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island news Edition 15

June 2013

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& ADVERTISER

HARRIS SKIPPER OFFERS FAST BOAT FOR NEWSPAPER DELIVERIES ^dZ , E͛^ &>KKZ/E' KDW Ez

Orca III on the left has been offered for newspaper deliveries.

A Harris businessman has proposed a radical solution to the problem of late newspaper deliveries across the Hebrides.

Tarbert-based Angus Campbell (pictured) of Kilda Cruises has offered one of his high-speed vessels, Orca III, to bring the papers into Tarbert from Uig. He has also offered to transport them onwards by van.

Daily newspapers have been arriving as late as 5pm in some places due to a change in the delivery schedules, with papers no longer being flown over directly from the mainland every day.

Shopkeepers across the islands have reported a direct drop in trade as a result of the papers arriving late, and lack of footfall in villages and town centres has also had a knock-on effect on other traders.

Mr Campbell said: “We are putting forward a proposal to bring the papers by van over from Inverness to Uig, then transport them by fast boat to Tarbert, then take them by van to Stornoway.

“We could get them into Stornoway by around 10.30am every day.

“At the moment, the papers are transferred from Inverness to Stornoway using the existing scheduled ferry service.

“We could save time by using one of our own fast vessels for the transfer.”

The issue of newspaper deliveries was discussed at a recent council meeting, where it was concluded that there would be little chance of reverting to the original daily deliveries by plane.

Representing the newspaper distributors was Scott McCulloch, chairman of the Scottish Newspapers Society’s distribution committee.

In response to Mr Campbell’s plan, Mr McCulloch said: “I haven’t seen an official proposal yet.

“We need to find a way of distributing papers in the islands which is sustainable in terms of costs and reliability.

“To revert to the previous system would now cost £1.4m per year, which is not sustainable.

“The current system is still costing £300,000 per year, so we are still investing money to get newspapers to these communities every day.”

The distribution issue is particularly felt in the Uists, because of the withdrawal of the Benbecula to Stornoway air service three days a week.

On the affected days, shops do not receive their papers until 5pm or later.

Mr McCulloch said: “I know there is a particular problem with the Uists, and if I could find a solution I would.

“The ferry schedule just does not permit us to get the papers to the shops any sooner.”

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island news & ADVERTISER - June 2013 Issue 15

An Caladh Cafe closes An Caladh cafe in East Camp, Balivanich has closed, with two staff members losing their jobs and another reduced to working just one day a week.

The cafe had operated at the site for seven years, providing hot drinks and snacks to visitors.

Run by the Caladh Trust, the cafe had suffered as a result of decreasing customer numbers.

Shona MacDonald of the Caladh Trust said: “The trustees decided that the cafe was no longer sustainable.

“It was proving difficult with competition, with two sit-down places and two takeways nearby.

“The trust will now focus on our support work.

“Our greatest regret is the loss of jobs and the impact on the staff.”

Staff reporting for work on Friday May 10 were told they were sacked with immediate effect, but given the option to stay on for the day which they declined.

PAULINE’S ELSEWHERE Uist poet Pauline Prior Pitt launches a new collection of poems this month in Lochmaddy.

She describes it as an eclectic collection of poems that very loosely fit under the umbrella title of Elsewhere.

There are poems about Sollas beach, poems about the different weather patterns on North Uist. Small babies feature, as do the elderly with dementia.

Poems about wrinkled skin, about lying awake in the early hours, about Maud (of ‘come into the garden’ fame), poems about love and death - all infused with Pauline’s characteristic mixture of humour and poignancy.

Pauline will read selected poems at the launch on Thursday June 13 at 7.30pm at Taigh Chearsabhagh.

Sealladh Na Beinne Mòire Directors Elections and AGM

Nine candidates have put themselves forward for election to Sealladh na Beinne Mòire,the community company that owns the South Uist Estate.

There are four vacancies on the Board this year as Angus MacMillan,John MacMillan and Stephen MacAulay were required to stand down as part of the rolling process that ensures all the Directors stand down over a period of three years.Colin Morrison also stood down previously.

All Full Members will shortly receive ballot papers

from Electoral Reform Services(ERS).The election is open from Monday June 3 and completed ballots must be received by ERS in the pre-paid envelope by lunchtime on Thursday June 20 to be counted.The result of the ballot is expected to be available on the afternoon of Friday June 21.Members can vote for up to four candidates on their ballot form.

This year’s AGM is on Thursday June 27, 7.30pm at Talla an Iochdar. For more about this year’s candidates see www.islandnewsandadvertiser.co.uk

et Study to investigate potential of fishing fle in support of offshore wind industry tact with

study commissioned by make con The possible use, refit industry stakeholders.

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Design: Tim Mason Managing editor: Susy Macaulay Reporter: Martin Graham

VISIT

IN&A’s new website for more local news daily www.islandnewsandadvertiser.co.uk

AVAILABLE In 60 outlets from Tiree to Stornoway: also Oban,Inverness and Glasgow

Frying again at Burnside Chip Shop It’s chips with everything in Daliburgh in South Uist as the Burnside chip shop re-opens under new management.

New proprietor Donald John MacNeil, 18, has now started up the fryers again and is serving customers from 4pm until 8pm Monday to Saturday.

Mr MacNeil said:“I went on a course with the National Fish Fryers Association to learn the trade, now I’m doing it for real.

“I’ve only just moved up to live here, I’ve only been for two week holidays before.

“We will be adding black pudding and haggis suppers to the menu very soon.”

Mr MacNeil is originally from Lewisham in South London, and is running the chip shop with his friend Lee Newby, 17.

Orders can be phoned in by customers in advance on 01878 700029.

SOUTH UIST DANCE FILM PREVIEW

the time it takes

Tuesday June 11, Taigh Chearsabhagh, Lochmad dy

Dancer-in-residence Rosalind Masson performs in this dance film shot on loca tion in South Uist last year.

see the trailer at vimeo.com/614544 37

Uist Arts & Crafts Fair Saturday June 8 Iochdar Hall,South Uist 11am to 3pm

Call Norma to book a table: 01870 603485

Àite na Gàidhlig ann am beatha an latha an-diugh Dà òraid Ghàidhlig shaor an asgaidh a chomharrachadh ceann-bliadhna daoimein Cholaisde a’ Chaisteil UHI Gàidhlig ann am Foillseachadh - Diciadain 19 Ògmhios 2013 aig Sgoil Lionacleit, Beinn na Faoghla, ri a toirt seachad le Rosemary Ward, Stiùiriche Chomhairle nan Leabhraichean, agus an sgrìobhadair Catriona Lexy Chaimbeul.

Bidh an dà òraid a’ gabhail àite eadar 7f agus 9f.

Tha iad saor and asgaidh agus fosgailte don a h-uile duine.

A ghleidheil àite, cuir fios a dh’ionnsaigh sgioba thachartasan an oilthigh air: 01463 279344 Post-d: events@uhi.ac.uk A simultaneous English interpretation will be available at the lecture.

To book this email events@uhi.ac.uk

June 2013 Issue 15 - island news & ADVERTISER

3

“We are being treated with contempt” Uist residents demand that NHS Western Isles board stop ignoring them and answer questions on services Martin Graham Several Uist community councils and local health groups have written to NHS Western Isles over the past year or more seeking clarification on issues around the provision of services on the islands.

Some letters have received an acknowledgement, but many have met with no response at all.

Council members and health group representatives are now demanding that the health board’s senior management come to Uist to face the public.

At the turn of the year the reduction of inter-island flights between Benbecula and Stornoway brought local concerns about patient care to the top of the agenda, and prompted a one-way flow of letters from Uist to Stornoway.

North Uist Community Council secretary Christina MacCuish said: “We wrote to the health board in January in advance of the changes to the flights between Benbecula and Stornoway, to ask how this would affect Christina MacCuish.

Big retailers benefitted from RET savings,not hauliers, report reveals

Supermarket giants benefitted from reductions in ferry freight costs through the Road Equivalent Tariff (RET), NOT isles hauliers, a Transport Scotland report has revealed.

The report confirmed that island hauliers passed on the savings from RET to their customers, contrary to some accounts.

It says large supermarkets like Tesco and the Co-op secured a major saving through

patient care.

“We received an acknowledgement that the email had been received, but no actual reply.

“We wrote again, this time by letter, to chairman Neil Galbraith and chief executive Gordon Jamieson in April, once the new flight schedules were in place.

“In the second letter, we asked how plans for service provision would be implemented.

“There are questions like, if you have an appointment on a Monday in Stornoway, how do you get there? Do you travel on the Thursday and stay over?”

The community council invited the board to come to a meeting at a time of their choosing to answer questions from the public and explain their approach.

To date there has been no response from the health board.

Mrs MacCuish said: “Their approach seems to be that if they ignore us for long enough we will just go away.

“I feel that we are being treated with contempt.”

At last month’s North Uist Community Council possibilities such as writing direct to the Health Minister and sending an open letter to the press about the issue were mooted.

the scheme due to their size and bargaining power.

Addressing a meeting of councillors and the Outer Hebrides Commerce Group in Stornoway last month, Stephen Canning from MVA Consulting who authored the report, explained their findings.

Mr Canning said: “The big retailers insist on ‘open-book’ pricing from their hauliers, they want to see every single cost in the chain.

“So when the RET came in, they were aware of the reduced cost of haulage and insisted on the savings being passed along to them.

“Because of their size and bargaining power, the big supermarkets are able to force sub-contractors to accept these terms.”

Mr Canning went on: “We found that hauliers had kept their prices flat for a number of years before the RET scheme was even introduced.

“Many of the hauliers are local people and

take a philanthropic view of business, sometimes even transporting loads at a loss in order to benefit their communities.

“Because hauliers kept their rates the same, this was in fact a reduction over time as the rates did not keep pace with inflation.”

The sudden removal of the RET for commercial traffic was found to have had a devastating impact on island hauliers.

Mr Canning said: “Many hauliers were locked into three and four year contracts which were priced at the RET fare rate.

“When the RET was withdrawn, some of these contracts became unprofitable.”

Lewis councillor Alasdair MacLeod said: “Hauliers deserve an apology for the way they were accused of keeping the RET money.”

Haulier David Wood of Outer Hebrides Commerce Group said: “I have a wife and family and 40 employees in my haulage firm to worry about. The fact remains that we have lost £680,000 from this community.”

‘I know that community councils in Berneray and Lochboisdale have also written to the NHS demanding answers, and they have also been ignored.”

The Health Board has categorically declined an invitation to attend a public meeting to address the flights issue.

A spokeswoman said: “Subsidising air travel is not core NHS business and the Health Board would not consider such a proposal. This has been the Health Board’s position since this issue was first raised.

“The Board has and continues to take every possible reasonable step to minimise disruption and to accommodate the needs of patients if they have to make use of different transport arrangements. Removing all situations of individual inconvenience to those who use the flights to access nonemergency healthcare is clearly not possible with the reduction of flights.”

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North Uist Disability Access Group have been asking for a meeting with NHS bosses for 18 months.

Sandi Humphrey from the group said: “We would be interested in having a public meeting with the NHS board because people have questions they need answers to and about more issues than just Sandi Humphrey. the flights.”

South Uist councillor David Blaney said: “People are being particularly affected when they are going for NHS appointments.

“We’ve all written to the NHS and the lack of response is a concern.”

North Uist councillor Uisdean Robertson said: “It’s absolutely disgusting that the NHS board are not responding to an elected body’s requests for a meeting.

“They might not Uisdean Robertson. come back with a positive answer but they could at least provide an answer.

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Making music in The Bunker Uist’s new music venue, The Bunker in East Camp, Balivanich has a growing list of bookings for gigs and recording sessions after its launch last month. The converted former MoD Command and Reporting Base held an Open Day for the public to see round the new facility. This was followed by an evening of music-making by seasoned and new local artists.

Their performances were recorded by Bunker sound engineer Ryan Dempsey, who is currently editing them into a CD to commemorate the launch.

Ryan said: “The Bunker is living up to our hopes of creating an intimate, comfortable place where people feel confident to perform. That’s what happened on the opening night with people like Sarah

Evie Dempsey at The Bunker.

Thompson and Steven Dobbie, and even my own eight year old daughter Evie, they were happy

to play and sing in public for the first time. That’s the joy of the place.”

4

island news & ADVERTISER - June 2013 Issue 15

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Express your view in 400 words: editor@islandnewsandadvertiser.com IN&A does not take responsibility for the views expressed or facts mentioned in readers’ letters.

North Uist deer should be counted in the summer when numbers are at their peak, not in spring

In common with many other areas of the country, this spring has been a difficult one for crofters in the islands.

April must have been one of the coldest and wettest months on record and May is proving to be not much better so far. There is very little growth even now and it is midMay. This of course has meant much more feeding and feed prices are extortionate.

What little growth there has been has been promptly devoured by the geese and deer.

I found the article about the deer in last month’s Island News interesting not because of what was said, which was informative, but because of what was not said. It seemed to be ignored that hinds have calves and the effect that this has on numbers.

The count was carried out in April 2012 and within the next two months, in June, the hinds produced their calves, adding approximately a quarter to the already large number of deer in the island.

MoD vetoes North Uist community wind farm Martin Graham A proposed wind turbine development at Clachan in North Uist is under threat because of Ministry of Defence objections.

10 Evance small wind turbines at Scottish Water’s Treatment Plant at Stornoway.

Developers North Uist Development Company, (NUDC) say the turbines could generate over £4m for the community, £164,000 annually for the first 15 years of operation, rising to £357,000 yearly for the remainder of the lifespan.

most valuable animals in the herd.

This year, around June, the hinds will I was pleased to read that it is proposed to produce another crop of calves and that will put together a management plan for the deer add even more to the deer numbers. but any management plan, however good it This makes the numbers quoted in your appears on paper, is of use only if and when paper as very much out of date.

The count is always done at the wrong time it is carried out.

Any management plan for deer in North of year.

The count is done in spring, when the worst Uist must involve a ruthless cull to bring numbers down to a manageable level and that of the winter weather is over and when the level must be a fraction of the present number. weaker animals have died already; and it is The goose problem is equally serious and after the shooting season is over, and it is probably more difficult to solve and I cannot before the calves are born. offer any suggestions for that one.

