance of being diagnosed early - and surviving - breast cancer. In the last round of screening across the Western Isles, which took place in 2017, almost one in four women didn't take up the offer of screening, with only 77 per cent of women attending their appointment. Ignoring the invitation leaves women at risk. NHS Western Isles Director of Public Health, Dr Maggie Watts, said: "Breast cancer remains a common cancer in Scottish women but it's also very treatable when caught early. I encourage every woman who receives an invitation for breast screening, to attend their appointment. We are using locations across the islands to make it easier for women to be screened; the appointment only takes a few minutes and the staff are welcoming and helpful." Attending your appointment is important. It involves having X-ray images taken of your breasts (mammograms). If you are due to attend for the first time or are worried about what might happen in the appointment, we recommend you have a look at the Health Scotland video, in which actress Elaine C Smith has her breast screening appointment. The video is available here. Remember:
The breast screening bus will be in locations across the Western Isles from January until June 2020 so look out for it and for your appointment.
If you are over 70 and wish to be screened you can book an appointment by calling 01463 705416.
The Uist dentistry situation will be the subject of a planned meeting between the Scottish Health Council and the Integration Joint Board (IJB).
The meeting has been called regarding the proposal to centralise dental services in Benbecula, after the decision was finally made by the Chief Executives of NHS Western Isles and the Comhairle in September last year.
Highlands and Islands Labour MSP, Rhoda Grant, has been told that the Scottish Government is sending the Chief Dental Officer (CDO) to visit with the IJB to discuss the outreach element of the proposal.
Mrs Grant said: "The Minister for Public Health, Joe FitzPatrick, has made it clear to me that he believes the existing service provision is not sustainable.
"I know many service users in Uist disagree wholeheartedly with this stance. However, what the Minister has said is that the effectiveness of the outreach element of the new proposals will be a key issue and that he feels the most appropriate intervention is to closely monitor the development of this element before any escalation is required.
"As such, he is sending the CDO to visit with the IJB and report back to him.
"The Scottish Health Council has advised me that they are not aware of this going through the NHS Board's governance structure, that it has been progressed through the IJB's governance structure, and as such they cannot consider calling the decision in.
"They advise however, that they are seeking a meeting with the IJB to understand more about the status of the decision and planned next steps."
A gritty and muddy battle between islanders on Saturday (January 18) saw Stornoway Rugby club seniors holding Shetland to a determined 10-10 draw.
Home advantage was not enough for the Stornoway side to get a win and, although they are disappointed, a team spokesman yesterday acknowledged that Shetland fully deserved to get something out of the match.
The spokesman said: "While Stornoway's play was full of effort and enthusiasm, with some great spells of play, Shetland's more experienced team was the better organised and fitter side, even though at least a man down for the full 80 minutes.
"Great to see so many of the Stornoway youngsters in action, if they can stay together and gain experience through committing to training and games the future looks bright."
Meanwhile Stornoway runners enjoyed the last cross-country race of the season nearby in the castle grounds. There was a good turnout for the race, sponsored by the Crown Hotel, KJ Macdonalds and Macleod & Macleod Butchers.
Stornoway Running and Athletics Club last week (Saturday January 11) took 11 athletes to represent North District in the British Cross-country challenge at Stirling. Six of these fought through to the top six Team North finishers, coming home with bronze medals.
They were Sarah Maciver and Kyla McMurdo in the U13 girls, Iain Matheson in the U13 boys, Francesca Greenstock and Rachel Murray in the U15 girls and U15 boy Charlie Morrison.
Pictures show Stornoway RFC in action against Shetland RFC and SRAC girls muddy but triumphant after last week's race in Stirling.
Women across the Western Isles are reminded that cervical screening saves livcommunityes.
NHS Western Isles have issued a reminder coinciding with Cervical Cancer Awareness Week (20th January – 26th January 2020) that the smear test saves around 5,000 lives each year in the UK.
Six women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every week in Scotland and the NHS have said it is important to attend your cervical screening appointment when invited.
Cervical cancer may not have symptoms in its early stages, but it can be prevented through regular cervical screening (smear test) which detects any early changes to the cells of the cervix. The earlier cervical cancer is found, the easier it is to treat and you're nine times more likely to survive cervical cancer when it's found at an early stage, compared to a late stage. The NHS Cervical Screening Programme invites all women from the age of 25 to 64 to attend cervical screening. Women who are 25 to 49 years of age are offered screening every three years, and those aged 50 to 64 are offered screening every five years. From 30 March 2020, cervical cytology (looking at cells under a microscope) will be replaced by human papillomavirus (HPV) testing as the primary (first) screening test in the Scottish cervical screening programme. This will be carried out using the same samples of cells taken during cervical screening so the cervical screening experience for women will remain unchanged. Further information is available at here. Sometimes there are no symptoms with early stage cervical cancer. However, if you notice any of the following, make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible: · Abnormal bleeding: during or after sexual intercourse, or between periods· Post-menopausal bleeding, if you are not on HRT or have stopped it for six weeks· Unusual and/or unpleasant vaginal discharge· Discomfort or pain during sex· Lower back pain.
There are many other conditions that could cause these symptoms so while it's probably nothing to worry about, you should see your GP. Whatever it is, the earlier it's found the easier it will be to treat.
If you are worried or late attending a cervical screening appointment or if it is your first time, find out more about cervical screening here: www.jostrust.org.uk/about-cervical-cancer/cervical-screening Cervical screening saves lives, contact your GP practice to make an appointment.
Catering & Retail Business Opportunity @ Barra Airport
An opportunity has arisen to provide catering services at Barra airport, in the Terminal building.
Interest is invited from parties wishing to apply for the contract.
Closing Date: 24 February 2020.
Two coastguard teams were called out on Sunday morning (January 19th) when a man-overboard beacon was discovered near Balmartin in North Uist.
A member of the public spotted the personal beacon and alerted Stornoway Coastguard operations centre, who tasked Griminish and Benbecula Coastguard Rescue Teams to investigate the site.
The beacon was found to be non-identifiable and the teams were stood down after checking the area.
The incident has been classified as a false alarm with good intent.
Stornoway Coastguard are tonight (Sunday January 19th) co-ordinating the rescue of a fishing vessel taking on water in heavy seas and strong winds.
The vessel, with three people aboard, called for help around 1.30pm today from their position about 12 miles off Tolsta Head in the Minch.
he casualty vessel is believed to be the UK-registered FV Ranger OB29 (pictured above).
The crew reported that their vessel was taking on a significant amount of water, sparking the emergency response.
Rescue helicopter R948 went to the scene and Lochinver RNLI lifeboat was also tasked and is still with the stricken vessel.
Water pumps were passed on to boat and have helped to get the water ingress under control, but it has not been possible to get a towline established in high swell and strong winds.
Stornoway RNLI Lifeboat was heading for the incident at about 6 pm on Sunday to relieve Lochinver Lifeboat.
Two pumps are now in place on board the FV Ranger and she is heading for Stornoway harbour under her own power, with Stornoway RNLI Lifeboat Tom Sanderson and the Coastguard tug Ievoli Black providing back-up support. RNLI Lochinver Lifeboat has been released from duty and is heading for her home berth. All crew aboard the casualty vessel are reportedly safe and well.
A further update from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency is expected later.
New overhead line
SSE Networks has applied for planning permission to build an overhead line from Callanish to Gisla.
New wooden stable, Point
Alison Macdonald of 63 Garrabost has applied for planning permission to erect a wooden stable at 3B Garrabost, Point. The stable is to be 7.32 metres long, 2.43 metres tall and 3.66 metres deep. The stable is not for business use.
New housing development, Barvas
Hebridean Housing Partnership has applied for planning permission to build 12 new houses and create a new access in Barvas. Work is to include creating parking suitable for 24 cars.
New polycrub, Carloway
Ian Knight of Westview, James Street, Carloway, has applied for planning permission to erect a polycrub at Westview, James Street, Carloway. The polycrub is to be 12 metres long, 4 metres wide and 2.6 metres tall. It is to be made of clear polycarbonate sheets.
New agricultural building, Carloway
Iain Knight of Westview, James Street, Carloway, has applied for planning permission to erect an agricultural building at Westview, James Street, Carloway. The building is to be 18.2 metres long, 9.1 metres wide and 4.2 metres tall. It is to be constructed of steel and the external of the building is to be brown.
Site two modular units, Point
Charles Engebretsen of Macaulay Farm Lodge, Lochs Road, has applied for planning permission to site two modular units to be used as holiday lets at 26 Branahuie, Point. The units are to be 5 metres wide, 5.2 metres long and 3.1 metres tall, The roof is to be made of plastic-coated metal profile sheeting, the walls are to be clad in larch boards and plastic-coated metal profile sheeting.
Stornoway police are asking for help from the public after two galvanised gates were taken from the fank at Back.
The gates, measuring 4ft by 3ft, are of the kind used with the fank to enclose sheep.
They were taken from the fank some time between the evening of Wednesday January 8th and the morning of Saturday January 11th.
Anyone who has any information about the theft is asked to contact police on the non-emergency number 101, quoting incident number NH63/20.
A man was arrested on Point Street in Stornoway at 1.30am on Saturday (January 18th) and taken into custody at Stornoway police station.
The 18-year-old was charged with breach of the peace and issued with a fixed penalty, before being released once he was sober.
With news this week that Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has awarded a £10.1m contract to marine, civil engineering and building contractor, L&M Keating Ltd to carry out upgrade works at Lochmaddy Pier in North Uist, the cost to taxpayers of the new ferry for Uist-Skye-Harris triangle has finally become apparent.
The costs of the similar port works at Uig - where the port is owned by Highland Council - are expected to be £30m while back in September 2019 Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) awarded a £14.3 million contract to civil engineering and building contractor, RJ McLeod Limited to carry out upgrade works at Tarbert Ferry Terminal which is owned by CMAL.
That means a total of £55m for shore works – while the cost of the two ferries being slowly constructed in Glasgow is now expected to total at least the original £97m plus an additional £110m - meaning a cost for the Uist-Skye-Harris triangle of about £105m.
That means at least a £160m cost for a service from a ferry that's expected to be able to carry around 1000 passengers, 127 cars or 16 HGVs. The present Hebrides ferry can carry 612 passengers and 90 cars. The new ferry is expected to be delivered four years late. According to data available on line, the new design ferry will have a speed of 14.5 knots compared to the Hebrides speed of 16.5 knots.
The MV Loch Seaforth, the single ferry on the Stornoway to Ullapool route, came in at a cost of £42m from Germany. The boat was originally leased in 2014 by CMAL from banking giant Lloyds for a planned eight year lease costing around £36m, with another £31m spent on infrastructure upgrades to the harbours. However, last year, CMAL purchased the Loch Seaforth, the largest ferry in the fleet, costing the Scottish Government another £36 million.
In contrast, Pentland Ferries - which provides the hour-long short crossing to Orkney travelling across the Pentland Firth between St Margaret's Hope, Orkney, to Gills Bay, Caithness - has just taken delivery of the MV Alfred, which has been named after Pentland Ferries' owner and managing director, Andrew Banks' father.
MV Alfred has a carrying capacity for 430 passengers and 98 cars, or 54 cars and 12 articulated vehicles/coaches.
Facilities on board MV Alfred include two lounges with seating, two cafeteria lounges, a children's play area, an indoor sundeck lounge, outdoor seating area, cafeteria and wheelchair lift. It joins the MV Pentalina in the Pentland Ferries fleet and is being hailed as the most environmentally-friendly ferry service of its kind in Scotland, with a shore-based wind turbine providing power when the vessel is docked overnight and energy-efficient LED lighting onboard throughout.
The catamaran vessel was built in Vietnam for a reported cost of £14m. It has a top speed of 16 knots.
Looking at the cost and length of road tunnels in the Faroe Islands and Norway, the Faroes are building two road tunnels - length almost 18km - for £221m. The Little Minch at its narrowest is 23 km wide. The longest road tunnel in the world is the Laerdal Tunnel in Norway and is 24.5km long. It cost £95m to construct in 1995-2000.
The world's longest twin-tube tunnel is in China, the Zhongnanshan Tunnel passing through the Qinling mountains in Shaanxi province, at 18.02km long. It was opened in January 2007 after nearly five years of construction and at a cost of £315.7. Included in these costs are coloured and patterned lighting of artificial plants and pictures of clouds over the roof to keep drivers alert!
Back in Lochmaddy, Keating will be responsible for completing all civil engineering works for the harbour upgrade project, including pier strengthening and extension, upgraded fendering, land reclamation and seabed dredging. The work will commence in January 2020 and is expected to be completed in spring 2021.
CalMac will continue to operate ferry services during the works.
The infrastructure upgrade work at Lochmaddy is part of the Skye Triangle Infrastructure Project, which involves significant harbour upgrades at the three ports at Tarbert, Lochmaddy and Uig. The work is designed to improve and modernise harbour facilities and prepare the way for new vessels.
Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands Paul Wheelhouse said: "I am very pleased to see the planned upgrade of Lochmaddy Pier moving forward with the award of this contract, following the recent award of the contract for construction works at Tarbert on the Isle of Harris.
"Work can now begin on the construction phase of the project, which will deliver an improved experience for the passengers who use these important services.
"Transport Scotland continues to work with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, The Highland Council and CMAL in the delivery of our ambitious plans for the facilities at the three ports of Tarbert, Lochmaddy and Uig through the Skye Triangle Infrastructure Project. I look forward to seeing this project help to further improve connectivity from and to the Western Isles, with subsequent benefits for the local economy."
Councillor Uisdean Robertson, Chair of the Comhairle's Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said: "We are very pleased to have reached this very important milestone in the delivery of infrastructure improvements for the wider Skye Triangle route.
"We look forward to continuing to work with Transport Scotland, with CMAL and now with Keating in making significant improvements to the pier and marshalling areas at Lochmaddy.
"We are confident that the investment in port infrastructure across the Skye Triangle route will make a significant contribution to growing and sustaining efficient and effective transport links for the islands."
Looking back, CMAL placed orders for two new ferries with Ferguson Marine Engineering Ltd (FMEL) in October 2015. The ferries were to be delivered on a fixed-price basis under a design and build contract, with a combined fixed-price of £97m. The vessels are to be powered by hybrid marine gas oil/Liquid Natural Gas-powered engines, which are a world first for sea-going passenger and vehicle roll-on roll-off ferries.
The first ferry, MV Glen Sannox (vessel 801) was due to be delivered in summer 2018, with the second ferry (vessel 802) slightly later.
The Minister for Transport and the Islands wrote to the Committee on 9 November 2017, highlighting a delay in the delivery of the ferries with vessel 801 delayed until Winter 2018/19 and vessel 802 some time later.
The Cabinet Secretary wrote again to the Committee on 16 August 2018 to advise that "…the first vessel, the MV Glen Sannox, will be delivered during Summer 2019 and the second vessel in Spring 2020".
The Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands, wrote to the Committee on 25 April 2019 advising that he anticipated a further delay to the delivery of both vessels.
The directors of FMEL filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators on 8 August 2019, effectively starting the process which would place the business in administration.
On 2 December 2019, the Scottish Government confirmed that it had taken the Ferguson Marine shipyard into public ownership following the rejection by administrators of three commercial bids for the company.
On 18 December 2019, the Scottish Government published the Ferguson Marine Programme Review Board report, which indicated a delivery range for vessel 801 of October to December 2021 and a delivery range of July to October 2022 for vessel 802, with an estimated outstanding cost for delivery of the two ferries of £110.3m.
Mairi Campbell is back in Stornoway to celebrate Burns Night with her theatre show Auld Lang Syne, plus a Scots songs workshop earlier in the day.
Featuring live music, animation and movement, the show Auld Lang Syne sees Mairi tell stories of her adventures with Scotland's most famous song – singing for US President Bill Clinton, a starring role in Sex and the City and a reinterpretation of the Robert Burns classic that changed her life.
In the morning, Mairi will also be running a workshop for mixed voices at An Lanntair. Join her to learn Scots songs including songs by Robert Burns. Sheet music of the songs is available during the workshop and all voices welcome.
The show and the workshop will be delivered with Mairi's trademark wit, gentle charm and unparalleled musical ability. With Auld Lang Syne, the audience can expect a funny and heartfelt show resonates with universal truths.
Mairi said: "I'm looking forward to being back in Stornoway. I was over last month working on Soil and Soul the theatre production so it's great to back again and I'm so pleased to have this opportunity to bring the show here. I love playing it and I the audience responses have been fantastic.
"I'm also looking forward to sharing the Scots song workshop, focussing on Burns songs. The melodies Burns chose his lyrics for were often fiddle tunes or airs and could be hard to sing, but we'll be taking two or three of his 600 songs and going for it!"
Presented by Greengold Projects and the Authentic Artist Collective. Auld Lang Syne is co-devised and directed by Kath Burlinson of the Authentic Artist Collective.
Watch the Auld Lang Syne trailer https://youtu.be/Y9AgPPLeu8I
Mairi Campbell is a Scottish folk singer and musician from Edinburgh. . She has won many awards including Scots Singer of the Year, Female Musician of the Year, Neil Gow Composition of the Year, and Tutor of the Year. In 2015 Campbell created her first solo theatre show Pulse. Campbell is one half of the duo The Cast, whose version of the Robert Burns poem "Auld Lang Syne" featured in the movie Sex and the City. Campbell is also a member of the céilidh band The Occasionals, and is a guest musician with the baroque ensemble Concerto Caledonia.
Mairi Campbell: Auld Lang Syne
Date and time: Saturday 25 January 2020, 8pm
Location: An Lanntair, Kenneth St, Stornoway HS1 2DS
Tickets: http://lanntair.com/events/event/mairi-campbell-auld-lang-syne/ or call 01851 708 480
Scots song for mixed voices workshop with Mairi Campbell
Date and time: Saturday 25 January 2020, 10.30am–12pm
Tickets: http://lanntair.com/events/event/scots-songs-mixed-voices-workshop-mairi-campbell/ or call 01851 708 480
Members of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar staff in Sandwick Road were delighted to hand over a cheque for £1370 to Bethesda Hospice in Springfield Road, Stornoway.
The funds were raised through a Christmas Hamper Raffle.
Grateful thanks from the organisers to all those who supported this appeal.
An event in the Scottish Parliament aimed at helping MSPs protect their constituents from scams has recently been sponsored by Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP Alasdair Allan.
The islands' MSP hosted the reception on behalf of Advice Direct Scotland (ADS), which runs the www.consumeradvice.scot service. MSPs joined Trading Standards experts and ADS staff – including Sean Harrison, Manager of the ADS contact centre in Stornoway.
Common scams include bogus callers who are offering services such as landscape gardening or maintenance work in a bid to gain access to properties; online marketplace traders selling fake goods; and fake emails claiming to be from companies including Amazon, banks, or government departments.
Scams cost the UK economy up to £10billion a year, and 53% of people over 65 have been targeted by scams. However, only 5% of scams are reported. If more potential scams are reported to consumeradvice.scot, the organisation can work with Trading Standards and Police Scotland to raise awareness and prevent more people being scammed.
consumeradvice.scot was launched in April this year with financial support from the Scottish Government following the devolution of consumer powers, and is operated by the charity Advice Direct Scotland. It provides free, impartial and practical advice directly to consumers in Scotland.
Alasdair Allan MSP said: "Sadly, I know from my own caseload that a significant number of people in the islands fall victim to scams every year.
"Advice Direct Scotland has a significant presence in Stornoway and I was delighted to be able to sponsor this reception aiming to spread awareness of the problems and offer practical guidance to MSPs.
"By following advice from Scotland's new consumer advice service, people can spot the tell-tale signs and avoid being left out of pocket. But there is no shame in being conned as scammers use sophisticated techniques to trick people, so it's important to report any suspicions to consumeradvice.scot so that action can be taken."
Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of consumeradvice.scot, said: "Realising that you may have been the victim of a scam can be extremely upsetting and worrying.
"As Scotland's new consumer advice service, we are working hard to make people more aware of scams, and advise those who are scammed.
"It's very important that any potential scams are reported to us as soon as possible so that we can raise awareness with Trading Standards and the police."
Advice for residents in the Western Isles on how to avoid being scammed:
Stornoway-based Advice Direct Scotland Manager Sean Harrison with Alasdair Allan MSP.
The centralisation of Air Traffic Control (ATC) services is proceeding and Benbecula Airport is to be downgraded, Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd says.
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has hit out at HIAL's "lack of ambition" for the Islands displayed in their announcement .
It was announced yesterday (Thursday January 16th) that Benbecula will be downgraded to an Aerodrome Flight Information Service (AFIS) resulting in a loss of jobs and an inability to grow air services in Benbecula.
