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In this issue:Four page crofting special
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ANNIVERSARY - YOUR FREE PAPER IS ONE YEAR OLD
island news Edition 12
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CALMAC BOSSES DEFEND MV FINLAGGAN PERFORMANCE Public concerns about the performance of MV Finlaggan on the Uig-Lochmaddy - Tarbert triangle were played down by CalMac senior management at a public meeting in Lochmaddy. Chief Executive Martin Dorchester, Chief of Operations Brian Fulton and chairman David McGibbon attended the meeting at the invitation of North Uist Community Council. Mr Dorchester said that there had been challenges around Finlaggan, but he repeatedly defended the ship’s record since she took over the Minch triangle in December while MV Hebrides was deployed elsewhere as refit cover. He cited timetabling, intense weather pockets and berthing as a series of challenges, some unexpected, which faced Finlaggan. He said MV Clansman had been taken out of its usual role as refit cover ship during winter to give greater capacity to smaller islands which risked being cut off for up to a week in winter. Mr Dorchester said the timetable had proved challenging for Finlaggan, but was equally so for MV Hebrides. He said CalMac has received far more complaints about Hebrides than Finlaggan. Asked why Finlaggan did not sail on days perceived as calm, Mr Dorchester said it was always the captain’s call whether the ship sailed or not and CalMac backed all its Masters to the full on their decision.
March 2013
When asked about loss of time and money to businesses through Finlaggan’s unreliability, Mr Dorchester said there were a lot less complaints about Finlaggan compared to Hebrides. He said: “Finlaggan is better than Hebrides for freight reliability.” Mr Dorchester could give no assurances that MV Finlaggan will not serve the Uig triangle next winter. He said new ships coming into the fleet and the Ferries Plan would ultimately dictate how the fleet would be deployed in the future. Cllr Uisdean Robertson said: “It was a rather unexpected forceful defence of something that has been nowhere as good as the Hebrides performance.” Outer Hebrides Commerce Group coordinator Gail Robertson said: “Lorries are tightly packed and can’t open their doors fully. Yes, the Hebrides could be late sometimes, but this one is consistently late. The lateness and cancellations have been costing businesses money here, but I got the feeling with CalMac that we would never win the argument.” MV Hebrides will return to the Uig triangle for Easter and CalMac says it will consult the community on options for next winter.
Martin Dorchester,CEO CalMac
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island news Edition 01
March 2012
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Is the FREE MONTHLY NEWSPAPER OF THE HEBRIDES
INBRIEF
island news & ADVERTISER - March 2013 Issue 12
Caring children celebrate Unicef Day
Western Isles school children celebrated Unicef’s annual Day for Change on February 8 with a variety of fund-raising events. Sgoil Balivanich pupils paid £1 to wear their own clothes to school, and enjoyed an assembly led by P5 and 6 students. Marina Popova, P6, pictured, said:“This year’s theme was food and we learned how Unicef helps hungry children in Bangladesh.” Tiger Lily Almond, P6, pictured right, centre, said:“It makes us sad to see people who don’t have enough food.”
Dance performance in Uists Enso by Edinburgh-based La Nua is a site-sensitive dance performance inspired by haiku, Zen Calligraphy and gardens. It features Uist’s dancer-in-residence Rosalind Masson. Wednesday March 27, 7.30pm Balivanich school, Benbecula £5/£3 (conc) Under 18s free. Tickets at the door.
Booking for Askernish Open tees off early
NEWSDESK
01876 510758 editor@islandnews andadvertiser.com
The two 11-year-olds said they were proud to be part of a school which does so much fund-raising. “I will always try and help other people,” said Marina. Turn to page 7 to find out how Sgoil Balivanich pupils are helping Afghan children.
Early entries are invite d for this year’s Askernish Open Golf we ekend. The popular South Uist event is taking place on August 23, 24 and 25. Book early to ensure yo ur place. For more information on the tournament please visit the website www.askernishgolfclub .com or email info@askernishgolfclub .com
Hot to Trot Dust off the running shoes, it’s nearly time for the Benbecula 10k road race. The race takes place on March 16, and is the precursor to Benbecula Running Club’s popular HalfMarathon and Fun Run on June 1. The events start and finish at Sgoil Lionacleit, with more details to follow.
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Fashion show comes to Balivanich The Gaelic Arts Agency Pròiseact nan Ealan’s itinerant fashion show project Na Mo Chuid Aodaich is rounding off its travels in Balivanich Hall, Benbecula on Saturday March 23. Na Mo Chuid Aodaich is a celebration of the clothes and history of local communities, incorporating a catwalk show, drama and music. The show has been performed in Stornoway, Glasgow, Skye and Inverness. It is moulded to fit each community in which it takes place so the Benbecula show will feature a dramatisation of local history as scripted by the Uist
Drama Team (Sgioba Drama Uibhist) who are working with writer Morag Stewart of Grimsay, North Uist. An appeal for loans of vintage clothing for the project has yielded some beautiful and unique garments from the iconic fashion movements of the 20th century, says Pròiseact nan Ealan. All the money raised by donations to the project will be going to the local branch of the RNLI and to the Heart Failure Nurse Service (Western Isles).
AVAILABLE In 60 outlets from Tiree to Stornoway: also Oban,Inverness and Glasgow
r a d h c o I n i r i a f t f a r Arts & C er Uist Arts and Don’t miss the East r Hall. Crafts fair in Iochda , 11am- 3pm. 30 ch ar Saturday M - your chance to From jewellery to jam
tel: 01878 700320 264 Daliburgh, South Uist, HS8 5SS macleodmairi2@googlemail.com
YesScotland PUBLIC MEETING
Managing editor: Susy Macaulay
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-made pressies stock up with locally and treats. to book a table Call Norma after 6 on 01870603485.
History Society seeks military information for exhibition North Uist’s Comann Eachdraidh (CEUT) is appealing for information from family members of Uist men who fought in World War One across all the services, army, navy and Merchant Navy. CEUT is mounting an exhibition in 2014 focusing on the Cameron Highlanders and other regiments and services in the Great War. If you can help,please email christinerintoul50@gmail.com Tel:01876 500865
Dennis Canavan former Labour MP and Chairman of
Yes Scotland
Thursday 7th March 2013 at 7.30pm in the Oak Suite, Cabarfeidh Hotel, Stornoway
Friday 8th March 2013 at 7.00pm in the Lecture Theatre, Sgoil Lionacleit, Isle of Benbecula
Dennis will be explaining why he wants a fairer and independent Scotland
All Welcome
March 2013 Issue 12 - island news & ADVERTISER
Historic agreement paves way for Lochmaddy pontoon development An historic agreement between Uist’s Society of the Sea, Comann Na Mara (CNM) and the Crown Estate has paved the way for a proposed 26 berth floating pontoon development, with lighting and electricity,an eight space boat park, and 15 space car park in Lochmaddy. In a UK first, the Crown Estate signed a Local Management Agreement (LMA) with CNM, enabling other coastal communities to follow suit. LMAs were introduced by the Crown Estate in May last year in response to pressure from coastal communities to have a more direct role in the management of their foreshore and seabed. CNM and North Uist Estates will jointly manage the pontoon project. The agreement
was signed in Inverness, with CNM chairman Gus Macaulay, N Uist Estates’ factor George MacDonald and the Crown Estate’s head of corporate operations Roy Evans, Scotland portfolio manager Alan Laidlaw and chief executive Alison Nimmo, present. Ms Nimmo said: “This is exactly the sort of project which LMAs are designed to support. The agreement will unlock the potential for developments which aim to increase visitor numbers and grow marine leisure tourism in the West of Scotland. It should pave the way for more projects that deliver benefits to coastal communities and help us to improve how we work with communities in Scotland.” CNM chairman Gus Macaulay said: “CNM is the first in Britain to sign an LMA
Power upgrades smooth out surges Scottish and Southern Energy has been replacing the transformers across Uist and Barra with ones more suited to the west coast weather, at a cost of £170,000. The task is almost complete with a few remaining to be done in North Uist and Barra. SSE says new transformers are stronger and more resilient to surges. Also on North Uist and Barra, overhead lines have been refurbished at a cost of £87k. On Benbecula, 50km of line has been upgraded, and between Clachan and Polochar 100km of high voltage power line has been refurbished. Mitigation measures are being looked at in North Uist to deal with goose strike on the lines, a frequent cause of small outages. The work is part of a £1.8 investment in the Western Isles, including £100,000 to refurbish the overhead lines between Tarbert and Rodel.
l to r: Roy Evans, Crown Estate; George MacDonald, N Uist Estates; Gus Macaulay CNM; Alan Laidlaw, Crown Estate; Alison Nimmo CEO Crown Estate.
with the Crown Estate. As railways were the backbone of the British economy, I believe that marine tourism could deliver the same opportunities for the Western Isles. At the moment marine tourism is a sleeping giant.” A business plan will now be developed by CNM, North Uists Estates and the Crown Estate, based on feedback from the local communities, sailing tourism bodies, analysis of the available market, cash flow projections and a review of potential funders. Initial estimates indicate the cost of the project to be in the region of £400,000.
Comhairle/NHS stalemate over Benbecula - Stornoway air service cuts As IN&A goes to print, uncertainty and controversy still prevail over the proposed cuts to the BenbeculaStornoway air service. The proposal is to reduce the service to three flights a week on Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The issue is the last to be finalised in the Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar’s budget settlement 2013/14 on February 28. CnES subsidises every hospital flight by £43 each way. Councillors argue that if NHS paid the fare in full, the service could continue at five days a week. NHS Western Isles says subsidising air travel is not core NHS business, while CnES says it has no statutory obligation to subsidise travel. The original ring fence around Scottish Government money provided for travel has been removed. A spokeswoman for NHS WI said: “The Health Board has made perfectly clear to the Comhairle, both in writing and verbally at a recent meeting of the Health and Social Care Committee, that 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 and the position has not and will not change. To suggest that the Board should pay unsubsidised flight prices would effectively mean that the Health Board would indeed be subsidising these flights.” She added: “The Health Board will, where necessary, work to review clinic and theatre schedules, depending on the final decision taken by the Comhairle.” Cllr Uisdean Robertson said he was not optimistic of a resolution to the situation, nor for the Barra-Benbecula situation where the service has been cut completely to save £147,000. He said: “The new tender for the Barra-Benbecula route has come in at
£90,000 more than the last one.” He added that NHS Western Isles failure to support inter-island flights was at odds
with its policy to treat patients in Stornoway rather than sending them to Glasgow or Inverness.
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island news & ADVERTISER - March 2013 Issue 12
Balivanich Hall closed for works Balivanich Hall is to shut for eight weeks from the start of March for carpark and landscape works. In front, an area for 15 cars will be tarred. The entrance area will be paved, kerbs and paths built and landscaping carried out. Land at the back of the hall will be leveled for the marquee that the hall committee hope to buy and hire out. The works will be carried out by Macaulay Askernish, with funding for the £100k project from CnES and three charitable trusts. Meanwhile, committee member Donald Graham will devote his own time to repainting the hall and corridors. During the period the hall will open only for two family celebrations and the Uist Drama Group production on March 23 (see page 2)
Drs Macleod Memorial Fund bank account in place A bank account has been put in place for donations to raise a plaque to commemorate 70 years of dedicated service to their community by Drs Alexander, Julia and John Macleod of North Uist. The steering group thanks every individual and organisation which has donated so far. Drs Macleod Memorial Fund, sort code 80-22-60, account number 10936261.
Sgoil Lionacleit pupils perform at Rock Challenge for first time A team of 39 students from Sgoil Lionacleit travelled to Eden Court, Inverness to participate in Rock Challenge, an international Be Your Best Foundation performing arts competition encouraging young people to lead healthy lifestyles without the need for tobacco, alcohol or other drugs. Sgoil Lionacleit is the first Western Isles school to participate in the competition after Northern Constabulary Chief Constable George Graham lobbied for island participation in the UK challenge. The students, led by school assistant Jude Hunter, teacher Tracey Wright,
A rehearsal for Rock Challenge underway in Sgoil Lionacleit theatre.
dancer in residence Rosalind Masson and principal language teacher Lena Carter wrote, choreographed and designed an eight minute dance-drama ‘The Grass isn’t always Greener.’ They took four awards in the competition, pitted against 12 Highland
schools: concept originality; drama skills; entertainment; drugs awareness education. Mrs Carter said: “The students did really well. They were amazing, so committed and really into it, so much so that they did an impromptu flash dance outside the theatre.”
