Spectacular start to
Ellie campaign
NewLook
page 14
Find what you need in our
Classifieds What’s On in the Hebrides this month PAGES 10, 11 and 12
Pages 18 and 19 July 2015
island news Edition 37
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& ADVERTISER
We’ve only just begun
From Islanders Against Loganair and Flybe’s Excessive Prices Facebook page.
Facebook group Islanders Against Loganair and Flybe’s Excessive Prices have urged their 15,000 followers to be patient while they take their campaign to the next stage.
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he page attracted some abuse after the Shetland-based group, led by former shopkeeper Scott Preston, met with Loganair management, and brought back an assurance that a bereavement and critical emergency discount would be established, with the involvement of the group, to help islanders attend funerals and family emergencies. Mr Preston said: “Some people thought this wasn’t enough, and expected we would come away with the promise of massive discounts, but it doesn’t work like that. “We now have a much clearer idea of how the airline works, and the kind of complex pressures it is under. “Armed with this information we are ready for the next step, our meeting with Transport and Islands minister Derek Mackay on July 7.” Loganair chief executive Stewart Adams told the group the airline operates at an average £8 profit per seat on its island routes, and that
prices have gone up by 2% in eight years. Passenger fees of £17.04 per head in Highlands & Islands airports plus baggage handling and landing fees put at least £40 on the price of each ticket and this is not subject to the Air Discount Scheme. Mr Preston said a key question for the Scottish Government which operates the airports is why the passenger landing fees are £6 more expensive than those of Glasgow airport. He said he had received categorical assurances from Loganair that their reliability will improve. He said: “Mr Adams admitted they had not been good enough in recent months. “He said they have heavily invested in a spares facility in Glasgow, stocking frequently required spare parts instead of engineers having to wait while parts were sourced from around the UK and Europe. “This facility is due to open soon.” Mr Preston said Loganair would not commit to look at dropping fare prices, saying there is not enough profit to be able to do so.
However, they also admitted they had not done enough to communicate the discounts that are available. He said: “They told us about a Hospital Visitor’s fare, a child’s discount and a student discount. These are significant reductions on top of the ADS discount. You get these by phoning your usual ADS telephone number. “We also found out that Loganair offer an additional baggage item, including sporting baggage, above the 20kg allowance for a flat rate of £10. It might not get on the same flight as you, but it will be on the next one. “And if you manage to book with a Friday and Saturday night in your itinerary, the flights are cheaper.” Progress has been made, Mr Preston insisted. He said: “They have been reading the Facebook posts and from what they said to us it’s clear they are listening.” Mr Preston and his wife and co-campaigner Phoebe said that in common with other people they know, they are planning to leave Shetland to be nearer family because no-one can afford to visit them.
For Sale Assignation of Croft Tenancy 24A Griminish, Benbecula An opportunity to purchase the assignation of a Croft tenancy at Griminish, Benbecula
The ground extends to 9.22 hectares and has a 1/56 share in Griminish Common Grazings.
The purchase of the tenancy will be subject to the agreement of the landlord and the Crofting Commission.
The purchaser may be eligible for a grant through the Croft House Grant Scheme to build a new house. Offers in the region of
£29,500 Tel: 07776 064757
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island news & ADVERTISER - July 2015 Issue 37
Thanks Tagsa Uibhist Horticultural Project would like to thank Alasdair MacGillivray for the generous donation of, among other things, a Globe Brushmaster shredder chipper. This piece of equipment is greatly appreciated and will be put to good use in producing compostable material for the project. We are now able to invite members of the public to give us hedge clippings, prunings and tree branches up to two inches thick in manageable quantities to use in the shredder to produce
INBRIEF INBRIEF
Recognition for SSI Lister
Mairead MacNab North Uist Branch MacMillan Cancer Support
Thank you to all who donated to and attended my Night in for Macmillan in Lochmaddy Hall on Saturday 16th May 2015. Thanks also to Mustapha Hocine and John Docherty for the food donations, and to all who helped on the night, including Andy Rodger the MC.
Mr Lister has been a member of the ACF for the past nine years. A spokesman for 1st Battalion The Highlanders said: “SSI Lister gives his time driving our Pipe Band cadets from the islands to and from events on the mainland such as this year’s Piping & Drumming Concentration in Inverness. “Although to some this might be something small, but for the cadets it’s a lot as it requires quite an early morning departure from their home and the event locations to catch the ferry to and from the islands, plus the actual travelling times.� Mr Lister said: “I am most honoured that I have been given this award but like most people I joined the Army Cadets to give something back and never expected such a huge recognition.�
First Communion in Benbecula Eleven children from Iochdar and Balivanich Primary schools received their first Holy Communion at St Mary’s Griminish. They received the sacrament from Fr Ross Crichton. The Mass was followed by the annual Corpus Christi Procession and Benediction of the island. There was a party in the hall afterwards, at which the children were presented with their certificates.
Grimsay Market success
Future markets will include different producers and themed seasonal events, promised Matt Topsfield , development officer for the Centre for Grimsay.
Caroline Macdonald Goulaby, Clachan Farm Isle of North Uist, HS6 5AY
He said: “Commission from market sales will go towards Grimsay Community Association’s ÂŁ20,000 target of fundraising this year to develop the centre.â€? The mini-cafĂŠ alongside the market is an important part of creating a social gathering place for local people, he added.
CO CHOMUNN AN IOCHDAIR LTD
CARNAN STORES CARNAN, SOUTH UIST, WESTERN ISLES, HS8 5RH Phone: 01870 610205 Fax: 01870610216 Email: managercarnanstores@aol.com
The market continues year round on Wednesday afternoons, from 3-6pm in the summer months, possibly adjusted to 2-5pm in winter.
Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 9 am to 5 pm Saturdays: 9.30 am to 12.30 pm
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AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS – Full range of Ritchie gates, hurdles, feed and stock handling equipment. ANIMALS - Large selection of Cattle, Sheep, Horse and Pig feed. BIRD & PET FOOD – Grain, Mash, Pellets, Dried and Canned Dog/Cat food. FENCING – Strainers, Stays, Stobs, Barbed/Plain Wire, Rylock, Staples. HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES – 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 – Pots, Pans, Casseroles, Baking/Cooling Trays, Mugs, Jugs, Clocks, Mirrors, Bedding, Curtains, Blinds, Linen & Consumables.
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HEATING APPLIANCES & FUEL – Electric & Gas Heaters, Coal, Logs, Kindling, Bottled Gas and Gas Appliances.
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CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR – Wet Weather Suits, Boiler suits, Jackets, Trousers, Shirts, Socks, Underwear, Gloves, Hats, Wellingtons, Boots and Shoes.
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PAINT – Undercoat, Emulsion, Gloss, Marine, Machinery Enamel.
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TOOLS – Extensive range of Draper quality hand and power tools.
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FIREARMS - Cartridges, Bullets, Pellets.
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NEW - Engine Oil, Tractor Parts, Plumbing and Electrical Accessories.
This is just a small selection of what we have in stock. Everyone welcome to call in and look around.
COMPETITIVE PRICES PLEASE CHECK WITH US BEFORE ORDERING ELSEWHERE
The new regular Grimsay markets in North Uist got off to a flying start last month. Shoppers arrived in droves to buy local produce from baking to plants, wool and ceramics.
The fabulous sum of ÂŁ1250 was raised for Macmillan Cancer Care.
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The dedication and commitment of Staff Sergeant Instructor David Lister to the Western Isles Army Cadet Force has been recognised with a Lord Lieutenant’s Meritorious Service Award. Deputy Lieutenant George MacDonald presented him with the award at the cadets’ St Valery memorial parade in Griminish, Benbecula last month.
compost.
On behalf of the North Uist committee I could like to thank you all for your support and contribution towards this year’s MacMillan Cancer Support Sale of Work on Friday May 8. The total raised on the evening of the sale was £7,615.00. Once again, thank you very much.
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Get paid for your opinion of peat bogs Wednesday July 8 2015 South Galson, Isle of Lewis Researchers at the James Hutton Inst itute and SRUC want to know your opinion of peat bogs. Free buffet lunch and ÂŁ20 cash to those who come along. Open to all. You must register first, contact Carol Tel 01224 395206 / 077389 39369 / kyle@hutton.ac.uk Carol says: “Your opinions are imp ortant for the development of future peatland restoration polic ies.â€?
July 2015 Issue 37 - island news & ADVERTISER
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Spate of thefts leaves isles businesses wary A series of callous thefts from small island businesses in the past two months has challenged a cherished tradition of trust locally, but not overturned it.
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ympathy and cash from all over the world poured into Canna after news of an overnight plundering of the island’s two shops. Thieves took cash from a recently opened shop selling locally made beauty products at the pier, and from the community shop, they took six woollen hats, hand-knitted from Canna wool, among other items. The hats were made by shop manager Julie McCabe. Her partner Stewart Connor said the 26 strong population of Canna went into shock after the incident and at first thought they would have to install CCTV cameras. He said: “We were down at first, but then we began to get all the messages of support through Facebook and we said, why let them win? We’ll stick to our guns.
“We will carry on as before on honesty and trust. Our usual yacht visitors and tourists really appreciate the honesty box system.” Donations started appearing into the Isle of Canna website’s paypal account, and a crowd-fund was set up in the US, vowing to reach a $5,000 total. Meanwhile in South Uist a set of binoculars and a book on bird-watching were stolen from the Lochboisdale Cafe during the last weekend of May. The binoculars hold sentimental value for owner Anne MacLellan as they were given as a retirement gift to her father in the 1980s and were then passed on to her. The book was a signed gift from a group of regular bird-watching customers during the first year that the cafe was open.
Canna community shop.
Mrs MacLellan appealed for their return to the café’s large following on Facebook, to no avail so far. In a happier conclusion, the cafe was gifted a new set of binoculars from some tourists who had seen what had happened and wanted to help out. The new binoculars will be available to customers once appropriate security measures are taken. In Harris, two small oil paintings were taken from the Skoon Art Cafe, some eight miles from
High hopes after Kennedy election After a period of internal conflict, the Crofting Commission recently announced the election of Colin Kennedy as their Colin Kennedy. new Convener. Crofting Law expert Brian Inkster writes that he hopes the move will see the Commission back on track in their interpretation of crofting legislation. It is to be hoped that the Crofting Commission under Mr Kennedy’s stewardship will actually follow the express will of Parliament and no longer seek to interpret the Crofting Acts in weird and wonderful ways.
It will be good to see the Crofting Commission actually “delivering the express will of Parliament contained in crofting legislation.” In recent years they have been putting their own interpretation on crofting legislation which many have argued was not how Parliament intended it. Indeed the Scottish Land Court recently ruled the Commission’s interpretation in one particular case to be wrong and clarified for the Commission what Parliament actually intended. Mr Kennedy is, of course, no stranger to crofting legislation having been involved in a number of high profile personal battles in
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the Scottish Land Court over the years regarding crofting issues on the Isle of Coll. Mr Kennedy originally stood for election to the board of the Crofting Commission after becoming disillusioned with its management. He said at the time that the eight crofters on the Isle of Coll had been treated ‘appallingly’ by the Commission, accusing the organisation of applying the legislation differently in one part of the country to another. If elected, he said he would strive to ensure Scotland’s Crofting Acts would be applied evenly across the board.
the main road on the east side of the island. Owner Andrew Craig exhibits his paintings in a system of total trust as he and his wife attend to customers in the popular café. The paintings, worth £120 were lifted from a display area on a windowsill, while the cafe was open. Mr Craig said: “It’s a real shame and the first time anything like this has happened since we opened in 2005. “We won’t be rushing to fit CCTV, but we will be more vigilant in future.”
