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island news Edition 21
December/January 2013
EE FR
& ADVERTISER
CHECK OUT OUR GREAT READER OFFERS on page 14
NOW OR NEVER
Comhairle leader sets out vision of ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’ to devolve more power to the islands settlement, and within Europe. New fiscal arrangements such as 10% VAT on the islands would give a huge boost to the local economy, Mr Campbell said. He went on: “I believe we will succeed, not only because we have belief. “We will succeed because
it is the right thing to do, at local, national and international level. “What we are proposing is not just in the interests of the islands, it is in the interests of us all, Scotland, the UK and Europe.� Read more about the Our Islands Our Future initiative on page 11.
CnES leader Angus Campbell speaking at the Comann Na Mara annual lecture in Lochmaddy.
Our award-winning curries are now available in Uist! L L
natural and cultural resources, we have the talents, we have the vision. “Our islands remain key players in the oil and gas industries, our exports are world famous - Harris Tweed, Stornoway Black Pudding, Orkney Lamb, Shetland seafood. “Our cultures add significantly to the cultural tapestry of this country, Scotland and the UK. “We bring money into the economy, we provide added value, and we want to do more of it.� Aspirations include control of the sea bed around the islands, with revenues currently paid to the Crown Estate to be channelled to local needs; new grid connections to the mainland to allow off-shore energy resources to generate income for the islands; recognition of the status of the three island groups in the new Scottish constitutional
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With the political initiative ‘Our Islands Our Future’ gathering pace, Comhairle leader Angus Campbell visited North Uist and set out the vision of Scotland’s three island councils, Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland for a future with more devolved powers. Speaking at the Comann Na Mara annual lecture in Lochmaddy, he said: “We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to establish the place of the islands in this country, and we would not be forgiven if we missed this opportunity.� He said that central to the initiative is reversing population decline by creating high-quality opportunities to enable islanders to stay at home and to attract new residents, particularly young people. Mr Campbell said: “How do we make this happen? I truly believe we have the means. We have the
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Available frozen in Lovats Balivanich and Carnan Stores. Try our delicious range of Chicken, Barra Organic Lamb, Prawn and Vegetable curries. We use only fresh and natural ingredients, no preservatives or artificial flavourings.
ies ter say our curr MPs in Westmins e w in ita st in Br are among the be 10! the Tiffin Cup 20 in ts were finalis Main Street, Castlebay, Isle of Barra. Â HS9 5XD.
Tel:Â 01871 810 645Â
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island news & ADVERTISER - December/January 2013 Issue 21
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Express your view in 400 words: editor@islandnewsandadvertiser.com IN&A does not take responsibility for the views expressed or facts mentioned in readers’ letters
EE FR
island news & ADVERTISER
is the FREE MONTHLY NEWSPAPER
North Uist schools should be used to house historic material
Island News & Advertiser
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INBRIEF
of the
Scottish Islands
The remaining schools, Carinish, Bayhead and Lochmaddy are now considered for closure, with one main school to replace them. Comann Eachdraidh Uibhist A Tuath, of which I am a life member, has gathered a vast amount of ancient material, unfortunately in store now for a number of years. This is our opportunity to make use of one of the remaining schools as a museum, so that all the material already in store, and lots more still to be collected can be exhibited to the general public, attract tourists
When North Uist schools were closed in the past (Claddach Carinish, Kallin, Grimsay, Baleshare, Claddach Kirkibost, Tigharry, Dunskellar, Clachan Sands, Berneray, Lochportain and the off-shore islands of Heiskeir, Boreray and Vallay) good use was made of all vacated school buildings. With Dunskellar for instance, people from all areas worked well to produce a community centre to be proud of and a great asset to the Sollas area.
Message from St Jerome’s A big THANK YOU from all at St Jerome’s Children’s Home in Kenya to Allan Macdonald of Stoneybridge who ran The Great Scottish 10K Run on October 6 and raised a massive £590 through sponsorship. He completed the run in an amazing 43 minutes and came in 2nd in his category (men of a certain age!).
Managing Editor
Susy Macaulay Business Manager
Nicola McKenzie
VISIT
IN&A’s new website for more local news daily
Donald Campbell Fairview Lochmaddy Isle of North Uist
This will enable us to fund a computer course for the oldest boys to prepare them for starting secondary school in February. We have an exciting year coming up as we have teamed up with an architectural charity Orkidstudio who are going to build us a new and safer home in the village of Murunyu in another area of Nakuru, Kenya. The St Jerome’s team would like to send Christmas greetings to all of our generous supporters and wish you all the best for 2014.
Outdoors at Taigh Sgire
The
Work to spruce up the outdoor area at Taigh Sgire community facility, Sollas, North Uist is now complete. Disabled access has been installed. The ‘Outdoors at Taigh Sgire’ The cattle grid has also been extended project received a £10,000 grant from LEADER, match-funded by the local and made fully stock-proof. There are now two containers on the community to carry out the for storage, and further storage machair improvements. old The car park has been surfaced, and has been created by renovating the blocks. toilet extended.
Blacksmith’s Cushion New outlet for bespoke ironwork and Harris Tweed products
Gates, railings, handles, candlesticks etc by the only artisan blacksmith on the islands. All types of work undertaken
Harris Tweed cushions G Cards Parking at Culla Bay G Keyrings
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Culla Croft, Aird, Benbecula
Contact 01870 603816
for opening hours
Lochboisdale Amenity Tru st AGM
7.30pm 13th December Talla Chidhe Lochboisdale
The Chairman will rep ort on the progress of business durin g the past year. Copies of accounts will be available at the
meeting. A draft copy of the 2012 AGM will also be available. The meeting is open to all members of the community, altho ugh only full members will be able to vote on matters arising.
Design
Tim Mason
to the area chosen etc. It is therefore important that the people in authority in our area make every effort to acquire a school building for this important purpose.
Value of fish landings disappointing in 2012 Figures from the Scottish Government show that the value of fish landings across Scotland by all UK vessels fell by 12.7% in Scottish ports last year, compared with 2011. In the Highlands & Islands region, the value was down 14.5% to just over £211 million, 50% of the Scottish total. The figures include a 35% drop in Shetland and a 14% drop in Orkney. However Stornoway bucked the trend with a 14% growth.
Seaweed Required We require a supply of freshly cut knotted wrack (ascophyllum nodosum) for our new seaweed processing factory based on North Uist. If you wish to be involved in cutting seaweed please register your interest with us whether you wish to start immediately or in the future. Training will be offered. We hold some tools and equipment in stock. Phone 01876 500267 Email info@uistasco.com Visit the factory at Crogaire Quarry
www.islandnewsandadvertiser.co.uk
AVAILABLE In 65 outlets from Tiree to Stornoway; ALSO Oban, Inverness Glasgow and Edinburgh Orkney, Shetland
CNM features in Landward
Uist’s Society of the Sea, Comann Na Mara (CNM ) is to feature in BBC Scotland’s Landward on Friday December 13 at 7pm. In a programme about the Crown Estate Dougie Vipon d interviews CNM chairman Gus Macaulay about the organisatio n’s pioneering Local Management Agreement with the Crown Estate for a pontoon development in Loch Maddy Bay.
The programme is repeated on Sunday Decem ber 15 on BBC2 at 5.30pm.
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December/January 2013 Issue 21 - island news & ADVERTISER
Funding help for isles abattoirs Island abattoirs are set to benefit from a new tranche of funding designed to secure their future. Building a Better Balivanich update A steering group has been set up to establish a Community Company for the development of Balivanich. Local Development Officer Niall Campbell said: “Setting up a community company will create a vehicle to help residents take forward those projects which do not have dedicated groups already, as well as providing support for those that do. For example road safety, lighting and amenity improvements are still high on people’s lists – we hope that the plan will provide a focus for efforts and resources to get things moving in this area, in partnership with existing organisations.� An action plan for Building a Better Balivanich will be published this month after community consultations held last month. It will help organisations lobby for resources for priority projects, as well as providing the context for funding for larger projects.
Mediterranean visitor washes up in Benbecula
North Uist, Lewis, Mull, Islay, Shetland and Orkney abattoirs will use the new fund for improvements to their facilities. They will also receive specialist mentoring, help to develop market opportunities and support for staff training and apprenticeships. The project known as Sustaining Island Abattoirs is funded by HRH Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay’s Countryside Fund, and delivered by Scottish Agricultural Organisational Society and Scottish Business in the Community (SBC). SBC says there will be indirect benefits for 20% of the 2,162 holdings on the islands, with 15 young people being offered improved skills and opportunities.
A fish used to swimming in warm waters has washed up on Culla Bay beach in Benbecula. The grey trigger fish (pictured) was spotted by Richard Lodge whilst walking his dog. He said: “I thought it looked different so I took a picture. Days later I found that it’s not from this region and normally lives in the Mediterranean.� Andy Horton of British Marine Life Study Society said the warmest October in years had raised the sea level by around one degree, making it possible for the fish to extend its range. He said: “ When the water cools down again, they either swim back, or die. “They are scarce in northern waters, with the last one recorded in the Outer Hebrides found off Lewis in 2003.�
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The Island News & Advertiser office will be closed from December 14 – January 6 for our annual break. We wish all our readers a very happy festive season, and extend our thanks to all in the business community who have supported our endeavour over the past year.
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Are you thinking about starting a business?
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Are you aged between 16 and 30? If so, you may be eligible for support from the Prince’s Trust Youth Business Scotland (PTYBS). Along with access to Business Gateway products, including FREE business skills workshops, you may be able to access the following PTYBS support:
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Support for established businesses is also available. Funding is discretionary and Terms and Conditions apply. You must be 18 and over to apply for a loan. To find out more about how PTYBS can help you, please contact Donna Macleod on 01851 822775 or donna.macleod@cne-siar.gov.uk. You can also call the above number for general Business Gateway support.
0845 609 6611 www.bgateway.com
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Business Gateway services are delivered by Local Authorities, Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Government with the support of associated partner organisations. Maximum call charge from BT landline is 3p a minute.
NEWFEATURE
4
island news & ADVERTISER - December/January 2013 Issue 21
BarraBulletin
By Eoin MacNeil, IN&A’s new Barra Correspondent. Hello from Barra! There is always something happening on Barra & Vatersay and now that the Island News & Advertiser is bringing Uist news over here, I am grateful for the opportunity to pass on a range of news and stories from the other side of the Sound. The tallest story over here at the moment is our new wind turbine.
Barra has the most efficient wind turbine in Europe Tha torr gaoithe againn far a bheil sinn a fuireach! Barra and Vatersay now has its own community wind turbine. A 900kW Enercon E-44 wind turbine has been installed at Gòb Sgùrabhal, the most northerly point on the island. Early indications are that the wind resource will make this one of the most productive 900kW turbines in Western Europe. It is expected that the revenue from the turbine will be used for investment in community developments here on Barra. Barra now joins the group of islands with large community-owned wind turbines from Gigha in the south, through Tiree, South Uist, and Lewis to the Orkney Isles. Project leader Euan Scott said: “It has been a long journey but worthwhile as the local community will benefit from the income stream generated over the years to come.” Despite delays caused by poor weather over the
past few weeks, the blades are turning but the turbine is not fully commissioned yet as it is still to be connected to the grid. This is expected to happen very soon. Unlike other island turbines, Barra’s was the first to be delivered using a beach landing. A beach ramp was created by local contractor Shonnie MacLennan at Traigh Sgùrabhal and the turbine was carried by barge from Castlebay. Utilising a beach for a variety of uses is common on Barra with our airport landing strip, cockle strand and at one time our Barra Shell Factory. The delivery was undertaken by DSV Global Transport and Logistics from Enercon’s factory in Germany right to Sgùrabhal. The project was conceived in 2005, with feasibility studies commencing in 2006. Overall the project will have cost in the region of £2.45m and is believed to be the only community
wind turbine project to have been successfully undertaken entirely in-house. The project has been largely funded by Triodos Bank, who view both the environmental and community aspects of the project as central to their core ethos. Financial support has also been forthcoming from the Scottish Government’s Renewable Energy Investment Fund, Community and Renewable Energy Scheme, and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar through its part-EU-funded programme, Outer Hebrides Small Business Assistance Scheme. The Community Energy Scotland team has provided advice and support over several years. The community company, Coimhearsnachd Bharraidh agus Bhatarsaidh, set up a subsidiary to build and operate the turbine. Barra and Vatersay Wind Energy Ltd (BVWE) will pass the profits from the operation of the turbine to the community company for investment in development projects on Barra and Vatersay. Donald MacNeil, a director of BVWE said: “There have been a few times when we began to doubt if it would ever happen but we stuck in there and persisted. Frankly without Euan Scott as manager I doubt if we could have succeeded.” A relieved Euan added: “I have been directly involved in this for over three years, and it would simply not have been possible without the enormous goodwill and support shown towards us by our funders and partners.” It is unusual in that the turbine stands on land owned by the Scottish Government. It is an excellent example of co-operation between public bodies, the local community and private funders. Councillor Donald Manford was ecstatic. “The significance of this achievement cannot be overstated. The single-minded determination to succeed is a tribute to the entire community.” Back with more Barra news next month
Sgoil Phaibil Christmas Fayre Wednesday December 11 Start time 1.30pm G
Sale of Christmas crafts, home baking etc.
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Entertainment.
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Tea, coffee and home baking.
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Proceeds for school funds and local charity.
Sgoil Phaibil Carol Service Thursday December 19 2pm G
Tea, coffee and mince pies afterwards.
