inside: YOUR8 PAGE PULL-OUT GUIDE
to what’s on this month
island news Edition 06 August 2012
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OPERATION TURBINE A massive logistical operation swings into action this month to deliver three huge wind turbines to South Uist.
The turbines, destined for Stòras Uibhist’s Loch Carnan site, measure 100m to the tip of the highest blade. Each blade measures 34m. The combined weight of the Enercon E70 turbines is 460 tonnes, which includes three engines at 52 tonnes apiece. A specialist ship, BBC Hollum, has been chartered to bring the turbines into Lochmaddy after Loch Carnan harbour proved too small for the task. The vessel has two cranes which can lift a combined weight of 120 tonnes. It is roughly the same size as the ferry MV Hebrides, and will occupy the ferry moorings over several days, moving out to make way for the ferry. It will take 20 movements to discharge the full load. Lochmaddy pier had to be tested to see if it is strong enough to take the weight of the components. A test hole was bored into the concrete, and the pier passed muster. On dry land, the operation passes into the care of specialist hauliers, Collett.
Test run of the dummy turbine blade.
HARRIS
They are using a 35m extendable trailer with rear wheel steering to transport the components to the site, and have already carried out a test run with a dummy turbine blade (pictured) to check the road width and bends, and the strength of the bridges all the way to Loch Carnan. Some works have had to be undertaken to accommodate the loads, with this part of the operation masterminded by Stòras Uibhist’s development manager Kirsty Campbell. Ms Campbell said: “We worked with the roads department to sort out a few issues. The lorry will be travelling through Balivanich to take advantage of the double track roads so we’ve had to straighten Creagorry junction temporarily, and create a bell mouth at the turn off on the Lochcarnan road. “Two signposts near Clachan and Carinish will be removed to allow the widest load past. All these things are temporary and will be reinstated.”
BERNERAY
But that is not all Ms Campbell has had to worry about. A 500 tonne crane is being brought in aboard MV Clansman via Lochboisdale for the construction of the turbines. Ms Campbell said: “The crane requires a road width of 3m, and parts of the Lochcarnan road are just under. This section is being widened to accept the crane along the entire length.” Once the turbines are delivered to the site, it is expected that they will be up in three weeks, with a further month or so required to carry out the internal cabling and commissioning. Meanwhile the three turbines are set to take on their own personalities. Stòras Uibhist is running a competition for local children to name each of them. Ms Campbell said: “All the estate area primary schools will be invited to suggest names for the turbines, and to design a logo which will be used on the sign for the site and in our communications. We will be looking for entries by the October holidays ready for an official naming ceremony and switch on later in the year.”
NORTH UIST
BENBECULA
SOUTH UIST
ERISKAY
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island news & ADVERTISER - August 2012 Issue 6
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Grants for Harris community projects
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Lewis and Harris ladies storm the Uists and Barra Eleven members of the Lewis and Harris Breast Cancer Support Members of Lewis and Harris Breast Cancer Support Group descended upon the Uists Group at Eriskay ferry terminal. and Barra for a three day summer outing. The ladies spent a day in Barra and Vatersay, and visited Kildonan Museum in South Uist as well as touring round North Uist. Their verdict: “Good weather, good wine and fine gentlemen.”
Barra Bunting Project Update Home-made flags with intriguing stories keep coming in from around the globe for the Barra Bunting Project. The bunting will be unveiled on September 1 at the Barra and Vatersay show, and there’s still time to get yours in. You only need to have set foot on Barra or Vatersay once to qualify. Project co-ordinator Sarah Maclean writes: This is flag number 77 from Ohio which Peter McNeill handed in in person on 18 July. He did his flag in
memory of his father who visited Barra and was also in the US Navy. We would also like community groups to be represented as Barra and Vatersay have such a strong voluntary sector - so if you are involved with one of the many community groups on the islands then why not make a flag for them too. We are not leaving out businesses either - whether you have a B&B, croft or any other type of business we would like to see you all represented. Please let people know about the project – perhaps send an email or tweet to someonewho has been to the island, or share a link on facebook. www.barrabunting.net @barrabunting www.facebook.com/ barrabunting The Barra Bunting Project is run by Barra and Vatersay Island Produce Show and financially assisted by a CNES Arts Revenue Grant.
island news IS THEFREEMONTHLY NEWSPAPER Edition 01
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The John Muir Trust (JMT) is suppor ting three projects in Harris this year from its Conservation Fund. JMT has awarded £5,000 towards the East Harris Woodland Project, and £3,000 towards the Harris Mountain Festival. The Trust is also supporting the prod uction of leaflets for the West Harris Trust. Duncan MacPherson of West Harris Trus t said: “This award is extremely valuable to us. We can now produce a leaflet showcasing the outstanding wild landscape and natural heritage of our area, enabling visitors to be more informed and conservation-minde d in their enjoyment of it.”