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MANAGING EDITOR Susy Macaulay Susy Macaulay......................................... DESIGN Editor’s Assistant Chloe Hogg Tim Mason................................................
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island news & ADVERTISER - July 2015 Issue 37
More facilities installed at CNM Lochmaddy marina A shower and toilet block are the latest additions to the Comann Na Mara (CNM) Lochmaddy marina.
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hey join the recently installed office area and laundry. The coin-operated laundry with washer and dryer has proved to be extremely popular with visiting yachtsmen. CNM Chair, Gus Macaulay said: “They tell us after several days at sea such facilities are most welcome.” Mr Macaulay emphasised that the facilities are also open to residents and holiday makers alike. A laundry wash is £4 and the drier £3, bring your own washing powder.
Toilet and shower block being lowered into place.
The male and female toilets will be open 24 hours a day. The showers will also be coin operated. A diesel tank for the purchase of marine fuel will be installed this month. Mr Macaulay said: “In common with marinas across the country, the season had a slow start this year, but now we’re regularly seeing up to a dozen yachts a night. Some are tying up for a few days, hiring cars and exploring the islands, bringing the economic boost we always hoped for from the marina.”
Rubbish theme for children’s online photography competition Clachan and Carinish public bins could be removed permanently The public bins at Clachan War memorial, Clachan Houses and Carinish Hall, all in North Uist, could be permanently removed, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has warned. They were recently removed because they were found to be regularly containing gypsum (plasterboard). Gypsum is classed as a special waste and cannot be disposed of in waste bins. The public bins are due to be reinstated but if found to contain any such special waste or hazardous waste they will be permanently removed. For further information on the disposal of waste and waste recycling contact the Waste Transfer Station on 01870 604998.
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A new online photography competition with an unusual theme has been launched for school-age children in the Western Isles. Open until October, it has a rubbish themeliterally. Entries must be a photograph of a child with a piece of litter found on a litter-pick. Or, if preferred, a piece of litter photographed with a pet or an animal. Either photograph must be humorously captioned. In addition to offering fourteen attractive prizes donated by local businesses, the organisers of the competition, husband and wife Peter Lyons and Ann Palmer, intend to put together a calendar of the winning images for 2017. With the support of the Comhairle working in association with Zero Waste, Ann, a former head teacher in Orkney, was given litter-picking equipment; gloves, picker, a high-vis jacket and bags and set out single-handed a year ago to rid the beaches of rubbish. Over her year’s lone litter-picking, Ann, who has nicknamed herself Gaia the Garbage, found different sources of inspiration. She said: “Zero Waste’s goal in one source- to achieve the zero status much as New York did with their graffiti problem by removing random artwork as soon as it appeared. “I was also inspired by a Countryfile programme featuring a group of upset children
POLICE REPORT On May 23 police were called to the report of an assault in a residential property in Balivanich. A 16 year old boy was later arrested and a report is to be sent to the Procurator Fiscal. On May 24, police attended a disturbance in South Uist. Following this incident an 18 year
beach-cleaning, one furious young girl proclaiming ‘people just don’t care’! “Then I discovered that in Japan, there is no such thing as a school janitor. The children are responsible for keeping their own school clean and tidy and take pride in doing so.” Ann wants all the island schools to become involved in the photography competition. She said: “Officially, Zero Waste and the Comhairle are not responsible for beaches, so it becomes a community issue. The coastline of the Western Isles is around 1,660 miles, a big area of land. “With a tourist industry worth at least £50 million a year to the islanders, it is sad the Western Isles has a reputation as one of the worst places for litter, a fact regularly commented on by Ann in her guise as Gaia the Garbage has been cleaning up visitors.” litter single-handed for more than a year. She added: “In Western culture generally, interest in litter-picking is not in the Full details of the Children’s Photography category of a ‘must-do’. If the image of Competition are available at litter-picking is to change, humour is a really www.gaiadancebooks.com/childrensphotographic-competition.html energising way to go. “
old man was arrested and is to be reported to the Procurator Fiscal for assault. On May 25, a 17 year old woman was charged with assault. A report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. On June 13 following a domestic incident in South Uist, a 27year old man was arrested. He appeared from custody at Stornoway Sheriff Court.
On June 14 following a road traffic collision in Balivanich, two women aged 19 and 17 were charged with various road traffic offences. A report is to be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
July 2015 Issue 37 - island news & ADVERTISER
Cadet Lance Corporal Shaun Mowat and Nick Philip, Royal British Legion laid wreaths at the service of commemoration.
Hercules quietly laid to rest in North Uist woods remains disinterred and reburied by the life-size statue erected in his honour in North Uist’s Langass Woodland. The low key burial saw the remains of the 9ft Below is the moment the world’s most famous bear was re-buried on the island where he disappeared Hercules lowered into the ground inside a giant coffin with the help of a JCB just next to the wooden more than 30 years ago. Hercules the Bear became a global superstar after bear statue visited by hundreds every year. Nobody on the island is aware Hercules is actually going on the run while filming a television advert in there apart from a handful of people - including the Outer Hebrides in 1980. The massive grizzly, who starred alongside Roger George H Macdonald, the factor North Uist Estate Moore in the James Bond film Octopussy, featured who took the photo. A full ceremony is expected to take place in July on the cover of Time magazine and even met and will see a specially made headstone laid on the Margaret Thatcher, died in 2000. He was buried the garden of the spot. The bear was originally rescued as a cub in 1976 Clackmannanshire home where he lived alongside from a wildlife park which had planned to put him ex-wrestler Andy Robin and his wife Maggie. After the couple sold up they decided to have his down. He was bought by Andy Robin for £50 and trained him to be part of his wrestling act. Hercules, who grew to 70 stone and 9ft, featured in several adverts, including a role in a Kleenex “Big Softy” advert which was filmed in Benbecula in August 1980. He went on the run for 24 days and was eventually spotted swimming by local crofters and shot with a tranquilliser dart from a helicopter. Speaking about moving the logistics of moving Hercules Maggie said: “He was still a big, heavy bear. It was quite a Hercules is buried. Photo courtesy of George H MacDonald. challenge.”
Deadline News
Annual St Valery Commemorations in Benbecula Western Isles Company Army Cadet Force, led by Major Norman Macleod, held their annual St Valery & Dunkirk Memorial parade on June 18. The company marched on Griminish War memorial for a service officiated by Fr Ross Crichton with an address and prayers by Rev Fraser Stewart. Wreaths were laid by Cadet Lance Corporal Shaun Mowat (18) from Stornoway Detachment, and Nick Philip from the Royal British Legion to a bagpipe lament played by Norman Johnson of Lochmaddy.
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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE - UHI PGDE
Gaelic medium secondary teaching programme launched in the Western Isles A new Gaelic Medium Secondary Teaching programme was recently launched in the Western Isles by Dr Alasdair Allan MSP.
L - R Dr Ruth MacAlpine (Course Leader), Mary Mackay (Head of Humanities), June Graham First PGDE, (Secondary) student, Caroline Brick ñ Librarian Lews Castle College UHI.
The UHI PGDE (Secondary) Gaelic Medium programme led by Dr Ruth MacAlpine was accredited by the General Teaching Council for Scotland in May 2015 and will start in August 2015 with the first cohort of students based at Lews Castle College UHI. The Initial Teacher Education programme was designed jointly between UHI and the staff of The Nicolson Institute, on behalf of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, in response to a particular local, but also national, shortage of secondary teachers able to teach in Gaelic Medium settings. Students completing the course will be fluent Gaelic speakers who are able to read and write Gaelic and hold academic qualifications laid down by the General Teaching Council for Scotland including a degree in the subject area which they intend to teach. The course is a distinctive addition to the existing UHI curriculum with some similarities to the PGDE [Primary] course. The programme has been developed to meet the needs of the growing number of pupils who have completed their Gaelic Medium Primary education in order to
continue this when they enter secondary school. Half of the programme is spent on placement and half is within the University (based at Lews Castle College UHI and The Nicolson Institute). Specific curricular input will be provided from subject mentors and will provide professional and cultural development in Gaelic for use in a Gaelic Medium Secondary school setting. “The PGDE Secondary [Gaelic Medium] programme provides an excellent opportunity for students to develop their skills in teaching through the medium of Gaelic by engaging with appropriate elements of the curriculum” said PGDE Course Leader Dr Ruth MacAlpine. For further information on the programme please contact ruth.macalpine@uhi.ac.uk and/or www.lews.ac.uk
Dr Alasdair Allan MSP launches the PGDE course.
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island news & ADVERTISER - July 2015 Issue 37
Film portrait of remarkable North Uist GP goes on sale An Dotair Mòr (Uist Film/ MG ALBA) tells the story of how one legendary doctor looked after 3,000 people on 16 inhabited islands for over 40 years. There were no hospitals, no telephones and few roads when Dr Alexander Macleod first arrived in 1932. With perseverance through any weather, he used all possible means to reach patients living in remote locations. On foot, by boat or horse, he tended accidents and emergencies. With ingenuity and compassion he used what he carried in his two coat pockets to treat epidemics and help deliver thousands of babies. Combining testimony from Dr Alex’s patients and colleagues with archive material and
exquisitely filmed contemporary sequences on North Uist, this documentary film is a character portrait of a truly remarkable man. Pioneer of the life-saving air ambulance service, he successfully argued for the best medical provision for his patients. The film explores how much was Dr Alex the last of the traditional rural doctors? And how much a visionary doctor of the future?
BOOK GIVEAWAY WESTERN FERRIES Taking on Giants by Roy Pedersen (Pub Birlinn July 2015) The story of Western Ferries resembles that of a modern day David and Goliath. Despite ruthless state-sponsored competition, the company is the most successful ferry operator in Scotland. Inspired by Scandinavia, the company pioneered the roll on-roll off ferries in the West Highlands and Islands in the late 1960s. The focus was originally on Islay but this innovative and profitable enterprise was deliberately sabotaged by heavily subsidised state-owned competition. While the Islay service could not survive the onslaught from the competition, Western Ferries service across the Firth of Clyde remains to this day. Their iconic cherry red boat runs like clockwork 365 days a year, employoing upwards of 60 people and providing invaluable services such as the free emergency night-time runs. Roy Pederson tells the story of this courageous company, as well as the stories of the dedicated , enthusiastic and colourful characters that made it all possible. For anyone interested in the maritime history of Scotland’s Highlands & Islands this is essential reading. IN&A has three copies to give away to the first three people to email editor@islandnewsandadvertiser.co.uk with WESTERN FERRIES in the subject line, and their name and address in the email.
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE - LEWS CASTLE COLLEGE UHI
Unique Uist- the place to study traditional music Uist is becoming the place many young musicians choose to study Traditional Music in Scotland. This coming academic year 2015/16 will be the 15th time this opportunity to study music on the remote and beautiful island of Uist has been on offer. It’s no accident! These courses offered from Lews Castle College UHI campus in Benbecula, the central island in the Uist chain, have attracted over the years students from all over the globe.