Together with a loss of jobs at Stornoway as a result of centralising ATC services in Inverness, including those for Sumburgh, Dundee, Inverness and Kirkwall, there could be a loss of up to 20 jobs in the Islands, a significant number of skilled jobs.
The Comhairle has called on Scottish Government to intervene. Comhairle Leader Roddie Mackay said: "This is not an attitude or approach we would expect from a Scottish Government owned company."
Councillor Uisdean Robertson, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar's Chair of Transportation and Infrastructure, said: "It seems to me that HIAL are looking at Stornoway and Benbecula Airports as burdens rather than assets. They are intent on running them down with the resultant loss of employment.
"This displays an incredible lack of ambition for the future of air services to and from the Islands. We should be looking at how these assets can be grown and developed to best serve the communities of the Islands. I will be writing to the Minister highlighting that is against the principles of Community empowerment and the Islands Act.
"Centralisation of services and jobs is entirely contrary to what Island authorities have been working towards over the past few years and indeed is completely at odds with the Islands Act. I will be calling for an Islands Impact Assessment, in line with Island proofing, to be carried out on the implications of these shortsighted measures for our communities.
"I will be calling upon Ministers to ensure that agencies like HIAL grow their staff headcount in our islands not remove valuable jobs and families from our communities."
Councillor Robertson also highlighted that safety and resilience were at risk of being comprised under the proposed measures for centralization. He said: "Anyone who has seen the weather this week in Benbecula and Stornoway will know that systems and technology could be at risk. I will be contacting the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity, Michael Matheson. I also propose to meet with my counterparts in Shetland and Orkney who share similar concerns.
"Our communities have extreme transport challenges ahead. Our ferry services have deteriorated because of ill-thought-through decision making made by mainland based management. It is sad that HIAL is making the same mistake.
"HIAL are putting their own priorities and dogma way above the needs of their customers and partners. Taxpayers money is being spent on a needless vanity project. It is utterly unacceptable in this day and age for a publicly funded body to behave in this high handed way."
Highlands and Islands Labour MSP, Rhoda Grant, has also condemned the announcement that plans to centralise ATC in the Highlands and Islands will go ahead, despite fierce opposition from local communities, from the Prospect Union and from a cross section of MSPs.
HIAL said the change will modernise air traffic control but the Prospect Union say the plan puts 60 jobs at risk and described it as "poorly thought through". It will rely on remote towers, which will not need to be staffed, feeding information to a new surveillance centre in Inverness.
Rhoda Grant said "From the day these proposals were first aired in 2017 I have received representation from local communities who are desperate to maintain the current system for safety reasons and to protect island jobs.
"The proposals to downgrade services at Wick and Benbecula are astounding given the localities have been earmarked as space ports. These decisions also fly in the face of the Scottish Government's own recently published Islands Plan which seeks to protect and improve services and employment in island communities.
"HIAL appears to be intent on pushing this through despite its own consultants identifying the 'remote tower' model as the most costly and risky option.
"While this decision fits with the Scottish Government's determination to centralise services out of local areas, it is an appalling decision and HIAL and the Scottish Government must stop these plans right now before remote air services are jeopardised and more local jobs are taken out of rural communities."
Sgoil Uibhist a Tuath have been awarded the Gold Sportscotland School Sport Award 2019 -2022.
Graham Lindsey from Sportscotland travelled to North Uist for the official presentation.
Graham highlighted the quality of the school submission to be of an excellent standard and praised the fantastic display from the pupils of the range of sports they take part in when he presented the award today (Friday January 17th).
Well done all!
The 1,440 small Western Isles businesses could potentially find themselves paying Comhairle nan Eilean Siar £2.2 million a year collectively, and some perhaps more than £7,000 individually, if amendments passed at Stage 2 of the Scottish Government's Non-Domestic Rates (Scotland) Bill become law, says the Federation of Small Businesses.
Speaking to welovestornoway.com local MSP Alasdair Allan pointed out that this came about because the SNP is a minority government and the other parties had combined to force the changes through. The Government's own policy was to maintain the uniform business rate with the 100% discount.
Public Finance Minister Kate Forbes MSP earlier replied to a letter from the Scottish business community highlighting the Scottish Government's support for maintaining the Uniform Business Rate. She said:
"Thank you for your joint letter of 15 January 2020 regarding your concerns over the recent amendments to the Non-Domestic Rates (Scotland) Bill which seek to scrap the Uniform Business Rate and abolish Scottish Ministers' ability to set national reliefs.
"The Non-Domestic Rates (Scotland) Bill was introduced to support growth, improve the administration of the system and increases fairness as envisaged by the Barclay Review of Non-Domestic Rates.
"It is clear from the strength of feeling of Scottish businesses as expressed in your letter that the Bill, as amended by the Conservative, Labour and the Green Parties, does not currently do so.
"I am writing to confirm the Scottish Government's unequivocal support for the Uniform Business Rate. The Scottish Government shares your collective view that the amendment supported by Opposition MSPs at Stage 2 introduces complexity, risks and potential unpredictability into the rates system. Non-domestic rates play an integrated role in the current wider local government finance arrangements by providing certainty and protection to local government funding whilst also ensuring certainty for ratepayers across Scotland.
"I have previously written to the Local Government and Communities Committee after the Conservative, Labour and Green MSPs united to support Andy Wightman's amendment.
"In a few short weeks, all MSPs will have an opportunity at Stage 3 of the Bill to respond directly and immediately to the concerns of Scottish business.
"For the Scottish Government's part, I can reassure you all that we will not be supporting any amendments that continue to threaten the Uniform Business Rate, jeopardise the Scottish Government's ability to set reliefs in subordinate legislation or undermine Local Government funding mechanisms."
The Federation of Small Businesses says Scotland's rates system is old fashioned, opaque and difficult to understand, and the FSB therefore welcomed the new Bill, believing that vitally important national reliefs like the Small Business Bonus (SBBS) would be preserved.
The SBBS, a relief won for smaller businesses by FSB Scotland, ensures that our smallest businesses pay few or no commercial rates. The savings are reinvested in businesses and used to mitigate rising overheads such as utility bills.
In opening October's Stage 1 debate, Kate Forbes said that, "The Government is committed to using the limited economic powers at our disposal to create a tax environment that supports economic opportunity".
Sadly, says the FSB, that ambition was dealt a near-fatal blow at Stage 2 in December, when an amendment was passed empowering Scotland's 32 local authorities to set their own business rates.
"The result? The ending of national reliefs, including the SBBS. What will replace the SBBS locally? Nobody knows. What we do know is that it could spell very bad news for local businesses, economies and communities.
"One recent FSB survey found that one in five small firms would close if the SBBS was abolished, and similar numbers would cancel investments and amend their growth plans.
"Another FSB survey, conducted this Christmas, found that three-quarters of Scottish firms believe that giving councils additional powers over non-domestic rates would be bad for business, 80 per cent opposing the abolition of national rates reliefs like the SBBS, and 84 per cent not wanting overall control to pass to councils."
Stage 3 of the Bill's passage will take place on February 19th and FSB Scotland is campaigning hard to convince MSPs to remove the damaging amendments made at Stage 2.
"If you are worried about your business, join our campaign and write to your MSP now," says the FSB.
(This article has been updated overnight to include local MSP and Scottish Government comments)
The Dìleab performance at Celtic Connections at 7:30pm this evening, Friday 17th January, will now be streamed live on the internet at www.dileabalegacy.com
Performances will include 70 island pupils from the Dìleab: Air a' Chuan project, Willie Campbell & Band, Ceitlin Lilidh and Pàdruig Morrison with the Sgoil Lionacleit Pipe Band, the Sir E Scott Choir from Harris, singers and musicians from Castlebay Community School in Barra and The Nicolson Institute in Lewis, as well as other island musicians including Iain 'Costello' MacIver and Neil Johnstone.
Those who cannot make the concert, which will take place in the New Auditorium of the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, will now be able to enjoy the performance online.
The 2020 Islands Study Conference is due to take place in the Harris Hotel, Tarbert from the 7th to 9th February.
This year's speakers are Rev. Alasdair I Macleod from Edinburgh, who will be speaking on "The Praying of Christ" and Rev. Dr. Robert Murdock, Faith Mission College Principal, who will be speaking on "The Body, The Love Story, The Athlete".
Whilst it is a residential conference in part, day visitors are also very welcome, and encouraged, to attend the conference at any point.
Tighean Innse Gall are teaming up with Western Isles Citizens Advice Service for a Big Energy Savings Week. They will be offering free information on ways to save energy, make your home more energy efficient, how to deal with fuel debt and see if you can save on your electricity bills.
They will be ready to help at Castlebay Co-op on Friday, 24th January, between 12 and 2pm.
They will be ready to help at Macaulay Road Co-op on Monday, 20th January, between 10am and 4pm, Stornoway Library on Tuesday, 21st January 12-2pm and Wednesday, 22nd January, all day.
The power of professional pantomime was on display again at An Lanntair last night (Thursday January 16th)
The classic tale of Sleeping Beauty was brought vividly to live on stage – and today (Friday 17) and tomorrow (Saturday 18) a total of three performances are being held each day, with the first one on Saturday as early as 11am. However, two of today's shows are already sold out.
Once again, the show proved that – despite the attractions of the on-line world - modern audiences still love to participate in the shows, with huge involvement in the ritual exchanges between cast and particularly – but not exclusively – the children in the audience.
The all-new set – plus loads of modern production techniques and a great selection of music – kept the great old story vivid and up-to-date.
And the local dancers – getting their annual chance to join professionals on a full-scale stage and in a professional show – were superb in the many scenes where they appeared, both as crowds and supporting performers, of course, as stylish dancers with great costumes.
Directed and produced by Stuart Morrison who hails from Ness, the pantomime stars Victoria Jane, David Rumelle, Steven Arnold and Linda Clark.
Stuart said earlier: "This year's pantomime is going to be one of the most extravagant of all, utilising the wonderful talent of the cast we have managed to get together - some of which are Lewis regulars - as well as introducing some great newcomers, not to mention our star this year, Steven Arnold, well known and much loved for his many, many years in Coronation Street."
David Rumelle, who plays Nurse Nancy Nettlerash, says: "This will be my fourth year in Stornoway. We always have a good time there. It's an absolute joy to do."
The role of the villain, bad fairy Carabosse, is played by Linda Clark. Linda, who also appeared in an episode of David Tennant's Doctor Who, says: "The baddies are so much more fun to play – and you get used to being booed!"
Linda has been to Stornoway three times in the past. "I first came 25 years ago, when we performed in the Town Hall," she relates. "The biggest memory for me was calling my husband from a phone box after a performance in June at 10:40pm and marvelling at how light it was even at that hour!
There were public thanks to the main sponsors and supporters - the Scottish Co-op; Cala Hotels; CalMac and EVENTS newspaper.
You can book here
The families of women prisoners in the Highlands and islands are having to travel long distances to see their relatives.
Highlands and Islands Labour MSP, David Stewart, questioned the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Humza Yousaf, in Parliament this week about facilities for women prisoners from the Highlands and Islands and Moray.
Mr Stewart asked the Cabinet Secretary what plans the Scottish Government has for a new women's community integration unit in the Highlands and Islands.
The Cabinet Secretary replied that in 2015 the Scottish Government announced plans for a new 80-place national women's facility at Cornton Vale and up to five new community based custodial units (CCUs) which would each accommodate around 20 women at locations across Scotland.
He said the national facility and the first two CCUs in Glasgow and Dundee were due to be operational by the end of 2021. The Cabinet Secretary said the decision on the next phase of CCUs will depend on risk profile, community locations of women in custody and on lessons learned from bringing the first phase of CCUs into operation.
Mr Stewart said that in 2019 there were 24 women in custody from the Highlands and Islands and Moray who were serving their sentences in HMP Grampian or Cornton Vale. The MSP said that distance from families affects relationships at home and behaviour within the prison environment.
He asked if the Cabinet Secretary will consider a Community Integration Unit within the Highlands and Islands for women who are serving short sentences, on remand, on community integration or are at the end of their sentence.
The Cabinet Secretary said there were no longer facilities for women prisoners in Inverness because of the low numbers of women prisoners in the area but said Mr Stewart made the important point that locations for the other custody units have not yet been decided upon and that Mr Stewart should make representation to the Scottish Prison Service if he thinks there is a justifiable case for a Community Custody Unit in the Highlands and Islands.
David Stewart said "Together with my colleague, Rhoda Grant, I will indeed make representation to the Scottish Prison Service on this. The new Community Custody Units are being designed to accommodate twenty women. In 2019 there were 16 women from the Highlands in custody with the other eight being from island communities or Moray.
"Distances within the Highlands and Islands and Moray are already vast and to ask family members to travel further into Grampian or the Central Belt to visit female relatives is completely unjust. We will be making the case for facilities to be made available within the Highlands and Islands."
Labour MSP Rhoda Grant, who has also campaigned for local facilities said "Prison sentences not only impact on the prisoner but on their families too and we must ensure families, particularly children, can easily visit a loved one whilst they are serving their sentence. This is even more important where that access is to their mother.
Road policing officers in the Highland and Islands area are urging motorists to be aware of the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs following a recent road safety campaign over the festive season.
Inspector Donnie Mackinnon, from the Road Policing Unit said: "Across Scotland, 580 offences were detected in relation to drink/drug driving and an additional 185 cases are being investigated for drivers being over the drug drive limit over the festive period.
"Following the introduction of new legislation which introduced drug limits, we are testing drivers for drugs at the roadside and it should be noted that the Highlands and Islands are not immune to this issue."Road and divisional policing officers across the Highlands and Islands stopped a number of people who were suspected of being over the drink and drug drive limit. Reports have been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal and some investigations are still ongoing.
"Unfortunately we often get called to collisions in which drivers are under the influence of alcohol or drugs and the impact this has on family, friends and communities is devastating. We all have a role to play in keeping our roads safe and drivers must be aware of the dangers they place themselves, and others in, when driving under the influence. It is wholly unacceptable and simply isn't worth the risk.
"Road safety is a priority in all communities and we are committed to improving driver behaviour and reducing injuries on our road network.
"I would also encourage colleagues, friends or family members to continue to report drink or drug drivers to us so we can take appropriate action."
Disruption to the Castlebay-Oban service was discussed at a meeting in the Scottish Parliament yesterday (Wednesday 15 January).
Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP, Alasdair Allan, hosted the meeting between representatives of the community in Barra and Vatersay and Islands Minister Paul Wheelhouse MSP.
The MSP requested the meeting with the Islands Minister, who is the Scottish Government Minister with responsibility for ferries, to discuss the disruptions to the Castlebay-Oban service and the alternative arrangements made.
Alasdair Allan MSP commented: "This was a really useful opportunity for community representatives from Barra to engage with the Minister directly on the unacceptably frequent periods of disruption the island has suffered in recent months.
"I am grateful for the Minister's attention to this issue. We discussed the need for CalMac to take a much more pro-active approach when bad weather or technical issues arise, the total unsuitability of using a vessel like MV Isle of Arran to replace MV Isle of Lewis on any route as long as that between Oban and Castlebay, and the need for more opportunities for community engagement with Transport Scotland.
"Barra's lifeline ferry service is the longest and most challenging in CalMac's network. Ultimately, there needs to be much wider recognition of that fact, and Barra needs to be treated on a much more equitable basis when it comes to future vessel re-deployment decisions."
Councillor Donald Manford commented: "I was very pleased with the tenor or our discussions and the understanding for our concerns. I look forward with confidence to exploring new innovative ways of delivering the service."
Photograph shows (L-R): Councillor Donald Manford, Brian Currie, Theresa Irving, Alasdair Allan MSP, Paul Wheelhouse MSP, Donald Joseph Maclean and Eoin MacNeil.
The Castlebay-Oban route is one of four CalMac services to be updated.
Work is to be carried out at Oban Harbour as part of a planned maintenance programme.
Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) will replace the lifting cylinders on linkspan number two at Oban Harbour, with a planned start date of 23 January 2020.
The linkspan will be out of service for 10 days while work takes place.
During this time vessels will use the linkspan at berth number one, which was replaced earlier this year.
Minimal disruption to services is expected, as the work will coincide with the annual dry-docking of MV Isle of Lewis, which is the only vessel used for Oban Harbour which is unable to use Linkspan number one.
CalMac's Director of Operations, Robert Morrison said: "We are pleased to say that we have been able to amend the timetable so that there is no reduction in overall sailings while this work is carried out.
"However, operating from one linkspan means that our turnaround for sailings is much tighter, so I would urge all passengers to pay particular attention to the vehicle and passenger check-in times for their sailing and to arrive in plenty of time. Once service changes are finalised these will be published on our website."
Ramsay Muirhead, Director of Port Infrastructure and Planning at CMAL said: "This project is part of our ongoing programme of harbour upgrades and modifications across our network to provide safe and efficient lifeline ferry services to communities around Scotland.
"We have worked closely with the contractor and CalMac to ensure there is as little disruption to services as possible while we replace the lifting cylinder at linkspan number two.
"Throughout the duration of the project, services will run from berth number one, however we would advise passengers to check CalMac's website for any adjustments."
The routes affected are:
Oban - CraignureOban - Coll/Tiree Oban - CastlebayOban - Colonsay
Public meetings are to be held next week, as the potential community buyout of the Bays of Harris Estate takes an important step forward.
Funding has been awarded from the Scottish Land Fund to update a 2016 feasibility study, giving the Bays of Harris Steering Group (BOHSG) the funds to appoint Duncan MacPherson and Faye MacLeod to conduct the new study.
Duncan is a community development consultant based in Harris and Faye a chartered accountant, partner at Campbell Stewart MacLennan & Co in Skye. They'll be looking into the viability of the community taking over ownership of the estate and benefits such as affordable housing, community enterprise and crofting assistance which could result.
The Bays of Harris Estate covers the whole east side of the Isle of Harris, as well as Northton and the Isle of Berneray. It currently generates a healthy income with an annual surplus running to tens of thousands of pounds.
To see whether community ownership of that asset is feasible, the steering group will hold three public meetings – in the Bays, Leverburgh and Berneray – before the end of January.
The majority of the Outer Hebrides is already owned and run by community landlords, and about 94% of all community landownership in Scotland is in the islands.
John Maher, chair of BOHSG, said: "Community ownership of the Bays of Harris estate offers a potentially vital opportunity to safeguard the future of our community. The updated feasibility report will provide a rigorous assessment of the viability of the estate under community ownership and enable the community to make an informed decision about the merits of a buyout.
"It's really important that as many residents as possible come along to the public meetings, so that their views can help inform how a buyout of the estate could help deliver the types of developments that will benefit the entire community."
The meetings will be held at the Bays Centre on Monday January 20th, at Leverburgh Community Hall on Tuesday January 21st and at Berneray Community Hall on Tuesday January 28th. All meetings start at 7.30pm.
There will be a brief presentation from the steering group highlighting key events in the buyout process to date and outlining how discussions with the current landlord have progressed. Duncan MacPherson will explain his role in updating the 2016 feasibility study and give more detail on the estate's current income generation and how that income could be used to benefit the resident community.
Attendees at each meeting will have an opportunity to make comments and suggestions and to ask questions about the community buyout process and related issues. Representatives from other community landowners will also be at the meetings to share their experiences of community ownership elsewhere.
The discussion will help inform the final report of the Feasibility Study update, the findings of which will be presented at another series of public meetings in March or April 2020, ahead of a community ballot on whether to proceed with a community buyout of the estate.
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has awarded a £10.1m contract to marine, civil engineering and building contractor, L&M Keating Ltd to carry out upgrade works at Lochmaddy Pier.
Keating will be responsible for completing all civil engineering works for the harbour upgrade project, including pier strengthening and extension, upgraded fendering, land reclamation and seabed dredging.
The work starts this month and is expected to be completed in spring 2021. CalMac will continue to operate ferry services during the works.
The infrastructure upgrade work at Lochmaddy is part of the Skye Triangle Infrastructure Project, which involves significant harbour upgrades at the three ports at Tarbert, Lochmaddy and Uig. The work is designed to improve and modernise harbour facilities and prepare the way for new vessels.
"Transport Scotland continues to work with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, The Highland Council and CMAL in the delivery of our ambitious plans for the facilities at the three ports of Tarbert, Lochmaddy and Uig through the Skye Triangle Infrastructure Project.
"I look forward to seeing this project help to further improve connectivity from and to the Western Isles, with subsequent benefits for the local economy."
The new ferry for this route is being built at the Ferguson's shipyard in Glasgow, now owned by the Scottish Government.
