Australia’s ‘health guru’
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returns to North PAGE Uist p15 What’s On in the Hebrides this month p11, 12
May 2015
island news Edition 35
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LET’S GET BEHIND OUR ATHLETES It’s going to cost an eye-watering minimum of £100,000 for the Outer Hebrides squad (even more for those in Orkney and Shetland) to compete in the World Island Games in Jersey next month.
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Runner Paul Morrison was a Queen’s Relay baton bearer last year.
The Western Isles have around 100 athletes and coaches training hard to compete in various disciplines during the week of Saturday June 27- Friday July 3. Each participant must find £750 towards their expenses- not to mention the costs of mainland competitions which have to be undertaken for months beforehand. The burden on families and individuals is tough. Scottish Salmon Company (SSC) recently pledged their support, becoming title sponsors for the Western Isles Games Association for the next three years. Nonetheless there’s still a massive amount of cash still to find. Over the next few weeks you’ll spot fund-raising events around the islands to raise cash for what will be the experience of a lifetime for many young island athletes. Runners like Paul Morrison, 16, of Benbecula, currently 4th in Scotland and 11th in the UK in the 800m. And South Uist’s Kerry MacPhee who worked at three jobs to fund her gruelling trajectory to last year’s Commonwealth Games. Let’s stump up and support all the talent, dedication and commitment of our sportsmen and women. They’re our ambassadors after all.
Kerry MacPhee competing in Belgium. © Danny Zelck
island news & ADVERTISER - May 2015 Issue 35
INBRIEF
2
ula ec b en B to ip tr rs le d id F an th Successful Y Trish Gill, Musical Director The Ythan Fiddlers have recently and returned from a very successful . Uist trip day enjoyable four at 5 Having left Ellon, Aberdeenshire the in ed soak y part am the coach Uig in beautiful scenery all the way to . ferry lock c o’ 2 time for the made Following a calm crossing they in el Hot d Islan k Dar the their way to accomBenbecula, which provided the r stay. modation for the duration of thei had an After a lovely meal the players ers and impromptu tune, enjoyed by play locals alike. son Next day at the college Eric Jack provided a very interesting and making, informative workshop on violin repair and restoration of string enjoyed a instruments whilst non-players ry. elle visit to the Hebridean Jew ney The afternoon saw the party jour
st Dr to North Uist with archaeologi ous vari ing visit nell Ren ecca Reb before interesting historical locations el for tea. Hot ddy hma Loc The at ing arriv was held lidh /cei cert The evening con run in and Hall eray Bern ked pac a in Historical conjunction with The Berneray by all with had was t nigh t grea A . iety Soc the local musicians also adding to t. men rtain ente ed The next morning the group tour locations, rical histo at ping stop Uist th Sou /café and lunch at the Kildonan Museum ch. bea l loca l utifu bea a to visit a The evening concert/celildh at
junction Stoneybridge Hall was run in con p grou ing sing ing with Ceolas. A tour with the first ed orm perf ’ mm Hm m ‘Mm evening fiddlers providing the rest of the ers and play l loca with t men rtain ente yable dancers joining in, a most enjo all. by had was t nigh e with Next day was the journey hom had ing hav its, spir t grea in rd boa all on . time such an enjoyable I On behalf of The Ythan Fiddlers helped who e thos all k would like to than local the and ul essf succ trip our e mak and made community that supported us e. com wel so us feel
Inaugural Scottish Heritage Angel Awards open for entries Volunteer groups and individuals throughout the Western Isles are being urged to enter the 2015 Scottish Heritage Angel Awards. These acknowledge and celebrate the valuable contributions made to Scotland’s historic environment by volunteers or ‘Heritage Angels’. Community groups or individuals have from now until the 30th June 2015 to enter for an Angel Award.
Funded by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation, the Awards are the first of their kind in Scotland. The initiative supports the delivery of the Historic Environment Strategy for Scotland – Our Place in Time, which places a strong focus on community participation and engagement in heritage.
Find out more at Scottish heritageangelawards.org.uk
From the Iochdar School diary Sgoil an Iochdair Skiing Trip by P 6 and 7 A spectacular skiing trip was enjoyed Loch Inch to lled trave tly recen pupils when they the of s slope the on days two t spen and Cairngorms. Special thanks to DA Travel for supplying the transport.
Iochdar’s Young Authors ng To celebrate the end of a successful writi invited ors auth ing budd ol’s Scho ar Iochd project,
books. families and friends to the launch of their their from read ls pupi ing hear yed enjo Guests own work in Gàidhlig and English.
Renewables showcase set to open in Benbecula The Western Isles Occupational Health, Safety and Business Support Consultancy Sole Traders, Large Companies, Small Companies, Offices, Hotels, Shops, Charities, Churches and Community Groups, Construction, Engineering, Motor Repairs, Textiles, Haulage, Media, Retail, Hospitality and Voluntary Sectors.
Safety Services
Safety Adviser ‘Competent Person’ Services Company HS Polices Company Specific HS Manuals Organisational Audits and Inspections All HS paperwork - Safe Systems of Work, Procedures, Assessments etc.
Contracts of Employment Workplace Policies New Legislation Briefings and Advice
Business Services
Contract Services
QMS QMS Services Services
Pre-Qualification Questionnaires Achilles Tender preparation assistance
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CHAS Supplier and supply chain databases
Quality, Safety and Environmental Management Systems development ISO9001, 18001 and 14001 lnternal Audit
We can take care of your Workplace Management Systems
Contact us on 01851 705207 / 07788 963497 or email: donald@sandwicksystems.co.uk
Domestic, agricultural and commercial customers from across the Outer Hebrides can from May 2 visit a renewables hub in Benbecula to see for themselves what green energy can do for them. Working examples of the latest domestic and commercial installations will be available to view 365 days a year, say Glasgow-based renewables solutions experts Absolute. The Western Isles Renewables Hub is situated in the old ‘Marion Deane’ building in Uachdar, and will be run locally by technical installation partners Cailean MacDonald and David Mackay. Absolute has undertaken a similar initiative in Angus, with the Gall family at Glenskinno Biofuels. More about this in the June edition of Island News & Advertiser
UK Parliamentary Election Na h-Eileanan an Iar Constituency Situation of Polling Stations The Theabove aboveElection Electionwill willtake takeplace placeon onThursday Thursday77May May2015 2015between betweenthe thehours hoursofof7.00am 7.00am 10.00pm. Notice Notice isis hereby hereby given given that that the the polling polling places places and and the the voters voters assigned assigned toto toto 10.00pm. each eachininthis thiselection electionshall shallbe beas asfollows: follows: Register(s) Polling District
Polling Station
Description of Voters Entitled to Vote at the Polling Station
E01A
Castlebay Community Centre, Isle of Barra
1-679
E01B
Northbay Hall
1-325
E01C
Eriskay Community Centre
1-228
E01D
Southend Community Centre, Daliburgh
1-690
E01E
Stoneybridge Community Centre
1-263
E01F E02A
Iochdar Community Hall Drill Hall, Lionacleit
1-348 1-397 1-610
E02B
Balivanich Community Centre
E02C
Carinish Hall
1-541
E02D
Janitor’s House, Paible School, North Uist
1-267
E02E
Taigh Sgire Sholais, North Uist
1-203
E02F
Lochmaddy Community Centre
1-217
E02G
Berneray Community Centre
1-170
E03A
Leverburgh Village Hall
1-424
E03B
Tarbert Community Centre
1-800
E03C
Scalpay Community Centre
1-302
E03D
Resource Centre, Kershader
1-352
E04A
Balallan Community Centre
1-387
E04B
North Lochs Community Centre
1-704
E04C
Breasclete Community Centre
1-430
E04D
Carloway Community Centre
1-341
E04E
Bernera Community Centre
1-252
E04F
Uig Community Centre
1-332
E05A
Sandwick Hall
1-204
E05B
Ionad Stoodie, Garrabost
1-429
E05C
Ionad Stoodie, Garrabost
1-693
E05D
Tiumpan Community Rooms
1-619
E06A
Stornoway Bowling Club
1-789
E06B
Council Offices, Sandwick Road
1-657
E06C
St. Columba’s Church Hall
1-629
E06D
Sandwick Hall
1-890
EO7A
Stornoway Bowling Club
1-700
E07B
Grianan Day Centre
1-939
E07C
The Ceilidh Hoose, Cearns
1-439
E07D
Laxdale Hall
1-942
E08A
Laxdale Hall
1-82
E08B
Tong Community Centre
1-691
E08C
Back Croileagan
1-700
E08D
Back Croileagan
1-389
E08E
North Tolsta Community Facility
1-377
E09A
Shawbost Old School
1-350
E09B
Grinneabhat (Bragar Old School)
1-225
E09C
Barvas Hall
1-511
E09D
Clan MacQuarrie Community Centre
1-201
E09E
Clan MacQuarrie Community Centre
1-279
E09F
Carthannas Charity Shop, Cross
1-380
E09G
Spòrsnis
1-619
Printed and published by the Returning Officer, Council Offices, Sandwick Road, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis HS1 2BW on 9 April 2015
May 2015 Issue 35 - island news & ADVERTISER
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South Ford Causeway People power brings Comhairle back round the table An online petition mounted by Island News & Advertiser has been instrumental in bringing council planners back round the table with the local community to discuss flood options for the South Ford Causeway.
His most recent Director roles, having responsibility for Strategy and Commercial Operations, was with Warburtons Alban Denton. Ltd, the UK’s largest independent bakery business. Warburtons.
West Coast salmon farmers Loch Duart have recruited a new managing director with extensive experience in the food and agricultural sector. Alban Denton, pictured, has been a Managing Director and Senior Director in the poultry, vegetable and processed food industries in both England and Scotland.
Previously he held senior director roles with Grampian Country Foods and Kettle Produce.
He replaces Nick Joy, who remains the company’s brand director.
Mr Denton has a BSc (Hons) in Agricultural and Food Marketing from the University His appointment was announced a few of Newcastle and an MBA from Edinburgh days after Loch Duart closed its South Uist University Management School. smokehouse with the loss of seven jobs.
Shetland
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wider for more floods to come in. It’s throwing money into the wind, it won’t last more than a few floods and there will be nothing left. “They need to go to the Scottish Government and ask for at least ÂŁ5m to create a new opening in the causeway, not ÂŁ1m which doesn’t seem to go anywhere these days.â€? Mr Macpherson said although he doesn’t use social media he was aware of the IN&A petition and recognised its role in bringing the issue back to the table. Other causeways are giving reason for
Eddi and SNJO’s world premiere tour of the islands
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This summer, the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra (SNJO) celebrates its twentieth anniversary with special guest Eddi Reader as together they tour their newly arranged song-suite Alba: Songs of Scotland to Scotland’s island communities. It’s a collaboration of Eddi’s inimitable voice with the wonderful depth of big band sound from Scotland’s National Jazz Orchestra led by director Tommy Smith. They’ll visit amongst their 11 nights Skye, Uist, Stornoway and Ullapool. Book now, tickets are going fast. Tickets online at www.snjo.co.uk or by phone 07827 966735. They can be purchased at MacGillivray’s in Uist.
Stornoway
Harris
concern in Uist in light of the new trend in higher, heavier tides- Eriskay only has one opening, and residents claim the Baleshare causeway is sinking and now dangerous and impassable in certain tides.
V island news IN&A’sISwIeTbsite
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island news
South Ford causeway. Locals want to see a second opening like this one built into the causeway.