One would expect their numbers to be at Let us hope the weather warms up, that the their lowest at that time. grass grows and that autumn time brings some If the count was done in July or early August when the calves are strong enough to reward for the labours of the last few months.

I congratulate Island News on highlighting be running with the herd and before the so many of the things that matter so much to shooting season begins seriously, the count us as a community. would produce a very different set of figures.

It would also help the Estate to gauge how John M MacDonald many mature stags they have and their Sidinish, Locheport, North Uist approximate location because stags are the

But the MoD has objected, saying that: “The turbines will be detectable by and will cause unacceptable interference to the Range Control radar at South Uist and also the radar at St Kilda.

“Wind turbines have been shown to have detrimental effects on the performance of MoD Air Traffic Control and Range Control radars.

“These effects include the desensitisation of radar in the vicinity of the turbines, and the creation of “false” aircraft returns which air traffic controllers must treat as real.”

However, neither the National Air Traffic Control Service, nor Highlands and Islands Airports have objected to the development.

NUDC submitted the development

Tigh Dearg hotel under new ownership Lochmaddy’s Tigh Dearg hotel has been bought over by the owners of Langlass Lodge Hotel, ending months of uncertainty about its fate.

Encompass Financial Services Limited College House, Balivanich, Isle of Benbecula, HS7 5LA

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Encompass Financial Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority FSA Registration Number: 542984 Encompass Financial Services Limited, Registered in Scotland No SC391267 Registration Address: Unit 3, Balivanich, Isle of Benbecula, HS7 5LA

Originally opened in 2005

by Hebridean Hotels Ltd, the company encountered financial problems and went into administration.

New owner Amanda Leveson-Gower, who bought Tigh Dearg with husband Niall said the hotel will shortly be renamed The Hamersay House Hotel.

Hamersay is an island in Lochmaddy Bay. Mrs Leveson Gower said: “We would really like to do a complete refurbishment and re-launch, but not in the first year.

“We are going to tip-toe through the first year, we need to identify the business

Amanda Leveson-Gower.

problems and not be rash.

“We think by running the two hotels in conjunction we can make both more successful.”

At the time of publication, the hotel bar was still not open to the public.

However the hotel’s gym has re-opened to non-residents.

application to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar on April 2, 2013.

Cllr Neil Beaton said: “The MoD has to find a way for their systems to work alongside wind turbines. It can be done, we know it can.

“The ball is in the MoD’s court, the development is snookered if they won’t back down.

“NUDC will mount a challenge to the objection, and try to overcome the points being made.

“A survey was done by QinetiQ at NUDC’s behest, so that should support the case.”

In Lewis, ten wind turbines are now up and turning at Scottish Water’s treatment plant at Holm near Stornoway, installed by South Uist-based West Coast Energee, whose director John Daniel Peteranna is also concerned about the MoD’s refusal to allow wind turbines on Uist.

Mr Peteranna said: “Many of the applications for domestic turbines on Uist are objected to by the Ministry of Defence.

“These planning objections are killing all turbines in the Uists, it’s not logical.

“I think it’s just a smokescreen, they claim that a plane could ‘hide’ in the signal of a turbine, but wouldn’t it be seen before it arrived here?

“The Western Isles has the best wind resources in the UK, and also one of the highest proportion of people living in fuel poverty.

‘Schemes are in place where people can install a turbine with the support of a grant, then run their own household electricity for free and sell the rest back to the grid.”

Attracting and keeping the right staff is a key strategy for the new owners, and Mrs Leveson-Gower praised the work done by the current team.

She said: “We intend to keep the current staff, and our head chef John Buchanan will oversee the kitchen operation.

“We want to develop a brasserie style food offering at Hamersay House.”

Application for Inclusion in the Pharmaceutical List Local Pharmacies Ltd Intends to apply to NHS Western Isles to open a new pharmacy offering the full range of NHS pharmaceutical services at:

Balivanich, Isle of Benbecula, HS7 5LA Proposed opening hours: Mon - Sat 9am to 6pm A dispensing pharmacy offers the following services:

Prior to submitting an application regulations require that we should consult with the residents who live in the local area and we would request that your views about our proposed pharmacy are sent to the address below.

In particular we would be grateful for written responses with reasons to the following: ● Your views as to whether the pharmaceutical services provided by existing pharmacies in the Western Isles are currently adequate. ● Your views about whether a new pharmacy is required to ensure that such services are adequate. ● What do you consider to be the neighbourhood that the proposed pharmacy would serve? ● Any other comments you may have about this application.

Post your comments to: 32 Ashburn Gardens, Milngavie, G62 7PE Tel: 07525 865810 email: localpharmacies@yahoo.co.uk Closing date for comments is June 28, 2013

●

Minor Ailment Service. First port of call for coughs, colds, sickness diarrhoea etc.

●

Public Health Service. Advice on issues such as smoking cessation, contraception, healthy lifestyle.

●

Acute Medication Service.Where the GP gives a prescription for medicine which is a ‘one-off’.

This is sent electronically to the pharmacy, reducing risk and increasing patient safety.

●

Chronic Medication Service. Allows the pharmacist to manage long-term conditions such as diabetes in partnership with GP and patient.

●

Weight Loss Management. Diabetes and cholesterol testing. Blood pressure monitoring.

●

Advice and consultations.

●

Pharmacy services are easily accessible and no appointment is needed.

Yes

No

How likely would you be to use it?

Please state

Are the existing pharmaceutical services adequate?

Yes

No

Is a new pharmacy required to ensure such services are adequate?

Yes

No

What do you consider to be the neighbourhood that the proposed pharmacy would serve?

Please write your comments in the space provided below.

Any other comments you may have about this application.

Please write your comments in the space provided below.

NHS needs to see evidence from the community of your support for a dispensing chemist in your area Please cut off this form and hand into your nearest post office, or email your responses to: localpharmacies@yahoo.co.uk

✄

Would you like to see a dispensing chemist in your area

Please tick appropriate box’s

QUESTIONNAIRE

A representative from Local Pharmacies Ltd will be present to answer your questions at the next Benbecula Community Council meeting, on June 18 in Third Sector Hebrides, Airport Road, Balivanich at 7pm.

6

island news & ADVERTISER - June 2013 Issue 15

1st Annual Island News & Advertiser Bioblitz Howmore Machair, South Uist Saturday July 27, Sunday July 28

So what’s a bioblitz?

A bioblitz is an intense period of biological surveying in an attempt to record all the living species within a designated area. Groups of scientists, naturalists and volunteers conduct an intensive field study over a short, usually 24 hour, time. (def.

Wikipedia) The last, and possibly the only bioblitz to take place in Uist was three years ago at Balranald, North Uist. It was organised by The Conservation Volunteers’ Natural Talent apprentice then based on the islands, Kieren Jones. He brought local and visiting scientists and naturalists together with members of the public to record everything they could find in the location, from birds to bugs, flora to fungi.

Island News & Advertiser’s editor Susy Macaulay witnessed the Balranald bioblitz and was impressed with how valuable science could be carried out by public and

naturalists together.

She said: “Residents and visitors of all ages came along and were fascinated by what they found. It was great fun for everyone and seemed like a perfect example of citizen science, so I wanted Island News to be the organising body for a regular annual bioblitz in the Uists and other islands in our distribution area.

“Local members of SNH, RSPB, WDC Shorewatch and Machair Life as well as naturalists and crofters will be coming along to Howmore to share their knowledge with members of the public.

“The event starts on Saturday morning and extends overnight into Sunday, so there is plenty of opportunity for members of the public to come along at times which suit them. There will also be walks and other activities going on at the same time.”

The biodiversity of the immediate machair will be recorded, and groups will head to the nearby loch and river estuary to record what they find there.

Susy said: “The UHI project Science On Your Doorstep has supported our project

Bug hunting on Balranald machair.

from the start and is supplying equipment like nets, pond-dipping trays and sample jars. Dr Evelyn Gray of Science on Your Doorstep is coming over from Inverness for the weekend with her family and bringing all sorts of equipment and interactive goodies.”

The citizen science will be recorded onto

Outer Hebrides Biological Recording forms and sent to the National Biodiversity Network as a permanent record for scientists of the future.

Look out for more details of the event in next month’s IN&A, on islandnewsandadvertiser.co.uk and our Facebook page.

RAF Power Kiting Association returns to North Uist COLOURFUL kites and high speed races came to Sollas beach as the RAF Power Kiting Association descended for a two-week training camp.

Using the QinetiQ facility at Balivanich as their base, the 30strong team’s sails could be seen billowing in the air as they zoomed across the beach and the sea.

Chairman of the RAF Power Kiting Association John Martin explained why the team loves the Outer Hebrides so much.

He said: “We came last year and it was ideal for our purposes so we decided to come back.

“There’s plenty of wind for a start, and the bay we use at Sollas beach is shallow and flat, which is perfect.

“We have great board and lodging facilities at QinetiQ, and there aren’t many kiters already using the beach, so we don’t need to worry about upsetting local people.”

John Martin is a Squad Leader Communications officer based at MOD Corsham in Wiltshire.

He was joined in North Uist by personnel from RAF Lossiemouth, RAF Marham in Norfolk, RAF St Mawgan and staff from bases in Wales.

Squadron Leader Martin

Photographs by Mike Smith

explained the different flavour of the two weeks spent on Sollas beach.

He said: “The first week was mostly focused on training up eight novices how to kitesurf, we call it a ‘Zero to Hero’ week.

“It was a great chance for them to get two or three solid days intensive training in ideal conditions, something they would really struggle to achieve anywhere else.

“The second week was the Championships week where we had over 30 RAF kiters from across the UK, all there to compete, in either Kitesurf Freestyle, Kitesurf course racing, buggy racing or land board freestyle.”

June 2013 Issue 15 - island news & ADVERTISER

Call to keep Southern Isles free of bee disease A Harris beekeeper has called for Uist and Barra to be kept free of the tiny mite which is decimating bee populations elsewhere in the country.

Martin Graham At his apiary at Manish on the east coast of the island,Gavin Jones,53,is breeding a strain of Hebridean Black Bees which are hardy enough for the island environment but also free from damaging infections and parasites.

He says: “Anyone could buy some factory farmed bees from the internet to start their own colony, it’s very popular at the moment.

“They could order today and arrive within a week.

“But most of the bees that come from these internet sites have a parasitic mite called varroa, which originally emerged in Asian bees.

“This is now endemic in Britain, but there are certain pockets, including Harris, the Uists and Barra, which we believe are free from the varroa parasite, and we want to keep it that way.”

Bees are an essential part of the ecosystem, helping with pollination to make plants and crops grow.

But their numbers have been dwindling,

and the European Commission recently imposed a temporary ban on neonicotinoidbased pesticides in an effort to sustain bee numbers.

Gavin is running regular drop in sessions for anyone who wants to learn more about bees and the unique challenges which the insects face in trying to survive in the tough island habitat.

The remoteness of Harris may make it an ideal location for breeding a healthy strain of bees, despite the difficult conditions.

Gavin explains: “Harris is geographically isolated, more so than some island locations such as Stornoway.

“Some of the bees in Stornoway appear to have the varroa parasite, so even that is not remote enough.

“The Scottish Beekeepers Association was asked to advise Scottish government on the suitability of protecting the Black Bee population on Colonsay and they advised it should be protected.

“I would like to petition that

Community workshops mark 50th anniversary of Udal dig Taigh Sgire Sholais Gavin Jones with his Hebridean Black Bees at Manish, Harris.

geographically remote parts of the Western Isles adopt a voluntary code of conduct to protect its unique and isolated bee habitats.”

And the key to healthy bee populations may lie in wild colonies located close to people’s homes.

Gavin said: “People should keep a look out for wild bee colonies on their land, either in disused buildings or maybe in sheds.

“These could be crucial in developing a healthy strain of Hebridean bee.

“If a suitable wild colony is found, we can set up a ‘bait’ hive nearby, which will encourage the bee population to grow and multiply.”

Gavin had some final advice for would be bee-keepers: “Don’t buy bees over the internet, they will probably come with parasites and diseases, and won’t be tough enough for the island environment.

“So not only will they die out quickly, they could infect other healthy populations and cause them to die out too.”

Gavin can be contacted at jones@hebrides.net

Kettle’s on! Open day success for Befriending Caraidean Uibhist (Uist Befriending) opened the doors of its new location in 23 Winfield Way, Balivanich to the public, and soon had a packed house for tea and baking on its celebratory Open Day. The project, managed by Sheena Stewart, assisted by Florence Pearson, provides volunteer befriending and a range of activities for Uist residents. Last year, Caraidean started their popular ceilidhs and reminiscence afternoons in different districts.

They intend to add to these ‘Surf and Scone’ sessions around the islands.

Sheena said: “We have bought some bistro-style tables, and two laptops and two tablets which we’ll be taking to various venues and setting up like a pop-up internet cafe. The idea is to encourage people who aren’t confident online or would like to learn how to use the internet to come along. It will be informal and fun, and within their own community.

“We can also use modern technology to reminisce about the past, by bringing up the Tobar an Dualchais site which has so much Uist material on it for example, or Am Baile to look at old photos.

“It might turn into Surf, Scone and Skype as we show people how to keep in touch with the families the modern way.”

Back at base, Sheena and Florence have redecorated the former MoD house and introduced some homely touches. A new regular creative craft session has begun, led by Margaret Fenton, and there’s talk of a social group for older ladies.

Sheena said: “We’re open to ideas for activites people might want to do here and out in their communities.

Meanwhile we hope people will drop in any time for a chat.”

Come on in, the kettle’s on. Caraidean Uibhist staff Sheena Stewart (L) and Florence Pearson get ready to welcome visitors to their new base.

The first Surf and Scone session will take place in The Old Headmaster’s House in Bayhead on Wednesday June 12 between 12 and 2pm.

Caraidean is also looking for volunteer befrienders, for one-toone befriending, group befriending or telephone befriending.

Sheena said: “Even people with only a little time on their hands might be able to undertake to phone someone to check on how they are.

“There are all sorts of possibilities to fit people’s skills and availability.

We cover out of pocket expenses and would love to see more people become involved.”

Caraidean Uibhist can be contacted on 01870 603233.

