Island News & Advertiser by Island News & Advertiser Ltd

Inside: Time Out

Take time out over the festivities to enjoy our six page special featuring work by island writers and photographers. From page 15

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IN&A wishes you ❄

a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

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island news ❄

Edition 10

❄

& ADVERTISER

December 2012 - Januaray 2013

ISLANDS AT THE CROSSROADS ●

Festive season unfolds under cloud of uncertainty

Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar services: Community transport, education, training, libraries, social care, inter-island flights, arts, museums, tourism, infrastructure- where will the axe finally fall on the long list of potential areas to cut? CnEs officials are currently absorbing feedback from public consultations to decide which cuts will go from possible to probable. More public consultations in January ahead of final decisions in February. RET for commercial vehicles: Will the independent draft report on the impact of RET removal for commercial vehicles find in favour of local campaigners who want it reinstated? Draft report due to be released this month. Business economist Prof Neil Kay of Strathclyde University said: “ I have consistently argued the case for low ferry fares here as crucial to maintaining and developing healthy island economies and societies. “I also warned that the so-called RET Pilot was doomed to fail to achieve its objectives, because no sensible person or firm would make long-run location or investment decisions into the Western Isles on the basis of what could be temporarily low prices as in that RET pilot. “The fares would have to be seen and believed to be intended to be kept permanently low in in order to influence expectations and give everyone confidence in making major location and investment decisions involving island transport costs.

“The selective removal of RET on island transport simply illustrates and validates the fears I raised from the very beginning – not just for Western Isles but for every other route where RET may be applied.”

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Decisions made over the next two months are critical for the future economic and social development of isles

Scottish Government Ferries Plan: Will there be a commitment to a LochboisdaleMallaig ferry service as local businesses want? CnES leader Angus Campbell said: “It is essential for the economic well-being of South Uist and the wider Outer Hebrides that there are explicit commitments in the Ferries Plan for a Lochboisdale - Mallaig service. Indeed it is essential that the Government moves to a trial service at the very earliest opportunity in 2013.” Plan due for publication by the end of this year. High Speed Broadband: Will HIE and BT sign a multi-million pound agreement to bring fibre-optic Next Generation Broadband to the islands? An HIE spokeswoman said: “We are still discussing the detail of a contract. While this is taking slightly longer than we had thought, good progress is being made. We feel that it is worth taking the time at this stage to get the project right. We are on track for work to begin on the ground next year as planned. Updates are posted on our website at www.hie.co.uk/digital. The latest update can be found in PDF form at the bottom left of the page.” Due to sign by end of this year.

PLEASE NOTE

As we wait to see what the future holds, IN&A congratulates all those groups and individuals who have campaigned tirelessly over the past year to protect and promote island interests. Only by pulling together can we create the society we want for our children, and our children’s children.

This issue of IN&A is a joint December/January edition. The IN&A office will be closed from December 12 to January 2. Please continue to email IN&A on editor@islandnewsandadvertiser.com, however. Urgent calls can be made to 07500 041 671. The next edition of IN&A, February, will appear on January 30.

THE FREE MONTHLY NEWSPAPER OF THE HEBRIDES

island news & ADVERTISER - December 2012 - January 2013 Issue 10

INBRIEF

RSPB TRAILER nts

Music Residency video NOW on YouTube

Available for community eve

The RSPB trailer (pictured) is available for community events in Uist with a wildlife/community theme, at no charge. Organisers please book for next season through Jamie Boyle, RSPB on 01876 560287.

Footage by National Youth Orchestras of Scotland (NYOS) student David Munn of the NYOS Camerata residency project in the Uists and Benbecula in September is now available to view online at : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3ioKBaoFq0 The official video of the project, which saw NYOS Camerata students joining with local school pupils to create an orchestral piece Anticipation of the Light, will be released towards the end of this month. It will be available to view online at the NYOS website, www.nyos.co.uk and on the NYOS You Tube page: http://www.youtube.com/user/nyos79?feature=masthead-dropdown

TUTORS TO STAR IN GROGARRY CONCERT

Machair ART EXHIBITION

Grogarry Lodge,South Uist Tuesday Decembe r 11 Tickets £7/5, seats not reserved so arriv e early Lews Castle College (LCC) Benbecula tutors including Simon Bradley, Anna Wendy Stevenson, Paul McCallum, Iain MacDon ald, Rick Taylor, Matheu Watson and Mairead Green in concert. Wine by donation.

Taigh Chearsabhagh Gallery 2 until December 29 A thoughtful investigation of the crofting way of life and the unique machair environment by Sgoil Lioncleit pupils.

ow Donald Meek at the Mitchell Library, Glasg hu tro As part of the Centre for Scottish and Celtic Studies Centenary Lecture Series in Scottish History and Literature Professor Donald Meek will be giving a lecture on January 10 at the Mitchell Library: An saoghal a’ dol do Ghlaschu, agus an saoghal a’ teicheadh às’:

Goireasan-Siubhail Ghlasc Shùilean nan Gàidheal The World Converging on Glasgow, and the World Escaping from it’; Glasgow’s modes of transport through the eyes of the Gaels. Admission free.

Dance,dance wherever you may be Uist’s dan

cer-in-residence Rosalind Masson beg ins a full programme of activities in the New Year. She will be running an after-school dan ce class for students age 12+ at Lionacle it school and rehearsing with Benbecula music stud ents for a performance in January’s Taig h Ciuil and for Ceolas’s ceilidh at Celtic Connections on Februar y 2. She is also starting by request a ladies’ dance class in South Uist, and working with Daliburgh and Eriskay pupils on a Burns Night project. Rosalind is organising a visiting company , La Nua from Edinburgh to come in Apr il for performances and workshops. All interested schools should contact Rosalind at rosalind@ceolas.co.uk

GILLEBRÌDE Concert Gillebrìde MacMillan will be performing in St Peter’s Hall in Daliburgh on Sunday December 9 at 8pm. He will be accompanied by Mhàiri Hall on piano, Gillian Frame on fiddle and Mike Bryan on guitar. He will be singing songs from his highly acclaimed CD ‘Air Fòrladh’. His second CD was released at

Ceòlas’s summer symposium, Gèirinis an Òir’ in July 2011 and was then nominated as one of the four best CDs of the year at the Scottish Traditional Music Awards. In December he will also be

performing with his band in Lismore and at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Skye before making his way home for the Sunday night performance.

island news IS THE FREE MONTHLY NEWSPAPER OF THE HEBRIDES Edition 01

March 2012

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& ADVERTISER

NEWSDESK 01876 510758 editor@islandnewsandadvertiser.com ADVERTISING: 01871 810634 ads@islandnewsandadvertiser.com Design: Tim Mason Managing editor: Susy Macaulay

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Pupils prepare anniversary magazine

Sgoil Lionacleit pupils are preparing an anniversary magazine to celebrate 25 years a since the school opened. The project is led by the with committee of Media Studies students mission statement: A celebration of young people in Uist through the eyes of Sgoil Lionacleit - past, present and future. The students are currently working on the editorial balance within the 48pp magazine, selling advertising and working out how to make it accessible to off-island alumni. They anticipate an April launch.

Riding School Uist Communitspy lay , East Camp, Christmas Musical Di er 21 December Balivanich Friday Decemb at 6pm. tland displays,Webster as A mixture of riding to music, She e. Santa,mince pies and mulled win urday December 22, 2pm. Santa Dash round Balivanich Sat

island news & ADVERTISER - December 2012 - January 2013 Issue 10

Go ahead for Barra & Vatersay Hebridean Living project

Daliburgh’s new pool could be made from polystyrene By building Daliburgh’s proposed new pool and leisure centre from polystyrene and concrete, its construction costs could come down by 30% and its running costs slashed by up to 90%, according to Lochboisdale Amenity Trust. The Trust recently submitted outline planning permission for a new community facility close to Daliburgh school. It consists of a pool, gym, café and training centre, creating not only a sports centre and community hub but a much-needed facility for tourists south of Kildonan museum, the Trust says. But where a conventionally built facility of this nature is the stuff of dreams in the current economic climate, the Trust is looking at building the centre, and the pool itself, from a system known as Wallform, insulated structural walls.

Thick polystyrene blocks are interlocked into a formwork system (pictured) and concrete poured in to create a superinsulated building heated by solar gain with no need for ancillary heating. The Trust is currently looking at renewables to supply the remainder of the building’s energy needs and to contribute to long-term income for the centre. A spokesman for the Trust said: “We were inspired to look at this construction system by the Beco Wallform house currently under construction in Eriskay.

“Using this system makes the project low-cost and do-able. The system is used as standard in places like Sweden and Norway. It’s a shame it wasn’t adopted years ago by the council for buildings like this.” CnES leader Angus Campbell said: “It’s an innovative design and build concept and one that we will be following with interest. On major projects such as the schools we had to take expert advice and this kind of build was not something that was brought to our attention or featured in the bids.”