New MD for Loch Duart
Scottish Government for funding to enable the creation of a second opening in the causeway, on the basis of it being ‘an exceptional case.’ The council also agreed to a meeting between technical services and the community to discuss options in Iochdar Hall. This took place after this edition of IN&A went to print. The MacPherson and Campbell families have had to endure the loss of five loved ones in flooding in the area, caused by the hurricane of January 2005. Grandad Davie MacPherson says the recent developments are too little too late, after ten years. He told IN&A: “The council is putting money before lives. “If they should have listened to the community and done something much earlier. “The whole community is very worried. Gualan island is the only part that is stable and they want to take the sand away and make it
In response to dismay and anger in the community, IN&A mounted the petition on its Facebook page, asking Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar to review its decision to reject building a second opening on the causeway in favour of spending ÂŁ1.8m on strengthening the Gualan island outcrop. The petition had gathered 644 signatures by the time it closed, with more coming in afterwards and just short of 12,000 people viewing the online posts. IN&A also asked Comhairle leader to raise the matter at full council, which he did. Amendments to the recommendations proposed by South Uist & Barra councillors were adopted. The council has now agreed to send a group to the Scottish Government to ask for a meeting with Comhairle officials, community landlord Storas Uibhist and other stakeholders to discuss flood risk management options for the causeway; and to apply to the
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Editor’s Assistant SALES EXECUTIVE Chloe Hogg Chloe Hogg...............................................
4
island news & ADVERTISER - May 2015 Issue 35
Minister sails into controversy
SNP cohort at Lochmaddy terminal.
Islands and Transport minister Derek Mackay may not have suspected he was sailing into a political storm when he arrived in Lochmaddy aboard MV Hebrides. Accompanied by a senior Transport Scotland official, Graham Laidlaw, he was met by SNP colleagues, Angus MacNeil, Alasdair Allan MSP and Cllr Donald Manford. The party went on to a series of meetings across Uist, joined by Comhairle leader Angus Campbell and Comhairle Chief Executive and Returning Officer Malcolm Burr.
It was Mr Burr’s presence at the meetings that raised eyebrows among Labour observers. Soon a full-blown row broke out, with Labour accusations that for the Returning Officer with known SNP sympathies to be seen at a meeting in the same room as the SNP Westminster candidate was a clear breach of pre-election rules. A flurry of accusations and denials were exchanged over the next few days before the issue appeared to be kicked into the long grass and the community organisations which met
the Minister could take stock of what was said at the meetings. There was a feeling among those Island News & Advertiser spoke to that the meetings were a political stunt that quickly turned into a political farce which risked detracting from the serious concerns placed before the minister. However, the groups were left clinging to various commitments made by the minister, and the hope that his rare visit had some value beyond an opportunity for political grandstanding.
What the minster said Ferries Uig Triangle
triangle, it has to fit the linkspan. There might be a need for a second vessel.”
funding was going to be shut down two years ago.
Seaweed Required
Adequate community and stakeholder engagement will be enshrined in the new ferry services contract, currently being tendered for by CalMac and Serco, and in the planning and design of the new Uig triangle ferry, planned to go out to tender this year.
We require a supply of freshly cut knotted wrack (Ascophyllum nodosum) for our seaweed processing factory based on North Uist.
Mr Mackay said: “The new governance to ensure this will be arranged in in June at the Islands Area Ministerial Working Group in Orkney.
If you wish to be involved in cutting seaweed please register your interest with us whether you wish to start work immediately or in the future. We hold some tools and equipment in stock. Phone 01876 500267 Email info@uistasco.com Visit the factory at Crogaire Quarry
“There will be greater involvement from top to bottom.” Mr Laidlaw revealed that the new ferry would have 25% more capacity, but that it might end up serving the Uig triangle as an interim measure if the capacity proved inadequate. He said: “The size of the ferry, 100m, is dictated by the physical capacity at the harbours on the Uig
Lochboisdale-Mallaig Mr Mackay’s party met Storas Uibhist and members of the recently formed Lochboisdale Ferry Users Group. They highlighted issues with recent ferry services and renewed the call for the Lochboisdale-Mallaig ferry route to be included in the upcoming tender. Whilst Mr Mackay could not give a commitment that the route would be included in the tender, a commitment was given that should the need be established by the Minister it could be introduced through a variation to the contract. Mr Mackay acknowledged the success or otherwise of a permanent year-round daily service could not be determined by the results of a winter-only trial, and indicated that other factors would be considered in full before any final decision was reached. Vessel capacity was the impediment for a summer trial on the route, Mr Mackay said, and further options could be considered with input from the local community of South Uist through the Ferry Users group. He gave a commitment that early discussions with the key parties would take place.
Community Transport The minister met representatives from community transport provider Tagsa Uibhist in Balivanich. Transport manager Murdina Naylor said: “We told the minister how important the service is to its users, and how they fought to retain it when the
“They need security of service. We told the minister how difficult it is year in year out to find the funding, and told him we would prefer to be able to operate on a three to five year funding cycle. “We also told him about the commitment of our staff who have gone for four years without a pay increase. “I felt the minister was a genuine down-to-earth guy who listened and wanted to know about us.”
Renewables on North Uist Former North Uist Development Company chair Robert Fraser gave Mr Mackay a full briefing on efforts to raise two community wind turbines on the island, thwarted by an MoD blanket ban on turbines in the area, and the lack of power to appeal after the decision went to a Scottish Government Reporter. Mr Fraser said that NUDC was shocked on reading the Reporter’s findings, and frustrated that the hearing was not recorded and there was no right of appeal. He said: “The planning system is not fit for a modern and fair Scotland.” Mr Mackay said: “Your conclusion that the planning system doesn’t work is wrong. I wanted to support renewables but I got advice that if an aircraft hits a radar the Scottish Government will be responsible. The MoD was blunt in its objections that turbines would be a threat.” Presented by NUDC members with full explanations of the flaws in the MoD arguments, the minister would only concede: “ I became frustrated with the MoD’s blanket ban. We will keep putting pressure on the MoD.”
POLICE REPORT On March 21 following the report of an assault in Benbecula a 68 year old man was arrested. He was later released from custody. A report is to be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. On April 1, a 46 year old man was reported to the Procurator Fiscal for making abusive phone calls. On April 3 police attended a disturbance in South Uist. A 21 year old women was later arrested and charged with an assault. A report is to be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. On April 3 a 46 year old man was arrested in Castlebay for being drunk and Incapable. On April 7 following a domestic incident in South Uist a 44 year old man was arrested. He appeared from custody at Stornoway Sheriff Court.
On April 14 following an incident in North Uist a 57 year old man is to be reported to the Procurator Fiscal for an assault. On April 16, a 36 year old man was reported for vandalism after causing extensive damage to a hotel in North Uist. On April 17, damage was caused inside a residential property in Columba Place, Balivanich overnight. Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101. On April 18 police attended a disturbance in North Uist. Following this incident a 23 year old man was arrested and is to be reported to the Procurator Fiscal for vandalism and breach of the peace.
May 2015 Issue 35 - island news & ADVERTISER
Pupils bring community together for Unicef They hopped, skipped, danced, bounced balls, carried water buckets on their heads and filmed themselves going round Sgoil Lionacleit sports track. and visitors alike, spending time to absorb the information in each presentation. In the restaurant, pupils from S5 had baked up a storm for participants and visitors. Teacher Fiona Campbell said: “The day was about making Sgoil Lionacleit more accessible for the public and raising awareness in an enjoyable way.
Isles road surface dressing begins this month in Uist & Barra
Backwards runner.
Crossovers.
Teacher Fiona Campbell signing people in to Walk A Mile.
Somebody else ran round backwards, another did crossovers, a form of sideways running, and yet others trundled round three or even seven-legged. Under cloudless skies, pupils, staff and parents completed ‘A Mile in Their Shoes’, inventing a dozen crazy ways of going round the track four times to raise money for charity. The pupils had joined forces to plan and organise the event, open to the whole community. Unicef was the chosen charity, selected for its work in helping children all over the world get through war, disease, famine and natural catastrophes. Aided by S4 pupils, S1-3 prepared presentations to put on show in the school theatre. In groups, they had each chosen a country to find out more about and show what Unicef was doing in those places. The theatre was crowded with pupils, parents
Possible delays on Western Isles roads lie ahead for the next two months due to the Comhairle’s annual surface dressing programme.
Shinty keepie-uppies.
L to r: Natasha MacMillan, Donella MacLeod, Mhairi Ann MacInnes and Natasha MacPherson showed off their baking and hospitality skills.
“We were showing people what we can do, and how we don’t just always ask for money without putting careful thought and research into where it is going. “We want our young people to become responsible citizens as well as good, happy people. “The feedback from the parents and public Matthew McGinnity was that they really mans a stand on enjoyed the event.” Afghanistan.
Skipping, hopping and three-legged walking.
The work starts on May 11 in Uist and Barra, and transfers to Harris around May 25 for up to two weeks. It then goes to Lewis for a further two to three week period. Water carriers on Unicef day.
Energy efficiency grants for tourism businesses Tourism businesses in the Outer Hebrides are the first in the UK to be offered the chance to tackle their sky-high energy bills through a new project. Dubbed Energy Isles, the project has £500,000 from the Coastal Communities Fund to distribute among 300 tourism providers, ranging from B&Bs to hotels, restaurants and visitor attractions. Applicants will be provided with a free Energy Audit of their business, worth upwards of £150, followed by £750 to invest in energy-saving measures. These could include draught proofing, LED lighting, aluminium panels behind radiators, chimney umbrellas, water-efficient shower heads and energy-efficient white goods. The scheme is delivered by Outer Hebrides Tourism (OHT) in partnership with Tighean Innse Gall. OHT has appointed two members of staff to help businesses apply for the support, and to carry out other project work in the Outer Hebrides. Mairi Thomson is covering Uist and Barra, and Cait Wooll is covering Harris and Lewis.
Cait said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to work with Outer Hebrides Tourism helping businesses improve their energy efficiency. With over 700 accommodation businesses alone in the Outer Hebrides we are expecting a big demand for support.” Mairi said: “We are particularly keen to make sure that businesses from all parts of the islands benefit from the project, but as we can only help around 300 at the moment, we are encouraging businesses to sign-up promptly on the go live date.” Outer Hebrides Tourism has a dedicated web page at www.outerhebridestourism.org with full details of how to apply and how to contact Mairi and Cait for more information. Applications are due to open at 1pm on 18 May 2015. Mairi said: “Any business not currently a member of OHT can join up online before the launch date and make sure they can take advantage of this innovative scheme.”
A Comhairle spokesman said: “Most areas of the Western Isles will be affected by the works. “Drivers are encouraged to heed the temporary speed limits through the sites and have due consideration for vehicles travelling in the opposite direction.”
Macleans BAKERY, BENBECULA
Butchery counter featuring local meat Fine local fish and seafood
Tempting range of oatcakes, bread and treats Fresh vegetables Hot and cold snacks And don't forget our takeaway in Balivanich Sandwiches, soup, hot dishes and pies Whatever you want, when you want it!
Uachdar, Isle of Benbecula HS7 5LY Tel. 01870 602659
5
island news & ADVERTISER - May 2015 Issue 35
Isles cadets on mainland training Cadets from Ist Battalion the Highlanders spent this Easter busy training on the mainland.
Sgt Innes Macleod (left, with fellow 1 Highlanders cadets at SCIS. Sgt Jade Walton (right) and top student Sgt Lucy Burnside (centre).
From Uist, Cadet Corporal Calum Binnie (15), Cdt Marco MacDonald (14), Cdt Cailean Martindale (14), Cdt Seonaidh Binnie (13) and Cdt Uilleam Brass (14) attended an eight day Army Cadet Force Piping & Drumming Concentration at Cameron Barracks in Inverness. From Lewis, Cadet Sergeant Innes MacLeod (17) undertook a nine day Senior Cadet Instructors Course at Boddam in Aberdeenshire. The Piping & Drumming course is open to all cadet forces and attracts upwards of 200 cadets from all corners of the UK annually. The cadets are taught by instructors from the Cadet Forces, Regular Army, Army
Reserve and University Officer Training Corps teaching Novice, Intermediate and Advanced levels for all pipe band instruments. The cadets are also given the opportunity to achieve Star Level Awards (Music), Music Proficiency Awards and Piping and Drumming Qualification Board Certificates, depending on their level of competency. The five Uist cadets attended along with 21 others from their battalion. The course was a first for Cdt Brass, from Benbecula Detachment. He said: “I was happy to be asked to attend the course as I got to meet cadets from all over the UK and I love to play the pipes.� The week culminated in two public performances, sponsored by Highland Council, in Dingwall and Inverness where the Massed Pipes and Drums beat retreat. Sgt MacLeod, from West Lewis Detachment, attended Senior Cadet Instructors Course in Boddam, designed to increase the cadets’ knowledge of the techniques of instruction and to give them early experience of the art of leadership. These are first introduced on the Junior Cadet Instructor Course, which Sgt MacLeod did at annual camp last year. Sgt Macleod said he enjoyed interacting with the other cadets who attended.
