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island news Edition 25

May 2014

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The new marina at Lochmaddy is set for completion this month, promising a tourism boost for Uist this season.

The 26 berth pontoon system, connected to land by a galvinised bridge, is an opportunity for Lochmaddy and the wider Uists to capitalise on the £39 million sail tourism spend on the west coast of Scotland.

The marina is the project of Uist’s Society of the Sea, Comann Na Mara (CNM), and has been funded to the tune of £340,000 by the Crown Estate under a pioneering Local Management Agreement, which gives CNM an area of the foreshore and seabed to operate under licence.

Lochmaddy marina is one of the ‘string of pearls’ envisaged by Roy Evans, head of corporate operations at the Crown Estate, a chain of marinas across the Outer Hebrides enabling visiting yachts to island-hop with ease.

also at Henderson Road, INVERNESS Tel: 01463 245502 • invernessshowroom@williamwilson.co.uk

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* Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Retail sales only. (l to r) George MacDonald, Roy Evans, Gus Macaulay.

The pontoons and bridges under construction in Lochmaddy.

Mr Evans said: “It’s great to see this project finally come together after two years of planning.

“There’s a lot going on in the Western Isles in terms of marine and sail tourism, including other sailing ventures which will hopefully come to fruition over the next eighteen months.”

He went on: “It’s all about developing sailing on the west coast. Communities need to communicate with each other, network and create opportunities. The Crown Estate can facilitate those conversations and introduce people to each other to help that transfer of knowledge.”

The Lochmaddy project has been a two year odyssey for CNM chairman, Gus Macaulay, company secretary George MacDonald and the board of directors.

Mr Macaulay said: “We’ve been delighted to see yachts and other craft coming to the marina even though we can’t accommodate them before the work is complete. Electricity and water have still to go in, along with laundry and fuel facilities and the marina should be fully open for business within the month.

“This is not only a marina for visiting yachts and cruise ship tenders, we want to attract and encourage local users to the full range of facilities on offer.”

He added: “I’d like to thank contractors MacInnes Bros of South Uist, Gael Force Engineering and North West Marine for their excellent and speedy completion of the construction part of the project.”

THE FREE MONTHLY NEWSPAPER OF THE HEBRIDES

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island news & ADVERTISER - May 2014 Issue 25

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

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

EE FR

island news & ADVERTISER

is the FREE MONTHLY NEWSPAPER of the Scottish Islands Island News & Advertiser

Room 7, East Camp, Balivanich, Isle of Benbecula, HS7 5LA

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

I was interested by your excellent article ‘Firefighter Alasdair steps down’ dedicated to North Uist man Alasdair MacVicar, who has retired from the first service here after more than 30 years of unstinting devotion to the cause.

Alasdair, as I know him, has ‘had a lot on his plate’ over a long period, in occupying responsible posts in the community and indeed he still continues to do so in launching a carpet and upholstery cleaning business as well as filling his full time job at Laings garage in South Uist. A top man!

I recall not so long ago when my old cooker went up in smoke on one fine afternoon. I called out

Benbecula Fire Station, after managing to douse the flames myself with the assistance of an old carpet hauled out from the cellar and calling out to visitor Frank ‘Don’t panic Mr Mainwearing! Don’t panic!

Don’t panic!’ mimicking actor Clive Dunn, he of Dad’s Army fame. It was no joke however, really.

The fire crew attended very promptly that day, within minutes, as ever, but while I apologised to them, the excellent Iain Bagley remarked, ‘Don’t be sorry. You did the right thing in calling us.’ While Alasdair, with just the hint of a frown, eyed the cooker and smouldering carpet adorning the back garden!

Benbecula Fire Station has also visited me a few times for fire drill, and they have trained me in dealing with a house fire, including from upstairs into evacuating the building via the use of a mattress, jumping down onto the lawn and I wish to salute this station on its professionalism and do hope they continue in this vein for many more years to come.

Iain Frew 9 Winfield Close Balivanich Isle of Benbecula

News about your paper Over the past few weeks, Island News & Advertiser has enjoyed the services of graduate intern Greig McMahon to update and extend everything islandnewsandadvertiser.co.uk Greig came to us via the Adopt An Intern scheme, a programme run by the Centre for Scottish Public Policy. He has a degree in web development, and carried out the work for us from his base in Ayrshire. His internship has now finished, but IN&A is pleased to retain his services to keep our site running smoothly and securely.

Our online shop, Everything Island will soon be open for all Scottish island producers to sell their produce, from paintings and pottery to biscuits and beer.

Have a browse, and tell your friends- we’re sure you’ll find the perfect gift for Scottish island lovers and plenty to tempt you to indulge yourself.

We welcome enquiries from sellers on 01870 602151, or by email to ei@islandnewsandadvertiser.co.uk.

Our website is visited by more than 1,000 unique visitors a day and growing- so it’s the perfect place to pick up extra sales for your products- and to advertise your services.

Our Local Directory, The Advertiser, is now online on the IN&A site, refreshed every

month, so that all directory advertisers now appear both in print and online. If you’d like your business to appear in The Advertiser, contact ads@islandnewsandadvertiser.co.uk/ 01870 602151.

Our circulation continues to grow. In addition to being available in Islay, Coll, Tiree, Colonsay and Canna, and from Barra to Stornoway IN&A is now available by popular request in Skye: Broadford Co-op, the Aros Centre and Portree Co-ops.

Inverness residents can now pick up their copies at the Royal Highland Hotel.

The paper has gone down well in the busy airports of Kirkwall and Sumburgh, with feedback from the Orkney and Shetland islands from people saying how interested they are to read about our lives in the Hebrides, and how many issues we all face in common.

In this edition, we’ve started our monthly summer Holiday Guide for visitors to the Inner and Outer Hebrides. If you have an event, like a show, games, piping

island

your online shop

Fine products from Scotland's Islands

competition, exhibition, concert or feis that you’d like to highlight FREE over the summer months, please let us know on 01870 602151 or editor@islandnewsandadvertiser.co.uk.

If you’d like to advertise your business in our summer editions, we’re doing special summer rates, so please call us on 01870 602151, or email ads@islandnewsandadvertiser.co.uk

Latha na Mara – RNLI Fund-raising Day AVAILABLE In 65 outlets from Tiree to Stornoway; also Oban, Inverness, Glasgow, Shetland and Orkney

Saturday May 17 Lochmaddy Hall, 11am – 4pm

RNLI goods, bottle & can stall, home baking, hand-made items, and bring & buy.

Silent auction, raffles, a variety of competitions, face painting, Shetland ponies courtesy of Uist Riding School, and a children’s fancy dress competition (sea theme): ages 2 - 5 / 6 - 8 / 9 -11. Special raffle for a radio-controlled 1:20 scale model of a Severn Class Lifeboat.

At 10.30 / 10.45 a.m., the Lionacleit School Pipe Band will lead a procession from Lochmaddy Pier to the Hall, where the doors will open at 11 a.m. Refreshments will be available, and visitors to the event will be entertained by a variety of talented local dancers, singers and musicians. All welcome to come and join in with the music on the day.

Any contributions for the stalls, main raffle or silent auction, will be most gratefully received.

For further information, or to make bids prior to the auction, please contact Barbara Jameson (01876 500849) or Stella Evans (01876 500306).

For the full list of auction lots go to islandnewsandadvertiser.co.uk

May 2014 Issue 25 - island news & ADVERTISER

The Hebridean Archaeological and Environmental Research Centre (HAERC) is a project led by Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar’s county archaeologist Deborah Anderson, North Uist & Benbecula councillor Uisdean Robertson and museum officer Catriona MacCuish.

It has grown from an initial project to catalogue the 40 cubic metres of finds from the 30 year Udal archaeological excavation in Grenitote, North Uist.

Initial thoughts were to build a visitor and research centre to display the finds locally and attract archaeologists with an interest in the Hebrides.

A multi-partner steering group made up of Comhairle representatives, academics and government organisations set up to look at the possibilities now considers that such a project would not be successful and that a more innovative idea is more likely to attract funding.

The group says HAERC will offer a unique location in which to undertake research into the links between archaeology, geology, ecology and climatology.

Their statement continues: “With some 9,000 years of human occupation (the Outer Hebrides boast some of the finest preserved archaeological remains in Europe), 70% of the world’s machair and Scotland’s best saline lagoons in close proximity, HAERC will become a ‘living laboratory’ in which by gaining an understanding of what happened in the past, lessons for future sustainability throughout Europe can be learned.”

Coastal ecologist Stewart Angus is on the steering group.

World-class archaeological and environment research centre proposed for Uist Proposals for the creation of world-class facility for research into the impact of climate change in Uist and hence the rest of Europe, have been put before the community in a public meeting in Sollas.

Consultant Iain Bruce addresses the Udal meeting.

He said: “Sea level rise in Orkney, Islay, Tiree and the Uists is 6mm since 1992, twice the level at which you start to trigger major coastal change. You can’t resist the Atlantic. We must adapt, but to adapt you need information which is what this project

is designed to deliver.

“I have been amazed at the interest and enthusiasm by academic institutions in the idea already.”

One of the HAERC partners is North Uist Development Company, which through

In producing the guide, Western Isles Poverty Action Group followed the example of Stirling District Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) which successfully created such a guide for their area.

The 30-page booklet brings together all sources of help for people in distress in the Outer Hebrides.

Cllr Campbell said not everyone maybe aware of it, but poverty does exist on the islands.

He said: “It is a shocking indictment of society that 10% of isles children are living in poverty.

“Seventy per cent of islanders are living in fuel poverty and 22% of those are in extreme fuel poverty.

This is not right in a developed world. We cannot and will not ignore it. Our communities deserve better.”

South Uist and Barra councillor David Blaney said he was aware of poverty in his ward.

He said: “It’s shocking in this day and age. Very often debt is behind it. Hopefully this guide will encourage people in difficulty to seek help early.”

Helen Maclean, manager of Uist & Barra CAB blamed the Government for the predicament of many of her clients.

She said: “The Government overspent and is now

Highlands & Islands Enterprise has employed consultant Iain Bruce to prepare the brief for a feasibility study.

Mr Bruce said the views of the local community were vital to informing his briefing document.

Around eighty people attended the meeting in Taigh Sgire, expressing views about the importance of including of language and culture in the project, of engaging with young people and linking with other activities on the islands.

Concerns were expressed about the impact on other projects on the islands including the proposed cultural centre in South Uist; the move away from an archaeological focus on the internationally significant Udal site; where the centre would be sited and the importance of engaging closely with the community.

Mr Bruce said all the views expressed would inform his brief, which must be written and approved by May 31. Tendering for the feasibility study will follow in June and the study would be due for completion by the end of November.

Advocacy Western Isles

Poverty Survival Guide launched in Balivanich A printed poverty ‘survival guide’ for the Outer Hebrides was launched in Balivanich last month by Comhairle leader Angus Campbell.

clawing back from benefit claimants and putting people into poverty.

A vacancy has arisen within AWI for the post of Part Time Advocacy Worker based in Uist to cover both Uist & Barra.

“One woman told me she hadn’t eaten for three days in order that her children could eat. She is living off coffee and cigarettes to take the edge off.

To provide Advocacy Services in particular for people who have had or who are experiencing mental ill health, older people and adults with learning disability. Use of a vehicle is essential.

“Other folk are maxing out their credit cards for their basic household needs.”

The successful applicant will be required to work from home.

She went on: “People in poverty deserve dignity and respect and we hope the survival guide will be a good source of information to guide them towards help.

We’ve tried to make it comprehensive and readable.”

Pay and conditions will be discussed at interview.

For further information please contact Mrs Donna Inglis, Office Administrator at our Stornoway Office on

01851701755 or email at office@advocacywi.co.uk

The guide will be available in all public places, she added.

Closing date 22/05/14.

Tagsa Uibhist Councillors and officials getting ready for a meeting in Sgoil Lionacleit theatre.