Community Carol Service Sunday December 15 at 6.30pm G
A community carol service will be held in Balivanich School, Benbecula
Eoligarry P7s are in transition Pupil Mya writes: Every Tuesday P& go up to Castlebay for transition. The first thing we did was ICT; we were making our own spooky Hallowe’en menus like a main meal and a sweet. When the bell rang it was time for Gaelic, in Gaelic we were writing our names in Celtic letters and colouring them in. We didn’t get Science, because we got to see author Jonathon Meres, he was really funny. For this week only we got History and Art. In History we looked at National, World, Local and family history, we then had to give an example of each. In Art we were making a Hallowe’en mask and we had to colour it in.
College House, Balivanich, Isle of Benbecula, HS7 5LA Tel: 01870 602228 Fax: 01870 602865
Looking for a property to buy, sell or rent..... Looking to buy or sell land..... Look no further than your local estate agency Visit our new website for latest property listings www.uistproperty.co.uk
December/January 2013 Issue 21 - island news & ADVERTISER
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Disease threatens isles garden birds A fatal disease of the throat in garden birds has been spotted in South Uist, Lewis and Mull. Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite living in the upper digestive tract of the bird, gradually blocking its throat and killing it by starvation. It is passed from bird to bird during regurgitation, and can contaminate bird food and bird drinking water through saliva. It presents no threat to humans or cats and dogs. The disease was first found in the collared dove population in Ayrshire in 2005, and since then has spread across the UK and Europe. It crossed into the finch population in 2006, taking a particular toll on greenfinches and chaffinches. Now it is appearing on the islands among house sparrows and red polls, a threatened species. Three sparrows lying dead in his garden with no obvious signs of predation or disease alerted South Uist naturalist and artist Bill Neill that something might be out of the ordinary. He said: “I thought they might have
ICCDT directors Geraldine MacKinnon (far left) and Julie McCabe (centre) accept a plaque from Martin Culbertson, Highland Council LEADER Officer in recognition of the financial contribution made to the new Canna community shop.
Let the shopping commence in Canna Canna has a new community shop, thanks to the elbow grease of its residents. With all hands to the pump, they have re-roofed and re-floored a derelict building next to the restaurant on the sea front, creating an open plan space with kitchen and disabled toilets. Shelving and chillers will follow shortly. The new shop replaces the community’s original shop on the pier which opened for business in March 2012. The combination of local produce and crafts and a simple honesty box system saw the shop and the neighbouring ten moorings turn over £19,000 in the past year. The new shop will be run by volunteers along the same lines. The Isle of Canna Community Development Trust (ICCDT) has registered an interest with Canna’s owners The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) in taking outright ownership of the building to further strengthen the economic development of the island. The project cost £80,000, with 86% of the funding coming from LEADER 2007-13 and £10,000 from the NTS Communities Fund and the rest in kind from the residents.
Sparrows on South Uist. ©Bill Neill
found some rat poison so I opened one up and had a look at the gizzard. I found nothing but did notice some rather odd-looking stuff around the skin on the throat. I sent one of the birds to Tom Pennycott of SAC and a little later heard back that it was trichomoniasis.” Mr Neill added that he had observed sparrow numbers declining in his garden this autumn. SAC veterinary centre manager Mr Pennycott said: “If anyone sees anything unusual in the bird population, please get
in touch with us for initial advice and we can see if it’s trichomoniasis or something else. “If you are handling a dead bird, use gloves and keep it in a cool place. You may need to send it on to us.” Mr Pennycott also advised cleaning garden bird baths and feeding stations, and even stopping feeding for a while to force the birds to disperse, decreasing the danger of passing the disease to each other. He can be contacted though SAC Avian Veterinary Consultancy on 01292 520318.
John Morrison - The Gift Shop Lochmaddy, North Uist
WIDE RANGE OF GIFTS FOR ALL OCCASIONS: Glassware
Candles
Stationery
Toiletries
Toys
Hardware
Picture Frames
and a large range of Homeware & Electrical Goods
Christmas
now in! STOCK
New opening hours for Nov & Dec: Mon 3pm - 6pm
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Tue 1pm - 5pm
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Wed 3pm - 6pm
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Thur 1pm - 5pm
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Fri 3pm - 8pm
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Sat 10am - 6pm
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Sun - CLOSED
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island news & ADVERTISER - December/January 2013 Issue 21
Age shall not weary them Remembrance Sunday November 10, 2013 Benbecula
North Uist
South Uist
RAF personnel from Remote Radar Range, Benbecula attended services at the War Memorial in Melbost, Lewis (pictured above left) and Martin's Memorial Church,Stornoway (centre). Š MoD Crown Copyright 2013.
Work carried out on Islay War Graves The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) recently completed improvements in Kilchoman cemetery, Islay.
CWGC staff are undertaking a phased plan of improvements in the cemetery, including headstone border planting and improving turf quality. CWGC will also place a visitor information panel in Kilchoman, and one in Kilnaughton military cemetery.
CWGC staff working in Kilchoman cemetery.
December/January 2013 Issue 21 - island news & ADVERTISER
Superjam superman at Sgoil Lionacleit Jam entrepreneur Fraser Doherty met S3 pupils from Lionacleit and Castlebay schools to talk to them about the sweet success of his business. Fraser, 24, started his Superjam business aged 14 in his home kitchen after an inspirational afternoon with his granny learning how to make jam. He took some sample jars round neighbours and friends, and fired by their seal of approval was making 1,000 jars a week at home by the age of 17. Spotting that jam sales were falling because of the large amount of sugar in the product, he devised a recipe for jam that is 100% fruit and rebranded it Superjam. The product is now made in factories in Carluke and Manchester and is available in supermarkets around the world.
Fraser Doherty, centre, with Iain Macphee, left, and the pupils of S3 Lionacleit and Castlebay.
Now Superjam has its own charity, The Superjam Teaparties which aims to tackle loneliness and isolation in the elderly with afternoons of scones, jam, music and dance as its recipe for success. Fraser said: “I love going to schools and sharing
the adventure I’ve been on for the last 10 years. I started when I was 14, so the kids of that age can think if he can do it so can I. You don’t need to be a genius, you just need an idea and be willing to give it a shot. So many people are terrified of giving it a shot, being laughed at. In reality, nobody laughed. Sometimes you worry about things that never happen.� He added: “You don’t need a lot of money to get started. It’s down to love, imagination and a lot of work.� Fraser was invited to the islands by Gordon MacDonald of Include-Us, the CnES initiative to encourage entrepreneurship in young people. Gordon is working with Castlebay students on weekly entrepreneurship sessions, and chose Fraser as an inspirational figure who shows that simple ideas started in a simple way can grow into huge successes.
He said: “As a young entrepreneur, Fraser is our common thread running through all our classes, which will culminate in a Superjam Tea Party in Barra in June.� Fraser also took time to speak with South Uist student Iain MacPhee, 14, who has developed BukPal, a flatpack book rest and is determined to run his own business. Iain said: “Gordon asked Fraser to mentor me and he agreed. He’ll be mentoring me by email, sharing tips and advice. I can’t believe this is really happening, someone who started a business at the same age as me, it’s awesome.�
Young Uist bakers raise funds for the Philippines
L to R Zoe, Bethan, Trinity and Sophie ready to sell their baking in Bayhead shop.
Distressing images of the Philippines disaster on TV prompted Bethan MacLellan, 10, of Hougharry, North Uist to do something to help. She invited a group of friends, Zoe Wilkie, Trinity Johnson, Sophie MacDonald, Molly Perkins and Orin Shepherd to join her in a bake-in to raise funds for the Disasters Emergency Committee Philippines Typhoon appeal. With the help of the Maclean brothers at Bayhead shop, the girls set up a stall on Saturday November 16, and found plenty of appreciative customers for
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT MACPHEE The family of the late Donald Peter MacPhee, Ford Terrace, Benbecula
would like to thank all their friends, relatives and neighbours for their support and kindness following their recent loss. Special thanks to Fr Ross and Angus MacPhee for prayers and support with funeral arrangements.
their delicious treats. They raised an amazing ÂŁ257.62 for the appeal. Clachan Church was also holding a coffee morning that day and decided to donate part of the funds raised to the Philippines. More than ÂŁ800 was raised, with ÂŁ578 going to the disaster appeal and the remainder to the Scottish Bible Society. Uist and Barra RC churches also raised funds for the Philippines through SCIAF, Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund.
Also a special thank you to all the staff at Benbecula medical practice, Uist and Barra hospital, Western Isles hospital and Raigmore hospital who all helped care for Donald during his illness. Taing mhor
HEBRIDEAN SMOKEHOUSE SHOP, CLACHAN, NORTH UIST
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island news & ADVERTISER - December/January 2013 Issue 21
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December/January 2013 Issue 21 - island news & ADVERTISER
Bishop Toal confirms Southern Isles children
Children from Uist and Barra received the sacrament of confirmation last month from Bishop Joseph Toal. In Uist, the ceremony took place on Saturday November 23 in St Mary’s Griminish, with Fr Ross Crichton, Fr Donald Mackay and Fr Michael MacDonald also in attendance. Bishop Toal confirmed 11 children in Our Lady, Star of the Sea, Castlebay on Sunday November 24. Parish priest Fr John Paul MacKinnon said: “It was a very special occasion with the children and all the sponsors, families and congregation present, and we were blessed with good weather.” Bishop Toal was returning to familiar ground having previously served as assistant priest in St Peter’s Daliburgh, and parish priest in St Michael’s Ardkenneth and St Mary’s, Griminish.
Children confirmed by Bishop Toal in St Mary’s, Griminish.
CHRISSIE RETIRES AFTER 34 YEARS
Passengers at Benbecula Airport are missing a familiar face after the retirement of cleaner Chrissie MacPherson. Chrissie worked for Hial for 34 years. Station manager Roddy MacKay presented her with a bouquet of flowers and thanked her for her loyal service. All the staff at Benbecula wish Chrissie a long and happy retirement. From left to right. Back row – David Jewhurst, Anthony Graham, Hector MacPhee, Roddy MacKay, Cameron Marshall. Middle – Mary Bagley, Chrissie MacPherson, Cathy Furman. Front – Alasdair MacKay, Donald MacPherson, Gerald MacPherson.
ADVERTISING FEATURE - NEW LOOK KITCHENS
NEW YEAR, NEW LOOK It’s no exaggeration to say kitchens are our passion.
The most important room in the home - at New Look, we live and breathe kitchens. Quality and customer service are the watchwords of our family-run company. All our cabinets are custom-made, so we can accommodate any awkward space. We have ranges to suit all tastes and budgets, from country home to contemporary chic. New Look owner John Rowan is a time-served joiner and kitchen surveyor.
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He’ll call at your home Here’s what some of our customers have to offer a completely free, no obligation design said about us: G Full marks to your team for their workmanship, service. pride in their job and customer service. Although we’re based in Janice Laird, Kilmarnock Ayrshire, New Look Kitchens supplies kitchens G We are on our second project with New Look and all over Scotland and we make regular trips to the islands are confident of another successful outcome. Quality - distance no object to us. Our last visit before Christmas speaks for itself! will be the week beginning December 9. Mr and Mrs Farqhuar, Stewarton When you sit down with John to discuss your ideas, G Excellent from start to finish. Attention to detail first he’ll take time to hear exactly what you want. class. Nothing was a problem. Then the New Look team goes all out help you turn Mr and Mrs McMurdo, Peebles your dream into reality. G We had loads of kitchen companies in. John at New Your design will be Look was the only one who listened to and turned into spectacular understood what we wanted and produced the exact 3D images to help you layout that we needed. As a B&B our kitchen is in see New Look can constant use and a year on still looks perfect. You produce for you. can see it at lilacbank.co.uk. And at New Look, Mr and Mrs Hamilton, Maybole. when we give you a price, that’s it. No hidden extras. Because we want people to have the kitchen of their dreams, and for the entire process to be stress and hassle-free. We don’t fit the kitchens, because on the islands we feel your local tradesmen are best placed to do that for you. Your kitchen will be supplied down to every hinge and handle, and John will be on site to oversee the delivery and brief the Showroom, Unit 1, Barrmill Road, Galston KA4 8HH tradesmen you’ve chosen. 99% of our work comes Tel: 01563 822 282 info@newlookkitchens.com through recommendation.
newlookkitchens.com
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island news & ADVERTISER - December/January 2013 Issue 21
Gàidhlig/Gaelic Gaidhlig/Gaelic Turas a Thiriodh ‘s Canaigh Le Rona Hyslop
A TRIP TO TIREE AND CANNA
Tha mi a’ smaointinn gun do chòrd an samhradh ris a huile duine o chionn ‘s gun I think everyone robh an t-sìde cho math. enjoyed the By Rona Hyslop
summer because the weather was so good. I visited tiree for the first time in June. I’d heard that it’s a beautiful place, and I wasn’t disappointed. I really like Tiree. Eilean Chanaigh - Canna.