Countdown to RNLI fund-raising day Saturday March 23 Lochmaddy Hall, doors open 10.45am Auction, raffle, table-top stalls, refreshments and entertainment by local musicians, singers and dancers. Auction will start at around 11.15am. Lots include ● Return boat trip for 2 to St Kilda, courtesy of the Outdoor Centre, Lochmaddy; ● A two night break for 2 at a 4-star hotel in Aviemore, in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, thanks to Hilton Hotels; ● A day’s salmon and sea trout fishing for 2, inclusive of boat, courtesy of North Uist Estate;
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A specially-commissioned painting by local artist Rhodri Evans
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Leverburgh Lifeboat and the Coastguard helicopter will perform a life-saving exercise at the main pier, Lochmaddy between 2 and 3.30pm, if they are not called out.
Look out for detailed programmes soon in local shops and other establishments. All proceeds from the day to the Leverburgh Lifeboat Station Fund-Raising Branch. Further information from: Stella Evans on 01876 500306 or Barbara Jameson on 01876 500849.
is well underway on Uist’s new mill on Grimsay, writes Dana MacPhee. Once the building is complete and Uist Wool’s Work the machinery has been installed an open day will be held in late spring to allow the community to visit the into the whole production process from fleece to finished yarn. new mill - MillTheandnextgainphaseanofinsight the CALANAS programme,the Interim Training Placements,will start in mid April. This intensive six week course been developed to coincide with the arrival and installation of the spinning machinery. The purpose is to provide practical work construction hasexperience working alongside qualified mill engineers whilst they are setting up the machinery and getting the Mill prepared for the pilot production runs.A total of four placements are available. If you are interested in the course please contact Dana MacPhee on 01870 underway 602597 or email info@uistwool.co.uk for more details.
Volunteers sought for Uist Radio, especially with social media skills
An Radio begins its search for volunteers this month. A high priority initially is for someone,or several people to manage the station’s social media activities,maintaining and updating accounts with Facebook,Twitter,and MySpace. An Radio’s Station Manager,Kenny Macalister said:“There are many,many ways the people of Uist can become involved,and a burning desire to be on-air isn’t necessary,as there are various essential jobs that need to be done in the background,ranging from providing admin and computer skills to performing at fund-raising events.” Anyone interested in volunteering to help with An Radio’s social media activity,or in finding out more about the variety of ways to be involved with An Radio,should contact Amanda MacDonald at Volunteer Centre Western Isles: Email: uist@volunteeringwesternisles.co.uk Phone: 01870 602 604 www.anradio.co.uk
Next meeting Monday March 25 North Uist Community Council Taigh Sgire,Sollas 7.30pm
March 2013 Issue 12 - island news & ADVERTISER
Gemma praises island supporters Lochboisdale’s Gemma Steele made an emotional speech about her Kenyan orphanage and the people of Uist who support it at a cheque presentation by Uist Celtic Supporters club (UCSC). Gemma, 21, was presented with a cheque for £5188 by the club, money raised to help her put St Jerome’s Children’s Home, Nakuru back on its feet after two months ago armed robbers broke in, terrorised herself, the staff and children and stole everything they could. Gemma spoke of her warm acceptance by the Kenyans, and of their generosity and rich, vibrant culture, things they hold in common with Uist.
She thanked the Uist supporters who sponsor 16 out of the 20 children in the home. She said: “After Uist, Africa is the best place. It is only education that is holding the people back. With education, it will be Africans helping Africans, which is what they want and the way it should be.” Gemma also received a donation of £500 from Benbecula technology solutions company Voove. Funds raised by islanders and other donors now amount to more than £10,000 enabling Gemma to tighten security at the home, and to consider how best to spend the money for her children’s future. She will spend the next 11 months running her
Gemma receives the UCSC cheque from club chairman Steven Peteranna.
new dance school in the Gaelic school in Glasgow to continue to raise funds for St Jeromes. www.stjeromeshome.webs.com
Volunteers needed for archaeological excavation at Loch Paible An exploratory dig will start at Loch Paible, North Uist on March 9 for three weeks. Volunteers are sought to help out on the dig, funded by Heritage Lottery, the SCAPE Trust and CnES, and led by Tom Dawson of SCAPE with assistance from local group Access Archaeology. The site is under threat from coastal erosion, and has already yielded some intriguing finds. Last year, Fergus, Earl Granville found an ancient wooden bowl and a wooden paddle at the site, artefacts which are now in Stornoway for conservation. Everyone is welcome but advised to get in touch beforehand as the dig is dictated by the tide. Contact Tom at tcd@st-andrews.ac.uk or catherine.macleod@hotmail.co.uk
Sam’s on top of the World Uist soap is now available to travellers in World Duty Free at Heathrow and Sam Johnson of Outer Edinburgh airports, Hebrides Soap Shack. thanks to Grimsay business Outer Hebrides Soap Shack. Sam Johnson has been hand-making natural soap and skin care products from her home for the past four years. She started with a few products made in her kitchen and sold locally, and soon realised there was a growing market for her niche product with its Outer Hebrides branding. She started attending trade fairs three years ago, and her orders have subsequently spiralled, with her products going all over the UK, and to Japan, France, the Netherlands and the US.
She said: “At the first trade show I attended I came back with 35 orders, small and large and a lot of enquiries about exporting and things I’d never thought of. I was in a flat spin and on a steep learning curve trying to get orders out, keep my repeat customers and look for new markets, knowing that a lot of outlets only keep your products for a couple of years before moving on to something else.” Sam’s big breakthrough came last September when she was approached by a buyer from World Duty Free, initially for 100 bars of soap and 400 hand lotions for Christmas. Tough terms were negotiated, and Sam started production. Shortly afterwards the order was doubled, and Sam’s learning curve intensified.
Dolphin and whale watcher training in Harris about whales and dolphins within the Minch can sign up, come along, and receive expert training. Booking is essential as places are limited. Contact Kila Taylor by email shorewatch@whales.org or phone 01343 820 339. Find out more about the WDC Shorewatch Programme at www.whales.org/shorewatch Rodel, Harris has been designated a new Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) Shorewatch site. WDC is looking for volunteers (aged 18+) to get trained up to watch out for whales and dolphins off the Rodel coast in order to capture vital data crucial to the long term future of these creatures. Conducting a Shorewatch takes about 15 minutes and so can be done during a lunch break, while you are waiting to pick your child up from school, or even during a coastal walk with your dog. WDC is holding a Shorewatch training session in Harris on Monday March 11, at Leverburgh Village Hall between 10.30am and 4pm. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer to help record vital data
MARKET RESEARCH INTERVIEWERS Scotinform Ltd (www.scotinform.co.uk) is looking for interviewers to join its team to carry out face to face tourism interviews with visitors to North Uist and Benbecula. ●
Applicants should be reliable, self-motivated and have a good level of written and spoken English.
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Previous experience not necessary as applicants will receive full training.
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She said: “I had to learn about bar codes and specific packaging requirements, with a ten day turnaround in the run-up to Christmas. “But it was worth it as the feedback has been good and there are potentially 24 airports with World Duty-Free to supply.” Sam’s success also brings renewed headaches- should she ramp her business up in scale and take on staff? She said: “It’s crunch time. Expanding the business is not an easy step, as I would
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need bigger premises and there is nothing suitable here. Also the logistics of getting raw ingredients and finished products on the island are an expensive nightmare and make it difficult to compete with mainland producers.” Sam is one of the Hebrides’ 800 selfemployed women. Read more about Uist’s female entrepreneurs on p 14.
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island news & ADVERTISER - March 2013 Issue 12
Neighbours Schley completes St Kilda series Dutch artist Fred Schley shared a painting from his new series of St Kilda pieces with Island News & Advertiser. He writes: “A few years ago Taigh Chearsabhagh invited me to explore the Outer Hebrides in order to develop a personal view in painting. “To me it was essential to include St Kilda
because it was an almost lifelong wish to go there and because of its totally different and remarkable nature. “Thanks to Andy Mackinnon a daytrip to St Kilda was organised resulting in the first few
Tiree conference aims to close island’s history gap A conference in Tiree in May will take the first steps towards creating a new book on the island’s history. Tiree is one of few Hebridean islands without a full-length recent book on its history. The three day conference entitled The Secret Island is organised by Islands Book Trust and will bring together academics and locals with knowledge of Tiree’s history from 1600 to the present day to work towards a new book on the history
of ‘Tìr bàrr fo thuinn’ – the land below the waves. Speakers include John Holliday, Nicholas Maclean-Bristol, Donald William Stewart, Rob Dunbar, Margaret Mackay, Donald Meek, Ronald Black, Ian Boyd, Flora MacPhail, Donald Murray, Lesley Ferguson, Ailean Boyd and Iona Brown. More information from Alayne Barton on 01851 820946 alayne@theislandsbooktrust
Fred Schley: Boreray, oil on canvas.
paintings exhibited a year and a half later. “A revisit took place including sailing round the islands with skipper Angus Campbell, and finally a week long stay in 2011 in the Factor’s House was organised by
Coll possible location for mobile coverage pilot Coll is being considered as the location for a pilot scheme to bring 2G and 3G mobile coverage to the island. Coll currently has almost no mobile coverage, the nearest mast being on Tiree. Residents were invited to meet representatives from the Scottish Government’s Digital Strategy and Programmes team to hear about the proposed pilot, its scope and impact. Coll business development officer George McConnachie said: “We were
the National Trust for Scotland. “As I now have a more intimate understanding of the place I also feel more grip on the islands in a painterly way. This has resulted so far in a new series of eighteen small and big works.”
shown models of the masts and how they were small in size and low in visual impact. The feedback from the community was generally positive. In a way it has been good not having mobiles, but it’s become a necessity for businesses on the island.” The Scottish Government is looking at new lightweight, low power technology to bring 2 and 3G coverage to small remote communities in a cost-effective way. The system under consideration for Coll is by Altobridge, powered by wind, solar and battery. The signal can come via the internet or satellite. At the moment the project is looking for a mobile operator to partner in the trial.
March 2013 Issue 12 - island news & ADVERTISER
Passing of well-known North Uist banker, fisherman,sportsman and musician Friend and fellow fisherman Philip Harding pays tribute to Roy Burgess of Grimsay who died on February 5, aged 94 Born in the Bank House in Gairloch at the end of the First World War,Roy was one of three – he had an older sister Isobel and a younger brother Iain. Both Roy’s father and grandfather before him were bankers. His father died when Roy was only 12 and the family then moved to Findhorn where he continued his secondary education at Forres Academy. In March 1935 he followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, embarking on his life-long career in banking. Interestingly, it was not his chosen career. He wanted to be an engineer. He recounts how he was summoned to the school Rector’s office one day. He thought he knew what it was all about – Roy had loved primary school but had taken to truanting in secondary school, often foregoing school in favour of going to look for birds’ eggs. From the Rector’s office, he was dispatched to the Bank of Scotland and instructed to complete a written exam. It was all a great mystery to Roy, as there had been no discussion
at home of the matter. With unexpected haste, he therefore passed from school to the world of work, where he found himself earning £30 a year. Thereafter, he worked throughout the Highlands and Islands of Scotland – Perth, Stornoway, Elgin, Benbecula and Lochcarron. He saw a photo of Ann in the Nicholson family home at Gob a’ Rudha, Grimsay and he was so captivated by it that he decided she was the woman for him. Ann tells me that he finally hooked her at a sea pool - the finest catch of his life, I would suggest. Roy was an outdoor man throughout and a keen sportsman. He played golf from a very early age, his grandfather having founded the golf course in Gairloch before him. He played badminton and of course, he fished. His trips to Eaval and Loch an Tomain with John Kennedy, South Uist, have now long since passed into folklore. Some may not be aware that Roy possessed a particularly fine baritone
voice, indeed so fine that he laid claim to being a Mod winner – not the National Mod admittedly, but a Mod nevertheless - the Stornoway local Mod. He won 1st prize for Gaelic Learners. He enjoyed music. He was Treasurer of the Accordion and Fiddle Club and had a long association with it. If you picture Roy, you see that unique military bearing which he kept throughout his life, even into old age – “straight as a die,” both in the literal and also in the figurative sense. He was Regimental Sergeant Major in the 6th Seaforths and wore the Seaforth badge proudly on all his cars. Roy made an annual pilgrimage to his beloved birthplace Gairloch, 2012 being the only year he missed, and that through ill health. In a deeply revealing interview with a relative about his life, he recounted coming to the top of Glen Docharty on a borrowed motorbike and seeing Isle Maree. He wept for joy at his homecoming.
Alexander Roy M. Burgess 1918 - 2013
New Army Cadet Force detachment launches in West Lewis Located in Barvas, the detachment will serve the whole of the west side of Lewis, writes Dane Miller
Alex Maclver of West Lewis and Dave Lister of Benbecula ACF detachments.