Barra & Vatersay residents have received a boost to their aspirations to produce and consume as much local food as possible. The B&V Agricultural and Horticultural Producers Association has been granted £147,200 by the Climate Challenge Fund for their Hebridean Living project. The health benefits of gardening, a healthier diet and a reduction in carbon footprint are key pillars of the project. The grant will fund a project manager and project assistant for two years, and investment in necessary equipment. The project sets out to encourage gardening for all using a variety of models, ranging from garden-share and school and community gardens to allotments. The resulting produce will be showcased in seasonal cookery workshops at events such as international women’s day, and sold at regular island markets and popup shops. Sarah Maclean has been instrumental in setting up Hebridean Living. She said: “It’s about breaking down barriers to gardening and finding flexible solutions for all. The land in Barra is mixed, and we will need things like a rotavator to restore poor land. Polytunnels are also on the agenda.” Hebridean Living will complement a separate project to establish a local produce shop on the islands. Last month’s a trial pop-up shop in Castlebay saw more than £3,000 taken in five days, 80% of which went to the 44 local producers involved. The pop-up shop returns this month between December 10 and 14.

island news & ADVERTISER - December 2012 - January 2013 Issue 10

Taxi drivers donate fares to cancer charity

UIST HOUSE PARTCONVERTED INTO FLATS FOR RENT Sections of Uist House Accommodation (formerly Uist Bunkhouse) in Daliburgh are being converted into flats for long or short-term rent. Owners Ronnie and Shirley Stewart took over former care home Uist House in 2010 and turned it into Uist Bunkhouse, offering basic accommodation aimed at youngsters and groups. The concept evolved over the past two years as the Stewarts spotted the need to go upmarket for travellers hit by the recession and looking for comfortable accommodation at budget prices.

They ploughed £200,000 into refurbishing and modernising the facilities including private rooms offering en suite and TV, and renamed the building Uist House in keeping with its previous incarnation. Now the Stewarts have spotted the need for a more diverse offering both for locals and visitors. They are in the process of converting sections of the massive building into four one-bedroom flats, one two-bed flat, and two three-bed flats available to rent by locals long or short term, or as holiday lets. One of the one-bed flats is already tenanted long term. The flats will be available for a minimum let of three days, and holiday let prices start at £275 for a one-bed flat per week, high season. The remainder of the building has 28 rooms for budget travellers, starting at £10 per night, and the old boilerhouse is set to be converted into a six-bed bunkhouse. The old care home laundry will also have new life breathed into it as it becomes ‘Sandra’s Laundry’run by Sandra Dempsey. The conversion will be complete by February.

Archie ‘Sketch’Macaulay.

A cancer diagnosis is always devastating to families, and no more so than to the Macaulays of Benbecula.

They were distraught when 36 year old Donald “Doghan’ Macaulay, resident in Oban, took ill suddenly last month and was diagnosed with cancer. Big brother Archie ‘Sketch’ Macaulay of Creagorry decided to deal with his shock by doing something about it. Mr Macaulay, 45, runs a taxi firm with the help of his twin brothers Kenny and Alasdair, 37, and friend Calum MaCuish. The four decided to donate all their fares for a period of 24 hours to the John Hartson Foundation, which raises awareness of testicular cancer. Instead of charging the normal fares, they placed boxes in the back of their vehicles and asked for donations instead. The result is close to £1,000 raised, with the drivers also donating the price of fuel over the period. Sketch said: “We’re really chuffed. People were keen, and there was good craic. We’re going to do this annually now.” Alasdair said: “Doghan is a big, strapping guy who’s never been ill before. It came on so suddenly. He felt tired at work one day, and then found a small lump. He didn’t tell anyone, just got on with the treatment. When we found out it knocked us all for six. But he’s really strong, he has an amazing attitude.”

Chris Scott/Scottish Book Trust

Twin brothers Kenny and Alasdair Macaulay.

Doghan is currently undergoing a series of nine chemotherapy treatments at the Beatson Institute in Glasgow. Sketch said: “Doghan is really happy with the fund-raising and amazed at the generosity of the folk here.”

He added: “I’ve spoken to the John Hartson Foundation and they said that all being well John, who is an exCeltic player who suffered from brain and testicular cancer, will come up and give a talk here next year.”

Eriskay treasure hunt leads to book-sculpture Eriskay school pupils went on a treasure hunt to discover an exquisitely crafted book-sculpture hidden on their island.

bogsa Uibhist UIST VEG BOX wishes customers and other vegetable enthusiasts a fresh and local 2013! 07720634343 for information and veg orders @bogsaUibhist #uistvegbox

The sculpture is one of a series made anonymously and hidden in spots across Scotland to celebrate Book Week Scotland. The first Eriskay school knew about it was an invitation to visit the Scottish Book Trust’s website. Clues led them in various stages to the ferry terminal and the shop, before ending up in Am Politician pub. The sculpture, inspired by Compton Mackenzie’s Whisky Galore was waiting for the children to discover on production of a secret code. Teacher Katy MacDonald said the treasure hunt had caused great excitement among the children. She said: “They absolutely loved solving all the clues. What a great idea. The organisers have left another sculpture for us to keep at the school.” [pictured right] The Whisky Galore sculpture will remain permanently on display at Am Politician.

island news & ADVERTISER - December 2012 - January 2013 Issue 10

Visit Outer Hebrides website launches this month A new website designed to be a one-stop shop for promoting the Outer Hebrides is set to go live at the end of this month. VisitOuterHebrides.co.uk has listed on it 647 accommodation providers, 77 activity providers, 354 attractions, 112 food and drink outlets, 64 general tourist information businesses, 25 tourism related shops and 59 transport-related businesses.

LOVATS

PASS WIDE AND SLOW Over the years there have been numerous incidents on the roads involving animals and road users. Many of these have resulted in injury or even death to either or both parties involved. Single-track roads in particular present a problem and drivers really need to be patient. Remember the following advice to help prevent a tragedy over the festive season: When approaching animals from the rear please

It is intended to be interactive and seamlessly multi-functional for anyone planning a visit to the Outer Hebrides, allowing them to plan their itinerary, find out where to stay, check availabilities, and from there find out what’s on, where to go and what to do in the area they’re visiting. A section entitled Inspire Me designed to entice potential visitors is a series of 90 second films made by Andy McKinnon, arts officer at Taigh Chearsabhagh in North Uist, and cut to music composed by Benbecula College music students. The films are on themes echoed in the new branding and promotional material devised to complement the website: Contrasts, Journey, Landscape, Community, Senses.

keep a safe distance from them, for your sake as well as theirs. Scared horses and cows often kick out and may damage your car as well as themselves. If you are on a single-track road, remain behind the animal keeping your safe distance until they reach a passing place and the rider/handler waves you forward. If you approach animals from the front, stop in a passing place and allow the animal(s)to pass you. If you have already passed your passing place, stop where you are and allow the animals to pass you. If you are on a two-way road please heed the well-known slogan: PASS WIDE AND SLOW.

Art and craft pop-up shop in Stornoway A group of 15 local artists and crafters will be running a pop-up shop on Saturdays throughout December at 36 Point Street, next to The Criterion Bar, between 10 and 5pm. Painting pottery, jewellery, cards. Painting table for kids. New artists welcome. Create-It Collective can be found on Facebook and Twitter and contacted at createitcollective@gmail.com

“DEC12”

OHTIA wants to present the Outer Hebrides as one destination, encouraging people to travel their length and breadth. Mr Fordham said: “It is important that communities and islands take possession of the website for promoting their events, which they can do for free.”

Ian Fordham can be contacted at ian@tourism-hebrides.co.uk, tel. 07850 787094. Uist OHTIA assistant Mairi Thomson can be contacted at mairi@tourism-hebrides.co.uk.

Supermarkets

Festive Opening Hours BALIVANICH 19/12 8 am - 9 pm 20/12 8 am - 9 pm 21/12 8 am - 9 pm 22/12 9 am - 9 pm 23/12 11 am - 6 pm 24/12 8 am - 6 pm Christmas Day Closed 2 pm - 4 pm Boxing Day 27/12 8 am - 9 pm 28/12 8 am - 9 pm 29/12 9 am - 9 pm 30/12 11 am - 6 pm Hogmanay 8 am - 6 pm New Year’s Day Closed 02/01 2 pm - 4 pm 03/01 8 am - 9 pm 04/01 8 am - 9 pm 05/01 9 am - 9 pm 06/01 11 am - 6 pm

CARNAN 8 am - 9 pm 8 am - 9 pm 8 am - 9 pm 8 am - 9 pm 1 pm - 6 pm 9 am - 6 pm Closed 2 pm - 4 pm 9 am - 6 pm 9 am - 6 pm 9 am - 6 pm 1 pm - 6 pm 9 am - 6 pm Closed 2 pm - 4 pm 9 am - 6 pm 9 am - 6 pm 9 am - 6 pm 2 pm - 4 pm

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all our customers

Available from December 1st to 31st

Festive Menu

POLICE ADVICE

A basic listing is free to every tourismrelated business in the Outer Hebrides, with the current number around 1500. The website is a LEADER-funded project run by the Outer Hebrides Tourism Industry Association (OHTIA), whose chairman Ian Fordham urged anyone whose business is not yet listed on the website to get in touch. He said: “Check if you’re on and if you’re not, get in touch with myself or Uist officer Mairi Thomson.” OHTIA members have the option of paying different levels up to £170 for a fuller listing. The site has been designed by specialists New Mind, an English company with a portfolio of 150 destination websites throughout the country.