He said: “It was also great to meet other cadets from all over Scotland.� He attended SCIC with two other cadets from the battalion’s Moray Company, Sgt Jade Walton and Sgt Lucy Burnside. All three cadets passed the course, with Sgt Burnside awarded the top student. Having completed the course all three cadets are now able to instruct up to and including the Army Proficiency Certificate Level of 2-Star, teaching cadets in Drill & Turnout, Military Knowledge, Fieldcraft and Navigation.
South Uist’s Gemma Steele founded St Jerome’s to care for orphaned and disadvantaged children in Nakuru, Kenya. Life hasn’t been easy, but things are now progressing well, as the charity’s latest newsletter describes.
St Jerome’s new children.
Following the move of the home in September, the children have recently moved from Nakuru Workers Primary School to one closer to our new home, Ruri Primary School. Our chairperson, Gemma Steele from South Uist and volunteer Marsaili Shields spent some time in January in Nakuru to help with the transition between the primary schools.
The Western Isles cadets after the Inverness Beat the Retreat.
New crofting and business course on offer with Lews Castle College UHI and Sgoil Lionacleit A new course in crofting skills and business development will start next month in Benbecula, available both to S6 students and the public. ‘Local Food Production’ is designed to prepare young people and new starters to consider the world of food, from the theory, to the production and business of developing a product. There are three formal units to the course, Crofter Neil MacPherson is one of the course tutors. writes Hazel Smith, LCC Benbecula project officer. Sustainable Food 1(: &2856( Production This is a /RFDO )RRG 3URGXFWLRQ geography-based unit, discussing food markets and industries, and their global and $ RQH-\HDU FRXUVH LQ FURIWLQJ DQG EXVLQHVV local implications. SODQQLQJ IRU EXGGLQJ HQWUHSUHQHXUV QHZ Primary Food Production DQG \RXQJ FURIWHUV %HJLQQLQJ -XQH This is a practical unit on the croft, students devise a x 3DUW-WLPH VWXG\ DW +LJKHUV OHYHO 5-month plan for managing x KRXUV SHU ZHHN ò RQ WKH FURIW their stock, implement it, and x )XUWKHU SURIHVVLRQDO FHUWLILFDWHV DYDLODEOH then analyse the strengths and x 3URJUHVVLRQ RQ WR IXUWKHU VWXG\ RU WUDLQLQJ LQ WKH weaknesses of the plan. We are IRRG VHFWRU hoping that in future students will be able to apply this to 7KLV 64$ FRXUVH FRYHUV ZKDW \RX QHHG WR NQRZ WR horticulture and aquaculture GHYHORS DQ DGGHG-YDOXH IRRG SURGXFW IURP \RXU too. DQLPDOV IURP SUDFWLFDO DQLPDO KXVEDQGU\ WR WKH EXVLQHVV WRROV IRU JHWWLQJ VWDUWHG Routes to Market The learner will investigate the local and national market, conduct )RU IXUWKHU LQIRUPDWLRQ FRQWDFW /HZV &DVWOH &ROOHJH market research, design a %HQEHFXOD RQ product, create a business and financial plan, and consider a strategy for marketing the
News from St Jerome’s Children’s Home
product. This will be delivered with the help of those active in the local food industry. There will also be an opportunity to gain professional certificates. The course was designed by Steve Carter and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to be a follow-on from The Crofting Year, at Sgoil Lionacleit, successfully delivered since 2008, and since been taken up by Plockton High School and West Highland College. Under the guidance of crofter Neil MacPherson, with scientific background from Lionacleit’s new biology teacher, Susan Dancey, this year there are 13 students on the course. Aged 13-16, they are a mix of gender and background, but all want to be able to continue studying crofting. In 2014, Machair LIFE+ commissioned Steve to write a feasibility study for a crofting course for school leavers and adults. One of the key features was to identify Lews Castle College as being in the best position to deliver such a course. The college has taken this task on board, with this course a first step along the road to further developing crofting education in Uist. Anyone interested in applying for the course, please contact LCC Benbecula on 01851 770 508.
We saw Simon Otieno take the step from Primary to Secondary School and he will now be joining our eldest, Harrison, who has started his second year. We are also assisting another pupil, John Waweru, into his first year of secondary school. Although John no longer stays with us in St Jerome’s, we are very pleased to be in a position to help him further his education. It is very exciting for us to be supporting three children in Secondary school. With strikes by the teachers affecting schools, the children had an unexpected extension to their holiday which our volunteer, Marsaili, took advantage of and took the children on two trips. They visited Lord Egerton Castle, a local visitors attraction in Nakuru full of history and they went on a day trip to Hell’s Gate National Park in Naivasha. It’s great that the children can get the opportunity to explore their country as most have never left the town in Nakuru. We are also delighted to say that we have welcomed six new children (pictured) to the St Jerome’s family. Cecilia and Peter (brother and sister), Gladis, Monica and Phylis (sisters) and Bonface who is the younger brother to one of our older boys, Joseph Ndungu. We thank you for your support in making this possible. We now have 28 children living with us full time and three boarding in secondary school. A video made by Marsaili which will give you a small insight into life at St Jerome’s. This can be found on YouTube by clicking the following link: http://youtu.be/9_riESC0AB0Â
Now Open 8am to 5pm Mon to Sat Takeaway Del i C afe
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TEL: 01870 602 7 796 9
May 2015 Issue 35 - island news & ADVERTISER
Public consultations over Lochmaddy Hospital’s future
Lochmaddy Hospital lies abandoned.
Acknowledgement The Benbecula Macmillan Cancer Support Committee wish to thank all those in the community who helped to raise the sum of £8,273.00 in 2014-2015 for the above charity.
Consultations have taken place throughout North Uist as part of a study to look at the viability and sustainability of redeveloping the Lochmaddy Hospital site. The hospital closed in 2001, and was sold to property speculators in 2008. However, it still lies empty and decaying, with strength of feeling locally to try and buy it back and turn it into a community asset. Four consultants with expertise in rural development, accountancy, planning and architecture used drop-in sessions across the island to ask community members what their priorities were for the site, what concerns they had and how they might want the buildings to look. The public were presented with themed information boards and asked to place coloured dots on their preferred options and concerns. Their feedback will inform a feasibility study commissioned by the Lochmaddy Hospital Redevelopment Steering Group
Members of the public filled in their preferences.
(LHSG), due for completion at the end of this month. Amanda Bryan, a rural and community development consultant said: “The first step is to provide the community with enough information to make a decision. “The question is, can you use the site to create a viable, self-sustaining enterprise which delivers what the community wants.” The consultants have also carried out extensive interviews with potential
stakeholders and community organsations, from community councils, historical societies, Comann Na Mara and Taigh Chearsabhagh to UHI Lews Castle College, Hebridean Housing Partnership Sabhal Mor Ostaig. Armed with feedback from the sessions, the consultants will start looking at costs and income and crunching numbers to test the viability of the community’s aspirations. LHSG chair Philip Harding said: “There is still a long way to go before any redevelopment becomes a reality, but this is the first step in establishing a more concrete set of proposals for the community to consider.” As part of their research, the consultants visited the hospital site, joined by many local people who shared their memories of the place in its heyday.
This great total was achieved by various means throughout the year. Bring and Buy Sale -£1252; Whist Drive £441; Can collections in various shops £894; sale of Xmas cards,£175; other general donations, £410. Also donations very generously made from Funeral Services and other anonymous donations made directly into the committee bank account totaling £4502, for which the committee would like to say thank you. Thank you all for your generous contributions and ongoing support to Macmillan Cancer Support which is very much appreciated.
C Macaulay, Treasurer Macmillan Cancer Support Benbecula Committee
Zero Waste funding available for Western Isles groups A new tranche of funding is on offer through Zero Waste Scotland (ZWS) to promote recycling, re-use, and tackle food waste. Islanders are invited to become part of a 1000-strong army of zero waste volunteers across the country, reducing food waste, boosting recycling rates and promoting re-use, repairing and sharing. ZWS is offering funding to organisations to help coordinate volunteer groups in their communities. Volunteers would be required to engage members of the public and pass on information and tips to help reduce waste. Activities could include zero waste cookery demonstrations, passing on skills for repairing or ‘upcycling’ items,
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helping people to recycle at major events, delivering talks, and organising swap-shops.
during last year’s Commonwealth Games.
A wide range of organisations can apply, including community groups, environmental networks, student organisations, local authorities and third sector organisations. Projects need to be operational from July this year.
Further details on this process are provided from the following funding page: www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/ content/volunteer-and-community-ad vocate-programme-0.
The new funding call builds on Zero Waste Scotland’s existing volunteer network, through which over 700 volunteers have engaged over 20,000 people in 50 local areas across Scotland, as well as playing a key role as Recycling Ambassadors
Eco prize for Paible pupils
The deadline for applications is Monday 18th May 2015.
Are you tired of constant increases in electricity prices? Would you like to reduce your energy costs and, at the same time, generate extra income? If yes, then installing a wind turbine could be the solution. West Coast Energee, is the premier source for renewable energy solutions throughout the Highlands and Islands. We have extensive experience in the installation and servicing of wind turbines and provide a comprehensive bespoke service that best suits our clients specific energy requirements. Our client base ranges from individual domestic customers, small businessess to Scottish Water, QinetiQ, Comhairle na Eilean Siar and Calmac. Our professional engineers offer support and advice throughout the entire installation process
This includes:
Paible Primary School Eco Committee have won a £100 gift voucher from Eco Schools for their gardening plans. Along with local resident Donald MacLean they plan to plant potatoes on the machair in the traditional way using seaweed as fertilizer. They also plan to grow some veg organically in boxes in the school grounds. There is much excitement and anticipation in the school about this venture.
Helping you choose the best renewable energy solution for you
Full support, advice and assistance to help you get through the planning application
Turbine installation, testing and regular servicing
Visit our website: Energee.co.uk email: jd@energee.co.uk
Phone: 01878 700717
We primarily install Evance and Lely Aircon turbines which are specifically chosen for their efficiency, reliability and durability. Our technicians also install ground and air source heat pumps. Clients who install such systems are eligible to claim payment of between £1500 - £3000 annually under the Renewable Heat Incentive (HCI) Programme.
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island news & ADVERTISER - May 2015 Issue 35
First ever weekly market in Uist set to open in Grimsay A new weekly produce market will run in Grimsay for a trial period of one year, starting next month. The market will operate on Wednesdays from 3-6pm from the new Centre for Grimsay (CfG), starting on June 17. Grimsay Community Association has been awarded ÂŁ7,300 from the Big Lottery’s Awards for All to run the markets. Matthew Topsfield, development officer for CfG said: “We’re very pleased to receive this funding, which will help us to make high-quality local produce available to our community through what will be the first weekly market on the Uists. “There are so many people involved in producing excellent food, crafts and art throughout these islands and we look forward to promoting these through the Centre for Grimsay. “Not only will our residents and visitors benefit from the amazing produce on offer but they will also be able to feel good about supporting local businesses and reducing the mileage and carbon footprint of their purchases.â€? Afternoon teas will be served alongside the market. Uist producers of foods, art and crafts who might be interested in selling at the market should contact Matthew Topsfield on mtopsfield@icloud.com or 07775 812036.