Your flexible route to further qualifications and employment Degree/H onours HND HNC SGA/NC School/E mployme nt
E M P L O Y M E N T
If you would like to speak to someone about courses at your college please visit our web-site and/or contact Catherine Donald on t: 01851 770202 e: catherine.donald@uhi.ac.uk
www.lews.uhi.ac.uk
The college is now the base for a traditional music HNC, a four year BA (Hons) Applied Music degree and now the MA Music and the Environment. This year 34 students were based in Uist (including several local students) – a positive story when the demographic trend describes a drain of school leavers from the islands. Programme Leader, fiddler and composer in her own right, Anna-Wendy Stevenson has seen many students come through the doors over the nine years she has delivered the music courses in Uist. She said: “The educational experience in Uist is unique – students are based in a beautiful and inspiring often rugged environment in the Gaelic heartland, with the room and support to grow themselves as musicians and as individuals, in a friendly community supported by inspiring staff and guest lecturers. “Active and practical music making is at the heart of what we do – with regular concerts locally and on the mainland, teaching in local schools, and random projects such as composing music for film soundtracks, are part of what a music student coming to Uist can expect”.
Highlights of 2014/2015 have included:
Performing and workshop delivery at Ceòl on the Croft Festival in Skye in May.
Collecting field recordings of traditional songs in Uist, and producing studio recordings of their finds for a new Gaelic song album coordinated by Feis Nan Gaidheal.
Exchange trip to Donegal where students collected old Gaelic ghost stories from Uist and were interviewed for an Irish TV documentary along with performances.
A week in northern Spain performing with and learning from Asturian traditional musicians as part of the Albastur Cultural Exchange (ACE).
Ground-breaking first virtual residency and collaboration between students at the Boxhill institute in Melbourne and students distributed throughout Scotland.
Anna-Wendy said: “We are delivering cutting edge courses now in terms of our use of technology – our musicians are learning how to adapt, communicate effectively and work in a variety of situations – sometimes these can be considerably challenging. The virtual residency developed students’ engineering skills and ability to turn an idea into a recorded track in a very short space of time.”
The courses encourage students to be mobile- to be working musicians and though it sometimes is a timetabling challenge, we support them and work to build their educational experience into a meaningful one. This past semester one of our students, Christian Gamauf studied out in Cape Breton at Cape Breton University, whilst still completing his degree course with us online. Other students have formed bands ‘Eabhal’ named after the hill in North Uist and the duo ‘Cameron and Ross’ – both of whom are touring the UK this summer. Recalling nine end of term celebrations, the first of which included alumni who have gone on to forge careers in the music industry and education, Anna-Wendy Stevenson is sure that this years’ crop will yield many more musicians who we will hear a lot more from in the coming years. ‘It is great to see many Benbecula students past and present such as Barrule and The Elephant Sessions, touring and winning awards for performance, recording and teaching and gracing the programmes of many festivals. It is important that students develop entrepreneurial skills and one example of this has been the successful funding application made by student Cameron Grant to start up a folk club in South Uist – launch late 2015. There are still limited places available on the HNC music course ( 1 year duration). A successful completion of HNC may provide entry to BA Applied Music year 2. For more information on our music courses or like our facebook page please visit: www.lews.uhi.ac.uk/music www.facebook.com/lccbenbeculamusic www.facebook.com/appliedmusicuhi or contact: anna.stevenson@uhi.ac.uk
July 2015 Issue 37 - island news & ADVERTISER
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In my view Sgoil Lionacleit former pupil and journalism student Siân Macleod takes a personal look at the issues which brought some pupils head to head with some teachers and senior management at Uist’s only secondary school at the end of last term.
S
goil Lionacleit became the subject of criticism by some pupils and their parents in June due to issues concerning the transition from S5 to S6. The issues included the removal of Advanced Higher Graphic Communication from the timetable due to late communication from the SQA about new aspects of the course and the general treatment of the new S6 by school staff. Being an ex-pupil of the school myself I know that the issues with timetabling have been ongoing for many years and it does not stop at one class being unable to go ahead. Year transition occurs after the May exam period and can be a stressful time for pupils as they must begin to get to grips with new subject areas, applications for higher education and preparing for leaving school in a year’s time. In recent Parent Council meetings, Head Teacher Miller MacDonald explained that the changeover in timetable has always been a
period of adjustment, especially for senior pupils, but parents and students felt he failed to apologise for leaving large gaps in the S6 timetable and leaving them unable to enter the common room during this time. As the new S6 became increasingly frustrated with their treatment by staff a number of them requested leaver’s forms from the school office and claimed that they were asked by teachers to leave the school if they were unhappy. It is unclear how many pupils participated in what appeared to be a protest against their treatment by staff and it appears no forms were submitted to the office. A possible solution to the issue of the Advanced Higher Graphic Communication course being unavailable was to deliver it through distance learning though this was shot down when it became known that the IT services in the school do not have the capacity to fulfil this. A meeting of the Parent Council held on June
22 with Bernard Chisholm, Head of Siân Macleod. Children’s Services and Resources for the Western Isles in attendance, discussed the This can lead to the pupil having to take a issues and attempted to find resolutions. course that they do not wish to study, achieve a Emotions ran high at the meeting when mediocre mark and divert attention away from parents requested answers from staff but the courses that will benefit them the most. ultimately Howard Warner, chair of the Parent Going forward from here the school must figure Council, said that the meeting was successful in out a way to invest in the futures of its pupils by that it helped both pupils and teachers to begin providing as much education and support as a plan for moving forward in a positive way. possible – not just what they have provided in He also said that re-forming a cohesive spirit the past. between the S6 and their teachers would take Developing a distance learning programme some time which is unsurprising as a high level would enable students who wish to study courses of distrust has been instilled between them. unavailable to them at Sgoil Lionacleit a much A common response to many of the concerns more meaningful education. raised by S6 pupils and their parents seemed to It is also important for the staff to discuss such be that this is the way it has always been. issues directly with pupils themselves rather than In my view there are simply not enough first going through parents or letters as this subjects offered at the school to fill the timetable would help to create a sense of trust and give of a 6th year pupil who has already studied many senior pupils more responsibility for their own Highers the year before. learning and for their own futures.
Impressive Poppy Appeal cheque from cadets DL George MacDonald, Battalion Commandant Col. Iain Cassidy, Maj Norman MacLeod, Cdt Bethany Royds-Cameron.
Western Isles army cadets raised £3,790.00 during last year’s Poppy Appeal week in November. Door-to-door collections were held in rural areas and the cadets also collected at local supermarkets. Major Norman MacLeod, Western Isles Company Commander said: “We would like to thank all those who contributed to the appeal as well as
Lisa is new Heritage Officer North Uist Development Company
Local Development Officer Part-Time : Job Share : 14 hrs per wk.
Fixed Term to 31/3/2016
Salary £ 24,960 pro-rata
North Uist Development Company is looking to recruit an energetic and self-motivated person to act as a catalyst for innovative and sustainable community development. This position is the equivalent of 2 days per week as a job share.
The applicant will have a good understanding of the issues affecting fragile rural areas and be IT literate. A relevant qualification or prior experience in community-led development would be advantageous, as would a knowledge of and affinity for the locality.
The successful candidate will work with the Company and the community, to develop and implement a community growth plan, which aims to enhance the socio-economic, cultural & environmental welfare of North Uist and Berneray.
The post is funded by the Scottish Government and HIE. There is the possibility of an extension beyond March 2016.
Support is provided by Highlands and Islands Enterprise under their Community Account Management approach, which delivers intensive development to the most remote and disadvantaged communities in the region.
Interviews will be held w/c 13 July. For a job description and further information please contact:
Ada Campbell, Secretary, NUDC Claddach Kirkibost Centre Isle of North Uist, HS6 5EP
Email: nudc@isleofnorthuist.com Tel: 01876 580331
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 10th JULY 2015
The Comhairle’s new Heritage Officer is Lisa Wilson, happy to be home in Uist after ten years in Glasgow. Lisa, from Iochdair, is based in the museum in Sgoil Lionacleit, Benbecula. She is working with Museum Development Officer Caitriona MacCuish and the wider Heritage Team to deliver the Activities Plan for the new museum and heritage service across the Outer Hebrides. Lisa said: “I enjoyed city life but I’ve always wanted to return home if the right job came up. “The Heritage Officer post in Benbecula was the perfect job for me with a degree in History, fluency in Gaelic and a love for the islands and its heritage. “I was absolutely over the moon to find out I was successful for this post, and feel so fortunate that I have been granted this fantastic opportunity. “Since coming to post in Uist I have been busy working with
primary and secondary children delivering various workshops, and most recently working on a sound/art project that will be on exhibition this coming August. I’ve also been helping the Comann Eachdraidh groups when required. “With the new museum opening in Lewis later this year I have also been in Lewis several times assisting with the move from Francis Street. I’m looking forward to bringing our new exciting activity plan to Museum nan Eilean, Sgoil Lionacleit.” Lisa studied History and Human Resource Management at the University of Strathclyde, and soon after graduating worked on a wide variety of genres in Gaelic media as Production Coordinator initially for mneTV and latterly for BBC Scotland.
supermarket managers for allowing us to use their premises.” Cadet Bethany Royds-Cameron, 15, from Harris Detachment presented the cheque to Deputy Lieutenant George MacDonald after the cadets’ St Valery & Dunkirk memorial parade at Griminish, Benbecula.
Hebridean Housing Partnership is a Registered Social Landlord in the Outer Hebrides and is seeking a highly motivated person with a good track record for the post of:
AREA MANAGER Salary range £31,982 - £34,552 (Includes Distant Islands Allowance) Based in Balivanich, Benbecula
We require an Area Manager to lead a team delivering front line housing services to our tenants. The postholder will report to the Director of Operations and will deputise as appropriate. Key responsibilities of the post include tenancy management, allocation of housing, estate management, arrears control and enforcement action. The postholder will be responsible for driving performance, meeting targets and delivering improvement and for liaising with tenants across the range of services. The ideal applicant will have housing experience and be committed to delivering excellent services, and will have the ability to develop and lead a team in pursuit of this. To request an application form either: download a copy from our website: www.hebrideanhousing.co.uk ; or call Jackie Macleod on 01851 707900; or email Jackie Macleod on recruitment@hebrideanhousing.co.uk C.V’s will not be accepted. Submit your completed application form either: by email to Jackie Macleod at the above address, or by post to Jackie Macleod, Creed Court, Gleann Seileach Business Park, Willowglen Road, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis HS1 2QP Closing date: 17 July 2015 Interviews planned for: Week Commencing 10 August 2015 HHP is a charity registered in Scotland No 35767 HHP is an Equal Opportunities Employer
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island news & ADVERTISER - July 2015 Issue 37
Possibly the politest platoon on the planet A detachment from the Belgian Air Defence Unit (BADU) spent 12 days on Uist last month, and went to great pains to make a good impression locally.
U
nits come and go from firing practice on the Hebrides Range, but generally don’t interface with the public. The BADU however set out to let the community know what they were doing with a sprinkling of explanatory leaflets around the islands and frequent contact with the local media.