Cullen Skink*

Mushroom Ravioli

Made with locally sourced White and Smoked Fish, with a Crusty Bread Roll

Smothered in a Wild Mushroom and Garlic Cream Sauce

Breaded Pheasant and Charley Barley Black Pudding Balls

All dishes are served with a Selection of Seasonal Vegetables and Potatoes

Drizzled with an Orange and Port Reduction

Caramelised Red Onion and Goats Cheese Tartlet Served with a rich Balsamic Dressing

Ardennes Pate with Plums & Brandy A course Pork Pate with fruity Plum pieces and Brandy, served with Oatcakes

Scottish Berry Cranachan Served with Shortbread Biscuits

Traditional Christmas Pudding Served with a Brandy Butter Sauce and Rum & Raisin Ice Cream

Rich Chocolate and Raspberry Torte Belgian Chocolate Mousse on a sponge base topped with Raspberries

Saddle of Roast Turkey Served with Pigs in Blankets, Homemade Yorkshire Pudding, Pork and Sage Stuffing and a Roast Gravy

North Uist Estate Venison Casserole Organic wild Venison in a Red Wine and Juniper Berry Jus, topped with Herb Dumplings

Freshly Brewed Tea or Coffee with Homemade Tablet Served in the Residents Lounge

£18.95 per person £12.95 Under 12’s

Breast of Chicken Wrapped in Pancetta and smothered in a Creamy Speyside Malt Whisky and Haggis Sauce

Roast Joint of North Uist Beef Served with Pigs in Blankets, Homemade Yorkshire Pudding, Pork and Sage Stuffing and a Roast Gravy

During the month of December, we will have Roast Saddle of Turkey at £11.95 and Christmas Pudding at £4.95 on our Daily Specials Board in the Lounge Bar. * Vegetarian Lentil Soup also available

Lochmaddy Hotel Fishcakes Smoked Haddock and Chorizo Fishcakes with a Cheddar Cheese Sauce

Telephone: 01876 500331/332 info@lochmaddyhotel.co.uk www.lochmaddyhotel.co.uk

island news & ADVERTISER - December 2012 - January 2013 Issue 10

Ceilidh come-back in Uists

ELVIS MAKES LIGHT WORK OF TREE CLEARING

Old-fashioned get-togethers for blethering, tea, music and song are making a come-back in the Uists thanks to local befriending project, Caraidean Uibhist. The project has held reminiscence lunches and evening ceilidhs in informal settings in South and North Uist over the past three months, and the programme is set to continue next year. Caraidean Uibhist co-ordinator, Sheena Stewart said the events had proved a great success. She said: “We held a reminiscence lunch in Gerinish Taigh Ceilidh talking about the traditions around harvest-time, and in Bayhead Old Headmaster’s House we held a ceilidh where young folk came to entertain the guests with music and song. People Marion MacCorquodale loved it and are asking for more.” sings at the ceilidh in Mrs Stewart added that other activities are planned as a result Bayhead. of listening to what people want. She said: “Our communities always used to enjoy getting together but life has changed and there aren’t as many opportunities to do so anymore. By creating the opportunity we can see that people still enjoy and value it.”

Beatrix and Elvis at work. Image courtesy of George MacDonald.

Horse-power came into its own on North Uist last month to clear wind-blown and felled trees in Langass woods.

Elvis, a 14 year old, 14 hand coloured cob from Cornwall was called upon by the Woodlands Trust to clear areas of the woodland too awkward for machinery. His owner Beatrix Wood of Drimsdale, South Uist said Elvis seemed pleased to get back to work after moving to Uist two years ago. She said:“Elvis was originally trained as a harness horse and when we got him, we trained him in logging. He proved invaluable working in the steep sided valleys of Cornwall and even helped clear timber from Boscastle after the floods there. He is a steady, kind horse who looks after you at work, and he’s good with kids. He’s done a number of community projects.” She added:“At Langass we managed to clear a lot of messy timber out effectively, wind-blown sitka and previously felled trees. Much of the ground was very wet, and the area was too small for machinery. The logging equipment we use with Elvis comes from Sweden where they use horses a lot for timber extraction. It’s maneuverable and versatile.” As Elvis is such a keen worker, Mrs Wood is keen to hear from others who might have projects he can help with. She is also currently looking for other horse-drawn equipment for work around the croft. She has sourced a harrow locally, and is looking for a plough. She said:“We will be harrowing as soon as the weather is a bit better. It’s an area too small for machinery, so the horse is ideal. We’d be pleased to hear from anyone else who would like to use Elvis for harrowing too.”

Mrs Wood can be contacted on trix@hebrides.net. Finlay MacVicar entertains guests in Bayhead.

island news

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Christmas Lochboisdale

Edition 01

March 2012

& ADVERTISER

H OT E L £18.50 per person with a FREE bottle of wine between 6 people in one booking.

Fancy staying over? Special price of £25 per person for bed & breakfast during December and January

Starters

Mains

Sweets

Sweet Potato and Parsnip Soup with Homemade Scone

Roast Turkey with Chestnut Stuffing and all the trimmings

Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce

Smoked Salmon Terrine with Salad garnish and Oatcakes Scallops wrapped in Smokey Bacon with Seafood Sauce

Seared Duck Breast smothered in Red Cherry Sauce on a bed of Creamy Mash with Roast Vegetables Beef Bordelaise (Thick sliced Roast Scottish Beef in a Tomato, Onion and Red Wine Sauce) Vegetable Terrine served with dressed salad or Vegetables

Scotch Trifle Homemade Profiteroles with Chantilly

TEL: SOUTH UIST 01878 700332 On behalf of all the staff at Lochboisdale Hotel, Calum and Karen would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Paid Graduate Internship – Journalist, Island News and Advertiser £9.00 per hour, 35 hrs per week. Duration 4 months. Early February start. Closing date for applications is 4 January 2013, 5pm. Interviews will be held (remotely where necessary) on Wednesday 16 January 2013. Island News and Advertiser (IN&A) is a free, monthly newspaper covering local news in the Outer and Inner Hebrides. It is in a state of rapid growth and expansion. IN&A uses Facebook, issuu.com, Twitter and islandnewsandadvertiser.com to maintain a digital presence. Island News and Advertiser is offering graduates a rare opportunity to establish a reputation in the field of journalism, working on a popular, high-quality newspaper at the heart of its community. This position is based on the island of North Uist, Outer Hebrides. In the role of journalist you will: ● Work on the IN&A newsdesk generating leads and stories and covering events for the paper’s digital and printed platforms. ●

Carry out daily maintenance of IN&A’s social media sites and website

●

Research material for IN&A’s regular supplements and 2013 summer holiday guide

●

Assist in the day to day practical running of the paper, including proof reading, distribution and any other duties that may be called for

Requirements The ideal candidate will have excellent literacy skills. A good telephone manner and people skills are also essential. A genuine interest in the islands, a track record in student or other forms of journalism, facility with digital and social media and a willingness to learn on the job are also prerequisites. Initiative, a positive attitude and enthusiasm are also vital attributes for the job. A clean driving licence is essential for this role. Application Please visit www.adoptanintern.org.uk/current-opportunities/ for details on submitting a CV and cover letter. State a. your availability and b. relevant information on your skills/experience pertaining to the job spec. Please note that we do NOT accept e-mail applications unless otherwise stated. Please note: Adopt an Intern likes to stay in touch with applicants to see how they’re faring with their internship/job search. The Adopt an Intern “Highland and Island Project” is funded through the European Structural Fund (ESF) with match funding from the Scottish Government

MoD Hebrides Apprenticeships 2013 QinetiQ, MoD Hebrides will be recruiting 4 apprentices next year. The successful applicants will undertake a 4 year Advanced Apprenticeship, which comprises of Functional Skills, NVQ Level 2 & 3, Employee Rights and Responsibilities and Personal Learning and Thinking Skills. QinetiQ operates, maintains and develops the MoD Range capability in the Hebrides under a 25 year Long Term Partnering Agreement. Hebrides Ranges are the largest controlled danger areas in Europe (57000Km2) conducting firings of in service weaponry along with developing and testing the next generation of weapons systems. The technical training will be undertaken at the Apprentice Training School, Boscombe Down with the on the job training at Hebrides. This will require the apprentices spending approximately 3 months at Boscombe Down and then 3 months back at the range. This will go on for about the first 18 months _ 2 years of the Advanced Apprenticeship, the 3rd year will be spent completing the NVQ Level 3 at the range with the 4th year specialising in a trade, again back at Hebrides.

QinetiQ believes ongoing training of our staff to be an essential part of our business. Staff have the opportunity to go on and gain Degrees, Diplomas, MScs and further qualifications in a wide variety of disciplines. To apply for these opportunities, candidates need a minimum of 5 Standards, Grades 2 or above, 3 of which must be in Maths, English Language and a Science and 2 others; or equivalent qualifications.