Cadets and adult volunteers from Western Isles Company Army Cadet Force are preparing to celebrate the official opening of the West Lewis Detachment on Monday March 11. Previously there have been ACF detachments at Shawbost and Ness, however the new detachment will be located at Barvas which is easier to access by the young people of the West Lewis area. “It’s been four years since the detachment moved from Ness to Barvas community hall, which has proved to be a big success,” said Major Norman MacLeod, Commander of Western Isles Company. “Since moving to Barvas we now have more cadets from the Ness community than when we were based there. We are now in a central location and can serve the whole west side of Lewis from Ness to Callanish. In recognition of this the detachment is being named West Lewis Detachment.” The detachment accommodation includes an office and store funded by the Highland Reserves Forces and Cadets Association and the Brue and Barvas Community Centre committee.
The Instructors and Cadets of Western “While the move to the Barvas community Isles Company will celebrate the re-naming hall has been a success, I lost my office and of the detachment with an open evening the detachment stores. My office was a and demonstrations of typical activities at briefcase and a table in the kitchen,”said Barvas community hall, including Company Sergeant Major Alex John refreshments, on Monday 11 March from MacIver, who will lead the platoon. “I now 7.30 PM. All children, parents who would have a useable office and my detachment like to see what it is about, and any adults stores are to hand. I can now put more who are possibly interested in becoming effort into teaching the cadets rather than adult instructors are welcome to attend. moving stores. I thank the Barvas hall committee and HRFCA for their investment.” Lieutenant Jamie Miller of Stornoway added: “Anything that gives young folk a chance to do something constructive has got to be a good thing. Urgently need more adult Instructors Normally decent young people can head towards at locations throughout the Western Isles. trouble because they’ve Previous military experience is not essential got ‘nothing to do’. Here’s as full training will be provided. something that helps to After a probationary period you may become get them off the streets a uniformed instructor. and doing something for themselves and their Commitment needed: community.They can ● One evening per week. access a huge range of training activities, but ● Up to 6 weekends a year above all else their ● 2 weeks annual camp parents can be sure they’re safely developing For more information and to receive an information pack teamwork phone our Headquarters in Inverness - 01463 231829 communication skills, or Stornoway - 01851 702562. www.armycadets.com self-discipline and respect while they’re enjoying All applicants are subject to necessary disclosure checks. themselves.”
Western Isles Company of The Highlanders Army Cadet Force
Balivanich school sends warm clothes to Afghan children
Sgoil Balivanich pupils pack clothes for children in Afghanistan.
A plea from a Uist Army dad in Afghanistan sent Balivanich school pupils and their families rushing to provide warm clothes for suffering Afghan children. Steve Leslie of Locheport, North Uist is stationed at NATO HQ in Kabul, working as a J1 director of forces welfare, finance and infrastructure in Afghanistan. His daughter Evie, 7, is in P4 at Sgoil Balivanich. Mr Leslie heard that the refugee camps in the mountains behind NATO HQ were full of families from the warm south of the country fleeing insurgency and violence. Mr Leslie’s wife Jennifer said:“They were notified that children were dying every week because of the cold. Steve asked me if I could send out some of our daughter Evie’s outgrown clothes. I did that and wondered what more I could do to help. “I approached the school and an appeal went out in the newsletter. The response has been fantastic and generous.” More than 50 bags of clothes from fleeces, coats and jumpers to shoes and hats were turned into the school. Pupils have been devoting their “Active Fridays” to packing the goods meticulously into 2kg parcels for dispatch to the front, aided by members of staff and retired head teacher Alasdair MacGillivray. Eilidh Macaulay, P5, said:“I think it’s really nice to give because so many people don’t have what other people have.” Chloe Maxwell, P7 (pictured) said:“It’s good that someone’s thinking about them because not many people know how people over there are suffering like that.” Chloe Mackenzie, P4, said:“It’s cold and windy out there and this will make them warmer until it’s over.”
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island news & ADVERTISER - March 2013 Issue 12
Gàidhlig/Gaelic Gaidhlig/Gaelic Duais Dhomhnaill Meek 2013 Tha Comhairle nan Leabhraichean a’ sireadh thagraidhean bho sgrìobhadairean Gàidhlig airson farpais Duais Dhòmhnaill Meek 2013. Chaidh Duais Dhòmhnaill Meek a’ stèidheachadh ann an 2010 le taicairgid bho Bhòrd na Gàidhlig agus bho Alba Chruthachail le sùil gum misnich is gun cuidich i sgrìobhadairean Gàidhlig. Thuirt Rosemary Ward, Ceannard, Chomhairle nan Leabhraichean:
Tha Sinn a’ Tighinn!
“ ‘S e farpais bhliadhnail airson sgrìobhadh ùr Gàidhlig a bhrosnachadh a th’ ann an Duais Dhòmhnaill Meek agus tha sinn a’ sireadh thagraidhean bho measgachadh de sgrìobhadairean ùra agus stèidhichte. Tha sinn a’ lorg sgrìobhadh cruthachail sa Ghàidhlig – bàrdachd, sgeulachdan, nobhail no drama - a bhios aig meudachd leabhar no faisg air, nach deach fhoillseachadh fhathast. Gabhaidh sinn cuideachd ri obair
Uibhist ‘s Barraigh, cuireadh tighinn a bhruidhinn ris a’ chlas.Tha i air a bhith an-sàs ann bhon uair sin, i fhèin ‘s Frank ga theagasg eatorra. ‘S ann aig teaghlach Oighrig a bha Taigh-Òsta Phol a’ Charra aig aon àm. Chaidh Oighrig a Chanada ann an 1953 a dhèanamh beatha ùr dhi fhèin.
A h-uile Disathairne tha buidheann dìcheallach a’ tighinn còmhladh ann an rùm ann an eaglais ann an sgìre, Region of York, pìos beag a-mach à Toronto, Ontario, a dh’ionnsachadh mu chànan ‘s cultar nan Gàidheal.
Tha na ceangalaichean sòisealta a cheart cho cudthromach dhuinn ‘s a tha ag ionnsachadh a’ chànain. ‘ s toil leinn pàrtaidh.Tha sinn air a chur romhainn tighinn a dh’Uibhist fad seachdain am-bliadhna feuch am faigh sinn ar bogadh sa Ghàidhlig. Bidh sinn a’ fuireach ann an Loidse Ghròigearraidh le measgachadh de leasain ‘s cuairtean. Tha Eairdsidh Caimbeul dol a bhith gar teagasg ‘s tha e air a bhith a’ cur eòlas oirnn tro phuist-dealain feuch am faigh e an stòiridh againn ‘s tuairmse fhaighinn air an ìre a tha sinn air ruighinn sa Ghàidhlig.Tha mi air a bhith a’ cuideachadh Eairdsidh le bhith a’ cruinneachadh fiosrachaidh air gach neach-ionnsachaidh. ‘S ann à Eilean Bhòid a bha m’ athair, ‘s tha sinnsireachd Albannach aig cha mhòr a h-uile duine sa chlas. Tha sinn a’ faireachdainn gun deach rudeigin a bha gu math prìseil a chall, ach gu bheil sinn a’ dèanamh rudeigin mu dheidhinn a-nis . ‘S cinnteach nach eil e furasta cànan ionnsachadh mura bheil e timicheall ort, ach tha sinn a’ dèanamh ar dìcheall.Tha sinn a’ cleachdadh ‘Gaelic in Twelve Weeks’ sa chlas, ‘s tha seo fhèin ag adhbharachadh fealla-dhà. A bharrachd air na tha sinn a’ dèanamh sa chlas tha sinn a’ cruthachadh coimhearsnachd Gàidhlig, mar eisimpleir, bha stàile Ghàidhlig againn aig an Fhèis Cheilteach ann an Toronto an-uiridh.
Bha fear à Uibhist-a-Tuath, Iain MacIlleathainn a’ cumail clas san sgìre. Nuair a chaidh an clas ma sgaoil, chuir Frank Wilson, a bhuinneas do Ghlaschu, ‘s Karen Mitchell, romhpa gun cumadh iad an clas a’ dol. Fhuair Oighrig Keogh, aig a bheil buinntealas làidir le
Cumaibh sùil a-mach air ar son aig deireadh an Òg-mhios, ‘s bruidhinnibh rinn. Bidh sinn trang ach tha fios gum bi pàrtaidh no dhà ann cuideachd .
Mary Margaret Thorburn
Luchd-ionnsachaidh Gàidhlig à Ontario a’ tighinn a dh’ Uibhist as t-samhradh/Gaelic learners from Ontario coming to Uist in the summer.
rannsachaidh air cuspair a bhuineas dhan Ghàidhlig fhads nach deach fhoillseachadh ro ceann-latha an fharpais.” Gheibhear tuilleadh fiosrachaidh mu Duais Dhòmhnaill Meek bho Rosemary Ward, Ceannard, Chomhairle nan Leabhraichean no air an làrach-lìn www.gaelicbooks.org. Feumaidh tagraidhean a bhith a-staigh ro dheireadh an latha air Dihaoine 26 Giblean 2013.
WE’RE COMING! Mary Margaret Thorburn
Every Saturday, a devoted group of learners meets in a room in a church in the district, Region of York, just outside Toronto, Ontario. A North Uist man, John MacLean, used to hold a class in the district. When the class was disbanded, Frank Wilson, originally from Glasgow, and Karen Mitchell, decided to keep the class going. Oighrig Keogh, who has strong connections with Uist and Barra, was invited to come and talk to the class. She ‘s been with it ever since, and she and Frank share the teaching. At one time, Oighrig’s family owned Pollachar Inn. Oighrig went to Canada in 1953, to make a new life for herself. The social bonding is just as important to us as the learning of the language. We enjoy a party! We’ve decided to come to Uist for a week this year to immerse ourselves in Gaelic. We’ll be staying in Grogarry Lodge and there will be a combination of instruction and trips. Archie Campbell will be teaching us, and he’s been getting to know us by e-mail, to get our ‘story’ and to get some idea of where we’re at in our Gaelic learning. I’ve been helping Archie in gathering information on the participants. My father came from the Isle of Bute, and nearly everyone in the group has Scottish ancestry. We feel that something very precious has been lost, but that we’re doing something about it now. It’s not easy to learn a language when it isn’t spoken around you, but we’re doing our best. We use ‘Gaelic in Twelve Weeks’ in the class, and this is the cause of some mirth. As well as what we do in class, we’re creating a Gaelic community, for example, we had a stall at the Celtic Festival in Toronto last year. Keep an eye out for us at the end of June, and have a word with us. We’ll be busy, but we’ll have a party or two as well!
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
SAND-BLOW FENCING
FLUKE ALERT:
proves its worth in combatting coastal erosion pII
escalation of disease in islands pIII island news
CroftingSpecial & ADVERTISER
MARCH 2013
s p IV lt e rb e lt e sh r fo s e e tr e Fre
Council must support Southern Isles abattoirs, say producers The two slaughterhouses in Lochmaddy and Barra must wait until June to find out if the Comhairle will award them the annual subsidy that helps them stay in business. Lochmaddy abattoir.
Uncertainty over the future of Lochmaddy and Barra abattoirs has been compounded by the council’s declared intention to explore community or producerled options for island abattoirs. As Lochmaddy and Barra slaughterhouses are privately run, this idea has not been well received by their owners or customers. Producer Angus MacDonald of Kyles, North Uist runs a substantial herd of Highland cattle. He said: “The council can’t take over private businesses, and to start up new slaughterhouses would be prohibitively expensive. “We already have a service here which costs the council very little money. “For the future of crofting it’s essential that we have a working abattoir all year round in the Uists, which is the heartland of crofting. “They should close Stornoway slaughterhouse for longer and open ours all year round.” Lochmaddy abattoir owner John Morrison said he would never close the slaughterhouse after 47 years of providing a vital service to the islands. He said: “This is a quiet time of the year and the slaughterhouse is closed for all but private use. The council have not spoken to us since the end of last year. Ours is a
private enterprise so they can drop the idea of community models straightaway.” Archie Maclean who runs the slaughterhouse in Barra said: “We are open all year round, and we try the best we can but it’s not easy. All the electricity, rates, levies and other charges are up, so your income and expenditure don’t add up. “If the council can’t assist at all we may not be able to afford to keep going. We don’t need a community-led model here, the current model works fine. If we’re forced to close there will be a return to backdoor and barn killing, after the council is so strict on all the rules connected with abattoirs.” Continued overleaf
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island news & ADVERTISER
Continued from p I Councillors will decide in June if Lochmaddy and Barra abattoirs will be granted a 22-week licence from the end of the July and a total of £15,000 by the Comhairle to offset their costs. CnES Head of Economic Development Joe MacPhee said: “The Comhairle agreed to investigate producer or community-led options for the future sustainable provision of abattoir services at its meeting in June last year.