Bha mise ann an Tiriodh airson a’ chiad turas san Òg Mhìos. Bha mi air cluinntinn gur e àite brèagha a th’ ann agus cha d’ fhuair mi briseadh-dùil. ‘S fhìor thoil leam Tiriodh. Choisich sinn an siud ‘s an seo air na tràighean ‘s bha mi air mo dhòigh an traon a chluinntinn ‘s grunn mhaghaichean fhaicinn. Aon oidhche chaidh sinn timicheall an eilein leis a’ chloinn bhon àrd-sgoil. Chaidh sinn mun cuairt air a’ bhus agus nuair a stad sinn anns gach àite dh’innseadh fear no tè òg sgeulachd mun àite. Chuala sinn mun fhèill, am port-adhair, an raon goilf, bàtaichean-iasgaich, Fèis Chiùil Thiriodh agus Taigh-Solais na Sgeire Mòire. Dh’ ionnsaich sinn ainmean eòin,‘s lusan ‘s beathaichean à Tiriodh. ‘S e turas air leth inntinneach a bh’ ann agus rinn an fheadainn òga fìor mhath. A bharrachd air mo thuras a Thiriodh, chuir mi seachad seachdain ann an Canaigh air cùrsa Gàidhlig ‘Eòlas Chanaigh’. Ghabh sinn òrain le Fiona NicCoinnich à Inbhir Pheofarainn. Fhuair sinn leasain Gàidhlig bho Rhoda Meek, tidsear fìor mhath. Bha e air leth Eilean Thiriodh - Tiree. inntinneach tadhal air Taigh Chanaigh far a bheil an cruinneachadh aig Iain Latharna Caimbeul ‘s Margaret Fay Shaw fo chùram Magda Sagarzazu. Agus chan eil math dhomh diochuimhneachadh Cailean san Taigh Àrd ‘s am biadh a bha air leth blasta.
We walked here and there on the beaches and I was pleased to hear the corncrake and to see lots of hares. One night, we went around the island with the young people from the secondary school. We went on the bus, and when we stopped at each place a young person would tell a story about it. We heard about the livestock market, the airport, the golf course, fishing boats, Tiree Music Festival and Skerryvore Lighthouse. We learned the names of birds, flowers and wildlife found in Tiree. It was a fascinating trip and the young people did really well. As well as my trip to Tiree, I spent a week on Canna attending a Gaelic course ‘Eòlas Chanaigh’. We sang songs with Fiona MacKenzie from Dingwall. We had Gaelic lessons from Rhoda Meek, an excellent teacher. I greatly enjoyed visiting Canna House to see the material collected by John Lorne Campbell and Margaret Fay Shaw. Finally, I mustn’t forget Colin at Taighard and the excellent food.
Am Brìsgein le Eairdsidh Caimbeul
Tha an lus beag ‘s cumanta seo ri fhaighinn ri taobh na traghad, aig taobh an rathaid,‘s ann an talamh a th’ air a dhol bhuaithe. ‘S dòcha nach eil e buileach cho tarraingeach ‘s a tha cuid de lusan eile, ach a dh’ aindeoin sin bha àite sònraichte aige ann an saoghal nan Gàidheal. Bha e aithnichte mar ‘an seachdamh aran nan Gàidheal’. Faodar na freumhan a phronnadh ‘s aran no brochan a dhèanamh dhiù. Mar sin ‘s cinnteach gum do chum e iomadach Gàidheal beò aig amannan èiginneach. Bhathar ga cleachdadh ann an leigheas cuideachd a’ toirt faochadh do amhaich ghoirt, brù goirt, losgadh-braghad, nisgeadan-fala ‘s tinneasan sa bheul. Tha am meas a bh’ aig na Gàidheil air a’ bhrìsgein gu math soilleir san rann tlachdmhor seo
An Seachdamh Aran - The Seventh Bread.
Mil fo thalamh Brìsgein Earraich Mil is annlan Omhan samhraidh Curran foghair Mil is cnamhsachd Cnothan geamhraidh Eadar Fèill Anndrais Agus Nollaig
SILVERWEED by Archie Campbell
This small and common herb is to be found at the seashore, at roadsides and on waste ground. It’s perhaps not as attractive as other wild flowers, but it had a very special place in the lives of the Gaels. It was known as ‘the seventh bread of the Gael’. The roots may be ground and made into bread or porridge. Therefore it would have sustained many Gaels in times of hardship.
It was used medicinally to provide relief for sore throats, stomach ache, heartburn, piles and mouth infections. The regard the Gaels felt for silverweed is very apparent in this pleasing verse in Carmina Gadelica Honey under ground Silverweed of spring Honey and condiment Whisked whey of summer Honey and fruitage Carrot of autumn Honey and crunching Nuts of winter Between Feast of Andrew And Christmastide
Tha ar duilleag cunbhalach dà-chànanach Gàidhling ’s Beurla air a thoirt thugaibh le taic bho Bhòrd na Gàidhlig Our regular Gaelic-English page is brought to you with the assistance of Bòrd na Gàidhlig. Deasaiche/Editor: Eairdsidh Caimbeul/Archie Campbell
December/January 2013 Issue 21 - island news & ADVERTISER
OUR ISLANDS OUR FUTURE ‘Islands Desk’ confirmed for Scottish Office Scotland’s three island councils and the Secretary of State for Scotland have agreed to work towards a Concordat to take forward the ‘Our Islands Our Future’ initiative. The Scotland Office also confirmed it would host an Islands desk, a dedicated resource for working with the Islands. Western Isles, Shetland and Orkney are in ongoing discussions with both the Scottish and UK Governments, seeking additional powers to improve lives for island communities, irrespective of the outcome of the referendum. Meanwhile Scottish ministers have also been discussing ways ahead for
Scotland’s island communities. Last month’s Island Areas Ministerial Working Group meeting was chaired by Derek Mackay, Minister for Local Government and Planning and attended by Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs & the Environment, Fergus Ewing, Minister for Energy, Enterprise & Tourism, and Paul Wheelhouse, Minister for Environment & Climate Change. The group welcomed the Scottish
The Month in the North Island News & Advertiser’s regular digest of news from the Orkney and Shetland islands
SHETLAND: £4bn North Sea oil development announced A new £4 billion North Sea oil development off Shetland which should create thousands of jobs has been approved. EnQuest PLC will invest in the 137 million barrel Kraken development, which has been given the go-ahead by the UK government’s Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC). It is the largest investment announced in the North Sea this year and,
according to EnQuest and based on Oil and Gas UK’s projections, the development is expected to create up to 20,000 jobs during construction and around 1,000 operational jobs a year over the course of its 25-year life.
shetlandtimes.co.uk
Netherton runs 120 suckler cows which are mainly Aberdeen Angus cross. Replacement stock are home-bred with steer calves sold at a year old and the remainder sold store or finished at 16 – 18 months old. Some heifers are retained
Shetland: Queen’s Baton Relay and ‘Support a 2nd Team’ project Shetlanders are being encouraged to support either Brunei or Jersey, as well as Scotland, during the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, as part of a national ‘Support a 2nd Team’ initiative. The Queen’s Baton Relay passed through Brunei on day 21 of its 288-day journey around the Commonwealth nations and territories, ahead of the Opening Ceremony in
Shetland: new distillery plans Shetland may yet become host to the country’s most northerly whisky distillery, if plans by one industry insider come to fruition. The idea, which is so far at a “very early stage of development”, has come from Stuart Nickerson, who runs The Malt Whisky Company, based in Banffshire. He has identified Saxa Vord in Unst as a potential site for a “boutique distillery” and has made contact with the Shetland Islands Council to begin exploring the feasibility of the project.
shetlandtimes.co.uk
Orkney: Netherton is Scotch Beef Farm of the Year Netherton Farm, Holm, a 340 acre farm run by Alistair Foubister in partnership with his wife Anne, was announced as AgriScot and Quality Meat Scotland’s Scotch Beef Farm of the Year.
Government’s commitment to bring forward a Bill for an Islands Act in the event of independence. Speaking on behalf of the three council leaders, Orkney Islands Council convener Steven Heddle said: “The three islands councils maintain their position that there should be legislation within the lifetime of this parliament regardless of the outcome of the referendum whilst respecting the Scottish Government’s political position.”
Orkney: Nursery and pre-school education to be extended Orkney Islands Council is working on arrangements to provide children in Orkney with up to 600 extra hours of free nursery and pre-school education a year.
The ministerial working group will meet six times in total, and is developing a prospectus outlining opportunities for island communities in the context of the referendum. The group will meet again in Island January, when it is expected News & to consider a number Advertiser of issues including is now transport, tourism, available in Kirkwall culture and and Sumburgh airports. broadband. Glasgow in July 2014. While in Brunei, it was raised for photographs alongside banners supporting the Shetland Islands. The Baton is due to arrive in Jersey next May, after its global journey across Oceania, North and South America and Africa. The ‘Support a 2nd Team’ is a programme of events to develop links and partnerships between Commonwealth regions, by supporting other countries participating in the Games. Schools and community groups are being encouraged to develop international links and educational programmes; and to support competing athletes of their 2nd team.
Orkney: Rebecca takes to North Isles skies
Rebecca Simpson. © Jamie Simpson
Rebecca Simpson has become the first female pilot to fly the world’s shortest scheduled passenger flight, between Westray and Papa Westray. Rebecca is still a SAAB pilot but has recently taken on the additional position as a relief pilot for the inter-island service. She said that loves Orkney, and loves flying in the North Isles, and was delighted to take up the opportunity of flying the Islander aircraft in Orkney.
orcadian.co.uk
Orkney: Military flare found on Westray beach
Alistair Foubister at Netherton, Holm, Orkney.
as replacements, with the remainder finished. The Foubisters have been steadily increasing the number of cattle they sell each year, from 79 in 2009 to 106 in 2012. Mr Foubister said he was surprised and delighted to have won the award. “It is really a great result for Orkney and recognition of all the cattle producers there who work very hard to produce great beef, often in very challenging conditions,” he said.
The Children and Young People Bill will require local authorities to extend the level of early education and childcare they provide. Locally, the annual entitlement of 475 hours will increase to 600 hours for three- and four-year-olds, as well as looked-after two-year-olds, from August 2014. In Orkney, two-and-a-half hour nursery and pre-school sessions are currently provided five times a week during school terms. Orkney Islands Council is proposing two models to deliver the full 600 hours and aims to trial both for a year from next August.
Shetland coastguards are warning the public to stay clear of an “extremely dangerous” military phosphorous flare found at the Bay of Tafts in Westray.
orcadian.co.uk
orcadian.co.uk
The flare was reported to the coastguard by a member of the public earlier this week and was cordoned off yesterday. Members of the military explosive ordinance disposal (EOD) are expected to arrive on Tuesday, November 19, to deal with the device.
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12
island news & ADVERTISER - December/January 2013 Issue 21
© Christos Georghiou - fotolia.com
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The staff would li ke to th their cu ank s support tomers for the ir through and wis out the year h them a Merry C h ristma and a s Happy New Y ear!
Stepping S tone Resta urant
DR MacD o (Hardwa nald re)
Everyone at Ste Restaurant w pping Stone ould lik all our custom e to wish ers a
Ronnie & st aff would like to wish all their cust omers a
Merry C hristmas and a Happy N ew Year!
Merry Chr ist a Happy N mas and ew Year!
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Everyon e at M would li acGillivrays ke all our c to wish ustome rs a Merry C h r and a Happy istmas New Y ear!
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joyous Christmas an d a prosperous New Ye ar.
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tmas and Merry Chris w Year a Happy Ne h and Julie. from Iain, Sara
© Indigolotos - fotolia.com
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The Directors thank all in the community for their ongo ing support and wish you all a
© Nathalie Bosansky - fotolia.com
very Merr y Christmas and Happ y New Year !
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© Thodoris Tibillis - fotolia.com
MacLeans Bakery Everyone at MacLea would like to ns Bakery w all our custom ish ers a
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Letting & s e l a S y t r Uist Prope s & Letting le a S y t r e p o r Uist P ir clients, e h t h is w o t would like enants a t & s d r lo d n la
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December/January 2013 Issue 21 - island news & ADVERTISER
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N Uist turbine frustrations continue Two community wind turbines proposed for North Uist have been granted planning permission by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, but the developers face a further hurdle to bring the project to fruition. Nine out of thirteen Comhairle councillors demonstrated their support for the community development by voting to approve the application against the planners’ recommendation. With the Ministry of Defence objecting to North Uist Development Company’s (NUDC) proposal, Scottish ministers must now consider whether to call in the application for determination by the Scottish Government and possible public enquiry, a move which could jeopardise the financial success of the project. Volunteers from NUDC have been working on the project for more than three years, anticipating income from the turbines of around £6million over 20 years to be reinvested into the island’s fragile economy. The MoD is the only statutory objector to the development, stating that the turbines
would interfere with the operation of both their air defence and Hebrides Range radars. NUDC commissioned their own report on the operational impact of the two 900kw, 77m turbines from an independent radar consultant. NUDC chairman Robert Fraser said; “Our consultant found that MoD has no justification for their objection.” “We have noted an inconsistency in the MoD’s approach to turbine developments in Uist, particularly over the ‘safeguarding zone’ around the the Air Defence radar, which has been increased significantly since we applied for planning approval, so that our development at Locheport now falls within it.” Mr Fraser says he has written to Local Government minister Derek Mackay urging him not to call in the application on
the grounds that the MoD has failed to demonstrate that the development will have any operational impact on their radar. Mr Fraser said: “The minister has 28 days to make up his mind whether to call in the application. For our project to be a financial success we need to register for the government’s Feed In Tariff (FIT) with Ofgem before the end of this year, and to do that we must have full planning approval. “The FIT will be reduced early next year, so that unless we pre-register now, the project will generate far less income and may become unviable.” He added: “We hope the minister is sympathetic to this one-time only chance for a community energy project to serve the community of North Uist and Berneray.”
A message from Loch Duart Smokehouse Christmas comes early to the Loch Duart Artisan Smokehouse on South Uist and production and despatch to customers worldwide is now in full swing. Owned by Loch Duart Ltd, the producer of what is widely recognised by leading chefs as the best-tasting farmed salmon available, the smokehouse offers three delicious flavours – traditional Oak Smoked, Hot Smoked with Honey & Thyme and the famous Flaky Roasted Salmon – winner of no less than eight Great Taste Awards.