Comhairle says it will return Office available for rent within Tagsa building Rent inclusive of: ● ●

Electricity ● Heating ● Cleaning and Janitorial Costs Meeting Room and Kitchen Facilities

2.6m x 4m For more information please contact by:

Telephone: 01870 602111 E-Mail: tagsa.uibhist@care4free.net Call in: Office open 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday.

East Camp, Balivanich, Isle of Benbecula, Western Isles HS7 5LA

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Two Comhairle committee meetings and a full council meeting were held in Uist last month. It was the first time in twelve years that the council has conducted its formal business in the Southern Isles.

The Audit & Scrutiny and Policy& Resources meetings were conducted during the day followed by full council in the evening in Sgoil Lionacleit theatre.

Some twenty Lewis and Harris councillors made it to Uist, with the remainder connecting in via video link.

The meetings faced some technical issues with the video link, and were fairly subdued due to lack of familiar surroundings, according to some councillors.

Only a handful of public attended, but as one councillor said, this was more than at meetings in Stornoway.

Convenor Norman MacDonald said it was a worthwhile experience and one which he would like to see repeated as frequently as every two years.

He countered earlier criticisms of the expense involved in bringing twenty councillors south, saying: “By hiring a minibus we kept costs down. It’s important to keep an eye on costs, but also to remember the importance of fostering understanding among our communities and that the Comhairle doesn’t just appear when there is bad news to be broken, as happened last year in the budget consultation meetings.”

At the heart of the Community ●

Wide selection

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Local meat, fish, eggs and seasonal veg

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island news & ADVERTISER - May 2014 Issue 25

BT superfast broadband for the isles - latest Arrangements for the subsea cabling to bring BT Next Generation broadband to the Outer Hebrides are progressing according to plan with work set to start this month, says project partner Highlands and Island Enterprise (HIE).

BT has already met with representatives of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation and its members well ahead of any work to advise and provide the provisional cable routes and discuss and mitigate any potential conflict, an HIE spokeswoman said.

She said: “BT has also been working closely with Marine Scotland and other interested parties. Nearer the time of the cable laying, specific Notices to Mariners will be issued to all interested parties.”

The longest cable in the project will run for nearly 79km under the Minch from Ullapool to Stornoway, with the islands’ also benefitting from a second link stretching more than 57km between Carnan on South Uist, and Dunvegan on Skye.

In addition there will be island-to-island subsea cables from Lochmaddy to Leverburgh, Lochboisdale to Eriskay, and Eriskay to North Bay (Barra). The laying of the cables will not mean any restrictions for shipping or fishing in the Minch.

BT had no plans for commercial rollout of next generation broadband in the Western Isles therefore this project will be truly transformational, the spokeswoman said.

She went on: “Roll-out of services is expected to begin in 2015. At this stage it is expected that services will be available to around 70% of homes and businesses in the Western Isles by the end of 2016.

“A more accurate picture of when and where these new services will be available will be published early in 2015.”

John MacDonald and Margaret Saxton at the war memorial.

A depiction of the US airmen commemoration plaque.

Victims of Beinn Lee aircrash take their place at North Uist war memorial Ten American airmen who lost their lives when their plane crashed into the hill above Lochmaddy are to be remembered with a plaque at North Uist war memorial.

It’s part of work being organised by Lochmaddy residents Margaret Saxton and John MacDonald, both North Uist Community Council members, to bring the war memorial up to scratch in WW1 centenary year.

Around 18 months ago they approached the Centenary Memorials Restoration fund for help to carry out clearing, planting and maintenance work in the grounds.

After an exacting application process, the grant offer of £2,520 came through last month, allowing work to proceed.

Mrs Saxton said: “The memorial will be cleaned, missing lead letters will be replaced, and all the lead letters of the names will be re-painted. The garden round about will be tidied up. We’d like to thank the MacIains for donating and planting a number of conifers in the grounds.”

Fundraising continues for the second part of Mrs Saxton and Mr MacDonald’s

John and Margaret select a possible spot for the airmen’s plaque.

plan for the memorial, a plaque to commemorate the ten US airmen who died on September 15 1943 after their B-24D Liberator bomber crashed into Beinn Lee in poor weather and burst into flames.

Mrs Saxton said: “Their relatives who come to Lochmaddy to pay tribute are getting too old to make the journey up the Lee, so we thought putting a plaque in their memory in the war memorial was the right thing to do.”

Annual Sale of Work North Uist branch of MacMillan Cancer Support

Home baking preserves - plants - fish - crafts

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Entrance £2/1

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Teas, coffees and cakes served in canteen

The committee regrets that they are unable to accept second-hand

CALLUMS DELIVERIES Delivery service

Inverness Uist Uist Inverness

Friday May 9 Paible School 7.30pm G

The plaque will be placed on a natural stone wall below the memorial.

Mr MacDonald urged the community to get behind the fund-raising for the memorial work, and thanked Lochmaddy Hotel for organising a themed quiz night and donating £500 from the Mad Lochs fund.

He added: “We would like to hold a community volunteering event soon for people to come and help strim and tidy the memorial grounds.”

Mobile

clothing or jumble for the sale.

A limited number of books will be accepted for the bookstall.

07703 566051 Email callumsdeliveries@hotmail.co.uk

May 2014 Issue 25 - island news & ADVERTISER

PRIDE OF UIST Queen’s Relay young baton bearers announced Three 15 year old Uist athletes have been selected to take part in the Queen’s Baton Relay when it reaches the islands in July.

Katlyn MacLellan, Joseph MacInnes and Paul Morrison are the youngest in the Uist relay team.

Katlyn (left) was selected for her work in the community, Joseph for his work with Uist Camanachd and Paul to represent Sgoil Lionacleit.

The full team of Western Isles baton bearers has still not been announced, but among them are Marion Steele, Christine MacQuarrie,

Gemma’s an Unsung Hero When South Uist’s Gemma Steele was officially recognised as Unsung Hero at the recent Young Scot Awards, her first thoughts flew to the children of the orphanage she founded in Kenya four years ago, and to the people of Uist who make it possible to keep the St Jeromes Centre going day after day.

She attended the awards dinner feeling sure that she wouldn’t win her category.

She said: “The other two nominees were doing amazing work based in Scotland, so I hadn’t prepared a speech or anything.

Gemma, centre, with friends and family at the awards.

“I was a bit nervous and shocked, but when I got up there on the podium, all I wanted to do was thank the sponsors, who mainly come from Uist, whose regular donations make it possible for St Jerome’s to look after twenty children and employ six staff.”

The quick thinking 22 year old also told the 1500 strong audience that if everyone donated £1.50 St Jerome’s would be able to take on the care of another fifty children.

“Some people got in touch afterwards,” she said.

Gemma is in the middle of exams towards her degree in occupational therapy from Glasgow Caledonian University.

She hopes to finish her degree next year, but meantime has plenty to keep her busy.

She travels to Nakuru, Kenya this month to spend five weeks pushing ahead with preparatory work for a new-build centre for St Jerome’s. Then she’s home in Uist for four weeks and will be teaching at the North and South

North Uist public meetings to discuss potential community buy-out North Uist & Benbecula councillors have announced two public meetings to discuss the possibility of a community buy-out of North Uist.

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The meetings will be held on the following dates: PAIBLE SCHOOL Tuesday May 13, 7.30pm LOCHMADDY SCHOOL WednesdayMay 14, 7.30pm The meetings will be attended

by Ingrid Galbraith, Development Manager Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Murdo MacKay, West Harris Trust and Development officer CnES and David Cameron, Community Land Scotland The meeting has been called by the three local councillors, Neil Beaton, Archie Campbell and Uisdean Robertson.

Mr Beaton said: “We all agreed that North Uist should be given the opportunity to decide the the direction this island should take after all the relevant information had been given to them. These meetings are the first steps in the process.”

Ronnie MacPhee, Donna Macleod, Iain MacDonald and Kate Dawson, all from Uist, and Colin MacLeod, Christina Stewart, Charlie Nicolson and Magnus Johnson, all Stornoway, and Ethel McNally, Tarbert.

Over 248 days the baton will visit 71 nations and territories covering 190,000km and uniting one-third of the Earth’s population.

Paul (pictured below) said he was ‘delighted and elated’ to learn he was going to be part of the global relay.

He said: “I’m glad of the opportunity to carry the baton across part of the Commonwealth.”

Paul is a dedicated mid to long distance runner, training twice a week after school and with North Uist Amateur Athletics Club (NUAAC), and going out for six to eight mile runs after school on his own three days a week.

In the time-honoured tradition of the club, he now helps the younger members at training and on trips.

Katlyn was nominated by members of her community in recognition of her own commitment to sport and her help with

youngsters in NUAAC, where she is a volunteer coach of five to seven year olds.

She started doing this aged 14, as part of her Saltire Awards.

She said: “I was excited and pleased when I heard I had been chosen, and I’d like to thank everyone who nominated me.

“We’re waiting to hear more about the day and where the baton is going, but I don’t think it’s coming to Lochmaddy which is a shame.”

Joseph (left) is club captain of Uist Camanachd. His commitment to training youngsters was highlighted in his nomination.

He said: “I really enjoy helping out with the young kids when the club is short of coaches. I never expected it to be so much fun and enjoyable.”

The three young batonbearers are tasked with carrying the baton 200m each.

The baton arrives in Castlebay on Monday 7 July, travels to Eriskay, Daliburgh, Loch boisdale and Balivanich before heading to Berneray and over to Lewis and Harris, then the Orkney islands.

Uist feisean, before returning to Africa for eight weeks during which volunteer organisation Orkidstudio will build the new home. It should be ready for mid-September, Gemma says.

One of her goals is to find a way of funding solar power for the new centre.

She said: “It’s the perfect place for solar energy, and although we don’t use much power, it would save us so much money to put directly towards the kids’ care and education.”

Meanwhile, Gemma continues to teach

Highland dancing with her friend Claire Maclellan at Glasgow Gaelic school to raise funds for St Jeromes.

She said: “It’s grown arms and legs with up to eighty primary children coming for lessons, almost too much for the two of us.”

You can keep up to date with St Jerome’s on Facebook and Twitter. Donations are easy at stjeromescentre.org.uk. Gemma can be contacted on 07724 590992.

Are you thinking about starting a business?

Are you aged between 16 and 30?

If so, you may be eligible for support from the Prince’s Trust Youth Business Scotland (PTYBS). Along with access to Business Gateway products, including FREE business skills workshops, you may be able to access the following PTYBS support: G

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You must be 18 and over to apply for a loan. To find out more about how PTYBS can help you, please contact Donna Macleod on 01851 822775 or donna.macleod@cne-siar.gov.uk. You can also call the above number for general Business Gateway support.

0845 609 6611 www.bgateway.com

Business Gateway services are delivered by Local Authorities, Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Government with the support of associated partner organisations. Maximum call charge from BT landline is 3p a minute.

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island news & ADVERTISER - May 2014 Issue 25

BarraBulletin Eoin MacNeil sends his regular bulletin of news across the Sound Hello from Barra! I hope you all had a good Easter break. Barra & Vatersay was exceptionally busy with family and friends coming home and plenty of tourists, raising expectations that our 2014 summer season will hopefully be a busy one. for a very short break. They have very little time but they still retain the need to return to the fold. As many of them say, they “need their Barra fix!” I have no doubt it is the same over in the Uists.

It is clear that their islands are more than just

Homecoming I find it extremely rewarding to see all the kids who have left the island to attend either college or work on the mainland, returning

High and Dry Since I last wrote, one of our twin otter planes had an unexpected stay in Barra and led to the rare sight of two twin otters being seen on the Tràigh Mhòr. After arriving in Barra, the plane was then unable to take off due to technical problems. An engineer was flown in on a special flight to try and solve the issue. Unfortunately the engineer was unable to fix the reoccurring fault and a part had to come in by ferry. The plane had to then be moved above the high water mark before being caught by the tide.

A second twin otter aircraft was dispatched from Glasgow to complete the flight.

The Barra to Glasgow flights have been particularly busy lately as would the inter-island service have been, had it been given the chance. We are still hearing stories of NHS

patients travelling between Barra and Uist and vice versa, having to endure long uncomfortable journeys overland.