Closing date for applications is the 14th December 2012, successful candidates will start April 2013 - applications through:-

http://www.apprenticeshipsinscotland.com/job/1377/advanced-apprenticeships-inengineering-manufacture-at-qinetiq/ or

www.qinetiq.com/careers

island news & ADVERTISER - December 2012 - January 2013 Issue 10

They shall not grow old Benbecula

Benbecula

North Uist

Benbecula

We remembered them November 11,2012 Coll

North Uist

South Uist

island news & ADVERTISER - December 2012 - January 2013 Issue 10

Canna now has 10mbps broadband Canna residents are now receiving high-speed broadband via a microwave radio link system serving all 14 houses on the island. The system is delivered by Hebnet (not to be confused with Hebrides.net in the Western Isles) a community interest company based in Eigg. A network to serve Eigg, Rum, Muck and Canna was developed from a research collaboration between the University of the Highlands and Islands and the University of Edinburgh, known as Tegola, led by Prof Peter Buneman. The technology makes use of a low cost network of relays that connect to the internet at UHI Sabhal Mòr Ostaig (SMO) on Skye. Canna residents are receiving their

signal from SMO via Elgol. The Elgol mast has direct line of sight to Compass Hill on Canna, from where the signal gets relayed into receive boxes on each house. From a slow-speed satellite connection costing £25 a month, the islanders are now revelling in speeds of 10mbps costing £15 a month. Local manager Stewart Connor said: “This opens up many possibilities in the island including Gaelic research for Sabhal Mòr Ostaig.” The new system was paid for by money raised this year by the Canna community shop.

A chance encounter on Sollas beach between a couple from East Yorkshire and a champion knitter has resulted in the gift of a spinning wheel to Taigh Sgire, Sollas.

Compass Hill, Canna.

UIST ARTISTS EXHIBIT AT LONDON GALLERY Three Uist artists are currently exhibiting in the prestigious London Apothecary’s third annual Hebrides exhibition. The exhibition includes an innovative piece by composer Simon Bradley in which he demonstrates a tangible way of deriving musical inspiration from the landscape around him.

Simon Bradley translates landscapes into music.

By transposing a stave onto a photograph of the North Uist skyline and choosing certain spots on the horizon as musical notes, Bradley found a suite of sounds to inspire him in a composition called Secret Sea. The idea came to him when he was composer in residence for an exhibition of the same name at Taigh Chearsabhagh museum and arts centre in Lochmaddy earlier this year. Two photographs showing

Bradley’s musical annotation, along with their resulting compositions will be shown and played at the Apothecary Gallery in Greyhound Street, W6. The exhibition also features work by Lorraine Burke and Marnie Keltie. Lorraine’s work pays tribute to the importance of kelp in the landscape and economy of Uist and features paintings of fronds of kelp decorated with Gaelic poetry and lettering. Marnie’s pieces take inspiration from the shore and the lines drawn by successive waves on the sand. She often uses pigments and inks produced from materials found on the

Lorraine Burke’s work is inspired by kelp.

beach- seaweed, rocks and charcoal from driftwood. The exhibition opened on November 27, and runs until January 12, 2013.

Whelk Marks by Marnie Keltie.

Taigh Chearsabhagh

E V E N T S

There is still time to vote for your favourite student work in the Uist Arts Association Open Exhibition WAYS of SEEING in Gallery 1 and the cafe till Saturday 29 December. Most work in the exhibition is for sale, making ideal gifts and help to support local artists and students. A new exhibition opens on Saturday January 5 by New York-based Scottish artist Gwen Hardie. Her show Boundaries features a group of paintings, together with a film that takes place in her studio in Brooklyn, NY by the award-winning filmmaker Charlotte Lagarde. The paintings are large ovals and tondos, all representing a small

SPINNING A YARN IN SOLLAS

portion of the skin, lit by the sun. Taigh Ciùil is back on Friday 14 December with house band Na hEileanach, The Winter Blues and other local talent. Tickets at the door £6/£4 concs. Booking is advisable - call 01870 603970. Winter opening times: Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 4pm, with the café

open from 11am – 2.30pm. The centre will be closed from Monday December 24 – Wednesday December 26 and Monday 31 – Wednesday 2 January.

The café will not be open between Christmas & New Year but coffee & teas will be available with FREE Wifi.

The New Zealand Ashford wheel was the pride and joy of Yorkshire woman Beatrice Kirk, who dyed, spun and knitted to the last days of her life. One of her last requests to her son and daughterin-law John and Liz Kirk was ‘whatever you do, look after my spinning wheel and make sure it has a good home.’ The Kirks have been holidaying in the Uists since 2000. They bumped into Sollas resident Margaret Browning walking her dogs on the beach in 2010, and again in 2011, and learned of the community’s campaign and eventual success in winning lottery money to do up Taigh Sgire as a community centre. With Beatrice’s spinning wheel now unused in their house, they decided Taigh Sgire was the perfect home for it, and brought it up in June. Mr Kirk said:“My father made my Liz Kirk, John Kirk and Margaret mother three different Browning with the spinning wheel in Taigh Sgire. types of spinning wheel, which are now in Ryedale Folk Museum in Hutton le Hole. She would be so pleased to know that her wheel is in a community where it is appreciated.” Miss Browning, a British champion knitter, said: “It was lovely getting to know John and Liz first of all through our dogs, and then they managed to track me down to tell me about the spinning wheel. We want to get a craft group off the ground, and would appreciate any more spinning wheels, in any state of repair, that people might like to donate to us.”

island news & ADVERTISER - December 2012 - January 2013 Issue 10

NEW MOORINGS FOR CANNA Ten new moorings have been installed in Canna Harbour and are now open for business. Visiting yachts will be able to tie up for an overnight fee of £10. The moorings could bring around £7,000 to the local economy, not to mention business for the restaurant and shop. Local manager Stewart Connor said: “This will be the first year of charging for mooring in Canna harbour. “We are looking at the potential for £100 per night over the busy season from the moorings and on good weeks we could make £700 per week. Our season is generally March to October and last year we averaged 750 yacht nights. If they were all to use the new moorings we have a potential to generate for the community at least £7,000. The added benefits to the island economy is that they can stay longer and will spend in the restaurant and the community shop so its a win-win for us.” He added: “Cruise ships offloaded around 1,000 people on Canna this season and we are looking at this figure being repeated this year as well.” Canna Community Association beat off stiff opposition to win funding for the project from Big Lottery’s village SOS team, based on the benefits to the island and its economy of the additional moorings. The works were carried out by William Campbell of Jura, and assisted by Greg Milligan of Milligan’s Transport.

Coll community centre wins design commendation Coll’s new community centre, An Cridhe, has been awarded a Glasgow Institute of Architects’ Commendation for Design Excellence. It was praised for its quality and sensitivity of design within its rural setting.The centre opened in July offering a range of facilities for sport,learning and social activities. An Cridhe architect Caroline Dearden of Anderson Bell Christie said: “An Cridhe’s success is evident from the general ambiance of the building and the local pride in the new community centre. We worked very closely with Development Coll Ltd

and the community to ensure that the multifunctional capability of the building was achieved to meet the needs of as wide a cross section of the population as possible.” Meanwhile An Cridhe hosted its first ever cinema screening last month, with 70 people turning out to see Brave. Coll business development officer, George McConnachie said: “This is exactly the type of event we’re looking to hold at An Cridhe

PLENTY OF WAXWINGS BUT NO SNIPE The Hebrides enjoyed a finished off the berries they move on PLENTYofOF WAXWINGS BUT NO SNIPE large migration quickly. The berry crop is apparently not waxwings last month, very good in England either. If you have with 350 birds spotted them around your garden you can help in Stornoway alone. By them by putting out fruit such as apples and contrast, autumn and pears.” winter visiting snipe Meanwhile there are very few reports of Waxwing. were nowhere to be snipe this year, to the disappointment of the Courtesy of seen. shooting parties that descend on the Uists in Steve Duffield. Naturalist Steve Duffield the autumn. Uist RSPB officer Jamie Boyle said: said: “Waxwings breed in Russia and northern Scandinavia where they feed on “Snipe is a very secretive little bird with berries and insects, with berries being their little known about their movements. main food in winter. If there’s a widespread “Ringing recoveries have given us some failure of berry crops in their normal insight into their migrations and it is wintering grounds then they move en masse thought that most of the local breeding in search of food, which is what has population move south into Ireland, happened this year. Once they have southern England, continental Europe.

as we strive to be at the heart of the community and offer something for everyone. We were absolutely delighted to see so many people here enjoying themselves and the atmosphere was great as the crowds gathered in the hall.”

There is even a ringing recovery of a bird breeding on St Kilda that was found on the Azores. Our wintering population seems to be made up of Icelandic and Scandinavian birds, although we only have a few rings to show this. Weather plays an important part in when and if they move and the Uists are an attractive place for a bird that needs damp soil to probe its long bill into. Many snipe suffered in the hard winter out here in 2009/10 and 2010/11, when the ground was frozen for many weeks and they were unable to feed.”