Looking back, CMAL (Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd) placed orders for two new ferries with Ferguson Marine Engineering Ltd (FMEL) in October 2015. The ferries were to be delivered on a fixed-price basis under a design and build contract, with a combined fixed-price of £97m.
The Minister for Transport and the Islands wrote to the Committee on 9 November 2017, highlighting a delay in the delivery of the ferries with vessel 801 delayed until Winter 2018/19 and vessel 802 some time later.
On 18 December 2019, the Scottish Government published the Ferguson Marine Programme Review Board report, which indicated a delivery range for vessel 801 of October to December 2021 and a delivery range of July to October 2022 for vessel 802, with an estimated outstanding additional cost for delivery of the two ferries of £110.3m, more than double the contracted price.
Western Isles-based internet company Voove, based in Benbecula, has stepped in to the void being left by the closure of (Hebnet) Connected Communities.
Voove was founded in 2004 and originally based in Bristol, England prior to relocating to the former RAF Benbecula Military base in 2008. The company is run by Angus Doyle, an IT director within the Media and Events Industry.
Voove has live installations on St Kilda, as well as installations across the UK's onshore and offshore wind farms. Voove has adapted its bespoke rural communication solutions for the Festival and Event industries, providing secure, compliant back-haul internet delivered across the UK's largest music festivals and events.
Angus Doyle said: "Since the announcement of the (Hebnet) Connected Communities being disbanded, we have been inundated with calls and emails. We have reviewed the options available, and for those not able to take advantage of the Voove 4G Unlimited or BT Unlimited Options, we have negotiated a special deal for those Hebnet customers that do not have a suitable alternative.
"Introducing Hebsat - Unlimited Satellite Internet from £44.99 per month, no kit costs, no activation fees, voove have waived their costs to enable installation for only £49.99.
"Voove are BigBlu Internets' exclusive partners for the Western Isles and will be phasing in the take over of the installation, maintenance, and repairs of all direct and indirect BigBlu customers in the HS1 to HS9 postcodes from our offices in Stornoway and Benbecula.
"We are pleased to be able to offer this alternative to the local community. We will be taking on additional local engineers to manage our SKY contract alongside the Hebsat offering. Later this year voove will also be introducing the first Cyber Security Apprenticeship programme in both our Uist and Stornoway offices.
"With the purchase of the old Uist Laundry Building and surrounding land, we will be converting this 800sqm building into a technology hub to provide hands-on access and training for all generations, whether this is to teach the parents, learn the basics, more advanced tasks, or those wishing to start a podcast or streaming video channel.
"Being able to provide the Studio space, the equipment as well as the training to everyone we hope to help as many people as possible understand not only the risks, but also the benefits technology has to offer.
Ferries throughout Outer Hebrides continue to be under warning of disruption - and some services have been reorganised or cancelled.
Thursday 16th January - Castlebay-Oban
Due to adverse weather conditions over the last few days, there will be an additional sailing operating the following timetable:
Thursday 16th January -Stornoway-Ullapool
Due to adverse weather, the 10:30 sailing from Ullapool and the 14:00 sailing from Stornoway are cancelled.
The 07:00 sailing from Stornoway and the 17:30 sailing from Ullapool will operate
Youngsters from Barra and Uist are just (11am Wednesday January 15th) landing in Glasgow ahead of their date with fame at Celtic Connections.
They're set to make a splash at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, where tomorrow is rehearsal day for Dìleab: Air a' Chuan. The concert brings together school pupils and musicians from across the Western Isles to celebrate their rich connection with the waters which surround the islands.
Performers from Barra joined members of Sgoil Lionacleit pipe band after travelling across the Sound of Barra this morning. The flight from Benbecula landed in Glasgow shortly after 11am.
A second flight is bringing Lewis and Harris pupils including the Sir E Scott senior choir and soloists and musicians and choral singers from across Lewis. They will be joined by Willie Campbell of Tolsta, Ceitlin Lilidh of Ness and Padraig Morrison in the special one-off performance, hosted by former Sgoil Lionacleit pupil and Gaelic singer Linda MacLeod.
Travel plans for the party of 80 musicians, tutors and supporters were thrown into disarray when Storm Brendan and a series of further weather fronts made ferry transport impossible for some of the performers.
But Loganair came to the rescue laying on two charter flights to make sure that everyone made it to Glasgow in time for rehearsal day tomorrow.
Tickets for the performance, on Friday night, are still available via https://www.celticconnections.com/event/1/dleab-air-a-chuan
Stornoway Rugby Club's first match of the year this Saturday (January 18th) sees a mighty clash between islands at Bayhead.
Visitors Shetland RFC are expected to travel tomorrow (Friday) for an early kick-off at 10am, hopefully in front of a good home crowd.
The match is one of four set to be played on Saturday in the Tennents Caledonia North Region league division 3. Stornoway currently sit one place below Shetland in the league, with a game in hand.
Stornoway's expected first match of 2020, away to Huntly RFC last Saturday, was postponed due to extreme weather.
While the Western Isles have been dealing with high winds, high tides and winter disruption, the thoughts of some have turned to the other side of the world, where a stifling hot summer and raging bushfires are creating a desperate situation.
This year has been designated the Year of Scotland in Australia and two island organisations are putting their strength behind fundraising for the victims of Australia's devastating bushfires – whether the victims are humans or animals.
Hebrides Dance and Wellbeing Studio plans a fundraising Zumbathon on Saturday January 25th at the Caberfeidh Hotel, where people of all ages are encouraged to get together, have some fun and raise money to help.
And Hebridean Celtic Festival has donated two weekend tickets for this summer's festival, along with accommodation for the festival weekend, towards a creative Scottish drive to support Australian charities.
Zumbathon organiser Kirstie Anderson said: "Hearing and seeing images of the Australian bushfire crisis is devastating. People and animals are dying, thousands are losing their homes. Money is needed to help this dire situation. Let's not look away. Let's get together and move for a cause."
HebCelt organisers have made their donation as part of a national Year of Scotland in Australia campaign. The tickets for the 25th HebCelt Festival join tickets for dozens of events including Belladrum, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Skerryvore's performance at Inverary Castle in June. The draw for all those prizes will be live-streamed on Saturday February 1st.
Tickets cost £20 each and can be bought online at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/year-of-scotland-australia-2020-australian-fires-appeal-tickets-88522119041, where you can also see the full list of prizes.
All proceeds from online ticket sales will be split equally between the Australian Red Cross and World Wildlife Federation, to assist with supporting those affected by the fires.
Stornoway's Zumbathon party, which runs from 11am to 12.30pm on Saturday January 25th at the Caberfeidh Hotel, will feature big party tunes to dance along to, a raffle, home baking and some special guests yet to be announced. Entry is by donation and help would be appreciated with the raffle and on the door.
Do you have vintage photographs with a North Lochs connection?
Perhaps you've got a box full of old documents, including marriage certificates, wage slips or letters?
If so, the North Lochs Historical Society wants to hear from you!
The Society's first event of 2020 will be a photo scanning day – a chance for everyone to include their old photographs and documents into the archive collection, while still keeping the originals.
The idea came from the Society's Chairman, John Macdonald, who told welovestornoway.com: "Everything we get will be returned on the day. It takes less than two minutes to complete a scan, so nothing will get lost.
"We won't just be scanning – we will also be recording information about the photographs.
"Individuals in the community have photographs and documents lying around in the houses and no one sees them."
A selection will appear in the Society's quarterly magazine, Dusgadh. However, the long-term plan will see the Historical Society host exhibitions and publish various themed booklets based on the community's photographs.
"It will take a few years to do what we want to do," explains John. "But we are planning a transport exhibition and booklet first."
The Photo Scanning Day will be held on Saturday 25 January from 10am until 5pm at Leurbost Hall. John concluded: "We want absolutely anything – photographs about families, crofting, landscapes, buildings, transport, fishing – anything and everything. It's best to collect it now, while people still have the information, and we can record it all."
A brief but intense lightning storm cut power to everyone in Lewis and Harris for a short period this morning.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks local staff said that lightning strikes led to the cut, a few minutes long, at around 8.30am today.
The power outage left its mark on businesses and households, with internet and other electrical systems tripped by the interruption.Meanwhile 102 customers in properties on the Lewis and Harris border, between Ardvourlie and Arivruaich have been without power since the strikes, with engineers now on their way to find and repair the fault. Power is expected to be restored by 5pm.
The Braighe has now fully re-opened after a closure and a period on a convoy system this morning as waves flung debris over the carriageway.
High winds and high tides have once again led to the closure of te Braighe causeway this monring at about 8.50am
Seven cars were reported to be waiting on the Point side at 8.55am
Western Isles Police tweeted at 8.52 - "Western Isles Police would like to advise Braighe now closed. Updates to follow. Please continue to drive safely on all Island roads, there is still surface water on some roads."
A few minutes earlier the Western Isles Coastguard Facebook Page stated: "We are on scene at the Braighe with Highland & Islands Police Division and the Braighe will shut shortly. If crossing before the closure is in place please exercise caution as it is being affected by waves and debris overtopping the sea wall."
Coastguard teams across the Western Isles - both paid and volunteers - were at the centre of the battle to cope with the impact of Storm Brendan on Monday and Tuesday (January 13 and 14)
And this won open praise and admiration from members of the public…including one person who personally delivered a pizza to the team dealing with the crisis on the Braighe crossing.
The photograph shows the impact of the storm on the Seilibost causeway on the road between Tarbert and Leverburgh where Coastguard were also involved in a closure and clearance operation.
Meanwhile stormy conditions are continuing to affect ferry services across the Islands with sailings from Castlebay and Lochboisdale already cancelled.
Coastguard Rescue Teams on the Isle of Lewis were called out to ensure care workers were able to reach vulnerable and elderly people during the stormy weather on Monday (January 13).
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar requested the assistance of the Tarbert, Benbecula and Bragar Coastguard Rescue Teams and two Stornoway-based senior coastal operations officers.
Using their 4X4 vehicles and knowledge of driving in severe weather and high tide conditions they were able to transport care workers around the area to reach those people who are among the most vulnerable in the community.
HM Coastguard's Coastal Operations Area Commander with responsibility for the Western Isles, Skye and Lochaber, Murdo Macaulay said: "The Western Isles were hit by gale force winds and heavy rain coinciding with high spring tides which made driving conditions extremely difficult.
"Our Officers, both volunteer and full time, are trained to drive in these conditions and are happy to be called upon by the other emergency services and the local authorities to assist delivery of essential services.
"With the assistance of our teams more than a dozen people were visited yesterday that may have otherwise been left isolated and vulnerable in the severe weather conditions brought about by Storm Brendan."
Stornoway Coastguard Rescue Team said on Facebook: "Hi folks, on behalf of the Coastguard teams, the Area team (the full time troops), the CGOC, CnES cleansing staff, Donal with Peels' digger and Highlands & Islands Police Division, a huge thank you for all the kind messages, soups and sandwiches, teas, coffees and to the lovely member of the public who went back to town and came back with a pizza for us. Most of all, thanks to the residents of Point for being patient and understanding during the last 48 hours."
Murdo Macaulay outlined some of the workload on Monday 13th January:
0649 GMT: Stornoway Coastguard Rescue Team together with Duty Officers S18E, S18D and AC18, tasked at the request of Police Scotland to close and man the Braighe Causeway, Stornoway, during adverse weather conditions and high tide. All parties released when causeway deemed safe for public use.
0915 GMT: Portree and Duntulm Coastguard Rescue Teams and Scottish Fire & Rescue were tasked to a vessel taking water at Uig Harbour, Isle of Skye. The vessel was pumped out and secured on the shore.
1058 GMT: RNLI Kyle of Lochalsh ILB, and Kyle and Dunvegan Coastguard Rescue Teams were dispatched to assist the single occupant of an open fishing vessel who, although on a mooring, was unable to get ashore as conditions were too difficult to safely use his tender. The lifeboat rescued the casualty and brought him safe and well to the shore.
1509 GMT: Benbecula, Lochboisdale and Griminish Coastguard Rescue Teams tasked at the request of Police Scotland to assist with patrols of causeways and welfare checks on vulnerable persons. All parties released when the causeways deemed safe for public use.
1537 GMT: Tarbert, Benbecula & Bragar Coastguard Rescue Teams together with Duty Officers S18E, S18D and AC18, tasked at the request of Police Scotland to assist local council carers in undertaking welfare checks on vulnerable persons at multiple locations. All parties released when checks complete.
1830 GMT: Stornoway Coastguard Rescue Team together with Duty Officer AC18, tasked at the request of Police Scotland to close and man the Braighe Causeway, Stornoway, during adverse weather conditions and high tide. All parties released when causeway deemed safe for public use.
2133 GMT: Salen and Lochaline Coastguard Rescue Teams together with Duty Officer SCOO S18A, tasked at the request of Police Scotland to assist motorists stuck in vehicles at Corran Glen at A861 Ardgower. Due to falling tides and improving conditions, vehicles cleared flooded area and teams thereafter stood down.
Island politicians are calling for caution over proposed air traffic control changes.
Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron is supporting calls for a debate in Parliament on plans to centralise air traffic control in the region, which would lead to air traffic controllers removed from airports and replaced with a single 'remote' tower in Inverness.
Mr Cameron has supported a motion by Shetland MSP Beatrice Wishart which aims to hold a Member's Business debate on the changes which are being proposed by Highlands and Islands Airport Limited (HIAL).
The Scottish Conservative MSP, a regular user of HIAL services in the region, said: "Airports like Barra, Benbecula and Stornoway in the Western Isles, and Campbeltown, Islay and Tiree in Argyll and Bute, are crucial parts of our transport infrastructure.
"As HIAL is wholly owned by the Scottish Government, I wish to hear a justification directly from the minister for these proposals which have caused so much concern, not least from HIAL employees.
"It is vitally important that changes of this nature are subject to thorough scrutiny. The focus should be on providing a better service rather than just saving money.
"The Scottish Government's track record on our ferry service has left much to be desired and I wish to ensure that they don't make a hash of our air links as well."
And Isles MP Angus MacNeil is also expressing concerns about proposed changes to air traffic control (ATC) in the Islands. HIAL propose to centralise air traffic control services in Inverness by using 'remote towers'.
Angus MacNeil MP said: "HIAL have named this high risk and costly option as 'remote towers' when in actual fact it is the centralisation of air traffic control meaning high-value island jobs going to Inverness.
"The Scottish Government and the Scottish Parliament committees, particularly the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee should be scrutinising this proposal line-by-line because it has huge implications not only for transport but for the community in the Western Isles.
"We know that air traffic control has a difficulty with recruitment and retention, but this is not the case in the island areas – when they recruit locally, they do retain locally.
"There is a huge risk that if air traffic control is centralised in Inverness that all air traffic controllers could be lost from Inverness as they are in demand globally and we would find ourselves without air traffic control anywhere in the HIAL network.
"This is an ill-conceived proposal which HIAL has somehow taken regardless of the warning voices from everyone else."
A request for a second referendum on Scottish independence has been refused.
Boris Johnson issued his statement earlier today (Tuesday 14th January) in which he refused to grant a Section 30 order to the Scottish Government.
His decision was backed by Highlands and Islands MSP Conservative MSP Donald Cameron. Mr Cameron said: "In less than 18 months' time we will be holding the next Scottish Parliamentary elections. "Between now and then we should be debating peoples' priorities and the issues that affect their everyday lives, such as our vital public services of education, health and our transport infrastructure. "After all, that's what devolution and the Scottish Government is supposed to be for. Mr Cameron, who is the Scottish Conservatives' policy co-ordinator responsible for drawing up the party's manifesto, added: "We will be offering a comprehensive range of proposals in our manifesto focused on restoring our public services, creating jobs, and making Scotland a better place to bring up our children. "I am delighted that the prime minister has ruled out another divisive referendum so that we can concentrate on those matters, rather than going round and round in circles in pursuit of the SNP's obsession with the constitution."
A further push for Outer Hebridean athletes to take advantage of a travel scheme has been issued by Comhairle anan Eilean Siar.
The scheme has been available for applications for the 2020-21 financial year since Monday 9 December 2019.
However, islanders are receiving further encouragement to take advantage of the scheme. A spokesperson for CNES told welovestornoway.com today (Tuesday 14 January): "This fantastic opportunity for up and coming athletes is fast approaching its closing date."
The Islands Athlete Travel Award Scheme allows up to eight elite athletes from the Outer Hebrides the opportunity to benefit from the program designed to support travel costs in the islands.
The aim of this scheme is to help the athletes to gain better access to competitive and developmental opportunities available on the mainland. Eight individuals in the Outer Hebrides will receive £1,500 per person. Awards will be allocated through an application process, with athletes required to evidence how the grant will improve their performance, provide them access to quality training opportunities and improve their sports or club environment sportscotland has allocated each of the three local authorities £10k, with the Councils then required to top this up with £2k of their own funding plus the equivalent of £3k of management and administrative time.
Following an application and selection process, athletes will be identified for support by each local authority. Application forms have been available since Monday 9th December 2019 on the CNES website. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 14th February.
To find out more about the scheme contact the Community Sports Hub Officer for your area: -
A special flight has been arranged to take 70 island pupils to Celtic Connections on Friday, following fears that the ferries might not run.
Flight operator, Loganair, came to the rescue following a plea by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar's Chairman of Transportation and Infrastructure, Councillor Uisdean Robertson. Performances will include 70 island pupils from the Dìleab: Air a' Chuan project, Willie Campbell & Band, Ceitlin Lilidh and Pàdruig Morrison with the Sgoil Lionacleit Pipe Band, the Sir E Scott Choir from Harris, singers and musicians from Castlebay Community School in Barra and The Nicolson Institute in Lewis, as well as other island musicians including Iain 'Costello' MacIver and Neil Johnstone. Councillor Robertson said: "It is a fantastic honour for the Island pupils to be playing at such a prestigious event and when we heard that ferries were likely to be cancelled during the week due to the high winds, it was feared that they might not make it to Glasgow for rehearsals and the concert itself. We have a very good working relationship with Loganair and when they heard of the dilemma facing our pupils they readily offered to provide a plane. We are very grateful to Loganair for their support." The chartered flight will make two trips to Glasgow on Wednesday, via Stornoway and Benbecula. Kay Ryan, Chief Commercial Officer at Loganair, said: "We are delighted we've been able to help the children get to Glasgow. We know how important this event is for them after all the hard work they have put in and we hope they have an amazing time at Celtic Connections." Dìleab Project Director, Rhona Johnstone, said: "We are delighted that the young people from our Western Isles schools have been invited to perform at this year's Celtic Connections festival at the Dileab: Air a' Chuain concert on Friday night to celebrate Scotland's Year of Coasts and Waters 2020 and explore the rich connection we have to the waters and coasts surrounding our own islands. In addition to the main concert, our pupils from Castlebay Community School, along with Willie Campbell, have been asked to perform in the Coastal Connections Festival in a Day event taking place in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on Saturday, 18th January." "Playing at a world renowned festival such as Celtic Connections is a tremendous opportunity for the pupils to showcase their talents and we have immense pride in all our young people taking part." "Getting 80 pupils and staff to Glasgow in January was always going to be risky given the weather we so often get this time of year. We are extremely grateful to Loganair for their assistance to make sure that everyone gets down in time to meet up and rehearse together. We would also like to acknowledge the support received from ferry company Caledonian MacBrayne, who are one of the partners of the Celtic Connections festival. Calmac very generously sponsored our ferry travel, which we will still be using on the return journey, but have also been very helpful in providing assistance and advice with regards to our travel position and who have done all possible to help our situation during the stormy conditions" The concert follows on from the success of the previous Dìleab events of 2018, the recording and subsequent launch of the EP of 5 songs which Willie Campbell was commissioned to write and the hugely successful concert in November 2019 in Ionad Spòrs Leòdhais where 60 young musicians from Lewis & Harris performed alongside Face the West, The Tumbling Souls & Skipinnish. The concert will take place in the New Auditorium of the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall at 7:30pm on Friday 17th January 2020. There are a few remaining tickets which can be purchased for the event at Celtic Connections here.