CoastAdapt VIDEOS ONLINE
eos about has produced 5 short vid ce in south Iceland, pla The CoastAdapt project d climate change taking ter Hebrides. environmental, social an Ou e Norway, Orkney and th West Ireland, Northern fessor Andrew s video is narrated by pro SNH, exde bri He ter Ou te nu mi son of The six entary by Johanne Fergu Cooper, and features comm w Francis of Stòras Uibhist. d Hu councillor Peter Carlin an nel on You Tube. on the CoastAdapt chan nd fou be The videos can
Music on the Isles Tutors’ Concert
Rebekka Hartmann Violin
Community Hall, Berneray
Caroline Bergius Harpsichord
Saturday September 1, 2012 8pm Entry free, donations to Music on the Isles welcome.
READER OFFER
Ethnobotanist Anne Barker recently visited the Uists and Barra to continue her research and recording of folk remedies for Ethnobotanica, an oral history archive based at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew.
She writes:“I collected memories of plant uses from contributors in North Uist, Benbecula and Barra; this valuable Anne Barker. information has been sent to Kew.The contributors, who remember childhood during and after the War, told me about games played with plants (soldiers, iris leaf boats, dandelion clocks); the various uses of seaweed (soup, pudding, back cures, bed mattresses, cattle tonic); gathering berries for jams and tarts, and using plants that eased stings (Copag) or cleaned wounds (Cuach Phàdraig). In the glorious sunshine I was also able to explore the botanic diversity of the Western Isles: the Machair Leithann on North Uist; the graveyard at Nunton in Benbecula; the lochs of South Uist; Prince Charlie’s Beach on Eriskay; the machair at Eoligarry and the lochside near North Bay on Barra; and a high meadow on Vatersay.The orchids everywhere were fantastic.” Ms Barker has already published a book of traditional plant remedies. Island News & Advertiser readers can receive £2 off her Remembered Remedies: Scottish Traditional Plant Lore (rrp £9.99) and free p&p in the UK by calling Booksource on 0845 370 0067 (office hours) and quoting reference INA8.
August 2012 Issue 6 - island news & ADVERTISER
Going potty at An Doirlinn An intact prehistoric pot, and a further five complete but smashed ancient pots are among the rare finds in South Uist by archaeologists trying to uncover the secrets of Britain’s earliest Neolithic people.
Painstakingly excavating the ancient pot.
A team led by Dr Duncan Garrow (Liverpool University) and Dr Fraser Sturt (Southampton University) found the pots during a three week dig on the An Doirlinn promontory in South Uist. The complete pot was found on the last day of the dig, as the team reached the final layer of human habitation on the site. It is likely to be at least five and a half thousand years old. Dr Garrow said: “It was found on its own in a pit, right at the very beginning of the settlement. It was found along with a few small post holes, and it’s possible that it may have been some sort of ‘foundation deposit’ for the site as a whole.” The other five pots are thought to date from around 3,500 BC and were found in smithereens, but
with stones on or around them. Dr Garrow said: “This could have been caused by a storm or catastrophic event, as the site appears to have been temporarily abandoned about then. It’s outstanding and very unusual to get entire smashed pots.” The fragments will be radiocarbon dated, and if they have any coatings of food inside, these will be analysed to shed light on what kind of diet the people would have had.
Duncan Garrow (right) and Fraser Sturt at the dig.
A large flint knife was one of the important finds.
Other finds on site included many decorated and grooved pottery sherds, flint tools including a knife (pictured) a polished stone axe head and other stone instruments, and pumice which was used for shaping bone tools and probably floated down from Iceland. Dr Garrow said the dig had exceeded all their expectations and was one of the best preserved Neolithic sites he had seen in Britain. The team is half way through a three year project to look for evidence of the earliest Neolithic settlers on Britain’s western seaboard. They are also carrying out digs in the Channel Islands, the Scilly Isles, the Isle of Man and Orkney.
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Conserve water call continues Scottish Water is maintaining its call to conserve water in the Western Isles. A spokesman said: “Rainfall in recent days is welcome but has to be seen in the context of a very prolonged dry spell in the Western Isles and North West Highlands in preceding weeks. “That’s why we would encourage customers to continue taking simple steps to use water wisely while we closely monitor water levels. “Arrangements are in place to maintain supplies to customers.”