At the same time Western Isles officials enjoy the luxury of flying to Barra from Stornoway via Glasgow depriving our residents of valuable seats. It is time to demand the re-introduction of our inter-island air service to increase our capacity to travel but especially for the sake of

Castlebay

HOTEL AND BAR

New Coffee Shop

leaving the islands.

Seeing them now flock back in large numbers whenever they can confirms to me that we didn’t need to worry so much, our younger generation will always regard these islands as their home.

our sick and elderly residents who are required to travel. *STOP PRESS Since Eoin wrote this piece the Comhairle has reached agreement with Loganair to provide 30 additional return flights on the Glasgow-Barra air service on a pilot basis between the end of May and the end of August 2014.

Barra’s very own lime kiln

Barra Lifeboat was called out to assist a cargo ship thirty miles south west of the Isle of Tiree in rough seas and strong winds last Saturday morning. The Wilson Gdynia, an 88 metre cargo ship with eight crew on board had power but had lost steerage and was drifting 20 miles west of the remote lighthouse at Skerryvore in Force 6 winds and in seven metre seas. The Barra crew launched at 11.45 and arrived

Lifeboat call out

a home, they regard the islands as a sense of place that leaves them counting the days until they return for their summer break.

I remember working in the late 1980’s on a Government initiative that looked at retaining our youngsters, trying to reduce the numbers

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Ask about our Loyalty card (Buy 4 lunches and get the 5th one Free) Breakfast is also being served from 7:30am to 9:30am Monday to Sunday

on the scene at 13.45 (15 miles west of the Skerryvore light house) and stood by the Wilson Gdynia till 00.45 Sunday morning. The Tobermory Lifeboat then came out to relieve the Barra Lifeboat which then arrived back at Castlebay at 3am and refuelled making ready for service again at 03.30. Tobermory then stood by till first light on Sunday morning before heading back to Tobermory as there was a tug (Balder Viking) tasked from Aberdeen to tow the Wilson Gdynia to Belfast.

As part of their commitment to the on-going repair and maintenance of Kisimul Castle, Historic Scotland, the Government Agency tasked with looking after our built heritage, have brought a focus into the community with the building of a limekiln in Castlebay.

Using local materials they have built this kiln near the herring walk and it will remain as a feature for all to see. The kiln itself will be used for an outreach event in June which Historic Scotland are calling ‘The Big Barra Burn’. They will be working with local school children of all ages and are encouraging the wider community to come along and have a look.

The burn will take place the week commencing 16th June 2014. The process will involve the burning of cockle shells using peat as fuel to make lime mortar which will then be used in the conservation of the castle itself.

News from Eoligarry school Heritage Centre & War Memorial Visit As we were learning about World War 1 & 2 we visited the War Memorial and Heritage Centre on Monday 17th March. First we went to the War Memorial in Nask, we saw all the names of people from Barra and Vatersay who died in World War 1 and World War 2.

Scott saw the name of his great, great granddad, and the staff were also telling us of people they knew.

Then we went to the Heritage Centre, we got to look at pictures and medals of men who were in World War 1 and read some of their stories.

There was a model of the Catalina plane that crashed in Vatersay in 1944. Three of the crew died and the other six survived. Some of the wreckage can still be seen in Vatersay. It was very interesting to look at all the information,

photographs and medals.

Primary 4-7 pupils were busy at a workshop with Andy MacKinnon from Taigh Chearsabhagh on Friday the 14th of March. They were learning about animations and how to use different equipment and technology to create small clips of ‘moving’ chess pieces. All pupils really enjoyed the workshop and look forward to seeing the finished video.

May 2014 Issue 25 - island news & ADVERTISER

7

Euro parliament elections this month European Parliamentary elections take place on May 22.

Scotland has an allocation of six MEPs. They will be elected from a list of six candidates from each of the main parties and a host of smaller parties, using proportional representation.

You can vote by post- apply by May 7, or appoint a proxy, deadline May 14.

Polling day is May 22, from 7am to 10pm.

The count will take place on May 23 at Ionad Spors Leodhais. Uist and Barra ballot boxes will be transported by ferry/road to the count centre. The declaration will be made no earlier than 9pm on Sunday May 25.

David and Evelyn outside Creagorry PO just before it closed.

Linda Cunningham of Europe Direct Information Centre at CnES, Stornoway said: “In Europe, every opinion gets a fair chance.

The decisions of the European Parliament are driven by everything that matters to you. You have the power to decide.”

End of an era as Creagorry Post Office closes

Visit the election website: elections2014.eu

Consultation starts on salmon carcass tagging

The small wooden building lies empty with only whispers of the past busy years echoing round its walls.

On April 5 at 1pm, the outer signs were removed and Creagorry Post Office ceased to trade.

Sub-postmistress Evelyn Thorington and her husband David retired after running the post office together for 17 years, and local post office services moved to Lovat’s Carnan store.

But the community were not prepared to let the Thoringtons go without a party to thank them for their years of dedicated service.

In great secrecy, a ceilidh was organised for Gerinish Hall by postmistresses Mary Effie Stewart and Mary Margaret MacRury and posties Paul Wright and Seamus Campbell, who also did a whip-round for the Thoringtons on their rounds, raising more than £1,000.

Mairi Bremner compered the evening.

She said: “Dave and Evelyn followed in the footsteps of the previous much-loved postmistress Mary MacDonald, and the community gave her a good send off, so we felt it was right to do the same for them.

“They were two of the best, so helpful. You couldn’t get nicer people for the job.”

The next challenge was to persuade the Thoringtons to come along to the hall.

The couple aren’t known for their love of fuss.

Giving them a story about joining them for a

cup of tea, the posties lured David and Evelyn into a hall packed with well-wishers and groaning with home-baking, including two specially decorated cakes made by Shona MacInnes of Ardmonie.

David said: “I stood in shock and didn’t know what to say. We went into a daze and then felt quite emotional.”

Fr Michael MacDonald gave a speech, and many people came forward to sing and play.

The event was also attended by Royal Mail manager Eddie MacKenzie from Stornoway.

The Thorington’s predecessor Mary MacDonald presented the couple with flowers, cards and gifts, and a few tears were shed.

David and Evelyn were treated to a fine tea at Gerinish Hall. Photo courtesy of Peter Kelty

Marine Scotland proposals to enable the creation of a statutory carcass tagging scheme for salmon have opened for consulation.

Retired postmistress Mary MacDonald presented the couple with gifts from the community.

David said: “We couldn’t believe the generosity of the gifts, which kept on coming included a beautiful painting and a massive TV.” Evelyn said: “We didn’t expect it at all. We were only doing our job at the post office, and we enjoyed it. We always had a good laugh with customers. We listened to their woes, and let them get things off their chest, no point in us being miserable, that doesn’t help.”

David added: “We want to thank everyone for all the gifts. I felt so humble that everyone had gone to all that trouble.”

It was originally ex-Army man David who started as the sub-postmaster until 2005, when he had a heart by-pass. Evelyn then took over as sub-postmistress, but the two continued to work together.

“It seemed to work,” David said. “I did what I was told.”

“I wish you did,” came the swift riposte from Evelyn.

The couple now plan to tackle all the outstanding jobs in their house and garden and send a bit of time in Orkney where Evelyn has a house.

Agricultural Society seeks show memorabilia for display North Uist Agricultural Society (NUAS) is looking for photos and other memorabilia from the show or other NUAS events such as the sheep dog trials or show dances for a display in Hosta at the end of June.

The idea stemmed from for the society’s desire to tell the stories associated with their display of trophies, their history, where they came from, who donated them.

NUAS secretary Joan Ferguson said: “We need to record these things before the generations who know the stories pass on. It’s the same with photographs. We want lots of photos of the show, old and more recent so please dig them out and give us a call.

“Whether it’s a prize sheep or a show queen everything will be greatly appreciated.”

Please submit your material by June 4. Contact Joan on 01876 580327 or Janet on 01876 510230, or northuistshow@gmail.com

Contact Valerie.Lusk2@scotland.gsi.gov.uk to take part.

Live

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Competitive prices, paid on the week.

For more information contact Paul Knight.

Tel: 07881 626894 Office: 01631 570021 Email: office@pdkshellfish.com

8

island news & ADVERTISER - May 2014 Issue 25

Government minister visits Benbecula The only Scottish Government minister to come to Uist during the Cabinet visit last month headed for Benbecula to grapple with a large salmon and take in one of the island’s most spectacular bays. easy it is to get to the islands.”

Mr Fitzpatrick held up a 6kg salmon for the cameras.

He said: “Scottish salmon is an important industry for the country, worth £1bn annually. It’s particularly important in fragile economies like this. Scottish Salmon employ 200 people in the Outer Hebrides and we congratulate them for taking on forty new members of staff recently.

“SSC is identifying new markets at the very high end as demand rises in Europe, America and the Far East.”

SSC saw overseas exports increase in the first three months of 2014 with more than 40 per cent of its sales going to high-end

Joe Fitzpatrick, SNP member for Dundee City West and Minister for Parliamentary Business visited Scottish Salmon Company’s (SSC) operations in Peter’s Port and went on to Culla Bay to promote VisitScotland’s Brilliant Island Moments campaign.

Shortly before he boarded the Kishhorn workboat at Peter’s Port to tour the SSC pens in Loch Meanarvagh, Mr Fitzpatrick told IN&A that he had never been to the Outer Hebrides before.

He said: “We took the ferry to Tarbert last night and stayed near Callinish.

The scenery is amazing, with all the contrasts between the islands. I was surprised at how

Robert Currie, Scottish Salmon (l) and Joe Fitzpatrick MSP. © Island News & Advertiser

retailers and restaurateurs in France and the US and also the emerging markets of

Generations come together on old photo project Catrin Evans Pupils and teachers in Scoil Lionacleit have been working with the wider community on a project to unite older and younger generations through photographs.

House Plots A unique opportunity to purchase house plots with stunning views across Vallay Strand and to the hills of Harris.

The project comes as part of a nationwide scheme promoting intergenerational work in the community.

The aim is to bring young and old people together over a common cause so as to breach the generation gap commonly found between young and old.

The school has invited older members of the community to bring in an interesting old photo and tell the story related to it. It has attracted the attention of many people from the outside community.

The project was set up by Marybell Macintyre and is run by herself, Paul Steele and Amanda Macdonald with the help of the library staff.

Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Taiwan and China.

The first meeting with both old and young participants of the project was a success and the pupils were very interested to hear the older participants talk about what life on the islands was like back when they were younger, which to the younger peoples’ surprise was in many ways similar to their own experiences.

The pupils will be recording the stories and a website is due to begin soon where a selection of the tales and accompanying photos will be posted.

If you are retired and have a story to tell please call 01870 602817 and ask for Marybell Macintyre or contact Paul Steele at pfsusit@gmail.com.

Spring plant markets 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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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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Saturday May 3 Nunton 10am - 4pm

Saturday May 24 Nunton 10am - 4pm

with Milton nursery, Eastcamp greenhouses, bogsa Uibhist, Garadh a’Badh a’Tuath (Northbay polytunnels Barra) and others: Vegetable and bedding plants, shrubs, herbs, orphan houseplants and cuttings, information about Uist produce and growing; crafts, childrens’ activities;

with Milton nursery, bogsa Uibhist and partners.

Vegetable and bedding plants, shrubs, herbs, orphan houseplants and cuttings, crafts, information; childrens’ activities; teas.

Information & table reservation bogsaU@hotmail.com 07720634343

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Tel: 01463 711287 Fax: 07798 734778 www.jonhearach.co.uk email: hearachworks@aol.com

‘‘

‘‘

May 2014 Issue 25 - island news & ADVERTISER

of orphan We thought a couple d this, , The first year we di lambs might be nice teen year we took in four nd co se e Th e. fiv we took in in thirty. and last year we took Chris MacIntyre

9

Crofting

Benbecula couple provide loving foster home - for twenty orphans Tully and Chris MacIntyre’s house is abuzz with activity.