CroftingSpecial
“Abattoirs have faced significant problems across Scotland, small island abattoirs face even greater challenges and many have ceased trading over recent years. A sustainable operating alternative is emerging; a producer cooperative led model. Those models, or variations, are providing a service in Shetland, Orkney, Mull and Islay. Skye and Lochalsh producers through the SCF are currently carrying out a
feasibility study into options for a producer group or community operated facility in that area having been without an abattoir service for the last 20 years. “Officers from the Comhairle have had one meeting with producers and further meetings will be held with producers and other interested groups or organisations over the coming months to investigate fully producer
or community-led opportunities in line with developments in other island areas. Mr MacPhee added: “Due to this being a restricted sector, the Comhairle has limited options to intervene in privately run businesses, Comhairle officers will present a report on future options for support to this sector for members to consider in due course.”
Barra leads the way in combatting machair erosion Efforts to combat machair erosion in Barra & Vatersay using sand-blow fencing have proved their worth, according to local crofters. Over the past six years, fencing draped with disused salmon nets has been erected in badly eroded dunes in the two islands. Sand builds up around the fences, which rapidly disappear.
The resulting mini-dunes are then planted with maram grass, or the grass naturally recolonises over them. Result- a more stable shoreline resistant to the vagaries of the weather.
Marram grass is planted to stabilise the sand which has built up around the nets.
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Local development officer Gerard Macdonald said the scheme works best when combined with fencing the shore-front to keep cattle off. He said: “The sand-blow fencing has been well received, townships see the value and are willing to put in the effort where they might have been sceptical before.” In Vatersay, public access to the beach was controlled by creating three walkways, easing pressure on the dunes. The township worked on the project over winter, with people coming along to lend a hand whenever they could spare the time. Builder’s pallets were also used to build up sand-blow.
Participants sought for croft plastics disposal scheme The North Uist Agricultural Society has agreed to investigate setting up a scheme for collecting croft plastics in Uist – silage wrap, fertiliser and feed bags. Considerable quantities of plastics are generated on crofts each year and this has to be disposed off appropriately. Burning using a drum incinerator is a legal disposal route for certain non-hazardous wastes such as paper, cardboard or old clean wood but crofters must register an exemption with SEPA first. However, the burning of plastics on a croft holding is not permissible because of the associated environmental and health risks. The society will be trialing the collection of silage wrap with view to sending it to a plastic recycling company on the mainland. Crofters who are interested in participating should contact Anne MacLellan on 01876 510304 or Angie Ferguson 07796 032515 for further information.
Disused salmon nets are used to create the sand-blow fences.
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Uist Local Food Project COMMUNITY CONSULTATIONS Are you a farmer, crofter, vegetable grower, fisherman, fish farmer, retailer or home baker? Are you thinking of starting a local food business? Sustainable Uist is inviting ideas from anyone involved in local food production for a project to transform the amount of food reared, grown or processed on the islands and for sale to local residents, businesses or visitors.
Please come along and put your ideas forward to the project.
March 21 Carinish Hall 7.30pm March 22 Stoneybridge Hall 7.30pm Bidh fàilte air a h-uile duine
island news & ADVERTISER
CroftingSpecial
III
Vigilance and prompt action needed to ward off escalation of fluke cases in sheep and lambs An escalation in cases of fluke in sheep in the islands over November and December have been attributed to record rainfall and warmer temperatures, writes John Vipond, SAC sheep specialist. Despite farmers having used products last autumn that kill immature fluke and dosed accurately to the correct liveweight, with correctly stored and up to date product, some have had continuing problems, possibly due to reinfection after dosing. They will need to consider more frequent dosing. Over the past two years some flocks that routinely dosed in mid - October and late January started to lose sheep in December/early January. Deaths occurring from two or more weeks post-treatment can be due to high levels of re-infection. This indicates the need for an extra dose. Alternatively sheep can be housed after dosing to prevent reinfection.
There is still time before lambing to protect sheep against fluke but the recent events indicate how great diligence is needed, as there is not a simple blueprint for success. Regular monitoring of ewe condition and veterinary input is needed. Post mortems are essential in deciding actions to take in severe outbreaks. Fluke will sometimes mean ewes are weaker and when asked to walk smartly uphill will not want to face the task and try to break past the dogs, experienced shepherds will spot this. Severe liver damage can result in sheep being off -feed and reluctant to come to troughs so be alert to any unusual behaviour as sheep come up to lambing. Anyone lambing ewes with
infection will find they do not perform to maximum affecting lamb growth prior to birth and ewe milking ability. Anything done to reduce stress in general is valuable: Remove sheep from stressful situations, e.g. muddy areas, avoid long handling periods. ● Reduce stress for newly housed sheep by introducing feeds used outside first. ● Avoid excessive starch intake which predisposes to acidosis e.g. replace 30% of cereal in home mixes with sugar beet pulp in late pregnancy when feeding levels are above 0.6kg/day. ● Make diet changes slowly. ●
Avoid unbalanced diets that require the ewe to excrete excess protein in late pregnancy when the liver is working extra hard. Feed beet pulp and cereals with high protein silage rather than high protein feeds such as pot ale syrup/dark grains. It is fine to use high protein sources such as soya or protected soya in the last three weeks. ● Make arrangements now so that affected ewes can be treated separately getting access to the best forages and more trough space Try to get to the bottom of reasons for the problem this year so you can plan better for next year, tackling wet areas on farms to remove snail habitats over the summer can reduce problems. ●
Advertisement Feature
Solicitors’ mobile office service returns to the Isles on 20 and 21 March 2013 – This time with their Crofting & Wills Roadshow
Chris Wallace
Following the success of Macleod & MacCallum’s Mobile Office service in North Uist, Benbecula and South Uist last November, specialist Crofting solicitor David Findlay and specialist Wills and Power of Attorney solicitor Chris Wallace will return to the Isles on 20 and 21 March 2013. This time they are bringing the Mac & Mac Roadshow 2013 with them.
The Roadshow will cover a range of topics relating to Crofts, Wills, Common Grazings and Powers of Attorney and will concentrate on the importance of making provisions in a Will when your estate includes crofting interests.
David and Chris will present a series of talks at An Caladh, Balivanich between 12.30pm and 2pm on Thursday 21 March 2013. Appointments to discuss your legal business in private will be available at An Caladh on the same day and the Mobile Office service will also be operating on both the Wednesday and the Thursday. Senior Partner Graham Watson explains:“Macleod & MacCallum’s Rural Land solicitors have travelled extensively across the Highlands and Islands in previous years with our Roadshow, keeping crofting clients fully up to date with changes in the law. In recent years, they have been joined by Chris Wallace, head of our Private Client Department. Chris specialises in Wills and Trusts.” David Findlay adds:“The Mac & Mac Roadshow 2013 will have
something for everyone – whatever stage of life you might be at. Whether you are new to crofting and seeking guidance on putting a Will in place to protect your crofting interests, or whether you are considering retirement and passing the croft onto the next generation. Whatever your plans, myself and Chris will be on hand to provide advice.”
David Findlay
Macleod & MacCallum have been looking after clients in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland for over 50 years and during this time have developed a full range of Legal, Estate Agency and Financial services, enabling them to respond quickly and efficiently to clients’ needs.
To book your place at the Roadshow on 21 March 2013 please email roadshow2013@macandmac.co.uk, or call Fiona Cameron on 01463 239393. To arrange to see either Chris, or David either in your home on 20 or 21 March 2013, or at An Caladh on 21 March 2013, please call David Findlay or Fiona Cameron. For further information about the full range of services the firm is able to offer, visit www. macandmac.co.uk,
IV
Apply now for free trees to create shelterbelts Lochboisdale Amenity Trust have more trees to distribute this spring. As a follow up to the tree planting project last spring, Oxfam Unwrapped have awarded LAT £40,000 for the purchase of trees for planting in the Southern Isles. The species of trees available have been particularly selected as suitable for planting shelterbelts. The trees are available to crofters and residents interested in making a long-term investment in creating shelter for stock on their land. The land to be planted must be suitably fenced. The first allocation of trees will be available week commencing 11th March and the second around 8th April. If you are interested in taking up this offer of free trees please contact the secretary on 01878 700275 or email lochboisdaleamenity@gmail.com. Meanwhile, The Woodland Trust Scotland are giving advice on planting trees. Their local officer will be on South Uist in March and an informal meeting will be held in Talla Chidhe on 12th March at 7.30pm to discuss tree planting.
island news & ADVERTISER
CroftingSpecial
Path clear for Pairc crofters to purchase their land Martin Minton of Inksters solicitors unravels the legal ramifications of the Court of Session ruling The long-running battle of the crofters of Pairc to purchase their croft land from the landlord looks closer to reaching a conclusion following a recent judgement from the Court of Session in Edinburgh. Landlord Barry Lomas tried to prevent the buy-out by claiming that his rights under the European
Convention of Human Rights had been infringed: that his right to enjoyment of his property was violated, and the procedure by which the crofting community and Scottish Ministers decide on whether the sale should proceed was flawed, denying him a right to be heard. Further to this, he argued that because
THIS YEAR’S AGRICULTURAL SHOWS Tiree South Uist & Benbecula South Harris
Friday July 19 Saturday July 20 Tuesday July 30
Coll
Thursday August 1
Black Isle
Thursday August 1
North Uist
Wednesday August 7
Islay, Jura & Colonsay show
Sunday August 11
North Uist sheepdog trials Berneray machair Monday July 15
of these violations, the legislation was therefore outwith the powers of the Scottish Parliament under the terms of the Scotland Act 1998. In response, the Court found that there was adequate scrutiny of the application by the Ministers, and sufficient opportunity for the landlord to put forward his views as part of an extensive decision making process. Within the breadth of criteria to be considered, there is a public interest and sustainable development requirement, which Counsel acting for Mr Lomas argued was ‘not law’, being too vague to have legal force. This was also rejected. The Court found there was sufficient weight given to Mr Lomas’ rights balanced with the public and community interest in the sale going ahead. Furthermore, the ballot procedure used by the crofting community to vote on whether to proceed with the purchase was said to have complied with the regulatory framework, and to expect further procedural safeguards in these circumstances was ‘unrealistic and disproportionate’. Providing Mr Lomas does not take his challenge to a higher court, the decision would appear to leave the path clear for the crofters of Pairc to complete the purchase. It may also deter future attempts by landlords who are anti-sale from mounting similar legal challenges. Ten years on from the introduction of Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 that enabled such a buy-out, it remains to be seen whether further crofting communities will now attempt to take control of the land they work on as a result of this decision.
March 2013 Issue 12 - island news & ADVERTISER
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE - ABSOLUTE SOLAR AND WIND LTD
Local business invests in solar energy to guarantee bright future A UIST businessman has tackled the soaring rise of energy bills by installing the latest high-tech solar panel technology across his property portfolio. Rory MacGillivray, 48, has invested in nine 4kw systems on residential and business properties throughout Uist, Stornoway and Inverness. The married dad owns MacGillivrays, which has showrooms in Benbecula and Stornoway as well as a gift shop, and has been trading for more than 70 years. However, with no end in sight to the continuing rise in electricity bills Rory turned to renewable energy to ensure his company stays competitive. He said: “We had been looking at a range of alternative methods. Like any business, we are always looking at reducing costs, especially in the current financial climate, and we also wanted to do what we could to reduce our carbon footprint. “We looked at wind turbines and other air source systems and initially we had a few different companies explain what systems would work for us. Then a spanner was put in the works when planning permission for wind turbines was stopped by the MOD, so at that point we were on the back foot. “Another previous problem was that I didn’t want to be given two inches of paperwork on energy performance sheets to read and have masses of red tape to go through, I just don’t have the time. Unfortunately, despite assurances, that’s exactly what I got from the others so it never moved forward.”
Rory believes he’d still be thinking about energy saving options if Cailean MacDonald from Absolute Solar and Wind hadn’t approached him last year about using solar energy to combat the rising bills. Rory said: “We didn’t really look at solar that much until Cailean came round and spoke to us about the systems. He impressed me, told me how it would work, how much it would cost, what it would do, gave and explained believable examples of savings against costs. He assured me it would take very little time to install, and I have to say that everything he said he would do, he did”. The nine systems were installed in October and Rory has been impressed with the results so far. He said: “It seems to be generating what was estimated to us. The panels are most certainly being tested by the elements - everyone knows the type of weather we are used to - but I haven’t seen them move once which is great. “For our residential properties it’s has been an attractive incentive. With energy costs continually rising, investing in solar on our properties has helped our tenants reduce their combined rent and energy costs, and that saving can only increase every time energy costs increase. I don’t think solar really gets the notice or credit it deserves”. The panels have caused quite a stir amongst business customers as well. Rory said: “A lot of people have asked about it and anyone who is looking to install solar panels is more than welcome to come and look at our system and then make-up their own mind.”