Engineers from Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) were out through the night into this morning (Tuesday January 14th) battling horrendous conditions to get power back on around Lewis and Harris.Storm Brendan brought less power disruption than previous gales to the Western Isles, but where electricity was lost, engineers faced a struggle to solve the problem.Two teams of engineers made a series of attempts late into the night to reach a fault close to Eilean Glas lighthouse in Scalpay, which had led to 67 customers on the island losing their supply.It proved impossible to get to the location of the fault in extremely strong winds and icy rain. Engineers identified a new supply route to turn power back on to most customers, but a total of 18 customers on the Isle of Scalpay will be without power until 2pm today as two separate faults are rectified.Some of the same engineers had already completed a long job at Leverburgh, where a power pole on the pier had caught fire, cutting the supply to 162 households. That job was completed around 7pm, by which time the team already knew they would be heading for Scalpay.Customers in Balallan were the first of about 500 in the Laxay and South Lochs district to lose their electricity late yesterday evening. That issue was identified by a team close to midnight last night and all customers were switched back on around 4am.Significant damage to the power lines at Cross Skigersta, Ness, has led to seven households finding themselves still without power after it went off at 8pm yesterday. The damage includes broken poles and a broken conductor.Several teams of engineers are at the site now but a local SSEN spokesperson said there was "a lot of work" to be done replacing fallen poles and other damaged equipment. Power is expected to be restored by 4pm after another full day's work by engineers.The SSEN spokesperson said they were hoping for less disruption today, but would be using daylight hours to make visual checks on any areas of concern and also expected that some reports may come in from the public as they noticed damaged power equipment.The advice from SSEN remains that members of the public should not approach any damaged power equipment, but should report it, or any power loss, by using the telephone number 105 or the SSEN PowerTrack app or webpage at https://www.ssen.co.uk/PowerTrack/Pictures show a fallen power pole in North Uist yesterday (Jade Mannix), and Sir E Scott Tarbert pupil Rachael Johnstone carrying on her revision by candlelight in Balallan last night (Rhona Johnstone).
Storm Brendan was expected to continue bringing high winds with gusts of 70mph for the Western Isles today (Tuesday 14th January.)
The Bràighe causeway was closed around high tide this morning at 09:08 due to high waves and strong southerly to southwesterly winds. It is now open again. The Eriskay Causeway is closed.
The Braighe causeway was closed yesterday (Monday) until after midnight. HM Coastguard - Western Isles, Skye and Lochaber reported then:"Braighe is now fully open. Drive subject to conditions please. Thanks to the kind people who dropped food off for our teams that have been committed nearly continuously since 0700 Monday – massively appreciated."
Scalpay Bridge and the Uist causeways are also likely to be impacted today.
0750 Uist Coastguard teams have recommenced patrols assisting Police Scotland monitoring causeways and coastal routes. Currently the A865 North Ford Causeway, A865 South Ford Causeway and B892 Strome Cottages are passable. But B892 at Poll Na Crann (Stinky Bay) in Benbecula remains CLOSED and IMPASSABLE.
Further updates will be provided via CnES and Western Isles Police on Twitter. There is also the Facebook Page of the Western Isles Coastguard.
0755 Western Isles Police - Roads update - Uist - Eriskay Causeway and Stinky Bay road currently closed, North causeway under review. Lewis - Braighe currently open, this is likely to close as High Tide approaches. All road users are advised to drive with caution due to standing water.
Ferry services are very badly disrupted today (Tuesday 14th January). All early ferries are cancelled. All ferries to Harris and Norrth Uist are cancelled for the whole day. For further details https://www.calmac.co.uk/
SSE is on alert and is acting on contingency plans to deal with any damage the storm may cause to the electricity network. Any customers who lose their electricity supply are urged to contact SSE on 105 to report damage or highlight neighbours or friends who may need extra help. Power cuts have been reported overnight in North Uist and Benbecula and SSE is aiming to restore power by 10am.
A yellow warning for wind was issued late yesterday evening by the Met Office extending for the whole of today. "The very strong southwesterly winds will continue at times through Tuesday with gusts of 60-70 mph. Although winds are generally less strong than during Monday, some further disruption is likely especially around coasts. Although the frequency and strength of gusts will probably diminish through Tuesday afternoon and evening, some further strengthening is possible again later."
A Flood Alert has been issued for Western Isles. "There is a risk of significant coastal flooding on Tuesday due to higher than usual tides and large waves. This will increase the risk of flooding to low lying land and roads and could affect exposed coastal properties. There could also be wave over-topping of coastal defences and causeways. The periods of greatest risk are around the high tide which occurs in Stornoway around 2100 on Monday and 0900 on Tuesday."
All schools in the Uist and Barra are closed today (Tuesday 14th January) as bus operators have cancelled all their services. Schools are open for staff and they are expected to attend when they deem it safe to do so.
As of midnight, CnES said it was anticipated that schools in Lewis and Harris will be open today, subject to final checks on bus services and causeways. Decisions will be taken at a local level.
There may be adjustments made to today's homecare service and all those affected will be contacted directly regarding alternative arrangements.
The Comhairle offices will be open as normal and staff are expected to attend when they deem it safe to do so.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is reminding members of the public to take extra care if using candles during any power cuts which occur due to winter storms. In the event of a loss of 999 services, all fire stations will be manned by emergency services.
Volunteer crew members of Stornoway RNLI were awarded Letters of Thanks from the Institution - the first in 27 years - for a service which saw two lives saved amid 60 knots gusts and seven metre seas from a vessel disabled within the confides of Loch Shell, off Lemreway, Isle of Lewis.
Crew members Martin Murray (mechanic), John MacLeod, Ross Hall, Gavin Maciver, Norman Matheson and Ruaraidh Ferguson were presented Letters of Thanks from RNLI Chief Executive Mark Dowie; and Coxswain on the shout, David Mackinnon, a framed Letter of Thanks from the Council of the RNLI Chair, Stuart Popham.
Mr Popham wrote: "Throughout the service you and your crew exhibited first class seamanship and teamwork, while operating in appalling weather conditions and in the extremely confined waters of the loch. Please access my sincere thanks and appreciated for a superb service, in the very best traditions of the RNLI."
Stornoway RNLI volunteer crew launched under the command of Coxswain David Mackinnon at 0005hrs on 3 November 2018, in response to a distress call received from a fish farm service vessel, Nitrox, with two persons on board.
The vessel was disabled due to a fouled propeller and in danger of being driven ashore in winds gusting to 60 knots, within the confines of Loch Shell.
During the 14mile transit south to the scene, conditions for the lifeboat were so severe, with 50 knot gusts, seven metre seas and driving rain with poor visibility, that speed was reduced to nine knots at times.
The Nitrox skipper had managed to make fast to another smaller vessel, attached to a mooring, which could have been insufficient to hold both vessels. Lying broadside to the full force of the weather, the situation was perilous when Stornoway RNLI lifeboat arrived on scene at 0210hrs.
With numerous hazards, confined manoeuvring room and danger of a nearby lee shore, the recovery of the Nitrox crew was extremely challenging.
However, after repeated approaches, Coxswain David Mackinnon skilfully manoeuvred the lifeboat close enough for Stornoway RNLI's volunteer crew to assist the two casualties safely aboard, thereby saving their lives.
The 'Tom Sanderson' RNLI all-weather Severn class lifeboat returned to Stornoway, arriving at 0340hrs, landing the casualties ashore into the care of the local Coastguard Team.
The Stornoway RNLI crew were presented their Letters of Thanks by Stornoway RNLI Branch Chair John. J. MacLennan on Friday, 10 January, 2020.
Speaking of the crew awards, the first Letters of Thanks for a Stornoway RNLI service since 1993, Stornoway RNLI LOM (Launch Operations Manager) John MacDonald said: "Letters of Thanks from the Institution don't come readily or easily and I am exceptionally proud of the service undertaken by our crew that night.
"We don't shout about it; it's a job and we go out and do it to the best of our ability. Thanks costs nothing, but it means everything, particularly when it's recorded, and I'm delighted that the crew that night have been awarded Letters of Thanks from the Institution for such a tough shout."
Coxswain David Mackinnon said: "It is thanks to the crew, this is all down to you guys and everybody working together. It's testament to the training we do. It is fantastic for Stornoway RNLI crew to receive such an award, the first in 27 years."
Photograph: Centre with Letter of Thanks, Coxswain David Mackinnon; (l-r) crew Ruaraidh Ferguson, Martin Murray (mechanic), Ross Hall, John MacLeod, Norman Matheson, Gavin Maciver.
From tomorrow, it's non-stop panto fun once again at An Lanntair!
So it's time for all those late-booking fiends to check out what seats are left still for the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty as it comes alive on stage, where the cast will perform on Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16. On Friday 17 and Saturday 18, three performances will be held each day, with the first one Saturday at 11am.
Directed and produced by Stuart Morrison, the pantomime stars Victoria Jane, David Rumelle, Steven Arnold and Linda Clark. Stuart says: "This year's pantomime is going to be one of the most extravagant of all, utilising the wonderful talent of the cast we have managed to get together - some of which are Lewis regulars - as well as introducing some great newcomers, not to mention our star this year, Steven Arnold, well known and much loved for his many, many years in Coronation Street.
"Steven is a regular to pantomime and has worked with me many times in the past and is a wonderful cast member.
"Sleeping Beauty is a time-loved classic and we are presenting it in our typical way of taking the original story and giving it a 2020 twist…"
David, who first started working in pantomime 30 years ago, has been playing pantomime dames since 1995. "It became a sort of passion," he explains. "I started off playing the villain and then I was offered Mother Goose, which is the main panto which revolves around a dame. My producer at the time gave me guidelines which helped me develop the character and within a very short space of time I knew where I was going with it.
"You need to be totally focussed and organised, especially playing the dame. Sometimes there are up to 14 costume changes in a performance, so you need to be very disciplined and physically fit. It really is an art, and that's why I enjoy it so much."
David now designs his own costumes, which, although they won't be making it up to Stornoway with him, are normally used in his performances. He reveals: "It's quite standard for dames to come supplied with their own costumes so they know what fits and how to get into them quickly.
"I have had some wonderful designers make costumes for me over the years and then I started designing and had other dressmakers adapt the costumes. It's my passion and I strive to make it the best I possibly can."
The role of the villain, bad fairy Carabosse, will be played by Linda Clark. Linda, who also appeared in an episode of David Tennant's Doctor Who, says: "The baddies are so much more fun to play – and you get to used to being booed!"
"I always say to people it's very thrilling to do something that was my childhood dream. I'm so lucky to do what I do and I'm very excited to come back to Stornoway!"
You can book here - three performances are already totally sold out.
A report published by local government body COSLA has stated that local government in Scotland will require £1bn of investment from the Scottish Government in order to protect vital and essential services.
COSLA stated that this investment must be contained in the forthcoming Scottish budget produced by Finance Secretary Derek Mackay and reach councils "before it is too late".
Scottish Labour Finance, Jobs and Fair Work Spokesperson, Rhoda Grant, who is a Labour MSP for the Highlands and Islands, said:"It is absolutely vital that local government is fully equipped to deliver essential services to the community and able to protect schools, care for the elderly, libraries and sports facilities from government austerity.
"The SNP government has taken Tory austerity, turbo-charged it, and passed it on to Scotland's councils. Across Scotland local authorities are struggling to deliver lifeline services and are being forced to make more and deeper cuts to services due to government austerity, leaving communities suffering.
"If the SNP government persists in creating new commitments for local authorities then it must listen to COSLA and ensure that local authorities receive the funding they need to meet the commitments. Any failure to do this only drives down funds for vital services.
"We call on the SNP to listen to COSLA, councils and Scottish Labour to ensure our communities are not made to pay for government austerity and that their vital services are protected."
Scottish Labour Spokesperson for Local Government, Sarah Boyack, added:" This is a wake-up call from COSLA. Year-on-year chronic underfunding is seeing more and more people being pushed into poverty by Tory welfare cuts, with local services under unprecedented pressures."The COSLA report highlights the stark realities of increased centralisation and the real impact of cuts the SNP have imposed on local government. Councils are left with fewer choices to provide crucial services at a time when there are increased strains on budgets."
Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron has warned residents of the Western Isles that their services are at further risk following the refusal of the SNP Government to pass on sufficient funding to the council.
Mr Cameron issued his warning after the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla) warned that communities were suffering from cuts to council budgets. A Cosla report revealed that the Scottish Government had slashed its contribution to councils by 7% between 2013/14 and 2019/20 - a far deeper cut than any reduction made to its own income.
The Scottish Conservative MSP said: "SNP ministers are failing to pass on funding which should have gone to the Comhairle.
"In the last six years alone, while the SNP has been in power, the council has had its general revenue funding slashed by 14% - which now equates to a reduction of nearly £15m per annum.
"Instead of thanking council employees for their efforts, all Nicola Sturgeon has done is pile on more responsibilities to councils, while diverting spending to the SNP's political priorities which all too often are located in the Central Belt.
"It's not surprising that local people are experiencing a toxic combination of rising costs for those services which are retained, while others are cut entirely, as the Council struggles to make ends meet.
"This is grossly unfair and it's about time the people of the Western Isles received a fair deal from the SNP."
The article has been updated with additional material since first being posted
A view of some of the roads in Paiblesgarry/Bayhead area of North Uist tonight
Harris is set to bear the brunt of Storm Brendan as it approaches its peak tonight (Monday January 13th) with conditions for Tuesday worsening by the minute as forecasters are being proved wrong about the duration of the storm.
Sustained windspeeds around 56mph and gusts of up to 97mph are forecast between 9pm and midnight at Huisinis, with Tarbert seeing gusts up to 89mph around the same times.
Highest recorded wind speeds during Storm Brendan are so far:
Ferries are being cancelled throughout tomorrow. Already cancelled are all sailings to Harris and North Uist. Early sailings between Eriskay and Barra have been cancelled.
CalMac's Stornoway port manager Iain Don Maciver: "We are going to attempt to make a sailing from Ullapool at 10.30am tomorrow, but all services are currently on yellow alert for possible cancellation or disruption. The weather is proving both longer-lasting and more severe than we had at first expected, but we will do our best to provide a service."
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks said that an additional nine engineers with vehicles and equipment had been brought to Stornoway ahead of the storm to respond to any sudden power loss, with a further three in Uist and one in Barra.
The Western Isles emergency planning group met this afternoon to discuss planning for the next phases of Storm Brendan.
Barra faces second storm dayThe Isle of Barra is heading for a second day of storm conditions tomorrow (Tuesday) with some of the strongest gusts of wind forecast for later tonight. Between 9pm and midnight wind speeds around 52mph and gusts up to 92mph are likely.Ferries are cancelled between Oban and Castlebay tomorrow, while early morning sailings across the Sound of Barra are also cancelled and disruption later in the day continues to be likely.MacNeil Coaches has made the decision that, in the interests of public safety, all public service bus and West Side school runs have been cancelled tomorrow. This is in response to forecast gusts in excess of 55mph and to the potential forecast of overnight snow until 11am.The public service runs at 10.18am and 1.20pm be will be kept under review in the event of an improvement in weather conditions. Any enquiries can be made by phoning 075060 72309.
All waste transfer stations and recycling sites are now closed for the remainder of the day. Bin collections were cancelled for the day in Barra and will be rescheduled for Wednesday, January 15th. In other parts of the islands bin lorries have returned to base having completed today's collections.It is anticipated that all schools in the Western Isles will be open tomorrow, Tuesday 14th January, subject to final checks on bus services and causeways. Decisions will be taken at a local level.Engineers from SSEN have restored power to most of the households in South Harris who were off earlier today, but approximately 25 customers in the area of Leverburgh pier will not see power restored until about 7.30pm.A pole and wires blew down in the Clachan area of North Uist, cutting power to 155 customers. Most have now been reconnected with just six customers due to be reconnected shortly.SSEN engineers are carrying out safety checks in the Ness area in response to reports of possible damage to power lines, but no customers are reported to be without power. If you experience power loss, phone 105 to report the problem and do not approach any broken or damaged power equipment.
The Western Isles remains under a yellow warning for strong winds until midnight tonight, with forecasts showing continuing gusty winds and rain, sometimes turning to snow, through Tuesday and into Wednesday.
The Scottish Environment and Protection Agency (SEPA) has warned that Storm Brendan will bring strong winds, creating storm surges and high waves over the next two days.
Head of flooding Vincent Fitzsimons said: "The combination of high spring tides and sustained winds will create an unusual and dangerous combination of tide, storm surge and inshore waves. There is a risk of coastal flooding of routes in all Scotland's coastal areas, with particular focus on communities around … the Western Isles."
Meanwhile flights between Stornoway and Benbecula were also cancelled.
The Irish Times reports that more than 48,000 homes and businesses across the Irish Republic are without power on Monday as powerful winds from Storm Brendan sweep eastward. Power outages have been reported in counties Mayo, Roscommon, Kerry, Cork, Waterford, Laois, Kilkenny, Meath and Monaghan. Winds are now starting to ease along the west coast although a second belt of strong winds is forecast in the west this evening. Storm Brendan made landfall on Monday morning bringing gusts of almost 100km/h over northeast counties and more than 140km/h off the coast of west Cork.
A 25-year-old man appeared at Stornoway Sheriff Court this morning (Monday January 13th) on a charge of breaching bail conditions already set.
The man had been arrested by police after returning to the Isle of Lewis, in contravention of a condition set following an earlier offence. He appeared in court today from police custody.
He's now been sentenced to a period of imprisonment and is once again in police custody, awaiting the resumption of transport from Stornoway before he can be accompanied away from the islands.
Drink-driver for court
A driver who was stopped by Police in Newmarket on Friday night was found to be driving with an excess amount of alcohol in his system.
The 72-year-old man was kept in custody overnight into Saturday and released in an undertaking to appear in court at a later date.
The SNP has challenged the UK Tory government to confirm future investment in Scotland's Islands Growth Deal and commit to 50:50 funding, as previously promised.
The UK government was criticised last year after short changing the Tay Cities Deal to the tune of £50 million.
SNP representatives for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Alasdair Allan MSP and Angus MacNeil MP, have now demanded that Scottish Secretary Alister Jack comes clean and confirms whether or not the Tories will match funding from the Scottish Government.
While Westminster appears to have stalled on the issue since last July, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Orkney and Shetland Councils have been working together to develop a framework of how the funding would be spent.
Alasdair Allan MSP said: "Since the Islands Growth Deal was officially announced last summer the Tory government have been giving us the silent treatment – no commitment, no timescale and no cash offer.
"The UK government previously said they'd match funding for Scotland's regions on a 50:50 basis – but we don't want to end up in the same boat as Tayside, which was diddled out of £50 million from Westminster.
"It's time for a bit of honesty from the Tories. Have they simply given up on Scotland and abandoned their promises to match investment?"
Angus MacNeil MP added: "The economic prosperity and jobs of islanders is on the line here. This growth deal could help create hundreds of jobs so it's time that we were given a straight answer.
"Will the Tories put their money where their mouth is and match every single penny that comes from the Scottish Government?
"If not, it will send a clear message to people in the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland that the UK Tory government simply doesn't care about them."
Colour coding: Sunday updates Monday update
Very strong winds and severe gales will impact the UK and Ireland through tomorrow (Monday January 13) as Storm Brendan brings forecast wind gusts of up to 80mph to the west of Britain.
Almost all ferry services throughout the Hebrides have already been cancelled completely.
Significant disruption is expected across the Western Isles on Monday and Tuesday (January 13th and 14th) including school closures and bus service shutdowns.
According to MacNeil Coaches in Barra on Twitter: "Given the forecast storm conditions for tomorrow, Monday, 13th January 2020 ALL Public Service Bus and School runs have been cancelled. Similarly no buses services will be operated in Uist by DA Travel, and in Lochs, Harris and Ness areas operated by Lochs Motor Transport, MacDonald Coaches, South Harris Coaches and Hebridean Minibus Services. It is anticipated all bus services in the Western Isles will be cancelled."
All schools and nurseries in the Western Isles will be closed tomorrow (Monday). For full details on disruption to CnES services see:
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar say it is anticipated that the Bràighe causeway between Point and Sandwick will be shut around tomorrow's high tides at 08.23hrs and at 21.00hrs due to high waves and strong southerly to southwesterly winds.
"Please take care and drive to the conditions. Further updates will be provided," they say.
Eddy "Weather" Graham has warned about the storm on Twitter. "With a +5.00m astronomical tide on next Tuesday, plus up to another +80cm from the extreme low (regardless of wind), one would continue to hope this 937mb monster stays well offshore."
CnESsaid in mid-afternoon that all bus services in the Western Isles are likely to be cancelled on Monday 13th January. There may be adjustments made to Monday's homecare service and all those affected will be contacted directly regarding alternative arrangements.
A large Atlantic low pressure system, named Storm Brendan by the Irish meteorological service Met Éireann, will sweep eastwards across Ireland early on Monday, bringing very strong winds to many parts of the UK.