Snipe. Courtesy of Tom Marshall, RSPB images.

CNM annual lecture and choir inaugural concert The Comann Na Mara (CNM)Gaelic choir made its public debut before a packed house at the CNM Dr John Macleod annual lecture in Lochmaddy Hall. The lecture was given by Dr Anuschka Miller of the Scottish Association for Marine Science on the theme of the mysteries of the sea bed, and the 20-strong choir provided musical interludes. Soloists were Neil Campbell and Paul McCallum, the conductor was Joanna Peteranna, and Gaelic

advisor Isa MacKillop. The children of Clann na Fèise also sang, conducted by Cathie Laing. CNM chairman Gus Macaulay said: “The lecture held the audience in thrall as Dr Miller described the mysterious world of the sea bottom and explained that it is like an unexplored and yet crucially important frontier on our planet. “The choir was met with great enthusiasm by the public and requests for more concerts. Rehearsals continue currently at

Clachan Church hall every fortnight, with all welcome to come along.”

CNM Gaelic choir’s inaugural concert in Lochmaddy Hall.

MANUFACTURE AND STORAGE OF EXPLOSIVES REGULATIONS 2005 I QinetiQ, MoD Hebrides Ranges hereby give notice that in pursuance of Regulation 14 of the above regulations I have applied to Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar for its assent for the variation of a licence to manufacture and store explosives at QinetiQ, MoD Hebrides Range,

At the heart of the Community ●

Wide selection

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Local meat, fish, eggs and seasonal veg

be inspected at, Guard Room, West Camp, Benbecula.

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Fresh baking

HS7 5LA between 09:30 – 15:30 Monday – Friday from

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Fuel

Isle of Benbecula, Scotland, HS7 5LA. A copy of the application and draft varying licence may

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Friendly service Daily papers

Wednesday 5th December 2012 - Friday 18th January 2013. Additionally Thursday 13th December between 15:30 -18:00. Representations on matters affecting the health and safety of persons other than my employees should be sent to Director of Development, Comhairle

Open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm

Nan Eilean Siar, Council Offices, Sandwick Road,

Telephone: 01876 510257

Stornoway. HS1 2BW by Monday 21st January 2013.

Bayhead, North Uist

island news & ADVERTISER - December 2012 - January 2013 Issue 10

Clachan Stores

Ask Car hire

Stòr A’ Chlachain We thank all our customers for their support and wish them Happy Christmas and a prosperous 2013 Nollaig Chridheil agus Bliadhna Mhath Ùr

Uist Community Riding School’s

Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year from all at Ask Car Hire

staff and horses wish everyone a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year

DJ Buchanan Haulage Services

Voove thanks all the people and businesses of Uist & Barra for their support in the opening of our new shop and wish you all a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year

Lambert, Gail and family would like to take this opportunity to thank all our existing customers for their continued support this past year and would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy & Prosperous 2013. We look forward to supporting each other again in the coming year.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our readers

island news & ADVERTISER - December 2012 - January 2013 Issue 10

Creagorry Motors and Crossroads Filling Station

We wish all our tenants and friends

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our customers. We thank you for your continuing support during 2012 and look forward to assisting you in 2013.

A Happy Christmas and a Good New Year

Creagorry Post Office Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Evelyn and Dave

MacLeod Insurance Services

Merry Christmas from all at SAC Balivanich ❄

would like to thank all their customers for their continued support throughout 2012 and wish them all

a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year Iain, Sarah and Julie

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Merry Christmas and a Happ ❄

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island news & ADVERTISER - December 2012 - January 2013 Issue 10

seaviewgarage

Encompass Financial Services Ltd

We thank all our customers for their valued support over the past year, and wish you all

would like to wish their clients a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year

westsidegarage

a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year wishes you a

Happy Crafting Christmas http://www.stitchbewitch.co.uk

Macaulay Askernish

Grace and Neil Beaton

All the staff would like to thank our customers for their support and wish you all a

wish all friends and family

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a Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year ❄

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py New Year to all our readers ❄

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island news & ADVERTISER - December 2012 - January 2013 Issue 10

Nollaig chridheil agus bliadhna mhath ùr

Uist Property Sales & Letting

bho Comman Eachdraidh Beinn na Faoghla

would like to wish their clients, landlords and tenants a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Lawrence’s Butchers Lawrence and staff would like to wish everybody

Happy Christmas and a Good New Year

Southern Isles Veterinary Practice Seasons’ greetings and all the best for 2013 to all our clients

westsidecarhire We thank all our customers for their valued support over the past year, and wish you all

a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year

All the staff at Lochmaddy Hotel would like to thank their customers and friends for all their continuing support and wish you

a Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2013

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our readers

island news & ADVERTISER - December 2012 - January 2013 Issue 10

Time Out

Let island writers and photographers entertain you over the festive season with this six page special Short-eared owl. By Steve Duffield, western-isles-wildlife.co.uk.

Whisky Galore! by Mairi Thomson, South Uist. OPEN SPACE

Open Space is directed by Mary Lewis and offers Scottish Episcopal Church services and other occasional events in Balmartin or Sollas area.

Services of Holy Eucharist in December Sunday 9th & 16th December 10.45 am at Gwel y Don Christmas Day - Tuesday 25th December For further information & other events contact Revd Mary Lewis 01876 510789 or mcmlewis@aol.com

oral culture worlds that live within us pale mimics of the outside world our minds filter and select that which we can

Complementary therapies for health, healing and relaxation Aromatherapy Massage Indian HeadMassage

Aromatherapy Facials Reiki

Ear Candling

taste or see, can touch or smell and only when we utter these sound-scapes do others truly enter into the world

Contact: Sheila - 07919 184627 Gift Vouchers available

of our soul

by Peter Kerr of Berneray, Harris

The islands in wartime

RAF man and local girls on a day out at Balephuil Bay. (Davis)

The story of the Hebrides in World War Two is the story of two radically different cultures coming together in a combined cause, writes Mike Hughes, co-author of Tiree, War among the Barley and Brine. One culture; little changed in centuries, with life meandering along and with the principal enemy being the elements, and the task of hewing a living from land and sea. The islands exported people aplenty to the mainland and to the colonies. In the 1940s the tide was reversed; into this proudly Gaelic environment came a multitude of young men and women, few of whom volunteered with this particular destination in mind. City dwellers, townsfolk, farmers and more, from a dozen plus countries, not many having ventured far in pre-war days. What happened on Tiree in time of war? What impact did the Atlantic outpost have on WW2? What imprint did this social melee leave on the individuals in both ‘camps’? One aspect of life on Tiree in WW2 is the story of the meeting of two cultures; one Gaelic-speaking, horsepowered and with most of its youngmen away, outnumbered by a mostly young, adrenaline-fuelled and multi-national air force contingent. Many islanders have potent memories of this time. At first some servicemen were billeted around the island in local homes. This proximity led to some close relationships, and for Duncan Grant his first encounter with the tragedy of war.‘During the war you had to take someone in whether you liked it or not if you had accommodation in the household.The elerly lady in this house in Ruaig had a man placed with her- a Mr King. Once man I particularly remember- Clem Greenlaw, an Australian. Because most of the men in Ruaig were elderly, this young man stood out. He came round to our house quite often, full of vitality. When we were reluctant to clean our teeth, my aunt would say,“Clem! Tell the boys to clean their teeth!” As long as Clem said it we were happy with that. When the snow came Clem was running around in the snow throwing snowballs. This was great fun for us as boys. And then we heard that Clem was going away, and then to our horror, my aunt said one day that Clem had been killed.This was the war. His brave young life- he certainly put sparkle into us as boys. He was so full of life, the sense of fun that he had.’

Extract from Tiree War among the Barley and Brine by Mike Hughes and John Holliday. Pub. Islands Book Trust. RRP £15.

island news & ADVERTISER - December 2012 - January 2013 Issue 10 Grey heron in Stornoway harbour. By Steve Duffield western-isles-wildlife.co.uk

Time Out

Root Vegetable and Chestnut Cakes Recipe courtesy of South Uist cookery writer, forager and children’s food campaigner Fi Bird. Her new book on wild food to forage in town and country, The Foragers Kitchen, is due for release soon. The flavour of Christmas chestnuts combined with parsnips and potatoes in portion-sized cakes, which the organized cook can freeze in advance. These cakes are bound together by ground chestnuts, which is helpful for those who are lactose intolerant. They are delicious served with cold turkey or ham and warm, spiced red cabbage. The vibrant green fleck in the coating comes from sea lettuce, which can be

Christmas on Canna in the 1920s

gathered on the beach and dried before use. Unlike some seaweeds it dries very quickly, but if preferred, it’s easily replaced with chopped parsley. Those on a gluten free diet can substitute the plain flour with rice flour and breadcrumbs with fine oatmeal. What to find: 300g scrubbed and evenly chopped potatoes ● 300g peeled and chopped parsnips ● 200g shelled chestnuts ● Freshly ground black pepper ● 2 slices brown bread ● Heaped tablespoon dried sea lettuce or parsley (pictured) ● 2 tbsps plain flour ● Large egg lightly beaten ● Butter and oil for cooking ●

South Uist Church of Scotland Winter services will be as follows: Dec 2: 11am at Howmore Dec 9,16, 23: 10.30am at Daliburgh and 12 noon at Howmore Dec 24: 11.30pm Christmas Eve at Daliburgh

Dec 25: 11am Christmas Day at Howmore Jan 6: 11am at Daliburgh Jan 13, 20, 27: 10.30am at Daliburgh and 12 noon at Howmore Feb 3: 11am at Howmore

EVERYONE WELCOME

What to do: ● Steam or boil (in minimal water) the potatoes and parsnips until they are soft. Strain well and put them into a bowl.