Friday 7 June 19:30 Open session with Q&A for the community Saturday 8 June 10:00 – 13:00 Drop in ‘Meet the Specialists’ sessions Saturday 8 June 15:30 Walk to Udal

Fifty years ago, Cambridge University archaeologist Iain Crawford started archaeological fieldwork at prehistoric site in Udal, North Uist . The project ran for the next 33 years bringing in dozens of local volunteers and archaeologists from every direction. For the past two years, archaeologist Beverley Ballin Smith has been working with the Udal finds towards producing a post-excavations assessment.

Beverley is coming to Sollas this month with a team of specialists including an archaeozoologist, archaeobotanist and stone tools specialist to talk about the dig and the finds with members of the public on June 7 and 8.

The event has been organised by North Uist Development Company, with funding from HIE. More information from nudc@isleofnorthuist.com

7

KITCHEN CHECK

FOLLOW THESE TIPS TO MAKE SURE THE FOOD YOU COOK IS SAFE.

1

C CLEARING SPACE Clear work surfaces of things you won’t need and clean them with hot, soapy water or disinfectant. Get pets out of the way.

4 2 HAND WASHING Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, rinse well and dry.

5˚c 0˚c

CHOPPING BOARD Wash your board and other utensils in hot, soapy water when you’ve finished using them and in between preparing raw and ready-to-eat food.

3

5 Change o orr wash yo our u tea tow welss, spo ongess, apro ap ons and dish cloths at least once a week.

FRIDGE Make sure your fridge is set between 0°C and 5°C. Keep raw meat and poultry in covered containers on the bottom shelf to avoid contaminating other foods.

6

7

CLEANING Use disinfectant nd cleaning an products that are meant for use in the kitchen.

COOKING Cook poultry, pork, burgers, sausages and kebabs until steaming hot with no pink meat left inside and juices run clear.

For further food safety and general environmental health advice, please contact Comhairle nan Eilean Siarʼs Consumer & Environmental Services Section: Balivanich, 01870 602425, Stornoway, 01851 822 694 or e-mail eh@cne-siar.gov.uk

For more information on safe eating in the home visit food.gov.uk/kitchen-check Like our page: food.gov.uk/facebook

Join our conversations @foodgov: food.gov.uk/twitter

Scan using your smar t phone, and access our interactive content.

Published by the Food Standards Agenc y May 2013. ©Crown copyright 2013. Printed in England on paper comprising a minimum of 75% rec ycled fibre. FSA/1684/0513

June 2013 Issue 15 - island news & ADVERTISER

Our NEW Business Directory and Classified section

From

Find what you’re looking for BE PART OF IT. TURN TO PAGE 27

T: 01876 510758

E: ads@islandnewsandadvertiser.com

To

Protection demanded for Eriskay pony breed Martin Graham A Daliburgh - based group dedicated to preserving the rare Eriskay pony is demanding that the Scottish Government act to protect the unique breed.

Eriskays - the pony of choice for Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn- are one of the most threatened equine breeds in the UK, and they are listed on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust watchlist of critically endangered animals.

All current purebred Eriskay ponies can trace their ancestry back to one of 20 mares recorded in 1972 and a pure foundation stallion.

Sheila McIntosh from the Eriskay Pony Society Comann Each nan Eilean (CEnE) said: “There are ponies around claimed to be Eriskay ponies, even claimed to be purebred Eriskay Ponies, which do not have all ancestors traceable back to an original Eriskay mare – the basic requirement of the breed.”

Confusion has arisen because in the early 1970s, it was thought that there were no

more pure Eriskay stallions left.

A Highland pony stallion was brought in to continue the breed.

But a purebred Eriskay stallion, called Eric was later found, and able to continue the line.

Ponies sired by Highland pony stallions are known as ‘upgraded’ Eriskay ponies, and CEnE want these to be given a unique breed classification to avoid confusion.

Mrs McIntosh said: “We believe the Scottish Government should regularise the position and avoid confusion by having these ponies called by a different breed name and have requested this of the Scottish Government.

“Such ponies, whatever they are called, are, according to European rules, legally ponies of a different breed.

“Only CEnE maintains a studbook of purebred Eriskay Ponies traceable back to an Original Eriskay Mare and Eric the pure foundation stallion of the breed and can enter into its studbook any pony which

New Benbecula Deli hits the mark A new deli café at Dunganachy near Balivanich has found favour with residents and tourists flocking in for barista coffee and tasty treats.

Island Deli temporarily became a victim of its own success and had to close for two days as new staff were trained to cope with the huge rush of customers.

Island Deli is run by mother-and-son team Anne and Andrew Scott.

Five months of work went into renovating the building and getting the venue ready, with particular attention given to the layout.

Mrs Scott said: “We want to have an open and welcoming place, where groups can come in and sit at tables, or folk can come in alone, have a coffee at the bar and chat with us.

“Everyone has been very supportive, even last night a couple of people stopped in their car because they saw us working late, and said ‘very best of luck to you’.”

A Benbecula development group has secured £5,000 funding for a community consultation.

The group,‘Building a Better Balivanich’, successfully applied to Foundation Scotland for funds to help develop a plan for the area.

Local Development Officer Neil Campbell said:“Balivanich is located in a beautiful spot, but it is a former army barracks.

Eriskay Ponies.

satisfies the criteria.

“This is the studbook recognised in Europe under 92/353/EEC. “According to this Directive ponies which do not satisfy CEnE criteria, no matter what they are called, are legally ponies of a different breed.”

With dwindling numbers, the responsibility for continuing the breed rests with people on the islands, as Mrs McIntosh explained: “At present, excluding stallions and geldings, there are sixteen female pure bred ponies in the ponies’ natural habitat in the Western Isles with a handful on the mainland outwith the control of CEnE.”

New youth organisation for Barra & Vatersay The Island Deli team: l to r, Anne Scott, Janice Simpson, Haley MacKay and Andrew Scott.

Before moving to Benbecula, Anne worked as a trainer with the MoD at Faslane nuclear base on the Clyde.

Dissatisfaction with her job meant that she felt the pull of the islands.

Mrs Scott said: “We took one look at these premises and I just knew that it was the right place for us to set up this business.”

The café part of the business will be selling coffees and light meals, with no menu items priced over £5 and only one hot drink costing over £2.

Salads are locally sourced, and the salmon comes from the Hebridean Smokehouse.

Building a Better Balivanich cash for consultation

Barra & Vatersay Island Produce show has been awarded two years funding to start off a new youth organisation, Croitear Òg.

Young Start has granted £41,740 for the two year project which will include the employment of a Development Officer for 16 hours a week.

Croitear Òg will have a junior club 8-12 years old, and a senior club 13-18 years old. Each club will have their own committees and plan events and activities with support.

The young people will learn about crofting and experience crofting, island and life skills. They also be given the chance to have a small allotment where they can learn about growing vegetables and other plants.

“There are various environmental improvements which we may consider to improve the appearance of the place.

“We want to involve as many of the local groups and people as possible, so we can understand what they want and get their support.

Balivanich sea front and old primary school.

“Access to the new school is another issue which we may look at, and access to the beach too.

“The council is considering offers for the old school, so we want to see what happens with that.”

“And there are many houses which are being used as businesses, if there was more dedicated business premises then the houses could be used for families.”

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

Aromatherapy Facials Reiki

Ear Candling

Contact: Sheila - 07919 184627 Gift Vouchers available

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10

island news & ADVERTISER - June 2013 Issue 15

Gàidhlig/Gaelic Gaidhlig/Gaelic BùithteanObrach Dràmaràma

DRÀMÀRA WORKSHOPS

Eunson, who works

A GOOD DIPPING IN GAELIC

for Cothrom had left

Douglas Fraser

When I got home on

Nuair a thill mi dhachaigh Diciadain sa chaidh bha teachdaireachd air a’ fòn agam, a dh’fhàg Catherine Eunson a tha ag obair aig Cothrom.

Wednesday last

Eairdsidh Caimbeul

Catherine had organised workshops in play writing, to be led by the well-known young writer from Lewis, Iain Finlay MacLeod. I told Catherine that I’d do my best to attend at least one workshop. I ended up attending two, and I’m glad I did.

Chuir Catherine air doìgh bùithtean-obrach ann an sgrìobhadh dealbh-cluiche leis an sgrìobhadair òg, ainmeil à Leòdhas, Iain Fionnghladh MacLeòid.

Thuirt mi ri Catherine gun dèanainn mo dhìcheall a dhol gu codhiù aon bhùth-obrach.

Chaidh mi gu a dhà, ‘s tha mi toilichte gun do rinn mi sin.

Airson deifir adhbharan cha b’ urrainn dhan a h-uile duine a bha dol a thighinn a bhith ann.Ach a dh’aindeoin sin bha e inntinneach ‘s dùbhlannach cuideachd. Chan eil e cho furasta a bhith a’ cruthachadh rudeigin ‘s pàipear bàn air do bheulaibh, ach bha Iain Fionnghladh foighidneach ‘s brosnachail. Bha againn ri dealbh-cluiche beag a thòiseachadh. Chaidh sinn tro na deifir cheumannan ann a bhith a’ cur dealbhcluiche ri chèile. Bha Iain Fionnghladh den bheachd gum b’ urrainn dhuinn rudeigin a dhèanamh le na thòisich sinn.

Nuair a bha mi òg bha mi glè mhath air stòiridhean a sgrìobhadh, ach mar a tha thu a’ dol air adhart san sgoil tha ‘s dòcha barrachd cudrom air a chur air mìneachadh ‘s a’ toirt rudan às a chèile. Co-dhiù tha mi ‘n dòchas gun do bheòthaich seo rudeigin a bh’ annam bho chionn fhada.

week, Catherine

a message for me.

Archie Campbell

For various reasons not everyone who intended to come was able to. Nevertheless, it was an interesting and challenging experience.

It’s not so easy to create something when you have a blank sheet of paper in front of you, but Iain Finlay was patient and encouraging. We had to take the first steps to write a short play, and Iain Finlay took us through the different stages. He thought that we could all do something with what we produced.

When I was young, I was quite good at writing stories, but as you progress through school there seems to be more emphasis on analysing and taking things apart.

Anyway, I hope that this has revived something which I had in me a long time ago.

A coinneachadh ri Danaidh aig bothan Ùisinis / meeting Danny at Ushinish bothy

Deagh Bhogadh sa Ghàidhlig Dùghlas Friseal An urrainn dhuibh snamh? Mura n’urrainn, feumaidh sibh a dhol a-steach dhan amar-snàmh airson ionnsachadh! ‘S ann mar sin a tha e a thaobh na Gàidhlig - tha leabhraichean mar ‘Teach Yourself Gaelic’ math gu leòr ach tha cothrom a bhith bruidhinn ri daoine aig a bheil Gàidhlig bho thùs mòran nas cudromaiche.

Chanainn gun robh ceathrar a rinn a’ chùrsa seo cho tlachdmhor. Thàinig Uilleam, ar draibhear, còmhla rinn a h-uile latha agus ghabh e pàirt sna cleasan ris an robh sinn an sàs, mar eisimpleir, air an tùras-bàta à Loch Sgiopoirt gu ruige am mol air Bàgh Ùisinis. Ann a shin, mhìnich Danaidh dhuinn dè bha na luchd arceòlais a’ dèanamh, agus dh’innis Uilleam dhomh gun robh e fhèin ag obair an sin na òige.

Nis, feumaidh mi a ràdh gun robh am biadh fìor mhath - bha deasbad eadarainn dè a’ mhilse a b’fheàrr - an trifle no an duff. Bhòt mise airson an ‘duff ’! Taing dhuibh, a Bhella, sa chidsin! Cha bhitheadh an cùrsa cho soirbhicheal gun deagh rianachd. Rinn Deirdre cinnteach gun do ruith a huile rud gu math agus ach, a bharrachd air sin,‘s e cò-phàirt chudromach den ‘amar-snamh Gàidhlig’ a bh’innte.

Se ‘neo-fhòirmeilachd’ a bha anns a’ phrìomh-chùis air a’ chùrsa seo. Sa mhadainn dhèanamaid còmhradh ri Eairdsidh,‘s esan gar treòrachadh agus molaidhean a chur thugainn a thaobh program an latha. San fheasgar, chaidh sinn a-mach, a bhruidhinn ri muinntir an àite, mar eisimpleir ann an Èirisgeidh - choisich sinn air Coilleag a’ Phrionnsa agus ghabh sinn pinnt anns a’ Pholitician. Feasgar eile air thog sinn srùbain air traigh a’ Bhàgh Mhòir, Gleann Dail. Dh’fheuch sinn air mòine a gheàrradh - abair spòrs ach abair bùrach! Duilich, a Sheonaidh! Cuideachd, chaidh sinn air turas le Tomaidh nan Rothairean! Deagh spòrs! Oidhche Ardaoin, bha dannsa sgoinneil ann an Loch Baghasdail bha mise a’ bruidhinn ri Cèitag is Terèsa is chòrd sin rium!

Tha dà rud agam a bharrachd.

Tha mi glan cinnteach gu bheil mi a’ snàmh nas fheàrr bhon a bhith anns an ‘amar Gàidhlig’! Ach rud eile cuideachd,‘s dòcha gum faca feadhainn ann an Uibhist gu bheil ùidh aig tòrr dhaoine bho taobh-amuigh na Gàidhealtachd air a’ Ghàidhlig agus gu bheil rudeigin sònraichte aca ann an Uibhist!

A’ buain mhònadh ann an Cille Pheadair / Cumaibh Gàidhlig beò!

Cutting Peat in Kilphedar.

Can you swim? If not, you ought to get into a swimming pool to learn! It’s the same thing with Gaelic – books like ‘Teach Yourself gaelic’ are OK but an opportunity to converse with native speakers is much more important. I would say that four people made Storas Uibhist’s course so enjoyable. Our driver, Uilleam, came with us every day and participated in our various activities, for example, the boat trip from Loch Skipport to the stony beach at Usinish Bay. There, we met Danny, who explained for us what the archaeologists were doing and Uilleam told me how he himself worked there when he was younger.

Now, I must say that the food at Grogarry Lodge was really good – we had an argument amongst ourselves which sweet was best – the trifle or the ‘duff’ – I voted for the duff! Thanks Bella in the kitchen. The course wouldn’t have been so successful without good organisation.