Please contact Janet Jevons, your Rep for the Western Isles Email: janetjevons2078@gmail.com Or on Facebook Janet Jevons
COLLECTIONS FROM ARGOS, B&Q, DFS AND ALL MAJOR STORES Click and Collect Drop Offs and Collections Uist, Skye, Kyle, Inverness Reliable, Friendly Service
Locals show support for community buy-out of Westford Inn
Westford Inn.
Around 60 people attended a meeting in Carinish Hall, North Uist last month to give support to the idea of a community buy-out of Westford Inn. According to the licensee Elizabeth Jardine, the Inn is to be offered for sale ‘soon.’ Locals want to turn the run-down concern into a much-needed community hub. The meeting introduced Westford Uibhist A Tuath, a steering group whose members are investigating the possibility of a buy-out. They are Andy Linley, chair; Peter Kriev, treasurer; Christine Marshall, secretary; Anne Quarm, Rona Skivington, Lachie Macisaac, D A Macisaac, Donald Archie Macdonald. The meeting, chaired by Andy Linley, was interactive in nature and run by North Uist development officer Alastair Macleod. He divided the room into groups who then worked together to write down and later vote
for the kind of amenity they wanted from the Westford, if such a buy-out proved possible. Top of the list were unsurprisingly pub, food and music. Ceilidh nights, a soft play area and bike hire were also popular, with many other ideas being mooted including meeting house, beer garden, wedding venue, place for the Screen Machine, library and exhibition space. Mr Macleod told the meeting that the findings would be collated as part of the business plan the group would present to the Scottish Land Fund, potential funders of up to 95% of the cost of purchase, in the region of ÂŁ109,000. He stressed that the business plan would have to demonstrate community support and input into the buy-out.
He also emphasised that the proposal should not show conflict with the existing social enterprise cafĂŠ and business facility at the Claddach Kirkibost centre, some 400 yds down the road. However he said that if the buy-out went ahead and was also set up as a social enterprise, the two organisations should be able to work together. Mr Macleod said community-owned pubs were common in England. They were either bought by the community and franchised out under strict community requirements, or run hands-on by the community themselves. He said none had yet gone out of business, and added the Westford buy-out would be a first in Scotland.
Gin distillery tops young entrepreneurs’ winning ideas Uist could have a micro-distillery for gin and a new kennels, and Barra a paintballing attraction, while Scalpay, Harris is set to become the production centre for a series of audio tours around the islands. These were the winning ideas in Cothrom’s Inspiring New Business Competition, with Gemma Campbell’s Hebridean Gin idea taking the top prize of ÂŁ500. Gemma, 27, said she was inspired by the rising popularity of gin and a recent visit to Nip Inverness, the annual festival of whisky and gin. She said: “I will use the prize money to progress my idea of creating a premium drinks brand to add to the excellent reputation of Hebridean food and drink.â€? Charlotte Hughes, 29, is creating Barking Mad, a kennels for dogs and cats at Howmore, South Uist. She is currently planning the building, designed to offer twenty kennel spaces. The youngest entrepreneurs were Adam Bari and Oran Boyd (17 and 16) who want to set up a paintball business in Barra. The boys already have support from their community, with a ÂŁ100 grant and ÂŁ400 loan from the Youth CafĂŠ. Adam said: “Paintballing came to Barra once, but it was expensive. “There is no other paintball on the islands and we think there would be a big demand for it.â€? Lauren McSween, 20, from Scalpay is currently creating Odyssey Audio Tours to help people get the most out of their visit to the islands “at their own pace, and in their own time.â€?
Winning young entrepreneurs. L to R Lauren MacSween, Gemma Campbell, Charlotte Hughes, Adam Bari.
kiosk in Eoropie Dunes Park. She said: “I’m keen on history, people’s “In September, music students at Lews history, and finding out about that is why so Castle College UHI in Benbecula will start a many visitors come here.� joint enterprise to deliver music sessions for She is working on audio tours of St children.� Clement’s Church Rodel, Luskentyre, Lews Castle, Callanish and Dun Carloway. The competition was organised by Enterprise on the Edge. Thomas Fisher of
Enterprise on the Edge said: “The project has significantly boosted the number of young people ! on the islands coming " ! # ! $$ ! % forward into business. $ $ & # % “We’ve worked with 28 young people to developed their enterprise idea, of ' ()*+( ,(-+-. who 14 are developing their business plan. (++-/()/**0 “This summer six members of Roots and Wings youth group in 111% $ % % Ness will be setting up a
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ng developed With the Arran havi e 7 April the Islay rout y da es Tu by t, ul fa as a propeller and at that point it w y rr fe le ng si a to n was dow off a car journey on or impossible to book e days. the island for over fiv
May 2015 Issue 35 - island news & ADVERTISER
9
Neighbours
ISLAY Islanders wrestling with all-too familiar ferry issues In September last year, inundated with rumours as to the Finlaggan’s duties in early 2015, The Ileach contacted CalMac for clarification. They stated their intention was to deploy the vessel on the ‘Uig triangle’ for between eight and nine weeks between February and April. This signified a positive change to the pattern of previous years: the intention to return the Finlaggan well in advance of Easter to the Islay route, barring any major unforeseen issues (a statement also communicated to the Islay Ferry Users Group). On the very Tuesday our ferries didn’t sail, the Ileach once again contacted CalMac to inquire as to when the Finlaggan would ‘really’ be returning, bearing in mind at that point, Easter was only a matter of days away. ‘The third week in April’ was the reply, somewhat at odds with their previous statement. In mitigation, the company does have 32 boats which all have to receive their annual ‘service’ between November and April, so any delays during this period will always create undesirable consequences. As has proved the case with the Finlaggan. However, CalMac did not exactly help their case by trumpeting the recent bestowal on the Finlaggan of an International Safety Award from the British Council. This was in recognition of the boat’s transporting more bulk whisky than any other ferry in the UK. Timing, they say, is
Hebridean Isles and Isle of Arran side by side in Port Ellen in happier times.
everything; mentioning this when the ship had not been on the Islay route since the turn of the year was hardly their most diplomatic moment. And what of the other two ‘award-less’ boats? The Arran and Heb Isles have been transporting Islay’s whisky for longer than the Finlaggan has been a twinkle in her captain’s eye. That must be a hard dram to swallow. But the lack of the Finlaggan on the Islay route over Easter weekend and the following week has resulted in greater dissidence than even CalMac may have anticipated. With the Arran having developed a propeller fault, by Tuesday 7 April the Islay route was down to a single ferry and at that point it was impossible to book a car journey on or off the island for over five days. By Friday, however, the Heb Isles was sailing round the clock to clear the backlog and the Lord of the Isles was sailing to Port Askaig via Colonsay to help. Too little too late?
ORKNEY Tidal testing contract signed Isle of Wight-based Sustainable Marine Energy has signed a long-term testing contract with the European Marine Energy Centre in Orkney. The company will be taking a berth at the Fall of Warness tidal test site, where it will deploy five of its Plato floating tidal platforms in an array over the next two years.
deliver almost 1MW of capacity. The move has been backed by the Scottish government with the award of nearly £1.3m from the WATERS3 programme.
The planned array will host Schottel SIT turbines and
From Renews.biz
MULL Red letter day for Gometra bike over the eight mile track from Ulva. But the new stamps will help pay for additional deliveries of essential parcels and The isle of Gometra enjoyed a red letter day postcards, from Gometra’s many summer on April 1 when it began issuing its own visitors, to be transported to the post office at postage stamps. Salen, Mull, where a Royal Mail stamp will Requests came in from collectors from all over the world, who were queuing up to order be added for the onward journey. Roc Sandford, the owner of Gometra, the first day covers. said: “We used to give Gometra’s outgoing The remote car-free island can only be mail informally to passing boats, or friends, or reached by boat, or via a long trek across neighbouring Ulva, to which it is linked by a visitors making the journey overseas to Mull. “We also needed a service to bring messages foot bridge. to Gometra from Mull, and a way for visitors It has only one designated Royal Mail to send postcards from Gometra.” delivery a week, which sees postmistress Rhoda Munro transporting letters by quad From roundandaboutmull.co.uk
Moira Kerr
Roc Sandford, owner of Gometra with the stamps. © Moira Kerr
© Ileach
CalMac have frequently designated this route and others across the west coast as a ‘lifeline service’, a function that is currently clearly not always being fulfilled, whether technically or meteorologically. There’s no doubt that they are an easy target, and often can’t do right for doing wrong. But whether it is local paranoia or simply a mis-aimed conspiracy theory, Islay’s residents always get the distinct feeling that they are at the bottom of the food chain. Perhaps other Scottish islands feel the same way? Islay is the only route served by two ferries, but there frequently seems to be scant regard for the needs of this route in favour of others, often at peak travel times. In the years before the Finlaggan arrived, the Hebridean Isles was deemed perfectly adequate to cover for refits up north; what changed? And all that whisky carried by the Finlaggan is the main reason so many visit the island in the first place. They really can’t have it both ways, although with a board of directors who live nowhere near the sharp end, maybe they think they can? Future works on Ullapool linkspan may eventually ease the situation come 2016, but there are no promises attached. From ileach.co.uk
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island news & ADVERTISER - May 2015 Issue 35
It was the chance of a lifetime, and m any years since I’ve seen killer wha les.
Wildlife
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Chris Murray
Killer thriller off Lewis west coast Several sightings of killer whales off the west coast of Lewis last month gave lucky bystanders the thrill of their lives.
Š Chris Murray
Among them was Fern Harrison, 40, housekeeper at Glenmuick House, Aberdeenshire who was on holiday at Sheshader. A self-taught wildlife spotter, she had a clear sighting of two orcas as she was relaxing with binoculars in her friends’ conservatory. She said: “They were about a mile away, but I could clearly see the heads and fins. They looked like a mother and juvenile, judging by the smaller curved fin on one of them.� Stornoway resident and Coastguard helicopter winchman trainer Chris Murray had a close-up sighting around the same date as he returned from conducting helicopter/life raft training aboard an MoD boat. He said: “We were going round Tiumpan Head towards Sheshader when the skipper suddenly stopped the boat. “There were five or six orcas within thirty yards of
Š Chris Murray
the boat. They were moving around in two groups, including one with what looked like a juvenile keeping very close to a female. “They eventually disappeared and we moved on, but looking back we could see them reappearing behind us. “It was the chance of a lifetime, and many years since I’ve seen killer whales. That was also at Tiumpan Head, but by helicopter.� The sightings are of particular interest to the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT). The images sent by Fern and Chris were studied in great detail to see if the whales they spotted are from a community of orcas known as Type 1, from the further north, around Shetland, Iceland and Norway and
Š Chris Murray
deeper waters to the west of the Hebrides. They feed on fish and common seals. This population is distinct from what the Trust has named the West Coast Community, orcas which feed exclusively on other marine mammals including harbour porpoise and even minke whales. Dr Conor Ryan of HDWT said: “This diet specialisation has given rise to the two unique populations which don’t associate or interbreed although their geographic range does overlap, e.g. in the Minch, which is why this area is quite special. “From these photos, we were able to determine that these killer whales were not the usual suspects from the West Coast Community that we are used to seeing here, but the Type 1 killer whales from the North community.�
Fern’s Orca sighting.