Goose scaring begins Active goose management by Mahair Life+ begins this month. Rory MacGillivray said: “There are basic things crofters can do which will deter geese that may be in the area of young crop now. A key message is mix and change what you do. A scarecrow will work for a short time, but move it every few days and walk towards geese when you see them and flush them off.” He urged crofters to engage with the scheme to help it work efficiently and create a strong argument for continued goose funding on the Uists into the future.
island news Edition 01
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Now into its third year, the Machair Life’s Uist Goose Management Scheme aims to minimise agricultural damage by greylag geese, using timed and co-ordinated scaring activities. From the end of June through July, geese move onto local waters to moult and lose the ability to fly. Once the flight feathers have regrown, family groups begin to encroach on standing and ripening crops from late July onwards. Machair Life’s Uist Goose Co-ordinator
Machair Life’s scheme has funding until 2014. Kites, scarecrows, poles and wires can be picked up from the Machair Life office in East Camp or from Rory MacGillivray on 07879 443518.
March 2012
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LONG-SERVING COASTGUARDS HONOURED YOUR STORIES ARE IMPORTANT: Contact
They have more than 180 years service among them. The commitment of Uist’s longest-serving coastguards has been honoured in a presentation in Balivanich coastguard station. Three men from Griminish station and three from Lochboisdale received a clasp to their existing Long Service
Medals (earned after 20 years) in recognition of their reaching thirty years service. Roderick MacDonald, Ewen MacDonald and Ian MacLean of Griminish and Ian Binnie, Donald MacLellan and Calum MacLellan of Lochboisdale received their clasps from their sector manager Roger Baillie.
He also presented the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal to Uist and Benbecula coastguards serving more than five years. Pictured, from left to right: Roderick MacDonald, Ewen MacDonald, Ian Maclean, Roger Baillie, Ian Binnie, Donald MacLellan, Calum MacLellan.
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island news & ADVERTISER - August 2012 Issue 6
Traditional ceilidh revived to tackle isolation and loneliness A Uist Befriending charity has announced plans to reinstate the traditional island ceilidh in an effort to tackle loneliness and social isolation in the isles. Caraidean Uibhist (Uist Befriending) has received £133,693 from Big Lottery and £27,000 from Comic Relief to progress their five part “Older People’s Project” over the next five years. The reintroduction of the ceilidh is once of the key tranches of the project, under the heading Blether Together. The idea came after the charity after entered into community consultation over what was most required to tackle issues stemming from loneliness and isolation. Social activities within people’s own neighbourhoods came high on the list. Blether Together will reinstate the traditional crofting ceilidh where neighbours visited each other and exchanged news and yarns. Volunteer befrienders will now facilitate small groups of people to gather in each other’s homes and community venues to revive the tradition. Caraidean Uibhist manager Sheena Stewart (pictured) said: “Supporting social and neighbourly connections has a huge impact on people’s lives. The ceilidhs will also be good for new people coming into the community, and we will be using the gatherings to make available other support such as safety information as we have found that many older people get anxious about things like postal and telephone scams.” Other aspects of the Older People’s Project include improving access to exercise, education, help to get to medical appointments and empowerment though training in new technology like Skype and Facebook to help people feel more connected. Caraidean Uibhist was formed in 2004 to develop support services for people who are socially and physically isolated. It has a network of some 20 volunteers who have worked over the past three years with more than 60 befriendees.
Six-storey broch proposed for South Uist Cultural Centre Team Ceòlas is digesting the results of its feasibility study into a purposebuilt Centre for Gaelic Language, Music and Dance in South Uist. The study, carried out by Dunira Associates, was launched at a public meeting in St Peter’s Hall. The study describes building a new world-class facility as meeting Government ambition for Gaelic and the creative industries, boosting the visitor economy and preserving the language, culture and environment of the Hebrides. The study backed the idea of a joint development with UHI and other key Scottish and international stakeholders. Ideas for the building have been drawn
Uist’s local FIVE A DAY
up by Benjamin Tindall Architects of Edinburgh. The preferred idea is for a £10.6 million, six storey broch on the shores of Loch Nan Geadh between Daliburgh and Lochboisdale. The building was inspired by the need for good acoustics, and by the culture and landscape of South Uist. A circular performance area and broch-like form in the landscape was the unanimous choice in public workshops. The architects describe it as “a series of wonderful spaces, full of surprises, varied lighting effects, framed views and with a high degree of flexibility.” Mary Schmoller of Ceòlas said: “Ceòlas Board are now absorbing the
significance of the amount of work needing to be done to bring this excellent project to fruition. Feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive.” Ceòlas recently received a Scottish Government grant of £5,000 to progress their project. The grant was announced by Education secretary Michael Russell on a visit to the proposed site. He said: “Ceòlas want to create a permanent base in Uist and this additional funding will help them develop to ensure their ever-growing activity programme brings the maximum benefit to Uist and the best experience for their students.”