Deirdre made sure that everything ran smoothly, and more than that, was an important component of the ‘Gaelic swimming pool’ Informality was the key-note of this course.

In the mornings we had discussion sessions with Archie, who guided us and made suggestions about the day’s programme. In the afternoons, we went out and about, talking to local people, for example, on Eriskay, where we walked on the prince’s Beach and had a pint in ‘The Politician’. On another afternoon, we gathered cockles on the beach at Bàgh Mòr in Glendale. We tried cutting peat, but what a mess! As well as that, we went on a trip with Tommy the Bike-man.

Great fun! On the Thursday night we went to a brilliant dance in Lochboisdale – I enjoyed chatting to Cèiteag and Theresa.

I have two more things to say. I am quite sure I can ‘swim’ better from having been in the ‘Gaelic pool’. But another thing too, perhaps some people in Uist saw that there are lots of people outwith the islands who are interested in Gaelic and that they have something special in Uist. Keep Gaelic alive!

Tha ar duilleag cunbhalach dà-chànanach Gàidhling ’s Beurla air a thoirt thugaibh le taic bho Bhòrd na Gàidhlig Our regular Gaelic-English page is brought to you with the assistance of Bòrd na Gàidhlig.

Deasaiche/Editor: Eairdsidh Caimbeul/Archie Campbell

June 2013 Issue 15 - island news & ADVERTISER Tanya Freke.

11

Archaeology

Tools,teeth and torticollis Osteoarchaeologist Tanya Freke has identified and recorded almost 16,000 fragments of human and animal bones recovered from the Iron Age wheelhouse excavation in Baleshare, North Uist. She shares her findings with IN&A readers.

After the storms in 2005 the western half of an Iron Age wheelhouse was uncovered at Baleshare, North Uist. Through systematic excavation, by the local Access Archaeology group as well as members of The SCAPE Trust, the exposed portion of the site and its contents were recorded and collected. As an osteoarchaeologist it is my job to identify and record the 15,759 fragments of human and animal bone recovered from the site so that we may learn more about the inhabitants of the wheelhouse.

North Uist bones offer snapshot into the lives of prehistoric Hebrideans.

Tom Dawson of SCAPE painstakingly excavates the human jawbone, watched by local volunteer Kirsty MacDonald.

most common methods for this are tooth wear and fusion data, which refers to the study of bone growth from infancy to adulthood. Every species are born with both the tops and bottoms of the bone separate from the shaft. This allows the main body of bone to grow until it eventually fuses to both ends resulting in a complete adult bone.

The jawbone reveals signs of torticollis.

The majority of the bones recovered belonged to the main domesticated species that we see on the island today including cattle and pig. However the vast majority belongs to sheep/goat. The term ‘sheep/goat’ is commonly used within osteoarchaeology to describe either a sheep or goat, as the two are sometimes too similar to distinguish visually. Measurements of the metatarsals (foot bones) show that sheep as well as a small number of goats were present at the site. Goats are occasionally used today to help keep large herds of sheep together.

As well as domesticates a number of wild animals such as deer, seal, whale and a wide variety of birds and fish, were also present at the site. Food from hunting therefore may have contributed to a portion of the diet consumed at the site. Bone at Baleshare was also used to make artefacts that include anvils created from whale vertebrae (backbone). Antler was also utilised to make a number of small tools and pegs as it remains strong and resilient after its been worked.

The different ages of animals when slaughtered can show us what economic strategies were in place on the site. The two

the individual was between 30-40 years old, though it is impossible to tell whether they were male or female. An x-ray of the jaw combined with the presence of a large amount of plaque on the teeth indicate that they may have suffered from a painful abscess that stopped them eating on the right side. As well as this, the first vertebrae of the neck (atlas) shows signs of a condition called ‘torticollis’ which would have created a very recognizable physical deformity with the individuals head permanently tilted to one side.

Whalebone anvils recovered from the site.

These methods show us that a large proportion of sheep/goat survive beyond two years, indicating a wool-based economy.

However a different system is seen with cattle. The bones of very young as well as very old animals indicate that for this community the economy was based in milking.

As well as the animal bone recovered from the site there was also a number of human remains, some of which were co-mingled with animal burials. From the tooth wear data of the human jawbone, discovered alongside a sheep burial, it would seem that

Baleshare dig.

The study of both human and animal bones is an important tool for understanding about the past. Not only can we start to understand the economics of the land, but also understand the people that lived within it. I was lucky enough to work alongside the local volunteers and help to recover and preserve the important history that could so easily have been lost to the sea.

island news & ADVERTISER - June 2013 Issue 15

PUBLIC NOTICE

12

Roads advice for Tourists/Motorists visiting Western Isles over the Summer months Throughout the year a large number of people come to visit our beautiful islands to enjoy a well earned holiday in the peace and tranquillity of the Western Isles. However there is a hazard which some drivers may never have come across - single track roads.

Here are a few tips for people driving on these roads: Use passing places properly – you stop on ● Speed – don’t drive too fast for the road conditions and especially when you don’t know your nearside (passenger side) please do not the area. cross over to the other side of the road. ● Expect the unexpected – animals may ● Don’t be distracted – you may be enjoying decide to wander onto the road at any time and the scenery but please let traffic flow freely. Check also be aware of mud or other debris. your mirrors regularly and allow vehicles to pass. ●

●

Beware of cyclists/walkers – please allow them plenty room as you pass by.

In relation to cyclists – please wait at the passing place for them to reach you and also cyclists please wait at the passing place if you see a car coming rather than try to carry on.

Horses – Drivers should watch out for horses on the road,especially when approaching bends and on narrow rural roads.

Always slow down when seeing a horse and pass by slowly.

Give them plenty of room and be ready to stop if necessary.

Drivers should never sound their horn or rev their engine near horses. ● As always – do not drink and drive, do not use your phone whilst driving and always wear your seatbelt. ●

South Uist Church of Scotland

Day of the Eagle

Summer Services in 2013

Thursday June 13, 4pm

June 2: 11am at Howmore only

Taigh Chearsabhagh, Lochmaddy

June 9, 16, 23 and 30: 10.30am at Daliburgh & 12 noon at Howmore July 7: 11am at Daliburgh only

POLICE NON-EMERGENCY NUMBER

EVERYONE WELCOME Public invited to take boat trips in

FINSBAY FISHINGS

Lochmaddy Bay to look for sea/golden eagle

Fishing available in Hebridean tidal and hill lochs on the Isle of Harris. Excellent wild brown trout are to be had as well as the possibility of sea trout and salmon with optional accommodation in Two Waters Lodge (sleeps 12) and Cliff Cottage (6).

Three new chalets for Telephone for brochure.

100 Loch Fishings Tel: 01859 530397. 2014 season.

contact Jamie Boyle 01876 560287

along with other wildlife. Limited places,

An RSPB, Scottish Natural Heritage,Year of Natural Scotland Event

Lochboisdale Coffee Shop & Post Office has ■

Computer/Wifi Access

■

Espresso Coffee, Home Baking

■

Variety of Paninis & Bagels

■

Cheeseburger and Chips, Grill Menu

■

Homemade Salar Salmon pate

■

In our Shop we have Retro Sweets, Costume Jewellery, Harris Tweed Handbags and Mice.

■

Wide range of Contemporary Greetings Cards, Local Artwork and Canvas Prints

■

Not forgetting our Mr Whippy Ice Cream, it’s Heavenly!

101

Have you enjoyed your visit?

Intrigued by island life?

Subscribe to Island News & Advertiser!

Post Office, Kenneth Drive, Lochboisdale, South Uist HS8 5TH

Tel: 01878700313 f: Lochboisdale Internet Coffee Shop T: UistCoffeeShop

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North Uist Estate BROWN & SEA TROUT FISHING AT ITS BEST

Permits from £4.50 per day, available from Estate Office, Lochmaddy

Tel: 01876 500329 or from Lochmaddy Hotel Tel: 01876 500331

Rods available for hire

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ISSUE 2 - JUNE 2013

island news & ADVERTISER

wildlife of the Hebrides Discover the rich biodiversity of our islands

WITH IN&A’s REGULAR MONTHLY SUPPLEMENTS THIS SUMMER This project is supported by Scottish Natural Heritage

II

island news & ADVERTISER

Flora on flora Botanist Flora Donald of SNH Uist chooses her flower of the month Dactylorhiza incarnata Keep your eyes open this month when out on the machair for Early Marsh orchids (Dactylorhiza incarnata).

This species varies so much in flower colour and habitat that there are five recognised subspecies. One of these, Dactylorhiza incarnata subspecies coccinea is endemic to the British Isles and a significant proportion of its population is found in the Outer Hebrides.

Discover the flora and fauna of the Hebrides with IN&A’s summer supplements Sound of Pabbay from Berneray

Featured Walk: Berneray

It’s not the most delicate looking orchid, being quite short (generally 10 – 20 cm tall) with 20-30 red flowers nestled closely together in a dense spike.

Bees are attracted to the brightly coloured flowers but as most Dactylorhizas don’t produce any nectar, they are duped into pollinating the flowers for no reward.

As with many orchids, individual pollen grains are massed together into two spherical structures called pollinia, protected underneath the ‘hood’ of the flower which is formed by two overlapping petals.

The pollinia are extremely sticky and brush off onto the back of visiting bees which are guided into position by the darker markings on the lower lip Early Marsh Orchid 123RF (labellum).

Although this lower lip might look like three petals joined together, it’s actually just one petal with lobes.

These lobes are quite shallow in Dactylorhiza incarnata subsp. coccinea, so with this, the red colour of the flowers and plain, unspotted leaves, you should have no trouble identifying this earlyflowering orchid.

Arctic Tern

Local naturalist Steve Duffield takes Key species: ● Harbour / Common Seal (all year round) you on one of his favourite walks.

How to get there: Once you cross the causeway linking Berneray to North Uist, head to the junction and turn right. Follow the road for around 1 km (passing the shop / café) until you reach a turning on your left for Borve.

Take this minor road and drive to the end where there is parking outside the community hall.

Public transport: Berneray is served around 6 times a day with a local bus service. A convenient stop is located at the turning for Borve; from here it approximately 1 km to the community hall and start of the walk.

Early Marsh Orchid

Heatb Spotted Orchid 123RF

The walk is approximately 3.5 miles and will take 2 hours at an easy pace. The extension to the coast would add around 1.5 miles and 45 minutes to the total time. The terrain is mostly level and easy walking apart from the moorland section which involves a short climb over sometimes boggy ground.

From the community hall, head through the gate in a northerly direction across the machair which is home to breeding Lapwings, Oystercatcher and Redshank. After around 5 minutes you reach another gate and a small patch of water known as Loch Beag Bhuirgh.

Continue north for another 5 minutes adjacent to the stream where you may see signs of Otters

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Otter (all year round)

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Little Tern (May – August)

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Otters (all year round)

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Arctic Tern (May – August)

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Great Yellow Bumblebee (May - August)

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Early Marsh Orchid spp. coccinea (May - July)

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Frog Orchid (June – August)

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Round - leaved Sundew (June – August)

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Heath Spotted Orchid (June – August)

or if you’re lucky, the animals themselves. Once you reach the southern end of Loch Brusda turn to your right and follow the rough track.

Quite soon you pass a water pipe suspended above a damp area where you can find carnivorous plants adapted to peaty ground such as Round-leaved Sundew and Common Butterwort. Once past this turn right, up the hill keeping the row of telegraph poles on your left until you reach a water tank where you can follow a track to the village; this whole hillside is often covered in Heath Spotted Orchids. Once the track reaches an old church go through the gate below it and walk down the incline to the main road. From here it is a few minutes to the seal viewing site and bench.

Insect of the Month The Common Blue butterfly

Continue along the road until you see a sign for Brusda, on your left. Take this road, climbing up at first before dropping once more towards the machair where you join a rough track through a rusty iron gate. As you head down the track you pass a small pool on your left at the top end of Loch Brusda; this area usually holds nesting Dunlin, Snipe and Tufted Duck. Go through the next gate onto the machair proper and turn left following the western side of Loch Brusda back to the community hall.The machair is excellent for flowers and holds nesting Little and Arctic Terns.

It’s possible and worthwhile to extend the walk from the north end of Loch Brusda across to the very scenic Sound of Pabbay by following a track leading from the loch towards an obvious cleft in the dunes. It’s possible to spot Harbour Porpoise and passing seabirds in the sound whilst the machair is home to the unusual Adder’s Tongue Fern and the odd Pyramidal Orchid.To continue the walk return to Loch Brusda and follow tracks along the west side back to the community hall.

Common Seal

Polyommatus carus © Matt Shardlow.

Polyommatus Icarus Common Blue male © PD Tillman.

Found throughout Scotland, however despite its name, it’s far from common in most areas.

Good populations can be found in a wide range of grassy places where its larval food plants grow such as coastal dunes and cliffs, road verges and disturbed waste ground. It favours short flower-rich grassland, where the soil has poor fertility, and frequent bare patches where the butterfly can bask in the sun.

The bright blue males tend to be active in sunny weather from June through to September looking for mates, while the browner females are less conspicuous, basking in the sunshine to conserve energy between nectaring and searching for suitable sites to lay their eggs.

Scottish females generally have more blue on their wings than English females.

The butterflies can often be seen roosting head-down on long grass stems in the early evening.

Common Blue female Polyommatus icarus © Ursula Smith.

In most of Scotland a single brood is produced each year, although further south two or even three broods can be produced during a warm, sunny year. The white disclike eggs are laid singly on tender new leaves of Bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus

corniculatus) the main caterpillar food plant, but Greater bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus pendunculatus), Black medick (Medicago lupulina) may also be used.

After hatching, the green grub-like caterpillars feed until half grown (6mm) before going into hibernation in the leaf litter under the food plant. The following spring the caterpillars continue feeding until full grown (13 mm) when they become attractive to ants that may help protect them against predators and parasites in return for sugary secretions.

Due to the recent run of poor summers, many Common Blue populations have declined, with some small colonies going extinct- hopefully a warm summer will see their numbers recover and the butterfly recolonise former sites.

Dr Scott Shanks, Buglife The Invertebrate Conservation Trust

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III

Moss Carder Bee

Introduction to Bees and Bumblebee Identification

BOMBUS MUSCORUM

FAC T F I L E

Did you know there are over 250 species of bee in the UK; 24 species of bumblebee, 225 species of solitary bee and 1 species of honeybee.