Winter sightings off isles coasts
HEBRIDES FISH ‘N’ TRIPS
It’s been a quiet winter in terms of cetacean sightings, writes Dr Conor Ryan of Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust. We typically receive very few sightings during winter months, which largely reflect the lack of observers, dire weather and short days. It does not necessarily mean that there are less cetaceans around, although migratory species such as minke whales are thought to be largely absent this time of year. Since January, we have received thirty sightings of five cetacean species. Over one third were harbour porpoises. They seem to be distributed throughout the Scottish west coast at this time of year, albeit in small numbers (average three porpoises per group). This is interesting as very little is known about this species during winter. It is assumed that they head offshore during winter and spring to calve, although it is difficult to know for sure. Bottlenose dolphin sightings were confined to Mull and
Islay, but perhaps sightings further north have not been reported to us? This apparent southern bias is interesting as we have seen this in previous winters too. Common dolphin, Risso’s and killer whales were reported from Harris and Lewis, while unidentified dolphins were reported around Lewis, Mull and Loch Sunart.
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May 2015 Issue 35 - island news & ADVERTISER
11
What’s On Guide for the month of May across the Hebrides NORTH HARRIS TRUST
Ri thighinn air BBC ALBA‌. Coming up on BBC ALBA‌
GUIDED WALKS
All walks free of charge THURSDAY MAY 7 11am-3.30pm
Fuine
Hushinish to Loch na Cleavaig Meet: Hushinish car park, by the public toilets (NA 992 121). Distance: 4 miles This varied circular walk takes you across machair grassland, past white sand beaches, into the North Harris hills. A great walk for sea birds, cetaceans and occasionally sea eagles. The walk follows a rough coastal path with some steep sections. Bring lunch.
THURSDAY MAY 14 10am - 3.00pm
Molinginish Meet: Lacasdail Lochs car park, 2 miles East of Tarbert, start of footpath (NB 184 004). Distance: 6 miles An opportunity to visit the remote village of Molinginish on the shore of Loch Trolamaraig. This is a sheltered sea loch with plenty of wildlife and a wealth of cultural heritage. Bring lunch.
North Harris Trust & RSPB Scotland
EAGLE WALK
Dimà irt 5 Cèitean / Tuesday 5 May 8.30f / 8.30pm Anns a’ phrògram seo cuiridh Mà iri cuairt air an Eilean Sgitheanach, Uibhist is Beinn na Fadhla a’ lorg na dòighean as blasta air feum a dhèanamh dhen mhaoraich a tha cho pailt sna h-eileanan.
Meet: Bogha Glas car park (NB 186 115).
The Corncrake and the Croft: An-Diugh
A unique opportunity to watch a documentary from the BBC’s The World About Us series from 1977 about crofting and the environment in North Uist.
Distance: 4.5 miles A guided walk in search of Golden Eagles and Sea Eagles in the North Harris Hills. RSPB members , “Friendsâ€? & members of NHT and children Free - Non-members ÂŁ5
The programme also looks at how the people and places featured have changed since then.
Relax. Recharge. Create great memories.
! ! !
Lochboisdale Cafe
Dine on the best of local produce, seafood and game
Lobster by request!
shop
Walking
Lochboisdale, Isle of South Uist, HS8 5TH Tel: 01878 700332 EÂ Karen@lochboisdale.com
UNFOLDMENT WORKSHOP
coffee
Tel: 01878 700313
Gift
Calum and Karen MacAulay and their staff look forward to welcoming you!
Spiritual
Open all year
SIX DAYS A WEEK Barista
Fish, stalk, cycle, dive, kayak, play golf - or just relax by the peat fire and soak in the splendid views
distance from marina
OPEN DAY Saturday May 16 1-4pm Leverburg h Pier (or Leverburgh Hall if weather poor) Raffle, tombola, auction, children’s gam es. Teas, coffees, baking
Come along and support YOUR local lifeboat
Mairi MacRitchie is in the Highlands and Islands meeting some of the country’s finest cooks and bakers who share with her their favourite and most treasured recipes. In this programme Mairi is in Skye, North Uist, South Uist and Benbecula gathering recipes using the freshest seafood available on every islander’s doorstep.
Diardaoin 21 Cèitean / Thursday 21 May 9f / 9pm Cothrom eile prògram bhon t-sreath The World About Us air croitearachd agus à rainneachd Uibhist a Tuath a chaidh a chlà radh ann an 1977 fhaicinn. Bithear cuideachd a’ tomhas mar a tha an t-à ite air atharrachadh anns na bliadhnaichean bhon uair sin.
EVERY WEDNESDAY APRIL 1 - 16 SEPTEMBER 10.30am - 1.30pm
Leverburgh RNLI Lifeboat
Saturday 6th June 2015 Berneray Hall 7.30-9.30pm Hosted by Barbara Kerr, spiritualist healing medium With special guest Margaret Kerr, spiritualist medium and tutor Come with you friends and enjoy encaustic art, psychometry, meditation, raffle
And as usual, much more! ÂŁ9 entrance fee includes refreshment.
Everyone welcome Contact Barbara Hunter 01876 540314
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BHS-registered
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Pony Club Centre
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Riding School
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Livery Yard
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Trekking Centre
J
Qualified Staff
Uist Community Riding School Welcomes You Visit us and try out our wide range of horse-related activities. Own-a-pony days, gymkhanas, pony pampers, picnic rides, instruction, beach paddles and more. Our full stable ranges from Shetlands to a Suffolk Punch. We match our horses to suit all ages and abilities. Phone or email any time. East Camp, Balivanich, Isle of Benbecula, Outer Hebrides, HS7 5LA. Tel: 01870 602808. Email: info@ridehebrides.org www.ridehebrides.org Company No. 187242 Charity No. SC028094
The North Uist Branch Annual Sale of Work will be held in Paible School on Friday May 8 at 7.30pm
Home Baking Preserves Fish Crafts
Western Isles Classic Car Hire Ltd Classic Car self drive hire for that Unique Experience or Special Occasion.
Branches in Stornoway, Isle of Lewis and Bayhead and Lochmaddy, Isle of North Uist
Entrance: Adults ÂŁ2 Children ÂŁ1 Teas, coffees and cakes will be served in the canteen OfďŹ cial Herbie Fully Loaded Promo Car
Supercharged Mini John Cooper Works
The committee regrets that they are unable to accept second-hand clothing or jumble for sale.
Terms and conditions apply, drivers aged 25-75.
A limited number of books will be accepted for the bookstall.
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Mk2 Jaguar 3.8
Enquiries: Tel 01876 525 007
Western Isles Classic Car Hire Ltd is a trading name of Hebridean Classic Car Hire Ltd
12
island news & ADVERTISER - May 2015 Issue 35
What’s On Guide for the month of May across the Hebrides UNIQUE EXHIBITION OF BLASKET PHOTOGRAPHS IN NORTH UIST Stunning images from the Blasket Centre Archive are on show in Taigh Chearsabhagh, Lochmaddy until June 30. Fairscin Inise/An Island Portrait is a record of a lost community, whose faces and surroundings are immediately recognisable to Hebridean islanders.
Concert Ceilidhs eaturing students and sta om e adi ona
usic courses at Lews Castle Co ege Benbecul
The 200 strong Blasket community eventually abandoned their islands in 1953, echoes of the St Kildan community who left their archipelago in 1930.
Thursday 21st May Eriskay Vi age Ha
The similarities between the two communities are being celebrated in a St Kilda exhibition running concurrently in the Great Blasket Centre in Kerry. The two events were launched
8pm Entry £7/5 Raffle Friday 22nd May In association with Ceòlas ochdar School Ha Featuring Ceòlas Song Conference singers 8pm Entry £7/5
Saturday 23rd May
8pm Raffle
Irish state minister Simon Harris said: “ The Great Blasket Centre or Ionad An Bhlascaoid is such a evocative visitor centre, perched as it is on the Dingle peninsula, telling the story of the heritage of the Blasket Island, the islanders and their way of life.
In Dingle, guest of honour was John MacDonald, now living in Kinsale, Cork, but whose father, Calum MacDonald was born on St. Kilda. Calum is the author of a From Cleits to Castles (The Islands Book Trust,
“It has such a resonance with the story and heritage of the isle of North Uist in the Outer Hebrides. I have no doubt that both exhibitions will be well attended and enjoyed by all”.
POETRY WITH PAM BEASANT
Taigh Chearsabhagh, Lochmaddy, North Uist
The Runaway’s Gold
Taigh Chearsabhagh, Lochmaddy, North Uist
In 1842, Christopher Robertson’s family lives a difficult life in Shetland as “crofters,” farmers and fishermen so in debt to the landowner that they have no hope of ever breaking free. To make matters worse, Christopher also lives under the thumb of his morally questionable father and devious brother. When his brother frames him for the theft of their father’s secret bag of coins, Christopher must leave his home and embark on a journey across the island to return the coins and clear his name. It’s a journey that takes twists and turns, including stops in prison.
Pam Beasant lives in Stromness, Orkney and was appointed the first George Mackay Brown writing fellow in 2007. An editor and writer in several genres, her first poetry collection is Running with a Snow Leopard.
Laser cut skull maquette, courtesy of the artists. © Virginia Hutchison and Sarah Forrest
House Plots A unique opportunity to purchase house plots with stunning views across Vallay Strand and to the hills of Harris.
At Taigh Chearsabhagh were Mícheál de Mórdha from the Blasket Centre and two noted musicians from West Kerry - Breándan Ó Beaglaíoch and Feargal Mac Amhlaoibh, an authority on Blasket island music.
NEW SUMMER READS WITH ISLAND SETTINGS
Residency and multimedia exhibition by Virginia Hutchison and Sarah Forrest exploring the theme of the Cladh Hallan mummies of South Uist, and the writing of Alfredo Gonzalez-Ruibal.
Entry £7/5
2010) detailing life on St. Kilda, followed by his leaving to pursue a career in London.
IN THE SHADOW OF THE HAND Runs until May 23.
erneray Vi age Ha
simultaneously, with music, art and guest speakers from both countries at each.
THURSDAY MAY 28, 7 for 7.30pm
The reading will be followed by an open mic night. Entrance by donation.
Emilie Christie Burack Pub. Amulet RRP £9.99
View from the plots
There are currently two 1/3 acre plots and an acre plot available off the main road overlooking Vallay Strand. They all have outline planning permission and
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Skara Brae, Orkney, during the Neolithic period. The sun is fading, crops are failing, fierce storms batter the coastline and the villagers fear that the end of the world is near. When a strange young man, dressed in a silver a suit – a ‘silver skin’ – emerges from the sea and bursts into flames, the community is thrown into confusion.
available to buy/rent for any purchaser interested in creating a small holding or larger garden. The sites have uninterrupted panoramic views over the Vallay Strand towards the Harris hills.
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COMPLETE HOUSE BUILD For a One Stop Shop contact: Angus MacDonald Tel: 01876510293 / 07970218904 Project e: rthomp4521@btinternet.com
Joan Lennon Young Adult. Pub. Birlinn RRP £7.99
UIST’S FAVOURITE FAMILY RESTAURANT Delicious home-cooking all day Local produce used where possible Tea, coffee and cakes in the bistro 11am to 8pm Sundays Noon - 9pm Opening Hours
Balivanich, Benbecula HS7 5LA
Tel: 01870 603377
May 2015 Issue 35 - island news & ADVERTISER
13
Life
40th Western Isles Rally
produces spectacular tile montage
End of an era
Pupils currently attending Sgoil Phaibil/Paible School in North Uist will witness history over the next few weeks as their school is demolished to make way the new Sgoil Uibhist A Tuath/North Uist primary school.
Work started on April 20, with the new school expected to be ready by the end of June 2016. In a first in the island’s history, all North Uist children will attend the same school. Paible head Sarah Jane MacSween said: “Our new school will provide a modern and inspiring learning environment that the
whole community will enjoy for generations to come.” Pictured are Paible pupils alongside children from Carinish Primary, with staff from both schools. Joining them are workers from Macaulay Askernish and main contractors Robertson Construction.
Lochmaddy ladies go out on the tiles A spectacular tile mosaic made by Lochmaddy SWRI members was unveiled in Lochmaddy Hall last month to an appreciative audience. The 49-tile mosaic was greeted with amazement by members from Harris who had joined the Lochmaddy ladies to celebrate the 40th Western Isles Rally. The tiles, depicting island scenes and symbols of the SWRI’s work were created after Locheport ceramicist Louse Cook came to talk and do a practical workshop with the ladies. They soon discovered their inner Grayson Perry, and carved, scratched, impressed, and stamped their designs onto the 4 x 4inch tiles. The central part of the mosaic.