Guilds celebrate Christmas lunch together Carinish and Benbecula Guilds enjoyed a Christmas lunch together in the Stepping Stone restaurant in Balivanich. Ruth and Edmund Owenson of Clachan church enjoying the Guild lunch.
It’s the second time the Guilds have got together in this way,
House Plots A unique opportunity to purchase house plots with stunning views across Vallay Strand and to the hills of Harris.
and has proved a popular move. Benbecula’s Mary Robertson welcomed the guests, and grace was said by Rev Ishie MacDonald. Rev John Smith of Clachan and Rev Donald Inglis, locum at Griminish gave votes of thanks. The lunch was organised by Flora Matheson, Baleshare.
Perfect
- for gifts and festive feasts 3
View from the plots
There are currently two 1/3 acre plots and an acre plot available off the main road
Architectural Services All Building Works
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are not subject to crofting restrictions.
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They all have outline planning permission and
available to buy/rent for any purchaser interested in creating a small holding or larger garden. The sites have uninterrupted panoramic views over the Vallay Strand towards the Harris hills.
3
Choose from our Oak Smoked Salmon, Flaky Roasted Salmon and Hot Smoked Salmon with Honey & Thyme – all made exclusively from Loch Duart salmon and handcrafted in small batches using traditional artisanal methods.
Services Available ● ●
overlooking Vallay Strand.
Loch Duart smoked salmon is ready to eat and delicious served hot or cold enjoy it at any time of the day, from breakfast to supper. The range is available in packs of various sizes and whole sides.
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Available through Local and UK stockists (see website)
Worldwide delivery by mail order
COMPLETE HOUSE BUILD
Order by phone or online Tel: +44(0)1870 610324
For a One Stop Shop contact: Angus MacDonald
www.lochduartsmokedsalmon.com
Tel: 01876510293 / 07970218904 Project e: rthomp4521@btinternet.com
Loch Duart Artisan Smokehouse, The Pier, Lochcarnan, South Uist, Outer Hebrides, HS8 5PD
14
island news & ADVERTISER - December/January 2013 Issue 21
EE FR
island news & ADVERTISER
ReaderOFFERS
ReaderOFFERS For December/January
HEBRIDEAN SMOKEHOUSE LTD Spend £40 in the shop
Festive offer on our finest beef SIRLOIN STEAK
and receive a stylish, large, eco-friendly, Jute bag & a tub of our pâté.
BEEF SALMON Cut
For all orders over £50, choose from the following (to the value of £5) to be included in your order Stollen - mincemeat tarts - dinner rolls - stuffing balls - bacon rolls - fresh cranberry sauce & ADVERTISER
island news
& ADVERTISER
OFFER THROUGHOUT DECEMBER 2013 Clachan, Locheport, Isle of North Uist, HS6 5HD Mon - Fri 8 - 5.30 Sat 9 - 5 Tel - 01876 580209 www.hebrideansmokehouse.com
VALID THROUGHOUT DECEMBER AND JANUARY
Available in our shop in Uachdar and Bayhead shop, North Uist
EE FR
island news
So - don’t delay come along today Also applies to any mail-order transaction made in the shop.
SLASHED from £13.30 Per kg to £10.95 Per kg. PLUS
Large range of gift ideas, Christmas decorations, delectable edibles and Peat Smoked goodies
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(1kg yields approx. four 225g steaks equivalent to £5.50 each)
STEPPING STONE RESTAURANT
CARNAN STORES Want to lighten up the dark winter nights?
Indulge yourself this festive season
Get a FREE TORCH
FREE GLASS OF WINE
worth £19.54 (battery included)
with every two course Christmas lunch £12.50
When you spend £50 or more at CARNAN STORES throughout December and January. & ADVERTISER
island news
We have a huge range of stock at competitive prices. Please come in and have a look around.
EE FR
VALID THROUGHOUT DECEMBER
Don’t wait- it’s a limited offer, while stock last Looking for Christmas present ideas?
Uist Community Riding School Festive Events Santa Dash Saturday December 14, leaving the stables at 12.30 (weather permitting) we will do a tour of Balivanich and return down airport road, look out for us and contribute your spare change, or take part.... Santa suits available to hire for £1, Meet at UCRS at 12 noon.
UCRS Christmas party also on December 14 will follow on after the Santa Dash 3-5pm.
UCRS Christmas Musical Display
New Years Eve fancy dress competition and gymkhana
Saturday December 21 6pm. Come and see the galloping Santas in action to a variety of music and displays , festive refreshments and a chance for you to look round the yard and meet all the ponies and riders. This is a fundraising event so please support us, also this is a thank you to all who support us in any way, please come along it will last for approximately 1 hour so plenty of time for you to go on to all those Christmas parties after! Bring the whole family, wellies and a warm coat. Carrots also welcome!
Tuesday December 31, 11am
Flodda ride Santa Dash (experienced Santas only) Sunday December 22, times to be confirmed. If you are a horse owner join us, it will take approximately 5 hours with soup & mince pies provided on Flodda.
Christmas dressage competition. Saturday December 28 at 1pm, test sheets available from the yard. For all ages and abilities.
Festive jumping competition Thursday January 2 at 11am, this is for all ages and abilities. For the month of December we will have a dustbin at our gate for anyone wishing to drop off a bag of carrots or apples for our ponies. Remember we take all shredded paper and also newspapers. And finally - leave your sad used Christmas trees with us in January, we give them a loving home and use them for all sorts of things. For more info tel: 01870 602808 www.ridehebrides.org
Grand Ceilidh planned for Fèis Tìr an Eòrna Fèis Tìr an Eòrna is celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2014 and we plan to hold a grand ceilidh on Saturday 28th June 2014. We’re looking to get in touch with former tutors and pupils. If you were a tutor or pupil who attended Fèis Tìr an Eòrna since 1989, please email your contact details to Northuistfeis@hotmail.co.uk. Further details of the celebrations will be publicised in due course or you can keep in touch via Facebook www.facebook.com/NorthUistFeis. We look forward to hearing from you. Nanac Skivington, FTAE Chairperson.
Angus B MacNeil MP Constituency Office, 31 Bayhead Street, Stornoway Isle of Lewis, HS1 2DU
All enquiries welcome
Cothrom café festive opening strupag@cothrom will be open on Wednesday 11 December from 1pm to 3pm. Homebaked mince pies and shortbread on offer along with handcrafted items from Re-Store which would make ideal Christmas gifts.
Tel 01851 702 272 E-Mail: macneila@parliament.uk
December/January 2013 Issue 21 - island news & ADVERTISER - Time Out Page 15
Time Out © Lily - fotolia.com
Snow Geese © Steve Duffield. western-isles-wildlife.com
It’s been a hectic year
ALSO FEATURING BBC Alba highlights.... p 16 Book Reviews.............. p 19
so now’s the time to relax with your copy of IN&A
Recipes......................... p 22
and be entertained by island artists and writers in our Time Out section.
Crossword.................... p 26
Try Something New.... p 25
And introducing Island Creative ........... p 23 Tess ©Peter Rintoul
Pit your wits against our Christmas Quiz 1
2
3
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What comes to us from the druids for Christmas use? What chart decoratively traces the Coming?
Which is the only church in the UK permitted to use mistletoe in its decoration? When does the feast of St Stephen fall?
Which disciple gives the fullest account of the birth of Christ?
12
What was different about the first mince pies?
What is said to have been his profession?
13
What was once brought home from the forest with due ceremony at Christmas?
14
Name the Magi’s gift that has no vowels
15
What are cattle reputed to do on Christmas Eve at midnight?
What contribution did America make to our festive feast? Who wrote “How to Survive Christmas”?
8
Who is said to have first thought of decorating the Christmas tree with lights? Who donates at least two Christmas trees to St Paul’s Cathedral every Christmas?
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17 11
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Who wrote the carol “In the deep midwinter”?
Where did the Holy Family travel to after Christ’s birth? Name the angel who visited Mary at the Annunciation
18
Who is thought to be the original Santa Claus?
19
What do you call the first visitor to a house on New Year’s Day?
20
When is Epiphany celebrated?
21
Name the three ‘kings’
22
What is a Christingle?
23
What is Helleborus niger?
24
Where did the Christingle service originate?
25 Snow Bunting © Steve Duffield. western-isles-wildlife.com
Flùraichean Mhàiri
On which day was Christmas Day celebrated before the 4th century?
CHRISTMAS QUIZ – ANSWERS 1. Mistletoe 2. Advent calendar 3. St Luke 4. Physician 5. Yule log 6. The turkey was introduced from there 7. Jilly Cooper 8. Martin Luther 9. H.M. The Queen 10. York Cathedral 11. 26th December 12. They contained minced meat and had no lids 13. Christina Rossetti 14. Myrrh 15. Turn towards the East, kneel and pray aloud 16. Egypt 17. Gabriel 18. St Nicholas, Bishop of Myra 19. First footer 20. 6th January 21. Caspar, Melchior, Balthasar 22. A lighted candle set in an orange 23. The Christmas Rose 24. In Moravia 25. 6th January. © Steve Young - fotolia.com
Your Florist in Uist Full range from bouquets to wreaths Every occasion catered for ● Delivery from Berneray to Barra ● ●
tel: 01878 700320 264 Daliburgh, South Uist, HS8 5SS macleodmairi2@googlemail.com www.uistflorist.co.uk
House for Let LOCHEPORT SCHOOLHOUSE Unfurnished house in scenic location, comprising 4 bedrooms, 2 public rooms, kitchen and 2 toilets.
Available in December. Enquiries to Factor North Uist Estate Office, Lochmaddy
NORTH UIST
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island news & ADVERTISER - December/January 2013 Issue 21
DH’FHALBH SIUD... THÀINIG SEO... ...THIS IS NOW
Ri thighinn...
Coming up...
Disathairne 7 Dùbhlachd
Saturday 7 December
Na Trads - 9f
MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2013 - 9pm
Bho Talla-Ciùil Obar Dheathain, le Màiri Anna NicUalraig, Tony Kearney ĂŐƵƐ ĐƵŝĚ ĚŚĞŶ ůƵĐŚĚͲĐŝƶŝů ĂƐ ĬĞăƌƌ ĂŶ ůďĂ͘
Live from The Music Hall in Aberdeen with Mary Ann Kennedy, dŽŶLJ <ĞĂƌŶĞLJ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ĐƌĞĂŵ ŽĨ ^ĐŽƚůĂŶĚ͛Ɛ ŵƵƐŝĐŝĂŶƐ͘
Disathairne 21 Dùbhlachd
Saturday 21 December
Spòrs na Bliadhna - 7.30f
Sports Review 2013 - 7.30pm
Calum Dòmhnallach le sùil air ais air na prìomh ƐŐĞƵůĂĐŚĚĂŶ ƐƉžƌƐ ƚŚĂŝƌŝƐ Ăŝƌ Ă͛ ďŚůŝĂĚŚŶĂ͘
Calum MacDonald takes a look back Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ƐƉŽƌƟŶŐ LJĞĂƌ͘
Là na Sàbaid 22 Dùbhlachd
Sunday 22 December
A’ Bhliadhna - 7f
News Review 2013 - 7pm
^ƶŝů Ăŝƌ ĂŝƐ Ăŝƌ ϮϬϭϯ ůĞ ĐƵŝĚ ĚĞ ůƵĐŚĚͲŶĂŝĚŚĞĂĐŚĚ Ŷ >ă͘ Bidh iad a’ taghadh nan sgeulachdan as motha a chòrd riutha ŶŽ Ă ƚŚƵŐ ďƵĂŝĚŚ ŽƌƌĂ ƚƌŽŶ ďŚůŝĂĚŚŶĂ͘
ůŽŽŬ ďĂĐŬ ŽǀĞƌ ƚŚĞ ƉĂƐƚ LJĞĂƌ ǁŝƚŚ ƐŽŵĞ ŽĨ Ŷ >ă ƌĞƉŽƌƚĞƌƐ͘ dŚĞLJ ǁŝůů ƌĞƉŽƌƚ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ŵŽƐƚ ŵĞŵŽƌĂďůĞ Žƌ ĞǀĞŶƞƵů ƐƚŽƌŝĞƐ ƚŚĞLJ ǁŽƌŬĞĚ ŽŶ ŽǀĞƌ ƚŚĞ LJĞĂƌ͘
An oidhche ron Nollaig
Christmas Eve
Capercaillie - 9f
Capercaillie - 9pm
dƌŝĐŚĞĂĚ ďůŝĂĚŚŶĂ ĚĞ ĐŚžŵŚůĂŶͲĐŝƶŝů ĂƉĞƌĐĂŝůůŝĞ͘ ^ŐĞƵůĂĐŚĚ ƉŚĞĂƌƐĂŶƚĂ Ăŝƌ ŝŶŶƐĞ ƚƌŽ ĐŚĞžů ͛Ɛ ƚƌŽ ĐŚžŵŚƌĂĚŚ͘
dŚŝƌƚLJ LJĞĂƌƐ ŽĨ ĨŽůŬ ƐƵƉĞƌŐƌŽƵƉ ĂƉĞƌĐĂŝůůŝĞ͘ Ŷ ŝŶƟŵĂƚĞ ƉƌŽĮůĞ ƚŽůĚ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ŵƵƐŝĐ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŶǀĞƌƐĂƟŽŶ͘
Latha na Nollaig
Christmas Day
SWAGs - 9f
SWAGs - 9pm
Le barrachd spionnadh na th’ aig na cluicheadairean, ƐĞŽ ŶĂ ͚^ŚŝŶƚLJ tŝǀĞƐ ĂŶĚ 'ŝƌůĮĞŶĚƐ͛͘
With even more passion and zeal than the players, ŝƚ͛Ɛ dŚĞ ^ŚŝŶƚLJ tŝǀĞƐ ĂŶĚ 'ŝƌůĨƌŝĞŶĚƐ͘
Michelle at the Mod - 10f
Michelle at the Mod - 10pm
Michelle McManus a’ feuchainn air sàr-dhuais ĂŶ ůƵĐŚĚͲŝŽŶŶƐĂĐŚĂŝĚŚ ĂŝŐ DžĚ WŚăŝƐůŝŐ͘
Pop Idol 2003 winner Michelle McManus competes for the ^ŝůǀĞƌ WĞŶĚĂŶƚ ĨŽƌ 'ĂĞůŝĐ ůĞĂƌŶĞƌƐ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ϮϬϭϯ DŽĚ͘
agus ... and ... Cunnart
Mòd na Cloinne Robbie Shepherd An Lùib nam Boireannach Ceòl Dannsa Cèilidh na Bliadhn’ Ùìre agus gu leòr eile!
www.bbc.co.uk/alba www.bbc.co.uk /iplayer Tha BBC ALBA air a ruith le MG ALBA ann an co-bhuinn ris a’ BhBC.