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Coarsely blend the chestnuts in a food processor. ● Add the chopped chestnuts to the root vegetables, season to taste and mash with a potato masher. Leave until cool enough to handle and then make 6 cakes with lightly floured hands, and put them on a tray. Refrigerate for an hour. ● In a food processor blend the bread to breadcrumbs and add the sea lettuce (or parsley) ● Put the blended bread and sea lettuce in a shallow bowl, the flour in a second and the lightly beaten egg in a third bowl. ● Flour your hands and dip the chestnut and root vegetable cakes in the flour, then egg wash and then coat in seaweed breadcrumbs. ● Refrigerate for 30 minutes and then heat a tbsp of oil and knob of butter in a frying pan and cook the cakes for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown - replenishing the butter and oil as necessary.

CHESTNUT TIPS: Choose chestnuts that are heavy and not bruised in any way; otherwise they won’t store well.Keep them in a cool,dry place,an old fashioned larder is ideal,kitchens can become steamy and damp.

To shell chestnuts: Use a sharp knife and make a slit on the flat side of the chestnut. Roast at 400°F 200°C Fan180°C Gas6 for about 3-4 minutes depending on size. To microwave make a slash in each chestnut and place on a microwave safe plate on high for 2-3 minutes. If you don’t make the cut they will explode in the microwave (or in the oven). Remove the shells and rub off the inner pale skin with a cloth, while the chestnut is still warm.

This insight into a bygone age comes from The Oban Times in the early 1920s. The Thom family owned Canna between 1881 and 1938. Mr and Mrs A. G. Thom of Canna celebrated Christmas and the New Year by entertaining the children and people of the island to their annual treat. Mr and Mrs Thom are doing everything possible to give fresh interest and variety to those functions, and it is scarcely necessary to say that their praiseworthy efforts obtained all that could be desired to make the entertainments really enjoyable and appreciated. Christmas Day was essentially the children’s fete. Accompanied by their parents and others they assembled at the Mansionhouse, where they were cordially welcomed by Mrs Thom seated in a tastefully decorated hall in which a unique surprise awaited them in the shape of a pretty Christmas tree, probably the first of its kind ever seen in the island. After partaking of a hearty tea and other table good things, the stripping of the tree collected intense interest in the young ones, as each received a round of useful articles and amusing toys. Before being dismissed they gave cheers to Mrs and Mr Thom for treat and presents. The grown up people had their turn on New Year’s Day. All met at the Mansion-house likewise and sat down to a sumptuous dinner in the evening. After dinner loyal and patriotic toasts were duly proposed and suitably responded to. Mr and Mrs Thom were heartily thanked for their excellent entertainment. A ball followed and was vigorously kept up into the small hours of the morning. Reproduced by courtesy of The Oban Times.

island news & ADVERTISER - December 2012 - January 2013 Issue 10

Time Out James MacLetchie of Uist was inspired to write the following song on a visit to magical Loch Coruisk in Skye.

We are proud to say that we support many local craft producers that supply us with;

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Harris tweed bags - Wallets and much more ● Local scenery cards Calenders ● Fancy Jewellery ● Christmas cakes ● Knitted socks and hats We have a range of perfumes, toys, lovely Christmas gifts and decorations

For the month of December We have Christmas specials on wines and spirits CAN’T FIND WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR then let us know and we will do our best to get it in for you. To get you in the festive mood on Saturday 22nd December we will have Mulled wine non-alchol punch, mince pies and shortbread.

To all our customers and visitors NOLLAIG CHRIDHEAL AGUS BLIADHNA MHATH UR

Tel: 01878 720236 Email: eriskayshop@hebrides.net

Tha a gheòla a seoladh leum a’ nochd, Air cùrsa gu Eilean a cheò, S’ eilean Rùm, dorcha air mo chul, Bidh mi s’an eilean a - nochd Far am bheil na Cuillins ag èirigh cho àrd, Is Coruisk cho breàgha, Seo far am bheil na’n aingeal nan tàmh, A cuir seachad nam bliadhna

The boat sails with me tonight,

San t-Eilean Sgitheanach San t-Eilean Sgitheanach San t-Eilean Sgitheanach, Eilean a cheò

The gigantic boulders which litter our landscape have a fascinating story to tell, as geologist Jean Archer of North Uist explains.

ERISKAY COMMUNITY SHOP

Loch Coruisk On her course to the Isle of Skye, The Isle of Rhum is dark behind me, I will be in the Island tonight Where the Cullins rise so high, And Coruisk is so beautiful, This is where the angels stop at peace, Passing all their years. In the Isle of Skye, In the Isle of Skye,

TRAVELLERS’ TALES I suppose that in times gone by many of them were just broken up to make building stones. But there are still plenty of them left. I refer to the boulders which litter the scene over so much of the Long Island. Many of them are more than eight feet wide and ten feet high and they must weigh tons. In days of old they probably featured in many a tale told around the peat fire on a winter’s night. Were the boulders not missiles which the giants of yesteryear hurled at each other during their ancient warfare? Why, did some of them not still bear the marks of the giant fingers or the smooth surface where they fitted into the giant’s sling? And the storytellers of old were entirely right.The boulders do indeed tell a tale but a tale very different from the fireside tales of yore. Instead of being thrown around by supermen of comic-book

Coruisk

In the Isle of Skye, The misty Isle I am now at anchor in the bay, Where the seals sing so sweetly,

Traveller meets traveller by the roadside in Dubhasairidh, North Uist.

proportions, these boulders were actually caught in the maw of the ice sheet which enveloped the Long Island a few tens of thousands of years ago. They are children of the Ice Age. They were plucked from their parent rock and trundled along in the ice. But, they probably were carried over no great distance. The boulders are just composed of the local Lewisian Gneiss (pronounced ‘nice’) and are classified by geologists as ‘travellers’, rather than as ‘erratics’. They are rocks transported by ice from some identifiable ‘foreign’ field and provide us with information about the direction of ice movement. For instance, rare chunks of basalt found on the beaches of the Long Island almost certainly originated on Skye and have been carried in ice westwards over what is today The Minch. When the global late glacial warming set in, about 15,000 years ago, and torrents of meltwater flooded seawards, the ice’s rocky cargo was left high and dry to form a great barren wilderness. The rocky debris long since has been largely buried beneath a growth of soil, or, peat, or wind-blown sand, leaving only the largest blocks and boulders protruding from the grassy swards, or, heathery expanse. The biggest and the best of them have the visual impact of land-locked shipwrecks,or might be compared with great abstract works of art. Love them or loathe them, there is no denying that these boulders make imposing natural monuments to the great Ice Age. They embody tales of stupendous natural forces and climate change on the grandest scale.

Get Fresh with Freshen your floors and spruce up your sofas for Christmas! Commercial and domestic carpet and upholstery cleaning service Contact: Alasdair Tel: 01870 602320 Mobile: 07765 524753

Tha mi a-nis aig acair anns a bhàgh, Far a bheil na ròin a seinn cho breàgha, Tha cabhag orm faighinn gu tìr, Gu talamh naomh mo ch’ ridhe Is bheir aingeal dho a làmh, Is streapaidh sinn gu mulach na meall, Is coisichidh sinn troimh a h-uile sgòth A toirt suil air talabh dhe San t-Eilean Sgitheanach San t-Eilean Sgitheanach San t-Eilean Sgitheanach, Eilean a cheò Is bhuam chi mi a bogha-froise A cur dathan air a ghleann A nul gu baile beag Port Rìgh Is Mac an Stòr cho crom, Is tuitaidh deoir nan aingeal orm, Mar fras samhraidh a dùsgadh flùr, Tha buille ùr nam chridhe a-nis, S’a ghrian a dearsadh air an tsaoghal.

I am in a hurry to get ashore, To the hallowed ground of my heart An angel will give me her hand, As we climb to the top of the mountains, We will walk through every cloud Looking over god’s land In the Isle of Skye, In the Isle of Skye, In the Isle of Skye, The misty Isle And I see the rainbow, Painting colours on the glen, Over to the small town of Portree And “Mac An Storr” so bent, And the angels tears will fall on me, Like a summer shower waking a flower, There is a new beat in my heart now As the sun shines on this world In the Isle of Skye, In the Isle of Skye, In the Isle of Skye,

San t-Eilean Sgitheanach San t-Eilean Sgitheanach San t-Eilean Sgitheanach, Eilean a cheò

The misty Isle

island news & ADVERTISER - December 2012 - January 2013 Issue 10

Time Out

P Y N P Y N

North Uist author Gordon Herries Davies anticipates the publication of a Leviathan of a book and nurses the Good Hope that he won’t be confronted with the letters N Y P this Christmas that would be Terrible...