A wash made from local fine sand and gravel was used to give a deep copper and bronze glaze to the designs.
EE FR
island news & ADVERTISER
Louise Cook, far left with the mosaic and the ladies who made it. Louise made a large central commemoration tile, and the edging tiles that form a frame. The ladies who made the tiles are Alison MacVie, Amanda Wyvill, Anne Morton, Barbara Jameson, Christine Wakeling, Elaine MacLennan, Fran Lett, Jean Archer, Jessie Morrison, Lexy Pillans, Margaret Browning, Margaret Johnson, Margaret Flora MacLean, Mary Stewart, Peggy Hill, Rhoda Dingwall, Sandra
Hutton, Stella Evans,Sue Fogden, Betty Wallace. The mosaic will be on display at the North Uist show this summer. Meanwhile, Harris ladies had a chance to make their own tiles during the 40th Rally. They also enjoyed a talk by Alasdair MacEachan on the Blasket Islands, and were able to see the Blasket Island photographic exhibition currently running in Taigh Chearsabhagh.
NEW LOOK WEBSITE LAUNCHES THIS MONTH www.islandnewsandadvertiser.co.uk for rolling news from across the Scottish islands
Island News & Advertiser
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14
island news & ADVERTISER - May 2015 Issue 35
Life
St Ayles skiff dream project Liz Crichton. ‘This tractor is a monument to its inventor and to crofting on Uist’.
Fergie tribute on North Uist road A plaque has put in place on the Committee Road in North Uist to pay tribute to the TEF-20 tractor, better known as ‘that old grey Fergie’, sitting amid the peat stacks. The TEF 20 is the first diesel Ferguson tractor, dating from the early 1950s. The rusting model on the Committee Road “This particular tractor , captured the imagination of UHI art student now with its covers missing and a recycled plastic box and Perthshire farmer Liz Crichton, so she for a seat,was first purchased has turned it into an installation where it sits, with an ‘That old grey Fergie on the Committee Road’. by a crofter of one of the explanatory plaque on a boulder of local stone. Cnoc An Torrain crofts, and was first used for ploughing and corn, but In both English and Gaelic (translated by Mairead Rods of Sollas), the latterly its only use was to bring in the peats.” plaque describes the tractor as ‘slowly oxidising, returning to the earth Her plaque observes: “The hues of its rusty iron and rubber reflect the from which the ore was once mined.’ colours of the peat bog and heather on which it sits where it has Liz said: “The Fergie was the first mass produced tractor. Not only become part of this landscape.” were they affordable to the ordinary farmer, but their design was Liz enlisted the help of A.MacDonald & Sons of Ahmor, whose driver revolutionary. They were the first tractor to have a 3-point linkage DJ MacDonald shifted the stone, chosen after careful consultation with which is now an international standard. the local community, from a nearby quarry into its resting place. “This enabled it to operate a range of implements from cement mixers Liz said: “This tractor is a monument to its inventor and to crofting on to hay turners rather than just to pull.
An important milestone in the construction of the first St Ayles skiff in Uist was reached when the hull was ceremoniously turned over ready start interior work. Settling the skiff into position.
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With the help of community members including the Rev Donald MacQuarrie, boat builder Ronald John Maclean and friends from Grimsay and Berneray, he has spent just short of 600 hours painstakingly building the boat since August 2013. It was all hands to the pump to lift and turn over the 150kg, 22ft craft.
Open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm
Telephone: 01876 510257 Bayhead, North Uist
A round of applause from assembled friends and supporters accompanied her down onto her frame, ready to be fitted out with gunwhales, seats, oars, a rudder- all to be built by Robert and his helpers. Living the Dream will be oiled until she is a glowing chestnut colour, rather than painted, and although her launch date remains stretchy, a growing list of
Jon Hearach
residents have expressed an interest in crewing her.
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For Robert and his wife Cheryl, who have spent almost £3,000 on the project so far, the turn-over was an emotional moment. Cheryl said: “It was the first time anyone had seen the inside of the boat. She is absolutely beautiful, and we want to thank everyone who has helped us get this far.” Living the Dream will join a growing number of skiffs in the Outer Hebrides, with Barra now constructing its second, one in progress in Berneray and several underway in Lewis. Robert said: “There is lots more to be done, so come along and get involved. “My dream is to see this boat being rowed by the community and competing in local races and regattas.”
Unit 33 Carsegate Road, Inverness, IV3 8EX
Tel: 01463 711287 Fax: 07798 734778 www.jonhearach.co.uk email: hearachworks@aol.com
Iain Hogg
ELECTRICAL SJIB trained (BS7671)
Reliable
Competent
Named Living the Dream, the skiff is the retirement project of Grimsay resident Robert Taylor.
Turning the skiff.
Robert Taylor with Living the Dream just before the turn-over.
Grimsay Skiff turn-over
Liz’s plaque in place on the boulder.
Uist and a sculpture about the culture of the islanders and their relationship with man-made objects and the environment.”
Competitive
Installation, repair and inspection & testing of electrical installations
Contact 01870 620334 / 07720 773117
May 2015 Issue 35 - island news & ADVERTISER
Australian public health research pioneer Fiona Stanley ‘North Uist was one of the most important experiences of my life’
15
Life
Australia’s ‘health guru’ returns toNorthUist after more than four decades Her face has adorned a postage stamp, she’s had a massive hospital named after her and she’s known as Australia’s health guru. And Professor Fiona Stanley, 69, says her time as a locum in North Uist was one of the most formative influences in her dazzling career. She returned to revisit the island for the first time in 42 years last month, and shared her feelings about her return with Island News & Advertiser. In August 1972 Fiona arrived in Lochmaddy as a fresh young locum Fiona with Dr Alexander Macleod in 1972. covering Dr Alexander Macleod’s North Uist practice. She must have raised a few eyebrows, not to mention a few pulses. She was only two years out of medical school, practicing neonatology at the Middlesex Hospital in London. There she had met a larger than life character (known later to all in Uist as Dr John) who told her his father’s practice was in need of a locum. Fiona said: “I immediately volunteered. My family are Scottish, my mother was from Skye and I felt a strong affinity to Scotland. “I called Dr Macleod and asked him how to get to North Uist. “He said, ‘well, you get on a train, and then you get on a boat, and bring your oilskin for the summer breezes’ and that was exactly right. I stayed from August until November, and it was one of the most important experiences of my life.” The surprises started from the minute she arrived. Fiona said: “I was amazed to go into the kitchen and hind quarter of deer hanging in the kitchen- tradition was that the doctor got a quarter of the first deer shot in the season. I had never seen a deer shot, let along hanging from the rafters but it was pretty delicious.”
Fiona was amazed by the size of the dispensary.
During her return visit, Fiona toured the current Lochmaddy surgery with Dr Gerry Wheeler and practice manager Helen Maclean. She marvelled at the extensive facilities and well-stocked dispensary. Fiona said: “In 1972, the doctor’s surgery was part of the Macleod family home. “I thought the surgery was terrific, but I was relieved that there was an air ambulance so that if there was a case I couldn’t cope with we could send the patient to Glasgow. “We only had a few drugs to dispense, for the heart, blood pressure, antibiotics, the Pill, that sort of thing.” At that time, the doctor, nurses and midwives spent a great deal of time on home visits, something Fiona feels strongly about to this day. She said: “I was very lucky to see that. It was really the end of an era of
A happy reunion as Fiona meets one of her former patients.
medicine, the GP who would go on home visits, who would never not go on a house call. “That kind of medicine has gone, and it’s much more technical, relying on lots of tests and investigations. “Lots of things better about today, we’ve found out much more about how to prevent diseases but I hope we don’t lose along the way the old Dr Macleod approach to life and death and disease. It was part of the social construct and really knowing your patients.” Fiona’s memories of Dr Alexander are of a warm man with an impish sense of humour who loved nothing more than pulling her leg. But Fiona stood her ground whenever they disagreed on matters. She said: “Some things that he didn’t approve of, contraception, family planning, he wasn’t of that era, and I was very strong on all of that, so we did have quite a lot of words about that, I think I won most of the time.” In her free time Fiona would think deeply about what she wanted to do for the rest of her career and discuss it at length with Dr Macleod. She said: “I saw in Dr Macleod’s Lancet an advertisement for those interested in a career in social medicine, and I thought, I wonder what that is, and if that’s what I should do. I had been veering towards paediatrics, but I also wanted to know why people got ill.” “Dr Macleod had a tiny little typewriter which I used to type my application to go into social medicine at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, which taught public health. “And from North Uist, I got in and never looked back.” Inspired by her experience of the health databases built up in Scotland and to an extent in England, Fiona introduced registers of public health to Australia. She said: “It was tough to set it up, but we now have databases following children from 1989. “Eventually we set up a multi-disciplinary institute of child health research, the first in Australia, looking at basic science, population science and clinical science. “We developed fabulous population data sets to monitor everything, and it became incredibly successful. When I finished being director of the institute three years ago, there were 550 staff and students in the institute.”
In front of Lochmaddy surgery with Dr Gerry Wheeler, practice manager Helen Maclean and David Macleod, son of the late Dr Alexander.
As well as having her face on a postage stamp as an Australian Legend, and being named Australian of the Year in 2003, Fiona has the uncanny experience of seeing her name on the biggest hospital in the Southern Hemisphere, the Fiona Stanley hospital in Perth. She said: “ I’m amazed, I’m trying to keep people out of hospital, but what they did was to poll the population and people said why don’t you name it after Fiona Stanley, she’s our health guru.” Fiona is married to distinguished immunologist and microbiologist, Professor Geoffrey Shellam, who accompanied her on her return visit to North Uist. Fiona said: “We met in Australia, and he came to North Uist and asked me to marry him. I said I don’t think I want to but he wore me down slowly. We married the next year in Somerset, and with my family we all came up to Uist and I showed them all the haunts. Now I plan to keep coming back, I just love it.” During her visit, Fiona visited the memorial plaque raised to the Macleod family of doctors near Clachan. She was accompanied by Margaret MacQuarrie of Locheport, who nursed alongside Fiona’s old mentor, Dr Alexander, and who was instrumental in bringing about the memorial. Margaret said: “Fiona was quite emotional to see the monument, and said she was glad it was up. “I remember when she was here originally, she was very busy, full of life and fun. “She set up the first women’s clinic and made quite an impact.”
www.hebrideanconnections.com www.hebrideanconnections.com
Fiona’s stamp.
16
island news & ADVERTISER - May 2015 Issue 35
Life
Memories of a childhood in North Uist
We continue our bilingual serialisation of Katie M MacDonald’s memoir of her childhood in Carinish, North Uist in the 1930s.
Katie as a young wife, working at the peat on the Lochmaddy/Clachan road.
The manuscript and photos have been made available to Island News & Advertiser by kind permission of Katie’s family. As well as doing all the hard work and menial tasks that a wife and mother had to perform in these bygone days, my mother also made butter, cheese and crowdie, while curds and cream was a favourite dessert. Buttermilk was much in demand as a cooling and nourishing drink, especially for people with chest ailments.
When our mother was churning, she would often take spoonfuls of sour cream out of the churn which, when mixed with oatmeal, was a delicious tidbit and which in Gaelic was called stapag or fuarag. A handful or oatmeal in a jug of cold water was called in Gaelic easan and a child used to have to run to the croft to the men working at the harvest with a jug or tin pail of easan. From time to time a sheep was slaughtered for
family use. My mother made delicious white and black puddings with the entrails. As there were no deep freezes, the meat was preserved by being salted in a barrel with coarse salt, and the same was done with fish. My father was very partial to salted eel and salted dogfish.