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BBC ALBA is run by MG ALBA in partnership with the BBC.
December/January 2013 Issue 21 - island news & ADVERTISER - Time Out Page 17
Moments
© Christine Smith, NC Art & Design UHI Lews Castle College
Time Out If I could choose three moments, I would choose Walking in wellingtons On wet sand Holding your hand.
What makes this particular project so fascinating is the breadth of approaches students are introduced to, revealing to them new ways of making images using some of the earliest photographic techniques through the latest digital photography methods.
©Naomi Coleman NC Art & Design, UHI Lews Castle College
Those wash-day blues
If I could choose one moment, I would choose In bed, you at my back Enfolding me Holding me. Pauline Prior Pitt
slowly adding highlights of pale-yellow to define each cloud whilst far below the people wake wondering what colours you’ll be using and whether or not to hang the washing out... Peter Kerr
© Steve Young - fotolia.com
Isles art students are exploring old and new photography techniques, as tutor Anne Mackenzie explains BA Fine Art students with Lews Castle College are currently exploring the diverse subject of photography with Glasgow-based photographer and tutor Rosalind Blake.
If I could choose two moments, I would choose In the kitchen, late at night Both slightly tight Putting our world right.
you begin the day with your blue-grey palette
Pinhole to digital
Photography has a rich and exciting history, starting with the earliest captured images from around 1800. Thereafter, with much experimentation, the process was developed and refined by a number of photography pioneers including Daguerre and Fox-Talbot. Many amateur photographers contributed much to the technical developments of the medium. Artists since then have explored its potential in innovative, striking and poetic ways, through more traditional process and digital technology. With digital and traditional film photography forming the core of the student’s exploration of the medium, an additional workshop for both BA and NC Art and Design students was delivered by local artists Margaret Joan MacIsaac and Deborah MacVicar. They introduced a number of alternative processes such as cyanotype and pinhole photography. The experimental nature of these processes allows for unexpected results and new ways of image making - an exciting combination for the students. Homemade pin-hole cameras were made from shoe boxes, biscuit tins and card tubes with the size of the camera, the exposure time and the strength of light just some of the considerations which had to be taken into account. The images often have a ghostly quality and
unusual sense of perspective. The cyanotypes are, as the name suggests, cyan blue in colour, and produced by exposing negatives on to specially prepared paper. The art courses, at both NC level and BA level, aim to offer a vibrant and stimulation creative education to students, introducing a wide range of approaches, subjects, skills and experiences. Photography is just one of the many subject areas offered. From introductory level creative approaches and skills development on the NC course, through to further in-depth study on the BA
Leaping figure. Cyanotype © Kirsty Martin 2013
Fine Art, studying art in Uist has much to offer.
More information on the art courses can be found on www.lews.uhi.ac.uk/art or by contacting staff directly on leart@uhi.ac.uk. We would be happy to discuss any enquiries about the courses for next session.
WHAT’S WHA ATT’S ON DEC :
EExhibition: xhibition: U UAA Between Tides (showcase (showcase of lo local ca al AA - B etween the Tides artists’ ar tists’ work work for sale) Friday 13th: FFilm ilm FFriday riday - Blackfish 7:30pm Poetry Thursday 19th: 19th: “Last Thursdays” Thursdays” P oetry evening evening 7:30pm 7:30pm ¬ ¬ Friday 20th: TTaigh aaigh Ciùil Ciùil 7:30pm Late nightt shopping aatt TTaigh Ciùil La te nigh aaigh C iùil with 20% off Measgachadh Prìseil Museum: M easgachadh P rìseil (a selection selection of prized prized possessions p ossessions showcasing showcasing North North Uist’s Uist’s history) historry) y
The Taigh Chearsabhagh staff and trustees wish all a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.
JAN :
Exhibition: Uibhist present present Neil Exhibition: Comann Comann Eachdraidh Eachdraidh Uibhist Priessman Gallery allery TTwo wo Priessman Photographer Photographer - G Out work Out Of Of Place Place - A ttouring ouring exhibition exhibition of film and video w ork made by by three three Scottish Scottish artists artists - Studio Studio One 18th - 25th Jan Friday 17th: Film Muscle Film FFriday riday - M uscle Shoals 7:30pm 7:30pm ¬ ¬ Friday 20th: TTaigh aaigh Ciùil Ciùil 7:30pm Thurs/Fri event Donald Thurs/Fri 30th/31st: 30th/31st: Live Live Literature Literature ev ent with D onald S.Murray including S.Murray including School School workshop, workshop, evening evening reading reading and Writing Group workshop Writing Gr oup w orkshop Archive Room: Open Room: Op en to to the public TTues ues - SSat at 10-4 bee closed on the 25th, 26th of TTaigh a aigh Chearsabhagh will b December Januarry, normal winter winter hours D ecember and 1st and 2nd of January, thereafter. will rresume esume ther eafterr.
CHRISTMAS OPENING OPENING TIMES TIMES
Open Tuesday Tuesday to Saturday Saturday 10.00am to 4.00pm 4.00pm Mondays) (closed M ondays) Café:11.00am Café: 11.00am tto o 2.30pm served between (Light snacks ser ved b etween 2.00pm and 2.30pm) Shop: TTuesday uesday tto o SSaturday aturday 10.00am tto o 4.00pm Special Opening December stock Special Late Late O pening FFriday riday r 22n 22nd of D ecember all st ock 20% off Post Office: TTuesday uesday tto o FFriday10.00am riday10.00am tto o 4.00pm SSaturday aturday 10.00am tto o 2.00pm
18
island news & ADVERTISER - December/January 2013 Issue 21
Tha Cafaidh Lochbaghasdail a' guidhe
All the staff at Lochmaddy Hotel would like to thank their customers and friends for all their continuing support and wish you a
Nollaig Chridheil 's Bliadhna Mhath Ùr
dhan a
h-uile duine Lochboisdale Café
A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone at
Merry Christmas and best wishes
for 2014 Lochmaddy Hotel
Hebridean Housing Partnership
Caraidean Uibhist Uist Befriending
wishall our tenants and friends a
Happy Christmas All the staff would like to thank our customers for their support and wish you all a
and a
Good New Year
Staff and horses wish everyone a
Happy Christmas and a
Prosperous New Year Uist Community Riding School
Hebridean Housing Partnership.
Merry Christmas and a
Happy New Year MacAulay Askernish
We would like to wish everyone a
Merry Christmas
and Happy New Year! Tommy MacDonald Rothan Bicycles
Grace & Neil Beaton wish all friends and family a
Happy Christmas
and a Peaceful New Year
Neil & Grace Beaton © Lonely - fotolia.com
December/January 2013 Issue 21 - island news & ADVERTISER - Time Out Page 19
Time Out
Books
Bards, buy-outs and basking sharks Professor Gordon Herries Davies reviews an eclectic selection of island publications released this year
Recovering from the Clearances, Land Struggle, Resettlement and Community Ownership in the Hebrides. Ed. Ewen A Cameron On the hill-slope outside my window there lies a large structure built with stones. It’s nothing more than a sheep-fold, but could those stones speak they would have a sad tale to tell. Until 1827 this was a crofting township, but then there began its clearance. Many of its people departed for Cape Breton Island, and by 1845 the former crofting community had been replaced by a sheep-run. The empty homesteads were razed and their stones carted off to build the sheep-fold. This event was replicated throughout the Highlands and Islands as crofting communities were cleared to make way for sheep, deer forests, and grouse moors. The word ‘clearance’ became deeply seared into the pages of Scotland’s history. In Lewis, in November 1887, there was protest. Landless and evicted families demanded crofts. At Baile Ailein, on Loch Eireasort, a group took action. They invaded the local Pairc Deer Forest, beside Loch Seaforth, and began a
Harpoon at a Venture by Gavin Maxwell In 1944 the 28th Chief of Clan MacLeod sold the island of Soay to a Scots major serving with Special Forces. The island lies off the south coast of Skye, and the major had the idea of making his island the seat of an industry based upon the hunting of basking sharks for the value of their liver oil. This book is the story of that short-lived enterprise. In the public’s mind the name of that major – Gavin Maxwell – will always be associated with otters rather than with basking sharks. The story of his otter Edal in Ring of Bright Water (1960) is a classic of natural history which was made into a film in 1968. He wrote many other admirable books, but his earliest book, first published in 1952 and now reprinted, was this volume devoted to his basking shark hunting days. Maxwell – he died in 1969 and is buried beside the memorial to Edal – was a most talented author possessed of an elegant and readable style. He also was a dedicated zoologist. This book is securely anchored in the Sea of the Hebrides and The Minch. Through its pages we make periodic landfalls at places such as Mallaig, Castlebay, Lochboisdale, Lochmaddy, and, of course, Soay, but on most of his pages Maxwell has us out at sea scanning the horizon for the tell-tale dorsal fins of the
sharks. Should you enjoy messing about on the water, be addicted to the smell of marine diesel, love the feel of cordage, or relish the motion of a small vessel as she responds to her element, then this is a book for you. Maxwell tells a good yarn; the book fully merits its reprint. And yet .... Only sixty-two years may have elapsed since the book’s first publication, but I suspect that it belongs to an age far removed from our own. It dates from that period when affluent ‘sportsmen’ returned from overseas laden with heads, tusks, skins, and feet, all to be displayed in trophy-rooms where their proud owners wrote books bearing titles such as Elephants in my Sights, or Man-eaters and other Tales of the Indian Chase. Maxwell was admittedly hunting sharks for their commercial value; he was no idle shark-sticker. But he does treat his sharks very much as game to be stalked, captured, and exploited. A modern zoologist would be more concerned with conservation – with issues as Green as the waters around Soay. We once regarded tigers much as Maxwell regards his sharks; today we subscribe to tigers as an endangered species. In the 1940s Maxwell hunted sharks, but today excited passengers line the rail of Calmac ferries just to catch a glimpse of a passing pod of sharks. Times, they really do change. Harpoon at a Venture by Gavin Maxwell. Pub. Birlinn RRP £14.99
slaughter of its deer, claiming the land for the people. Their flouting of the law received international press coverage; their action proved seminal. But what a decorous episode the Raid was. When the Sheriff arrived to read the Riot Act, the armed raiders doffed their caps out of respect for the Law! In September 2012 the Islands Book Trust mounted a four-day conference in commemoration of the 125th Anniversary of the Raid of 1887. A nice touch was that the conference was held in the Balallan School, the very building where the Pairc Deer Raid had been planned. The conference sought to place the events of 1887 into their historical context, and to relate them both to subsequent crofter resettlement projects and to recent community land buy-outs within the Highlands and Islands. For reasons very easily imagined, one fact was not laboured: the conference took place against the background of the ongoing negotiations between the Pairc Trust and the
absentee owner of the Pairc Estate. The subject of those negotiations is the acquisition of the Pairc Estate by the Trust in the light of the Land Reform Act (2003). One of the essays offers valuable insight into what is presently being accomplished in South Uist as a result of the land buy-out made by Stòras Uibhist. Such buy-outs, it is suggested, hold out hope for the recovery of the crofting regions that were decimated by the nineteenth-century clearances. Publications arising from conferences are sometimes like the left-overs from last night’s party. But not so with this volume. What we have here is essays by twelve of the distinguished speakers who addressed the conference, and they present a wealth of valuable historical material in a thoroughly engaging manner. Deer may have died, but this volume is replete with life. Our authors are boldly partisan. They make no attempt to hide their sympathies. The baddies – the absentee lairds and their agents – receive short shrift. This is the story of revolution written from inside the barricades. It is a story which merits wide readership. Recovering from the Clearances, Land Struggle, Resettlement and Community Ownership in the Hebrides. Ed. Ewen A Cameron. Pub. The Islands Book Trust 2013. RRP £15
Alexander MacDonald - Bard of the Gaelic Enlightenment Ed. Camille Dressler and Dòmhnall Uilleam Stiùbhart ‘If’, as Kipling reminds us, is such a tiny word, yet it’s a word of great potential. ‘If’ serves as a door which may open the path upon fascinating historical speculation. Of this there is a nice example upon page v of this erudite volume. If, on 3 October 1773, the sea had been less turbulent, the ship-borne Boswell and Johnson would have been able to make their intended landing upon Eigg. Had they done so they must surely have paid call upon Ronald, the folklorist son of the late bard Alexander MacDonald, Ronald then being resident on Eigg. In 1773 he must have had to hand manuscript material – much of it his father’s verse – sufficient to convince his London visitors that the Gaels were not without a significant written culture. Had that happened – another ‘if’ – then the whole story of literature within the British Isles might have been given a twist slightly different from that which it actually received. The name of the poet Alexander MacDonald is familiar to every student of Gaelic literature, but of his life remarkably little is known. Like a moth-eaten sock, his biography is full of holes. His natal year was perhaps 1698, although some prefer 1695, or 1700. He studied both in Glasgow and Edinburgh, and he lived his life in localities such as Ardnamurchan, Benbecula, Canna, and Moidart. He may have fought in the Jacobite ranks at Sheriffmuir in 1715, and he certainly joined Prince Charles Edward in 1745, when he became the Prince’s tutor in Gaelic. He served at Culloden and had the usual adventures thereafter. Even the date of his death is uncertain. He probably died at Sanndaig, beside Loch Sheil, during 1770. The volume consists of thirteen essays by noted MacDonald scholars. It is a work which all serious students of Gaelic literature will wish to possess. The selected bibliography at the close of the volume records but thirteen items, which serves to
Professor Gordon Herries Davies was born in England and he first visited the Long Island in 1952. He now resides in North Uist, but most of his life was spent in Ireland. He has been a Fellow and Fellow Emeritus of Trinity College, the University of Dublin, since 1967 and a Member of the Royal Irish Academy since 1979. His published works have mostly been devoted to geomorphology and to the history of Irish science. He was the first General Editor of the Dictionary of Irish Biography, and his most recent book (2007) was the bicentennial history of the Geological Society of London.