All bees collect pollen and nectar from flowering plants. Bees need flowering plants for food and flowering plants need insects for pollination. Research has indicated that 80% of flowering plants require insect pollination in Europe. Wild pollinators including bumblebees and solitary bees play a vital role in the pollination of our wild flowers, garden flowers and many of the foods we eat.

Bumblebees are considered to be very effective pollinators. Bumblebees are much larger than other bees and their bodies are covered in dense hair. They have evolved to survive in colder climates and can heat their bodies up to 30°C. This allows bumblebees to forage early in the morning, late into the evening and on cooler days - an important consideration for the Scottish climate!

Bumblebee Identification Antenna

Thorax

Wings

Abdomen

Pollen basket (females only) Sting (females only)

The body of a bumblebee, like all insects, is made of 3 segments; the head, the thorax and the abdomen. Each of these sections is covered with dense hair. We use this, along with the colour of the hair, to help us identify them.

Insects have an external skeleton that supports and protects their bodies known as an exoskeleton. The hair on a bumblebee forms distinct bands across its exoskeleton which is made up of plates of chitin. Chitin is a tough, protective material similar to human nails.

To identify a bumblebee you will need to look at the colour of hair, the number of coloured bands and where they are positioned. Our common bumblebees have tails, (the end segments of the abdomen), that are white, red, buff or brown. This is a good place to start and then look for other bands of colour on the abdomen and thorax.

This bumblebee has a white tail with a thin fringe of buff hairs and two yellow bands one on the abdomen and one on the thorax.

You may also come across ‘cuckoo’ bumblebees; they enter and take over the nest of our ‘social’ or ‘true’ bumblebees.

‘True’ female

Social bumblebee queens and workers have a back leg that has a broad shiny surface called the pollen basket it may have a ball of pollen stuck to it. Cuckoo bumblebees do not collect pollen so this part of their leg is covered in thick dark hair and is often narrow. It is also worth noting that ‘true’ bumblebee male legs look similar to cuckoo legs but they are often not as hairy.

Now is the perfect time of year to learn how to identify bumblebees.

If you are a keen photographer you can upload you pictures as records using BeeWatch at bumblebeeconservation .org/get-involved/surveys/ Michelle Appleby, Bumblebee Conservation Trust If you would like further help and tips on bumblebee identification visit bumblebeeconservation.org. and look out for further articles in Island News & Advertiser’s summer wildlife supplements.

Rings identify birds delayed on isles during spring passage Colour-rings spotted on large wading birds sheltering in the Inner Hebrides last month identified them as a cosmopolitan gathering from all over Europe.

Some 800 black-tailed godwits making their way

‘True male’ Cuckoo female Cuckoo male

weather, while more than 1,500 gathered in Tiree.

A ringed black-tailed godwit spotted in Islay

Of these, 31 had colour-rings, and were identified by RSPB officers as having been ringed in Portugal, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Northern Ireland and parts of England, as well as in their Icelandic breeding grounds.

from their European wintering grounds back to Iceland to breed congregated on the mudflats of Islay during a bout of wet and windy

The Uists also saw an influx of black-tailed godwits at around the same time, with local RSPB officers currently tracking down the origins of birds

spotted with colour-rings.

Large numbers of golden plover were also held up by the weather in the Inner Hebrides, with no less than 11,000 counted by RSPB staff in Tiree.

John Bowler of RSPB Scotland said:“The unsettled conditions have certainly slowed things down this and some birds have been late to get into good condition for migration.

A team of researchers looking at godwit populations left Iceland at the end of April having seen very few birds, when normally there should be lots back on the breeding grounds.

Five species of bumblebee are found in the Outer Hebrides. The Great Yellow and Heath Bumblebees and the Moss Carder Bee are comparatively rare in other parts of the British Isles. The Great Yellow Bumblebee is usually only found on the coastal grasslands; the Heath Bumblebee is restricted to the moors, but the Moss Carder Bee is found in both habitats.

The rich orange colour of the back (thorax) and yellow tail (abdomen) make it easy to recognise. The workers and drones (males) look like smaller versions of the queens and the workers have a reputation for being aggressive when defending the nest.

Nests are made above ground and are covered with moss and dry grass.

Colonies are small, 40-100 bees, and last for a single summer. A new generation of queens is produced in August which hibernate during the winter and emerge to start a new colony in late April – May.

Christine Johnson Outer Hebrides Biological Recording

www.ohbr.org.uk

“Fortunately, the weather has now improved, and many of the large flocks have left to complete their migrations. It’ll be interesting to see if this delay has any impact on their breeding success,” Mr Bowler said.

The Hebrides are also a crucial refuelling point for migrating birds such as whooper swan, whimbrel, white wagtail and redwing.

Golden Plover 123RF

island news

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Leanne Batty

DOLPHIN OF THE MONTH RISSO’S At almost four metres long with bulbous heads, a tall dorsal fin and peculiar scratched markings Risso’s dolphins are truly a sight to be seen. Found in small numbers throughout the temperate and tropical oceans, Risso’s (Grampus griseus) is a unique and little studied member of the dolphin family. Their penchant for squid means that they usually prefer to stick to the deep, oceanic waters where their prey is found. Risso’s only inhabit a handful of coastal sites where the continental shelf is narrow and close to shore. However, with important habitat (known as critical habitat) identified near the Western Isles, and regular sightings of Risso’s dolphins on Shorewatch surveys, it’s time to start talking Risso’s!

Remarkable Risso’s Nicola Hodgins Their appearance is unlike any other species. Born a uniform grey with a white belly, adult animals still have a base of grey but are covered in numerous scars from the squid that they prey on and, being a sociable species, from the teeth marks (rake marks) of other Risso’s dolphins. Mature animals can actually appear white, especially around their head, as a result of these on-going interactions and the natural aging process. Their unusual, bulbous forehead has a distinct vertical crease that is more pronounced in calves and there is no discernable beak.

Sociable cetaceans Although generally travelling in groups of 10 to 50 animals, Risso’s dolphins have been known to school in groups of up to 4000! Behaviours ranging from breaching and spyhopping to surfing big waves and hunting in lines make them great to watch. They can sometimes be seen associating with groups of bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales.

Around the UK they are most common off the Outer Hebrides.

Nicola Hodgins

Kila Taylor

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Shorewatchers have recorded on effort sightings of Risso’s dolphins at Forse (South Caithness), Strathy Point (North Caithness), Tiumpan Head (Isle of Lewis) and Cullen Bay (Moray Firth).

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Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) Risso’s Research WDC conducts land-based watches, photo identification and acoustic monitoring from the Isle of Lewis. To follow the work done take a look at the fieldwork blog at http://www2.wdcs.org/fieldblog/.

Relatively little is known about Risso’s dolphins in Scotland, WDC aims to learn more about population structure, residency, seasonal movements and determine areas of important coastal habitats.

For more information about Whale and Dolphin Conservation or to get trained up as a Shorewatcher visit www.whales.org/shorewatch.

Underwater camera and wi-fi specs bring sea life into sharp focus

The camera is lowered into the water during night trials

Wi-fi spectacles linked to an underwater camera will enable viewers to see the wonders of the deep around the Outer Hebrides this summer.

The system has been pioneered by Uist’s Comann Na Mara (Society of the Sea) with Spectral Line Systems (SLS) of Harris.

SLS has developed a camera capable of taking pin-sharp images to a depth of 20m. These are relayed via a wireless routing system to electronic spectacles worn by each passenger. The unique system has taken 18 months to perfect.

“It has many applications, including marine archaeology, and can be used in salt and fresh water.

“This summer we are planning tourist trips with local boat owners to the Sound of Harris, Monachs, St Kilda and Lochmaddy Bay.” The camera has been fitted out with lights to enable night-viewing excursions.

SNH

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SNH

IV

The Scottish Natural Heritage sponsored project is part of Comann Na Mara (CNM)’s community outreach and engagement remit.

Gus added:“The waters of Lochmaddy Bay are a profusion of colour underwater at night as the sea creatures are more active then, so we are planning some night trips over the summer.”

Gus Macaulay said:“The system is available for educational field trips, tourism and academic research.

Contact Gus Macaulay for further information on 07828 105 423.

Small Isles communities want protection for their marine wildlife The communities of the Small Isles (Eigg, Rum, Canna and Muck) are calling for Scottish Government protection for the spectacular and rare wildlife in their waters, as Dr Richard Luxmoore, Senior Conservation Advisor, National Trust for Scotland explains.

The subject of protection of habitats and wildlife in the sea often arouses controversy but a growing number of island communities are calling for more effective protection of their local assets.

The Scottish Government is currently going through a process of identifying potential Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and invited local communities to put forward their own proposals for potential sites. This opportunity was seized by communities on Arran, Fair Isle and the Small Isles, all of whom highlighted the tremendous richness of their local marine fauna and feared that its future was at risk unless steps could be taken to protect it.

In the case of the Small Isles, it had been known that the coastal wildlife, particularly seabirds, was stunning, and tantalising glimpses of deep sea

Paul Kay

corals and Fan Mussels were occasionally dredged up by fishing boats, but the full importance was not appreciated until an underwater video survey was conducted in 2010.

This revealed an astonishing variety of extremely rare animals lurking in the depths of the Sound of Canna – a deep trench running between Canna and Rum. Overlooking this is the Great Wall of Canna, a spectacular underwater cliff, covered with encrusting organisms.

As well as Fan Mussels, the video revealed Burrowing Anemones, Northern Feather Stars, Northern Sea Fans, Flame Shells, and Horse Mussels.

The Fan Mussel is particularly spectacular as it is Scotland’s largest

shell, growing to nearly 50cm long and living buried vertically in the sediment with the top third of its shell protruding from the surface.

In former times, the long, fine, golden byssus threads which attach these mussels to the substrate were collected and woven into a very rare and fine cloth, particularly in Mediterranean countries. As its Latin name, Atrina fragilis, implies, it is extremely fragile and easily damaged by mobile fishing gear. Although it is relatively widespread around Scotland there have only been three other records of live individuals since 2000, making it the most endangered shellfish in Britain.The survey team were therefore astonished to see beds of Fan Mussels, numbering several hundred, stretching across the floor of the Sound.The fact that it has survived in this tiny pocket of its former range owes more to the nearby munitions dumping ground that has prevented the use of trawls in the vicinity.

Once they became aware of the importance of their local sea bed, the Small Isles Community Council submitted a proposal for an MPA.They are delighted that this has now been taken forward in the list of proposed sites now being considered by the Government.

June 2013 Issue 15 - island news & ADVERTISER

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE - BORVEMOR COTTAGES, SCARISTA, HARRIS

Beach Studio Apartment.

New Beach Studio Apartment opens at Borvemor Cottages, Scarista,Harris A new two storey building in stone and wood, sleeping six and with its own external sauna has opened in Scarista, Harris.

The Beach Studio Apartment is now available for let

by Scott and Margaret Bennett, resident ownermanagers of Borvemor Cottages on their croft at 9 Scarista.

Spacious and well-equipped, the house has a double

bedroom on the ground floor, and two twins upstairs.

The first two guests in the Beach Studio Apartment were part of a group of ten photographers. Each guest wanted plenty of space and privacy, so they took over a further eight bedrooms in Borvemor’s other four properties at £30 per room per night. The photographers were also delighted to find that there is a beautiful Atlantic beach 200m across the machair from their cottages where they could take photographs to their heart’s content.

Borvemor Cottages has at its heart the traditionally built, award-winning Blackhouse, beloved by honeymooners and retirees alike. It sleeps 2/3, and also has a hot Borvemor Blackhouse. tub.

Vallay House sleeps 5/6 and is ideal for families. It has its own infrared sauna. The Bennetts offer lowoccupancy rates to smaller parties.

The Stable Cottage sleeps 6 and Byre Cottage sleeps 5. (Pets welcome.) They are to the north of Borvemor’s walled garden, and can be let together with the new Beach Studio Apartment, providing 8 bedrooms in all.

Facilities nearby for outdoor activities are exceptional. There is a world class 9 hole golf course less than a mile away; sailings from Leverburgh (6 miles south) to St Kilda every day; a variety of fishing venues both loch and sea and as much coastal or hill walking as you could wish for. Borvemor’s location 14 miles south of Tarbert just below gently rolling South Harris hills is in the middle of a 14 mile stretch

of glorious sandy beaches on the west coast of Harris, facing the Atlantic ocean and sheltered by the Island of Taransay.

The croft itself is managed to conserve its beautiful meadows and wildlife, and Scott and Margaret are always on hand with Borvemor has miles of sandy local information and beaches on its doorstep. tales of the history of Scarista, where Margaret grew up and Gaelic is still used as the everyday language Beach Studio apartment is eco-friendly and has full accessibility. Byre Cottage has assisted accessibility.

Contact Scott and Margaret Bennett Tel.01859 550 222 Book online at www.borvemorcottages.co.uk

Beach Studio Apartment is spacious and well-equipped.

17

island news & ADVERTISER - June 2013 Issue 15

Crofting

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You cannot, in certain circumstances, decroft the land without the agreement of your neighbours. Brian Inkster

Decrofting fix for owner occupier crofters - but not for owner-occupiers Corrective legislation is a sledgehammer to crack a nut, according to Crofting Law specialist Brian Inkster.

The Scottish Government introduced the Crofting (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill on 9 May and hope to make it law by the end of June.

The Bill aims to fix the problems created by the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 whereby the Crofting Commission say that they no longer have the power to process

applications to decroft by owner-occupier crofters and that decrofting directions issued by them between 1 October 2011 and 25 February 2013 are potentially invalid.

This is based on legal advice sought and obtained by the Crofting Commission but which the Crofting Commission refuse to make public. This has made it somewhat difficult to understand the ‘flaws’ in the existing legislation that exist (if they do) and what, if anything, needs to be done to correct those ‘flaws’.

My own view (in the absence of being privy to the Crofting Commission’s legal advice) is that the current legislation can be interpreted in such a way to allow decrofting by owner-occupier crofters and there was no need for the Crofting Commission to stop processing applications

and no need for corrective legislation.

However, the corrective legislation should clarify the matter beyond any doubt and resolve the difficulties many people, who wish to develop croft land for other purposes, currently find themselves in.