The unit, from Lombardsijde on the Belgian coast, specialises in airspace defence using infra-red MISTRAL guided missiles, with a three mile range. They began by carrying out a tactical air assault on the Benbecula airfield, followed by three days of missile firing. On the last day the soldiers fired 26 missiles,
The platoon demonstrated the missiles to the cadets.
tripling their output from previous days, to the satisfaction of their Battery Sergeant Major, Yvan Gregorieff. They then hiked the three Uist peaks, camping at the top of Clettraval. Hard-going on the boggy terrain, they admitted. In North Uist they carried out light ops social patrols along the side of the road, gun-toting soldiers amid the flag irises and bog cotton proving a little incongruous.
They stopped some drivers, but if anyone was too busy to chat, the Belgians politely stepped aside. By popular request they spent time with the local Army Cadet Force in South Uist. The cadets grilled them about the missiles, their guns and even their camouflage. There seemed to be general agreement that the BADU’s camouflage was not as cool as that of the cadets. The unit was last on active duty in Afghanistan in 2013.
Plaques now in place to honour Macleod doctors Plaques telling the stories of the Macleod family of GPs in North Uist are now in position on the commemorative site near Clachan, North Uist. The plaques are Phase II of a project to honour the work of the three GPs and their seven decades of service to the community of North Uist and all its islands. A stainless steel monument to their memory was erected in 2013 , next to the cairn commemorating 60 years of the Scottish Air Ambulance service in Uist. The service was brought in by Dr Alexander Macleod in 1933. The new plaques are engraved on steel, one in
Andrew MacDonald with his winning design.
Andrew’s winning NUAS design North Uist Agricultural Society has a brand new logo, thanks to a promising young graphic designer from Lochmaddy Primary school. Andrew MacDonald, aged 10, created the winning design, featuring the island of North Uist surrounded by images of a cow, sheep and hen. The logo will now be used in the society’s new line of merchandise, making its debut at the North Uist Show on Thursday July 30. Andrew received a cash prize of £25 plus free entry to the show for himself and his family.
The new plaques in position.
English and one in Gaelic. They are set into a semi-circular drystone wall built by stone mason Calum Beaton of Balivanich. Margaret MacQuarrie led the drive to create a lasting memorial to the GPs. She said she was delighted with the plaques and their images, drawn from photographs, one of Dr Alexander on horseback, and one of the actual air ambulance which served the islands, a De Havilland Dragon. Mrs MacQuarrie said: “We want to thank those involved in making the plaques including graphic designer Rachel Bell of Border Signs and Graphics in The English language plaque. Dumfries, also Alasdair Morrison, building Memorials for the preparing and scribing of the contractor for preparing gate sign. and erecting the plaques, “Also thanks to our sponsors The Scottish Duncan MacLean fot the Government, Gaelic Department CNES, and preparation and painting of The Western Isles Sea Fisheries Training the sites and MacIntyre Association.”
Isles wordsmiths attend Jersey 2015 Fran Flett Hollinrake. James Sinclair.
Donald Murray.
They might not be physical athletes, but in language they can perform marathons. Island wordsmiths author and teacher Donald S Murray of Lewis, engineering storeman poet James Sinclair of Shetland and St Magnus cathedral custodian, tour guide and story-teller Fran Flett Hollinrake of Orkney were in Jersey for the NatWest Island Games XVI as IN&A went to print to take part in an artistic ‘lock-in’. They joined artists from 17 other competing islands to spend ten days camping in Elizabeth Castle, a tidal
fortress half a mile out from St Helier. There they are to develop a shared work around the theme of ‘islandness’ using sculpture, paint, dance, music, theatre, textile and film as well as words. Donald Murray said: “The athletes will be competing against each other, but we’ll be collaborating. It will be exciting to work with people from across different islands, although I have no idea what we’ll be doing, possibly something theatrical. It will culminate in an event at the end of the games.”
July 2015 Issue 37 - island news & ADVERTISER
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NEIGHBOURS Opinion Jen Stout is from Fair Isle, now living in Glasgow. She is an activist writing and campaigning on Scottish Land Reform and politics.
Why the crisis facing CalMac is too important for political scrapping and should concern us all
People shifted in their seats and the managing director gave an awkward wave. We moved on. But the issue remains. This is Serco-one of the biggest multinationals in the world, regularly accused of fraud, tax avoidance and human rights abuses, a profiteer from the glut of privatisation and outsourcing across the globe. Given the social democratic rhetoric of the SNP, it’s reasonable to ask why such and outfit is running our public services. Since the boat trip in 2014, I’ve watched warily as the sleeper train service and now potentially the Clyde and Hebridean ferries are handed over to this unscrupulous and unethical multinational. The Northern Isles ferry service was first tendered in 1997, going to P&O, then Northlink (in various guises). In 2012, several companies were bidding for the £243m contractNorthlink (state-owned, as a subsidiary of Caledonian MacBrayne, Shetland-based
We’ve seen this on privatised train services company Streamline, P&O and Serco. too- the first class offerings (meals, wi-fi) are Transport Scotland picked Serco, but serious ramped up and heavily advertised, while the questions were raised at the time about what folk packed into steerage never encounter a actually went on during this procurement trolley again. Virgin is doing exactly this on the process. A civil action is on-going and the newly privatised Scottish east coast line. Government is But as is so often the case now, And now the Clyde rather tight-lipped some important issues are being lost and Hebridean about it all. amid the political point-scoring from bundled route One of Serco’s could go over to first moves on opposition parties desperate to look Serco, Labour is being awarded the good after a devastating election. gleeful at this contract in 2012 chance to do its was to threaten favourite thing- accuse the SNP of something workers with Zero Hours contracts and 36 bad- and industrial action is underway as redundancies just before Christmas, workers fear the same cuts and lay-offs that prompting a strike ballot. Serco pursued in 2012. Subsequent ‘improvement’ included The Lib Dems too, are pointing a finger at the installing dividers on the couches in the stern SNP, with Northern Isles MSP Tavish Scott bar where people tend to sleep at night. seizing the opportunity to look good. The Lib Serco Northlink’s director told me it ‘looks Dems couldn’t be looking worse in Shetland scruffy’ to have folk lying on couches. But and Orkney following the Alistair Carmichael people sleep here because there are often no scandal. Tavish will know he’s been left on a cabins available, or because they can’t afford very shoogly peg, so he’s been quick to join the high prices. Recliner chairs, Serco say! Fine Labour in shouting ‘privatisation!’ at the SNP. until seasickness hits- a not uncommon Unfortunately for him, the Shetland Times experience on that notorious patch of sea. and others have not forgotten his time as It’s the predictable, repetitive saga of minister for transport, when the privatisation. Low-income passengers bear the brunt while first-class becomes more luxurious. fiasco over CalMac’s restructuring The Northlink boats always suffered from too and Northlink’s default and subsidy increase occurred. few cabin spaces and too much plate glass, but The Scottish Government is Serco has taken the whole ‘hotel on sea’ feel up a notch, turning the restaurant into a’ premium strenuously denying accusations of privatisation. But when a lounge.’ public sector company loses out Entry alone will cost you £18, unless you’re to a private one in the bid to run already a ‘premium customer.’ I have no desire a public service, what else do you to be ‘premium,’ I just want somewhere to call it? sleep.
‘‘
A bear called Charlotte Kensington Palace has written to thank Shetland Islands Council for the gift of a Burra Bear, sent to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the arrival of their daughter Princess Charlotte. The Lace Burra Bear is made from a traditional patterned fabric knitted at the Shetland College from Jamieson’s Spinning 2 ply natural white lace wool, and lined with a fawn plain knit fabric to show the delicate pattern to best effect. The bear was named after the new baby,
‘‘
At the height of referendum summer I found myself on the ferry back to Shetland in the company of Nicola Sturgeon and the managing director of Serco’s North Sea ferry operation. It was an odd event. I hadn’t noticed Mr Serco up at the back of the Q&A session in the cinema, and wondered why my question about Serco getting the Northern Isles ferry contract two years prior was making folk in the room, including Nicola, a bit shifty. She answered the question competently, as she always does, though perhaps blaming EU law too readily. But then she added that great thanks was owed to Serco for hosting her and her team on their campaign trip to Shetland.
‘HRH Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana’ and sent along with an invitation to the Duke and Duchess and their family to visit the islands. Wendy Inkster from Burra Bears says given the wealth of talented makers in the isles, she feels privileged to have been selected for this commission: “My paternal grandmother, Ruby, was held in very high regard for knitting very fine ‘cobweb’ lace. Many of her haps, or christening shawls, were earmarked to go straight to Harrods in London, and it would be nice to think that perhaps one of those may have found its way into the Palace, just like this Lace Burra Bear which was sent south for our new baby princess.”
The SNP’s defence is that it is bound to tender the contracts by EU law- and this is true, though by no means straightforward. Could the Scottish Government have formally challenged the EC? If so, why hasn’t it? And has anything changed in the office of Transport Scotland since the dodgy handling of the Northern Isles service in 2012? This looks set to be another test of the SNP’s social democratic exterior. But as is so often the case now, some important issues are being lost amid the political point-scoring from opposition parties desperate to look good after a devastating election. Yes, Serco is appalling. Privatisation of lifeline services is something to condemn. But are local residents being hear? When the details of such contracts are drawn up, which stakeholders will really get a say? Is CalMac as wonderful as Labour is making out? These questions need to be properly addressed in the coming months, and must not be drowned out by the adversarial posturing which increasingly characterizes Holyrood debate. Courtesy of the Common Space website for Scottish news and politics.
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island news & ADVERTISER - July 2015 Issue 37
What’s On Guide for the month of July across the Hebrides North Harris Trust Guided Walks For more information contact Matt at the North Harris Trust: 01859 502222, ranger@north-harris.org
TUESDAY MORNINGS JULY 14, 21, 28 10am - 12pm
Lochboisdale
Eagle Watch at the North Harris Eagle Observatory
Exciting and varied programme for Ceòlas symposium Ceòlas symposium ‘S e ur Beatha, will focus on Scotland’s year of Food & Drink once respect has been paid to the fallen of WW1 which opens with an exhibition listing all who perished. Some photographs will be displayed and if anyone has more they are willing to share then we will digitise and copy for display to enable owner to retain the original Murdo Beaton from Urras an Eilean will talk at 6.00pm in the Talla Geirinis. Sunday Mass will be outdoors at Carnan, weather permitting, then off to Iochdar School for the great Iochdar Bake Off, with Struann, Aran Buidhe, Aran Coirc, for those keen on baking and for those interested in animals, How to make a Halter. The evening will be a talk by Jo MacDonald on Poetry from World War One followed by the tense Iochdar Quiz – passions ran high last year about the distance from the road end to the church! Beer tasting will also take place as we find out if anyone actually managed to make Luine na Beiste – team made homebrew bitter – just in case. Dr Sarah Marr and her cousin Fr Michael MacDonald will lead on talks in the morning on Monday followed by a walk to Caolas on the east side to visit where whisky was smuggled from the inn. The evening will be rounded off with a Piping Recital by Allan Macdonald. Tuesday more great talks before heading out on a walk near Borve castle in Benbecula and the event will be closed with a community ceilidh which includes Rena Gertz singing some German songs from the era of WW1. Gaelic teachers will be present at the Symposium as part of a new Ceòlas project in teaching Gaelic. Liam Crouse has been busy organising different courses to develop Gaelic here in Uist and this first major fruit of his work will add a new dimension to the symposium.