make the point that MacDonald studies have not exactly proliferated. Indeed Camille Dressler suggests that the poet has been ‘sadly neglected in his homeland’. This volume will help to redress the situation. But the book deserves to be read outside the halls of academe. A good deal of MacDonald’s verse is here to be found and enjoyed both in the Gaelic and in translation. Further, the volume offers valuable insight into life within the Highlands and Islands during the first half of the eighteenth century. Appendix I reproduces some correspondence from the Oban Times of 1927-28 and, to my surprise, I even found that to be interesting reading. The Islands Book Trust is to be congratulated for publishing so significant a volume at so reasonable a price. From page 43 there comes another intriguing ‘if’. If the ’45 Rising had succeeded what might have happened to Alexander MacDonald? Alexander MacDonald- Bard of the Gaelic Enlightenment Ed. Camille Dressler and Dòmhnall Uilleam Stiùbhart Pub. The Islands Book Trust. RRP £15
South Uist Church of Scotland
Dec 1st Dec 8th & 15th Dec 22nd Dec 24th Dec 25th Dec 29th Jan 5th Jan 12th,19th, 26th Feb 2nd
Parish Service 11am at Howmore Church only Daliburgh, 10.30am; Howmore, 12 noon Parish Service 11am at Howmore Church only Watchnight Service at Daliburgh Church at 11.30pm Christmas Day Service at Howmore Church at 11am Parish Service 11am at Daliburgh Church only Parish Service 11am at Daliburgh Church only Daliburgh, 10.30am; Howmore, 12 noon Parish Service 11am at Howmore Church only
EVERYONE WELCOME
20
island news & ADVERTISER - December/January 2013 Issue 21
The Adventures of Tintin -
One of the most iconic comic strips of all time has begun a new life in Gaelic, thanks to a South Uist translator.
from Gallic to Gaidhlig
Les Aventures de Tintin: L’ Île Noire by Belgian cartoonist George Remi, (otherwise known as Hergé ) has emerged as Na Dàna a Thursan Aig Tintin. An Eilean Dubh, translated by Gillebride MacMillan, originally from Milton. Gillebride is well-known for his Gaelic singing, particularly of Uist songs, but has also been translating from Gaelic for years. He was approached by Christine Martin of Taigh na Teud Music Publishers in Skye to undertake the challenge of translating something so Gallic to something soGaidhlig. Gillebride said: “Although I have translated lots of books this is my first picture book/comic. Dè tha ceàrr? “The main challenge was keeping true to the original, well. as feel Gaelic a it but giving “For example, Snowy the dog has been called Dìleas, not a direct translation but a common Gaelic dog name. “There were a few jokes in the French version that had to be translated as well so making them relevant to Gaelic was important. “The translation was done from the French version into Gaelic rather than the English version.” Gillebride said involvement in the project had given him a huge sense of pride. He said: “I have been contacted by people from California, and from throughout Europe. Many people collect TinTin novels and are wanting to collect the Gaelic one, but more importantly for me are the Gaelic © Hergé/Moulinsart 2013 speakers and learners who have read it and enjoyed it.”
Coimheadamaid san trannsa. Tha ciont air choreigin air an fhear ud!
Tintin’s adventures in The Dark Isle have also been translated into Scots.
The Adventurs o Tintin: The Derk Isle He’s gettin awa!
Naebodie’s leavin this train!
Whaur d ’ye think ye’re gaun, laddie? Ooyah!
He’s comin roon.
Dinna staund like a stookie! A man lowpit aff the train. We maun follae him! Nane o yer haivers, noo!
Tintin! Hoo come?
Awbodie staund still!
Christine Martin of Scottish traditional music publishers Taigh na Teud said: “Fifteen years ago we produced Asterix an Ceilteach (Asterix the Gaul) translated by Peadar Morgan.
“Now we are branching out and taking on the first in a series of Tintin comics in Gaelic and Scots as a publishing collaboration with Dalen, the Welsh language comic company. “We decided to begin with The Black Island as it is such a Scottish themed Tintin. Taigh na Teud has also produced it in Scots, translated by Dr Susan Rennie, Kelvin Smith Research It ’s him! I ’d ken him onie place. Fellow at Glasgow University.” He duntit me on the heid! Tintin an his faithfu dug, Tarrie, are on the trail o an international gang o conterfaiters. Me? Forby, they themsels are bein follaed by the twa glaikit detectives, Nisbet an Nesbit! The trail leads them til the faur-awa north o Scotland, whaur legend tells o an unco craitur, the Hairy Etin, that bides i the ruins o Corbiecraig Castle, on the dreich an oorie Derk Isle. Unfleggit by tales o beasts an bogles, Tintin an Tarrie are makkin til the isle tae see whit’s gaun on … The books are available from www.scotlandsmusic.com at £7.99 or by © Hergé/Moulinsart 2013 phoning 01471 822 528.
December/January 2013 Issue 21 - island news & ADVERTISER - Time Out Page 21
Time Out
Ilove myTrip Dondy Maclean
Piggies
Alasdair Macdonald at the fank with friend John
Dondy Maclean with children Bella (4) and John Roddy (2)
Photographer/author Monica Weller uses simple technology to capture a special summer afternoon in Harris I love my Olympus Trip film camera bought for me by a friend for £1 in a charity shop. It has a fixed lens, is simple to use, operates without batteries, its automatic exposure system is solar powered, and young people say it’s cool! One day in July 2012, with my Trip in my bag (my Nikon SLR was back at home) we were sitting on our tartan rug beside the track that winds around the edge of the loch opposite Ardhasaig filling station in Harris. The sounds in that isolated spot were the calling of gulls, a tapping from the
fish farm where fishermen adjusted a floating pontoon, and a rustle as black-faced sheep pushed through deep grass close-by. The sun was warm, the sounds comforting. But as greyness over the mountains grew heavier we took refuge in the car. As as we started driving back along the track the sun burst through and some piggies snuffling by the fence caught my eye. Bella, the big pig in my photograph, was in the first litter Dondy and Kenny Maclean from Ardhasaig brought in to
regenerate poor land. “The first croft the pigs ploughed is now reseeded and brought back to life,” said Dondy. “The problem is stopping them escaping. They nose down to lift the fence out of the ground. The only solution has been using electric fencing.” She said old converted oil tanks make perfect mobile homes-cum-shelters for the pigs. Along the track we also came across our friend Alasdair Macdonald shearing his sheep. Alasdair is the brother of Ina
Morrison whose self-catering home we stay in when we come to Harris. Something Alasdair said to his friend John, with him at the fank that afternoon, I regarded as special. While I took photographs Alasdair told John not to smile. He knew instinctively what I wanted from my pictures. I never forgot his words. Back to my Olympus Trip. The more complicated our lives, the simpler I am determined, my photography will become. Shooting with this old camera is for me an intriguing adventure.
I love my Jessie North Uist author Flora MacDonald finds joy in her treasured spinning wheel The better the day, the better the deed. I came from evening service and decided to give the old spinning wheel a whirl. I oiled all her limbs with olive oil. She started to gleam, and smile at me. I found two cones of wool, one in silver grey and one in Air Force blue. Jessie started moving and in an instant she was whirring and plying the wool beautifully. She reeled and she wheeled and she whirred. In no time I had a perfect ball of marbled wool. There is plenty of song and rhythm in the old girl yet. My Jessie is made of sturdy stuff. She is one hundred years old. Although she had been a sleeping beauty for some time she soon got going. The wheels of time were moving again. She was hand-crafted and modelled on the Salmean wheel. The Salmeans were Norse shipwrecked mariners who settled in North Uist and started creating Jessie’s family of wheels. I was fortunate to become her
proud owner forty years ago and she is my most treasured possession. If at any time she was reluctant to work I was never happy until she was in full working order. She had one bad accident when all the spokes in her wheel were broken. A master craftsman restored her to full health. Although her origins are from North Uist I found her in South Uist. There she was part of a team and her owners were a spinner and weaver. She spun all the yarn for lengths of tweeds. Her footboard has the indentations of her spinner’s foot and proof of the amount of work she has done. My Jessie has Royal connections. The Queen was presented with a length of tweed that the couple produced from her in 1960. Jessie is a historical and regal lady. She has pride of place by my fireside. She is also an international figure. I created her yarns into special knitwear which wound its way abroad. Our Jessie has many
Flora MacDonald
yarns to tell, which have been woven into a very special relationship over the years. Jessie is not only an esteemed and valued treasure herself, she has produced many treasures and heirlooms. One of those is the hand-spun Shetland shawl we produced together for my son. My grandson shall be donning it for his special occasion soon. Jessie has produced an heirloom which is everlasting like herself. If there was an award for an elegant, stylish and skilful lady I would certainly nominate my very own treasure, Jessie.
Lochboisdale Cafe
Open all year
SIX DAYS A WEEK G Barista coffee
Gift shop
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Page 22 Time Out - December/January 2013 Issue 21 - island news & ADVERTISER
Time Out
Recipes See goosethink curry!
A programme to reduce the numbers of greylag geese in the Uists has had an unexpected culinary spin-off. Licences are being put in place to allow the resulting goose meat to be sold to the public. Students from S3, Sgoil Lionacleit have learned how to remove the breasts from the carcases (pictured) ready for cooking. They got together with S3 Hospitality students to devise a number of recipes from the goose meat, including bolognese, lasagne, burgers and a fruity curry. The dishes were tasted and scored by pupil and staff, and the S3 Crofting pupils from Sgoil Lionacleit learn how to breast geese in Neil McPhersonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s croft shed. curry emerged as a firm favourite. (more on this at islandnewsandadvertiser.co.uk)
(QFRPSDVV
We bring you the winning recipe as devised and cooked by Gemma Kilgour, Jasmine Manni, Catriona MacLeod and Rhianna Gordon (pictured).
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What to forage and find: G 2 tablespoons Douglas fir needles and seeds, sieved and patted dry
CARNAN, SOUTH UIST, WESTERN ISLES, HS8 5RH Phone: 01870 610205 Fax: 01870610216 Email: managercarnanstores@aol.com
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This is just a small selection of what we have in stock. Everyone welcome to call in and look around.
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G
11â &#x201E;4 cups (125g) sifted confectionersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (icing) sugar
G
13â &#x201E;4 sticks (200g) butter, cut into small cubes
2
3
Š CICO BOOKS Stuart West)
Put the dry Douglas fir needles and any seeds with the confectionersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (icing) sugar in a food processor. Cover with a kitchen (tea) towel (the dust seems to escape even when the lid is firmly on), and blend to chop the pine needles finely. Add the butter and egg yolk to the food processor, and then enough flour to make dough.
G
1 medium (small UK) egg yolk
G
21â &#x201E;4 cups (300g) allpurpose (plain) flour, plus extra for rolling
G
GlacĂŠ icing and silver balls, to decorate (optional)
Wrap in plastic wrap (clingfilm), and refrigerate for at least an hour before using.
What to do: 1 Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C/gas mark 5).
Opening hours: Mon â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Fri: 9 am to 5 pm Saturdays: 9.30 am to 12.30 pm AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Full range of Ritchie gates, hurdles, feed and stock handling equipment. ANIMALS - Large selection of Cattle, Sheep, Horse and Pig feed. BIRD & PET FOOD â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Grain, Mash, Pellets, Dried and Canned Dog/Cat food. FENCING â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Strainers, Stays, Stobs, Barbed/Plain Wire, Rylock, Staples. HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Cookers, Deep Fat Fryers, Microwave Ovens, Fridges, Freezers, Washing Machines, Tumble Dryers & Kettles. FURNITURE - Beds, Bedside Cabinets, Wardrobes, Chest Of Drawers, Dining Tables, Chairs, Coffee Tables, Bookcases & Coat stands. HOME HARDWARE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Pots, Pans, Casseroles, Baking/Cooling Trays, Mugs, Jugs, Clocks, Mirrors, Bedding, Curtains, Blinds, Linen & Consumables.