Read Katie in later life with some of her pupils.
a basin or pail which was soon filled with lovely fresh fish. When nothing else was available, we children were quite satisfied with a bowl of mashed potatoes mixed with a lump of butter, preferably salted home-made butter, washed down with a cup of milk.
Clootie dumplings were a favourite dessert and even a main meal, as were rice and Nellie with their Siblings Christina, Katie, Allina, John Alick ish Carin at y Smith the d behin puddings. As an on mother Mari alternative to meat, we ate salt herring, salt mackerel and fresh fish which we bought from the Grimsay fisherman, who used to come to the Pier down behind the Post Office with a boat-load of cod, saithe and skate. Everybody trooped down to the shore with
A bharacchd air a h-uile car obrach a dh’ fheumadh bean agus màthair a dhènamh sna làithean sin, bhiodh mo mhàthair a’ dhèanamh ìm ùr, càise Gàidhealach agus bruth, agus bu toigh leainn slaman agus uachdar neo bàrr a’ bhainne. Bu toigh leinn blàthach agus bhe deoch dean seo math do dhuine sam bith aig an robh uchd lag.
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Nuair a bhiodh mo mhàthair a’ maistreadh, ‘s iomadh uair a bheireadh i uachdar às a’ chranachan. Chuireamaid min-choirce na lùib agus bha seo glè bhlasda ri ithe. ‘S e stapag neo fuarag a bha seo. Bha easan air a dhèanamh le bhith crathadh dòrnan min-coirce ann an siuga làn uisge fuar. ‘S e deoch fhuar, mhath a bh’ann an easan airson
an luchd-obrach aig àm buain an arbhair nuair a thigeadh am pathadh orra. Bho àm gu àm m’athair a’ marbhadh caora airson feumalachd an teahglaich. Dhèanamh mo mhàthair maragan geal agus maragan dubh a bha blasda. Bhiodh iad a’ gleidheadh na fèola le bhith ga sailleadh ann am baraille, agus a’ dèanamh an aon rud ris an iasg. Bu toigh le m’athair easgann agus dallan air an sailleadh. Bhitheadmaid ag ithe “clootie dumplings”, rus, agus an àite feòla, ghabhamaid sgadan is
rionnach saillte, agus iasg a bhitheamaid a’ ceannach bho iasgairean Ghriomasaigh. Bhiodh iad sin a’ tighinn chun a’ chidhe shìos air cùl an taighe againle gèolachan làn de dh’iasg a thàinig às a’ chuan an latha sin fhèin. Rachadh muinntir a’ bhaile sìos chun a’ chidhe le bucaid a’ cheannach an èisg – trosg, saoidhean agus sòrnan. An uair nach biodh an corr annlain againn bha clan an teaghlaich sàsaichte le bobhla de bhuntàta pronn, measgaichte le cnap ìm saillte Gàidhealach agus cupa bainne ga òl leis.
May 2015 Issue 35 - island news & ADVERTISER
17
Life
The nine lives of Wicked Willi
Read
Wicked Willi pads into print
Many cats inveigle their way into Hebridean crofts, but none quite like Wicked William. He was rescued from certain death by Màiri Anndra of South Uist, who took him in when she happened to have Margaret Fay Shaw under her roof.
Màiri MacRae beside the peat fire with ‘Uilleam Dona’ (Wicked Willy).
When Margaret went to Barra to marry John Lorne Campbell, Màiri insisted Willi went with her. After that, he found himself with the couple in Canna, where he ruled the roost. John Lorne Campbell turned his adventures into WIKKEDWILLISSAGA, The Nine Lives of Wicked William. It’s been revived by Grace Note Publications of Perthshire, and is due for publication in Gaelic and in English later this summer. Here we bring you a sneak preview. The illustrations are by Laura Barrett and the translator/editor is Ian MacDonald.
Willi Escapesfrom the Pier John Lorne Campbell
atonement. Willi was hiding in a pile of draining tiles on the Pier. He could not go to find help without exposing himself to the danger of attack, and his master the grocer had already outlawed him. Inside the shed two of Grim’s brothers were searching for him, and a third was looking for him under the Pier, on the crossbeams, while Grim’s uncle and another brother were watching the paths that led away from the Pier. A woman came down from the grocer’s shop with a large basket. She laid down the basket beside the pile of tiles on the Pier while she went to look for Angus-Ian to take her over the bay. Willi crept out of the tile-pile and into the basket, which was covered with thick brown paper and contained some crockery wrapped up in straw. He had hardly done this when Grim’s brothers came out of the shed and started going through the draining tiles.
Wikked Willi’s hoose.
There was a man called Angus-Ian. He had a small fishing boat which was often at the Pier. The day after Grim’s slaying his boat was at the Pier, but he was in the Bar, drinking. Now the blood feud was on foot and Grim’s brothers and uncles were seeking to slay Willi without thought of accepting
The woman and Angus-Ian came down to the Pier and then the woman lifted up her basket to get into the boat. Just before, Grim’s brothers had scented something of Willi in the basket and were preparing to attack him. “Clear off,” said the woman of the basket, and chased Grim’s brothers away.
The woman was called Màiri Anndra and half way over the bay she lifted the paper to look at the crockery she had just bought. Willi sat up and blinked at her.
“That may be the second of my nine lives,” said William,’’but the future cannot be worse,” and he lay down in the basket, which was handed aboard to Angus-Ian. The boat then left the Pier and made off for the other side of the bay, where Grim’s relations could hardly be expected to follow.
“A peashak,” said she, “a half-Persian too. That’ll be the grocer’s kitten. Well, he’ll not miss it. I can do with a cat in the house.” So she took Willi home in the basket and gave him some scone and milk for supper. “Now catch mousies,” she told him. Willi purred and fell asleep by the fire.
Uirsgeul Uilleim Dhona Iain Latharna Caimbeul Bha fear an siud air an robh Aonghas Iain, agus bha bàt’-iasgaich beag aige a bha gu tric aig a’ Chidhe. Agus an latha an deaghaidh murt Ghrim bha am bàta aig a’ Chidhe, ach bha esan ag òl san taigh-sheinnse. Bha an fhalachd air chois a-nist, agus bha bràithrean agus bràithrean-athar Ghrim is deòin aca Uilleam a mharbhadh gun smaoin air èirig fhaighinn. Bha Uilleam air falach ann an dùn de leacagan traoghaidh air a’ Chidhe. Cha b’ urrainn dha a dhol a shireadh cuideachaidh gun e fhèin a bhith an cunnart ionnsaigh a bhith ga dèanamh air, agus bha a mhaighstir an ceannaiche air a chur fon choill mu thràth.
Am broinn an t-sead bha dithis de bhràithrean Ghrim ga shiubhal, agus fear eile a’ coimhead air a shon fon Chidhe, air na tarsannain, fhad ’s a bha bràthair-athar Ghrim is bràthair eile is sùil aca air na frith-rathaidean a bha a’ falbh on Chidhe. Thàinig boireannach a-nuas o bhùth a’ cheannaiche le basgaid mhòir. Leig i às a’ bhasgaid ri taobh an dùin leacagan air a’ Chidhe is chaidh i a choimhead airson Aonghais Iain feuch an toireadh e tarsainn a’ bhàigh i. Dh’èalaidh Uilleam a-mach às an dùn leacagan agus a-staigh dhan bhasgaid, is pàipear tiugh donn oirre, agus soithichean innte is connlach orra. Bu ghann a bha e air seo a dhèanamh nuair a thàinig bràithrean Ghrim a-mach às an t-sead agus a thòisich iad air a dhol thro na leacagan.
Màiri Anndra with Wicked Willi.
Thàinig am boireannach agus Aonghas Iain a-nuas chun a’ Chidhe agus thog ise a’ bhasgaid gus a dhol dhan bhàta. Ach goirid roimhe seo bha bràithrean Ghrim air rudeigin de dh’fhàileadh Uilleim sa bhasgaid fhaireachdainn agus bha iad a’ dèanamh deiseil gus ionnsaigh a thoirt air. “Thallaibh!” thuirt tè na basgaid, agus chuir i an ruaig orra. “Faodaidh gur h-e siud an dara beatha dhe na naoi agam,” thuirt Uilleam, “ach chan urrainn na tha romham a bhith nas miosa,” agus shìn e sa bhasgaid, a thugadh do Aonghas Iain. Dh’fhalbh am bàta on Chidhe an uair sin agus rinn i air taobh eile a’ bhàigh, is cha bhiodh sùil gun leanadh càirdean Ghrim iad thuige sin. B’ e Màiri Anndra a bh’ air a’ bhoireannach, agus letheach-rathaid tarsainn a’ bhàigh thog i am pàipear a choimhead air na soithichean a bha i air a cheannach.
Dh’èirich Uilleam is e a’ caogadh rithe. “Piseag,” ars ise, “is leth-Phersianach cuideachd. Piseag a’ cheannaiche a bhios an seo. Uill, chan ionndrainn esan e. Bhiodh cat san taigh feumail dhòmhsa.” Mar sin, thug i Uilleam dhachaigh sa bhasgaid agus thug i sgona agus bainne dha gu shuipear. “Glac luchagan a-nist,” thuirt i. Rinn Uilleam crònan is thuit e na chadal ri taobh an teine.
Puffin Frames Professionally trained picture framer 5 Gearradubh, Grimsay, Isle of North Uist, HS6 5HU
Tel:01870 603731 puffinframes@gmail.com
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island news & ADVERTISER - May 2015 Issue 35
Iochdar School congratulates Cross Country team who came 2nd over all in the North of Sc otland Primary Schools Cro ss Country Championships.
Sport
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Grimsay 10k now based at new centre
Southend FC sponsorship thanks
The Grimsay Community Association has invited the popular 10K+ Run Round Grimsay to be based at the new centre where there is plenty of parking and space for changing. In an additional bonus, teas and baking will be available so that supporters, family and friends can cheer the runners on in comfort.
Southend FC would like to thank the following for sponsorship in 2015 -
Polochar Inn, West Coast Energee, DA Travel and SHARE.
CO CHOMUNN AN IOCHDAIR LTD
CARNAN STORES CARNAN, SOUTH UIST, WESTERN ISLES, HS8 5RH Phone: 01870 610205 Fax: 01870610216 Email: managercarnanstores@aol.com
Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 9 am to 5 pm Saturdays: 9.30 am to 12.30 pm ●
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AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS – Full range of Ritchie gates, hurdles, feed and stock handling equipment. ANIMALS - Large selection of Cattle, Sheep, Horse and Pig feed. BIRD & PET FOOD – Grain, Mash, Pellets, Dried and Canned Dog/Cat food. FENCING – Strainers, Stays, Stobs, Barbed/Plain Wire, Rylock, Staples. HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES – Cookers, Deep Fat Fryers, Microwave Ovens, Fridges, Freezers, Washing Machines, Tumble Dryers & Kettles. FURNITURE - Beds, Bedside Cabinets, Wardrobes, Chest Of Drawers, Dining Tables, Chairs, Coffee Tables, Bookcases & Coat stands. HOME HARDWARE – Pots, Pans, Casseroles, Baking/Cooling Trays, Mugs, Jugs, Clocks, Mirrors, Bedding, Curtains, Blinds, Linen & Consumables.
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HEATING APPLIANCES & FUEL – Electric & Gas Heaters, Coal, Logs, Kindling, Bottled Gas and Gas Appliances.
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CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR – Wet Weather Suits, Boiler suits, Jackets, Trousers, Shirts, Socks, Underwear, Gloves, Hats, Wellingtons, Boots and Shoes.
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PAINT – Undercoat, Emulsion, Gloss, Marine, Machinery Enamel.
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TOOLS – Extensive range of Draper quality hand and power tools.
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FIREARMS - Cartridges, Bullets, Pellets.
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NEW - Engine Oil, Tractor Parts, Plumbing and Electrical Accessories.