Rory is also thrilled that Absolute Solar and Wind has an employee based on the island. He said: “A locally based contact is key, and Cailean is a great asset to Absolute Solar and Wind. He listens to his customers and does a very good professional job. “I believe Cailean is exactly the type of young man our island communities want for a bright future - he’s young, has a family, wants to live in the islands and is prepared to work hard to achieve a comfortable living. “He’s exactly the type of person we should be supporting through work. If the opportunity arises again for us, I will certainly use Cailean and Absolute.” Caliean, 24, was born and raised on Uist and has been working with Absolute Solar and Wind for the last 18 months. He said: “At Absolute every customer is different and no project is the same. We were keen to ensure Rory received the information he needed to make the right decision for him and his business. “He made it very clear that he didn’t have time to read pages and pages of information and we took that on board. “We explained to him that the difference with wind turbines and solar energy is that the panels are low maintenance and don’t require the owner to do anything. If Rory has an issue he knows just to contact us and I can arrange for it to be fixed. “This was a big investment for a local business but we are thrilled that he is so pleased with the final product.”
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island news & ADVERTISER - March 2013 Issue 12
Small businesses a the most importan re one of t d ers of the Western Isles ecoriv nomy, and new figures
People Uist’s Women of Substance show that women are now taking the entrepreneurial lead on the islands.
There are some 800 self-employed women in the Outer Hebrides,8.9% of the local population.That’s almost twice as many as elsewhere in Scotland,and well above the UK figure of 5.7% (ONS population survey 2011/12). Although many women start up in business with no formal help at all,one intriguing statistic is that in the past six months 64% of Business Gateway-assisted start-ups on the islands have been for female-led enterprises, where two years ago,men and women entrepreneurs were level-pegging.
For many women being self-employed offers the chance of turning a passion into a life-style business. IN&A talked to three North Uist lady-preneurs.
CHERYL NICHOLSON, Seamstress After 20 years in the civil service working for the MoD and Child Support Agency from Northumberland to Cornwall,Cheryl Nicholson, 40, came to Uist eight years ago to seek tranquility and a good place to bring up her son. She worked for a while in the Bank of Scotland in Lochmaddy and Balivanich, and also for the Department of Agriculture, but the work didn’t really scratch her creative itch.
She has always had a talent for sewing,
JOANNE MACDOUGALL, Hairdresser Hairdressing was something which came naturally to Joanne MacDougall. Born and bred in Tigharry, Joanne, 24, loves her home and is determined to make her life on the islands. She is also fiercely independent, and wanted a career which would enable her to achieve her goals, one of which is building her own house on North Uist. Educated at Paible and Lionacleit schools, Joanne headed to Stornoway to train in hairdressing at Lews Castle College. She said: “I loved every minute of it.The course was really good, and I’m still in touch with the teachers.” She went on to work at M&M Design in Macaulay Road, spending just over three years in Stornoway.
originally taught by her mother and going on to excel at school. Eventually she took the plunge and invested £4,000 in equipment to set herself up in business. When space in North Uist Development Company’s building in Bayhead became available for rent, she jumped at the chance and set up her sewing studio there in December. Now she has a full order book and waiting list
for alterations, curtains, upholstery and intricate machine embroidery work. She makes Harris Tweed items which fly off Ebay, and has recently started making Highland Dance waistcoats. For Cheryl, her business is about turning her passion into a profitable enterprise which she can fit around the needs of her two young children. She said: “Being self-employed has allowed my hidden talents to emerge. I love producing good quality pieces of work, and could do it 24/7.” Cheryl’s contact details can be found in the new IN&A local services directory on page 19
She said: “I enjoyed it, but I was homesick.” Joanna came home and set up a mobile hairdressing business. During two years, she built up a base of more than 50 regular customers. A chance conversation alerted Joanne to a room for rent in the North Uist Development Company building in Bayhead, and she acted immediately to take it on last November. She spent £4,000 turning the space into her unisex salon, Shear Design. Her mobile customers have moved with her, and word of mouth means her client base is growing. She said: “It’s good to be set up now with all my equipment in one place. I still do mobile work in places like the hospital and care home
once a month.” Joanne hopes to take on a trainee in future to pass on her skills and business sense. She said: “When I wake up in the mornings, I look forward to my work. I’m proud of what I have achieved, and keep pushing myself to do something better each day.” Joanne’s contact details can be found in the new IN&A local services directory on page 19.
CHERYL TAYLOR, Reflexologist A love of bird-watching and walking brought Cheryl Taylor and her husband Robert to Grimsay to‘retire’last August-but Cheryl’s love of people refused to retire. She’s back doing what she loves besthands-on therapy to make people feel better. Cheryl (nee Butler) ran her own school of
reflexology for almost three decades. Born in India, she came to England at the age of 16, and began her career in the tumult of the City. Working in computers, her job took her jet-setting all over the world. After a couple of decades at full tilt, Cheryl, 62, decided something wasn’t right about her lifestyle. She said: “I went back to my roots. In India massage is part of everyone’s life from babyhood, and I realised I needed to get back into that place of security and wellbeing, and extend it to others.” She trained in reflexology in BY THE ISLAND DANCE CREW Eastbourne College, Sussex, and also got her certificate of education to enable her to teach. Between 1990 and 2008, she ran the Cheryl Butler School of Reflexology in Brighton. She also discovered another passion - fund-raising. Friday The school raised thousands for medical charities over the years by 15th March attending marathons and races, and offering massage by donation to 7pm til late participants. At 62, Cheryl thought she really ought to retire, and with husband Robert also of retiring age, the Adults £5, OAPs & Children £2 couple decided to come to Uist.
St. Patricks Day Irish Dance Display
Dark Island Hotel
But Cheryl’s fingers began to itch, and the couple converted space in their home at Blackpoint, Grimsay as a therapy room. Coming through Glasgow airport recently, Cheryl spotted a therapist giving On-Site Massage (OSM) to travellers. She said: “Massage is so good for dealing with tension and stress, I thought it was such a good idea, so I spoke to Roddy MacKay at Benbecula Airport, and he agreed to let me have a space to offer OSM on Mondays and Fridays in the airport.” Cheryl tucks her portable massage chair behind a screen and gives a 20 minute upper torso massage - full clothed of course- to passengers and workers in the surrounding offices. John Craib, 45, pictured above with Cheryl, is a watchman with Highland Fire and Rescue. He decided to give OSM a go. He said: “I was sore from doing a lot of manual work round the croft, I’d been fencing. I feel relaxed now, I’d definitely recommend it.”
March 2013 Issue 12 - island news & ADVERTISER
15
Sport U&BJFC: Flying high after Irish success.
Uist & Barra Junior Football Club keenly anticipates new season Iain MacDonald has been club coach for more than 20 years.
Saturday afternoon football training in Lionacleit school has an extra buzz about it as the season approaches. The squad of 12 to 17 year olds are still riding high on the success of the club last year when the U17s reached the finals of the 2012 Umbro Galway Cup. This year the event is in Dublin in the first week of August, and excitement about the competition bubbles just below the surface at training. The boys have not achieved their success without committed effort and determination. Between 35 and 45 lads turn up for training each week, including around a third of the boys at Lionacleit school. Since 2005, the club has been open to Barra, and a squad of lads comes over regularly for Saturday training. Benbecula Senior team manager Iain MacDonald has been running football coaching for juniors in the Southern Isles for the past 20 years. He said: “There’s not much to do here for lads of their age. It gives them a chance to show off their skills and make a name for themselves. There are a lot of kids with potential here, but not as much opportunity for them as on the mainland. “For some, the bus gets in at 10.30 in the morning, and they use their time doing different things until training starts at 2pm.”
The club enjoys considerable interisland success. Mr MacDonald said: “We play against Lewis and Harris, and we haven’t lost a match in four years. “Travelling off-island is more difficult and very expensive and we do a lot of fund-raising for that, from bag-packing to dances. “Recently 13 year old Dominic MacAulay has been scouted by Inverness Caley, but any travels made by him and his dad were self-funded. Andrew MacIsaac from South Uist was taken on by Ross County but came home due to homesickness, and Robbie Macvie from Benbecula has had trials with Inverness Caley.” Ex-under 17 team captain Alasdair MacDonald of Eriskay, 17, is now too old to play for the club, but continues to turn up at training to show support. He said: “I played for the club for three years. It was a great experience of playing in different parts of the world including Holland and Ireland, where there were a lot of professional teams in the tournament. Being captain helped me in terms of leadership and teamwork.” Scott MacKay, 16, pictured, of Balivanich
also played in Ireland. He said: “It was a great experience, we didn’t expect to get to the finals as we had nothing to compare ourselves with here. The club is not just about football but making new friends and bonding.” Micheal Steele, 16, of South Lochboisdale travels to Lionacleit to practice his pipes on Saturday morning, and train with the club in the afternoon. He said: “I have been with the club for three years. It’s good making new friends and we’re really looking forward to Ireland again.” Meanwhile, the club’s efforts to ramp up winter training have met with frustration. They have been refused requests to the council to train at the new all-weather pitch at Sgoil Balivanich. Mr MacDonald said: “We have to train indoors in winter to allow the grass pitches to rest. There is a brand new allweather pitch at Balivanich school, and we would dearly love to use it. The Comhairle says it’s not cost-effective and they cannot pay for a janitor, but we would pay for the janitor ourselves. The kids are desperate to play outside on a good surface instead of being cramped in the hall all winter. We are making another approach to them to try and sort this out.”
1st MALE
and with cancer affecting so many families here, it seemed right to raise funds for MacMillan and other cancer charities. We want to make it an annual event, perhaps next year going from Daliburgh to Lochboisdale, and then maybe moving it around the islands.” The event was marshalled by the local coastguards, and Tagsa Uibhist transported competitors from registration at St Peter’s Hall to the start of the race in Lochboisdale.
Southern Isles Emergency Select are to face Lewis and Harris police next month in a football match in aid of RNLI Barra Lifeboats.The match, at Lionacleit football pitch on April 13, will be followed by a dance and buffet in the Dark Island Hotel. The match will feature players from all the emergency services in Uist and Barra. Emergency service vehicles will also be on display throughout, and at half time, the trophy will arrive in style- descending from the sky courtesy of the coastguard helicopter. Event organiser PC Cameron Ross of Stornoway police said he was confident that the match will be well-attended. He said: “There has been lots of interest and a very positive reaction particularly on Facebook. Both sides will want to win this cup especially when bragging rights are at stake.” Kick-off is at 3pm with half time entertainments and refreshments. Entry is free with donations invited. The match is sponsored by Macaulay Askernish, with Island News & Advertiser proud to sponsor Man of the Match. The evening buffet and dance features rock/ alternative band Pandejo, and DJ Carl Easton. This event is ticket only, with all proceeds to Barra Lifeboats. Tickets (£15 for buffet and dance, and £5 for dance only) are on sale at Maclennans Supermarket Balivanich, Balivanich Post Office, MacGillvrays Balivanich, Co-op Creagorry, Lochboisdale Internet Café, Co-op Castlebay, A C Maclean Newsagent Castlebay, Balivanich Police Station, Castlebay Police Station and Stornoway Police Station.
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CARNAN STORES
1st Uist 5k Cancer Challenge W I N N E R S attracts strong turnout A field of 46 runners turned out for the 1st Uist Cancer Challenge, a 5k fund-raising road race from Macaulay Askernish,Lochboisdale to St Peter’s Hall, Daliburgh. The event was instigated by Scott Hamilton of South Uist and Eriskay Amateur Athletics Club with the support of NHS Western Isles Health Promotion and Jog Scotland. Mr Hamilton said: “I wanted to organise something to encourage people to get fit after Christmas,
Emergency services fund-raising football match and dance in Benbecula
Angus Campbell 18’20
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island news & ADVERTISER - March 2013 Issue 12
Music
Benbecula students participate in Music for Youth
Live Music Now:Interactive concerts across Uist and Barra
Students from LCC Benbecula are heading to Inverness on March 9 to participate in the Highland Regional Festival of Music for Youth (MFY) at Culloden Academy. MFY is a national music education charity providing free access to performance and audience opportunities for young musicians across the UK. Successful groups will be selected to go through to the semi-finals in Perth Concert Hall in June. The top groups from the country will then perform in the Royal Albert Hall in London in November. Last year the band Room 5 made up of music students from LCC Benbecula made it through to the Royal Albert Hall.