There are, however, some problems with the Bill as currently drafted. It is, in my opinion, a sledge hammer to crack a nut and could be simplified in its drafting to a huge extent. There appears to be attempts to introduce new law via the Bill. That should not be the purpose of the Bill which is to fix ‘flaws’ in the existing legislation created by the 2010 Act. However, one of the main issues is the failure to address the problems associated

with decrofting by owner-occupiers (as opposed to owner-occupier crofters). The Crofting Commission has stated that if a croft has been divided without their consent (which could be done prior the 2010 Act) then an owner-occupier of part of that divided croft cannot apply for a decrofting direction without the consent and concurrence of any other owner-occupiers of the original croft unit. This means that you cannot, in certain circumstances, decroft land that you own without the agreement of your neighbours.

I believe, again, that this is a wrong interpretation of the law but if there is ambiguity the Government should be fixing it as well.

Brian Inkster, Inksters Solicitors

Charred land could take a generation to recover Uncontrolled muirburn in North Uist in March.

RSPB Scotland has assessed the devastating impact on wildlife of the recent illegal muirburn fire incidents at Carinish in North Uist and Tolsta in Lewis.

Habitats have been destroyed, eagles’ nests burnt out and there is potential long term damage which could take a generation to recover from.

Robin Reid, the RSPB’s Western Isles Conservation Officer, is particularly concerned about the impact on eagles.

He said: “The muirburn at Tolsta covered an area of almost five square kilometers, and it was a deep burn in very dry conditions.

“The fire burnt through an active sea eagle nesting site, where we know that there were eggs ready to hatch.

“The eagles have now abandoned the nest, and are unlikely to re-lay eggs this year, so we have lost a season’s worth of chicks from that pair.

“At Carinish, the fires burnt right through a golden eagle nesting site.

“This particular site was built up and laid out, all ready for the eagle to lay her eggs.

“The golden eagle pair have also abandoned their nest.”

Setting fires and then leaving them unattended close to rare birds is a criminal offence under the 1981 Country and Wildlife Act, so anyone setting muirburn fires without proper controls is at risk of prosecution.

However, prosecutions for the recent muirburn incidents on North Uist and Lewis seem unlikely.

Mr Reid said: “In these cases, it is very difficult to identify who started the fires.

“But we will always assist police with their enquiries in relation to these types of incident.”

Tolsta is designated as a Special Protection Area for birds, in recognition of its importance as a habitat for birdlife.

The area is also protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Bird species which visit regularly include merlins, waders, green-shanks, golden plovers, dunlins and red-throated divers.

The deep coverage of peat makes it particularly attractive to birds.

But the fires may have caused damage to the fertility of the soil.

Mr Reid said: “Uncontrolled, deep muirburn like this is very poor land management.

“This is because the nutrients in the soil are lost when such deep muirburn occurs.

“And seed sources can also be lost through careless muirburn, which further reduces the viability of the land for growing and wildlife.

“The damage which has been done could take a generation to recover.”

George Simon 07889 378302 email: george@simtech-aitchison.co.uk web: www.simtech-aitchison.com

As seen at the SAC demonstration on North Uist and now on a croft in Lewis.

Improving your grassland needn’t cost the earth For pasture renovation and rejuvenation, and the sowing of all forage and cash crops.

ANY SEED D, ANY SURFACE

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This year our season started at Easter, we’ve already been full several times. John Allan MacLellan

June 2013 Issue 15 - island news & ADVERTISER

19

Crofting

Diversification:Enterprising North Uist crofters add catering to their campsite One of North Uist’s most important tourist attractions now has food and drink to keep campers, birders and walkers fed and watered, thanks to a new croft enterprise.

Martin Graham

Service with a smile. Anne MacLellan mans the catering trailer.

John Allan and Anne MacLellan of Hougharry have been diversifying their business over the years in order to keep turnover coming in from a variety of sources.

The croft has been in John-Allan’s family for generations and the traditional crofting business was a herd of suckling cattle, farmed on around 50 hectares of land near Balranald in North Uist.

When the price of cattle dropped around the time of the foot and mouth crisis, they moved into other areas.

John Allan said: “We bought some big machinery and started renting it out.

“We also started doing building contracting work, helping people to build roads up to their houses.”

A nearby nature reserve, run by the RSPB at Balranald, provided some further inspiration for business expansion.

Anne said: “We saw visitors coming in large numbers to the nature reserve, but we knew there were no facilities for them.

“So our first step was to open a campsite in June last year.

“At first it was basic, with no electricity for the campervans.

“But we now offer electrical hook ups and have a toilet block in place for people to use.

“And this year our season started in Easter, we’ve already been full up a couple of times.

“Even if all the hookups are used, we don’t turn people away, they can still stay.”

Funding support for the campsite came from the Scotland Rural Development Programme.

A new catering unit on the site is now providing hot drinks, home-made soup, sandwiches and baking to visitors.

But, as John Allan explained, the idea for serving food is not a new one.

He said: “My mother had the idea 20 years ago, so it’s only taken us 19 years to actually do it.”

The catering trailer, named The Dunes, now has a steady stream of hungry customers and is open from 11am to 3pm on weekdays, and from 12pm to 5pm at weekends.

Walkers, cyclists and nature enthusiasts are all thronging to the trailer, glad of the chance to get some food where previously there was none available.

Anne said: “Around 15,000 visitors a year come to the RSPB centre, but there were never any facilities for them.

“We got a street traders licence from the council, and made sure we had the relevant food safety certificates to run the place.

“I used to run a café at Carinish Hall when I was a student, and I also worked at the airport café in Balivanich, but always wanted to run my own place.”

As if to prove that everything moves in cycles, the family’s original crofting business of cattle has seen a resurgence, with the price of livestock rallying since 2008.

Campervans at the MacLellan’s Balranald campsite.

The Simmental cattle and Limousin bull are highly sought after due to stringent health checks and purity.

John Allan said: “We are in the High Health Scheme for cattle, they are regularly checked for diseases, so that increases their value.

“People come from the mainland to buy them, they are the cleanest cattle in the UK. “And any cattle that come here from the mainland are kept in exclusion for 6 to 8 weeks until they are declared free of disease.”

Suppliers of Tractors, Farm Machinery and Parts to the Farmers and Crofters of the Highlands & Islands Visit our website for details on current stock: www.mclarentractors.co.uk McLaren Tractors Ltd. Strathpeffer Road, Dingwall, Ross-shire IV15 9QF

Tel: 01349 867521 • Mob: 07775 584 565 Email: sales@mclarentractors.co.uk

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island news & ADVERTISER - June 2013 Issue 15

People Bringing home the tweed

Houndstooth tweed suit made by Catherine’s father,also sourced on Ebay.

Catherine Campbell gently folds a bolt of the distinctive Harris Tweed that her family has woven for generations.

The length of cloth is now a treasured piece of family history, but it travelled far before finally returning to the isle where it was lovingly woven.

Catherine explains: “I was looking on Ebay, as I usually do, for bits of tweed, when I saw this piece of cloth.

“I thought to myself ‘That looks like one of the designs that my father produced in the 1980s.”

Recognising the significance of the find, Catherine was determined to acquire the fabric and bring it back home.

Nanamica Harris Tweed puffa jacket.

Catherine with her father’s tweed sourced on Ebay.

But there was a problem: the bolt of cloth was listed as a ‘buy it now’ item on the auction website, and could be snapped up by another collector at any moment.

Luckily, Catherine is well versed in the ways of online bidding, and quickly made an offer and closed the auction.

When the seller realised where the cloth was headed, they asked if it was returning to the original producer, and Catherine was happy to confirm that it was.

Another Ebay acquisition for the family archive is an exquisite ladies’ two piece suit in the 1940s style, in a large green and brown

houndstooth check (pictured).

Again, Catherine recognised her own father’s handiwork and bought the item for her collection.

Both items are on display at the new “Clo Mor” Harris Tweed exhibition at Drinishader on the east coast of Harris.

Brand new designs from leading fashion houses around the world show how the fabric is being brought bang up to date, while vintage garments acknowledge the rich heritage of Harris Tweed.

Scottish designers Jaggy Nettle have a pair of tweed trainers in the exhibition, while Japanese designer brand Nanamica have tweed body warmers and puffa jackets developed in conjunction with outdoor clothing makers The North Face.

Jackets from the North Face / Nanamica collaboration were on sale for around £1,000.

The museum is housed in a specially created building behind the old schoolhouse in the village.

Inside the schoolhouse is a shop selling tweed products, and a demonstration area where visitors can see tweed being woven on a semi-automatic metal loom.

Also on display is a traditional wooden loom, which is being renovated, and a waulking table, where the fabric was treated

Shed of delights at Croft 36 Martin Graham

Just look at me now!

Unlike other weight loss options, you’re never on your own with Cambridge Weight Plan. You'll have your own Cambridge Consultant who will support you through every step of your weight loss journey and explain the very real benefits of our flexible programmes.

Your Independent Cambridge Consultant:

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Anna after You should always speak to your doctor before starting any weight loss programme.

In the kitchen at their family home in Northton, Harris, Julie and Stephen Olley are busy preparing deliveries for their hungry customers.

Stephen carefully spoons curry sauce over locally caught Julie uses local fish, and Julie is sea food in her tending to a big pot of catering. crabs.

Together, they run Croft 36, offering high-end edible delights for holidaymakers and discerning local residents.

Customers can either help themselves at the ‘shop’ – a shed outside the house with an honesty box for takings, or phone in an order to be delivered to their cottage, campervan or even tent.

Julie said: “We first started an outside catering business in 2010 delivering mostly seafood meals to holiday cottages and camper vans, with regular

and softened by a circle of women who would sing waulking songs to keep the rhythm and make the time pass agreeably.

Catherine said: “We have been able to train someone to use the loom, which keeps the skill of weaving tweed going.

“I would have been the last of my family to have the skills, so it’s good that the tradition is being continued.”

orders also coming from local people.

“The idea was based on delivering things that we would like to be able to have if we were on holiday.”

The couple first acquired their croft in 1998 after spending a holiday in the area.

Their careers up until that point stood them in good stead for getting the croft and making a go of the business.

Julie said: “We were surprised to be able to get a croft, but we were able to present a reasonable management plan having studied and worked in agriculture for many years.

“We worked in Harris in a number of jobs including mink trapping and hotel work.

“We’ve always enjoyed catching and growing and preparing food and decided to utilise this interest to turn it into a business.

“It became apparent that visitors to the islands expected to be able to access more seafood and produce than is available so we decided to open a small shed selling these things.

“Payment is made via an honesty box, and we have found people appreciate being trusted and we get many comments remarking on this.”

The shop sells a variety of goods including homemade bread, crab quiche, dressed crabs, smoked fish,

Julie with children Etta and Fin outside the Croft 36 shop.

cakes and scones.

Most of the produce comes from local suppliers, and the couple hope to get a fishing licence soon so they can pull some of their own supplies from the sea.

Finding the time to do everything is the biggest problem, and the Olleys are taking on staff to help.

Julie explained: “We are taking someone on to dress the crabs as it’s so time consuming.

“And we have a gas stove set up outside the house with huge pots for the crabs, as it can be a bit overwhelming doing large quantities inside the house.”

June 2013 Issue 15 - island news & ADVERTISER

Benbecula Community Council

Community

t Road, 7pm June 18,Third Sector Hebrides,Airpor

North Uist and eting Berneray joint community council me pm June 24, Lochmaddy Hall, 7.30

Island Dance Crew compete in British Championships Uist’s Irish dance troupe, Island Dance Crew (IDC) have packed their costumes, heavy shoes and bun wigs along with plenty of butterflies and bundles of nerves ready to head for the World Irish Dance Association (WIDA) British Championships in Swindon.

IDC, tutored by Lorna Laird in Benbecula, has been in existence for little more than a year.

Fourteen dancers will compete against 260 others, in age classes under 6, 7, 8, 11, 13, 15 and 19.

The dancers are Pearse Mackay, Carly Mackay, Paige Menzies, Catherine MacCormick, Laurita Ivanova, Lucy Anne Macleod, Kayleigh McGrattan, Marina Popova, Chloe Maxwell, Donella Macleod, Gemma Kilgour, Catriona Ferguson, Mairi Anne McInnes and Michelle MacMillan.

The British Championships attracts dancers from the Isle of Man, Germany, Spain, Italy, the UK, Ireland and Russia.

Lorna said: “Ivanova and Popova are common names on the competitors’ list, and we are bringing our own.”

IDC has worked hard to raise the considerable funds required to be able to

Sector Hebrides, MacInnes Bros and Kallin Shellfish. Stuart Menzies has even run a marathon for us. We really appreciate the support from all the local businesses and the community in general, it really is fantastic how the people of the islands come together to support the children. The Western Isles have never been represented in an Irish Dancing Competition at this level and I’m sure the children will do them proud.”

The crew leave on 5th June, and compete on the 8th June, enjoying a trip to Legoland on the 7th.

Junior dancers from Island Dance Crew.

attend the championships.

Lorna said: “We have been fundraising all year by various means, bag-packing at Creagorry, our St Patrick’s Night Display and many many other small things to fund our trip, and at last we have raised the £3000 required. The Dance School will also be funding a trip to Legoland in Windsor for the children.

“We’ve had some fantastic support from the community, The Uist Celtic Supporters Club, QinetiQ, The Dark Island, Third

Site chosen for Drs Macleod Memorial A site at Claddach Illeray,known as Banca Mor,which overlooks Baleshare,has been chosen as the location for a memorial commemorating the long medical service of a family of North Uist GPs. Drs Alexander, Julia and their son John Macleod served North Uist and all its islands between 1932 and 2000.

Margaret MacQuarrie of Knockquien, who nursed alongside all three doctors, has been co-ordinating a committee to

raise funds for the creation and erection of a memorial to the dynasty of doctors.

She said: “The Claddach Illeray site is fitting because it will be near the monument commemorating the establishment of the air ambulance service in North Uist with which Dr. A. J. Macleod was so closely associated.”

The committee met recently with Dr John’s widow Lorna, and his brother David to elicit the family’s views on

Local SWRI annual rally Lochmaddy and South Harris Institutes of the SWRI met for their annual rally in Lochmaddy Hall on Saturday April 27.