A newborn, the twentieth to arrive so far this year, is getting weighed and having his temperature taken before being bathed, fed and settled for a sleep in a sling worn by Chris.

She has named him Thor for his strength and fighting spirit. best will in the world they haven’t If Thor is too cold, he’ll be wrapped in time to get up at 4am and do up to eight blankets and popped into the top oven of bottle feeds a day. They are really their Rayburn - door open of course. Roast thankful that we’re here, and we learn lamb is definitely a taboo concept with so much from them.” the MacIntyres, who lovingly care for up Her nursing to thirty orphan lambs each training sees her apply year before returning them meticulous science to the to their owners. lambs’ welfare- she weighs The couple retired in 2007, them in a sling she made spending part of the year in herself to find out how much their Nunton home. They are milk they should be fed, she from Seattle, but Tully (65) has takes their temperatures family connections in regularly in the early stages and Benbecula and was drawn to keeps notes about their establishing a home on the development. island.

“Thor is eleven pounds,” she He was a heating and air exclaims proudly about her conditioning contractor before newest charge. “I knew he was retiring, and his wife Chris (63) a big boy.” was a hospital nursing assistant All the lambs have names. in the Neonatal Intensive Care You only need to see the Unit, University of Washington.

MacIntyres with their wooly Her love of newborns just wards to know that they love won’t go away and finds full Chris weighs Thor. each and every one. expression for twelve busy When they’re ready, the lambs progress to big spring weeks in the spotless lamb care unit she boxes in the MacIntyre’s garage and when and Tully run as a well co-ordinated team. acclimatized and thriving, they’re put into “We thought a couple of orphan lambs might fenced-off areas with other lambs in the fields be nice,” Chris said. “The first year we did this, around the house. we took in five. The second year we took in This year began with the arrival fourteen and last year we took in thirty.” of very premature Hebridean The MacIntyres charge their owners £20 per twins, now leaping around their lamb to cover powdered milk costs. But there’s no charge for the hours they spend caring for the enclosure in full health, and will end in July when the last of the babes, and it’s this aspect that they see as an lambs returns to its herd. important community service.

At that point, the MacIntyres Chris said: “Crofters have other jobs. With the

Tully with a cheeky lamb.

Chris combines keeping Thor warm in a sling with writing up her notes on the lambs.

ArdBuidhe mapping

Croft mapping to pinpoint accuracy

Essential for Croft Register

De-crofting applications

Maps for land conveyancing

Contact Philip Jubb for a quote

Tel: 01878 700380 Email: philip.jubb@btinternet.com

Useful new websites for crofters The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) recently launched a new website showcasing food, crafts and holidays available from crofts throughout the Highlands & Islands. scottishcroftingenterprise.co. uk also has a directory of active crofters.

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) has relaunched its website (qmscotland.co.uk) New features include expanded content and video clips covering a range of

topics from butchery skills to business improvement.

The site also links to the QMS Twitter feed, ‘MooTube’ channel and Facebook page which feature up-to-theminute news about QMS’s wide - ranging activities on behalf of the red meat industry.

Chris feeds Thor.

head back to Seattle to spend time with their grandchildren- and unsurprisingly, Chris can be found doing shifts in her old neonatal clinic, pouring her love and care into human babies until spring comes around in Uist and the next wave of wooly orphans need her and Tully’s full-time attention.

Tully with some of the orphan lambs.

10

island news & ADVERTISER - May 2014 Issue 25

Gàidhlig/Gaelic Gaidhlig/Gaelic

Struileag Le Gàidheil Ontario

Thàinig Comann Ghàidhlig Thoronto ‘s Comann Luchd Ionnsachaidh Thoronto còmhladh air Dihaoine 4mh den Ghiblein a chur fàilte air Naomi Harvey bho Ghlaschu,Alba a thàinig a bhruidhinn mun phròiseact Struileag, pròiseact eadar-nàiseanta a’ dèanamh ceangalaichean eadar Ghàidheil air feadh an t-saoghail.

‘S ann à seann chleachdadh Gàidhealach a tha an t-ainm “Struileag” a’ tighinn. Bhiodhte a’ cur bàta macmeanmach timicheall aig cruinneachadh. An dèidh aon duine òran a ghabhail neo sgeulachd aithris dh’iarradh e air cuideigin eile rudeigin a dhèanamh “cuiream struileag gu”.

Thòisich turas Naomi ann an Siatal,Washington, na Stàitean Aonaichte le Slighe nan Gàidheal.An uair sin chuireadh an struileag a Thoronto. Aig cruinneachadh neo-fhoirmeil air oidhche Haoine thug Naoimi dhuinn taisbeanadh air a’ phròiseact,‘s dh’innis i dhuinn mun làrach-lìnn a ghabhas rannsachadh ‘s a bheir dhuinn dealbh de stòiridh nan Gàidheal a tha sgapte air feadh an t-saoghail. Chaidh iarraidh air na bha an làthair rud sam bith a bha a’ dèanamh ciall dhaibhsan a thoirt chun na pròiseict. An dèidh sin thug Naomi dhuinn òrain a bha Struileag air a chruthachadh nam measg, an tòran àlainn “Dia Leat” air a ghabhail le Joy Dunlop ‘s ri chluinntinn air an làrach-lìnn aig Struileag.

Air madainn Disathairne thug Naomi an taisbeanadh dhan chlas Gàidhlig a tha a’ cruinneachadh ann an King City, leth-uair a-mach à Toronto, clas a th’ air a bhith a’ ruith còrr ‘s deich bliadhna fo stiùir Oighrig Keogh, Frank Wilson ‘s Karen Mitchell. Bha còmhradh beòthail ann le cofaidh ‘s bèiceireachd, a chaidh seachad ann am priobadh na sùla.

STRUILEAG by the Ontario Gaels

Comunn Ghàidhlig Thoronto (Gaelic Association of Toronto) and Comunn Luchd Ionnsachaidh Thoronto (Gaelic Learners’ Association of Toronto) came together on Friday 4th April to welcome Naomi Harvey from Glasgow, who came to talk about the Struileag project. This is an international project to make connections between Gaels all over the world.

Turas dhan na h-Innseachan Le Rona Hyslop

Chaidh mi air thuras dhan na h-Innseachan bho chionn ghoirid. An dèidh a bhith air a’ phlèan fad na h-oidhche bha mi air bhioran ach uabhasach Dìreach mar Uibhist / Just like Uist sgìth nuair a ràinig sinn Delhi, far an robh fuaim, salchar ‘s ùpraid a bha sgriosal. Ach an dèidh cadal math ann an taigh-òsta leòmach an ‘Taj Palace’ bha cùisean a’ coimhead na b’ fheàrr.

Cha d’ fhuair mi briseadh-dùil sam bith leis an Taj Mahal, togalach iongantach ‘s brèagha , ‘s bha togalaichean eireachdail gu leòr eile ann cuideachd. Chaidh sinn gu togalach air leth, an Gearastan Ambair faisg air Jaipur, ann an suideachadh dramataigeach air mullach cnuic.

“Struileag” comes from a highland tradition. An imaginary boat would be passed around those attending a social gathering. When one participant had contributed a song or a story it would be passed to someone else “ I pass a struileag to...”

Naomi’s trip started in Seattle, Washington USA with Slighe Nan Gàidheal, a Gaelic interest group, and then to Toronto. Naomi gave an informal presentation on the project at a social gathering, and told us about a proposed interactive website, which will map the story of the Gaelic diaspora. Those present were asked to make their own contribution to the project, whatever had meaning for them.

Naomi then gave us songs composed for the project, including the beautiful “Dia leat” sung by Joy Dunlop.

On Saturday, Naomi took her presentation to the Gaelic class which meets in King City, about 30 minutes from Toronto, a class which has been running for over ten years, led by Oighrig Keogh, Frank Wilson and Karen Mitchell. There followed a lively discussion over coffee and baking which passed all too quickly.

Thug Oighrig NicNèill mus do phòs i ,‘s buinteanas aice le Beinn a’ Bhaoghla ‘s an duine aice Tònaidh Naomi dhachaigh a ghabhail biadh ‘s beagan fois ron fheasgar a bha roimhpe. Thachair gun robh cruinneachadh eile air a chumail aig an aon àm, Latha nam Breacan ‘s bha Naomi an làthair ‘s thug i taibeanadh goirid aig dinnear a bh’ aig Cinnidhean ‘s Comainn Albannach Chanada.

Oighrig (nee MacNeil and hailing from Benbecula) and her husband Tony, took Naomi home for lunch and to take some rest prior to her evening programme. It happened that another gathering was taking place at the same time, Tartan Day, and Naomi gave a short presentation at their dinner held by the Scottish Clans association of Canada.

Bha sinn cho toilichte gun tàinig Naomi thugainn ‘s leigeil leinn a bhth mar phàirt dhen phròiseact togarrach seo a tha a’ ceangal Ghàidheil air feadh an t-saoghail. ‘S ann air sàilleabh nan ceangalaichean seo a fhuair sinn còmhladh. Chuala caraid do Naomi, Eairdsidh Caimbeul à Beinn a’ Bhaoghla, a tha a’ toirt taic do luchdionnsachaidh na Gàidhlig san sgìre againn, gun robh i a’ dol a bhith ann an Toronto ‘s mu thimicheall ‘s chuir e sinn fhìn ‘s Naomi an aithne ri chèile .Bhon a-sin chaidh ceangalaichean soirbheachail a dhèanamh eadar i fhèin ‘s buidhnean Gàidhlig ‘s Albannach san sgìre.

We’re so pleased that Naomi came to us and to let us be part of this exciting project which links Gaels all over the world. It was because of these connections that we were able to meet up. A friend of Naomi’s, Archie Campbell from Benbecula, who supports Gaelic learners in our area, heard she was going to be in Toronto. He facilitated contact between ourselves and Naomi and productive connections were made between her and the Gaelic and Scottish associations in the district.

Sin agaibh e rinneadh ceangalaichean agus sin bunait a’ phroiseict, na ceangalaichean a tha eadarainn a dh’aindeoin astar bho chèile.

It’s all about connections despite physical distance between us.

An Gearastan Ambair / The Amber Fort

Thadhal sinn sinn air ionad-obrach ann an Agra far an robh luchd-ciùird ag obair le marmor. Rud uabhasach inntinneach,‘s iadsan sliochd an fheadhainn a thog an Taj Mahal.Tha Jaipur ainmeil aison aodach fighte ‘s brait-ùrlair cuideachd .

Chòrd e rium gu mòr a bhith a’ siubhal tron dùthaich ‘s a’ coimhead air na rudan a bha a bha a’ fàs anns na h-achaidhean, rus ‘s leantailean ‘s eile. Bha caitean air an tarraing le eich ‘s camailean. Bha na tractaran air am peantadh ann an grunn dathan ‘s ceòl cruaidh a’ tighinn àsta. Cho deifirichte bho Alba!

B’ e a’ phàirt a chord a b’ fheàrr leam an latha a chuir sinn seachad ann am Pàirc Nàiseanta Rantambore, far an robh sinn cho fortanach ‘s gum faca sinn tìgear ‘s beathaichean eile. Chaidh sinn ann aig beul an latha,‘s e sin an t-àm as fheàrr beathaichean fhaicinn.

Gu dearbh chan fhàg an turas seo mo chuimhne.

A TRIP TO INDIA

By Rona Hyslop

I went for a trip to India recently. After an overnight flight I was excited but exhausted when I arrived in Delhi where the noise, dirt and chaos came as a bit of a shock at first. After a good sleep in a luxurious hotel the Taj Palace things looked better, and I was soon fascinated by everything around me.

The Taj Mahal was no disappointment, a remarkable and beautiful building. There were so many more magnificent buildings.

The Amber Fort near Jaipur stood out with its dramatic hilltop setting.

We visited a workshop in Agra where craftsmen worked with marble.

Fascinatingly, there were descendants of the builders of the Taj Mahal. Jaipur is also famous for textiles and carpets.