The following CalMac ferry services for Monday have been CANCELLED:
The Met Office has issued a yellow wind warning extending from 10am on Monday and right through the evening, this covering Northern Ireland and much of the western half of the UK, as well as northeast Scotland.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) say they are prepared for wet and windy conditions which could impact the electricity network across the north of Scotland on Monday and Tuesday. They say that Storm Brendan has the potential to bring gusts of up to 80mph across the Western Isles, North West Highlands and Skye.But, they add: "SSEN would like to reassure its customers it is well prepared to respond and has enacted its established resilience plans, increasing standby resources in anticipation of any potential network damage and moving teams and equipment where necessary. We continue to urge people not to approach any damage to the network and instead, report it to SSEN directly by calling 105 or via the Power Track app and engineers will safely investigate as soon as possible."
Galson Estate Trust says: Due to the strong winds which are forecast for tomorrow, the amenity site at Habost will be closed tomorrow and reopen again on Wednesday morning as usual.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Frank Saunders, said: "The UK and Ireland will turn increasingly windy on Monday, as Storm Brendan approaches, and there'll also be some heavy rain. It's going to be particularly windy across the western half of the UK, with gusts reaching 60-70 mph along Irish Sea coastlines, the west of Scotland and perhaps some English Channel coasts - maybe even 80 mph in a few exposed places. This is likely to cause some disruption to sea, road and air travel.
"As Storm Brendan moves eastwards, strong winds will also develop across eastern parts of the UK, particularly northeast Scotland where there is also a wind warning in place."
"As well as strong winds, there will be large coastal waves in western areas, so bear this in mind before heading out in these regions."
The Comhairle offices will be open as normal and staff are expected to attend when they deem it safe to do so.The public are advised to collect and secure bins, to secure any loose debris and the construction industry is advised to secure scaffolding and any loose items on building sites.The Comhairle ask family, neighbours and friends living nearby to assist and support elderly and vulnerable people.
Commenting on the forecast for the rest of the week, Frank said: "It looks like it's going to stay very unsettled, with the potential for further disruptive weather in places."
The strongest winds are expected around exposed coasts and hills. Here gusts of 60-70 mph are likely, with a few sites perhaps seeing gusts to 80 mph - especially around Irish Sea coasts and around the west coast of Scotland where the strongest winds are most likely. Gusts will be lower inland with 45-55 mph likely.
A narrow band of squally heavy rain moving east, accompanying the strongest winds, may be an additional hazard.
Loganair has once again offered the opportunity to change flights to passengers booked to fly during Storm Brendan.A statement said: "In view of the high winds forecast and potential for travel disruption, we are offering customers travelling on flights to and from Benbecula… Barra ….(and) Stornoway the opportunity to adjust travel plans without charge.
Hebridean Tea Store on Twitter, Sunday January 12th: With regards to the weather update and warnings, we have decided not to open the shop tomorrow."If you are booked to travel on 13th January, you can choose to re-book on an alternative flight between now and 20th thJanuary. There will be no change fee or difference in fare payable - if there is a seat available on an earlier or later flight, you can transfer your booking to that flight without charge on a first-come, first-served basis."The easiest way to change your flight is to access https://www.loganair.co.uk/managemybooking/ If you cannot find a suitable alternative there, please call on 0344 800 2855 with your booking reference handy and we'll do our best to help."If you choose to remain with your original travel plans, please rest assured that we will do everything that we safely can to fly you to your intended destination as close to the scheduled time as possible."Please note, if you are already checked-in, you will be required to contact our call centre to change, on 0344 800 2855."
The wind-modelling website windy.com shows the peak impact of the storm moving across the Western Isles late tomorrow evening. The images below show predicted winds at 9pm, with average wind speeds of about 45mph and gusts up to 81mph in Stornoway.
The Irish Times reports: Atlantic Storm Brendan arrived over Ireland on Monday morning bringing gusts of almost 100km/h over counties in the northeast.
A status orange weather alert is in place for the entire country as high winds and heavy rain are forecast on Monday.
Met Éireann said a gust of 96km/h have already been recorded at Belmullet, Co Mayo by 7am on Monday morning.
A pilot customer-care project which brought six jobs for Gaelic speakers to Stornoway has been described as 'a permanent fixture' by CalMac, in an announcement today (Sunday January 12th).
The UK's largest ferry and harbour operator created a new bilingual Gaelic and English customer care centre in Stornoway last summer, bringing six new jobs to the town.
Previously assistance from a Gaelic speaker was only available to customers from port offices in Gaelic-speaking areas, but now anyone who would like to make an enquiry in Gaelic can be transferred to a native speaker to deal with their booking.
The Stornoway team will also be steadily making CalMac's social media channels bi-lingual. CalMac's social media channels were particularly praised when the company's customer service team achieved the highest level of accreditation from the Contact Centre Association last year.
CalMac managing director Robbie Drummond said: "Our social media platforms have a large and loyal following which continues to grow as passenger numbers increase. Being able to offer bi-lingual messages allows us to focus even more closely on how we speak to customers in a way that suits them best."
Of the jobs in Stornoway, Robbie said: "We are committed to looking at ways of spreading jobs more evenly across our area of operations and I'm delighted to confirm that the summer pilot we ran in Stornoway will now be a permanent fixture in the town.
"Given the prevalence of the Gaelic language in the Western Isles it was a natural step to make this the centre of our new bi-lingual customer service offering."
More than 20 local businesspeople gathered at the Harris & Lewis Smokehouse for the Outer Hebrides Chamber of Commerce's first networking event of the new decade!
It was held on Friday 10th January, 12:30pm to 2:00pm as part a series of Chamber
Events. They say: "Our networking events are a great opportunity to raise the profile of your business and make new connections."
They told both members and non-members: "Bring along your business cards and join like-minded business owners for a relaxed lunch at Harris & Lewis Smokehouse where you can share knowledge and broaden your contacts.
The event had been planned for around 15 people but far more turned up and the Smokehouse reorganised the seating to accommodate them.
They were welcome by Gerry Corish, general manager. He explained how the 44-seat Smokehouse restaurant opened just over a year ago. He said companies were welcome to book it for lunchtime events of this type. "We are delighted to host the Chamber of Commerce here," he said.
The tickets cost £16 for Chamber members and £22 for non-members.
An award-winning national dance organisation is looking for children and young people to join in the Project Y Performance Course 2020.
YDance (Scottish Youth Dance) is seeking talented dancers aged 16 to 25 for the dance performance training programme which offers the experience of creating, rehearsing and performing as part of a touring contemporary dance company.
For four weeks this coming summer dancers will work with four choreographers to create and rehearse four new dance works before performing in venues across Scotland in the annual Project Y Tour.
The four choreographers confirmed to work with the young dancers this year are Anna Kenrick, Sandrine Monin, Emma Jayne Park and Jessie Roberts-Smith.
Anna Kenrick is the Artistic Director of YDance. She said: "Working with the Project Y dancers is a highlight of my year. It's a real pleasure working with such talented, motivated and unique dancers who bring such a richness to the work we create. It's always such an exciting process where everyone gets the chance to shine and show their incredible skills!"
The Project Y Performance Course 2020 will run for four weeks starting on Monday 6th July. The first three weeks will be based in Glasgow and during the fourth week the company will tour and perform in venues across Scotland.
Dancers must be aged between 16 and 25 on the first day of the course and be able to commit to all rehearsal and performance dates. Applications are now open, and anyone interested in applying should visit www.ydance.org for more information. Applications close on Sunday 1st March 2020.
The Project Y Performance Course is supported by the Leverhulme Trust.
Change of use of common grazing, Ness
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has applied for planning permission to change the use of the land at the Butt of Lewis, Ness, from common grazing to a car park, turning point and picnic area.
New agricultural building, Stornoway
Ian Murray of 5a Perceval Road North has applied for planning permission to erect an agricultural building at 5a Perceval Road, within 3km of the aerodrome. The building is to be 18 metres long, 9 metres wide and 5.1 metres tall.
Hatchery works, Arnol
Scottish Salmon Company has applied for planning permission to make alterations and additions to the hatchery at Arnol. Work is to include the replacement of the buffer tank (1.8 metres high) and removal of three existing buffer tanks (each 1.6 metres high).
House extension, Vatisker
Kirsty Limburn has applied for planning permission to extend the house at 5 School Road, Vatisker.
Change of use of house, Carloway
Freshvistas Developments Ltd, Somerset, has applied for planning permission to change the use of the house at 8 Gearranan, Carloway, from 'house' to 'house with gallery'.
Rear extension, Stornoway
David Campbell of 9 Leverhulme Drive has applied for planning permission to build a rear extension on the property at 9 Leverhulme Drive.
Following the first House of Commons Scottish Questions of the New Year, Angus MacNeil MP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, has called on Douglas Ross MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Scottish Office, to bring forward details of a pilot scheme to allow non-EEA fisherman to crew boats in West of Scotland waters and ease crew shortages.
Mr MacNeil believes that the Outer Hebrides would be the ideal place for the pilot and after speaking with Mr Ross commented: 'I can assure Mr Ross a pilot scheme allowing non-EEA fishermen into waters West of Scotland would be most welcome.
"Indeed, fishing interests in the Outer Hebrides, the West Coast and probably Northern Ireland would all welcome such a scheme.
"I am confident that any such trial would be a great success.
'I have written to Mr Ross and look forward to getting more information from Mr Ross and hope he will consider using the Outer Hebrides for this trial. '
Two digital heritage tourism research projects at the University of the Highlands and Islands are amongst nine projects in the Highlands and Islands selected to share a £5 million European Regional Development Fund.
The 'Uibhist virtual archaeology' project received a grant of £271,000 to create a new series of virtual reality digital reconstructions of seven archaeological sites located on the Hebridean Way walking route in Uist and Benbecula.
The 'coast that shaped the world' project received a grant of £350,000. This project will develop a website, app and programme of innovative digital exhibitions along the west coast of Scotland to narrate how maritime cultural, and natural, heritage helped to shape the world.
Local councils will be given new powers to licence and limit the number of short-term lets, such as AirBnB.
Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP Alasdair Allan has backed this announcement from the Scottish Government.
A recent study commissioned by the Scottish Government into AirBnB showed that the Western Isles had the second greatest increase in registered properties behind only Edinburgh.
The number of short-term lets in Scotland has risen dramatically in recent years – but evidence shows that in many tourist hotspots, people are finding it increasingly hard to find homes to live in.
Speaking in Holyrood on Wednesday, Housing Minister Kevin Stewart outlined the SNP's plans to establish a licensing scheme for short-term lets and a review of the tax paid by the properties – as well handing councils the power to introduce 'short-term let control areas' where the number of AirBnB and similar properties can be restricted through planning permission.
In a question to the Housing Minister, Alasdair Allan highlighted the regional discrepancies in the issues associated with short-term lets and said that further regulation was needed for parts of the Western Isles.
Alasdair Allan MSP said:"It is important that we strike a balance between the economic benefits of tourism to Scotland and the impact on local communities.
"In parts of the Western Isles short-term lets are having an impact on the local housing market and restricting the number of properties available for those looking for a home to live in. The proposals announced by the Scottish Government will give Comhairle nan Eilean Siar new powers to control the number of short-term lets in the local community and ensure they make a fair contribution to the services they use.
"I would urge the Comhairle to make use of these powers. We are already approaching the situation in some parts of the islands where whole villages could be full in the summer and virtually empty for six months of the year. We need to ensure that villages are not transformed from communities into resorts in the space of just a few years."
A paramedic from Tong is flying back to work in Aberdeen this evening (Friday January 10th), just days after saving the life of his step-uncle, in what he has described as the hardest emergency he's had to deal with.
Chris Morrison was unexpectedly called into action as he headed home to visit family, when Iain Mackay of Point suffered a cardiac arrest during a flight to Stornoway at the height of Tuesday's storm winds.
Chris, 28, is a paramedic and specialist practitioner with the Emergency Medical Retrieval Service (EMRS North) at Aberdeen airport, providing an emergency service across the North of Scotland including to the islands in Orkney and Shetland.
He's also a registered nurse, a special constable, a trained Red Cross volunteer and a responder with BASICS Scotland, the British Association of Immediate Care, whose members are ready to jump into emergency situations wherever they are and without notice.
That's exactly what happened on Tuesday's flight, as pilots battled to land the plane and contemplated turning back to Inverness rather than bringing the Loganair flight down on Stornoway's storm-battered runway.
Chris told welovestornoway.com today: "In my job we specialise in retrieving people in emergency situations using either the Coastguard chopper or the fixed-wing ambulance plane, so I am quite used to difficult conditions and to turbulence and bumpy flights.
"I was in the front row and was dozing, but I noticed a few people were being sick and that the air steward was not only busy but looking concerned, so I asked her if I could help and she said 'can you check on that passenger.'
"Iain was three rows behind me and was quite unwell. He spoke to me and, because I know that he is diabetic, I thought he might be becoming hypo-glycaemic and went to get him a sugary drink.
"But when I got back to him he had lost consciousness, had no pulse and had stopped breathing. In the past few weeks Iain has lost a sister to cancer and his mother has passed away, so I just thought 'This family can't lose someone else'. I was ready to fight with every fibre of my body to keep him alive."
Chris dragged Iain from his seat and onto the floor of the plane, beginning CPR and mouth-to-mouth breathing as shocked passengers looked on.
Loganair cabin crew brought out the on-board defibrillator. As luck would have it, another passenger on the flight was senior charge nurse Frances Robertson of the surgical ward at Western Isles Hospital. She, too, stepped forward to help with defibrillation.
"Frances was excellent help," says Chris. "We delivered one shock and then his heart went into a non-shockable rhythm. The air steward went to the telephone to speak to the pilot so Frances continued CPR and I went and said to the steward: 'Tell the pilot this is a category-A emergency. He must land the aircraft and there must be an ambulance there when we arrive.'
"Shortly afterwards the pilot announced that we would be making an emergency landing and everyone must be prepared to adopt the brace position. The air steward went and strapped herself in while we continued CPR on Iain."
Working on the floor of the aircraft as pilot Rich Slack navigated a hazardous emergency landing, Chris and Frances continued to keep Iain alive. As soon as the doors could be opened the first rows of passengers were evacuated and airport fire staff came aboard with lifesaving equipment.
"When the fire crew came aboard we shocked him again and managed to get an airway established and a cannula (intravenous line) in. The ambulance had arrived by then and the crews started to extricate Iain from the aircraft, which was challenging in the confined space."
After Iain had been whisked off to Western Isles Hospital by Scottish Ambulance, the rest of the passengers were got out of the plane and into the airport fire station, where they were given hot drinks before being taken to the terminal in groups of three.
Chris said: "I went to congratulate the pilots for the landing and they thanked me for my work, and then I took Iain's bags and went up to the hospital. He was up in the High Dependency Unit (HDU) where I spoke with the consultant and told him what had happened, after which he was flown by Coastguard helicopter to the Golden Jubilee Hospital in Glasgow."
Iain has now spoken to Chris by phone and found that he is well on his way to recovery. He had suffered a cardiac arrest after a stent, fitted during earlier surgery, became blocked. He's now been fitted with an internal defibrillator.
Returning to work after a more than usually eventful visit home to the family, Chris is quick to claim that his professional skills saved the day.
"In my work we have to deal with amputations, cardiac arrest, transfusions and other emergencies in difficult locations and in the air, so in that sense I was very well equipped to deal with the situation.
"I even had my BASICS medical response kit with me – except that I had to check it in as baggage, so it was in the hold. But I had the additional drive of knowing all the family circumstances and feeling really strongly that I had to get this right.
"If I think about what could have happened I could completely go to pieces, but because I'm a professional I could handle it as a professional. I deal with cardiac arrests a lot, but this was one of the most challenging for me – technically, emotionally and physically.
"It was a difficult location, wedged in a narrow aisle in front of the public, who were all from my home island, working on someone from my own family and knowing what sort of a time they had been through. That was all going through my head. But I spoke to him today and he's good and well – that's the outcome I wanted."
Pictures show paramedic Chris Morrison at work and in the control room at Dyce in Aberdeen (Chris Morrison and Scotstar).
The Braighe causeway has now fully reopened (Friday 10 January at 9pm.)
The closure was announced earlier this evening at the request of Police Scotland.
Stornoway Coastguard Rescue Team stated on their Facebook Page: "At the request of Police Scotland, The Braighe causeway, Isle of Lewis is now closed to all vehicles. Updates regarding this closure will be posted on this page in due course."
The Coastguard Team further posted around 8pm: "Clearing of debris on the Braighe causeway, Isle of Lewis is commencing. Once complete, Police Scotland will assess conditions and make a decision on whether the road can open. An update will be posted once any information is received."
The Met Office has this morning (Friday January 10th) issued a new weather warning for Monday, with the Western Isles one of the areas they urge to be aware of possible storm impacts.The warning covers the period from 12noon to midnight on Monday, and warns of a very windy period with some disruption to travel likely.It says: "An area of very strong winds will move eastwards across the UK through Monday afternoon and evening, clearing eastwards overnight. The strongest winds are expected around exposed coasts and hills in the west of the UK."Here gusts of 60-70mph are likely, with a few sites perhaps seeing gusts to 80mph. A narrow band of squally heavy rain moving east, accompanying the strongest winds, may be an additional hazard."
The Isle of Barra faces another weekend of disruption as winds again build to storm force today (Friday January 10th).Winds are expected to peak from 7pm tonight, gusts of 60mph expected by midnight, according to the Met Office. The forecast shows high winds continuing through the weekend, and a new weather warning is now in place for Monday, forecasting a spell of very windy weather on Monday afternoon and evening.Loganair has offered refunds to passengers who intended to fly to or from the island today, although the single flight of the day has now taken off from Glasgow (10.23am)Ferries are running to an amended timetable, with the return sailing from Oban already heading for Castlebay and expected to arrive around 1.15pm, to tie up ahead of the storm.Meanwhile the 15:40 sailing from Ardmhor will depart early at 1.40pm and the 4.30pm from Eriskay at 2.30pm. Sailings at 5.20pm from Ardmhor and 6.15pm from Eriskay have been cancelled.There'll be no fish suppers at Barra airport café tonight, with staff and customers alike staying tucked up safe at home.The picture was taken by skipper Lewis Mackenzie from the Isle of Lewis during Wednesday's crossing.
It was a busy morning on the main apron at Stornoway Airport yesterday (Thursday January 9th) with three Embraer 145 jets all embarking and disembarking passengers.
The photograph was sent out on Twitter by Stornoway Airport and the message explained that the morning Glasgow route was slightly delayed but Benbecula and Inverness were on time, bringing unexpected congestion to the apron.
Until a few years ago, the Loganair fleet was entirely propellor-driven.
Now it has 13 Embraer 145 jet aircraft, each with 49 seats.
It also has four Embraer 135 jet aircraft with 37 seats.
Loganair has reacted to the weather forecast for tomorrow (Saturday January 11) in Barra by offering free rebooking to other flights.
Gales with gusts of more than 60mph are forecast for tonight, and for Monday afternoon.
Loganair says: "In view of the high winds forecast and potential for travel disruption, we are offering customers travelling on flights to and from Barra and Tiree the opportunity to adjust travel plans without charge.
"If you are booked to travel on 11th January, you can choose to re-book on an alternative flight between now and Saturday 18th January. There will be no change fee or difference in fare payable - if there is a seat available on an earlier or later flight, you can transfer your booking to that flight without charge on a first-come, first-served basis.
The easiest way to change your flight is to access https://www.loganair.co.uk/managemybooking/ If you cannot find a suitable alternative there, please call on 0344 800 2855 with your booking reference handy and we'll do our best to help.
If you choose to remain with your original travel plans, please rest assured that we will do everything that we safely can to fly you to your intended destination as close to the scheduled time as possible. Please Note, if you are already checked-in, you will be required to contact our call centre to change, on 0344 800 2855.
Ferries between Barra and Eriskay this afternoon have been retimed or cancelled, with the last ferry north now scheduled to be at 13.40.
The ferry to Oban was running this amended timetable today:
Staff at Sgoil a' Bhac were this week presented with a Gold Award following a successful Gold assessment under the Healthy Working Lives programme, which is delivered by NHS Health Scotland, a national NHS Board in collaboration with Scotland's 14 local NHS Boards.
The Healthy Working Lives programme helps workplaces identify issues and improve health, safety and wellbeing in their organisations in a structured and productive way.
By Achieving the Healthy Working Lives award, workplaces
Staff at Sgoil a' Bhac set out on their Healthy Working Lives journey in 2011 when the school was working on a large project related to Health and Wellbeing. At that time it was considered important to also look at how best to improve the health and wellbeing of staff within the workplace. Despite a number of changes in the senior management team within the school since 2011, Healthy Working Lives has remained a priority and the current Healthy Working Lives Steering Group includes employees from all staff teams across the School and Sgoil Àraich. In the years since 2011, staff have worked through and have been successful in obtaining and then maintaining awards at Bronze, Silver and Silver Plus. In Session 2018-19 it was decided to actively work towards the Gold Award and this was achieved following a successful assessment in December 2019.