Add all remaining ingredients and stir until boiling.
South Uist cookery writer and foraging expert Fiona Bird brings you a very seasonal cookie for eating or using to decorate your tree. Makes 40
CARNAN STORES
â&#x2014;?
Melt butter and gently brown onion and meat.
DOUGLAS FIR CHRISTMAS TREE COOKIES
CO CHOMUNN AN IOCHDAIR LTD
â&#x2014;?
METHOD Peel and finely chop onion and garlic. Cut meat into cubes.
Serve with nan bread, poppadums or rice.
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Serves approximately 8
You may need to add water or pineapple juice or yoghurt to adjust consistency or intensity taste.
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INGREDIENTS G 4 goose breasts G 2 onions G 2 cloves garlic G 50g butter G 1 tin chopped tomatoes G 3 large rings tinned pineapple, chopped G 45ml tomato puree G 25ml mild curry powder G 25ml mild madras curry paste G 40ml brown sugar G 50ml chutney
Reduce heat, cover pan and simmer for approximately 1 hour or until meat is tender, stirring occasionally
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Goose Curry
4
Lightly dust a work surface with flour, and roll out the pine dough. Stamp out thin 1â &#x201E;8-inch (3mm) Christmas trees with a cookie cutter, place on a nonstick baking tray, and bake for approximately 8 -10 minutes (depending on thickness). Check after 8 minutes - the trees will brown very suddenly. Cool for 2 - 3 minutes,
then use a spatula to transfer the trees to a wire rack. 5
To hang the cookies on a Christmas tree: use a skewer to make a small hole in the dough of the Christmas tree (to thread ribbon through) before baking at step 4.
6
Decorate with glacĂŠ icing and silver balls if desired, or frame the trees with a small amount of icing, thereby accentuating the natural speckles of the pine needles in the dough.
Wild Notes - For greener syrup, add a tablespoon of washed and dried chickweed tops, after removing the boiled syrup from the heat (Step 4). Blend in a food processor and strain again before bottling. As with all cordials and syrups, use refined sugar. From The Foragerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kitchen by Fiona Bird. Pub. Cico Books 2013
December/January 2013 Issue 21 - island news & ADVERTISER - Time Out Page 23
Time Out
Island CREATiVE INTRODUCING
Our website islandnewsandadvertiser.co.uk has a new feature - Island Creative. It’s a space where creative people from all the Scottish islands (and beyond) are welcome to post their writing, photographs, images of their art and also audio and video pieces. It is curated by Uist musician/writer Ryan Dempsey, and open to all. The copyright of your work remains with you. We welcome you to our showcase for island creatives, and look forward to receiving your submissions at islandcreative@outlook.com
Featured Artist Rhod Evans,Benbecula
Seilebost beach, Harris © Rhod Evans
Rhod Evans is an artist who lives on the island of Grimsay, North Uist. He works exclusively in water-based media and his current focus is the landscape of the Western Isles in all its variety. Originally from Wales, Rhod has also lived and worked on the Isle of Rum, on St Kilda and in the Seychelles where he managed the island of
Aride for the Royal Society for Nature Conservation. Throughout that time he has been developing his distinctive painting style; he has been fascinated by the medium of watercolour for the best part of half a Mountain landscape, South Uist © Rhod Evans century. “It can be a most frustrating and difficult medium to master, but when it goes right, the results are worth it,” he said. His techniques are unconventional - he much prefers pushing the medium to its limits to see
CAPTAIN HOOK SAYS HE IS MUCH MALIGNED,
especially by Peter Pan I can’t take it anymore, the pain, it doesn’t let up. Nobody understands, especially not that boy, the way he swans around the place. I’m tired of being portrayed as the bad guy all the time, I mean sure I’ve done my fair share of bad things, started the fights, made him walk the plank or at least I’ve tried to make him, it would work better with a concrete pair of boots to stop the little fella flying away every time, and yeah I may have kidnapped Wendy and the lost boys and what not but what’s life without a bit of excitement eh?
By Ryan Dempsey
hand, I’m extremely sea sick and he keeps throwing the fact that I am afraid of crocodiles in my face, I mean for all that is good and great I’m getting on I can’t afford to be panicked and stressed like that, I could have a heart attack. Some days I just want to go ashore and sit and read quietly for a little while is it too much to ask, no of course that doesn’t happen does it, blinking unsupervised children and their noise, can we get some supervision for the noisy little things, some quiet time wouldn’t go amiss.
what can be achieved at the boundaries and beyond.
and he also has three paintings in the Uist Art Association Winter Exhibition at Taigh Chearsabhagh, which can be seen until the He is constantly trying end of December. He different processes will be exhibiting at and combinations of the John Muir Trust Island of Mists © Rhod Evans watercolour, acrylic, ‘Wild Space’ Gallery in ink and pastel, and different painting tools - from Pitlochry and at the Griminish Road, Benbecula house-painting brushes to sharpened sticks. © Rhod Evans Annual Summer More recently he has also been using pure nine Exhibition in Dunkeld, and also taking part in the carat gold leaf to bring out highlights and 2014 ‘Art on the Map’ event, which showcases accents in his paintings. artists throughout the Western Isles. You can see “I love the way the gold shimmers and changes more of his work and contact him on his according to the angle of view, just like the light website: www.rhodevans.com on natural forms,” he said. This article is available in full along with more Rhod’s work is currently being exhibited in the of Rhod’s work on the Island Creative page at Hebrides Art Gallery in Seilebost, Isle of Harris islandnewsandadvertiser.co.uk
she will stir something up, it’s one of the reasons I stick her in jar from time to time for you know a bit of peace and quiet, doesn’t happen very often mind but it’s nice until the others realise what’s going on and mount a rescue mission and cut silhouettes into me sails. I tell you the amount of times we have had to replace or fix em, such a pain. I don’t want to be the bad guy, I’m good at it, but it’s not who I want to be I just want to make sure that Pan and the other kids aren’t in harm’s way, although they see me as the harm, ach what’s the use, you try to explain that you want to help and then the swords are
Like I was saying... ashore yes, in a place where children don’t age you’d think an old man losing his marbles wouldn’t exist, ha, well he does, ashore right I love going ashore and then I hate it as well, as soon as the boat lands you know your being ANDREW McFAYDEN, GAELIC SINGER watched by em, if not Pan “A pleasure for the ears, a journey for the soul ” or the boys then that pesky, Experience for yourself... tinkering, Tinkerbelle, that the award-winning cd “Turas” (2012) darn annoying, interfering the “work of art” “Open Eyes, Open over glorified house fly... Mind” (2007) you just know if trouble can “Coinneal” (2012), one of the few be avoided and there may Gaelic Christmas albums out there! be a quiet day ahead that G
He doesn’t understand it’s not all one way in this relationship, he’s done bad things, I mean c’mon he’s constantly trying to wind me up, a man of my age cannot afford to be getting wound up like this, I have high blood pressure, I’ve lost a
G
G
on iTunes and www.grianmcbuttons.ca
flying because kids being kids don’t think of the consequences. I don’t want to see ‘em going astray it isn’t nice, but who am I but a scary looking pirate, an old man.
24
island news & ADVERTISER - December/January 2013 Issue 21
© Christos Georghiou - fotolia.com
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We wish a ll
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staff d all the ur n a b o B Iris, h all o ke to wis would li omers a cust erry very M and mas Christ w Year! Ne Happy
Iain & Nicola M ackenzie Iain, Nicola and Atho ll would like to wish ev eryone a
very Merry Ch ristmas and Happy New Year!
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Kallin Shellf ish
ve Ltd) o o V ( p o h S e Voov old Wishing all our ers and new custom py safe and hap holidays. m www.voove.co
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We wish everyone
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Nollaig chridheil agus Bliadhna mhath ùr
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Many thanks for all your support during 2013 and
Best Wishes for 2014
We thank all ou rc for their support ustomers and w everyone a very ish Happy Chris tmas and a Prosperous New Year
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you ke to wish li ld u o w f Staf s Dr Bird & hristma
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From all at Cothrom Re-Store
December/January 2013 Issue 21 - island news & ADVERTISER - Time Out Page 25
Time Out
Try something new in 2014 The feel good factor volunteer and make a new friend Loneliness is one of the most devastating forms of suffering. In Britain it has reached staggering proportions with half of all adults saying they experience loneliness. We all need to step up to the mark to look after the vulnerable in our society. Caraidean Uibhist/Uist Befriending is dedicated to doing just that, and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for volunteers. This is the experience of a volunteer befriender living in Uist.
me, I felt befriended. And then Sheena, the project co-ordinator, reassured me by saying â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t put you with just anyone, but weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll wait until the right person comes along for you to visit and befriend. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been to quite a few Befrienders meetings and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had discussions and training about dementia and first aid. This helps to give me a different perspective. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve come to realise and appreciate that as a Befriender I am not going in and doing something to them â&#x20AC;&#x201C; as for example a paid carer. The whole idea is to help someone keep their independence, so they might take their time making me a cup of tea, things donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be rushed. I had to fill in forms and apply to be a Befriender but they were very straight forward and not a problem.
I became involved with Caraidean Uibhist because I knew from my own experience what it feels The first time I went to visit someone, Sheena came along to introduce me and the meeting went very well. Now I visit about once or twice a fortnight but not on a regular day of the like to be lonely and not to feel like part of a community. And I felt that there must be many week. Sometimes I visit at the personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house, at other times we go out to the library or we people who feel like that. go and have lunch somewhere. Sometime ago I saw the effect a befriender had on someone they were visiting â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the visits helped their So why do I volunteer? Well I certainly donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want a medal, but I would like to think that if I health to improve and they felt better about themselves. needed some help in any way that I live in a community where people see others need and I saw the difference it made. do something about it. And I am just trying to be part of the community that I like to live in. So I contacted Caraidean Uibhist and I was invited to If you feel befriending is for you, please contact Caraidean Uibhist (Uist Befriending) on 01870 603233 meet with other Befrienders. That first meeting was or email: sheena@caraideanuibhist.org Even better, call in and see us at 23 Winfield Way, fantastic, it was so friendly and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what encouraged Balivanich - the kettleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on! Could you benefit from the regular practice of Taoist Tai Chi? Do you just wish to remain fit and flexible? Or indeed do you have health problems, or stress in your life? If the answer is â&#x20AC;&#x153;yesâ&#x20AC;? weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to introduce you to a form of exercise that both promotes health and relieves stress, and is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. 2014 promises to be an exciting time with lots of Snorkelling, Fitness, The â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Dive-Busâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; now sports a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Go-Fasterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; red stripe The turning and stretching in each of the movements contributes to Massage and now also Mountain Biking on the cards! and fins hanging outside to tempt you to contact better balance and posture, and increased strength and flexibility. It me and come on out for a snorkel / freedive in Come along and try one of my classes, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get a really good workout works on the muscular, skeletal and circulatory systems, and can bring these cooler months. with pumping music and other peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s company! And - yes, you really a wide range of health benefits, with a soothing effect on the mind. can work at your own pace! Honestly! Other girls are ready for pairing to You will be amazed at just how much fun this sport is when you get help you get the hang of it all. The classes are very sociable and friendly. In the beginner course you involved with it. This is a winter and a summer sport! I now have many
A healthy body and mind: Taoist Tai Chi, the balanced approach
GO WINTER SNORKELLING WITH TOM
will learn the Tai Chi â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;setâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of 108 moves. It will take about four months to go through. Once you have finished the beginner course you can continue with more advanced classes that carry on throughout the year, and there are workshops on the mainland and worldwide. Many members report health benefits such as increased flexibility, especially in their joints, more stamina and improved concentration. Taoist Tai Chi is often described as a moving meditation and so helps calm the mind. Full details of new classes starting in the New Year are in the accompanying advert, and look out for posters displayed in your area later in the month or visit our website taoist.org.uk for additional information.Â
My fitness classes / circuits - be they indoors or outdoors are a good aerobic workout, with plenty of resistance work using your own body weight to hit the parts that really matter. Abs, arms, legs and bums as well as the standard â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;back and shouldersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, may be a little sore at times, hence my â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Massage serviceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. This is available equally to men and women. Massage is not just for when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re feeling in need of relieving your muscle aches and tension. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beneficial and nice and instils a state of deep relaxation - itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a time to switch off - your time! It can be enjoyed as often as you wish and is individual to yourself.
improve your health â&#x20AC;˘ raise your spirit
Dig deep - try a new short archaeology course in Uist
Taoist Tai Chi
In January 2014 Lews Castle College will be running a short archaeology course Investigating archaeology: field and research skills. This short-course is aimed at anyone with an interest in their local archaeology and will be run from the Benbecula Campus in Uist. The aim of the course is to provide students with the background knowledge, skills and techniques to start independently investigating the archaeology around them. Throughout the course you will learn how to apply a range of skills and techniques to an archaeological landscape of your choosing, with the opportunity to create an
illustrated
report of your findings. The course will be !
" #$%&' delivered over * ten weeks as + +
weekly two hour evening '
, ' ' ! classes and - $%/3% 44$ 3$$ weekend field trips.