Distance: 1.5 miles An easy walk across the Hushinish machair to investigate its unique flora and learn some of the traditional uses for its plants. Views from Hushinish are spectacular and there will be an opportunity to hear about the history of the adjacent island of Scarp. FREE OF CHARGE
COMMUNITY PROGRAMME Sun 7.30
Welcome Ceilidh
St Peters Hall
Mon 8.00
Pipers Concert
St Peters Hall
Tues 3.30
Rody Gorman - Gaelic Poet and Writer Daliburgh School
Tues 4.00
Walk & a Dram
in South Uist
Wed 8.00 Singers Night Wed 10.00 Dance to Ceolas band
Southend Hall Eriskay Hall
Thurs 4.00 Thur 8.00
Walk & Dram Square Dance, Reels & Quadrilles
South Uist St Peters Hall
Fri 3.00
Crossover Demonstration
Daliburgh School
Fri 7.30
Ceilidh Mor
Southend Hall
’S E UR BEATHA DiSathairne 25 aig Taigh Cèilidh Ghèirinnis 5pm 6pm
Exhibition opens; Murdo Beaton -‘Reflections on the Battle of Loos’
DiDòmhnaich 26 Sgoil an t-Iochdar 3pm 5pm 7pm 8pm
Outdoor Mass at Càrnan & Remembrance Service Workshops - Animal husbandry / Iochdar traditional bake-off Jo NicDhòmhnaill -‘Biadh is Deoch ann an Òrain Ghàidhlig’ Local quiz & beer tasting
DiLuain 27 Sgoil an t-Iochdar/ Talla 11am 12pm 2pm 8pm
Fr Michael MacDonald -‘Licensing laws: as they affected the local community’ Dr. Sarah Marr - ‘Traditional foods through the ages’ Air Chuairt - walk around Caolas Piping Recital - Ailean Dòmhnallach & friends; Talla an Iochdair
DiMàirt 28 Sgoil an t-Iochdar/ Talla 11am 12pm 2:30pm 8pm
Dr. Sarah Marr -‘Healing Features of Plants’ Workshop - Dairy produce Air Chuairt - Borve Castle and surrounding area Cèilidh - community cèilidh with Mòrag Dhòmhnallach, Rena Gertz & local artists; Talla an Iochdair
Heritage Weekend: 26 - 30th October Hogmanay School: 29th Dec - 3rd January
coffee
Tel: 01878 700313
Gift
Meet: Hushinish car park, by the public toilets (NA 992 121).
shop
Walking
distance from marina
ERISKAY COMMUNITY SHOP
THURSDAY JULY 16 1 - 4pm
Cliasmol Beehive Dwellings
Come and see for yourself
Meet: Cliasmol School on the Hushinish road (NB 086 062). Distance: 2 miles This is a short walk across the moor to a well preserved bee-hive dwelling, once used as accommodation through the summer months by people taking cattle to graze the hill ground. Although a very short walk, this is a route across rough boggy ground so sturdy footwear is essential. FREE OF CHARGE
Meet: Outend Turning Circle, Scalpay (NG 232 948).
TUTORS: Mairi MacInnes, Paul McCallum, Margaret MacLellan, Howie MacDonald, Dwayne Cote, Fin Moore, Griogair Labhruidh, Leanne Aucoin, Jayne MacLeod, Patsy Seddon, Angus Nicolson, Alasdair White.
Barista
Hushinish Machair Flowers
Isle of Scalpay – Eilean Glas Lighthouse
Monday to Friday 6 - 10th July
Open all year
SIX DAYS A WEEK
TUESDAY AFTERNOONS JULY 14, 21, 28 1 - 4pm
We are proud to say that we support many local craft producers that supply us with:
Fancy Jewellery
Knitted socks and hats
Harris tweed bags Wallets and much more
THURSDAY JULY 23 1pm - 4.30pm
Summer school
Cafe
Parking: Glen Miavaig Car Park (NB 101 063) The North Harris Ranger will be at the Eagle Observatory every Tuesday morning between 10am and 12pm through July and August (starting 14th July) to help you spot eagles, and to answer any questions you may have about wildlife watching and walking on Harris. The Observatory is an easy 1.5 mile walk out along the Glen Miavaig track. FREE OF CHARGE
Distance: 3 miles A circular walk around the South-Eastern corner of Scalpay, out to the lighthouse. Excellent views, and a good route for wildlife including seals, otters and seabirds. Some of the route is across rough boggy ground so bring sturdy footwear. FREE OF CHARGE
Local scenery cards Calenders
NEW
gift shop area OPENING J UNE
Tel: 01878 720236 Email: eriskayshop@gmail.com
THURSDAY JULY 30 10am - 3pm
Bag a Beinn – An Clisham Meet: at the car park 6 miles north of Tarbert on the A859 (NB 173 057). Distance: 5 miles Reach the summit of An Cliseam (799m), the highest peak in the Western Isles and our only Corbett. This is a steep but rewarding climb. Bring lunch. FREE OF CHARGE
Eagle Walk – North Harris Trust & RSPB Scotland EVERY WEDNESDAY APRIL 1 - SEPT 16 10am-1.30pm Meet: Bogha Glas car park (NB 186 115) Distance: 4.5 miles A guided walk in search of Golden Eagles and Sea Eagles in the North Harris Hills.
RSPB members , “Friends” & members of NHT and children - Free Non-members - £5
Lochmaddy Village Hall Friday 24th July 7:30pm
An Evening with ...
Alexander McCall Smith Come.. Listen and meet.. A unique opportunity to spend an evening with the prolific international award-winning author of some 60 novels ... amongst others .. (International Best Selling Novel & Television Series)
‘The No 1 Ladies Detective Agency’ ‘44 Scotland Street’ and most recently..
‘Fatty O’Leary’s Dinner Party’
As ever .. Please join us ... Refreshments available. Chair _ Comann na Mara : Gus Macaulay 07828 105 423
July 2015 Issue 37 - island news & ADVERTISER
What’s On Guide for the month of July across the Hebrides Sheep Dog
TRIALS July 13, 2015 AT
Borve Machair, Berneray, North Uist (near village hall) Open & Local Competitions Competitors from across UK & Ireland entered Contact Joan Ferguson
01876 580327 northuistshow@gmail.com ADULTS ÂŁ5 Â CHILDREN ÂŁ1
Agricultural Shows THURSDAY 16 JULY, Willow Park, East Tarbert from 1pm
TUESDAY 28 JULY, Leverburgh from noon
North Harris Agricultural show
Livestock, fun fair, craft stalls
South Harris Agricultural Show
Livestock and Home industries Riders of the Storm , Trick Riding and Equestrian Stunt Team
FRIDAY 24 JULY, Rural Centre, Crossapol
THURSDAY 30 JULY, Hosta.
Tiree Show
North Uist Agricultural Show
Livestock and Home Industries
The Clan cycle stunt team special, who will also be looking for two Tiree Junior Stunt Stars
Followed by the Show Dance with Tiree Band Trail West in An Talla
SATURDAY 25 JULY, Departs Rural Centre 3pm
Judging commences 11am Cookery demonstration Local Food for Local People stand ‘Gardeners Question Time’ Composting demonstration Dog Show with Best Dressed Dog Class as well as the Obstacle Course and Best Looking Dog And much more
Tiree Tractor Run
FRIDAY 31 JULY, Barvas machair, Isle of Lewis from noon
Heads to Tiree Sports in the School Playing Field, Cornaig, returning to the Rural Centre.
Westside Agricultural Show
SATURDAY 25 JULY, Laxay Showground, Isle of Lewis Noon - 5pm
Lochs Agricultural Society Show
Sheep and cattle judging Pipe Band and Highland Dancing Produce and machinery displays Open Horse competitions Heavy Events and much more
Western Isles Classic Car Hire Ltd Branches in Stornoway, Isle of Lewis and Bayhead and Lochmaddy, Isle of North Uist
Ford Crown Victoria Sheriffs Car
Drive your own Classic Car
From ÂŁ95
Mk2 Jaguar 3.8
Official Herbie Fully Loaded Promo Car
Supercharged Mini John Cooper Works
Enquiries: Tel 01876 525 007 Terms and conditions apply, drivers aged 25-75.
! ! !
www.westernislesclassiccarhire.com Western Isles Classic Car Hire Ltd is a trading name of Hebridean Classic Car Hire Ltd
Highland Games WEDNESDAY 22 JULY, Askernish Machair 10am
South Uist Highland Games
Now Open 8am to 5pm Mon to Sat Del i C afe
Takeaway
TEL: 01870 602 7 796 9
Heavy events, junior events, senior and junior piping, Highland dancing, running and jumping events, various stalls and shows for children
FRIDAY 24 JULY, Balelone Field 10am
North Uist Highland Games Piping, Highland Dancing, Sgoil Lionacleit Pipe Band Athletics, Field and Track Events Hill Race, Tug o War
THURSDAY 23 JULY, Erray Park
Mull Highland Games Heavies, light field and Highland dance
WEDNESDAY 5 AUGUST, The Lump, Skye
Isle of Skye Highland Games Running , heavies, tug o war, light field, Highland Dance
THURSDAY 23 JULY, Sgoil Lionacleit, Benbecula
Highlands & Islands Young Piper of the Year
15 18 JULY 2015, STORNOWAY
Arts & Crafts North Uist Scottish Women’s Institute Lochmaddy Primary School.Â
Food cabin based at Balranald Hebridean Holidays Campsite
Open to non-residents Soups â—? Homebaking â—? Freshly filled rolls and sandwiches â—? Coffee, Tea, Soft Drinks, Ice Cream â—?
Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 11am - 3pm Sat & Sun 11am - 4pm
TUESDAY 7 - SATURDAY 11 JULY and TUESDAY 14 - SATURDAY 18 JULY 2015, inclusive 11am - 4pm
Annual Exhibition of Arts & Crafts Many items for sale. Home baking. Preserves. Arts & Crafts. Plants. All welcome.
EVERY TUESDAY, Islay Bruichladdich Hall, by the Distillery 11am - 4pm
Arts & Crafts Fair
AFRO CELT SOUND SYSTEM, IDLEWILD
SALSA CELTICA, TREACHEROUS ORCHESTRA
SHOOGLENIFTY, KAREN MATHESON, CHASTITY BROWN LE VENT N DU NORD, MĂ€NRAN, JAMIE SMITH S MABON RAGHU DIXIT, FINDLAY NAPIER, SHINE, SIOBHAN MILLER LINDSAY LOU & THE FLATBELLYS, SORREN MACLEAN, NITEWORKS LOCAL ACTS INCLUDE
NA H Ă’GANAICH, WILLIE CAMPBELL BETWEEN ISLANDS IAIN MORRISON, ALASDAIR WHITE, ALYTH MCCORMACK, MALIN NORRIE MACIVER, ELEANOR NICOLSON AND IAN SCHOUTEN
LATEST PROGRAMME AND TICKET INFORMATION FROM WWW.HEBCELTFEST.COM OR 01851 702333
11
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island news & ADVERTISER - July 2015 Issue 37
What’s On Guide for the month of July across the Hebrides
It’s Fe`is time! Feis ` Eilean na Hearadh
Paible School, North Uist. Begins June 29
Feis ` Eilean na Fhraoich
Feis ` Eige - Eigg Begins July 8
Feis ` Bharraigh
Tiree High School. Begins July 5
Stornoway Primary School. Begins July 27
Daliburgh School, South Uist. Begins July 13
Feis ` an Rubha
Castlebay School. Begins 6th July
Isle of Skye, Staffin primary school. Begins 27th July
Feis ` Thiriodh - Tiree 25th anniversary.