The speaker was local geologist, and member of the Lochmaddy Institute, Dr Jean Archer who gave a fascinating talk entitled “Out of the Freezer”. She described the effect the Ice Age had had on the formation of the landscape with particular reference to features which can be seen in Harris and North Uist.

There were many entries for the varied competitions. Mrs Gill Scott-Forrest (Harris) won the prize for the individual with the most points, Mrs Sandra Hutton was awarded the President’s Prize for the most outstanding entry, a mobile made using pompoms and Lochmaddy Institute won the shield for the greater aggregate of points.

Heading for Swindon. Senior members of IDC.

how the memorial should look and what it should say.

Following these discussions, it was decided to commission a steel plaque and plinth.

The plaque will have simple inscriptions in Gaelic and English to the memory of the doctors.

Fund-raising continues for the memorial. Some 22 collecting boxes have been placed throughout North Uist and in Balivanich, and these will be picked up this month.

Flùraichean Mhàiri Your Florist in Uist Full range from bouquets to wreaths Every occasion catered for ● Delivery from Berneray to Barra ● ●

tel: 01878 700320 264 Daliburgh, South Uist, HS8 5SS macleodmairi2@googlemail.com www.uistflorist.co.uk

North Uist ladies knit for the ‘fish and chip’babies A group of knitters who meet in Tigh Sgire, Sollas each week have so far made more than 100 brightly coloured jumpers and hats for poverty-stricken Malawi’s ‘fish and chip’babies.

Born to AIDs sufferers, the newborns are called “fish and chip babies’ because they come out of hospital wrapped in newspaper due to the extreme shortage of clothes and blankets in the country. The Tigh Sgire knitters have also been making

blankets for the babies.

Up to 20 knitters and crafters have been getting together every Thursday in Tigh Sgire for the past six months for a ‘knit and natter’ in a group founded by Chrissie MacCuish and Lexi Pillans of Sollas. The baby clothes project was introduced by Tina Wakeline of Grenitote, who brought the idea with her from a group knitting for the babies in her previous home in Aberdeenshire.

Angus B MacNeil MP Constituency Office, 31 Bayhead Street, Stornoway Isle of Lewis, HS1 2DU L to R Sue Neale, Gina Cropper and Tina Wakefield knitting for the ‘fish and chip’babies.

All enquiries welcome

MacMillan Cancer Support Sale of Work Friday May 10 2013 On behalf of the North Uist Committee I would like to thank you for your contribution towards this year’s fundraising event.

21

The total raised on the evening of the sale was £6,902.89 Your support is greatly appreciated.

Once again thank you very much.

Mairead MacNab Secretary North Uist Branch

Tel 01851 702 272 E-Mail: macneila@parliament.uk

22

island news & ADVERTISER - June 2013 Issue 15

Island News & Advertiser

Music

wishes good luck to everyone at Mòd Ionadail Iochdar School, South Uist Friday 31 May and Satu Uibhist rday June 1 Look out for our coverage on www.islandnewsandadvertiser.co.uk

Ceòlas singers take Gaelic song to Estonia Singers from the Western Isles travelled to Tartu in Estonia to take part in a musical exchange with artists from that country, Finland and Brittany.

The group from the Ceòlas festival featured Naomi Harvey, Gillebride MacMillan, Sineag MacIntyre and Griogair Lawrie.

Travelling as part of the European Oral Song Tradition (EOST) project, the team set out to understand the song traditions of other countries, establish links with other communities and to share some of the Gaelic singing culture.

After a marathon journey via Glasgow, London, Helsinki and Tallinn, the group

got straight into the programme.

Naomi Harvey said: “After dropping off our bags, it was straight to the local folk music club where a performance of Estonian song, accompanied by fiddle and local indigenous instrument the ‘kanell’ was underway.

“We were told that it was song specific to the region of Siberia where many Estonian people were relocated when the country was under Soviet rule – and a discussion of the importance of song to cultural identity followed.

Present in association with

PipeTune

Composing Competition

Winner’s Concert “ Two ends of the Spectrum...”

A concert reflecting both the traditional and the contemporary sounds of the pipes M

Six winning tunes and presentations to winners supported by Uist’s own Marie Therese Gilfedder (fiddle) Linda Macleod (Gaelic singer) and the highly acclaimed

Ross Ainslie Trio

Ross is one of Scotland's finest traditional musicians and composer of pipe music

‘simply outstanding' 'ridiculously talented' (The Herald)

Òran Mór Sunday 30th June 7pm TICKETS ON SALE AT ORAN MOR and through Ticketweb. (www.ticketweb.co.uk)

Tickets £12 … Children under 12 (£6) Bar . . Doors Open 6.30pm

L to R: Sineag, Gillebride and Naomi singing at the Laulupeo Museum.

“After sharing a set or two of puirt a’ beul and listening to some fine Norwegian Hardanger fiddle playing, it was off to rest in preparation for a busy day ahead.”

Among the cultures represented were the Livonian people from the Estonian/Latvian border, whose language has less than 200 speakers left, and a song tradition stretching back for 1000 years.

The team also learned about the song festival tradition in Estonia, where some 30,000 people gather every ten years to sing in celebration of their national identity.

Another culture explored was that of ‘Joiks’ songs from the Karelia region

bordering Russia and Finland.

The team from the Ceòlas were able to demonstrate puirt, waulking songs, duain and baird baile from the Gaelic tradition.

Gillebride MacMillan gave a lecture on Gaelic song history, explaining the spread of the language and the different genres.

At an evening concert, each group was able to share their own musical traditions and dances.

Ceòlas will host the EOST International Song Conference, with events in Grogarry Lodge, South Uist and Taigh Sgire Sholais, North Uist from Wednesday July 10 – Friday July 12.

Bournemouth cultural exchange for Benbecula musicians Musicians and students from UHI Lews Castle College, Benbecula shared their musical heritage on an exchange trip to Dorset.

They visited schools and communities in Poole and Bournemouth as part of ‘These Shrinking Isles’, a cultural exchange project between communities with close links to the sea.

A series of musical collaborations saw the Western Isles musicians developing new works exploring the theme of lives

changed by climate change.

The visit comes after Dorset-based musician Alex Roberts, and Dan Somogyi and Claire Lewis visited the Hebrides in February.

Among the contingent from the Hebrides was fiddler and UHI course leader Anna-Wendy Stevenson.

A special concert was held on May 24 at The Lighthouse in Poole to showcase the music resulting from the exchange programme.

Jazz sextet opens isles tour in Benbecula The Stu Brown Sextet is bringing its Raymond Scott Project to the Western Isles, with a three day tour starting at the Isle of Benbecula Hotel on June 13 (7.30pm.Tickets on the door).

The project celebrates the cartoonstyle jazz of Raymond Scott, composer for the Looney Tunes cartoons from the 1940s ownards

and more recently The Simpsons.

Glasgow-born Stu Brown formed his sextet in 2008 to celebrate the centenary of Scott’s birth and since then has toured the project round the UK to sell-out crowds.

The tour continues in Tarbert, Harris on June 14 and Uig, Lewis community centre on Saturday 17.

June 2013 Issue 15 - island news & ADVERTISER

23

Online mentoring perfect for island artists Distance is proving no object for two North Uist artists looking for high-level training and mentoring for their work.

Using the internet and Skype enables book-binder Corinna Krause and painter Marnie Keltie to get feedback from top practitioners to help them hone their skills.

Marnie, a graduate of Moray School of Art, is part of a mentoring course for post-

Marnie Keltie.

graduate painters led by internationally renowned artists Marcus Harvey and Peter Ashton Jones.

She uploads work, sketchbook pages and written observations for her mentor to view. He posts critiques and guidance, and online dialogue ensues.

Marnie said: “I have had two crits so far and it has been great. It’s helping me to analyse my own work better and it’s a great opportunity to be able to discuss my experience of being a painter with an established contemporary painter.”

Marnie is one of 15 on the course from around the world including San Francisco and Portugal. She was able to fund the course thanks to a Visual Artist/Craft Maker Award from CnES in partnership with Creative Scotland.

She said: “We are in touch online,

Corinna Krause.

sharing images and observations about our experience and each others’ work. We plan to meet up at some point and are aiming to exhibit together in London after the course.”

For Corinna a mentoring programme ‘Making Progress’ run by Hi-Arts in

The Winchman By Chris Murray

Inverness put her in touch with acclaimed fine binder Tracey Rowledge.

The programme is project-based, and Corinna and Tracey begin each project with a Skype session.

Corinna said: “I then go into my workshop to realise the task, then send her my work and she comments and so on.

The training culminates in me spending one day in her studio in London.”

Corinna added: “I am encouraged to experiment with new book structures and to expand my professional practice, which is not only invaluable but also very exciting. I think it is just so very positive to be able to access such training even although we live on an island far away from the centres of culture, arts and crafts and often are not able to travel because of child care, work etc. And so to be able to link into professional craft and arts networks in this way and to be selected for such high-standard programmes way is just brilliant.”

Corinna’s work can be viewed Mon-Thu afternoons in her studio in Sollas or on www.sollasbooks.com

JUST PUBLISHED

Review by Gordon Herries Davies

Vessels in distress. Medical emergencies. Climbers trapped on ledges. Missing persons. Even cows in a fix.

For 22 years such problems were the concern of Chris Murray at the Search and Rescue Station Stornoway. In the helicopter-crew Chris was the winchman - the man suspended – dangling – at the end of the wire – and this is his story of his life. It is a story well told and packed with incident in a handsomely-produced and well illustrated volume.

Born in London, but reared in Dornoch, Chris resolved to serve an apprenticeship as a joiner, but with his training behind him, he began to think of horizons beyond saws, mitres and number 8s. He followed his brother

into Senior Service where he selected diving as his trade. As a trained naval diver he eventually found himself a member of the diving team attached to the submarine base at Faslane on the Gareloch. There a variety of tasks came his way, from the demolition of a wartime bunker in Arran to fixing limpet-mines to the hull of a ‘target ship’ off Bute. All this was valuable experience when, following his leaving the Navy in 1975, he joined the staff of one of the British offshore diving companies. One memorable naval experience was less desirable, he suffered gunshot wounds in Boulogne.

But that is a tale to be told by Chris himself.

In1984 Chris married a woman police officer, and when she was appointed to Stornoway, Lewis became their joint residence. The following year saw a sad event, the Bon Ami a Banff registered fishing-vessel was lost with six crewmen off the Sutherland coast.

In the aftermath of the tragedy it was decided to station a search and rescue team at Stornoway. Chris was shortly appointed to the new crew and by July 1988 he was a fully-trained winchman. Hitherto Chris had plied his Navy-learned skills in that dark and very private world beneath the waves. Now he applied his new skills in the highly visible world at the end of that swinging cable which is the business end of most rescue missions.

It is a business end beloved of

zeroing-in TV cameramen and seen by tens of millions of people around the world.

The seas around the Hebrides are around the most turbulent in the world, and Chris describes some of the missions he has made in graphic detail. We are introduced to some of the professional jargon : FLIR – forward-looking-infra-red ; MISPERS – missing persons; TANGO 4 – fatalities ; MEDVAC – medical evacuation ; PREGVAC – well just guess that one ! But Chris is not involved in the making of TV spectaculars; real lives have depended upon his professional skill and dedicated daring. The most famed rescue in which he was involved was that of nine crewmen from the German fishing-boat Hamsa which sank 200 miles northwest of Benbecula on a night of frightful storm in March 2001.

That rescue became the door to investiture at Buckingham Palace; Chris and his three colleagues had been awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal. The autobiography of Chris Murray is well worth thoughtful reading, particularly by those who are themselves familiar with the hazards of the region where Chris and his team performed so many notable deeds.

ISBN: 9781905916658 PUB. FLEDGLING PRESS RRP: £11.99

Professor Gordon Herries Davies was born in England and he first visited the Long Island in 1952. He now resides in North Uist, but most of his life was spent in Ireland. He has been a Fellow and Fellow Emeritus of Trinity College, the University of Dublin, since 1967 and a Member of the Royal Irish Academy since 1979. His published works have mostly been devoted to geomorphology and to the history of Irish science. He was the first General Editor of the Dictionary of Irish Biography, and his most recent book (2007) was the bicentennial history of the Geological Society of London.

24

island news & ADVERTISER - June 2013 Issue 15

Benbecula Half Marathon,

Sport

Fun Run and Fast Track

Saturday June 1 Lionacleit 11am start Check www.islandnewsandadvertiser.co.uk for results

Grimsay Races Grimsay Run Day took place on Saturday May 18 in cold, gusty conditions.

A field of 22 runners turned out for what must be one of the most picturesque 10k road races in the country.

Alasdair MacDonald, 23, of North Uist Amateur Athletics Club came in a clear first with 40’20”. He said: “Grimsay is a bit longer than 10k, but at the 10k mark I think it was a Personal Best.”

Custom Prints UIST AND BARRA FOOTBALL LEAGUE Church Run winner. Alasdair Fraser.

10+ k Owen Vesey receives his medal from Nick Ingledew.

Next in was Neil MacPherson with 44.41, followed by Shona Morrison with 47.46.

Alastair MacDonald Neil MacPherson Shona Morrison

40.20 44.41 47.46

Road End Race Owen Vesey 21.37 Paul Morrison 22.28 Charlie Leveson Gower 22.40

Church Run Grimsay winners,left to right Alastair MacDonald, Neil MacPherson and Shona Morrison.

A clear lead. Alasdair MacDonald near the finish.

The three entrants in the Road End Race all beat the previous record of over 23 min by a good margin, with Owen Vesey coming in first with 21.37.

Boys Alasdair Fraser Stephen MacIsaac Rufus Carter Girls Mollaidh Nicholson

CO-OP CUP Andrew Morrison reports

CO CHOMUNN AN IOCHDAIR

CARNAN STORES

United had a very early start to their journey north, and it was the Uist team that started brighter, looking sharper all over the pitch, and they duly took the lead after just five minutes, with a goal from Andy MacQuarrie. A corner on the left resulted in a goal-mouth scramble,and a ricochet onto the bar, with the rebound duly LTD being dispatched by the commanding centre-half.