HMS Leviathan. Courtesy of the Library of Congress

It must have looked like a Christmascard idyll. A log-fire blazed, decorations were in place, and beyond the windows the world lay white. A robin must have lurked somewhere. Beside the fire, upon an oaken settle, there sat two figures. One was a lady who was getting on in years. The other was a curly-haired boy of four. Together the pair leafed the pages of a large book. The scene needs no Sherlock Holmes. This clearly was a grandmother entertaining her grandson. That was all so long ago. I was the fouryear-old, and I had just taken the book from its shelf. The volume was my favourite whenever I visited my grandmother who, for some strange reason, I always knew as ‘Brown’. The book

discover that an American author of high repute has just completed a book devoted to my cruisers. It is to have 400 pages and 300 illustrations. A reproduction of the dust-jacket depicts what surely is the Good Hope of 1901, a vice-admiral’s flag at her foremast truck and smoke pouring from her four funnels. Of course I have placed my order. A Christmas gift for myself. I just hope that in the run-up to Christmas there arrives no publisher’s letter indicating NYP – not yet published. Should that happen – perish the thought – I have my stand-by. Brown left to me the book over which we so often poured together all those years ago. In the book H.M.S. Good Hope is the final picture.

was one of colour-plates of the ships of Queen Victoria’s navy. Brown new all about those ships – she had once been the intended of a sailor who lost his life at sea in 1896 – and our many cosy fireside sessions together left me with a life-long interest in the men o’war of the late Victorian era, and especially in those classified as armoured cruisers. With their ram-bows, casementbatteries, and numerous tall funnels, I suppose most people would see my cruisers as marine monstrosities. Those funnels leave the ships looking like and industrial estate gone to sea. But to me these cruisers have ever been objects of fascination and delight. And their colourscheme! Not until 1901 were British

warships painted grey, and my cruisers had yellow funnels, white upperworks, black hulls and red waterlines. They were painted like the liners of their day and, in a way, that is what my ships were. Theirs was the age of Pax Britannica, and they cruised the world showing the flag and diverting the admirals. I never saw any of those ships for real. The last of them had gone to the knackers long before I entered this world. But I have passed happy hours before their showcased miniatures. The Argyll in Glasgow, the Leviathan in Greenwich, and the Terrible in Edinburgh – all of them are museum friends of long-standing. Now imagine my delight! From a publisher’s list of books forthcoming I

DESERTS IN THE OCEAN By Reverend Mary Lewis, North Uist All around the coasts of Scotland, Ireland, Wales and England, especially in the period between 600 and 800 AD, many small islands and even rock-stacks were used as places of prayer. The people who sought out such islands were monks or priests who desired to

dedicate their lives to God. Simple carved crosses, bee-hive cells, small chapels and even some poems, are evidence of their presence. The Isle of Iona was the great centre of early Christianity in the Hebrides. St Columba arrived there in 563 AD. He established a monastic community that was a centre of prayer, creativity (the Book of Kells was made on Iona and many beautiful crosses) and evangelism. Columba himself and many other members of the community travelled through much of

Scotland establishing the Christian faith. What perhaps is less well- known is that some of the monks sought to follow the example of the Desert Fathers from Egypt and to find their own ‘deserts’within which to live a life totally dedicated to God. They were especially inspired by St Antony the Great and St Paul of Thebes, the first to venture into the desert and whose meeting became a well-known story that was carved on the Ruthwell Cross and the stone slab in Nigg. St Columba died in 597. Around one hundred years later, Adomnan, the ninth abbot of Iona, wrote a Life of St Columba, and in this he describes the search for a ‘desert in the ocean’. What these monkvoyagers hoped to find was an offshore island suitable for a small hermitage. The most famous such place is Skellig Michael off the coast of Co. Kerry but many remote island settlements and hermitages are found in the Hebrides and around the coasts of Orkney and Shetland. In this article it is only possible to mention a few

of these islands. One of the best known is Eileach an Naoimh in the Garvellachs where there is still a bee-hive cell. Anther tiny island called Eilean M?r in the MacCormaig Isles has a cave where St Cormac was known to have meditated as this became a place of pilgrimage. North Rona still retains a 7th century cell and is perhaps the ultimate ‘desert in the ocean’ as it is so remote. On Eilean M?r in the Flannan Isles there is a tiny chapel which may have been built in the 8th century. The name Pabbay or Paible may also be a clue to islands or places associated with hermits or priests. Around the Outer Hebrides the islands of Taransay, Pabbay Mor,Vallay, Heisgeir, Hirta, Boreray and the Shiants, may all have had hermits or small communities of monks and been part of this tradition of the desert. To try and recover something of this past tradition may seem irrelevant but on the other hand it may be more necessary than ever to find the space and time for contemplation and to feel united with that which is the source of all life.

island news & ADVERTISER - December 2012 - January 2013 Issue 10

Time Out HEBRIDEANS

CRIMINALS ?

The Photographs of Monica Weller

By Pauline Prior-Pitt, Sollas, North Uist “Now all the youth of England are on fire.”

Monica Weller writes of her photographic and human pilgrimages to Harris I came to the Isle of Harris in 1994 as an amateur photographer. I didn’t know it but it was a turning point. On a small ferry boat between the island of Berneray and Leverburgh in Harris, I photographed a woman with her children. This was the photograph which would become one of my most important images. It was accepted in the 1995 Royal Photographic Society’s International Print Exhibition. They said,“The strength of the image lies in its warm and humane message of family which has universal appeal”. The following year I developed Bell’s palsy. I thought I would never be able to use my camera again. Focusing was difficult but I continued making photographs. Since then it has become almost a sacred

No silken dalliance in their wardrobe lies.

For details of ‘Hebrideans’ please go to: http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/3111583

They have no silken dalliance, no chance. Their hooded garments covering their face,

pilgrimage of 700 miles to the Outer Hebrides to indulge in my photography and the sense of calm in the islands. Even dull, damp days provide me with inspiration: the atmosphere, the Gaelic chatter, a solitary glance from a stranger. It is a great joy to me to photograph the Hebrideans, trying to show a special way of life in an age that would prefer us all to be the same. I have always admired the words of photographer Dorothea Lange:“One should use the camera as though tomorrow you’d be stricken blind”. My sentiment too. Over the years I recalled happenings in a journal as I got to know the island people. These notes became part of my book: ‘Hebrideans - the Photographs of Monica Weller’. Here are some Facebook comments: “These are magnificent pictures, enhanced by

the quality of the reproduction. Making such images demands a rare empathy with the subjects. What a record of these fine people and their enviable way of life”. Describing this photograph of Iain MacDonald, left, and Ruairidh Morrison, right, from Seilebost, artist Willie Fulton wrote “Roddy was a gentle-man, who treated me, an ‘incomer’, with openness and equality”. Another said,“I Love the wee welly turndown that some people do as well! You don’t see that anywhere else! And another,“One of my favourite photographs, sums up life in Harris a generation ago”. I hope people will see what I’ve worked hard at: to record people as they are. In November 2012 I was awarded a Fellowship from the Royal Photographic Society.

Their trainers rough and ready for the chase, They know they are not fitted for life’s dance. The silken dalliance in other wardrobes lies With politicians, bankers, hedge fund men, The rich, too rich, the richest rich, who when They fiddle their off shore accounts, all cry They are entitled, what they do is legal. They don’t give a toss that it’s immoral. The youth of England who have set the fire Who have no silken dalliance, no chance,

Trowel Neatly and Walk on the Planks!! A Memoir of the Udal,1981

Who walk the streets, no work day after day,

Canadian Janis Goad wanted to connect with her mother’s Scottish roots and found herself volunteering on Iain Crawford’s famous excavation at Udal in North Uist.

Are branded criminals, and they must pay.