Lettuce, kale, beetroot, turnip, broccoli, fennel, broad beans, courgettes and rhubarb are just some of the locally grown produce now featuring in a new box scheme in the Uists. Growers include Maria Scholten (pictured), Anneke Kraakman, Chris and Christine Johnston and East Camp project, supplying around 15 customers so far. Maria Scholten said the scheme is based on flexibility and what the customer wants. She said: “Rather than fill a box with the same thing for everyone and even buying things in like some schemes, we have based it on availability and flexibility and asking customers what they really want and how much.” Customers are sent order forms at the beginning of the week with a list of what is available, and pick up their boxes from the Sustainable Uist croft site at Lionacleit on Thursdays.
UIST ROCKET Ruccola di Benbecula ● ●
Tender and Tasty Grown on Machair and Seaweed SALES
Green house near beach behind Dark Island Hotel,Liniclate,Benbecula.
Call Maria
07746 671984
History of Gaelic Education conference in Balivanich
IOCHDAIR YOUTH CLUB NEWS The club had a busy end of term. Ten children passed the club’s annual Scottish Cycle Training Scheme and received their certificates. Olympic torchbearer Gemma Steele dropped by to show the
children the Olympic torch. Members had fun on the beach at Eriskay during the club’s annual outing, with lunch at Am Politician and a session at Daliburgh play park on the way back. The club starts up again in September.
Education in the Gaelic-speaking communities before and after the Education(Scotland) Act 1872 is the theme of a one-day conference in Balivanich school on Saturday August 25. Tasglann nan Eilean Siar is hosting the conference, with talks by Prof Matthew McIver and Dr Elizabeth Ritchie of UHI, William MacDonald of CnES and Ness Historical Society. Price £10 including lunch, bookings through tasglann.org.uk.
August 2012 Issue 6 - island news & ADVERTISER
South Uist pre-history inspires dancefilm
Niall Sharples during a visit to South Uist.
Mr Sharples’account of part of his excavations has recently been published: A Late Iron Age Farmstead in the Outer Hebrides: Excavations at Mound 1, Bornais, South Uist. Ed.Niall Sharples.Pub.Oxbow.
Opportunity to bring back Bornish finds
Filming took place outside over ten days.
The pre-history of Cladh Hallan roundhouse in South Uist and its intriguing mummies inspired an improvisational dancefilm shot on location last month. Called The Time It Takes, the short film was filmed over 10 days mainly on South Uist machair and beaches. Three dancers took part, Rosalind Masson, soon to be Uist’s new dancer in residence; Simon Ellis from New Zealand, and Dai Jian from China. Mr Ellis said: “We had some warm-up spaces for the dancers, but filmed outside all the time. At points it was very challenging for the dancers and crew due to the wet but it’s made for very atmospheric filming.” The film, mainly funded by Creative Scotland, is a project of Highland-based Goat Media and its codirector Katrina McPherson. Ms McPherson directed the location filming, assisted by five crew and local video artist, Mairi Thomson.
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The archaeologist who excavated one of the largest Norse settlements in Britain, Bornish in South Uist, has called on the local community to consider getting the finds home. Niall Sharples of Cardiff University excavated the site at Bornish between 1994 and 2004. His work revealed a sequence of occupation from 300 to 1400 AD, and provides crucial evidence of the development of commercial fishing, the organisation of craft activities and the use of domestic space during that period. He said: “The site is as rich as anything in Orkney and shows the
Western Isles as a major political force in Scotland. It has yielded fantastic good quality material, including big platters and pots from England and Ireland, 1500 iron pieces, spearheads, knives, a cauldron holder, stick pins, glass beads, bone tools, coins and decorative items. There is evidence of feasting and conspicuous consumption. Everything points to Bornish being at the centre of a sea-faring network.”
Mr Sharples said the material is now ready to be disposed of and will end up in front of the Treasure Trove panel, at which point organisations can make bids for it. He said: “The material is internationally significant and a resource of considerable value to the nation and the world. It is an ideal opportunity for the community to bring it all back here and have it on display.”