I greatly enjoyed travelling through the countryside and seeing the various crops planted, including rice and lentils and others I was unfamiliar with. Carts were drawn by horses and camels. The tractors were painted in bright colours, decorated with tinsel and had loudspeakers playing loud music. How different from Scotland!

The best part for me was the day spent at the Ranthambore National Park, where we had the good fortune to see a tiger and other animals. We went there at dawn, the best time to see animals.

It was certainly a very memorable trip.

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

Deasaiche/Editor: Eairdsidh Caimbeul/Archie Campbell

islandnews & ADVERTISER

Your four page What’s On Guide for the month of May across the Hebrides

SING WITH PAUL IN THE GLEN OF MUSES Have you ever fancied learning Gaelic singing in its Hebridean heartland, and with one of the finest Gaelic singers of our times?

Dream no longer.

It is possible.

This summer Paul McCallum, twice Mod gold medallist, is welcoming singers from all over the world to South Uist to learn with him and to experience the culture and atmosphere of his beloved island.

and Folklore of South Uist.

Now Paul wants to share this ‘hidden gem’ and its musical secrets with the wider world by offering residential classes to visitors.

He owns Gleanndal Hostel (pictured below) with accommodation for up to 12 people, not to mention pitches for campervans and tents, so where to stay is not a problem.

Paul’s home is in North Glendale, known as Glen of Muses /Gleann na Ceòlraidh- and with good reason.

This magical area between South Lochboisdale and Boisdale Bay is renowned for its music making and so steeped in musical history that Margaret Fay Shaw made it her home between 1928 and 1935 to collect material for her book Folk Songs

The courses will be run from Thursday to Sunday. The students will use the day time to explore, fish, walk, cycle and enjoy themed talks on archaeology and history, for example.

Local musicians will also be invited to give demonstrations.

“They worked in the hills and fields and on the lochs and sang as they worked, with all their muscles being used. The world of traditional singing has forgotten that natural training.”

Between 7 and 9.30pm comes the teaching, with Gaelic song at its core.

North Glendale had a bard in every house in those days, he adds.

Paul says: “You may never have sung before.

It doesn’t matter as long as you are interested in the music and the culture.

“The whole village was a hive of music.

Things changed in the 1970s with the arrival of electricity and water. Before then with no TV there was a ceilidh every night, with stories and singing, and the older ones teaching the younger ones songs and instruments. But progress has its price.”

“We have a unique diamond in our music.

Gaelic lends itself to any type of music, opera, classical, rock and traditional.

Photo courtesy of Katie M Campbell

Up to recent times, the singers of the glen were naturally trained, he explains.

“I will teach not only vocal technique but how to interpret the song.”

Paul is running the courses from this month

Paul McCallum

to the end of September, apart from the first two weeks in July when he heads to nearby Lochboisdale and Daliburgh to teach at the Gaelic summer festival Ceolas.

Find out more at paulmccallumgaelicsong experience.co.uk

FUN ON LAND AND SEA WITH TOM’S UNIQUE CYCLE-SNORKEL COMBO

Uist personal trainer Tom Rossi has devised a unique combination of activities to get you out into the fresh air, breaking a sweat, getting fit and having fun.

How about a mountain bike ride across the hills and a cooling snorkel dive at the other end?

Head for Tom’s Dive Bus or studio room where he’ll get you suited Tom will take you and booted. You wear your wet snorkelling in beautiful bays suit, strap your weights round your waist and fins on your back and you’re good to go.

It’s a great work-out as you head across country to the sea, and you’ll spot lots of wildlife en route. You can even

take a plunge into one of the lochs you pass on the way.

At the other end, you can snorkel in the crystal clear Uist waters to your heart’s content.

Tom prides himself on his first class wetsuits and equipment, and provides refreshments en route.

Local man and iron-pumper Malcolm McPhee, 21, went on the combo adventure recently with Tom. He said: “I really enjoyed myself. It was a good workout for me, my legs are a wee bit stiff but it’s a good feeling.

So I hope we can do this

Malcolm MacPhee on his combo adventure

again. I really had great fun and a good laugh.”

Tom also caters for those wanting ‘normal’ activities- a more sedate bike ride or snorkeling experience. He’s a popular fitness trainer on the islands, and also offers massage for those aching joints.

Call Nick on: 01870 602 403 Journey’s end cooling off in the water

Check his website for his latest offerings: www.freedive-uk.com or contact Tom on 01870 603324/ 07950 251620/ rossi941@gmail.com

uistboattrips.com ningledew@aol.com

MAY AT THE AROS CENTRE, PORTREE, SKYE Caravan & Campsite in the heart of the Balranald Nature Reserve Pitches -10 Caravan/Motorhomes & 10 Tents ● Electric Hook-ups ● Modern toilet and shower block ● Dish washing facilities ●

Tel: 01876 510304 Hougharry, North Uist, HS6 5DL Mob: 07748 267996 www.balranaldhebrideanholidays.com email: info@balranaldhebrideanholidays.com

Wednesday May 7 The Sojourners, three gospel singers from the USA with full band. 7.30pm

Friday May 16 Nuala Kennedy Band and Troy McGillivray, 7.30pm The Big Dance Pledge, 7pm

Thursday May 15 Whisky Galore, Go to aros.co.uk for full listings Mull Theatre, 7.30pm SS Cabinet Minister runs aground Island News & Adve rtiser now available of the Isle of Todday, scattering at the Aros Centre 50,000 cases of finest whisky

Food cabin based at Balranald Hebridean Holidays Campsite

Open to non-residents Soups Homebaking ● Freshly filled rolls and sandwiches ● Coffee, Tea, Soft Drinks, Ice Cream ● ●

Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 11am - 3pm Sat & Sun 11am - 4pm

Guided Walks NORTH HARRIS

TRUST GUIDED WALKS All walks free THURSDAY MAY 1 11am-3.30pm

Hushinish to Loch na Cleavaig Meet: Hushinish car park (NA 992 120), Distance: 4 miles This varied circular walk takes you across machair grassland, past white sand beaches, into the North Harris hills. A good walk for sea birds, cetaceans and occasionally sea eagles. The walk follows a rough coastal path with some steep sections. Bring lunch.

THURSDAY MAY 8 1pm - 4.30pm

Isle of Scalpay – Eilean Glas Lighthouse & Beinn Sgorabhaig Meet: Outend Turning Circle, Scalpay (NG 232 948), Distance: 3 miles

MAY EVENTS A circular walk around the South-Eastern corner of Scalpay, out to the lighthouse. Great views, and good for wildlife including seals, otters and seabirds. Some of the route is across rough boggy ground so bring sturdy footwear.

THURSDAY MAY 15 1pm - 4.30pm

Rhenigidale to Loch Trolamaraig Meet: Rhenigidale (NB 223 016), Distance: 3 miles The remote village of Rhenigidale was the last Scottish settlement to be connected by road in 1989, and the whole area is steeped in history. This is an easy walk along the shoreline path past evocative ruins to the head of Loch Trolamaraig. Good for seals and porpoises and there is always the chance of a glimpse of an eagle above the skyline.

Meet: Urgha, 2 miles East of Tarbert, start of path (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.

For further information please contact Matt Watts, ranger@north-harris.org, 01859 502222.

Molinginish

Walk to the deserted village of Cuiriseal from Lemreway with talk by John Randall of Islands Book Trust.

SATURDAY MAY 3, depart 11am

EagleWalk North Harris Trust & RSPBWednesday Scotland until Every SEPTEMBER 17 10am - 1.30pm Meet: Bogha Glas car park (NB 186 115) Distance: 4.5 miles

Sron Uladail

THURSDAY MAY 29 10.30am to 5pm

Walk and talk Call 01851 880737 to book

THURSDAY MAY 22 10am – 4pm Meet: Start of track just to the east of Amhuinnsuidhe Castle (NB 052 077), Distance: 8.5 miles A chance to visit Sron Uladail, the largest overhanging cliff in the UK. This awe-inspiring cliff holds some of the hardest climbing routes in Scotland and was the location of ‘The Great Climb’ a live 5 hour climb broadcast on the BBC in August 2010. As well as spectacular scenery the area also offers great opportunities for seeing eagles, deer and moorland plants. Bring lunch.

LEWIS

BOAT TRIPS Islands Book Trust Harris: Sail to Mealista Island from Husinish Saturday May 17, depart 11am.

A guided walk in search of Golden Eagles and Sea Eagles in the North Harris Hills.

RSPB Scotland and the North Harris Trust are working in partnership to provide an Eagle Walk every Wednesday from 2nd April right through to 17th September. In 2012 & 2013 we had a 95% success rate of seeing eagles on these walks.

The walks will be lead alternately by the North Harris Ranger Service and RSPB Scotland.

RSPB members, ‘Friends’ & members of NHT and children - Free Non-members - £5

North Uist: Sail from Kallin to Ronay Saturday May 24 , depart 10am All boat trips weather permitting.

Must be booked in advance.

Contact 01851 880737 margaret@islandsbooktrust.com

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE - WESTERN ISLES CAMPERS

The wind beneath your wheels freedom to explore the isles The Outer Hebrides is one of few remaining places in Britain where you can experience truly wild camping.

Sleeping under diamond ropes of stars, the sound of the ocean rumbling onto the beach, the shrill of oystercatchers and lapwings, the liquid song of larks at dawn, the sharp hunger that comes from fresh air and beach walks.

That’s camping in the Hebrides.

Matt Morrison with one of his touring vans.

And if you’ve always fancied a camper van holiday on the islands, but not with the expense and inconvenience of owning a van, or hiring one and having the additional expense of bringing it over on the ferry, there is a perfect solution.

Why not come up by plane, or as foot passengers on the ferry, and hire a van when you get here?

Young entrepreneur Matt Morrison, 26, has started a new business offering just that.

He has three VW vans, all four berth, fully equipped, fully insured and self-contained.

Two are T5s, the other a T25. He describes these

II

Island News & Advertiser Holiday Guide May 2014

as the ideal touring vans for the islands, with all mod cons, from fridge freezer, twin hob and grill, and as easy to drive as a car.

Although Matt was brought up in Chichester, he knows what it’s like to experience the thrill of island camping.

His paternal family goes back generations in North Uist, and as a child he came up three times a year on holiday to enjoy the wilderness and freedom so precious to island holidaymakers.

He is the son of the late Iain Morrison of Clachan Sands, and Alison Hughes.

His father was chieftain of Clan Morrison, a mantle now taken on by Matt’s older brother Ruairidh.

Matt said: “Uist means so much to my family. My late father came up here to retire but sadly died not long after. I decided I wanted to enjoy the place while I’m still young.”

Matt says the increase in home-grown tourists wanting to explore their ownback garden and choosing to come to the islands presented him with the idea.

He has left behind his previous business trading in motorcars, to start his new venture.

“It’s about the freedom to explore, to get out there and go wherever you like from Barra to Lewis.”

The vans can be booked online with a 25% advance payment and £500 refundable deposit.

Their availability this year is flexible, reflecting the newness of the business. Prices start at £300 for a FriThe ideal touring van for Sun weekend in the peak season. the islands.

Walk, Talk, Pray

MAY EVENTS HARRIS

ENSAY PILGRIMAGE

GAIDHLIG/ GAELIC SKYE

LEARN GAELIC IN FLODIGARRY

Ag Ionnsachadh Gàidhlig ann am Flòdaigearraidh MAY 26 - 39 Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Further info: 01471 888240 cg@smo.uhi.ac.uk www.smo.uhi.ac.uk/

SKYE

GAELIC AND THE ENVIRONMENT Birds of Land and Sea SATURDAY MAY 31

Annual pilgrimage to the chapel of Christ Church on the island of Ensay in the Sound of Harris.

This ancient chapel, dating back to the twelfth century, has been made over to the Scottish Episcopal Church by the laird of the island on condition that at least two services a year are held there.

TUESDAY MAY 6, 10am - 12.30pm Broadford main car park (IV49 9AD) For the Gaelic speaker and non-Gaelic speaker, a walk to explore some of the Gaelic names for birds and the stories behind them in one of the best bird watching sites on Skye.