Feis ` Tìr a Mhurain
Feis ` Thròndairnis
Sir E Scott School, Tarbert, Harris. Begins 29th June
Feis ` Tìr an Eòrna
Many island feisean are held this month, bringing a week of Gaelic culture, music, dance, art, drama and sport to resident and visiting children with skilled local, national and international tutors
Sgoil an Rubha, Lewis. Begins July 20
Benbecula fire station family day Hebridean Huts SATURDAY 11 JULY 2015 1pm - 5pm
Benbecula Fire Station, Balivanich Featuring J
BHS-registered
J
Pony Club Centre
J
Riding School
J
Livery Yard
J
Trekking Centre
J
Qualified Staff
Emergency Services Vehicles – Police, Ambulance, Coastguard & Airport
Company No. 187242 Charity No. SC028094
Angus B MacNeil MP Constituency Office, 31 Bayhead Street, Stornoway Isle of Lewis, HS1 2DU
Available for Surgeries
Tel 01851 702 272 E-Mail: angus.macneil.mp@parliament.uk
Teas, Coffee & home baking
Cool Camping in Peaceful Surroundings Donation on entry & all proceeds to fire fighters & cancer charities.
SATURDAY 4 JULY 11am -2pm
Bric a brac and homebaking stall also available.
MND Coffee morning
Donations gratefully received.
Carinish Hall, North Uist
Uist Community Riding School Welcomes You Visit us and try out our wide range of horse-related activities. Own-a-pony days, gymkhanas, pony pampers, picnic rides, instruction, beach paddles and more. Our full stable ranges from Shetlands to a Suffolk Punch. We match our horses to suit all ages and abilities. Phone or email any time. East Camp, Balivanich, Isle of Benbecula, Outer Hebrides, HS7 5LA. Tel: 01870 602808. Email: info@ridehebrides.org www.ridehebrides.org
Fire Service Table top sale (£10 a table please call 602845 to book). Car wash 1-3pm Stepping Stone BBQ Lots of fun activities for all ages
Islay Guided Walks RSPB Guided walks every Tuesday and Thursday.
the wildlife that make their homes there.
Tuesday - The Oa A guided walk through the reserves looking out for
Thursday - Loch Gruinart A guided walk through the reserves looking out for
Available for overnight stays or longer
From £30 per hut per night (sleeps 2)
Fully insulated turf-roofed huts with private deck
Call or text Duncan on
0795 2163080
Shower, cooking and laundry facilities
Paible, North Uist HS6 5DZ
In aid of Motor Neurone Disease. the wildlife that make their homes there. All walks are £2 for RSPB members, £4 for non-members and under 16s are free. Meet at RSPB Loch Gruinart Visitor Centre. Walks last approx 2-3 hours.
Fiona’s massive marathon challenge To challenge herself for her half century and to raise funds for Unicef, Uist teacher Fiona Campbell ran the London Marathon this year. She tells IN&A it was mentally and physically one of the biggest challenges of her life. The timing of the marathon left me training in limited daylight and the weather this winter could not have been less kind. Training four times a week for four months taught me a lot about my fitness and stamina and often proved a painful reminder of the need to treat my ageing body with more respect than before. The sheer tedium of simply running and running and running. Was it worth it? Without a doubt, yes. It was one of the best things I have ever done and I am so glad I stuck it out. I appreciated first-hand the power of the support of family and friends and how it can help you to do things you could never manage alone. The overwhelming generosity of so many people towards Unicef humbled me and gave an added impetus to follow it through to the finishing line. It took us a full 40 minutes to cross the
start line after the race officially started, but the time passed in a blur of adrenalin and excitement. Supporters lined the route- some 750,000 spectators travel to London for the eventand they cheered, shouted, danced and handed out sweeties, cakes and orange quarters to keep us going the whole way. I enjoyed every last minute of it and could actually have kept going at the end (my time of 4.57 an indicator that I could and should have gone a lot faster). Best bits? Tower Bridge and the final 200m towards Buckingham Palace. Worst bits? Going over my ankle at mile 15 and having to stop and feel sorry for myself for five minutes, then carry on regardless. Another pit stop at mile 17 to administer a fresh blister plaster, but having to abandon the idea when I saw my blood-soaked sock and just put my trainer back on- and carry on regardless. Mind over matter is an amazing thing. I have now raised £2610 for Unicef and would like to thank everyone for their kindness and support. Also a huge thank you to Cheryl Taylor of Grimsay who donated her expertise as a masseuse in lieu of a donationher input was invaluable and made a most welcome input to my physical preparation and recovery.
Complementary therapies for health, healing and relaxation Aromatherapy Massage Indian HeadMassage
Aromatherapy Facials Reiki
Ear Candling
Contact: Sheila - 07919 184627 Gift Vouchers available
A warm Hebridean welcome awaits you at
UIST’S FAVOURITE FAMILY RESTAURANT Delicious home-cooking all day Local produce used where possible Tea, coffee and cakes in the bistro 11am to 8pm Sundays Noon - 9pm Opening Hours
Balivanich, Benbecula HS7 5LA
Tel: 01870 603377
July 2015 Issue 37 - island news & ADVERTISER
13
Drumming up island talent “Every school needs a pipe band, and every pipe band needs drummers.” Donald Ban MacDonald, piping tutor Uist & Barra.
Y
oung island drummers have every reason to feel upbeat. Not only are they growing in numbers but they’re rising unstoppably up the competition ranks. At the tender age of 11, Kyla MacKinnon even made the Under 15s world drum finals last year on her first attempt. That’s never been achieved on the islands before.
More and more girls are taking up drumming.
‘‘
Progress has been amazing, but we need to keep the stone rolling. Pipe bands aren’t just about music, but they give great life skills. Allan Craig
The corps of young drummers is responding to monthly tuition from world class drummer Allan Craig. He is currently Leading Drummer with the Lomond & Clyde Pipe Band and has played the world over with many championships under his belt. Despite Allan’s elevated level, he has a rare giftbeing able to connect with total beginners and get them playing a tune within hours. Allan lives in Balloch, near Glasgow, but each month he flies to Benbecula to spend almost two full days teaching aspiring drummers at Sgoil Lionacleit.
‘‘
Kyla MacKinnon.
He’s been doing this with undiminishing devotion for the past three years, rewarded by soaring progress in the standard of the young drum corps. Allan’s work in Uist began by chance. Donald Ban MacDonald, Uist-based tutor credited with raising the Sgoil Lionacleit band’s piping standard to its current Worlds-qualifying level, was concerned about lack of tuition for the drum corps. He chatted to a friendly drum supplier, and Allan’s name was put in the frame. Not long afterwards, Allan began his regular island odysseys. He said: “I remember the first time I came up, flying into Benbecula on a beautiful Saturday morning.
Allan Craig.
“Donald Ban left me with about eight kids, absolute beginners, starting out on pads. “By the time he came back a few hours later, he could hear drums, and was flabberghasted to see the kids playing a tune on drums, not pads, within eight hours. “It’s my fast track approach.” Allan started his drumming career aged 13 in a juvenile band in Knightswood, Glasgow, progressing to Grade 2 and on to Grade 1. He said: “I was very fortunate to be taught by and play alongside the best guys, like Jo Noble, leading drummer and now judge; John Scullion, Jim Kilpatrick. “They’re my bedrock, from them I’ve learned all those skills I want to pass on to others.” His drummers are moving up the competition rankings, but for Allan it’s about more than that. He said: “Progress has been amazing, but we need to keep the stone rolling. Pipe bands aren’t just about music, but they give great life skills. “Networking, team building, confidence, and these are things you take into professional life. “Travelling too, it opens up the world.” On his passion for teaching, Allan says: “Not everyone can teach or wants to. It’s a skill, but you have to be passionate about it. “I teach not just kids but lower grade adult bands, and I love to see them growing from nothing to achieving something, It’s very rewarding.” Allan also admits he is hooked on coming to the islands. He said: “I love the place, the people, the lifestyle up here, you get hooked, you become part of the community. It’s not just about teaching the skills, it’s a lot
of fun working with the kids because they are so engaged.” It’s now Allan’s intention to try and spread his tuitition to the rest of the Outer Hebrides. He said: “I want to increase the talent pool across the islands, including working in Lewis and Harris, but it’s dependent on time and funding.” Donald Ban said: “It’s amazing what Allan’s achieved so far coming just once a month. We need him more often, a band is nothing without drums.”
Relax. Recharge. Create great memories.
Fish, stalk, cycle, dive, kayak, play golf - or just relax by the peat fire and soak in the splendid views
Dine on the best of local produce, seafood and game
Lobster by request!
Calum and Karen MacAulay and their staff look forward to welcoming you!
Lochboisdale, Isle of South Uist, HS8 5TH Tel: 01878 700332 E Karen@lochboisdale.com
Macleans
BAKERY, BENBECULA
Butchery counter featuring local meat Fine local fish and seafood
Tempting range of oatcakes, bread and treats Fresh vegetables Hot and cold snacks And don't forget our takeaway in Balivanich Sandwiches, soup, hot dishes and pies Whatever you want, when you want it!
COLLECTIONS FROM ARGOS, B&Q, DFS AND ALL MAJOR STORES Click and Collect Drop Offs and Collections Uist, Skye, Kyle, Inverness Reliable, Friendly Service
Allan’s drumming class at Sgoil Lionacleit.
Uachdar, Isle of Benbecula HS7 5LY Tel. 01870 602659
14
island news & ADVERTISER - July 2015 Issue 37
Ellie’s Day Spectacular start to 1 Million Miles for Ellie campaign The day wasn’t blessed by good weather, but nobody cared much about that. United by the determination to do something for Ellie and her family, and for the many in the community also touched by cancer, the crowd threw themselves into the day, and dug deep into their pockets. In the Sollas marquee, baking to rival Mary Berry’s best lined the tables. Prawns and crab were also on offer. The marquee hummed with the sound of people enjoying a rare opportunity to spend time together for a cause dear to their hearts.
Delighted with the day. Ellie’s parents Angus and Michelle MacDonald.
H
undreds of purple memory balloons soared into the grey sky over Sollas, North Uist. It was an emotional moment for many of those present as the balloons were a tribute, in her favourite colour, to Ellie MacDonald, taken from her family, friends and community by cancer last year at the age of 23. But if ever a tragedy can be turned into a positive, it’s Ellie’s continuing story. As her mum Michelle tried to tramp through her grief in endless long walks, she wondered how long it would take her to feel any better. Would it take a million miles? she asked herself. Then she had an idea. Michelle said: “Even if I started as a baby and lived a long life I know I couldn’t walk a million miles alone but that distance could be covered with the help of people across Scotland and across the world. “I don’t need to do this on my own as I believe together we can beat cancer. That will be my tribute to Ellie.” It’s been an intense and hectic journey so far, but Michelle has now created ‘A Million Miles for Ellie, a Million Pounds for those touched by cancer’, and launched her campaign on Saturday June 20 on Malacleit Machair, surrounded by more than 600 people from the length and breadth of the islands and the mainland.