Crown estate officials visit North Uist Roy Evans, Head of Development and Asset Management and Vivienne King,legal director and company secretary toured Lochmaddy Bay with CNM chairman Gus Macaulay and trustee, Niall Johnson. The Crown Estate is drafting a Local Management Agreement with CNM to develop a 26 berth marina in the bay. Mr Evans said: “It’s been good for us to see the site and the enthusiasm to get this fabulous project moving forward at Lochmaddy. It is clearly going to have a major impact on sustainable tourism in the Hebrides. The Crown Estate is devising a route map to completion of the project with Comann Na Mara.” Mrs King said: “It is an ideal location for yachting, all you need to do is put the facilities in there and you will have yachtsmen clamouring.” Neither official would be drawn on the political row surrounding the Crown Estate’s role in Scotland and demands for their marine assets to be devolved to local communities. Mr Evans said: “We have always taken a low profile in our work with local communities.”
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Two senior Crown Estate officials have visited North Uist to progress Comann Na Mara’s (CNM) plans for a marine development in Lochmaddy Bay.
island news March 2012
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island news & ADVERTISER - August 2012 Issue 6
South Uist pipe tune inspires Fèis animation A South Uist pipe tune became the inspiration for an original piece of animation created by children attending Fèis Tìr an Eòrna this year.
Lochmaddy SWRI summer sell-out
A ten day exhibition and sale of work organised by Lochmaddy SWRI saw baking, preserves, garden produce and crafts selling ‘like hot cakes’ in Lochmaddy school. The sale enabled local knitters, artists and crafters to exhibit and sell their wares, donating 10% of their takings to North Uist Amateur Athletics Club. SWRI members carried out a rota of baking to fulfill demand for oatcakes, scones and sweet treats. Marmalade and jam were among the most popular items, and certainly found favour with three year old Emma Saxton (pictured).
The Hills of South Uist by John Steele (1889-1951) became the soundtrack for the work, and was played on his own pipes by his great-great granddaughter Chloe Steele of Askernish. (pictured). Chloe, 14, said: “My papa Roddy Steele passed the pipes on to me when he found out I had joined the Sgoil Lionacleit Pipe Band and he thought I needed a set for my solo piping. I was lucky that my tutor Domhnall Ban and my tutor at the fèis, Iain Ruiraidh were able to get the pipes back in working order. I recorded it for the Hills of South Uist animation. It was good fun, I enjoyed it.” Animation was a new option in the fèis this year. The class was led by Taigh Chearsabhagh arts officer Andy Mackinnon, assisted by local artists Lousie Cook and Margaret Joan MacIsaac.
Around 30 children took part, creating three works totalling eight minutes. Mr Mackinnon said he was delighted by the results. He said: “The children really took to it, and the quality of their work was superb. It was great to see.”
Crofting law specialists Brian Inkster and Eilidh Ross of Inksters are inviting crofters to attend presentations in Uist next month on all aspects of crofting law, and the changes brought about by the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Act 2010.
To build on the success of the fèis project, Mr Mackinnon is offering afternoon animation workshops at Taigh Chearsabhagh from August 13 to 15, 24.30pm, price £10 plus VAT per session. Places are limited and booking is essential. Tel: 01870 603977.
UIST SCHOOLS FIRST FOR SALTIRE AWARDS
Dates: September 4th, Hosta Hall, 7.30pm. September 5, venue and dates to be confirmed. See September issue of Island News & Advertiser.
Gordon MacDonald awarded certificates to Carinish pupils.
Three Uist schools are the first in the Western Isles to receive new Scottish Government awards for youth volunteering. The Saltire Awards enable young volunteers to record the skills, experience and learning gained through their contributions, and build in confidence and responsibility as a result. The awards unroll in four stages, Challenge, Approach, Ascent and Summit. Pupils from Balivanich, Paible and Carinish schools achieved Challenge certificates for their work in the clean-ups organised by Gordon MacDonald of Uist Volunteer Centre in the spring. Please speak to Anneke & Sue
Paible school’s Eco-council with their awards.
August 2012 Issue 6 - island news & ADVERTISER
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National Certificate Music A unique partnership between West Highland College UHI and the National Centre for Excellence in Traditional Music in Plockton brings a new slant to college options.
NC Music in Plockton is offered through the medium of Scottish traditional music. The NC is also available in Fort William with contemporary music as the medium.
TRY BEFORE YOU APPLY! West Highland College UHI is offering FREE taster sessions for potential music students.