Adults £3.00, conc. £2.00, family £8.00

Transport to Ensay has been arranged by boat from Leverburgh, with three return trips on a RIB which holds 12 people. Price £25.

Ferries run from Berneray to Leverburgh at 7.15 and 10.25am.

SKYE

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND 2014

To join the trip please contact Joan Kemp on 01631 566963 or joan.kemp@cantab.net

Fuadaich nan Gàidheal/The Clearance Clans:

RACES

THURSDAY MAY 15,

LEWIS

10am - 4pm

Stornoway Half Marathon, 10k and Fun Run SATURDAY MAY 24 10am Picturesque route, with on and off road sections.

Enter online at half.srac.org.uk When the Clan MacAskill was finally cleared from Rubh’ an Dùnain in 1853, they left a homely village, canal, ruined fort and a Neolithic chambered cairn as testament to the length of time people had occupied that ground.

JURA

Isle of Jura Fell Race SATURDAY MAY 24 10.30am 28km, seven mountain summits including the Paps of Jura, 2370m climbing.

Apply online, jurafellrace.org.uk.

Upcoming race dates in the Outer Hebrides.

All part of Heb3, which celebrates 25 years this year. More at srac.org.uk/heb3

SKYE

Roll Your Sleeves Up Mountain Path Volunteer Day : Coire Riabhach SATURDAY MAY 3 10am - 3pm Last time we were here was in March 2011 so hopefully there is no major work needing done. Possibility of a pint in the pub afterwards! Booking essential.

The

Blacksmith’s Cushion New outlet for bespoke ironwork and Harris Tweed products Gates, railings, handles, candlesticks etc by the only artisan blacksmith on the islands.

All types of work undertaken G Harris Tweed cushions G Cards G Keyrings Parking at Culla Culla Croft, Aird, Benbecula Bay

Contact 01870 603816 for opening hours

Meet: Glenbrittle car park.

June 7

Benbecula Half Marathon and Fun Run June 14 Skye Half Marathon and Fun Run June 28 Barrathon and Fun Run July 5 Harris Half Marathon and Fun Run

Meet at Sligachan Hotel Car park. Grid ref: NG 486298.

Grade A. Free .

Contact John Phillips on 01471 820526 or email john.phillips@highland.gov.uk.

Grid ref: NG 409206. Grade C. Adults £5.00, conc. £3.00, family £12.00.

Contact John Phillips on 01471 820526 or email john.phillips@highland.gov.uk.

Join the Skye and Lochalsh Disabled Ramblers to clear local paths, improving accessiblity for everyone. Bring and share lunch afterwards. All welcome.

Booking essential.

Meet Rangers’ office in Broadford.

BROADFORD

Clear Local Paths FRIDAY MAY 9 10am - 12.30pm

Grid ref: NG 638237. Grade A. Free.

Contact John Phillips on 01471 820526 or email john.phillips@highland.gov.uk.

Island News & Advertiser Holiday Guide May 2014

III

Show of arms.

Watching the action.

HARRIS GUN CLUB BANG ON TARGET FOR BRIGHT FUTURE

Membership has more than doubled to 42 in the past few months, and the new facilities have piqued the interest of local businesses for corporate days.

The club recently moved from its previous site on a piece of landfill at Urgha, Harris to a spot in the Aline forest, over the border in Lewis.

Another first for the club was when members competed in the Scottish Universal Trench Championship at Glenmoriston last August.

Things have never looked so good for Harris Gun Club.

After a momentous year of growth and development, the club has secured funding for three shelters over the main shooting stands, and the installation of a Skeet shooting discipline.

Big steps towards the club’s aspiration to become one of the finest all-weather, multidiscipline shooting venues for clay shooting, says club treasurer Fiona Knape.

She said: “We want to give local competitors the same chance as mainland shooters to qualify for national shooting teams.”

For that reason the 100 year old club sought registration with the Scottish Clay Target Assocation (SCTA) which was awarded in March this year. It means that isles clay target shooters can register their scores through Harris Gun Club for submission to SCTA for consideration for shooting for their country without having to travel to the mainland.

They have a twenty year lease from Erisort Trust for their new home, and have so far improved access and drainage, installed toilets and a clubhouse and a computerized release system and five shooting disciplines: Double Trap, Automatic Ball Trap, Double Rise, Down the Line and Universal Trench.

Last year the club hosted the Highlands & Islands Shooting Competition for the first time, bringing in shooters from as far afield as Orkney and Shetland.

Fiona says: “This was only possible due to the relocation of the club and the introduction of the UT discipline.”

The club was awarded the Lewis and Harris Sports Council’s Club of 2013, and to crown it all national recognition also came when the club was voted Scotland’s Favourite Shooting Ground 2013 by readers of Clay Shooting magazine.

CALL FOR SOUTHERN ISLES HISTORICAL SOCIETIES TO JOIN GENEALOGY WEBSITE A popular history and geneaology website is calling for more input from isles’ comainn eachdraidh, or historical societies, particularly in the southern Hebrides.

Hebridean Connections is used by family history researchers all over the world for its genealogical data and wealth of background information that enables the island diaspora to understand how their ancestors lived.

The website was launched in 2005, and this year has received a major funding boost from the Scottish Government’s People and Communities fund.

The funds will enable the website to be expanded as more of the comainn eachdraidh become members.

Berneray historical society, Comann Eachdraidh Bheàrnaraigh (CEB), recently joined Hebridean Connections to make sure part of its archive is available to researchers at home and abroad.

IV

Island News & Advertiser Holiday Guide May 2014

Image from Berneray archive.

Alison Dix, CEB chairwoman said: ““Our comann eachdraidh has a very large archive of information collected over the years.

interested members of the public to submit additional information and upload images that are relevant to their area’s rich history.

“Although this is accessible to the many visitors who visit our premises in person, we are keen to let the whole world see what we have.

For more information: http://www.bernerayhistorical.com www.hebrideanconnections.com www.facebook.com/hebrideanconnections

“Indeed, we know from experience that access to information about their ancestors and their ancestors’ way of life makes a huge difference to descendants of islanders. This is where Hebridean Connections comes into the picture.”

Andrew Ross, CEB secretary said: “We hope that by putting information from our archive onto Hebridean Connections, we will encourage people to visit and see it for themselves.

“We know that ancestral tourism has been identified as one of the main growth areas for the Scottish tourist industry, so there may be economic benefits in the longer term.”

The new Hebridean Connections website will also have a discussion forum to enable

Lochboisdale Cafe

Open all year

SIX DAYS A WEEK G Barista coffee

Tel: 01878 700313 G

Gift shop

G

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May 2014 Issue 25 - island news & ADVERTISER

a little We viewed the bird state of mind and r ou to e du n, he w longer yone, decided that an t ac nt co to ty ili the inab caped Canary it was someones’ es and went to bed

11

Wildlife

Rare finch in South Uist amazes local bird recorders Having just returned home from a month’s birding holiday in Texas, enduring three flights, and an arduous thirty hour return journey, we unpacked the car, and made a cup of tea. Bed was the only thought in our heads.

Yvonne Benting While drinking our tea in the kitchen some thirty minutes after arriving home, Ian noticed a lone small bird on the lawn outside the house.

Initial thoughts were Twite from the way it was acting/feeding, but because it often pays to look closely at lone birds, Ian unpacked his binoculars.

Serin.©IanThompson

It was not a Twite, nor Greenfinch. Siskin came to mind but almost immediately dismissed. We moved into the lounge where much closer views could be had. By this time Yvonne had managed to muster a little more enthusiasm

and unpacked her binoculars and camera, taking several photographs through the window.

Upon seeing the bird at close quarters Ian identified the bird as a Serin, a small stubby-billed finch seen rarely in the south of England, never before recorded in the Outer Hebrides. When looking at the bird and the photographs plus going through the identification features, Yvonne pointed out that the bill was perhaps larger and paler than the birds we were used to and we had not seen a light nape patch and therefore it might be a Canary. With this in mind we continued to view and photograph the bird which by now, in our fatigued and jet-lagged state, fitted both descriptions and neither! The bird was small, had heavy streaking on the flanks, streaked back, neatly striated head, all pointing to Serin, and yet that bill?

Despite our tired state, Ian decided to call our neighbour, local naturalist Bill Neill. Unfortunately

Serin. © Ian Thompson

the telephones had been unplugged while we were away so the rechargeable batteries in the handsets were flat AND we had no mobile signal. We thought of popping across to Bill’s but on looking across to his house, noticed his car was missing and remembered that he had told us that he would be away when we returned.

We viewed the bird a little longer when, due to our state of mind and the inability to contact anyone, decided that it was someone’s escaped Canary and went to bed, leaving the bird still feeding on the lawn. It was the decision of least resistance, plus a Serin had never been recorded here in the Outer Hebrides, so what were the chances now!

The following day was spent playing catch-up with very little thought of the bird as it was no longer around, but that evening, by way of a break, Ian decided to post the photographs on the local Curracag (Outer Hebrides Natural History Society)

Forum under the title ID Challenge. Within fifteen minutes we’d received an email saying “It’s a Serin!”

- a bird never recorded in the Outer Hebrides before.

The photographs generated many phone calls on the 12th but the bird had not been seen since our original sighting. Later, one such phone call was from John Kemp in South Glendale, some 10km to the south-east of us asking if we had seen the bird recently as he, incredibly, had a Serin in his garden!

We have to assume that it is the same bird.

The bird was seen and photographed by many observers and stayed in South Glendale until at least April 21.

What is in your garden? Let us know, telephone Ian or Yvonne Thompson, County Bird Recorders on 01878 700849. Email: recorder@outerhebridesbirds.org.uk or visit our website: www.outerhebridesbirds.org.uk

Controversial and rare duck spotted at Stoneybridge One of the most controversial and rare birds to be spotted in the Southern Isles recently was a Wood Duck (pictured right) at Loch a Mhuillin, Stoneybridge.

Steve Duffield

probably here in the Outer Hebrides.

Another surprising find in March was the relocating of the wintering Marsh Sandpiper Although a long distance at Loch nam Feithean, North Uist. Having migrant in North America and a potential accidental visitor to the first been seen near Kyles Paible on December 30, it lingered in the same area UK they are also a popular bird in wildfowl collections due to the until mid-January. It appeared to have departed and had been absent for around males’ stunning plumage. six weeks when it was next reported on The jury’s out on whether the March 3 in Balranald. bird at Stoneybridge was a truly wild bird or a fence-jumper from It is only the eleventh Marsh Sandpiper to be found in Scotland and the first ever to a collection, although if spend the winter anywhere in the UK. anywhere in the UK is likely to hold a truly wild one, it’s

The first sign that spring was afoot was the start of the Whooper Swan movement with birds first noted heading back to their Icelandic breeding grounds on March 10. th

It wasn’t until the 18 though that our first summer migrants arrived when a Wheatear was noted at Scotvein, Grimsay. These tough trans-Saharan migrants are often the first summer visitor to be noted in the UK with Chiffchaff and White Wagtail (pictured left) close on their heels.

The north end of Lewis was also host to two White-billed

Divers (pictured below) on the last day of March. This, the largest of the divers was a rarity until recently but north-east Lewis and Skigersta in particular regularly hosts a few in spring each year.

The birds come to moult here and are likely to stay in the area until they have attained their summer plumage when they’ll return to their Arctic breeding grounds.

Another impressive Arctic visitor, a Gyrfalcon (pictured right) was seen at © 123rf Balranald. The position of the Outer Hebrides in the far north-west reaches of the UK make the islands one of the best places to see this dashing

visitor from Greenland.

Even so it’s definitely a good day if you see one as it’s still a rarity and often only seen fleetingly as they hunt over large areas.

Angus B MacNeil MP Constituency Office, 31 Bayhead Street, Stornoway Isle of Lewis, HS1 2DU

All enquiries welcome

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

12

island news & ADVERTISER - May 2014 Issue 25

OUR ISLANDS OUR FUTURE OIOF demands taking shape A draft prospectus for the Scottish Government and draft concordat for the UK Government are currently being drawn up by Scotland’s three island councils to express their demands for greater powers regardless of the outcome of the referendum.