CARNAN, SOUTH UIST, WESTERN ISLES, HS8 5RH Phone: 01870 610205 Fax: 01870610216 Email: managercarnanstores@aol.com

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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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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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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

This was the late wake-up call Harris required and they were back on level terms inside five minutes, when left-midfielder Benn Esslemont beat the off-side trap, leaving him one-onone with the goal-keeper, and he showed the required composure to slot the ball home.

This should have provided the spark for the home team to build in confidence, something that has been lacking in recent weeks after a series of heavy defeats, but instead it was the visitors who reacted to being pegged back by mounting a series of attacks on the Harris goal, and they went ahead again when Gus Rich took advantage of some poor Harris defending to put United in front, much to the

North Uist Utd 4 Harris 1 Rally Park, Tarbert delight of Uist coach Chin MacDonald.

Harris were struggling at this point, their best effort coming from a free kick from Kyle MacLeod which went narrowly over, and shortly after this United extended their lead with another goal from Gus Rich.

Rich was allowed to turn too easily in the box and drilled a fine low shot into the corner.

Harris manager Iain “Mado” MacLeod’s half time words seemed to have the desired affect as Harris started the second half in much brighter fashion, and indeed the home team dominated the second 45 minutes and were unlucky on a number of occasions not to add top their solitary strike.

John Sutton did have the ball in the net after 70 minutes but he was correctly ruled off-side by the linesman.

Apart from that the closest Harris came to scoring was after a fine strike by Malcolm Campbell which the goalkeeper did well to block, and the follow-up was struck against the post, before being cleared from the goal-line by a despairing Uist boot.

Somewhat against the run of play United added to their total and made it 4-1 with barely five minutes to go, after the Harris goal-keeper Andy “Gress” Macleod came charging from his area to intercept a through pass. Instead, however, of clearing the danger, a poor second touch fell to Gus Rich who knocked the ball into the empty net from fully 20 yards.

The final score-line seemed somewhat harsh after a spirited second half display from the home team, but luck has not been a friend this season and the team still await their first win.

Southend take up title challenge Doods MacCorquodale reports Uist & Barra League Table 2013 P

W

D

L

PTS

Saints

6

5

0

1

15

Benbecula

6

3

2

1

11

Southend

5

3

1

0

10

Eriskay

6

2

1

3

7

Barra

5

1

0

4

3

North Uist

6

1

0

4

3

Southend have taken up the mantle of title challengers to Iochar Saints this season following a victory against the defending champions, Southend had gone into the final match of the first quarter of the season trailing the Iochar side by five points knowing that only a win would keep them in touch at the top of the table.

Iochar Saints will not believe how they trooped off the Liniclate pitch without so much as a point following a match that they had a large percentage of play but some superb Southend defending and unusually poor finishing from the Saints forwards kept the match alive.

In Andrew MacIsaac Southend have a striker who can find a goal out of nothing and when the chance came he showed Saints defenders his power by holding off two challenges before unleashing a thunderbolt past Ross Sutherland who could only watch his net bulge as the striker took the acclaim of his teammates and the three valuable points. Southend had also come from behind the previous week whilst losing 3-1 to Benbecula they managed to share the spoils with Alan “Polly” Steele netting a brace in a fine second half comeback.

Benbecula are in third place following their draw with Southend followed by a convincing win over a Barra side who played a huge part in their own downfall with what can only be described as woeful defending as Sean MacInnes helped himself to a hat trick for Benbecula in this match.

Another player to grab a hatrick was Angus “Gus” Rich who managed his against Eriskay for North Uist Utd as they picked up their first points in a 5-1 home victory. Youngster Andrew MacSween also continued to impress netting his second goal in only his second appearance for North Uist. Fraser “Kyles” Macdonald also found the net with Jonathan Campbell replying for Eriskay. The Islanders are struggling to recapture the form of last season and will look to their students returning soon to help their small squad.

Saints continue to lead the table by two points but will be reeling from the defeat against Southend but it could be the warning the need as they chase a third title in a row. As the League breaks up for a fortnight to allow teams to compete in the Highland Amateur Cup and the Co-op Cup it will be a welcome change for the sides as they take on the challenge of teams from Lewis and Harris.

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26

island news & ADVERTISER - June 2013 Issue 15

Paw Prints

Welcome to Paw Prints, where your animals get their chance to shine.

d frequent lay’s best friend an au ac M el az H is Maisie visitor to Uist.

Puppy love: Joker whispers sweet nothings in his friend The Ram’s ear. They live wit h Barbara Hunter in Berne ray.

Meet Neil the Ferret, one of the most unusual pets to feature on the Paw Prints page. Neil lives happily in Lochmaddy with his owner, 22-year-old Mickey Finnigan. Student Mickey first became interested in ferrets when, along with her mum, she discovered an abandoned ferret near Broxburn.

She said: “I was out walking with my mum and our dogs, and the dogs became agitated. “They were barking at a rabbit hole, and we found a discarded cage nearby. “We managed to capture the ferret, and asked around in the neighbourhood.

‘It turned out that a local woman knew about ferrets and was prepared to take in the one we found, so he went to a good home.”

This experience inspired a love of ferrets in Mickey, which prompted her to get Neil as a pet.

Neil eats a special blend of ferret food, and even has a little harness and leash so that he can safely go on walks with Mickey.

And in the ultimate pet pampering, he even has his own special ferret shampoo to keep his coat shiny and clean.

At the heart of the Community ●

Wide selection

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Local meat, fish, eggs and seasonal veg

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Fresh baking

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Fuel

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Friendly service Daily papers

lives with Rufus in Cockleshell Bay Berneray. He y.

Juliet Worboys and Ian Hoyle on Bernera

Meet Lilly and her friend Hannah MacDonald.

Lilly is one of the friendly horses at Uist Community Riding School in Benbecula.

Open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm

Telephone: 01876 510257 Bayhead, North Uist

Email your hi-res photos to pawprints @islandnewsandadvertiser.com with your name and address,your pet’s name and anything you’d like to say about them. Then look out for your photo on IN&A’s Paw Print page over the coming months!

June 2013 Issue 15 - island news & ADVERTISER

27

THE ADVERTISER YOUR NEW DIRECTORY OF LOCAL SERVICES To advertise in this new section please call 01876 510758 ads@islandnewsandadvertiser.com Accommodation An Taigh Fiodh, Grimsay Luxurious self-catering apartment www.grimsay.com Call Heather 01870 602943

Building and Roofing Contractors

Car Commercials Plant & Marine Repairs

New builds, Renovations, Roof specialists.

Archie Beaton Tel: 01871 890 374 Mob: 07788 263 080

Available for Hire 15 to 57 Seater Buses 6M Luton Vans.

HEBCO Howmore, Isle of South Uist Tel: 01870 620 345 Mob: 07900 806 638

Agricultural Contractor & Plant Hire Digger & Tractor Hire, Landscaping, Access Roads, Agricultural Sheds, Building Sand, Gravel, Concreting John Allan MacLellan Tel: 01876 510304 Mob: 07786 430989

Business Services

Cycle Shop

The Western Isles Occupational Health, Safety and Business Support Consultancy.

Sandwick Management Systems Call Donald on 07788 963497 Email: donald@sandwicksystems.co.uk

Cycle hire, sales, repairs.

Rothan Cycles Tel: 01870 620283 rothan@hebrides.net www.rothan.com

Western Isles Citizens Advice Service

Barra 01871 810608 Uist 01870 602421 Harris 01859 502431 Lewis 01851 705727

Money Advice 01870 603807 and 01851 700088

Graphic Designers Hebridean Graphics t: 01876 500469 / 07836 640524 www.hebrideangraphics.com

Grasscutters Island Grasscutting N. Uist - Berneray - Grimsay Call Tom: 0794 7910562

Hairdresser Shear Design Unisex salon Bayhead, North Uist Call Joanne 07825 741436

Insurance Services

Painter and Decorator

Sewing Services

Are you paying over the odds for your insurance?

Let us offer you a great deal on your personal and business insurance.

Call us now for a no obligation quotation Tel: 01870 60 22 22 email: info@macleodinsurance.co.uk Macleod Insurance Services

All types of decoration undertaken.

Ally MacKenzie Tel: 01870 602725 Mob: 07723013884

Dressmaking, Alterations Upholstery, Digital Embroidery The Sewing Studio Tel: 07767 838823

Painter/Decorator Skinners Decor Painting & Decorating DIY Shop Howden’s Kitchens Tel: 01870 602423

Photographic Printing & Graphic Design Licensed Tearoom and Shop Groceries, Gifts, Snacks Summer evening meals Ardmaree Stores The Lobster Pot, Berneray Tel: 01876 540288

Have 4 lines in the directory for as little as

Clothing, Workwear Canvas, Photo Restoration Balloons & Banners Custom Prints 01870 602515

MSP Western Isles Alasdair Allan MSP SNP 31 Bayhead, Stornoway, Lewis.

E: alasdair.allan.msp @scottish.parliament.uk T:01870 602287 (Uist & Barra) 01851 702272 (Lewis & Harris)

Sign Makers Signage - Vehicle livery - Labels Design - Manufacture - Install Hebridean Graphics t: 01876 500469 / 07836 640524 www.hebrideangraphics.com

£8.00

Be seen in the

ADVERTISER FLAT RATE

£2 per line, minimum three lines Taxis

Vegetables & Flowers

Prompt Reliable Service Sketch’s Taxis Tel: 01870 603427 Mob: 07909 637161

Bunait Beautiful bedding plants & vegetable seedlings Wednesdays from 12.00 Knockintorran Fridays from 17.00 Sollas Co-op Tel: 07746 117762

Taxis Training

Airport, ferry, school runs Staff runs & small contracts 24/7 service Menzies Private Hire Tel: 07833 357241 www.mph247.co.uk

Opportunities for Learning Cothrom Ltd Tel: 01878 700910 www.cothrom.net

Taxis

TV, Satellite & Broadband

Isle of Barra local taxi Tel: 01871 810012 Mobile: 07974 071255

TV aerials & satellite Satellite broadband Call Steve: 07967 086145

Vegetables & Flowers

Pregnancy Crisis Free confidential counselling W.I.Pregnancy Crisis Support Text or phone: 07901966101 Email: westernisles@ careconfidential.com

Weekly supply of Uist grown salad leaves, veg & herbs Bogsa Uibhist-Uist Veg Box Tel: 07720 634343

Have your business seen throughout the islands for as little as £66 PER YEAR. Flat rate £2 per line, minimum three lines, minimum eleven insertions. Call 01876 510758/ads@islandnewsandadvertiser.com to book your space.

JUNE REFUSE COLLECTION SCHEDULE FOR UISTS & BARRA Barra Refuse Collection – April 2013

REFUSE & RECYCLING COLLECTIONS IN HARRIS JUNE

Criochan, Brevig, Skallary, Leanish, Earsary, Bolnabodach, Bruernish, Northbay, Ardveenish, Ardmhor, Airport, Eoligarry

Tuesday 4 Apr, 18 Apr Residual Collection

UIST

Shops, Hotels, Hospital, Castlebay School, Vatersay, Heather Hill,Tangasdale, Borve Craigston, Allasdale, Cuithir, Grean, Cleat, Northbay Inn

Thursday 6 June, 20 June Residual Collection

East Gerinish, Rhughasinish, Lochcarnan, Iochdar, Ardnamonie, Ardivacher, Ardmore, Creagorry, Liniclate & school,Torlum, Hacklet, Uiskevagh, Petersport,West Camp, Balivanich, Locheport, Berneray, Clachan Sands,Vallique, Loch Portain, Cheesebay, Lochmaddy, Minish, Blashaval, Dunganichy.

Tuesdays 4/18 June Residual

Tuesdays 11/25 June - Residual

Criochan, Brevig, Skallary, Leanish, Earsary, Bolnabodach, Bruernish, Northbay, Ardveenish, Ardmhor, Airport, Eoligarry, Northbay Inn, Grean, Cleat, Cuithir, Allasdale

Monday 24 June, Paper/card 10 June Blue Bin

Smerclate, Garrynamonie, South Lochboisdale, South Boisdale, North Boisdale, Daliburgh Commercials and West of; Kilphedar, Strome, Eriskay, Glendale, Kilbride, Rangehead; Hacklet eastwards; Uiskevagh, Petersport,West Camp, Balivanich/Aird, Creagorry commercials, Liniclate commercials, Liniclate Muir, Uachdar, Dunganichy.

Stoneybridge,Locheynort,Daliburgh,Lochboisdale,Garryhellie,Askernish, Milton, Kildonan, Bornish, Howmore, Howbeg, Drimsdale, Stilligarry, Drimore, Gernish, Rangehead, Rhughasinish, Lochcarnan, Iochdar, Ardnamonie, Ardivacher, Ardmore, Creagorry, Liniclate & school,Torlum.

Glen, Garrygall, Ledaig, Castlebay Shops, Hotels, Hospital, Castlebay School, Horve, Kentangaval, Nask,Vatersay, Heatherhill,Tangasdale, Borve, Craigston

Tuesday 11 June Blue Bin 25 June Paper/card

Wednesday 5 June Blue Bin 19 June Paper/Card

Glen, Garrygall, Ledaig, Castlebay Shops, Hotels, Hospital, Castlebay School, Horve, Kentangaval, Nask,

Thursday 13 June, 27 June Residual Collection

Mondays 3 June Paper/Card 17 June Blue Bin

Stoneybridge, Locheynort, Dalibrugh, Lochboisdale, Garryhellie, Askernish, Milton, Kildonan, Bornish, Howmore, Howbeg, Drimsdale, Stilligarry, Drimore, Gernish, Rangehead, Liniclate commercials, Balivanich commercials.

Thursdays 6/20 June 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.

Mondays 24 June April Paper/Card 10 June Blue Bin 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, Nunton, Aird, Muir of Aird.

Wednesdays 26 June Paper/Card 12 June 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 13/27 June Residual Locheport, Berneray, Clachan Sands,Vallique, Lochportain, Cheesebay, Blashaval, Minish, Lochmaddy commercials, Bayhead, Claddach, Clachan, Carinish, Balivanich.

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Island News & Advertiser is published by Island News & Advertiser Ltd, Sandary Lodge, Isle of North Uist, HS6 5ED Printed by Cumbrian Newsprint, Newspaper House, Dalston Road, Carlisle CA2 5UA