Friday 10th August 9:30 am - 3:30 pm
Tuesday 14th August 10 am - 3 pm
Contemporary Music Fort William
Traditional Music Plockton
For more information about music options contact: Becky Milne (Plockton) 01599 544217 Miriam Iorwerth (Fort William) 01397 874245
So many choices starting in September with West Highland College UHI Access to Further Education
(Fort William,Portree)
NC Art and Design
(Portree)
NC Administration
(Auchtertyre)
NC Child, Health and Social Care
(Fort William,Portree)
Certificate in Construction Skills
(Fort William)
NC Digital Media Computing
(Portree)
Certificate in Event Planning
(Fort William)
Certificate in Maritime Skills
(Mallaig)
NC Music
(Fort William,Plockton)
NC in Outdoor Adventure
(Broadford)
Classes at sea with Certificate in Maritime Skills in Mallaig WHC UHI delivers Marine & Coastal Agency STCW 95 mandatory courses (a must for anyone stepping on a boat for employment purposes) as part of this course. This is a great benefit to the coastal communities West Highland College UHI serves.
Getting creative in Portree NC Art and Design Painting, printing, textiles, drawing---NC Digital Media Computing Web design, animation----
Certificate in Advanced Outdoor Leadership (Fort William) City & Guilds Diploma Professional Cookery (Fort William) NC Rural Skills
(Broadford,Fort William)
BA (Hons) Adventure Tourism Management A range of degree courses through UHI and Work based Modern Apprenticeships
Call 01397 874246 www.whc.uhi.ac.uk
West Highland College UHI is a company limited by guarantee (SC153921) with charitable status (SC024193)
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island news & ADVERTISER - August 2012 Issue 6
People Padruig’s next musical adventure One of Uist’s best-known youngsters will next month head to Edinburgh to complete his secondary education at St Mary’s Music School. Padruig Morrison, 16, from Grimsay has been making a musical and artistic mark on the Uists from a very young age, from drawing cartoons for Am Paipear, to acting in the Gaelic film Seachd, composing traditional tunes and playing accordion and piano with many island musicians. He won the coveted place at the school for gifted young musicians after a demanding two-day audition process. Going into the equivalent of fifth year, Padruig will continue his academic studies while studying and playing a wide range of music, including classical, traditional, jazz and choral.
He said: “Every pupil has their own tailored timetable, so there’s time for practicing throughout the day, and music lessons.” Padruig will have 34 boarding companions at the school. St Mary’s has a roll of 80 pupils, 20 of them choristers at the nearby St Mary’s Cathedral. He said: “It will be a very different world, a new challenge. “Uist has been a fantastic place to grow up in for the whole cultural side of things. “The fèis is a great thing to allow anybody to get started on any instrument and ceilidhs help people get used to performing and speaking in front of people with confidence. “As well as that the culture has come
from my Dad (Lachie) and the community. The cultural inheritance is really strong, I’m lucky to have that.” He added: “I’ll be continuing composing in the traditional style, but making bridges with jazz. There will be a lot of classical on piano which will be good for my musical knowledge and classical on accordion which will be a whole new challenge for me.” Padruig will attend St Mary’s for two or possibly three years, and hopes then to go on to university to study music and maths.
ANTI-POVERTY CHARITY NEEDS YOUR BROKEN BIKES AND COMPUTERS New collection boxes have appeared in 40 outlets between Eriskay and Lochmaddy, raising money for Perthshirebased charity Humanos Aid International. The charity works with local communities and support organisations such as Blythswood Care and Caritas to relieve poverty, distress and suffering wherever it is found worldwide. That is increasingly closer to home. Officially, one million children in the UK aren’t getting enough food. Humanos founder Billy Chung said:
“We know there are now more than 18,000 children going to bed hungry in Perthshire alone.” Mr Chung, a retired businessman, began his humanitarian work after a visit to Hungary, during which he was begged for food by an elderly woman outside his hotel. The distress of the woman prompted him into a vortex of action. He formed Humanos Aid International to collect food, clothes, PCs, bikes and other goods to ship initially to needy communities in Hungary and now Romania, Bulgaria and the Ukraine. When Mr Chung began to realise the extent of poverty on his own doorstep,
Humanos started handing out shoe boxes with food to needy families in Aberfeldy and Kinloch Rannoch. The charity wants to establish a Food Bank in Perthshire. Meanwhile Mr Chung is looking for help from Uist residents to further his humanitarian work. Combatting waste, be it of food or goods is a one of Humanos’s key goals, so the charity is looking for broken bikes and computers to repair for distribution in needy areas. Shoes are also always in demand. Mr Chung said: “We are looking for some space to act as a depot on the islands for these broken or unwanted
goods, and for volunteers to become involved in this side of the charity’s work.”