Speaking at the Comhairle Policy and Resources committee meeting in Benbecula last month, CnES

leader Angus Campbell described the work as the main item of interest for the committee between now and June 26, when the drafts will be presented to the committee ‘in as final a form as possible.’

The documents will ask for legislative recognition of local government in each island group as an integral tier of the country’s democratic structure; island perspective considered as a matter of course; enhanced relationship with Europe through better representation and access to funding and distribution mechanisms; fiscal and regulatory powers to empower economic development.

Improved fiscal arrangements would allow the islands to benefit more directly from the exploitation of local resources, for example. The group wants to see sea bed revenue currently paid to the Crown Estate to be paid directly to island authorities to meet local needs.

Greater powers over oil and gas revenues, renewables, marine planning, business and innovation support, fisheries, aquaculture, crofting and transport, digital

connectivity, tourism, engineering and construction are all items on the OIOF agenda.

The draft prospectus will be considered at the Island Areas Ministerial Working Group meeting on June 2 in Orkney.

Meanwhile, island chief executives are meeting with Scottish Government civil servants this month.

Cllr Campbell said: “OIOF has enjoyed an unprecendented level of contact and engagement with ministers and senior civil servants of both the Scottish and UK Governments.”

The Month in the North Island News & Advertiser’s regular digest of news from the Orkney and Shetland islands.

SHETLAND

Strachan’s delight at earning Games place Years of hard work have paid off for swimming starlet Andrea Strachan who has earned a place in the Scotland squad for the Commonwealth Games this summer.

The 21-year-old says the last two or three years have been focused on getting into the team, with 5am starts, being a feature of her training programme.

Earlier this month Strachan achieved the nomination time in the 50m breast stroke – on the final day of the National Swimming

Championships in Glasgow.

The national championships were held at the city’s Toll Cross National Swimming Centre, where swimming for the games will take place later this year.

She said she was “really happy” with her personal best time of 31.65s, and after

ORKNEY Residents contacted over mass marketing scam Orkney Islands Council is contacting people who may be at risk from mass marketing scams.

The council has been supplied with a mailing list of more than 40 Orkney residents, which was seized as part of a raid carried out in the south of England.

It was provided by the National Scams Hub, a project funded by the National Trading Standards Board aimed at tackling mass marketing fraud, which is estimated to cost UK consumers around £3.5 billion annually.

performances in the national championships and British championships, she has landed a place for the 50m breast stroke on the Commonwealth stage.

shetlandtimes.co.uk

SHETLAND

Andrea Strachan. Courtesy of Shetland Times.

ORKNEY

Golf tees off with coach education and plans for a local Ryder Cup event

MSP highlights concerns about emergency control room centralisation

Shetland and Whalsay Golf Club coaches are preparing for their PGA (Professional Golfers’ Association) Level 1 Coaching qualification this weekend.

During a Holyrood debate on Scottish Fire and Rescue Service plans to close five of its eight emergency control rooms across Scotland, Orkney’s MSP Liam McArthur highlighted concerns felt by islanders as well as wider fears over increased centralisation of services by the Scottish Government.

Six members from Dale and one from Whalsay will be put through their paces over the weekend on a 2 day course being delivered by PGA tutor Allan Martin, who coaches out of Buchanan Castle Golf Club near Loch Lomond and delivers coach education across the Grampian, Tayside and Highlands and Islands region. The course will give coaches the skills and knowledge to support the ClubGolf junior programmes at each club.

Coach Education is just one part of the busy golf programme in 2014. Shetland and Whalsay Golf Clubs are also planning a joint Ryder Cup-style event for juniors, with the two clubs competing as Europe and the USA, complete with decorated clubhouses in the European and American colours and flags.

Funding has been secured for the events through both clubs by Shetland Islands Council and ClubGolf Scotland.

Speaking afterwards, he said: “A strong case has been made for retaining the emergency control room in Inverness. Local knowledge and experience, additional resilience within the Scottish fire and rescue network and recently upgraded facilities all helped lend weight to arguments against closure of Inverness.

“Sadly, those arguments have fallen on deaf ears. As a result, the most northerly control room will be in Dundee.

“Invariably, however, it is rural and island communities that lose out as a consequence. The sense is created that they are a secondary consideration and that the centre knows and does best. That is wrong on an operational level. It also goes against the entire ethos of devolution, which was never supposed to stop at Edinburgh.”

orcadian.co.uk

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May 2014 Issue 25 - island news & ADVERTISER

, held over four days The course, which is yone ge Hall is open to an in the Broadford Villa participants tirely funded by the en is t en om m e th and at goodwill of Rick, themselves and the Pam and friends.

13

Music

Fun time at Rick Taylor Ensemble week in Skye

News from Sgoil Lionacleit Pipe Band Anne Bird

The pipe band at the South Harris Show last year.

Mary Bauld

Rick Taylor with his Ensemble.

Genius, inspirational, emotional, amazing, are just some of the words that have been used to describe the Rick Taylor Ensemble week on the Isle of Skye last month.

Without a doubt a really fun time was had by all and the messages of encouragement and thanks and promises to return next year have been flying all over Facebook in the last couple of days. We came away, not just with new tunes and new experiences but more importantly, new friends.

Bringing together 25 musicians of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, an incredible range of instruments that included everything from

a bassoon to a sousaphone, one might wonder what would happen next. But under the expert knowledge, creativity and direction of the fabulous Rick Taylor, with a lot of hard work and a whole bunch of laughs along the way, an amazing gig was performed on Friday night with music ranging from African lullabies, to lively traditional Scottish dance tunes, to soulful blues and fun swing and jazz numbers.

The whistle section consisted of the one of the oldest and youngest members of the ensemble; Loriana Pauli from Berneray and James Bauld from Dornoch (grandson of Alasdair and Cathie Laing). The atmosphere was both inclusive and hugely encouraging for those just beginning and those who came to playing later on in life and watching the music evolve over the course of four days was an education and experience in itself.

Mairi Voinot from Lochgilphead, currently in Uist studying for her BA in music, was leading up the fiddle section and although our dear friend Peter Cooper had to leave early due to ill health, he was given a special mention on Friday night as one of the numbers was dedicated to him.

The course, which is held over four days, in the Broadford Village Hall is open to anyone and at the moment is entirely funded by the participants themselves and the goodwill of Rick, Pam and friends.

A special mention must also be made of Laura Taylor, Rick’s daughter, who travelled up from Durham to lead the singing workshops, both for the ensemble group and for the wider community in the evening sessions. She shares her father’s expertise, enthusiasm and ability to encourage and everyone thoroughly enjoyed being part of the wonderful harmony she created in just a couple of hours with the eclectic mix of people in front of her.

So, for anyone out there who plays a little, plays a lot, likes to sing a bit or just really wants to learn – it is only a short hop over on the ferry next year for what would undoubtedly be one of the most memorable and enjoyable weeks of your year. Or, there is also the possibility, that with sufficient interest, Rick Taylor, already a regular guest tutor at the UHI Benbecula, would run a similar community ensemble week in Uist in the future.

Lewis’ s Eleanor Stops Gravity Ryan Dempsey It was suggested I check out a young singer/songwriter by the name of Eleanor Nicholson which brings me to write this.

Eleanor Nicholson.

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I found her EP “Stop Gravity� on itunes and I was immediately hooked, the title track “Stop Gravity� has a brilliant uplifting feel, which carries through the whole EP. Mixed with clever song writing and a very beautiful and humble vocal, Eleanor is a very interesting musical talent. The EP was recorded at the Wee Studio in Stornoway by Keith Morrison who says “she is a real pleasure to work with both on stage and in the studio. She is professional beyond her years and has an incredible ear for arrangement and knows how to perform to get the exact sound she is looking for.� And this shows in this lovely collection of songs.

Eleanor is 16 and hails from Lewis. She has already supported the likes of Emmas imagination, Manran, and Colin Macleod.

Eleanor has headlined the Wee Studio live showcase on two occasions and has an impressive 50,000 plays of online recordings via Sound Cloud and You Tube, showing a bright future.

The next few months see some live dates, including a huge performance on July 19 at the HebCelt Festival in Stornoway and the release of her second EP coinciding with this performance which by the sounds of “Stop Gravity� should be amazing.

You can find Eleanor’s EP “Stop Gravity� on itunes, Amazon and various other sites. Or you can check out her new website atwww.eleanornicholson.com

After missing the Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships in March due to bad weather, Sgoil Lionacleit Pipe Band are looking forward to the British Pipe Bad Championships in Bathgate at the end of May. The band had originally discounted this competition as it clashes with the local Mod, but due to the kind co-operation of the Mod committee, the piping and drumming sessions have been rescheduled to allow band members to attend. A number of local employers have been supporting the band’s activities including Qinetic, MacInnes Brothers, West Coast Energee, Ask Car Hire, CnES, Co-op and CalMac. The pupils and the committee are very grateful to them and to the wider community as without local support the band could not compete in mainland competitions.

Catch the band during the summer months and see how well they are playing!

Sat Sat

May 17 May 31

RNLI Day Lochmaddy British Pipe Bad Championships, Bathgate Sat June 28 European Pipe Band Championships, Forres Thurs July 17 North Harris Show Wed July 23 South Uist Games Fri July 25 North Uist Games Sat July 26 South Uist and Benbecula Show Tues July 29 South Harris Show Fri - Sat August 8, 9 Harris Tweed Tattoo, Stornoway Fri - Sat August 15,16 World Pipe Band Championships, Glasgow

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" ! ! # "

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‘‘

island news & ADVERTISER - May 2014 Issue 25

We bought the build ing with help from Tiree’ s Windfall Fund, money generated by the island’s community turbine.

Neighbours Working group to explore needs of Argyll’s islands

‘‘

14

Ian Gillies

New community asset for Tiree

A short life working group has been set up to look at the issues Argyll’s 23 inhabited islands have in common.

Tiree Business Centre is set to expand its activity after being bought by a local company.

The Business Centre at Crossapol, Tiree.

Argyll & Bute councillors say they now have a clear outline of the next steps.

Chairman of the group, Bute-based cllr Len Scoullar, said: ‘’We have established this group to take forward our own islands initiative to ensure that we can build a prosperous and sustainable future for our islands.

“We will be producing a position statement which will outline the key areas for support, which could include increased resources from both the Scottish and UK governments. ‘’We welcome action that supports prosperous island living such as the three islands councils’ Our Islands: Our Future initiative. Our new task force will bring focus on the attractions and challenges of Argyll’s islands.

Tiree Community Business Ltd, (TCB) publishers of the island’s local newsletter An Tirisdeach, has just bought the Business Centre at Crossapol where it has rented an office for the past 20 years from Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE), complete with sitting tenants.

TCB will continue to lease out offices to Argyll & Bute Council, Argyll College, Tiree Community Development Trust and the

‘’We will establish some key actions points which we will then take to the Scottish Government for their early consideration. Any change in legislation at national level will have to reflect the needs of all of Scotland’s islands.’’

Issues considered by the group include sustainable transport, transportation infrastructure, broadband, mobile phone coverage, service provision, economic growth, cultural issues and governance structures.

Lochdonhead primary school, Mull, has been named a finalist in the ‘Enterprise and Employability Across Learning’ (Primary and Early Years) category as part of the annual Scottish Education Awards.

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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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.

out small printing jobs and services like passport and driving licence photographs.

Mr Gillies said: “We also undertake small project work like getting a children’s playpark and creating a cattle-free zone.

“Now we plan to expand the newsletter and look at other small projects. We have a bit of ground with the building and have plans to put in serviced static pitches for touring caravans and public toilets and showers.”

Mull and Islay finalists in Scottish Education Awards

CO CHOMUNN AN IOCHDAIR LTD

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Scottish Government, ensuring that the whole building’s rental income stays on the island for reinvestment, says Ian Gillies, TCB chairman.