Tue 5 March 11am Craigard Day Centre, Lochmaddy 2pm Trionaid Care Home, Carinish 3.30pm Balivanich Hospital, Benbecula
Musicians Ewan Robertson and Megan Henderson from the band Braebach will be performing in venues across Uist along with BA Applied Music students from Lews Castle College UHI: Caitlin MacNeill (voice and guitar), Christian Gamauf (pipes), Lea MacLeod (pipes and whistle), Ailsa Hosie (fiddle). They will perform for audiences who do not have regular access to live music. BA course leader Anna Wendy Stevenson said: “Live Music Now is recognised Europe-wide for their excellence in provision, training and high quality musicianship. This is a great opportunity for our LCC BA students to hone their skills before going a tour of primary schools in Bournemouth in May.”
www.mfy.org.uk and facebook/LCC Benbecula Music Wed 6 March 9am Iochdar Primary School
Open workshops with Angus Nicolson Trio
Cothrom Og Sacred Heart Care home, Daliburgh
11am 2pm
The Angus Nicolson Trio (pictured) are in residence at LCC Benbecula on March 13 and 14. Intermediate and advanced musicians are invited to join workshops with them in whistle, pipes, bhòdhran. Contact anna.stevenson@uhi.ac.uk This programme of workshops forms part of Hebridean Tunes, a wider week of activity for pipers, fiddlers, whistlers, guitarists and bodhran players organised by HNC music student and accordionist Jildou Friso. www.hebridean=tunes.com/ facebook Hebridean Tunes Fèis fund-raising ceilidh Friday March 8 Carinish Hall 7pm Fèis children and LCC Benbecula students get together to raise funds for the Fèisean.
Thu 7 March 10.30am Cobhair Bharraigh Day Centre, Barra 2pm St Brendan’s care home, Barra Fri 8 March 11am Balivanich Primary, Benbecula
In this is s Four pa ue:ge crofting special ANNIVERSAR Y- Y
IN&A is one year old! e8 See Pag
sweeps Benbecula
future Uncertain agement e man for goos scheme
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on Page 6
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it is. Wh struggle as fuel prices. lose in high
from stomach ulcer bug
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and picnic area. The pontoons funders are viewing exclusively be reserved for not Detailed discussions with that they fully serviced will underway for a 26 berth Lochmaddy. visiting crafts as we also hope for users. pontoon development will be utilised by local will not Comann Na “The fruition of this project Uist’s Society of the Sea, the plans for the only benefit Lochmaddy but the island Mara has been working on stakeholders as a whole as we fully expect not only past 18 months with relevant Crown Estate, visiting yachts but a programmed including North Uist Estate, We are now at SNH. season of cruise ships. CnES Harbour Master, and Macaulay said: the stage where we are actively talking CNM chairman Gus reasons in the to funders and hope that some of the “For obvious beneficial to start at able be pontoons may work preliminary leisure and tourism sector, talked about. Lochmaddy have been long into Comann this year.” show that Scottish Enterprise figures “The concept fell naturally plan expenditure is nightly visiting boat na Mara’s three year development ago we adopted around £130, with sail tourism worth and so some 18 months our agenda. What close to £40million on Scotland’s West the project and put it on project plans that Coast. Continued on Page 3 you see are the outline seated a park and include a boat yard, car
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Harris Nurse leads Paralympics care
inside: YOUR 8 PAGE
PULL-OUT GU IDE
pontoons.
Hopes for boost in sail tourism as pontoons extended in Eriskay, Leverburgh pontoons are out to tender, and Lochboisdale marina tenders next month.
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NEW: Pull-out art supplement from Taigh Chearsabhagh
What next?
The tough trading conditions that led to the collapse of major local employer UBC with the loss of 90 island force other local employers jobs could to revise the way they maintain staff levels and could end up costing even more jobs,according to Rory MacGillivray of MacGillivray Floor Furnishings, Benbecula. Mr MacGillivray fulfilled contracts all over Scotland for UBC for 20 now lost an undisclosed amountyears, and has of money as a result of the collapse. His soon to begin work for UBC company was House care home in Tarbert,on the Harris work in St Kilda, plus other ongoing contracts, all worth in excess of £50,000. He said: “Our own losses are nothing compared to what the islands UBC was the biggest flagship have lost. ever to have come out of Uist and they have lot of credit for their loyalty to be given a towards island
THESE ISLANDS ARE FOR SAIL! BENBECULA
SOUTH UIST
EDUCATION CENTRAL
and Sgoil Lionacleit students star in orchestral concert
companies and what they have achieved over the past 40 years.
them, because they know full well on families and the community the impact if they don’t. “UBC were loyal to their staff and always tried to do that. But with climate now, local businesses the economic will be forced to consider whether they can risk keeping extra people on, firstly in the hope the council will have a spend, or more work will come in, and secondly, that they will get a share of that work. Recent contract awards certainly haven’t been to the benefit of Rory MacGillivray island communities. At a time when more construction money than ever come into the Outer Hebrides, before has “The difference is that we have more local trade persons than mainland companies price ever before sitting at home unemployed. jobs with minimal staff, and when the job something wrong when There is clearly ends, so does the employment, that is happening.” whereas Mr MacGillivray added: island businesses have always “I feel that UBC people in ongoing employmenttried to keep and other island companies were let down even when badly by the people they don’t have quite who structured these enough work for tenders. Continued on Page 3
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Island businesses have always tried to keep people in ongoing employment even when they don’t have quite enough work for them.
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Eriskay Shop
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VALUE FO R MONEY
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Rescuing Bear from streets of Corfu
Inside: Time Out
es to enjoy Take time out over the festiviti by ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ six page special featuring work our s. From page 15 Chris tmas writers and photographer island ❄ ❄ Marke ts ❄❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄
IN&A wishes you
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a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Gwen Hardie skin pain
48 years at island ma rts Page
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ings Pull-out art from Taigh supplement Chearsabha gh Page
Peter May
launches new book in Lochm addy
island ne ws 13
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island newFREsisland news island newsFRE island news island newFREEsisland newAUsNISDTHREARLLOIES TO HELP GEMMA RPHAN E E OSSROADS See Page 10
to what’s on this month
Edition 06 August 2012
See Pages 8 and 9
Edition 07
Short breaks close to home
Crofting Refor m
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The Hebrides Range West Camp.
Stòras Uibhist The turbines, destined for es 34m. blade. Each blade measur 100m to the tip of the highest has But that is not all Ms Campbell extendable They are using a 35m of the had to worry about. brought rear wheel steering to The combined weight A 500 tonne crane is being 460 tonnes, trailer with to the site, and Enercon E70 turbines is MV Clansman via at 52 transport the components test run with in aboard for the construction of which includes three engines have already carried out a to Lochboisdale tonnes apiece. turbine blade (pictured) has a dummy bends, and the the turbines. crane A specialist ship, BBC Hollum, into check the road width and Ms Campbell said: “The parts the way to turbines 3m, and strength of the bridges all been chartered to bring the requires a road width of harbour just under. Loch Carnan. Lochmaddy after Loch Carnan of the Lochcarnan road are to accept Some works have had widened proved too small for the task. to This section is being can which undertaken cranes be two to length.” has The vessel the crane along the entire 120 tonnes. It to the accommodate the loads, lift a combined weight of Once the turbines are delivered be up the ferry MV will with this part of the is roughly the same size as site, it is expected that they month or the ferry operation masterminded Hebrides, and will occupy in three weeks, with a further internal moving out by Stòras Uibhist’s to carry out the moorings over several days, required so 20 Campbell. It will take development manager Kirsty to make way for the ferry. with cabling and commissioning. full load. are set Ms Campbell said: “We workeda few movements to discharge the tested to Meanwhile the three turbines out be the roads department to sort travelling to take on their own personalities. Lochmaddy pier had to be to take the is running a competition issues. The lorry will see if it is strong enough advantage of Stòras Uibhist A test hole of take to each name components. to Balivanich the of through children weight and the pier the double track roads so we’ve had to for local was bored into the concrete, junction them. the estate Creagorry straighten passed muster. Ms Campbell said: “All bell mouth at passes into be invited to temporarily, and create a On dry land, the operation area primary schools will Collett. and to the turn off on the the care of specialist hauliers, suggest names for the turbines, on the used Lochcarnan road. design a logo which will be in our “Two signposts near sign for the site and looking be Clachan and Carinish will will We communications. holidays be removed to allow the for entries by the October ceremony widest load past. All ready for an official naming Test run of the year.” these things are temporary and switch on later in the dummy turbine and will be reinstated.” blade.
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(Scotland)
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Significant MOD Kilda investment in Uists and St
Hard-pressed island families and businesses continue to endure eye-watering fuel prices now revealed as the third most expensive in the world. In August, pump prices on the Uists and Harris were around £1.51 per litre and £1.55 per litre for diesel. for unleaded, retailers, these prices reflect According to discount, so the true prices the 5p island unleaded, and £1.60 for diesel. are £1.56 for The Norwegians pay £1.70, the Turks £1.59. In mainland Britain, last month’s around £1.32. (source Bloombergprices were Gas Price Ranking, August 2012). The AA has warned of a 6p a this month, and in the New litre rise to come Year the Chancellor is planning further rises of up these predictions come about, to 7p a litre. If unleaded could reach £1.64 within months. Harris garage proprietor Roddy MacAskill of
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HARRIS ERISKAY
200 local jobs secure for now
inappropriate in the 1950s and are totally particularly busy Yemen] climate. They are slowly decaying. Hebrides Range has been for the and its future looks planned for a new for the past two years Urgent work is being remaining years of but has not yet started. However more secure for the 16 agreement, infrastructure, £1million is currently being spent its current management approximately to the slipway.” according to a QinetiQ spokesman. on repairing storm damage while the skills to High Velocity The manager said that from the Missile firings including Visual Range new equipment were different Missiles eg BVRAAM (Beyond missile camps operate and staff will need to be trained, he did Rapier old ones on the range Air to Air Missile) and with RAF and Royal not expect the manpower numbers The range have kept the Range busy away from the Army to change substantially in future. Navy clients, in a move 200 people. currently employs around training of former years. graduates and four told a recent He added that two more this year. A senior manager from QinetiQTask Force in apprentices were being recruited surrounding Range area’ meeting of the Hebrides He said that the ‘danger and former defence Benbecula that the MOD is the biggest in Britain, another their Range Hebrides confirmed had minister Peter Luff a good long-term future. in future, and that factor in its prospect for Camp facilities commitment to the range The maintenance of West A nucleus of range equipment was added. considerable investment in presents a challenge, he but occupancy can underway. in a new about 10 staff reside there, He said a multi million investment during camps. and a trials control shoot up to 500 lot of money to microwave link, telemetry He said: “It will cost a Uists and St Kilda, a lot to system was underway on the buildings and equally cost to be undertaken for maintain the however the and other work will need take any of them down, no decision has is needed and the buildings. on St Kilda accommodation He said: “The current buildingsfor Aden [now been made yet.” are believed to have been destined
Ardhasaig said his business was experiencing a noticeable reigning in of fuel spending by his customers. He said: “It could reach a point where it is uneconomic for people to work, like in England where I hear people are giving up their jobs because of transport costs. We sales like coal and groceriesdepend on other to keep our business going, if it was just the fuel we would have given up long ago.” Stephen Macaulay of Macaulay Askernish said people were continuing normal at his Lochboisdale to buy fuel as filling station, but that the prices were hurting everyone’s businesses. He said: “Over the past year our haulage costs have doubled, if you take into ferry fare increase. The bottomaccount the 50% line is that those increases are passed on to the consumer.” Continued on Page 3
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& ADVERTISER ANDS AT THE CR ISLES TO BENEFIT FROM OBISL AN AIR ROUTES INITIATIVE
The MOD buildings on St
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Norway and Turkey.
Act 2010: Every tenant or within a specifie owner-occupier must live distance agreed d distance of their croft:32 on or with Crofting km or Commission Commission or have They must consent to be absent. actively use their land.
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deliver three huge into action this month to wind turbines to South Uist. e ’s Loch Carnan site, measur
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Britain comes in 1Oth. Uist
Moves by the Crofting Commis absentee crofters have receivedsion against a qualified welcome in the southern isles.