To find out more about Humanos Aid International Billy Chung. visit www.humanos.org.uk. To contact, email: hai@humanos.org.uk or telephone 01887 840278.
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While you’re swimming three km in a freezing sea loch, cycling 202 km, then running the equivalent of a full marathon up two Munros all in the space of a day, things might get a little challenging both mentally and physically. When the going got tough for North Uist fitness instructor Rob Quarm who was doing just that to earn the title of Celtman! Extreme Triathlete, he conjured up images of his late father Bill to spur him on. Rob, 32, lost his father earlier this year and says he needed a focus to help him deal with his grief. He decided to take on the Celtman! Extreme Triathlon and use the challenge to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. Rob grew up on North Uist where as a founding member of North Uist Amateur
Athletics Club he was able to nurture his love of sport, compete for club and school and launch his coaching career. Rob now lives in Galashiels with his partner Tracy and son Sebastian. He works for Borders Sport and Leisure Trust and as a personal fitness trainer in Stobo Castle, where he was able to train for the Celtman challenge. Tracy, also a fitness trainer at Stobo, and Sebastian became Rob’s vital support team during his Celtman challenge, helping him change from wet suit to cycle shorts and driving ahead of him to give him sports drinks during the cycle ride in a race where every second counts.
Rob said: “After the cycle ride my knees were sore, which made the mountain run the hardest bit and stopped me moving nimbly.” Rob came in with a time of 16 hours, 25 minutes and 17 seconds, placing him at number 63. He said: “Doing this in honour and memory of my dad put a strength and motivation behind me to keep me going. “Raising money for Macmillan which helped our family so much during my dad’s illness was also something which kept me going.” Rob has almost reached his fundraising target of £5,000 with donations still coming in via his Just Giving site: www.justgiving.com/rob quarm. He plans to undertake two more triathlons this year and has the Island Games open water triathlon in Bermuda in his sights next year. But as it involves a mere 1500m swim, 40k cycle ride and 10k run, it will be more like a stroll in the park for Celtman Rob.
August 2012 Issue 6 - island news & ADVERTISER
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Sport
Photo courtesy of Ruairidh MacDonald
Uist Shinty triumph CAMANACHD UIBHIST 2 - CAMANACHD LEODHAIS 2
Camanachd Uibhist won 2-1 on penalties After a break of three years,Uist Camanachd brought home the Hebridean Festival Shinty Challenge Cup once again after an exciting match in Bayhead,Stornoway. Victory came on penalties after a close-fought game. Captain Lee Thomson and Dougie MacKenzie converted for the penalties for Uist. Photo courtesy of Wolfgang Berius
Stornoway Running Club came down for the Berneray 10k.
This year’s Berneray 10k was won by Andrew King of Point in 37.32 minutes. Malcolm Shepherd of Glasgow came second with a time of 38.02m, which also saw him win the over 40s category. Winner of the ladies was Jennifer Gane of Hougharry with a time of 46.56m (overall position 12) and Berneray winner was Chris Spears with 46.52m (overall position 11).
Sunny skies lit up North Uist’s Highland Gathering on Friday July 21 at Balelone farm. Piping and dancing kept every corner of the ground full of action, while youngsters turned out in force to participate in the track and field events. Side shows were complemented by the arrival of the coastguard helicopter. Carinish took the district trophy by a wide margin.
Ranald Fraser cleaned up in the heavyweight section.
South Uist Games
Piping under grey skies.
Fisher 8 won the men’s tug o war.
Domhnall Ban supported his pupils throughout the junior piping section.
Flying high in the field events.
South Uist Games and Piping Society’s Highland Gathering took place on Askernish machair on Wednesday July 18. Despite leaden skies and a chilly breeze, the gathering attracted good crowds to enjoy the high standard of piping and dancing, and an ever-growing Dancing was as competitive variety of side shows. as ever.
March 2012
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North Uist
BOARDING KENNELS Bayhead, North Uist Open all hours We are a small family run Boarding Kennels who want to look after your pets as you would. Individual needs catered for including; ● Medication given ● Daily beach walks for dogs ● Heated beds for cats ● Large outside exercise pens for dogs. ● Collection and delivery service across the Islands Please call Gillian to inspect our facilities or to discuss individual requirements on:
Ranald Fraser made the heavyweight events look easy.