Start of the sponsored run.
Outside, youngsters, gathered up by coach Mairi Levack, took part in a sponsored run along the shore and back along the machair. The course was a mile, and some of the older runners undertook it eight times. Girls from Uist Community Riding School placed soft toys on the back of the school’s Shetland ponies and raced them along the beach. Children built sandcastles and exhausted themselves on the bouncy castle. And a lot of burgers came and went from the BBQ grill of John Docherty, Lochmaddy Hotel. As the sun pierced the clouds for a brief spell in the late afternoon, Uist’s finest old crocks took to the beach for a football match where the years rolled away and the men found themselves dribbling and tackling like boys half their age. A few tense moments for those who thought they might have to rush on and administer first aid, but sand makes for a reasonably soft landing and the old crocks manage to stay the course relatively undamaged, with a final score of Southend 3, North Uist O. That evening, a ceilidh with music from Callum Iain MacCorquodale, Alec MacDonald, Paul Maclean, Marion MacCorquodale,
Ellie’s Day
the also saw the launch of, ite bs campaign we llie.co.uk www.1millionmilesfore
Angus MacDougall, Fiona Maclean, Liam Crouse and Billy MacPhee kept people on their feet until the very last moment, fuelled by a Highland beef spit roast manned by John Docherty. Michelle said: ““What a weekend! I still can’t quite take in what happened; the number of people who turned up even though the weather didn’t play ball; the love and support felt by us all - the size of the community’s heart is immeasurable. “By the end of the night, after everyone had enjoyed the fireworks, we had raised just over £13,000. Money is still coming in and we’re very near £14,000 now as well as £500 on the Virgin Money Giving page. “Nearly 1.5% of the £1,000,000 total raised already - the mood is that this will definitely be achieved if not surpassed. Everyone is so excited and the island is buzzing about the campaign and the fun that everyone had. “New ideas are coming in thick and fast - we are now thinking about a musical festival on
Vallay Island next year. But as I keep telling everyone, we can’t make all this money on the islands - we need to find ways to spread the load.” Michelle added: “I often look for Ellie, for a sign that she’s ok, approves of what I’m doing. If she’s there or sends it, I’m not obviously seeing it but the essence of Ellie is all around us. “It was there on Saturday in the love and kindness shown by the community; in the laughter of the children and in the determination of many of them to do that extra lap! “It was in her friends who travelled from near and far to be part of her day and it is in the inspired ideas of all those who have been in touch and are getting in touch practically every day to tell us what they are going to do to raise money for 1 Million Miles for Ellie and by doing so help so many people touched by cancer. The day went so smoothly and the community made it look so effortless – the size of their collective heart is immeasurable and they will all forever hold a special place in ours.”
Paul Morrison and Owen Johnson ran eight miles in the sponsored run.
The old crock’s match had a competitive edge.
Shetland ponies with soft toys on board raced along the beach.
of the campaign’s Here you can find news get involved. progress and how to
ll go to Cancer The money raised wi illan Cancer Research UK, MacM s. Support and Maggie’ last a The campaign will ding on million minutes, en
May 15, 2017.
Spectacular homebaking lined the marquee.
Sandcastle competition.
July 2015 Issue 37 - island news & ADVERTISER
Eat up all your sea greens
15
Dulse is a common seaweed with lots of potential in the kitchen.
IN&A editor Susy Macaulay goes foraging with the author of a new book on seaweed in the kitchen, South Uist cookery writer Fiona Bird.
Laver seaweed.
However as I’m accompanying the queen of seaweed with a freshly published book on how to find it, cut it and use in the kitchen, I take her word for it and we scramble towards the promised treasure trove. The black blanket is rotting weed, for ploughing through to get to the rocks and nothing else. Fiona warns against gathering dead or dried seaweed from the tideline. Best to cut it yourself, live from the rocks where it’s anchored. The rocks are treacherous to clamber over as they are covered completely in thick drifts of bladderwrack. This is edible, Fiona says, but not our first choice for the table. She lifts up the mats of wrack and pounces (as far as one can on slippery rocks) with delight on long tapering leaves, puckered like seersucker. “I describe this as mermaid’s tail,” she says. “This is sugar kelp, which we find in the sub-tidal zone.” She cuts some young leaves carefully, leaving the holdfast intact. For sustainable harvesting of seaweed, scissors are best to snip the weed without damaging the holdfast, which will then continue to throw forth new leaves. “If I were cooking with this, I would roll it up, then get a sharp knife and cut into very thin slices and throw it in with some potatoes. It would cook within 20 to 25 minutes.”
Even I could manage that, I think, but wouldn’t Another precarious plouter over the rocks and it end up slimy? through pools and Fi alights triumphantly on Fi assures me this is not the case and it will end another seaweed she’s been determined to show up delicious. me. “It’s a kitchen chameleon,” she says. “It starts “Dabberlocks. Alaria esculenta. The wings at off brown and ends up the base are delicious bright green, looking and cook within Our rummage round the rocks minutes with a texture much more appetizing.” Isn’t it too salty? Not of Askernish was an eye-opener to rather like manage at all. Fiona says she me. Fiona’s knowledge is tout,” she declares. often adds more salt inspiring. “You have to be when cooking with careful cooking the rib seaweed. as it can be a bit She says: “It’s hard to describe the taste of tough,” Fiona says. “Children in Shetland used cooked seaweed, and they all taste different, to chew on it like chewing gum. Try it.” depending on what you do with them.” I do. It’s not unpleasant, with a sweetish, grassy By this time she is lifting and cutting long ruby flavour. I’m astonished at the thought that I red flat strips of dulse. could wander down to the shore any time, pluck “I quite often dry dulse, “ she says. “When you one of these weeds and start eating it right away. dry it, it goes an amazing purple colour. Once They’re not tough and they’re not slimy. dried, I chop it into small pieces or grind it and It takes quite a bit more ploutering, but Fiona use it as a herb or spice. eventually finds another of her favourites. “You can use it fresh, it cooks quite quickly. Laver does look slightly slimy admittedly, You can make a potato cake with some dulse, and especially if it’s not young and fresh. And best to I think dulse tastes like bacon.” avoid the stuff which likes to grow on sandy
‘‘
‘‘
W
e reach the top of the dunes at Askernish and Fiona points to a spread of rocks surrounded by a blackish blanket of seaweed. That’s where we are going to start foraging for sea vegetables, but to my untrained eye it doesn’t look very promising.
rocks, as getting the sand out is a never-ending task. “This is the one they make laverbread with in Wales,” Fiona explains. “They boil it up for about two to four hours and end up with this sort of khaki puree, the laverbread, which they then mix with oatmeal and fry in bacon fat for breakfast.” By the end of our foraging trip we’ve managed not to fall over or twist our ankles, and have a pleasing basket of goodies.
Surprisingly delicious ‘pom pom’ seaweed.
These include Hebridean favourite carrageen, which can be dried on your lawn in the traditional manner, and simmered in minimal water, strained with the resulting gelatinous gel used as a thickener in stews and soups; and something that looks like dirty brown pompoms growing on knotted wrack. I would have passed over this filthy-looking stuff, but Fiona urged me to try some. Honestly, it was delicious, a deep almost garlicky flavor. “Vertebrata Lanosa,” Fiona says. “It tastes like pepper dulse, which is hard to find and forage. I would dry this and use it as you would a seasoning.” Our rummage round the rocks of Askernish was an eye-opener to me. Fiona’s knowledge is inspiring. She wouldn’t be drawn into making great claims about the health benefits of sea vegetables however. “A lot more research needs to be done,” she says firmly. Her book will guide you through seaweed species, where to find it, how to gather it, how to dry it, and how to cook with it. You can hear our Askernish conversation on www.islandnewsandadvertiser.co.uk. Click on the Podcast tab.
Seaweed in the Kitchen (The Coastline Kitchen) by Fiona Bird. Fiona gathering seaweed at Askernish.
Footnote
Fiona finds carrageen.
Pub. Prospect Books June 2015 RRP £12
Fiona was congratulated by the Scottish Parliament on her book in a motion raised by H&I MSP Jamie McGrigor, supported by 25 other MSPs. The motion added that Parliament ‘considers seaweed to be a hidden treasure in Hebridean culinary history and notes the role that it can play in encouraging healthy, local and sustainable eating, and acknowledges the importance of seaweed to the food tourism industry, particularly during the Visit Scotland Year of Food and Drink 2015.’
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island news & ADVERTISER - July 2015 Issue 37
Life The conclusion of our serialisation
Memories of a childhood in North Uist
Read
of Katie M MacDonald’s bilingual memoir of her childhood in Carinish, North Uist in the 1930s. Katie and her husband Alick on their 50th anniversary.
I must not conclude my story without mentioning my three years of secondary education at Paible School where I went after leaving Carinish School.
I was a pupil at Carinish Primary School until I reached the age of 12 years. That year my cousin, Katie Ferguson the daughter of Neil Ferguson and my father’s sister Kate, and I walked to Claddach Kirkibost School to sit the Bursary Examination, which we both passed. As a result we were awarded a small annual bursary. Instead of walking back home the same day we stayed the night with Mr and Mrs Roderick MacVicar, Claddach Kirkibost. That summer we were enrolled at Paible School, which was eight miles from our homes. We stayed in lodgings at Bayhead during the week. We walked home every Friday after school and walked back to Bayhead every Sunday afternoon.
Weather permitting. If the weather was inclement, my father used to go for us with his horse and trap until he bought a car, a second-hand Ford car with celluloid side-screens and a canvas hood which could be folded back. There were no school buses in these days. When walking between Bayhead and Carinish, our benefactress was Mrs Roderick MacVicar (Magaidh a’ Mhuilleir). We were always welcome to call there and it became our half-way home. In spite of having her own family of five children to care for, she found time and energy to give us hospitality as well.
Katie married Alick MacDonald on January 3, 1947.
Mrs MacVicar is another of the friends whom I remember with affection and gratitude. My days at Paible School were very happy ones. I studied Latin as well as the usual subjects. Our Headmaster was Mr Kenneth Macleod from Lewis. He taught us Science and Maths in the building which we called An Taigh Dearg. After completing three years at Paible School, I transferred to Portree High School, where I spent three years before moving to Jordanhill College of Education in Glasgow to train to become a Primary Teacher.