The Council for British Archeology newsletter gave me the contact information for Iain Crawford’s site at the Udal, and in June, 1981 I walked from the ferry landing in Lochmaddy to the village of Grenitote. Unsure of my way, I knocked on a door and asked the elderly woman who answered if she knew how I could find Iain Crawford at the excavation. Mrs. MacLean? Mrs. Macaulay? I am not sure of her name, but I will never forget her

kindness. She welcomed me in for tea and bread with jam. I ate with relish, for after travelling most of the day, I was hungry. Later she took me to the house where the first volunteers would stay until the school year ended and we could move to our quarters in the schoolhouse. With experience on sites before, I knew how to trowel, work neatly, follow sills of coloured sand in the soil, keep a clean workspace without leaving crumbs of dirt and sand; I had learned how to move carefully on the planks to avoid trampling finds, how to carry buckets of excavated dirt, how to live with cold, mud, flies, and sun, how to work hard without complaining.The work is methodical, meditative, calm and active at the same time, and I love being outdoors. Sometimes I imagined voices of the people of those days, laughter around fires, meals whose remains ended in the kitchen midden, mothers singing old songs to babies as they worked. On days off, I walked on the machair to

the beach, or across the peat bogs toward the hills. Sometimes on Sundays we made field trips to buy kippers and see Harris tweed at the weaver’s place down toward Benbecula, with a stop at the Carinish pub for a pint. On July 29, 1981, the whole country stopped for the wedding of Prince Charles and Diana Spencer. One of the farmers invited us to watch it on television in his home, where Border collies barked at us and an orphan lamb in the kitchen wagged its tail joyfully as it emptied its bottle from the hand of the dark-haired teenager in the kitchen. Since that wonderful summer I have thought a million times of the island, the people, the site at the Udal, the compelling story of how the site was opened by a freak spring tide, exposing a gravesite. In January, 2010, I started looking for information about North Uist, the dig at the Udal, and Iain Crawford and Mo Robinson. I found little, until suddenly an email came from Judith Aird asking if I had photos of the dig for the excavation report and planned finds display. If you were here that summer, please email me with stories and comments at janisg@look.ca. I would love to find out where life has brought you in the thirty years since our paths crossed. Read the full version of this article at: http://janisgoad.hubpages.com/hub/The-Udal-at-North-Uist

But those who burn and pillage in a genteel way, Who bring this blessed country to its knees, Are not called criminals. They do not pay. The silken dalliance is theirs. They live at ease. Pauline writes: I read this poem at the Edinburgh Fringe this year and it was taken up by David Betteridge and read out at an event held at the Scottish Trades Union Congress. It was inspired by these two lines from the chorus’ speech in Henry V Act II “Now all the youth of England are on fire. And silken dalliance in the wardrobes lies;” It appeared to me unseemly that the rioters [of the 2011 London riots] were brought to justice and punished with such haste, compared to the rich who are still getting away with their immoral gains.

island news & ADVERTISER - December 2012 - January 2013 Issue 10

Time Out

Wild Chorus

My First Christmas on Uist

By John A Love, South Uist I was walking along a shingle beach under the basalt cliffs of the Isle of Canna - one of the Small Isles, indeed one of my favourite islands. Above me is Compass Hill, so named because of the rich iron content of the rock can upset ship’s compasses. Four miles away on the opposite side of the Sound of Canna is the Isle of Rum, the largest of the four Small Isles – 64 square miles with rugged hills rising to 2,600 feet. I once lived on this island, a National Nature Reserve, for nearly ten years, between 1975 and 1985, whilst managing a pioneering project for the Nature Conservancy Council to reintroduce white-tailed sea eagles back to Scotland. With no rabbits or hares in Rum some of the young, newly released sea eagles quickly discovered a bunny bonanza on neighbouring Canna. Here there were also good seabird colonies, with boats fishing close offshore, always ready to chuck some of their catch to attract the eagles closer. Back in Rum I was providing food in the form of venison and fish on the eagles’ cages to tide them over until they learnt to hunt for

In Praise of Peat By Flora MacDonald, North Uist

Tucked away on a moorland in North Uist is a little corner of Heaven. The strip of land only measures 112 ft by 12ft but it oozes a sustainable asset, a hive of local lore and traditions. It is the peat bank. To reach this magical land, my allotment of crofting life, I walk barefooted across the strand of Baymore. The reflections of the clouds are under my bare feet, I am soaring upwards towards Heaven accompanied by the song of the oyster catchers. Suddenly I am in my favourite place. I stand at one end and and view the newly cut rows of peats. These are great thick juicy slabs of rich dark brown chocolate.

themselves. I tramped Rum’s hills trying to identify the young sea eagles by their coloured leg rings or numbered wing tags. The Mackinnon family in Canna would inform me of any sea eagles there, which gave me a fine excuse to visit.Thus began my love affair with Canna which I still regard almost as a second home. I had first visited Rum, with the Aberdeen University Biological Society, for a week in April 1969. Only a year previously I had been on holiday in Fair Isle.This coincided with the arrival of three young sea eagles from Norway (a fourth arrived later) a previous but unsuccessful reintroduction attempt that was never followed up. Little did I suspect that I would become so intimately involved in a fresh attempt on the Isle of Rum seven years later. After a hesitant start, we managed to release no less than 82 young Norwegian sea eagles over eleven seasons. Now I was surveying the Inner Hebrides looking for evidence of the first breeding attempts. First stop . . . the Isle of Canna. It was a calm day in early May with clear blue skies. I knew I would soon have to turn

I repeat this experience for many weeks during the summer as peats are processed for their homecoming. I share the experience with friends and neighbours or I simply enjoy the solitary pleasure. I take a break and sculpture peat pots, peat prints and peat poetry. On hot days I steep my feet in a mud bath. I continue lifting the peats to dry them. I make them into rows of Hansel and Gretel houses. They are built with five peats, four sides and the roof. Some of the peats are spangled with fossilised silver birch of the ancient forest, others are dotted and speckled with the white heads of the bog cotton. I soak in the aroma of the moorland flowers. The mossy peatland is carpeted with white bog cotton, yellow bog asphodel and the purple of marsh cinquefoil. To complete the pastoral scene the cuckoo sings her song. The lark is singing and soaring Heavenwards. “It is my land,” as a proud landowner would say. Although my strip is minimalist it yields riches untold. It glows in the open fire, it fuels the Rayburn for cooking the daily bread, warms a tot of

back when the beach finally gave out, below the highest cliffs on the island. But just as I turned into a small gully with high precipitous sides a sea eagle appeared overhead. It was soon joined by its mate.Together they circled, wings spread like condors; their white tails shone in the sun like silver crescent moons.They croaked in alarm, their duets approaching an excited crescendo, the smaller male’s voice slightly higher-pitched. And then, as if on cue, the resident peregrine pair tumbled off the cliff and screeched at the intrusion.Together the four birds duetted - the lethargic giants soaring against the blue sky while the nimble little falcons cavorted around them.Their chorus echoed between the cliffs as I beat a hasty retreat. All our efforts had been worthwhile.

From A Saga of Sea Eagles by John Love,due to be published in softback in April by Whittles Publishing at £18.99.

whisky, it dries the clothes on the pulley and it radiates a special welcoming warmth in the kitchen. It is the hub of the house. It burns bright in the sitting room fire on special celebrations. One of these special occasions is the homecoming of the peats. The small Gretel house is now a substantially larger house, the shape of an upturned boat. Willie, the skilled peat cutter, weaves a herringbone pattern with the peats. It is a work of art, it stands proudly guarding the house. It is the powerhouse of heat, light and happiness. It protects my household from the winter storms. It has been a sustainable commodity since Roman times and is unaffected by power cuts. The stack now holds the happy memories of summer, flower smells, birdsong, barefooted on the strand sky coloured by the sea ,and the picnics on the bank. It also holds the association of all the people who helped: the laughter of young relatives, the Gaidhlig chat of neighbours, visiting friends, tractor rides on the strand, a German student carrying bags of peat with the incoming tide and setting sun.

Xavier Bird, 17, reflects on what might lie ahead for his first Christmas on the islands. I have recently left boarding school to live here with my dad. This has been a drastic change, not least because of the vast differences in culture and landscape in the Hebrides, but also because I would not say that I have spent a long enough period of time in one place since I was nine years old. However, that said, I have, up until now, never spent a Christmas away from the county of Angus. This Year will be my first Christmas on the islands and my first absent from the east. I have not a clue whether it will just be like any other day or whether I will end up being chucked in the negative degrees of the Atlantic Ocean whilst snow tumbles on to the beach (the doctor tends to encourage this sort of thing). I have become slightly more accustomed to the passing places, the lack of trees and the fact that you have to wait two months to see a film so now I simply cannot see Christmas being a day where I watch soap after soap and gradually become more horizontal. There are questions such as “How are we going to get a Christmas tree when the entire island can only string about twenty normal trees altogether?” and “How do they do Boxing Day sales?” buzzing in my head. I know that this Christmas will be very different to the last one.

Gus and Susy Macaulay of Cnoc An Torrain, North Uist would like to wish all their family and friends a very happy Christmas and a joyful and prosperous 2013.

island news & ADVERTISER - December 2012 - January 2013 Issue 10

Balivanich Post Office & Colin Campbell Sports The staff would like to thank their customers for their support throughout the year and wish them

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our customers

a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Deliveries now to Uist and local stockists Telephone: 01871 890341/291

Lochboisdale Cafe We thank the people of Uist and Barra for all their support in the past year and wish you all

a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year

NDUS Divers We wish you all

a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Nollaig Chridheil agus Bliadhna Mhath Ă&#x2122;r!

Tel: 01870 603258

We thank all our customers for their support and wish everyone a very

a very Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our readers

island news & ADVERTISER - December 2012 - January 2013 Issue 10

But what’s happened to Paw Prints? Due to shortage of space, the editor tells me she’s had to put our photos on ‘paws’this month. But she wants you to tell your two-legged friends to keep on sending in their favourite pet photos and Paw Prints will be back in February. She also asked me to remind you that cats and rabbits are also welcome to participate.

Grrr.

And hens, hamsters and horses.

pawprints@islandnewsandadvertiser.com

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