School staff have participated in a wide range of physical activities which the steering group have organised for them to join in with including step count challenges, rowing activities, yoga, games nights and other fitness challenges. In addition a number of campaigns have been run across the school which have highlighted a variety of cancers, diabetes awareness and World Down Syndrome Day. Work has also been done to focus on healthy eating, promote alcohol awareness and in taking positive action to reduce accidents, incidents and work related ill health.
The NHS's Assessor Jenny Hill stated that "The assessment gave me a great insight into the work of Sgoil a' Bhac and allowed the opportunity to see the clear and continual commitment of the school to a healthy, safer workplace." She added "This is a great achievement for the school as other than NHS Western Isles, there are currently no other Gold Award holders in Lewis and Harris and only one other in Uist. As recipients of the Gold Award the staff have demonstrated a clear commitment to promoting and developing Healthy Working Lives as an integral part of Sgoil a' Bhac. This has been further evidenced by their written health, safety and wellbeing strategy that addresses all aspects of Healthy Working Lives."
Head Teacher Kirsteen J. Maclean commented "This is a wonderful achievement for the school and we are hugely indebted to Norma Macleod, HWL Adviser for NHS Western Isles who encouraged us and supported us so well, as we worked our way through the award criteria. We were aware that no other school in the Local Authority held this award but did not know, until we achieved the award that only one other workplace in the Western Isles, apart from the NHS themselves had achieved this standard.
"The importance of mental health has also been acknowledged in Sgoil a' Bhac with approximately a third of our staff having undertaken Mental Health training for the Workplace. Mental Health continues to be a priority for us going forward and we will continue to ensure opportunities are focused on the mental health and wellbeing of our pupils and our employees and that a good work-life balance is achieved. The next challenge for us is to maintain this award annually and to ensure that the work of Healthy Working Lives in Sgoil a' Bhac goes from strength to strength.
Photograph shows the school staff receiving their award.
An extra livestock sale has been put into the calendar at Steinish, with the intention of continuing a fundraising campaign to support bereaved parents of stillborn or newborn babies.The show's being organised by Stacy Easton and Murdo Maciver, who are already active fundraisers, raising £6,850 in 2018 for stillbirth support charity SiMBA, following the loss of their son James.Stacy said: "Our last auction mart event was such a great success, we are planning on hosting another charity sheep show and auction, with a raffle, on Saturday the 7th March in memory of our baby boy, James Murdo Maciver who sadly passed away in November 2017."SiMBA is a charity which supports the needs of those affected by the loss of a baby during pregnancy or close to the time of birth; and sadly Stacy and Murdo first became aware of SiMBA's services following the stillbirth of baby James."For us, it was about more than just raising money for SiMBA, it was also about telling people about the charity, how it works and just how much it helped us," said Murdo.Helping SiMBA to continue their work, Stacy and Murdo set about raising funds for SiMBA through a Charity Auction Show, held in Lewis and Harris Auction Mart, Steinish, and a Charity Winter Ball in the Caberfeidh Hotel both held in 2018.This year's show will be at the Steinish Mart of Lewis and Harris Auction Marts and Stacy said: "Everyone is welcome to bring along livestock for the show. Please message myself or Murdie if you're taking livestock along so we have a rough idea of numbers for each class."The full event details are at https://www.facebook.com/events/474695656787146/
'I have a lot to be thankful for… It's not too bad really'
Social isolation in our rural community by Jessica Sapphire Frame
The festive period has now officially finished and we are all back into the swing of everyday life. For most people, it was an extremely exciting, busy time bursting with family, music, the clinking of glasses and eruptions of laughter.
Now, imagine, instead of noise, deafening silence, instead of sitting chatting with family and friends; sitting in a single chair... alone.
This is the case for around half a million older adults over the Christmas period (Age UK, 2018).
But, loneliness doesn't just affect those without family nearby, as would be expected; Age UK also found that 750'000 over 65's widowed and living alone felt more lonely around Christmas than any other time of year. Many of our older people, do in fact have supportive family nearby, yet, many can still feel socially isolated and lonely. It is this group also at-risk of negative effects because they are less likely to talk about their experiences and feelings. Understandably, they don't want to appear ungrateful or 'bring down the mood' for family and community members and often downplay how they feel.
As much as visiting family and being included in the recent festivities would have been a wonderful reprieve. Returning to an empty house and back to life as usual can be a disabling and dispiriting situation for an older person.
For all of us living in our wonderful rural community, let's remember how isolating it would be without our social network. I implore everyone reading this, to remember that sometimes the most significant gift you can give….Is your TIME! 10 minutes to have a cup of tea and a chat is not only a reprieve from social isolation, but can provide a deeper, longer-lasting feeling of love, support and community! But I'll leave you with this last thought:
'A social network is not just for Christmas'.
Needing others is a part of what makes us human. Circumstances can leave any one of us feeling isolated and lonely. But if it becomes a part of usual life it's important to note that it doesn't need to be! There are a number of services aimed at reducing social isolation and loneliness so talk to your GP or local volunteer centre (Befriending Lewis, Alzheimer Scotland etc.) for support and further information.
I am also currently looking for individuals 65 and over that live alone to talk about their experiences in an independent research project to gain insight to help to develop services that benefit all older adults living on Lewis.
If you are interested, I would love you to be apart of it and you can get in touch with me: Jessica Sapphire Frame by:
A yellow warning of strong winds is no longer in force for the Western Isles, after the Met Office updated warnings nationally this morning (Thursday January 9th).
But with wind speeds remaining brisk, there is still a chance of some disruption on ferries on Friday and Saturday.
CalMac says there is a heightened possibility of disruption to the 14:00 from Stornoway and 17:30 from Ullapool tomorrow, while an amended timetable is in place for services between Uig, Tarbert and Lochmaddy.Reviews of services for Saturday will take place later on Friday afternoon.
Men will be feeling the pain and the glory on Saturday February 22nd, as they get waxed and polished for a catwalk moment in aid of charity.Alex Jones of Boogie Bounce Isle of Lewis has come up with the glamorous event as a way of supporting Western Isles Association for Mental Health – at the same time as making sure people get a night out unlike any they've been to before.Ten men have stepped forward as volunteers to get waxed, dressed up and to strut their stuff on the catwalk – all with video cameras running so people can later enjoy the agony and excitement of getting ready.A disco, kids' party, games and buffet will be going on while they are suffering, so that everyone is revved up for the catwalk moment, when all the men will strut their stuff in competition for the top spot as best-dressed catwalk star – with a dinner for two at the Harris and Lewis Smokehouse as a prize.And as if that wasn't enough, the competitors will then be put through 15/20 minutes of Boogie Bounce, with their moves being judged by the audience. The winner of that contest will get a meal for four at the Crown Inn and a £20 voucher from D J Macdonald.The whole night is to be staged at Back Football and Recreation Club, with doors opening at 5.45pm and Toby the Tiger at the door to greet everyone and pose for selfies.Alex told welovestornoway.com: "It's just a bit of fun – getting men out of their comfort zone. Those that are taking part are obviously getting nervous and some are terrified of the leg wax, but they're excited too."The whole event will be super fun, with lots of kids entertainment and refreshments for adults. And anyone who can't make it along but wants to support our good cause can make a donation via https://www.goldengiving.com/fundraising/menswaxandboogiebounce"For more information follow the event via Alex's page at https://www.facebook.com/Boogie-Bounce-Isle-of-Lewis-2025148994403431/?epa=SEARCH_BOXThe pictures show one of the few men prepared to give Boogie Bounce a try, Calum, and Toby the Tiger, who'll be greeting guests at the event.
Marine electronics are essential for fishermen and other mariners, but getting a chance to see what's new on the market isn't so easy for islanders.So it will be a relief to some that Echomaster Marine are bringing their skipper expo to Stornoway next week, with a range of demonstrations on market-leading equipment.Andrew Masson of the company's sales team said: "We understand that it can be difficult for some of our rural customers to attend the expo's... so we're packing up the van and heading out to the County Hotel in Stornoway".Andrew will be joined by his colleague Arlene Hardacre from Echomaster and Struan Eaglesham from Watt Marine.
They'll be at the County between Wednesday 15th and Friday 17th of January to talk about the newest developments in marine electronics. Mariners can find out all about technology such as autopilots, chartplotters, on-board safety equipment and radars. Products will be on display and there'll be demonstrations of equipment from SIMRAD, Olex, Hondex, Lowrance, Xinuo and many more.The expo will be open on Wednesday from 4pm till 9pm, Thursday 9am – 9pm and Friday 9am until 12 noon. Attendees will get a free goodie bag and access to exclusive special offers. Find out more by phone on 01261 831644 or visit https://www.facebook.com/echomastermarine
A mood-boosting get-together dubbed 'Brew Monday', organised by Samaritans nationally, is traditionally held on the third Monday of January, when the dark and wet of winter is getting us all down.But in Stornoway this year Brew Monday is going to be on a Thursday because, as local organisers explain: "That's the way we do it in the Western Isles!"Samaritans of the Western Isles plan to host their Brew on Thursday January 23rd, between 11am and 5pm, at The Space in Stornoway Library.Tea and cake, friendly chat and plenty of information about the work Samaritans do locally will be available – plus a drop-in visit from Peat & Diesel drummer Uilleam Macleod.Uilly is grabbing the chance to support the charity before heading for Glasgow and the first gig in the band's sell-out winter tour. He'll be having a brew and welcoming visitors in from the cold for what he describes as "a really important organisation for the islands."A Samaritans spokesman told welovestornoway.com: "This is really just a chance to get together for a cuppa and share the warmth of good company – whatever the weather is doing outside."We welcome everyone to drop in any time they like between 11am and 5pm, and we guarantee a warm welcome and perhaps even a selfie with a local legend!"
Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP Alasdair Allan has raised the issue of the upcoming closure of Connected Communities (Hebnet). The publicly-funded wireless network, which has operated in the Western Isles since 2005, is set to shut down in March 2020.
Since the roll-out of superfast broadband across the islands began in 2015, more and more households and businesses have been transferring to mainstream broadband services. HIE have indicated that the high fixed costs of the Connected Communities network mean it is no longer viable to continue the service for a declining number of customers.
There are around 500 remaining Connected Communities users and the local MSP has received a number of enquiries from them about how they continue to access broadband after March. While fibre, 4G or satellite services may be an option for some, a number of people will be left without any broadband after March.
Alasdair Allan MSP said:"The Scottish Government's rollout of superfast broadband across the Western Isles has made huge strides over the last few years with more than 80% of island households now having access to superfast broadband. This means there are now significantly fewer people using the Connected Communities service than in the past.
"However, many of the remaining customers are in areas where fibre has not yet reached and the 4G reception is poor. I have raised this situation with HIE. It is disappointing that the company operating Hebnet does not seem to have given its customers more notice. I would urge people still using this service to get in touch with HIE and find out what alternative broadband options are available in their area.
"I have also written to the Scottish Government Minister for Connectivity, Paul Wheelhouse MSP, regarding this situation and have asked what can be done to ensure that those customers affected by the Hebnet switch off are at the front of the queue when it comes to the next stage of fibre broadband roll out."
Star piper Glenn Brown, who is coming to Stornoway next week for the Lewis and Harris Piping Society's second winter recital and workshop, has said he is "very much looking forward" to it and spoken about the "great work" the piping society is doing in keeping the music alive.
Glenn, a Canadian who won the piobaireachd competition at the prestigious Glenfiddich competition in October, will be playing in the Caladh Inn in Stornoway on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at 7.30pm, with tickets available on the door.
He will be taking workshops during the day and is the second piper to be giving a combined workshop and recital this season, following Callum Beaumont on November 9.
Glenn, a native of Ontario who now lives in Scotland, has played in Stornoway before – having taken part in the invitational Pipe Major Donald Macleod Memorial Competition twice.
He said: "I am very much looking forward to coming up to Stornoway for the recital/workshop on the 18th as it's such a beautiful part of the world with the friendliest of people. Part of what we as pipers look forward to about competing at the Donald MacLeod Memorial is the people and their appreciation for the music. The love of the instrument. And the love for the man himself. How much he contributed to piping throughout the world is just unbelievable."
Glenn would have qualified for this year's Donald Macleod competition by virtue of his win at the Glenfiddich but would be unable to make it as he is a groomsman at fellow piper Callum Beaumont's wedding in Melbourne on the same day – April 3.
Glenn said: "The work that the Lewis and Harris Piping Society is doing is just so great for piping in that part of the world and beyond. These workshops/recitals will hopefully continue on in future. Unfortunately I'm unable to compete there this year as I'll be a groomsman at Callum Beaumont's wedding. Hopefully I'll be asked to take part in future years, but I'm thankful to have been asked to take part in the workshop/recital."
Growing up in Canada, Glenn said he had heard "many great things" about Donald Macleod – the renowned piper, composer, piping tutor and Stornoway son whose legacy is remembered in the annual piping competition.
"But it wasn't until my adult life that I fully appreciated just how much Donald did for pipers and piping in general," he said. "He is without doubt my favourite composer. Some of the greatest tunes ever written are found in his collections of music."
He recalled: "Before I first competed at the Donald Macleod Memorial, I had only played one of Donald's piobaireachd – MacMurich's Salute which I had learned from Willie McCallum. When I was teaching at a summer school in Canada in 2008, there was a student there who had attended summer schools with Donald back in the 60s or 70s. And he had these wonderful recordings of Donald playing tunes after a ceilidh one night. One of them was MacMurich's Salute. And the feeling that he gave in the first variation was just incredible.
"Since competing up in Stornoway, I have probably played a couple handfuls of Donald's piobaireachd and they're all great. Like big slow airs, full of melody and meaning."
Glenn said the principle of combining a workshop and recital was "very good" – "it's great to be able to hopefully show some people some new things or different ideas and then combine it with a bit of playing" – while the founder of the Lewis and Harris Youth Pipe Band hailed it as "a wonderful opportunity" to inspire young players.
Anna Murray, also senior piping tutor for Comhairle nan Eilean Siar for the Loch a Tuath area and The Nicolson Institute, said: "There's so much interest in piping with the young players today – it's really essential that they get to hear these top class players. They were so inspired at the last recital, meeting Callum. The workshop was fantastic and he was so lovely to them but their reaction in the evening when they watched him play and heard what he could do with a set of bagpipes… their jaws hit the floor; they couldn't believe their ears.
"When you're teaching, you can say to the children, 'go and listen to this person or that person' but it's no substitute for them actually being in the same room and hearing the top grade pipers. After they've heard such amazing playing, they don't need to be asked twice to practice when they get home, which is great. They're just so enthused. They are really looking forward to the next recital. It's fantastic that the recitals are happening again and that it's a series of recitals."
However, Piping Society chairman Dr Smith said "a very generous donation from a private individual" had made it possible for them to organise a winter recital programme for 2019/2020 and they hoped to hold four recitals in the series. Tickets for the recital will be £10, £8 concession, and under 16s get in free.
Picture: Glenn Brown with the piobaireachd trophy at the 2019 Glenfiddich competition.
A series of consultation 'cèilidhs' will take place throughout the Outer Hebrides in January to provide communities a further chance to contribute to the development of Pròiseact an Fhìor Àite (the Great Place project).
The purpose of the Pròiseact an Fhìor-Àite (Great Place Project) is to develop a heritage and cultural asset strategy for the Outer Hebrides and to identify strategic approaches to support and deliver appropriate heritage-led economic development, identifying infrastructure requirements and priorities.
The two year project is led by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and partners include Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Outer Hebrides Heritage Forum, Scottish Natural Heritage, Outer Hebrides Tourism, An Lanntair, Taigh Chearsbhagh, Urras Nan Tursachan and Historic Environment Scotland.
The project is overseen by a steering group with representative from each partner organisation. The project is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The 'cèilidhs' are part of a further round of community consultations where cutting-edge strategic logic will combine with cultural traditions to bring together the strategy and action plan for the project.
Working with the Great Place project is international, Highlands and Islands based consultancy, StrategyStory, which has an office base in Stornoway and has been co-founded by Professor of Strategy Donald MacLean and former BBC Senior Producer, Kate Hooper.
The 'cèilidhs' will bring together people from the heritage, tourism and creative industries sectors.
Catherine MacLean, Great Place Project Manager said: "Following the Heritage for People Symposium held in May last year and the extensive meetings held across the islands over the last period, we have now appointed external consultants to begin to draw the strategy and action plan together. I hope as many people as possible are able to attend our consultation ceilidhs."
Chairman of the Comhairle's Sustainable Development Committee, Councillor Donald Crichton said, "Heritage is inherent in all that we do across our key sectors in the Outer Hebrides and holds untapped potential. We want to not only consolidate and conserve what we have, but to put culture and heritage at the heart of our vision and aspirations for the future and to innovate and promote it in new ways. By doing so we can unlock the potential for the Outer Hebrides to be a really 'Great Place' so that everyone - locals and visitors alike- can benefit whilst drawing in more visitors, developing businesses and attracting significant inward investment throughout the whole of the Outer Hebrides.
"It is of utmost importance that this strategy and vision is informed by the people of the Hebrides themselves so we're asking people to join us and contribute to the process."
Date and times of cèilidhs
Leading figures in salmon conservation will meet key politicians at the Scottish Parliament today (Tuesday, January 7) to address a looming crisis in wild stocks.
Environmental change, and a range of human impacts across the Northern Hemisphere are placing salmon at risk across their natural range. Today's event will explore what can be done to reverse this trend and ensure a healthy future for Scotland's iconic salmon.
Dr Alan Wells, Chief Executive of Fisheries Management Scotland said, "Salmon catches in Scotland have reached the lowest levels ever recorded, and nature is sending us some urgent signals about what could happen next. Official catch figures for recent years, confirm this iconic species is now approaching crisis point.
"Some of the factors impacting on wild salmon stocks may be beyond human control. But Scotland's Government and regulatory authorities now have a historic opportunity to do everything in their power to safeguard the species in those areas where they can make a difference.
"Put simply, salmon conservation must become a national priority. Our leaders will be judged by their actions in meeting that challenge."
Karen Ramoo, Policy Adviser at Scottish Land & Estates said, "Scotland has world renowned fishing which significantly contributes environmentally, socially and economically. The environment and the rural economy are at risk if we do not act now to tackle declining salmon numbers. We must aspire to maintain and improve our rivers and lochs to provide good breeding stock whilst a sustainable harvest can be made. Mechanisms to conserve these vulnerable stocks and encourage sustainable economic growth must be encouraged and it is imperative that the right balance is struck between conservation and the interests of those whose livelihood relies on fishing for salmon.
"It is important that we recognise current positive management already taking place and seek to build on this while allowing reasonable steps to be taken where stocks are considered unsustainable."
Michelle Ballantyne MSP said, "As LINK species champion for the Atlantic salmon, I am honoured to be able to sponsor this event in Parliament in the hope of contributing to the conversation on solutions to the threats facing Scotland's most iconic fish.
"With wild salmon stocks approaching crisis point it is now more crucial than ever that we, as politicians, listen to the experts and have a constructive conversation about what can be done to protect and replenish stocks.
"Much work is still needed, but by raising awareness of the scale of the challenge, and by bringing together organisations and stakeholders from across the country for this round-table meeting, we are turning our attention to what can be done legislatively to support wild salmon."
Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said, "It is fitting that today's round table about the future of our iconic wild salmon is taking place at the beginning of Scotland's Year of Coasts and Waters. I am pleased also to announce £750,000 of funding for an innovative project between the Scottish Government, Atlantic Salmon Trust and Fisheries Management Scotland to work in partnership to track smolt migration on the west coast of Scotland and thereby seek to improve our understanding of this important fish.
"The decline in the numbers of wild salmon returning to Scottish rivers is of great concern, and caused by a range of complex factors. That is why the Scottish Government has committed, in its latest Programme for Government, to develop a Wild Salmon Strategy by September 2020.
"We will continue to work with key stakeholders such as Fisheries Management Scotland, the Atlantic Salmon Trust, District Salmon Fishery Boards and Fishery Trusts to do everything possible to safeguard the future of Scotland's wild salmon."
The Hebridean Dark Skies Festival is inviting people to submit photographs for the Isle of Lewis's first 'Visual Moonbounce' on Saturday 8 February.
OPTICKS, a live event by media artist Daniela de Paulis, is one of the headline events at the Isle of Lewis's second annual arts and astronomy festival, which will run from Friday 7 February to Saturday 22 February at An Lanntair as well as across Lewis.