Free open sessions! â&#x201E;˘
Everyone welcome! No need to register, just turn up
Benbecula St Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hall Griminish, HS7 5QA
Open session
renovate your body
Tues 14 January 2014 20:00-21:30
Watch demonstrations
North Uist
Talk with an accredited instructor about how these arts could help you Take part in taster sessions Suitable for all ages and abilities, including those with health problems or limited mobility
Carinish Village Hall HS6 5HE
Open sessions Wed 15 January 2014 14:30-16:00 and 20:00-21:30 New beginner courses start in the following week
Rosemary Jackson 01876 580226
taoist.org.uk
highlands@taoist.org
A registered charity 1053425 / SC039513
For further information please contact Rebecca Rennell. Email: rebecca.rennell@uhi.ac.uk Tel: 01851 770 500
6mm and 7mm arctic suits, the other option - as I wear myself is a 3mm beneath a 5mm this combined with a hood, boots and thick gloves plus a random tea break on a convenient rock will keep you warm even when itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s icy cold in the midst of January or completely throwing it down! I can now also take a photo of you under the water for you to show other people what an amazing time youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had! Give it a go - youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll love it!
Wishing everyone a Happy Christmas and a lucky 2014
Tom Rossi. Tomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contact details can be found in The Advertiser on page 27.
At the heart of the Community â&#x2014;?
Wide selection
â&#x2014;?
Local meat, fish, eggs and seasonal veg
â&#x2014;?
Fresh baking
â&#x2014;?
Fuel
â&#x2014;?
â&#x2014;?
Friendly service Daily papers
Open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm
Telephone: 01876 510257 Bayhead, North Uist
26
island news & ADVERTISER - December/January 2013 Issue 21
combined crossword CRYPTIC Clues Across 5) Countries round the Pacific one, pose economic challenge (3) 7) Idea born of day-dreaming, imagination and humour (9) 8) Mountain creature with thick, curved, ridged horns (4) 10) Literary work composed in another’s style (8) 11) If you read around the subject you’ll find Dan’s challenge (4) 12) Potentially harmful and very evil-smelling (7) 14) If it’s absolute, it’s very cold indeed (4)
2
3
4
5
6
7 8
9
10
1) What you teach turns into fraud (5)
11
2) A signal for time changes sent out (4) 12
3) Get into this and you’re in trouble (8) 4) Throw a cape around your shoulders for a steady walk (4)
14
13
15
16
5) A chafe before two dubs for men in an odd craft (3) 17
6) Drink unwisely a variety of fluids for social harmony (3) 8) Admittedly this could express irony and incredulity (6)
18
19
9) Weird and odd and ghostly (5)
20
21
COFFEE TIME
18) Cauliflower head (4)
6) Socialise (3)
Clues Across
20) Risk (8)
8) Certainly (6)
5) Border (3)
22) Blackthorn fruit (4)
9) Creepy (5)
7) Fanciful (9)
24) High explosive (9)
12) Head (6)
8) Mountain goat (4)
25) Male title (3)
13) Sacred opera (8)
10) Imitation (8)
Clues Down
15) Equivalent (5)
11) Taunt (4)
1) Trickster (5)
19) Prepares (5)
12) Offensive (7)
2) Produce (4)
20) Mock (4)
14) Zilch (4)
3) Misbehaviour (8)
21) Female relative (4)
16) Pitcher (4)
4) Rapidity (4)
22) Distress signal (1.1.1)
17) Swindle (7)
5) Polish (3)
23) Rower (3)
12) Use it when you need to be thinking (6) 13) Semi-dramatic musical work on a scared theme (8)
17) By some complex scam, relieve another of their money (7)
15) Some can be rather more so than others (5)
18) Singularly eaten by Mistress Muffet with whey on a tuffet (4)
19) Sited around a word processor, changes made to the piece (5)
20) If it’s double, you’re in grave danger twice (8)
20) Sneer loudly with taunts and jibes (4)
22) Put in gin for an extra taste and kick (4)
21) Your French one famously owned a pen (4)
24) Very unstable type of big bang producer (9)
22) Save our souls all ye who hear this (1.1.1)
25) Precedes the name of a knight (3)
23) Wields the blades in a boat race (3)
SOLUTIONS: ACROSS: 5) Rim, 7) Whimsical, 8) Ibex, 10) Pastiche, 11) Dare, 12) Noisome, 14) Zero, 16) Ewer, 17) Defraud, 18) Curd, 20) Jeopardy, 22) Sloe, 24) Gelignite, 25) Sir. DOWN: 1) Cheat, 2) Emit, 3) Mischief, 4) Pace, 5) Rub, 6) Mix, 8) Indeed, 9) Eerie, 12) Noodle, 13) Oratorio, 15) Equal, 19) Edits, 20) Jeer, 21) Aunt, 22) S.O.S., 23) Oar.
© Sarah Ferguson. Poppies on Berneray machair. Acrylic.
16) Water receptacle with a very wide mouth (4)
Clues Down
1
22
23 24
25
THE ADVERTISER December/January 2013 Issue 21 - island news & ADVERTISER
27
YOUR NEW DIRECTORY OF LOCAL SERVICES To advertise in this new section please call 01870 602151 ads@islandnewsandadvertiser.com
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Accommodation An Taigh Fiodh, Grimsay Luxurious self-catering apartment www.grimsay.com Call Heather 01870 602943
Accommodation 2-bed s/c cottage Laxdale area, on bus route Free wifi. Tel: 01851 705771
Agricultural Contractor & Plant Hire Digger & Tractor Hire, Landscaping, Access Roads, Agricultural Sheds, Building Sand, Gravel, Concreting John Allan MacLellan Tel: 01876 510304 Mob: 07786 430989
Car Commercials Plant & Marine Repairs Available for Hire 15 to 57 Seater Buses 6M Luton Vans. HEBCO Howmore, Isle of South Uist Tel: 01870 620 345 Mob: 07900 806 638
Laundry
Grasscutters Island Grasscutting N. Uist - Berneray - Grimsay Call Tom: 0794 7910562
Grass cutting/small plant repairs Davidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Garden Machinery Grass cutting, small plant repairs, hires tel: 01870 603833 mob: 07880 743437 bagleyr@supanet.com
Hairdresser
Building and Roofing Contractors
Cycle Shop
New builds, Renovations, Roof specialists. Archie Beaton Tel: 01871 890 374 Mob: 07788 263 080
Cycle hire, sales, repairs. Rothan Cycles Tel: 01870 620283 rothan@hebrides.net www.rothan.com
Barra 01871 810608 Uist 01870 602421 Harris 01859 502431 Lewis 01851 705727
Western Isles Citizens Advice Service
Money Advice 01870 603807 and 01851 700088
Shear Design Unisex salon Bayhead, North Uist Call Joanne 07825 741436
Sandraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Laundry Hours 1-5pm All Year Round Uist Bunkhouse Mobile: 07810 408493
Licensed Tearoom & Shop
Satellite Replacement, Retune and Repair Emergency Call Outs Available Call VOOVE: 0845 689 0030 (Local Call Rate)
Groceries, Gifts, Snacks Summer evening meals Ardmaree Stores The Lobster Pot, Berneray Tel: 01876 540288
MSP Western Isles Alasdair Allan MSP SNP 31 Bayhead, Stornoway, Lewis. E: alasdair.allan.msp @scottish.parliament.uk T:01870 602287 (Uist & Barra) 01851 702272 (Lewis & Harris)
Satellite Dish Repair
Photographic Printing & Graphic Design
Sign Makers
Clothing, Workwear Canvas, Photo Restoration Balloons & Banners Custom Prints 01870 602515
Signage - Vehicle livery - Labels Design - Manufacture - Install Hebridean Graphics t: 01876 500469 / 07836 640524 www.hebrideangraphics.com
Training Opportunities for Learning Cothrom Ltd Tel: 01878 700910 www.cothrom.net
TV, Satellite & Broadband Satellite Broadband TV Aerial and Satellite Dish Call Charles: 01876 580372 or 07748 081871
Taxis
Wi-Fi Installs Commercial and Residential Wi-Fi Installs Whole House or Hotel Wireless Service Call VOOVE: 0845 689 0030 (Local Call Rate)
Window cleaner Window cleaner/odd jobs Berneray,North Uist,Benbecula Call Colin 01876 540252
Insurance Services
Isle of Barra local taxi Tel: 01871 810012 Mobile: 07974 071255
Uist Disability Access Panel
Are you paying over the odds for your insurance? Let us offer you a great deal on your personal and business insurance. Call us now for a no obligation quotation Tel: 01870 60 22 22 email: info@macleodinsurance.co.uk Macleod Insurance Services
Taxis
NEEDS YOU
Airport, ferry, school runs Staff runs & small contracts 24/7 service Menzies Private Hire Tel: 07833 357241 www.mph247.co.uk
We try to help anyone with any access issues in the Uists If you are interested in joining us contact: UDAP c/o Tagsa ofďŹ ces orc/o 23 WinďŹ eld Way, Balivanich Isle of Benbecula, HS7 5LH
Tel: 01870 603233
DECEMBER/JANUARY REFUSE COLLECTION SCHEDULE FOR UISTS The bins due to be emptied on UIST Wednesday December 25 will be on Friday December 27 DECEMBER/JANUARY emptied The bins due to be emptied on Wednesday Dec 4, FRIDAY JAN 3, Tuesdays Dec 10, 24, Jan 7, 21
Festive changes
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Hacklet Eastwards, Uiskevagh, Petersport, WestCamp, Balivanich/Aird, Creagorry Commercials, Liniclate Commercials, Liniclate Muir, Uachdar, Dunganichy.
Hosta, Sollas, Middlequarter, Grenitote, Langass Lodge, Clachan-na-luib, Carinish, Baleshare, Claddach Carinish, Grimsay, Island Flodda, Nunton, Aird, Muir of Aird, Gramsdale, Griminish.
Wednesday January 1 will be emptied on Friday January 3
Wed Jan 29 Paper/Card Dec 18, Jan 15 Blue Bin
Residual
The Household Waste Recycling Centre at Rueval will be closed to the public on the 25th and 26th December 2013 and also 1st and 2nd January 2014.
Stoneybridge, Locheynort, Dalibrugh, Lochboisdale, Garryhellie, Askernish, Milton, Kildonan, Bornish, Howmore, Howbeg, Drimsdale, Stilligarry, Drimore, Gernish, Rangehead, Liniclate Commercials, Balivanich Commercials.
Stoneybridge, Locheynort, Daliburgh, Lochboisdale, Garryhellie, Askernish, Milton, Kildonan, Bornish, Howmore, Drimsdale, Stilligarry, Howbeg, Drimore, Gernish, Rangehead, East Gernish, Rhughasinish, Lochcarnan, Iochdar, Ardnamonie, Ardivacher, Ardmor, Creagorry, Liniclate, Liniclate School, Torlum.
Mondays Dec 16, Jan 13 Paper/Card Thurs Dec 5, 19, Jan 2, 16, 30, Residual Dec 2, 30, Jan 27 Blue Bin
Wednesday Dec 11, Jan 8 Paper/Card FRIDAY DEC 27, Jan 22 Blue Bin
East Gerinish, Rhughasinish, Lochcarnan, Iochdar, Ardnamonie, Ardivacher, Ardmore, Creagorry, Liniclate & Liniclate School, Torlum, Hacklet, Uiskevagh, Petersport,WestCamp, Balivanich, Locheport, Berneray, ClachanSands, Vallique, Lochportain, Cheesebay, Lochmaddy, Minish, Blashaval, Uachdar, Dunganichy.
Eriskay, Glendale, Kilbride, Smerclate, Garrynamonie, South Lochboisdale, Daliburgh Commercials, Daliburgh- West of Borrodale Hotel, South Boisdale, North Boisdale, Kilphedar, Strome, Rangehead, DI, IOBHH.
Tuesday Dec 3, 17, 31, Jan 14, 28 Residual Smerclate, Garrynamonie, South Lochboisdale, South Boisdale, North Boisdale, Daliburgh Commercials and Daliburgh West of, Kilphedar, Strome, Eriskay, Glendale, Kilbride, Rangehead,
Clachan, Claddach District, Bayhead, Knockintorran, Balemore, Kyles Paible, Paible, Sollas, Hosta, Tigharry, Grenitote, Ahmore, Balranald, Langass Lodge, Hougharry, Middlequarter, Lochmaddy Commercials, Clachan-na-luib, Carinish, Baleshare, Claddach Carinish, Grimsay, Island Flodda, Gramsdale, Griminish, Nonton, Aird, Muir of Aird.
Mondays Dec 9, Jan 6 Paper/Card Dec 23, Jan 20 Blue Bin Clachan, Claddach District, Bayhead, Knockintorran, Balemore, Kyles Paible, Paible, Balranald, Tigharry, Lochmaddy Commercials, Hougharry,
Thursdays Dec 12, 26, Jan 9, 23 Residual Locheport, Berneray, ClachanSands, Vallique, Lochportain, Cheesebay, Blashaval, Minish, Lochmaddy Commercials, Bayhead, Paible, Claddach, Clachan, Carinish, Balivanich.
$ ZRUOG RI FKRLFH Start your journey, whether for business or pleasure, at your local airport. Book through on one ticket to your ďŹ nal destination â&#x20AC;&#x201C; wherever in the world that may be. Sumburgh
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Via Amsterdam, Gatwick or Manchester from: ,QYHUQHVV
Inverness Barra Tiree Dundee
Via London City from: 'XQGHH
Islay Campbeltown
hial.co.uk Island News & Advertiser is published by Island News & Advertiser Ltd, Room 7, East Camp, Balivanich, Isle of Benbecula, HS7 5LA Printed by Cumbrian Newsprint, Newspaper House, Dalston Road, Carlisle CA2 5UA