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Edition 09
UIST AND HARRIS THIRD MOST CROFTING COMMISSION CALLS EXPENSIVE EPLA ISM CE TO BUY PETROL - IN THE WOR IN RB TU N IO AT LD OPTIM ER TIME ON ABSENTEE CRO OP FTEARSmassive logistical operation swings OVER FUTURE
The Commission agreed last to terminate the tenancies month reasonable proposals for the future of crofters, four of whom of seven their croft. are in the Mr Maclennan said: “If these Western Isles and to are not progress a acceptable, with a vague or long further five long-standing involving absent tenants, cases timescale, the proposal to terminate will four of proceed and could which are in the Western take up to a year. It’s Isles. not just a wake-up call, the crofter must The Commission says it is take action.” determined to see crofters After the termination order and owneroccupiers comply with their is issued the legal duty croft is declared vacant to occupy and maintain with no young folk their crofts. It tenant, and the onus is on who would like a croft, and the landlord to the Commission has focused so far on cases where submit a suitable tenant crofters have been absent to the can to smooth must do everything it from their Commission for approval. the way for them to come crofts for more than 10 years. in.” The number of crofts affected Stòras Uibhist chief executive Huw Western Isles is significant. in the Francis said: “We are keen We are keen that that crofts The Commission currently has are used and the community 57 cases listed is for notices of proposal to anything the Commission active, so terminate the crofts are used and the can do to tenancy, of which 31 are encourage occupancy and in the islands; use is to be community is active, so and 252 cases listed for supported. It’s a pity it has review in the taken future, 101 of which are in Empty crofts make common so long. the islands. anything the Commission grazing harder to manage andand hill Isles Crofting Commission negative impact on neighbouring have a representative Murdo MacLennan can do to encourage crofts. said “The last croft that came the terminations were a positive available step for occupancy had 35 expressions of interest, here communities, freeing up and use is to demand crofts for so the active use. is there.” be supported. But one Uist crofter who He said: “These tenants are not Huw not to give his name said: preferred resident, and there are no Francis, Stòras Uibhist “They can’t indications give security of tenure on that they will be resident so one the take it away with the other. hand and Commission has no option.” Crofting My left his croft years ago brother North Uist councillor Neil Mr MacLennan said to seek Beaton employment there is said he was and now I work it. People opportunity and time at every in favour of the stage that have of to Commission terminating leave, have to leave for good the procedure for absentee the tenancies tenants to of long-term regularise their position absentee crofters, with the reason. Nobody should have anything by writing to provision that the vacant crofts were taken away from them against their will. the Commission, asking for consent to given to If they left things alone they young people with families. be absent and offering the would find Commission He said: that people die and the crofts “There must be a queue become of available anyway.”
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T TRAVELPULL-OU Coll, Canna, Tiree
The Southern Isles stand to benefit marketing drive by Oban Airport from a new to seek
additional routes to the Inner and Outer Hebrides. Taigh Chearsabhagh is looking for Trustees
The spokeswoman said new routes like Benbecula-Oban and Oban – Glasgow would be considered if they were commercially viable without subsidy. She said: “The council would welcome discussions with any operator that wished to investigate new commercially viable air service routes. It is one of the key priorities of the marketing strategy.” Southern Isles businesses said Oban route had the potentiala Benbeculato develop Oban Airport is run by Argyll & Bute tourism and expand business links with Council, and currently Oban. provides the and Service Obligation Public Huw looking to strengthen (PSO) Uibhist Francis, chief executive of Stòras scheduled Taigh Chearsabhagh Trust is services to Coll, Colonsay said: “Any additional links people enthusiastic and and to the skilled Tiree, along with commercial islands would be welcomed. flights to For businesses diversify its voluntary board with Islay and Mull. with accountants and solicitors for the future. in Oban for to help us build our organisation example a quick hop over The airport’s new marketing by plane would be strategy seeks preferable of your CV with covering a copyto bring together all the bodies to seven To register your interest,please send has been a respected operating ferry, and it could and a half hours on the like to be involved in the wouldPSOs Since 1995, Taigh Chearsabhagh letter in which you explain why you on the west coast of work for Oban businesses Museum in Lochmaddy in Scotland, too, enabling and thriving Art Gallery & including Western Isles Council, them to open offices in work of Taigh Chearsabhagh to: museum and Foundation to enhance Southern Isles. the North Uist. It is an accredited those services; and It would all depend Entwisle-Baker also Judith on price Organisation of Creative Scotland. additional commercial routes to develop and ticket flexibility. An onward Chair, Taigh Chearsabhagh Trust, flight to which could Edinburgh willing applicants to our board, so from Oban could be more Arts Centre, Benbecula-Oban. andinclude We are looking to create a pool of Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum useful than one to Glasgow as 2013 can be filled. Passenger numbers at Oban it would cut out an that vacancies from our AGM in January Airport grew extra couple Lochmaddy, North Uist, HS6 5AA by more than 30% in the of hours travelling time.” from those with a strong interest past year. but application does not guarantee We welcome expressions of interest Hotelier Allan Graham of All applications will be acknowledged, An Argyll join &to Bute Orasay council spokeswoman Uist and are particularly looking for does not guarantee an invitation in the Creative and Heritage sectors, inclusion on the list, which in turn said the idea of Oban as Inn, South said: “We are keen to explore a hub to the who can bring experience in one or any mutual Inner Hebrides the board. enthusiastic and skilled individuals benefits st 2012 that could suited 1 him be December personally as he achieved from a more has Closing Date for Applications: more of the following fields: family in Islay. collaborative approach www.taigh-chearsabhagh.org between Western Law He said: “It could benefit Fundraising Isles Council, Hitrans and Charity SC022145 Business management inter-island Taigh Chearsabhagh is Registered Transport tourism, it would Scotland including aligning be worth a trial.” Human Resources timetables so North Uist estate factor George that PSO air services qualification) MacDonald are viewed as a said: Finance (ideally with an accounting “Flights to and from Oban network rather than individual if quick and pockets of cheap enough Marketing and Public Engagement services.” could attract Uists who would otherwise people in the Health and Safety go to Stornoway.” ●
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Festive season unfolds under
cloud of uncertainty
of RET on island “The selective removal Siar services: and validates the fears Comhairle Nan Eilean transport simply illustrates – not just for education, training, from the very beginning Community transport, flights, arts, I raised other route where libraries, social care, inter-islandwhere will the Western Isles but for every museums, tourism, infrastructureRET may be applied.” list of potential areas Plan: axe finally fall on the long currently absorbing Scottish Government Ferries a Lochboisdaleto cut? CnEs officials are to decide there be a commitment to feedback from public consultationsto probable. Will local businesses want? as service ferry possible Mallaig said: “It is which cuts will go from in January ahead of CnES leader Angus Campbell of South More public consultations for the economic well-being there are essential February. in decisions final Hebrides that Uist and the wider Outer the Ferries Plan for a explicit commitments in RET for commercial vehicles:on the impact of service. Indeed it is Mallaig Lochboisdale report moves to a trial Will the independent draft vehicles find in essential that the Government opportunity in 2013.” RET removal for commercial want it reinstated? service at the very earliest who by the end of this favour of local campaigners this month. Plan due for publication Draft report due to be released Neil Kay of year. Business economist Prof “ I have consistently Strathclyde University said: High Speed Broadband: pound fares here as crucial HIE and BT sign a multi-million argued the case for low ferry healthy island Will Next Generation to maintaining and developing agreement to bring fibre-optic to the islands? economies and societies. RET Pilot was Broadband spokeswoman said: “We are still “I also warned that the so-called An HIE its objectives, because contract. While this is doomed to fail to achieve discussing the detail of a thought, good would make long-run slightly longer than we had no sensible person or firm into the Western taking feel that it is worth location or investment decisions be temporarily progress is being made. We to get the project could Isles on the basis of what taking the time at this stage to begin on the pilot. work for RET low prices as in that right. We are on track Updates are posted be seen and believed “The fares would have to ground next year as planned. The permanently low in in at www.hie.co.uk/digital. to be intended to be kept and give on our website be found in PDF form at the update can order to influence expectations major location latest sign by end of left of the page.” Due to everyone confidence in making involving island bottom and investment decisions this year. transport costs.
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THE FREE MONTHLY NEWSPAPER OF THE HEBRIDES HEBRIDES NEWSPAPER OF THE THE FREE MONTHLY
all those groups and future holds, IN&A congratulates to protect and As we wait to see what the tirelessly over the past year the society we individuals who have campaigned can we create Only by pulling together promote island interests. our children’s children. want for our children, and
PLEASE NOTE
IDE PULL-OUT GU
Edition 05 July 2012
HARRIS
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E V E RY T for the hoHmING e
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inside: YOUR 8 PAGE to what’s on this month
ERISKAY
To compete with the ongoing trend of tenders being won by mainland companies, island businesses will reluctantly have to look at trimming overhead costs as in staff, warns leading Uist businessman.
March 201 3
Martin Dorc hester,CE O CalMac
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UBC COLLAPSE: ISLES BUSINESS ES FACE HARD CHOICES
ISLES CHAIN Proposed site for the Lochmaddy
Chief of cutive Martin Dor Operations che chairman Brian Fult ster, When the meetinDavid McGibbon on and money asked about loss to of Uist Com g at the invitation attended unreliabili businesses through time and munity Cou of North Finlaggan’s ty, Mr Dor ncil. were a Mr Dorche lot less chester said there June 2012 Finlaggan challenges ster said that ther compared complaints about e to Hebride He said: repeatedly around Finlaggan, had been s. “Fi nlaggan since she defended the ship but he Hebrides for is better took over frei ’s than ght reco reliability.” rd Mr Dor the Minch December. chester triangle in assu could rances He cited timetabling serve the that MV Finlaggangive no pockets , inte Uig nse weather and ber thin wil He said new triangle next winter. l not challenges g as a seri , ships com some une es of and the faced Fin ing xpected, lagg which dictate Ferries Plan wou into the fleet He said MVan. ld ulti how Clansman in the futu the fleet would be mately out of its had been re. deployed usu taken Cllr during win al role as refit cover ship rath Uisdean Roberts smaller islater to give greater on said: “It er unexpe cap cted nds was a acity which risk something forc off for up ed being to that has bee eful defence of to a week as cut n nowhere the Hebride in winter. Mr Dorche Outer Heb s performance.” as good proved cha ster said the tim ride etab was equally llenging for Finlagg le had ordinator Gai s Commerce Gro l CalMac has so for MV Hebride an, but are tightly pac Robertson said: up co“Lo about Heb received far more s. He said doors fully. ked and can’t ope rries Yes com ride n Asked why s than Finlaggan. plaints late sometim , the Hebrides cou their es, but ld be con days perceiv Finlaggan did not sail on can sistently late. The this one is said it was ed as calm, Mr cell late atio nes ns Dorchester bus s and always whether inesses mo have been the ship the captain’s call feel cos ney ting here, but CalMac bac sailed or ing with Cal I got the ked not Ma c all and win that its on their dec the argumen we would Masters to ision. never the full t.” It’s an illw student con ind- CalMac take s on board cerns, pag e3
island news Edition 04
LOCHMADDY YOUNGS CHMADDY IN AIRLIFT DRAMA TER PONTOONS FORELO UTHERN SO Brave Declan LET WILL COMP now recovering ‘‘
T NORTH UIS
May 2012
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Declan with Henry, the Lochmaddy lad Declan lucky MacLellan was mascot given to him by the air ambulance crew. flown to Yorkhill hospital, Glasgow last month by emergency air challenges to cope with, ambulance to but grew into a treat a mystery illness highly active, busy child which taking part in him gradually more exhausted,had left athletics, cross-country and in pain football. do and losing weight over Jackie said: “At first I months. when if we thought he was come a point just tired. I knew there the wrong The MacLellan family, left will e Despite going feeling to was something right, Katlyn, 13 mum Jackie, “Ther it’s ss, so ill, the brave 11 year Declan and dad DC. wrong but couldn’t put and find close the busine old had never taken a my finger on it. to are sums day off school or for the Then he started coming complained about his condition. haulie we will have monopoly home from school finds a first he way “At create and going straight to bed The doctor said your son He said: then within a week going up When his illness suddenly at 5pm. He also and that would main carrier.” , became acute is very ill. She thought it started losing MacLennan ning with a bright red rash, weight and had burning extra moneyn. The fares are still back the one remai MacLennan of past might distraught him the be leukemia. pains mum pay millio in his stomach.” Jackie MacLellan. Jackie, 47, took Declan £2.5 Harris says Kenny means we’ll to the doctors’ Grosebay Declan is now feeling better surgery in Lochmaddy. 50%, whichn anyway.” and back at Removals, have been very quiet. s says he school, , things are s but “I taking was £2.5 millio onald of Uist Parcelskill, and maths She allowed it easy month was told the news every for to six “It’s simple ive. If the fuel price parent watch the landing. sit beside the pilot and with less energy to take part the moment Jackie said: “The doctors John MacD bills to Mr MacA close to dreads. s He said: in We flew at 400 mph said this bug is r feels more expens T prices perhap He said: “I’m getting better, sports. almost unheard of in with a tail faces simila days when he than later. She said: “The doctor said going to get I feel about children in this seven your son is very was happy wind, it only took 20 minutes. I country. some a bus and down to pre-RE out of 10 now.” there are all in sooner rather business in ill. She thought it might be It’s also very resistant, so also run mercy of to be in hospital, the doctors goes back leukemia.” we will the Jackie said: “I’m worried survive. We have to wait for more were really nice.” packing it onald started his years ago. By that evening the doctor rises in about where he we could ny where we are at tests ible cost had ordered pass the costs whether it has been successfullyto find out got the bug from. I’ve asked environmental Mr MacD local demand 17 and now Once in Yorkhill, the air ambulance from Stornoway, faces imposs coach compaand we will have to paying- the future of to MacAskill and by through nine hours Declan immediately went health to investigate it. ned for the up Declan continued his treatmenttreated.” Transit van in Norman e business. response 10.30pm, mother and son I would urge all of tests overnight, and was fuel prices, nald is concer er will end ody.” at home, parents to be were in Yorkhill kept re Farm, He started with one three vans, a depot his haulag MacDo custom ss. taking Drimo John a in on The hospital. of few days off school for hospital for four days er e busine tonne lorry, the first symptoms if their the look out for these ers of staff. his haulag 6m rule to is taxing everyb hing on. MacAskill, feed and fertilis snatched what rest she could while Jackie time ever. children are getting more Declan said: “I was a Norman in has an18 and seven memb y for his staff nce, somet government ennan said the new business beside him. bit crofters supplies hay, in insura and more As a The doctors ruled out Inverness the responsibilit didn’t know what was wrong scared as I Mr MacL risks taking South Uist mainland to Uist e. economic per month now leukemia, and Declan premature baby, born at 26 weeks, complaining tired, losing weight and with me. The diagnosed escalated.” company has bring vans into RET He says going, but the e servic of stomach pains.” ny. originally had a few helicobacter pylori, a bug from the for plane was a bit late so we had to his ing along’ which has al compa of a lifelin Advertiser that health which wait in causes stomach keeps him keeping him ‘scrap grow the else MacDonald said to protect his from his remov more viable now own the hospital, and then nothing short ulcers in adults. News & is Mr we were taken by “It’s will rise to in and get their Declan was immediately prices down ambulance to the plane. He told Island bill last year period of challenge able to invest He said: van and put on a dose of held its for years. than 0 ferry A spokesman from Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar said:“Helicobacter is a relatively average on Page 3 to hire a strong antibiotics. be the during the following rather ss. ers his £32,00 £50 for the rising people Continued this year RET it will h of custom common infection and there is no known related public health issue.” The We charge busine t the £48,000 enoug ‘If we lose away as He said: “ we were to reflec per pallet. stuff.” tional relief. More information about h.pylori can be found on www.helico.com He said: haulage firms. It’s gain from if £80 RET transi for hauliers is taken rise to pallet, but more than will of many is. Whatever we be end to would year, if RET the ferry bill as it costs it for him prices. a struggle impossible threatened, in high fuel than £1,000 making it RET we losehave to pay more £85,000, year old “We also his 26 he will continue. se skill said Mr MacA ss will fold, becau family busine
mainland go to the struggle his son will retire and living rather than include a odds- which to seek nce.