Chan eil math dhomch crìoch a chur air an eachdraidh seo gun tarraing a thoirt air na trì bliadhna a chuir mi seachad ann an Sgoil Phaibil, far an deach mi an dèidh Bun-sgoil Chàirinis fhàgail. Bha mi ann an Sgoil Chàirinis gus an do ràinig mi aois dusan bliadhna. A’ bhliadhna sin choisich mi fhìn agus Ceit NicFhergais, an nighean aig Niall Fearghasdan agus Ceit piuthair m’athar, gu rauige Sgoil Chladach Chirceabost a shuidhe deuchainn. Nan dèanamaid an gnothach gheibheamaid bursaraidh. RInn sinn an gnothach agus bha sinn a’ faighinn sùim bheag a h-uile bliadhna. Cha do choisich sinn air ais a Chàirinis an oidhche sin idir, ach dh’fhuirich sinn an taigh Ruaridh Ghilleasbaig Aonghais agus a bhean, Magaidh a’ Mhuilleir. San fhoghar, a’ bhliadhna sin, thòisich sinn an Sgoil Phaibil, a bha ochd mile air falbh bhon dachaigh agiann.
www.hebrideanconnections.com www.hebrideanconnections.com
Fad na seachdain bha sinn a’ fuireach ann an taigh-loidsidh agus bha sinn a’ dol dhachaigh a Chàirinis deireadh na
seachdain. Nam biodh an aimsir fàbharach choisicheamaid dhachaigh Dihaoine agus choisicheamaid air ais gu ruige Paibil feasgar na Sàbaid. Fhuair m’athair carbad agus nam bitheadh droch shìde ann rachadh e nar coinneamh agus chuireadh e air ais a Paibil sinn. Cha robh guth air busaichean sgoile aig an àm sin. Nuair a bhitheamaid a’ coiseachd eadar Càirinis agus Paibil bha Magaidh a’ Muilleir na deagh bhanacharaid dhuinn agus bha an taigh aice fhèin ‘s aig Ruairidh mar dhachaigh eile dhuinn. Ged a bha còignear a teaghlach aig Magaidh fhèin, bha i a’ dèanamh ùine airson aoigheachd a thoirt dhuinne. Tha cuimhne chùbhraidh agam air Magaidh a’ Muilleir.
Lifelong educator. Katie was never happier than when surrounded by children.
Bha mi toilichte an Sgoil Phaibil. Bha mi ag ionnsachadh Laidinn a bharrachd air iomadh cuspair eile. ‘S e Coinneadh MacLeòid an t-àrd mhaighstir-sgoile bh’againn. Bha e ag ionnsachadh Science agus Mathematics dhuinn anns an togalach rid an canamaid “An Taigh Dearg”. An deidh dhomh trì bliadhna a chur seachad ann an Sgoil Phaibil, chaidh mi do dh’Ard-Sgoil Phort-Rìgh, far and robh mi fad trì bliadhna. And dèidh sin chaidh mi gu ruige Colaisde Chnoc Iòrdain, far an do chuir mi seachad trì bliadhna eile nuair a bha mi ag ionnsachadh dreuchd ban-sgoilier airson a bhith air cothrom teagasg ann am bun-sgoil.
Katie’s manuscript and photos have been made available to Island News & Advertiser by kind permission of her family.
July 2015 Issue 37 - island news & ADVERTISER
17
18
island news & ADVERTISER - July 2015 Issue 37
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Barra 01871 810608 Uist 01870 602421 Harris 01859 502431 Lewis 01851 705727
Money Advice 01870 603807 and 01851 700088
Tel:01870 603731 puffinframes@gmail.com Photography
SandieMaciver PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER Dip. Pro. Photo.
Weddings Family portraits Commercial Events, etc
Telephone:
Filling Station
At the heart of the Community ●
Wide selection
●
Local meat, fish, eggs and seasonal veg
●
Fresh baking
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Daily papers
●
Friendly service
Ardhasaig Harris Tel: 01859 502066 Licensed Grocers, Calor Gas & Bicycle Hire
Fire Protection ●
Fuel
Western Isles Fire Protection Fire equipment sales and service Contact Mark on 078279 67894
Jewellers
AND
office@sandiephotos.com www.sandiephotos.com
Licensed Tearoom & Shop
Photographic Printing and Graphic Design
Groceries, Gifts, Snacks Summer evening meals Ardmaree Stores The Lobster Pot, Berneray Tel: 01876 540288
Clothing, Workwear Canvas, Photo Restoration Balloons & Banners Custom Prints 01870 602515
Memorials
Telephone: 01876 510257 Bayhead, North Uist
Davidʼs Garden Machinery Grass cutting, small plant repairs, hires tel: 01870 603833 mob: 07880 743437 gardenmachinery01@hotmail.com
07014 238711
Scottish, Celtic, silver and gold jewellery. Traditional and contemporary designs. Tel: 01870 610288 www.hebrideanjewellery.co.uk
Grass cutting/small plant repairs Open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm
01851 720888
Jon Hearach Memorials Memorials, renovations, added inscriptions Any cemetery, Home visits. Tel. for our helpful brochure. 01463 711287
Pregnancy Crisis Free confidential counselling W.I.Pregnancy Crisis Support Text or phone: 07901 966101 E: support@wipcs.org Web: www.wipcs.org
July 2015 Issue 37 - island news & ADVERTISER
Podiatry
Podiatry Clinic and Home Visits available in Uist and Benbecula Kevin Macdonald MChS, BscHons, HPC Registered
Contact 07879 563 618 for an appointment or more information Also at PJs Hair Design 01851 706200
Property
House Plots
Back Pharmacy 01851 820333 Silhouettes Leverburgh 01859 520216 Home visits
Politicians Alasdair Allan MSP SNP 31 Bayhead, Stornoway, Lewis. E: alasdair.allan.msp@scottish.parliament.uk T: 01870 602287 (Uist & Barra) 01851 702272 (Lewis & Harris)
Donald Manford Cllr South Uist, Eriskay, Barra and Vatersay Welcome All Enquiries. Home Visits. Tel 01871 890288 Mob 07884 236101 dmanford@cne-siar.gov.uk
A unique opportunity to purchase house plots with stunning views across Vallay Strand and to the hills of Harris.
View from the plots
There are currently two 1/3 acre plots and an acre plot available off the main road
Services Available ● ●
Architectural Services All Building Works
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Kit Plans Supplied / Designed
are not subject to crofting restrictions.
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All Plumbing / Electrical Works
Both services (power and water) are close to
●
hand and easy to access. There is also land
●
Planning Applications All Joinery Works
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Power and Water Connections
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Dedicated Project Management
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All Groundworks Scaled Payment Service
overlooking Vallay Strand. They all have outline planning permission and
available to buy/rent for any purchaser interested in creating a small holding or larger garden. over the Vallay Strand towards the Harris hills.
●
COMPLETE HOUSE BUILD For a One Stop Shop contact: Angus MacDonald Tel: 01876510293 / 07970218904 Project e: rthomp4521@btinternet.com
Samaritans of the Western Isles Talk to us in your own way, whatever lifeʼs done to you. Call Samaritans on 0845 790 9090 Or email jo@samaritans.org No pressure, no judgement
Cottage of Aird Inverness
3 bedroom holiday or short-term let (sleeps 6). Lovely rural aspect and only 3 miles from city centre. Also close to Raigmore Hospital.
Holiday Cottages Wanted – Competitive Commission Rates Fiona 07725 215316 or 01470 532508
Book direct: enquiries@cottageofaird.co.uk via Facebook or TripAdvisor (Cottage of Aird).
email fiona.macleod@wynvr.co.uk
Taxis
TV, Satellite & Broadband
Airport, ferry, school runs, Staff runs & small contracts, 24/7 service Menzies Private Hire Tel: 07833 357241 www.mph247.co.uk
Satellite Broadband, TV Aerial & Satellite Dish Call Charles: 01876 580372 or 07748 081871
Or alternatively
Uist Computer Repairs
Slimming Isle of Barra local taxi Tel: 01871 810012 Mobile: 07974 071255
Low cost computer repairs and servicing Call VOOVE: 0845 689 0030 (Local Call Rate)
Uist Satellite Internet Tam’s Taxi Tel: 07717 862999 Covers Uist area
Fast Internet Access for the Islands Get Connected Call VOOVE: 0845 689 0030 (Local Call Rate)
Taxis & Guided Tours Please contact Janet Jevons, your Rep for the Western Isles Email: janetjevons2078@gmail.com Or on Facebook Janet Jevons
Window cleaner Alba Taxis - Butt to Barra guided tours 07747 117870 sales@albannachtours.co.uk
Window cleaner/ odd jobs Berneray, North Uist, Benbecula Call Colin 01876 540252
Training
Wi-Fi Installs
Opportunities for Learning Cothrom Ltd Tel: 01878 700910 www.cothrom.net
Commercial and Residential Wi-Fi Installs Whole House or Hotel Wireless Service Call VOOVE: 0845 689 0030 (Local Call Rate)
Solicitor and Notary Public kfmLAW Kevin MacPherson 01851 467202 enquiries@kfmlaw.co.uk www.kfmlaw.co.uk
Please note in BLUE BINS hard plastic and tins only, no polythene or black bags
Monday July 27 Paper/Card July 13 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. Tuesdays July 14, 28 Residual Smerclate, Garrynamonie, South Lochboisdale, South Boisdale, North Boisdale, Daliburgh Commercials and Daliburgh West of, Kilphedar, Strome, Eriskay, Glendale, Kilbride, Rangehead, Hacklet Eastwards, Uiskevagh, Petersport,WestCamp, Balivanich/Aird, Creagorry Commercials, Liniclate Commercials, Liniclate Muir, Uachdar, Dunganichy. Wednesday July 1, 29 Blue Bin July 15 Paper/Card Stoneybridge, Locheynort, Dalibrugh, Lochboisdale, Garryhellie, Askernish, Milton, Kildonan, Bornish, Howmore, Howbeg, Drimsdale, Stilligarry, Drimore, Gernish, Rangehead, Liniclate Commercials, Balivanich Commercials. Thursdays July 2, 16, 30 Residual 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.
Want to know more ? Contact
Satellite Dish Repair Satellite Replacement, Retune and Repair Emergency Call Outs Available Call VOOVE: 0845 689 0030 (Local Call Rate)
JULY REFUSE COLLECTION FOR UIST
For information about the availability of gravity locks for wheelie bins please contact the Waste Transfer Station, Market Stance on 01870 604998.
The sites have uninterrupted panoramic views
Printers
19
Monday July 20 Paper/Card July 6 Blue Bin Clachan, Claddach District, Bayhead, Knockintorran, Balemore, Kyles Paible, Paible, Balranald, Tigharry, Lochmaddy Commercials, Hougharry, Hosta, Sollas, Middlequarter, Grenitote, Langass Lodge, Clachan-na-luib, Carinish, Baleshare, Claddach Carinish, Grimsay, Island Flodda, Nunton, Aird, Muir of Aird, Gramsdale, Griminish. Tuesdays July 7, 21 Residual 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. Wednesday July 22 Paper/Card July 8 Blue Bin Eriskay, Glendale, Kilbride, Smerclate, Garrynamonie, South Lochboisdale, Daliburgh Commercials, Daliburgh West of Borrodale Hotel, South Boisdale, North Boisdale, Kilphedar, Strome, Rangehead, DI, IOBHH. Thursdays July 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 – wherever in the world that may be. Sumburgh
Via Glasgow from: %DUUD %HQEHFXOD &DPSEHOWRZQ ,VOD\ RU 7LUHH
Kirkwall
Via Edinburgh or Aberdeen from:
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Via Inverness, Edinburgh, Glasgow or Aberdeen from:
Benbecula
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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