For information about the run, please contact Ronald John on 01870 603399. Otherwise simply enjoy the fun at the Centre for Grimsay on 16 May.
Harris FC in friendly on Skye Andrew Morrison Harris FC travelled recently to Skye to play a friendly match against Struan FC (minus the two players who were late for the official team photo). We lost narrowly (5-1) with a slightly depleted squad but blew away some winter cobwebs and made some new friends. Harris FC donated a cheque for £100 to the Skye based Lucky2bhere charity who have done tremendous work supplying defibrillators round the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Pictured on the right is John Sutton of Harris FC presenting the cheque to Cameron Morrison of the Harris Sports Centre who is
Back row (left to right) John Sutton, Coly Meehan, Chris MacVicar, Donald Morrison, Kieran Mulhern. Front row (left to right) Chris Martin, Andrew Morrison, Malcolm Campbell, Dol MacKinnon, Ali Morrison.
coordinating the Harris involvment in this initiative. Evening kick-offs not a problem wearing our illuminous away kit supplied by Carpet World Warehouse. (Bit of a shock when the home team came out of the changing rooms also wearing orange kit though).
This is just a small selection of what we have in stock. Everyone welcome to call in and look around.
COMPETITIVE PRICES PLEASE CHECK WITH US BEFORE ORDERING ELSEWHERE
Iochdar School congratulates Cross Country team Well done to our boys team who came 2nd overall in the North of Scotland Primary Schools Cross Country Championships, in Alness in March. ‘S math a rinn sibh!
MAY REFUSE COLLECTION FOR UIST Please note in BLUE BINS hard plastic and tins only, no polythene or black bags For information about the availability of gravity locks for wheelie bins please contact the Waste Transfer Station, Market Stance on 01870 604998. Monday May 4 Paper/Card May 18 Blue Bin East Gerinish, Rhughasinish, Lochcarnan, Iochdar, Ardnamonie, Ardivacher, Ardmore, Creagorry, Liniclate & Liniclate School, Torlum, Hacklet, Uiskevagh, Petersport,WestCamp, Balivanich, Locheport, Berneray, ClachanSands, Vallique, Lochportain, Cheesebay, Lochmaddy, Minish, Blashaval, Uachdar, Dunganichy. Tuesdays May 5, 19 Residual Smerclate, Garrynamonie, South Lochboisdale, South Boisdale, North Boisdale, Daliburgh Commercials and Daliburgh West of, Kilphedar, Strome, Eriskay, Glendale, Kilbride, Rangehead, Hacklet Eastwards, Uiskevagh, Petersport,WestCamp, Balivanich/Aird, Creagorry Commercials, Liniclate Commercials, Liniclate Muir, Uachdar, Dunganichy. Wednesday May 6 Blue Bin May 20 Paper/Card Stoneybridge, Locheynort, Dalibrugh, Lochboisdale, Garryhellie,
Askernish, Milton, Kildonan, Bornish, Howmore, Howbeg, Drimsdale, Stilligarry, Drimore, Gernish, Rangehead, Liniclate Commercials, Balivanich Commercials. Thursdays May 7, 21 Residual Clachan, Claddach District, Bayhead, Knockintorran, Balemore, Kyles Paible, Paible, Sollas, Hosta, Tigharry, Grenitote, Ahmore, Balranald, Langass Lodge, Hougharry, Middlequarter, Lochmaddy Commercials, Clachan-na-luib, Carinish, Baleshare, Claddach Carinish, Grimsay, Island Flodda, Gramsdale, Griminish, Nonton, Aird, Muir of Aird. Monday May 25 Paper/Card May 11 Blue Bin Clachan, Claddach District, Bayhead, Knockintorran, Balemore, Kyles Paible, Paible, Balranald, Tigharry, Lochmaddy Commercials, Hougharry, Hosta, Sollas, Middlequarter, Grenitote, Langass Lodge, Clachan-na-luib, Carinish, Baleshare, Claddach Carinish, Grimsay, Island Flodda, Nunton, Aird, Muir of Aird, Gramsdale, Griminish.
Tuesdays May 12, 26 Residual Stoneybridge, Locheynort, Daliburgh, Lochboisdale, Garryhellie, Askernish, Milton, Kildonan, Bornish, Howmore, Drimsdale, Stilligarry, Howbeg, Drimore, Gernish, Rangehead, East Gernish, Rhughasinish, Lochcarnan, Iochdar, Ardnamonie, Ardivacher, Ardmor, Creagorry, Liniclate, Liniclate School, Torlum. Wednesday May 27 Paper/Card May 13 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 May 14, 28 Residual Locheport, Berneray, ClachanSands, Vallique, Lochportain, Cheesebay, Blashaval, Minish, Lochmaddy Commercials, Bayhead, Paible, Claddach, Clachan, Carinish, Balivanich.
THE ADVERTISER May 2015 Issue 35 - island news & ADVERTISER
Accommodation
Cafe/Post Office/Gift Shop
An Taigh Fiodh, Grimsay Luxurious self-catering apartment www.grimsay.com Call Heather 01870 602943
Lochboisdale Café Open all year 6 days. WiFi. Tel: 01878 700313
Accommodation Grimsay 6 bed s/c cottage www.hebrideanholiday accommodation.co.uk Tel: 07879 881904
Grass cutting/small plant repairs
David’s Garden Machinery Grass cutting, small plant repairs, hires tel: 01870 603833 mob: 07880 743437 gardenmachinery01 @hotmail.com
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
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
Hens for Sale Skye. Pullets brown, black or pure breeds. Hen sheds, feeders & drinkers. Tel: 01470 572213
Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Uist Vac Services Uist & Barra Tel: 01870 602212/ 07765 524 753
Filling Station Ardhasaig Harris Tel: 01859 502066 Licensed Grocers Calor Gas & Bicycle Hire
Builder/Joiner Archie MacDonald Tel: 01870 603296 Mob: 07718 888463
MSP Western Isles
Pregnancy Crisis
Taxis
TV, Satellite & Broadband
Alasdair Allan MSP SNP 31 Bayhead, Stornoway, Lewis. E: alasdair.allan.msp @scottish.parliament.uk T: 01870 602287 (Uist & Barra) 01851 702272 (Lewis & Harris)
Free confidential counselling W.I.Pregnancy Crisis Support Text or phone: 07901 966101 E: support@wipcs.org Web: www.wipcs.org
Airport, ferry, school runs Staff runs & small contracts 24/7 service Menzies Private Hire Tel: 07833 357241 www.mph247.co.uk
Satellite Broadband TV Aerial & Satellite Dish Call Charles: 01876 580372 or 07748 081871
Samaritans of the Western Isles
Taxis
Jewellers
Scottish, Celtic, silver and gold jewellery. Traditional and contemporary designs. Tel: 01870 610288 www.hebridean jewellery.co.uk
Blow your cover Advertise in this space 01870 602151 Licensed Tearoom & Shop Groceries, Gifts, Snacks Summer evening meals Ardmaree Stores The Lobster Pot, Berneray Tel: 01876 540288
Home maintenance and repair
Memorials
Interior and exterior painting, wallpapering & removal, power washing, gutters, windows & doors, chimneys. Call Harry on 07826 420564
Jon Hearach Memorials Memorials, renovations, added inscriptions Any cemetery, Home visits. Tel. for our helpful brochure. 01463 711287
19
Painter/Decorator Skinners Decor Painting & Decorating DIY Shop Howden’s Kitchens Tel: 01870 602423
Talk to us in your own way, whatever life’s done to you. Call Samaritans on 0845 790 9090 Or email jo@samaritans.org No pressure, no judgement
Painter and Decorator All types of decoration undertaken. Ally MacKenzie Tel: 01870 602725 Mob: 07723013884
Photographic Printing & Graphic Design Clothing, Workwear Canvas, Photo Restoration Balloons & Banners Custom Prints 01870 602515
Isle of Barra local taxi Tel: 01871 810012 Mobile: 07974 071255
Uist Computer Repairs Low cost computer repairs and servicing Call VOOVE: 0845 689 0030 (Local Call Rate)
Uist Satellite Internet Taxis
Fast Internet Access for the Islands Get Connected Call VOOVE: 0845 689 0030 (Local Call Rate)
Tam’s Taxi Tel: 07717 862999 Covers Uist area
Satellite Dish Repair
Taxi & Guided Tours
Satellite Replacement, Retune and Repair Emergency Call Outs Available Call VOOVE: 0845 689 0030 (Local Call Rate)
Alba Taxis Butt to Barra guided tours 07747 117870 sales@ albannachtours.co.uk
Solicitor & Notary Public
Training
kfmLAW Kevin MacPherson 01851 467202 enquiries@kfmlaw.co.uk www.kfmlaw.co.uk
Opportunities for Learning Cothrom Ltd Tel: 01878 700910 www.cothrom.net
Window cleaner Window cleaner/ odd jobs Berneray, North Uist, Benbecula Call Colin 01876 540252
Wi-Fi Installs Commercial and Residential Wi-Fi Installs Whole House or Hotel Wireless Service Call VOOVE: 0845 689 0030 (Local Call Rate)
Don’t let your business be a secret BREAK COV ER! Talk to Moneypenny about appearing on this page Tel: 01870 602151 or email chloeina@outlook.com
AJ BEATON Roofing Specialist
BUILDING & ROOFING CONTRACTOR New builds, extensions and renovations
Approved installer of GRP fiberglass roofing
Operating from Barra and Uist
Telephone 01871 890374 Mobile 077882 630 80
H.M.I.W. Enterprises
The Old Manse, 1 Griminish, Benbecula, HS7 5QA
Tel: 01870 602575 Mobile: 07919 665512
Chandlery
Fishing Beta Tohatsu
Opening Hours: Mondays 10am - 5pm Can call evenings
Sunday Services in the Uists Sunday School and Crèche facilities at both the 10.30 and 12 noon service. 10.30: An Caladh, Balivanich 12.00: Carinish 15.00: Lochboisdale 18.00: Carinish
Midweek and monthly meetings throughout the Uists. A very warm welcome is extended to all.
Cycle Shop Cycle hire, sales, repairs. Rothan Cycles Tel: 01870 620283 rothan@hebrides.net www.rothan.com
Blow your cover
Be seen in this space 01870 602151
Western Isles Citizens Advice Service
Fire Protection Western Isles Fire Protection Fire equipment sales and service Contact Mark on 078279 67894
Barra 01871 810608 Uist 01870 602421 Harris01859 502431 Lewis 01851 705727
Money Advice 01870 603807 and 01851 700088
Podiatry Clinic and Home Visits available in Uist and Benbecula Kevin Macdonald MChS, BscHons, HPC Registered
Contact 07879 563 618 for an appointment or more information Also at PJs Hair Design 01851 706200 Back Pharmacy 01851 820333 Silhouettes Leverburgh 01859 520216 Home visits
SandieMaciver PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER Dip. Pro. Photo.
Weddings Family portraits Commercial Events, etc
Telephone:
01851 720888 AND
07014 238711 office@sandiephotos.com www.sandiephotos.com
John MacIver Surveyors Project Management Chartered Builders Contractors Estimates Specifications/Drawings Planning/Building Warrant
Donald Manford Cllr
John MacIver MRICS, FCIOB
South Uist, Eriskay, Barra and Vatersay Welcome All Enquiries. Home Visits.
Tel/fax: 01851 820562 Mobile: 07748 746820
Tel 01871 890288 Mob 07884 236101
E: maciverassociates@btinternet.com Diobidal, 39b Gress, Isle of Lewis HS2 0NB
dmanford@cne-siar.gov.uk
$ ZRUOG RI FKRLFH Start your journey, whether for business or pleasure, at your local airport. Book through on one ticket to your ďŹ nal destination – wherever in the world that may be. Sumburgh
Via Glasgow from: %DUUD %HQEHFXOD &DPSEHOWRZQ ,VOD\ RU 7LUHH
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