say t impossible of fuel and insura set hauliers if fuel agains ting price transitional relief Two Uist businesses e the escala bed the Brown last He descri ort minister Keith 50% for closing theirprices don’t com at out by transp g ferry tariff rises and ferry us.’ month cappin to pacify was no down. rs as ‘a con he said there
First for isles
See Page 8
Edition 12
Public conc er of MV Finlag ns about the perform an gan on the - Tarbert tri Uig-Lochm ce an ad CalMac se gle were played dow dy nior n by meeting in management at a public Lochmaddy Chief Exe .
YOUR 8 PAGE PULL-OUT GUIDE
FISHING BOAT
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Ruairidh’s CATAMARAN
Hamish’s lifeboat pride
Farewell to piper Karl
Get ready to vote. Election candidates
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Edition 02
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ST OF THE REALECLOAND HIGH FURICES FERRY P
ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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Deer counts in North Harris and North Uist
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NEW le Golden Eag ory Observat for North Harris
r First eve tival music fes Uist for North
Irish dance craze
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local dire ctory and refus
The Uist com rallied to helpmunity has South Uist
Gemma Stee ’s months le after her next two Decisions made over the child s home in and ic ren’ attac ked by arm Kenya was are critical for the future econom ed thugs. Gemma, 21, from social development of isles Jerom Lochboisdal e’s in
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e founded Nakuru last children orpha St ned in the year to care for in Kenya. Gemma Steele 2007/8 ethnic last summe war Her inspira r in South Uist. Donations her determ tional venture was from ination even prompted children in by flooded into the businesses and as a young children Africa, and her time child to help based at CustomUist Celtic Suppoindividuals and workin teachin rters Club orphanage g in anothe g slum spectacular bingo Prints in Benbe after cula for night at the She fund-r she left Sgoil Lionacr Nakuru A bank accou Dark Island a aised leit. . tirelessly money to donations: nt has been opene to get d to receiv 2009, buildin St Jerome’s off the raise enough RBS,sort e code 83-24ground and The orphan g began. 26,acc in 00155349. ount numbe r and is now age opened its doors Meanw home to 16 But Gemm youngsters. a year ago for the hile advice for Gemma on orphanage experienced a, her staff and securit has News three machea horrific ordeal last the children child from Judy Westwcome through Islandy ater, month te-wie in a former lding men when Childr South Africa burst into street and founde the home in balacl at out of bed r of Pegasu avas numbe en’s Trust, a charity and stole night, dragged Gemm s r of well-e which their hands everything runs a they could a children in Johannstablished centre on, includ ing £1,500 Far from s for street lay esburg and She expres Cape Town. has come buckling under the cash. plight, and sed her sympathy strain, Gemm suggested for Gemm broke in a up fighting, declar a has worke ing “My a’s million pieces d to protecshe adopt a tactic heart robber the boys go when y and attack. t Pegasus centre which shouldn’t to bed with batons I saw some of s from Mrs and knives have , kids whole Westwater said: those people to live like that “The key and I won’t comm place is safer win and I won’t is leave until let orphanage, thenunity involved to get the As soon than Fort Knox.” the with they will look “Talk to after securit the the community as word reache church leader y. es d mobilised Sgoil Dalibu to show suppoUist, the rest s on board and then and clubs, get the of the comm they rt. Burns afternorgh hosted a fund-r unity. Invite will bring in the the aising garden on with them over and watch singing, the pupils Robert keep piping and a spare room the children to share dancing, coffee and reciting community in our centre play. We to use for meetin served for shortbread made by poetry. Tea, to s for the become involv a donation. the pupils gs. They’r was the e thrilled home and ed, and they then No-one dares look out for suspicwatch out for ious attack the centres after people. that.”
THE FR EE MO NTHLY NEWSPA PER OF THE HE BRIDES IDES HEBR NEWSPAPER OF THE HLY MONT FREE THE
This issue of IN&A is a
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to January 2. closed from December 12 The IN&A office will be ewsandadvertiser.com, IN&A on editor@islandn Please continue to email be made to 07500 041 671. however. Urgent calls can on January 30. February, will appear The next edition of IN&A,
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18
island news & ADVERTISER - March 2013 Issue 12
Paw Prints
Welcome to Paw Prints, where your animals get their chance to shine.
Cora loves goin g sheep. She live for walks and rounding up s with Ruairidh Macdonald in Sollas, North Uist.
very Bruno digging in the mud and looking in ald Don Mac ah guilty! He lives with Sar . Uist th Nor Ardnastruban, Grimsay,
Leah the lab loves sniffing snow. She lives with Rose, George and Violet at Callernish, North Uist.
with Michelle appealing look. He lives st mo his ted fec per s ha Sooty Macleod in Stornoway.
Brothers Archie and Wisp love going for romps on the beach together. They live nearby each other in Balivan ich, Benbecula.
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!
March 2013 Issue 12 - island news & ADVERTISER
19
THE ADVERTISER YOUR NEW DIRECTORY OF LOCAL SERVICES To advertise in this new section please call 01876 510758 ads@islandnewsandadvertiser.com 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
Building and Roofing Contractors New builds, Renovations, Roof specialists. Archie Beaton Tel: 01871 890 374 Mob: 07788 263 080
Business Services The Western Isles Occupational Health, Safety and Business Support Consultancy. Sandwick Management Systems Call Donald on 07788 963497 Email: donaldsandwicksystems.co.uk
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Have 4 lines in the directory for as little as £8.00 Car Commercials Plant & Marine Repairs Available for Hire 15 to 57 Seater Buses 6M Luton Vans. HEBCO Howmore, Isle of South Uist Tel: 01870 620 345 Mob: 07900 806 638
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Grasscutters Island Grasscutting N. Uist - Berneray - Grimsay Call Tom: 0794 7910562
Cycle Shop Cycle hire, sales, repairs. Rothan Cycles Tel: 01870 620283 rothan@hebrides.net www.rothan.com
Insurance 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
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Groceries, Gifts, Snacks Summer evening meals Ardmaree Stores The Lobster Pot, Berneray Tel: 01876 540288
Free confidential counselling W.I.Pregnancy Crisis Support Text or phone: 07901966101 Email: westernisles@ careconfidential.com
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MARCH REFUSE COLLECTION SCHEDULE FOR UISTS & BARRA Barra Refuse Collection – March 2013 Criochan, Brevig, Skallary, Leanish, Earsary,Bolnabodach, Bruernish, Northbay, Ardveenish, Ardmhor, Airport, Eoligarry
Tuesday 12 Mar, 26 Mar Residual Collection
Shops, Hotels, Hospital, Castlebay School, Vatersay, Heather Hill,Tangasdale, Borve Craigston, Allasdale, Cuithir, Grean, Cleat, Northbay Inn
Thursday 14 Mar, 28 Mar Residual Collection
Criochan, Brevig, Skallary, Leanish, Earsary, Bolnabodach, Bruernish, Northbay, Ardveenish, Ardmhor, Airport, Eoligarry, Northbay Inn, Grean, Cleat, Cuithir, Allasdale
Monday 4 Mar Organic Collection 18 Mar Blue Bin Organic Collection
Glen, Garrygall, Ledaig, Castlebay Shops, Hotels, Hospital, Castlebay School, Horve, Kentangaval, Nask,Vatersay, Heatherhill,Tangasdale, Borve, Craigston
Tuesday 5 Mar Organic Collection 19 Mar Blue Bin
Glen, Garrygall, Ledaig, Castlebay Shops, Hotels, Hospital, Castlebay School, Horve, Kentangaval, Nask,
UIST
Mondays 4 March Paper/Card 18 March Blue Bin
Monday 11 Paper/Card 25 March 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
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 5/19 March Residual Tuesdays 12/26 March Residual Smerclate, Garrynamonie, South Lochboisdale, South Boisdale, North Boisdale, Daliburgh Commercials and West of Borrodale Hotel; Kilphedar, Strome, Eriskay, Glendale, Kilbride, Rangehead; Hacklet eastwards; Uiskevagh, Petersport,West Camp, Balivanich/Aird, Creagorry commercials, Liniclate commercials, Liniclate Muir, Uachdar, Dunganichy
Wednesday 13 March Blue Bin 27 March Paper/Card Stoneybridge, Locheynort, Dalibrugh, Lochboisdale, Garryhellie, Askernish, Milton, Kildonan, Bornish, Howmore, Howbeg, Drimsdale, Stilligarry, Drimore, Gernish, Rangehead, Liniclate commercials, Balivanich commercials
Thursdays 14/28 March Residual Thursday 7 Mar, 21 Mar Residual Collection
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
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.
Wednesdays 6 March Paper/Card 20 March 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 7/21 March Residual Locheport,Berneray,Clachan Sands,Vallique,Lochportain,Blashaval,Minish, Lochmaddy commercials,Bayhead,Claddach,Clachan,Carinish,Balivanich
HARRIS RECYCLING COLLECTIONS March 12 Tarbert / Glenkyles / Kintulavig / Leverburgh / Carminish / Strond / Borrisdale
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