Described as a "live Networked Performance between the Earth and the Moon", OPTICKS will see images transmitted to the Moon and back as radio signals in real time. The event will be hosted in collaboration with radio antennas from around the world, as part of A Day of Creativity and Curiosity, a whole day of performances, workshops and film screenings bringing together artists and astronomers from across the UK and beyond.
Daniela de Paulis is a media artist, licensed radio operator and trained radio telescope operator. She developed her Visual Moonbounce technology while working as an artist in residence at the Dwingeloo radio telescope in Holland.
Hebridean Dark Skies Festival programmer Andrew Eaton-Lewis said: "We're very excited to be working with Daniela, and with Gillian McFarland and Ione Parkin from Creativity and Curiosity, on this unique event. We're hoping this callout will really spark people's imaginations. If you could send one photo to the Moon and back, what would it be? Your family? A favourite family pet? The mountains or the sea near where you live? We look forward to hearing from you."
A Day of Creativity and Curiosity is a whole day of conversations, workshops and performances programmed by An Lanntair in partnership with Ione Parkin and Gillian McFarland, lead artists on Creativity and Curiosity, an ongoing project bringing together artists and astronomers. Artwork from the Creativity and Curiosity project will also be exhibited at An Lanntair's main gallery throughout the Hebridean Dark Skies Festival.
Other Dark Skies Festival highlights will include:
The Hebridean Dark Skies Festival was launched in February this year, with audiences travelled from across the UK to see festival guests including Chris Lintott, singer-songwriter Emma Pollock, BAFTA award-winning actress Shauna Macdonald, Scotland's Astronomer Royal John Brown, and Scotland's top children's theatre-maker Andy Cannon.
The 2020 festival will be dedicated to the memory of John Brown, who sadly died at the end of November, just days after the festival programme was printed. A guest of honour at the first Hebridean Dark Skies Festival's opening weekend, Professor Brown was also a significant source of support and advice as the festival programme came together, and was to have made a second appearance at the second festival in February.
The Hebridean Dark Skies Festival is programmed by An Lanntair (part-financed by Outer Hebrides LEADER funding), in partnership with Stornoway Astronomical Society, Calanais Visitor Centre, Gallan Head Community Trust, and Lews Castle College, and with support from CalMac, Outer Hebrides Tourism and Visit Scotland.
The second festival is part of a new winter tourism campaign, Winter in the Wild, led by An Lanntair in partnership with Outer Hebrides Tourism, Visit Scotland, Hebridean Hopscotch, Loganair, CalMac, Glasgow Airport, and other local organisations. #winterinthewild.
The first phase of a £1million project to develop a 40km coastal path from Stornoway all round the Point peninsula has received a stamp of approval from local walking groups.
Groups such as the Women For Mission walking group from Garrabost Free Church are now choosing to walk circular routes taking in the Braighe, the historic Eaglais Na h-Aoidh (Ui Church) and the village of Aignish thanks to the project which shored up the coastline and built a new path.
Work on the first phase of the Point and Sandwick Coastal Community Path was carried out in November and December 2018. Development of the coastal path is likely to be split into five phases, with fundraising for the second phase at an advanced stage.
The £114,000 first phase – funded by £57,000 from LEADER with the remainder coming from the profits from Point and Sandwick's Beinn Ghrideag wind farm – secured 100 metres of coastline and also the Ui Church's graveyard wall, which was under extreme threat of erosion. It also repaired a damaged culvert near the Aignish grazings, so the route is now totally dry.
Catriona Dunn of the Garrabost Women For Mission group said the new coastal path had made a big difference to their experience of walking in the area. "It's pleasant underfoot. It's easy to walk on and parts of it weren't before. It was grassy and muddy in parts, especially where the culvert was. You wouldn't even attempt it in winter."
It was a different story now, she said, with the group walking it regularly, all year round – most recently on the Saturday before Christmas.
"I think it's really pleasant because you're walking along the coastline and you're seeing the views and the seals – there was a heron as well – and what's been done to the church."
The Women For Mission group usually meets to go walking together once a week and agreed the group gave them all a physical, social and psychological boost. The physical exercise improves their health and sense of wellbeing, while the group aspect helps them get to know each other.
Having an improved infrastructure helps them plan their routes and explore their local area more.
Another member of the group, Chrisann Mackenzie, said people from outwith the area might not think of coming to Aignish for a walk but it had a lot going for it. As well as the Ui Church and the Braighe coastline, it was a circular route, which always appeals, and route-finding was easy.
Donald John MacSween, general manager of Point and Sandwick Trust, said the wind farm charity was pleased to have played a part in creating such valuable infrastructure. He said: "Getting out and about for an easy stroll in our area is now much easier along this completed part of the coastal path. It is good to see more and more people locally out walking – the easiest and cheapest exercise available all year round, if suitably clad."
For those unfamiliar with the area, the route which has been made accessible by completion of the first phase of the coastal path is on OS Explorer Map 459, Central Lewis and Stornoway.
It begins at Grid Reference 483 321 (the parking area at the Point end of the Braighe, near the Aignis Farm Raiders Monument) or from GR 492 320 (the Old Knock School, now home to Buth an Rubha, Cafe Roo and the Point and Sandwick Trust offices).
If starting from the Old School / Café Roo, walk westwards down the A866 main road towards the Braighe, until you come to the parking area that is the alternative start point, just under 1km away.
Next, take the party northwards across the Braighe isthmus, going through a kissing gate and passing the raiders monument. Eaglais Na h-Aoidh and the coastal path will become obvious on your right-hand side. Follow the path round as it skirts the outside of the church and its graveyard, following the very edge of the coastline and then crossing grazings.
Conditions are excellent underfoot and the sea views very enjoyable.
About 250 metres past the church, there will be a road off to your right. Ignore it and keep on the path. Shortly afterwards, you will pass a small beach to your left – there are often many seals to be seen here – and very soon the path will end and become a road. Follow this road uphill for about 200 metres until you see another road off to the right. Turn right here and follow it all the way along until you meet the main A866 road again.
Turn right downhill and you will arrive back at the Old School / Cafe Roo after about 200 metres – highly recommended for hot drinks and cakes or cooked breakfasts or lunch.
The walk described is 3 km but can be extended slightly by continuing on the road uphill after the path has finished, instead of turning right after 200 metres.
This would take you all the way uphill and out onto the main road near the houses at Seaview. To complete the walk, as before, turn right downhill and return to the Old School / Café Roo.
Picture of the Women For Mission group and friends on their circular walk with a section along the completed first phase of the coastal path by Sandie Maciver of SandiePhotos
New figures released after a Freedom of Information (FoI) request have shown that the number of recorded physical assaults on NHS staff in the Western Isles has hit an all-time high.
The FoI response, which was initiated by the Scottish Conservatives, show that there were 60 recorded physical assaults on staff in NHS Western Isles in 2018/19, almost double the number recorded in 2017/18.
The previous record stood at 58 recorded physical assaults in 2015/16.
There was also an increase in recorded verbal incidents between 2017/18 and 2018/19, going from 40 to 49.
Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron has called for more protection for local NHS workers. Donald Cameron MSP said: "These figures are deeply worrying, and it is of particular concern that the number of physical incidents has increased so dramatically. Hospitals can be stressful places, and sometimes people can lash out through no fault of their own. But it is clear that our hardworking NHS staff need better support and protection from such incidents, and I call on the SNP Government to work with NHS Western Isles to make sure that happens."
Car Hire Business Opportunity @ Stornoway Airport
An opportunity has arisen to provide car hire services at Stornoway Airport.
Interest is invited from parties wishing to apply for a contract.
Closing date 31 January 2020
Full details including an application form are available from:
Jeff Collins, HIAL Head Office, Inverness Airport, Inverness, IV2 7JB,
Wilderness adventurer Ben Fogle has thanked the people of the Outer Hebrides for helping him to celebrate 20 years since his time as a Castaway on Taransay.
About 50 people joined Ben and his daughter Iona on Luskentyre beach yesterday morning (Saturday January 4th) for wilderness tales, a dram and, for those brave enough, an icy dip in the sea.
Ben was in Harris to help endurance swimmer Lewis Pugh with his Hebridean training camp, ahead of a massive adventure of his own in the freezing glacial lakes of the Antarctic.
But on Saturday the focus was on Ben, reflecting back on the first adventure which catapulted him into the limelight, as he joined the revolutionary millennium TV show Castaway.
Blustery winds and brisk seas greeted the hardy crowd yesterday on Luskentyre beach, where they were regaled with stories from some of Ben's worldwide adventures.
Afterwards the celebrity TV presenter tweeted: "Thanks you so much for everyone who braved the wilds of the Outer Hebridean winter to mark 20 years since Castaway and to support Lewis Pugh with his upcoming Antarctic swim. I love you Scotland."
And Lewis Pugh, who is coming towards the end of a punishing 10-day schedule sea-swimming and running around Lewis and Harris coasts, responded:" Thank you so much for coming to visit Ben. Absolutely loved your talk! Genuine, warm, humorous, fascinating and engaging. All the superlatives. Here's to the next 20 years!"
The pictures show Ben Fogle and Lewis Pugh enjoying the waters off Luskentyre, and Ben with his daughter Iona leaving the beach, followed by his audience and supporters.
Stornoway's RNLI Coastguard crew had their first shout of 2020 last night (Saturday January 4th), working through the night on recovery of a fish-farm vessel drifting off the west coast of Lewis.
Stornoway Coastguard operations centre took a call for assistance at 3.58pm yesterday from the 50-metre fish-farm support vessel Hydro Pioneer, which had lost power, with an alarm sounding on an engine, off the coast near Barvas.
The RNLI crew of lifeboat Tom Sanderson was immediately tasked and launched at 4pm, while Coastguards also issued a 'pan pan' general call for help to all shipping.
Coastguard Rescue Teams from Bragar and Ness were sent to the land overlooking the site in case they were able to provide any assistance. The lifeboat was on-scene by 6.30pm, quickly followed by a fellow fish-farm workboat from East Loch Roag, the Helen Mary.
Her crew had responded to the emergency call and were able to take the casualty vessel, with five crew aboard, under tow. The lifeboat stood by to provide safety cover as the tow continued towards the Butt of Lewis and Stornoway harbour.
In rough seas and with winds blowing force 5-7, reaching force 8 south-westerlies later in the night, the tow parted frequently, so Stornoway Coastguard officers took the decision to task the Coastguard tug Ievoli Black, which was on patrol in the seas near Shetland.
Ievoli Black met the fish-farm vessels close to Ness around 2am today (Sunday) and attempted to take over the tow, but the weather was against the crews and in the end both rescuer and casualty vessel sought shelter in Broad Bay.
Stornoway RNLI crew were stood down soon after 6am as the crew of Ievoli Black worked to re-establish the tow. Once secure, the rescuing vessel Helen Mary headed for Stornoway harbour while Ievoli Black followed more slowly with the casualty in tow.
The Coastguard tug is too large to enter the inner harbour, so the Helen Mary came out to meet the casualty and take the tow over once again at 4.30pm today.
Both vessels came alongside around 5pm with all on board safe and well.
A coastguard spokesman said: "This was a long stint for the RNLI crew, who were at sea for more than 14 hours. The weather made the task more complex and we are pleased at the outcome."
(RNLI photo of Tom Sanderson from 2019)
A man is to appear at Stornoway Sheriff Court tomorrow (Monday January 6th) after police were called to an address in Stornoway in the early hours of Saturday January 4th.
The 44-year-old man has been charged with assault and with offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act, and has been in custody since his arrest.
Three drivers were issued with fixed penalties for offences under the Road Traffic Act over the weekend of January 3rd to 5th.
The drivers were stopped as part of proactive road safety policing under Operation Cedar, at locations in Stornoway and at Outend Coll.
They were penalised for offences including driving without insurance, using a mobile phone while driving and driving a vehicle without a valid test certificate.
Clan Macquarrie Community Centre in north Lewis is celebrating the success of a programme to make it less expensive to heat – and save energy.
In the spring of 2019, the Centre in Borve was awarded funding of £32,731 from the Scottish Government's Climate Challenge Fund.
The award was intended to deliver a number of different outcomes – with one of the primary objectives being to achieve improved energy efficiency at the Centre (and, therefore, savings in carbon emissions).
The energy efficiency measures planned included installing LED lighting throughout the building, fitting two new insulated ceilings (Green Room and Meeting Room), fitting thermal curtains to all the windows in the Centre and also installing insulation to two existing ceilings (Garden Room and office) and to some of the steel beams in these rooms.
The CMCC committee is delighted to announce that all these works have now been completed and would like to thank all the contractors involved for the efficiency shown in delivering that vital part of the overall project.
Even at this early stage following completion of the work, there are positive signs of improvement – a building that is using less energy to achieve previous levels of comfort and warmth for users.
Donald "Ba" Macdonald from CMCC expanded on the project detail: "In tandem with planning and seeing to completion of the capital works outlined above, our Committee has been busy delivering energy efficiency workshops throughout the wider community – with particularly sustained and welcome assistance from: Community Energy Scotland; Tighean Innse Gall; Home Energy Scotland, Urras Oighreachd Charlabhaigh; and Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn.
"To date workshops have been delivered to the local Young At Heart Group; Sgoil An Taobh Siar pupils and teachers; Sgoil Lional pupils and teachers; various other community organisations throughout Lewis and Harris. The final workshop is scheduled for those in our community who might be interested in setting up a growing/horticulture group – that will be on 25th February at CMCC".
In addition to the building improvements, the workshops and the course provision, Clan Macquarrie has also embarked on an energy efficiency advice blog (see ccfenergyefficiency.wordpress.com) and have added a host of updates and photos of the various project strands via their social media sites (@clanmacq via Twitter and Facebook).
Ba concluded "Clan Macquarrie Community Centre would like to gratefully acknowledge the support received from Keep Scotland Beautiful/CCF and from the individuals, schools and other organisations who have supported our workshops locally.
"We are also very pleased with the contractors selected for the various works and thank them sincerely for carrying out the work in such a timely and co-ordinated manner".
The CCF is administered on behalf of Scot Gov by the Keep Scotland Beautiful organisation.
Earlier estimates of winds of up to 80mph expected on Tuesday (January 7th) across the Outer Hebrides have been scaled back, according to the UK Met Office (today Sunday January 5th).
A smaller overall area is expected to be affected - excluding Shetland, Orkney and Caithness – and the maximum expected gusts are now 75mph in some coastal areas, and 50-60 mph elsewhere.
On the Tarbert-Uig- Lochmaddy services, an amended timetable is running in the morning today with warnings of further disruption to come.
The Lewis freight service is running this timetable today -
and tomorrow (Monday 6th January)
The passenger and vehicle services on Monday morning are cancelled.
Earlier report - posted yesterday afternoon…
Its overall forecast states: "A windy period is expected for parts of Scotland and northern England on Tuesday. The most likely scenario is for the strong or very strong winds to develop across coastal parts of northern and western Scotland, with strong gusts across parts of northern England, central and eastern Scotland.
"Gusts of 60-70 mph are possible, with potentially 70-80 mph gusts around some of the most exposed coastal sites."
The Met Office warns; "There is a small chance that injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties
"There is a small chance that injuries and danger to life could occur from flying debris as well as some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs."
Meanwhile ferry cancellations, rescheduling and delays were taking place across the Islands…with warnings of more to come.
Between Castlebay and Oban today (Saturday 4th January) because of cancellations on Friday 3rd, an additional sailing was operating, weather permitting, as follows:
Depart Castlebay: 06:00; arrive Oban: 10:40; depart Oban: 11:00; arrive Castlebay: 15:40
But tomorrow (Sunday 5th January) due to adverse weather and expected swell conditions the service between Barra and Oban is cancelled.
On the Uig-Tarbert (Harris) run today (Saturday 4th January) in order to allow the vessel to take bunkers ahead of adverse weather, the 18:15 sailing will be delayed by one hour. The vessel will depart Uig at 19:15, traffic is to check-in at Uig by 18:30.
On the freight and passenger services between Ullapool - Stornoway, CalMac warn that because of the adverse weather forecast, the 0700 & 1030 sailings on Monday and all sailings on Tuesday may be disrupted or cancelled at short notice.
Meanwhile regarding the Mallaig/Oban-Lochboisdale service tomorrow (Sunday 5th January) because of the high wind forecast all sailings have been cancelled.
The pay dispute that led to crippling strike action across the airport network of Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd during 2019 has been brought to a conclusion.
Mr Inglis Lyon, HIAL's Managing Director said today (Friday 3rd January): "I'm pleased to advise that the ATC pay dispute has now been resolved. Prospect has confirmed today that, following a ballot of their membership, there was an overwhelming acceptance of our revised pay offer.
"Acceptance of this offer sees air traffic controllers receiving the 2019/20 pay increase already awarded to other HIAL staff, along with a commitment to a similar award in 2020/21, assuming that Scottish Government's pay policy remains broadly the same. In addition, they will receive a retention payment for a three-year period.
"This now draws the ATC industrial action to a close and we look forward to working with our air traffic control staff as we strive to maintain and develop sustainable airport services for the future."
David Avery, Prospect Negotiations Officer said: "We are pleased that our members have accepted this new deal and that this long-running dispute can now be brought to an end.
"Air traffic controllers provide a vital service for the Highlands and Islands and deserve to have their work and skills properly compensated and we are pleased that this deal represents real progress.
"The deal has required compromise on both sides and I would like to thank Scottish Ministers for giving HIAL the authority to reach a deal, and we look forward to working constructively with HIAL in the future."
Union members worked to rule between April and November last year and staged a series of strikes that affected thousands of passengers at six of the company's 11 regional airports.The offer covers the period from April 2018 to April next year and is reportedly worth at least nine per cent over the three years, with an additional £9,000 over the period of the deal for a fully qualified controller.
Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant, who's been campaigning on behalf of air traffic controllers, said today: "I am glad the dispute has been resolved. This will come as welcome news to both the air traffic controllers and the communities they serve
"I also welcome the promise from Inglis Lyon that he will now work with air traffic controllers regarding a sustainable solution for the future of service."
(This report has been updated with additional references since first being posted.)
2020 started with double the joy at Western Isles Hospital yesterday (Wednesday January 1st), as the maternity department welcomed the arrival of two new baby girls for families from Stornoway and Ness.
Charlotte Elizabeth Salter made her arrival a week earlier than expected at 12.51pm, weighing 6lbs 4oz.
Mum Zara Macarthur of Stornoway said she was feeling good after the delivery of her "absolutely perfect, really gorgeous" baby girl, a first daughter for dad Darren Slater, sister for Kai, aged 11, and the third grandchild for Wilma and Peter Macarthur.
And Ruth and Leo Rees-Evans were similarly delighted to greet baby Beulah Ealasaid, born just six weeks after the family moved to Lewis and to their new home in Ness.
Brother Moses, 16 months old, has greeted his new sister with 'lots of kisses' according to mum Ruth, who said Beulah was born with lots of hair, weighing 8lbs 5oz, and was "happy, content and very beautiful."
The pictures show baby Charlotte Salter with dad Darren, mum Zara and brother Kai, and Beulah Rees-Evans with mum Ruth, dad Leo and brother Moses.
Refurbishment work is due to start work at the Butt of Lewis lighthouse on Monday (January 6th) after Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) awarded a £225,000 upgrade contract to Aberdeen-based TRAC international.
The works include replacement of the lighthouse optic and refurbishment and redecoration of the tower and mess facilities in the adjoining building. The contractor is a leading supplier of infrastructure engineering services, with a reputation for working in challenging environments.
Alongside the technical work to be carried out at Ness is the external redecoration of the ex-keeper's buildings, control block, engine room, tower light-room and dome. There will also be internal redecoration of the tower, watch-room and light-room. Broken glazing panels in the light-room will be replaced and an extension to the balcony walkway, installed for the old foghorn, will be removed.
Ahead of the work beginning, NLB have notified mariners that the existing light at the station has been withdrawn and replaced by a temporary light, with the flash characteristics as before – once every five seconds. The nominal range of the temporary light is 12 miles, by contrast to the 25 nautical miles of the permanent light.
Works are expected to be completed by 31st March 2020 and a further notice to mariners will be issued before the re-establishment of a permanent light in 2020.
The Butt of Lewis lighthouse was built in 1862, by engineer David Stevenson of the famous lighthouse Stevenson family. A tower 37 metres high, accessed by 168 steps to the top, is positioned at what's widely recognised as the windiest spot in Britain. The lighthouse has been category A listed as a historic building since 1971.
NLB's latest refurbishment project follows the completion of work at Eilean Glas lighthouse in Scalpay, which was recently refurbished at a cost of £282,000 by Orkney contractors R S Merriman Ltd.