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Berneray 10k
North Uist Highland Gathering
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island news & ADVERTISER - August 2012 Issue 6
The Summer of 2012 SOUTH UIST & BENBECULA AGRICULTURAL SHOW
Organisers were delighted with the turnout of livestock this year. New steel fencing made life easier for stockmen in the pens. Livestock judges were Donald Linton and Malcolm MacDonald from Oban. Show chairman Donald Roddy MacRury said gate numbers were up on last year, with people braving cool, grey weather to support the show. He appealed for new committee members to take the show forward with “new ideas and new ways of doing things.” One man who triumphed at the show was Archie ‘Sketch’ Macaulay (pictured) who swept the board with his Beccaross blackfaces. He dedicated his success to his mentor, the late Angus John Monk of Lionacleit.
Fèis Tìr a’ Mhurain As a singer and dancer who lived here in the 1970’s visiting the Iochdar fèis was like walking into a Hebridean oasis of music and culture, writes Lesley Buchanan. Some 111 children attended this year to experience and learn from tutors who themselves had come up through the fèis in previous years. As I was shown round each room it was a veritable treat to pop into each activity. Drama games were in full swing playing the ‘zap’ game; the art class so engrossed none looked up while shinty was being taught outside. The tutor for the Clarsach was Judith Cummings from Seattle USA who also attended Ceolas. Highland dancing for beginners was enthusiastic and a real delight to watch, while the accordion classes were so full that extra tutors had to be brought in. What a fantastic advert for the islands and Gaelic culture.
Berneray Sheep Dog Trials
MR MACAULAY WON: ● Best ewe lamb at show ● Best blackface ram at show ● Best blackface gimmer at show ● Best sheep in hill section ● Most points in hill section ● Champion blackface at show ● Supreme sheep champion with a blackface gimmer.
Part of the Hebridean Sheepdog Trials circuit,the Berneray trials coincided with Berneray Week,adding to the island’s vibrant atmosphere. With 56 dogs competing under sunny skies it proved a great day out for onlookers and competitors alike.
Results
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HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS Young Piper of The Year 2012 This hotly competed title was won by 25 year old Ashley McMichael from Antrim, Northern Ireland. Ashley (pictured above) has been playing with Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe band for eight seasons, and is currently tutored in Northern Ireland by Bertie Todd, and in Scotland by Willie MacCallum of Bearsden. Ashley said: “This is my first time playing at the Highland
Games in Scotland. I just wanted to get a mention, never mind win it, so I am over the moon.” For the first time in a long time, a local player took a trophy with South Uist’s Michael Steele (pictured left) winning the under 18 category. Michael’s outstanding playing sees him in constant demand by other island musicians and highlights the progress of Uist piping under the tutelage of Domhnall Ban. Winner of the under 15s was Brighde Chaimpbeul of Kyle, praised for the her natural grace and unique technique.
1st 85 points 2nd 84 points 3rd 83 points
J McGee with Max Robert Gallagher with Jake Kenny Donald with Nell
Local competition winner: Neil MacAskill Berneray.
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August 2012 Issue 6 - island news & ADVERTISER
The Summer of 2012 Organisers ran out of superlatives to describe this year’s Ceòlas, with numbers up by 30% and classes filled to capacity.
Taste of the Isles and Benbecula Fun Day Food glorious food tempted crowds into Balivanich Hall to enjoy the second annual Taste of the Isles event. Organised by Sustainable Uist and North Uist Development Company, the day showcased local food from fresh garden produce, meat, fish and shellfish to preserves, cheese, baking and chocolate. Island drams were also on hand to wash down the ample tastings. The day was complemented by family fun in Balivanich square, with live music, the An Radio bandwagon and lots of games for the children.
The ceilidhs raised the roof, talks and walks were attended by record numbers, CDs and books were launched, some of the finest tutors in the world coached keen students of Gaelic music - and the weather was glorious all week.
Fèis Tìr an Eòrna Another first were animation classes which mined an unsuspected seam of talent in the children. (see page 6) Fèis chairperson Nanac Skivington
North Harris agricultural show
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The buzz at this year’s North Uist fèis was almost tangible. Some 80 children from Uist, the mainland and even New York attended the event in Paible school, enjoying traditional music and dance activities, shinty and for the first time traditional sports such as shot put and hammer throwing.
was full of praise for the participants and their tutors. She said: “They have all been fantastic, so enthusiastic and excited about what they’re doing. Many of the tutors are young themselves, local athletes, former students at Benbecula campus or musicians from the mainland keen to take part.” She extended special thanks to Uist’s piping tutor Domhnall Ban. “He has been with this fèis from the start, making this his 23rd year,” she said.
March 2012
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A busy show in Willow Park, East Tarbert on July 4. Fine weather, livestock and lots of activities and competitions drew in the crowds. Photos courtesy of Anne MacLellan.
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