Also a category A listed building, the lighthouse complex is described by Historic Scotland as: "a classic example of a lighthouse complex which encompasses the lighthouse, accommodation for the keepers and their families, means of transport with the jetty and a means of subsistence with fields and walled garden."
The lamp was first lit on October 16th 1789 and the Egyptian style of the keepers' cottage is also considered to be of architectural interest.
Eilean Glas lighthouse featured as a location in the Christmas day episode of Call the Midwife, which showed the arrival of a new baby in the lighthouse keeper's home.
The picture shows the newly refurbished Eilean Glas lighthouse (NLB) and Butt of Lewis lighthouse tower at night (John Maher).
Stornoway police have been alerted to two incidents of vehicles leaving the road in the past 24 hours.
At 8.45pm yesterday (Wednesday January 1st) a driver reported a car which had left the road at Sheshader road end in Point.
Police attended and later traced the registered keeper, confirming that there had been no injury and that all was in order.
The vehicle is still at the roadside but has been marked with police aware notices.
Police this morning (Thursday January 2nd) attended an unrelated incident where a van was found on its roof, close to the Oiseval gift shop and gallery at Brue in Lewis.
The vehicle, which was without registration plates, has been removed by police and further enquiries into the incident are under way.
'Tweedo' swimming trunks were in evidence at Bosta beach yesterday (Wednesday January 1st) as a small but determined group braved the waves for the first open water swim of the New Year.
Hebridean Sea Swimmers joined Lewis Pugh (United Nations Patron of the Oceans) on his latest training swim alongside training partner Max Holloway, Scottish outdoor swimmer Calum Maclean and a number of others who just couldn't stay out of the water.
Minch swimmer Colin Macleod said afterwards: "That's the way we do it in the Western Isles! Wind and waves a-biting on the Tweedos."
Storm winds blew in the New Year, and the Isle of Barra is still feeling the effects today (Thursday January 2nd) as ferries are once again cancelled.
The Sound of Barra service (Ardmhor to Eriskay) is cancelled for the day and the Castlebay-Oban service has also been suspended, with a likelihood of further disruption on that route tomorrow.
South-westerly winds are forecast to continue strong until around 5pm today, when they will become north-westerly but continue strong. A further period of high west winds is expected tomorrow.
A longer-term forecast is for gales from Sunday onwards, with the Met Office predicting gusts up to 60mph for Monday and Tuesday.
Storm winds blew in the New Year, and the Isle of Harris is still feeling the effects today (Thursday January 2nd) as ferries face disruption.
The Sound of Harris service (Berneray to Leverburgh) is cancelled for the day and the Uig-Tarbert service is subject to disruption throughout the day, with delays and cancellations possible at short notice.
South-westerly winds are forecast to continue strong until around 5pm today, when they will become north-westerly but continue strong. A further period of high west winds is expected tomorrow afternoon.
Ferry disruption for Barra
The short service which was scheduled to take place at the Iolaire Memorial at 2.00pm today (Wednesday January 1st 2020) has been cancelled due to the weather conditions, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar announced this morning.
Those who had intended to lay wreaths may do so at a time of their own choosing when weather permits, a CnES spokesman said on Twitter.
The memorial service had been planned by CnES as a continuation of memorial events surrounding the centenary of the Iolaire disaster, which took place in the early hours of January 1st 1919.
Rev James Maciver of Stornoway Free Church was to conduct the memorial service, predominantly in English, with one Gaelic psalm to be sung.
Rev Maciver earlier told welovestornoway.com: "We would be very happy if this could become an annual commemoration, especially because of the benefits to the community which we saw arising from the events last year.
"A lot of younger people came to understand and appreciate the importance of the anniversary and the meaning of the tragedy to our community. There were also people who discovered that they had relatives who were involved in the disaster, and there are still some older people left in the villages who had direct contact with families affected a century ago.
"Those people found the commemorations very helpful. It helped them to come to terms with what happened and involvement with the events offered a way to express their sense of loss."
CnES Trading Standards have received complaints regarding cold callers claiming to be contacting consumers from BT.
The caller states that the consumer's phone or internet service is about to be disconnected due to a missed payment on their account.
Households in Aird Tong have found themselves without water today (Thursday January 31st) as mains pipes froze in the unusually cold conditions.
Scottish Water is in the process of upgrading work including laying new mains, with contractors CalMax undertaking the work, which includes a process known as 'pipe-splitting'. This requires new pipes to be run through the old mains, with new connections then created to each customer.
While this work is happening, a temporary supply pipe is laid overland to keep the regular water supply running while the main pipe is being worked on.
Lewis footballer Rachael Johnstone impressed selectors so much at last weekend's development training that she's been selected for the Scotland squad – for the third consecutive time!
14-year-old Rachael, who lives in Balallan and goes to Sir E Scott school in Tarbert, was in Aberdeen from Friday (January 25th) to Sunday alongside players from women's U16 development squads at Celtic, Rangers, Hibs and Manchester United, among others, for an arduous weekend of training.
The UK Meteorological Office has this morning (Thursday January 31st) updated a weather warning for snow and ice.
The update now means that only Lewis falls into the extensive warning area, with the rest of the Western Isles, south of the Clisham, outwith the area of concern.
Police in the Western Isles have acted on community concerns and have been carrying proactive road safety patrols in the Stornoway area.
Since mid-December two motorists have been charged with dangerous driving and a further three in relation to careless or inconsiderate driving.
In addition, three have been charged with driving without the necessary MOT, one with driving with an obscured windscreen and three with lighting defects on their vehicle.
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Pupils from schools across the Outer Hebrides gathered at Sir E Scott in Harris yesterday (Wed, Jan 30) to take part in an international competition about building and programming Lego robots.
It was the first time the Outer Hebrides had taken part in the First Lego League tournament and Sgoil Lionacleit, Castlebay and Sir E Scott battled it out with their robot designs, while a group from the Nicolson observed the day, to get ideas for next time. A team from the Isle of Arran had hoped to participate remotely via video link but had technical issues at their end.
A total of 59 island employees of the broadband services provider TalkTalk have today (Wednesday January 30th) been given notice of redundancy.
Staff received the shock news that the Stornoway call centre is to close at the end of July, with all jobs moving to the mainland.
It's reported that the jobs will be relocated to Manchester and staff have been offered a relocation package or enhanced redundancy.
An Lanntair arts centre has announced the ten photographers whose work will be showcased in a Hebridean Dark Skies Festival exhibition to be launched on the festival's opening night, Friday 8 February.
The ten photographers – all from the Hebrides – were all shortlisted in the first Hebridean Dark Skies Festival photography competition. The competition winner, already announced, was Casey McIntyre, whose striking image of an atmospheric phenomenon called 'Steve' (Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement) was chosen for the cover of the new festival's first print programme – 'Steve' has also become a social media hit, the image shared thousands of times.
Ice and snow will continue to affect the Western Isles through the rest of this week, with Lewis and Harris under two new weather warnings issued this morning (Wednesday January 30th) by the Met Office.
A yellow 'be aware' warning of ice comes into force from 5pm today, covering the period until 11am tomorrow (Thursday) with the risk of injuries from slips and falls on icy pavements and untreated surfaces.
Western Isles cyclist Kerry MacPhee is flying home to Stornoway today (Wednesday January 30th) after finishing yesterday on the podium at the end of a gruelling four-stage mountain bike challenge in Lanzarote.
South Uist athlete Kerry was placed second overall in a field of 22 elite female cyclists, at the Club La Santa 4-Stage Mountain Bike Race Lanzarote, where amateur and elite riders challenge themselves on varied terrain of tarmac roads, sand, lava fields and dirt track. About 90% of the course is off-road.
CalMac is putting in place temporary timetable arrangements in Oban, while the harbour owner replaces one of the port's linkspans.
Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) will be shutting Berth No.1 to replace the linkspan from February 1st to 28th. During the work, all services will continue from Berth No.2.
The Stornoway Trust has rejected outright the suggestion that Mr Norman Maciver, who chairs the Trust, has a conflict of interest because he is also exploring the development of a windfarm near Barvas.
The Trust, which met last night (Monday January 28th), was reacting to a letter from four local grazings committees.
Following the meeting, Mr Iain Maciver, the estate's Factor, issued a statement saying:
Outer Hebrides businesses will have the opportunity to develop their brand to help them stand out against the competition at a brand development workshop this March.
Organised by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), as part of its Entrepreneurial Academy, the brand development workshop will be delivered by experts in the field and will be free to attend. The workshop takes place in Stornoway on 14th March 2019.
A film investigating the problem of plastic has earned Castlebay School pupils three finalist nominations in the youth category of the 2019 FilmG competition.
Today (Tuesday January 29th) is the closing date for contractors bidding to win a major contract from Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB), for the upgrading and modernising of Eilean Glas lighthouse in Scalpay.
Would-be contractors travelled to Scalpay on 15th January on a site visit hosted by NLB, to view the buildings and get the measure of the work involved.
Pupils from the four secondary schools across the Outer Hebrides will be gathering at Sir E Scott in Harris tomorrow (Wednesday, January 30) to take part in an international competition about building and programming Lego robots.
A fifth school, from the Isle of Arran, will also be taking part remotely.
The Outer Hebrides STEM competition day is part of this year's 'First Lego League' tournament and the islands' participation has been made possible by a grant of £2,000 from community wind farm charity Point and Sandwick Trust.
In court after domestic incident
A man appeared in court in Stornoway yesterday (Monday January 28th) after spending a night in custody at Stornoway police station.
The 37-year-old man was arrested at a residential address in the town on Sunday at 5.15pm after police were called to a disturbance at the address.
A 'Yellow' weather alert for snow and ice across the Western Isles has been issued by the UK Meteorological Office this morning (Tuesday January 29th).
The forecast snow has led Loganair to repeat their weather-change offer, allowing people who were planning to fly today or tomorrow the opportunity to make new arrangements.
Two minor faults in Stornoway town centre are under repair by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks this afternoon (Monday January 28th), with some businesses affected by loss of power.
A blown fuse in the sub-station in Perceval Square meant loss of power to 30 properties, mainly shops, in the town centre.
The fault was reported at 3.45pm and it is hoped that repairs will be complete by 5pm.
The four crofting townships seeking to develop community-owned wind farms on their common grazings near Stornoway are calling on the Stornoway Trust chairman, Norman Maciver, to step down after it was revealed that he is planning to develop a private wind farm in Lewis.
Pre-application screening plans for the development at Tol Mor, north-west of Upper Barvas, have been submitted to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
The proposed wind turbine development consists of a minimum of six wind turbines with proposed tower height of 92m and rotor diameter of 115m. The proposed tip height is approximately 150m. The proposed capacity is 24MW (4MW per turbine).
Charity walker Chris Lewis will be back in Lewis tomorrow (Tuesday January 29th), on one of the longest and most arduous stretches of his epic coastline challenge.
Lecturers at Lews Castle College could hold further strike action on Tuesday February 5th, despite some progress during talks with employers last week (Thursday January 24th).Representatives of the Further Education Lecturers Association (EIS-FELA), an autonomous organisation within the Educational Institute of Scotland, came away from last Thursday's meeting with agreement on a single issue, but other pay issues unresolved.
Police in the Western Isles are appealing for information following a break-in at a fishing lodge in the Grimersta area on the west side of Lewis.
Entry was forced to the property and a number of outboard motors stolen.
Four years ago today, on January 28th2015, Angus Morrison of Balallan suffered a heart attack. More fortunate than some, he survived the traumatic experience and started thinking what could be done to get help quickly to people in a similar situation.
A PPI Refund scam is currently circulating in the islands - which also involves a Google Gift card, warns the trading standards department at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
An initial cold call claims that you are due a PPI refund for over £4000 and asks for some personal detail including your name, address and how long you have been living at your address.
The new vice-chair of the Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has promised to put the needs of crofters right onto the agenda of decision-makers at every level.
Donald Mackinnon of Arnol was appointed vice-chair of the SCF at a board meeting in Inverness on Friday 18thJanuary.
Coastguard Rescue Teams from across the isle of Skye were in the midst of training on Saturday (January 26th) when a real emergency began to unfold in Uig harbour.
The team had just completed training scenarios with the area commander and senior ops officer, including rescuing a person from the water and a person with a serious head injury on a stairwell, with a subsequent fire, at the new fish feed plant at Kyle.
Stornoway Coastguard's operations centre were working at the extreme edge of their huge district on Friday (January 25th) as they co-ordinated the rescue of an injured fisherman from his ship.
The 43-year-old man had an open fracture to his right arm when the skipper of his vessel, the Faeroese Katrin Johanna, called Tórshavn Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre just after 10am on Friday.
There was sporting success for three of Lewis's young athletes over the weekend, in athletics and swimming championships held on the mainland.
Connor Maclean earned himself a bronze medal in the 1500 metres at the Scottish Senior Indoor Championships at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow on Saturday (January 26th).
Urras Coimhearsnachd Bhràdhagair agus Àrnoil (Bragar and Arnol Community Trust) on the West Side of Lewis has announced the appointment of Murdo Morrison to the post of Development Officer.
The post has been funded by the Aspiring Communities Fund supported by The European Social Fund and will see Mr Morrison based at Grinneabhat, the old Bragar school in North Bragar.
Hebrides Energy, the local Community Interest Company set up to secure cheaper electricity for island consumers, is reassuring island customers of the 'Hebrides Energy' tariff following the announcement that its supply partner, Our Power, has ceased to trade.
Our Power, a not-for-profit energy supplier with 38,000 domestic customers, has been unable to continue trading due to a sharp increase in the wholesale price of electricity over recent months.
Under the OFGEM 'Safety Net', which is funded by a levy spread across all energy suppliers, the Energy Regulator will immediately appoint a replacement supplier to continue providing service to Our Power customers.
Strong winds forecast over the weekend mean like cancellations on the Stornoway Ullapool route tomorrow (Saturday January 26th).
CalMac have placed the ferry on a yellow alert, with the 2.30pm sailing from Stornoway and the 6.30pm from Ullapool described as 'extremely doubtful' in a strong north-north-easterly wind, with wave heights forecast up to five metres.
Leverburgh lifeboat launched yesterday (Thursday January 24th) to reports of a speedboat which had run aground on a sandbar off Benbecula.
Stornoway Coastguard received the report at noon that the leisure craft, with one person aboard, was aground and had lost engine power just north of Benbecula airport.
The lifeboat was en route to the scene when it was reported that the fire and rescue boat from Benbecula airport had reached the casualty and that the person aboard was safe and well.
Police in Motherwell have issued an appeal to trace relatives of a man who passed away in Airdrie on January 11th.
The man, 78-year-old John Bruce is believed to have originated in Lewis and may have some relatives still in the islands.
CalMac Ferries is facing new clamour from the Islands to relocate its management from the Central Belt – and to drop its ideas of increasing ferry fares to choke off summer demands on island routes.
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has called on the Scottish Government and Cal-Mac to take forward the issue of locating management jobs in the Outer Hebrides.
The call comes following reports yesterday (Wednesday January 23rd) that Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is considering moving its National HQ to Fort George, near Inverness.
In response to public demand, Stornoway Port Authority is to seek permission to extend the lifespan of a powerful art installation commemorating the Iolaire disaster.
'Sheòl an Iolaire/The Iolaire Sailed' was installed on the town's South Beach in December, ahead of the centenary commemorations on 1 January and has since been visited by thousands of people.
A talk by author
Liz Macrae Shaw about Màiri Mhòr nan Òran will be held at Museum Nan Eilean
by Lews Castle on Wednesday 30th January at 7pm.
Liz Macrae Shaw will share her experience of researching the life and works of Mary MacDonald of Skye (born in 1821 in Skeabost not far from Portree) who is better known as Màiri Mhòr nan Òran, one of the 19th century's most outstanding Gaelic bards.
Leaving the Common Agricultural Policy as part of Brexit presents a positive opportunity to revitalise Scottish farming, Scottish Land & Estates said today (Wednesday January 23).
The rural business organisation made the comments within its response to the Scottish Affairs Committee's consultation, the Future of Scottish Agriculture post-Brexit.
The organisation said the priorities for any future agricultural support must focus on:
A further warning of ice for Lewis and Harris has been issued by the Met Office this morning (Wednesday January 23rd).
Issued at 10.15am, the warning covers the period between 6pm tonight and 11am on Thursday, and urges people to be aware of the risk of slips and falls with possible injuries and of icy roads making driving conditions hazardous.
National recognition has come for the senior Gaelic medium class (Primary 4-7) at Sgoil nan Loch who signed up to take part in last year's Wee Sleep Out to raise funds and awareness for the Scottish homelessness charity Social Bite.
The Sgoil nan Loch was placed 10th in the Wee Sleep Out fundraising league. As they were in the top 11 fundraisers, parent/organiser Mairi Mackenzie and two pupils from the class were invited to attend Social Bite's Thank You dinner in Edinburgh.
A young woman has received a recorded police warning following an incident in Stornoway yesterday afternoon (Tuesday 22nd January).
The 17-year-old was not arrested, but her behaviour at a public building in the town caused police to be called at 1.30pm, and she was subsequently charged with a breach of the peace.
A recorded warning stays on police record for two years, and can be taken into account if another crime is committed within that time.
Rhoda Grant Scottish Labour MSP for the Highlands and Islands region will be holding public advice surgery in Stornoway on Friday 25th January from 3pm - 4pm, no appointments are required if you wish to drop in and speak to Ms. Grant.
Yvonne White, a crofter from Kingsburgh on the Isle of Skye, has been appointed to lead the Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF).
At a board and council meeting held in Inverness last Friday, two new vice-chairs were also nominated and approved.
Na h-Eileanan an Iar MP Angus MacNeil says Scotland has the option to escape the chaos of Brexit through independence.
Mr MacNeil says that he and his SNP colleagues at Westminster have fought hard to ensure Scotland's voice is heard in the Brexit process but the UK Tory Government has refused to move on extending Article 50; have refused to rule out a devastating No Deal scenario; and have refused to hold another EU referendum.
Port operators CMAL say that because of findings during routine inspection of the Tarbert linkspan, issues have been identified which require the lifting ropes to be replaced.
The linkspan at Tarbert will be closed after the 16.00 ferry service on Wednesday 27 February departs, and will reopen for the arrival of the 11.20 sailing on Tuesday 5 March.
This will allow both sets of rope replacements to be carried out during a single closure period, CMAL say.
Broadband speeds in the Western Isles are slow, but they are not the slowest in Britain, a survey released today (Tuesday January 22nd) has found.
The consumer organisation Which? Carried out more than 277,000 broadband speed tests across the UK in the year to 30th September 2018, and found na h-Eileanan an Iar towards the bottom end of the scale, with an average speed of 11.5 megabytes per second (Mbps).
A new warning of icy conditions has been issued by the Met Office, with the whole of the Western Isles falling under the yellow 'be aware' notice.
Issued at 10am today (Tuesday January 22nd) the warning covers the period from 4pm this afternoon until 11am tomorrow, Wednesday.
Stornoway lifeboat RNLB Tom Sanderson launched at lunchtime today (Tuesday 12.45pm) to meet a French fishing vessel in Stornoway harbour, and to take on board a crew member needing medical attention.
The French trawler FV Sandettie called the French Coastguard when a 48-year-old crewman fell ill with stomach pains, while they were fishing north of the Butt of Lewis this morning.
Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MP Angus Brendan MacNeil and MSP Alasdair have slammed the Tory government in London for 'sneaking out' changes to state pensions which could affect older couples to the tune of £7,000 per year.
Changes to benefits for mixed-age couples – which will be introduced from 15 May 2019 - were quietly released by Tory ministers on the evening of Theresa May's humiliating Brexit-deal defeat.
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Welcome for Chris
Charity walker Chris Lewis is continuing his love affair with the Isle of Harris and its people – despite the weather throwing everything it's got at him while he's been on the island.
Former paratrooper Chris reached Tarbert on January 10th, with his dog Jet, after trekking round the coast from Uig as part of his epic round-UK walk. He's been walking since summer 2017 and aims to cover every inch of the British coastline, raising funds for the armed forces charity SSAFA as he goes.
A broken power line at Bernera road end was responsible for putting nearly 400 Uig homes in the dark just before 2pm today (Monday January 21st).
A spokesperson for Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) said the line was to be replaced, with engineering teams already on site now (3.20pm) and working to fix the problem.
On the 30th of November 2018, Castlebay Community School held a concert on the theme of emigration as part of the Dìleab (Legacy) project which also formed part of the Comhairle's engagement in Year of the Young Person.
Lewis stargazers were lucky to have intermittent clear skies during a spectacular lunar event in the early hours of this morning (Monday January 21st).