He said: “We bought the building for £120,000 with help from Tiree’s Windfall Fund which is money generated by the Island’s community turbine, and HIE.” The move enables TCB to expand its activity. On the go for 25 years, TCB carries

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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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This is just a small selection of what we have in stock. Everyone welcome to call in and look around.

COMPETITIVE PRICES PLEASE CHECK WITH US BEFORE ORDERING ELSEWHERE

The ‘Enterprise and Employability Across Learning’ (Primary and Early Years) category recognises schools that are helping children and young people develop the necessary skills for learning, skills for life and skills for work, essential to learning and education under Curriculum for Excellence.

Port Ellen Primary School, on Islay, has also been named finalist in the Enterprise

and Employability Across Learning Award (Primary and Early Years).

Alison Currie, Bute and Cowal’s area principal teacher for support for learning, has been named a finalist in the Teacher of The Year category.

Ailsa Cassidy, a youth worker at Rothesay Joint Campus, has been named a finalist in the Education Supporter of The Year category.

Canna venue for Gaelic song project Canna is one of only two Scottish venues for Air Falbh Leis Na H-eòin/Away with the Birds, a composition exploring the imitation of birds in Gaelic song.

Composer Hanna Tuulikki is creating the work using an ensemble of nine female vocalists.

It follows on from her choral work Voice of the Bird which embeds the call of seabirds, whooper swans and ravens into sounds created by the vocalists.

Tuulikki has developed her new piece

Hannah on Canna. Courtesy Suzy Glass

with choreographer Rosalind Masson, formerly artist in residence in South Uist, and film-maker Daniel Warren to explore ways of integrating music and film into the performance of Away with the Birds.

Rehearsals for the new show are due to begin in July.

Hanna said: “The show will be performed on a floating stage in Canna harbour in August. It closes the Commonwealth Games culture programme.”

A further performance will be held at the Tramway in Glasgow in September.

May 2014 Issue 25 - island news & ADVERTISER Life

Most Cherished

15

Life

Paul and Amanda Rae’s home in East Kilbride, South Uist is full of quaint, beautiful and intriguing items they’ve collected over the years.

Their most treasured possessions are those which connect them to the emotions of the past.

For daycare officer, handyman and driver Paul, 51, his faithful Höfner Senator guitar has been with him since he was 18.

He bought it from ‘Hilltop John’ his friend and guitar teacher when he settled for a decade in wind-blasted Alston Moor, Cumbria. The guitar has been by his side ever since, a soothing presence through years spent in different parts of the country and marked at times by terrible tragedy.

Paul says: “This guitar might have been crafted for my personality. It’s very forgiving for a bad guitarist, very mellow and quiet.

“Everything is in flux all the time and in all the turmoil my guitar has been something solid, like reaching back and getting hold of something to ground me.”

For artist Amanda, 54, her flamboyant grandfather’s Coruna typewriter has many tales to tell.

Amanda says: “I found this dance card in Nana’s handbag after she died.

It was in among some love letters. It’s empty. I find it beautiful and sad. It evokes an era of politeness and formality, and a more rigid class structure.”

“I love this wedding card and the Christmas card in code.

They are so expressive and personal, a way of communicating which is so simple and innocent, and which we’ll never see again. The wedding card is embossed, hand-coloured, hand-stitched, intricate and detailed.

They are snippets from family life, important to whoever gave and received them and therefore important to me, and a comfort.”

Tagsa Uibhist

Bernard Prentice sold Jaeger jumpers for a living, but was something of an impresario, writing and staging plays in the 1920s and 30s.

He ran his own theatre company, the Saxon Theatre Group in Frinton on Sea, and even cast Amanda in some of his productions.

Amanda says: “My grandfather was a colourful character, a lady’s man, devilishly attractive. He entertained the troops in World War II. I think he found escape through writing. This is the very typewriter he wrote on. I loved him but saw him hurt so many, including my Nana.”

Flùraichean Mhàiri

have secured funding from Shared Care Scotland and The Robertson Trust to provide respite at their Iochdar South Uist Respite Care Home.

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

Care costs are free for 2 weeks per person per year from the allocated funding.

This will be based on a priority of need for respite for carer and the person being cared for.

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

Accommodation fees will be £119 per week.

Fees are paid in arrears once an invoice has been issued.

For further details contact Kathryn Martin Telephone number 01870 602111

Memorabilia from Amanda’s grandfather’s theatrical days.

16

island news & ADVERTISER Life - May 2014 Issue 25

Life George Murray -

St Kilda -

it gets you by the jugular

A schoolteacher for St Kilda, 1886 - 87 by Maureen Kerr

Read

‘A really horrible place’ - insights from a St Kilda diary Like a generator – that’s what St Kilda is, writes IN&A reviewer Professor Gordon Herries Davies .

Ever since Martin Martin’s landfall there in 1697, this tiny knot of islands fifty miles westward of the Outer Hebrides has been sending pulses of creative energy out into the wider world through the minds of those intrepid enough to become St Kilda visitants. Artists and scientists, poets and photographers, dramatists and even choreographers – they have all experienced the charge which St Kilda delivers. Small wonder the islands have been declared a World Heritage Site twice over.

This volume is constructed around the surviving St Kilda diary of George Murray who was the schoolmaster upon the islands during 1886-87. But this is more than just the story of Murray’s residence upon St Kilda. The author has been at pains to explore the saga of Murray’s life – he became a minister in the Free Church of Scotland – and she also draws upon an earlier diary of 1885 when Murray lived at Locheport in North Uist. That diary offers interesting insights into conditions within North Uist during the 1880s, and one is left wondering whether publication of the entire North

Kilda ‘goes straight to the jugular’

The Street in Snow by Maureen Kerr

Co-chomann Cultarach Uibhist Creative and Cultural group meeting A public meeting to discuss the development of a new Co-chomann Cultarach will be held on Wednesday May 21 2014 at 6.30 in Creagorry Music Hub at the Isle of Benbecula House Hotel. All welcome For more information about the cultural development plan please go to islandnewsandadvertiser.co.uk

George Murray

George Murray with schoolchildren, St Kilda 1886-7

Uist diary might be justified. But for the moment it is St Kilda which rears before us.

Murray regarded the journey to St Kilda from his family home near Golspie as ‘long and perilous’, and we must doubt whether he enjoyed his year’s sojourn upon the islands. As a teacher and prospective ordinand his interest was in people and he found the St Kildans to be wanting. He encountered much superstition and social disharmony. The resident minister – John Mackay – had forbidden all singing save that of hymns, and one night Murray was even afraid to retire lest an

Author and artist Maureen Kerr whose book is reviewed above told IN&A that Prof Davies view of St Kilda is a generator of creativity is absolutely right.

In the ten years she spent there month on month off as a chef for the MoD, she painted outside in all weathers and as often as possible, and kept countless observational notes.

“The place engenders creativity,” she says. “It goes straight to the jugular. It’s not soft, it probes deeper into you as an artist and writer.

“Even working twelve to fourteen hour days you make time for creativity.”

Although Maureen has a diploma in graphics from Glasgow School of Art, she didn’t start painting until she went to Kilda.

“I had trained to be a chef in order to travel,” she

Maureen painted outside in all weathers during her years on Kilda

says. “I worked all over the west coast and parts of southern England, but I knew I had to go to Kilda. I didn’t know why.”

At first, painting took over. Maureen created more than 70 pen and ink with water colour washes from Kilda and sold almost all of them in two exhibitions.

But George Murray nudged her into writing about him in a series of coincidences she

Challenge

George Murray - A schoolteacher for St Kilda, 1886-87

by Maureen Kerr Pub. The Islands Book Trust ISBN 978-1-907443-55-8 RRP £10.00

couldn’t ignore, she says.

“I first heard about Murray from a National Trust work party member who had researched his diaries at the National Library. She told me they were a bit dry, but I read them and was hooked.”

More nudges and coincidences led Maureen to Murray’s home turf of Rogart, where she eventually tracked down and met his descendants.

She said: “The research took seven years and with so many aficionados of St Kilda, it needed to be thorough.”

The first run of Maureen’s book has almost sold out, and a new revised edition is being prepared.

And Prof Davies’ wish to see Maureen’s diaries in print is in the process of being fulfilled. She already has the first draft roughed out.

Kids- create a new form of pollution-free transport

Award-winning Uist Young Engineers from Lochmaddy school.

With Uist primary children recently winning awards for their eco-friendly engineering skills, they are ideal

challenge, we really wanted young people to be involved with something that made them consider topical issues like energy efficiency and the growing need for improved transport.

“With projects like HS2 in the news, the engineers of tomorrow should be starting to think about what might be needed in the long-term future, in order to address global demands on transport and green energy.”

The IET Faraday Future of Luxury Global Transport competition closes on 2 June 2014. More information is available on the IET Faraday website.

For book sales, eevents vents an andd membe membership ership info’ inffo’ o visit

www.theislandsbooktrust.com landsbooktrust.com

islander bent upon murder should burst across the threshold. Lockjaw was endemic, and after only four months in St Kilda he inscribed in his diary : ‘Really it is a horrible place and Satan seems to have a few strongholds on the island. May God destroy them’. He eagerly awaited the arrival of the relief who would throw open the door of his prison at the close of the twelve-month stint.

Murray and his diary – and John Mackay – have already featured in Michael Robson’s St Kilda : Church, Visitors and ‘Natives’ (Island Books Trust 2005), but Maureen Kerr has now given us a handy,

highly readable, and nicely illustrated version of the diary. It is excellent value for money, especially since this is really not one book, but two. This is because Maureen has interspersed the passages from Murray’s diary with entertaining accounts of her own experiences on St Kilda, for she has with the islands a far longer association than that vouchsafed to Murray. Maureen was a chef at the small military garrison which is a feature of modern St Kilda ; for ten years her duties took her to St Kilda for a month a time every other month. She knows the islands in their every mood. Her description of the great storm of January 2005 is especially interesting. I suspect that she holds St Kilda in far greater affection than did Murray, and perhaps we may look forward to one day reading her own account of her St Kilda years. But for the present she has placed before us a most entertaining wee book.

Young Engineers from lochdar school.

candidates to enter a new challenge from the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET).

The IET Faraday Future of Luxury Global Transport competition tasks 11-14 year olds with either modifying existing modes of transport to produce no pollution, or to create a brand new sustainable concept.

Entrants can be individual or in a group, with the best entry winning the title of Student or Group Innovator of the Year, £200 for their school and a cash prize for themselves.

Holly Margerison, IET Education Manager, said: “With this

May 2014 Issue 25 - island news & ADVERTISER Life

Grow

May should see planting

well underway

From pallet to planter Pallet power is taking hold in the islands as clever crafters spot their re-purposing potential.

Pallet aficionado Heather Wheeler of North Uist shares how to turn that old pallet kicking around your garden into an impressive planter.

3

6

Turn the pallet over and remove the horizontal bars (a crowbar helps a lot)

Dismantle the remaining section into the parts shown

4

7

The pallet should now be in 3 sections

Using one of the pieces marked A. Cut into three small sections to join the two pallet pieces together as shown - nail or screw in place.

Repeat at the two other joining blocks.

9

Cut through the sections marked in red to the required size depending on the depth of the planter.

(They are used to finish the end sections see 10.)

10

Nail or screw the end sections in place, repeat at the opposite end

11

Line with fishing net or similar. Secure with a staple gun and trim the excess

12

Sand, paint and plant!

13 1

2

Start with one pallet, the closer the struts together the better

Cut through the sections marked in red (top layer only)

5

8

Place the two end pieces upright against each other, forming the main section of the planter

Use the two remaining A sections to line the bottom of the planter. Nail or screw into place

The design can be varied to make a two tier planter

Next month, Heather shows us how to turn pallets into a cute playhouse for the kids

Cold frames are perfect for tender plants in May Bill Armour with his cold frame.

May should see planting well underway, but a cold frame is well worth the investment to protect tender plants, write Bill Armour of East Camp Horticulture Project, Balivanich, Benbecula.

For the past 20 years we have been growing Shrubs, Hedging, Perennials, Bedding, Trees and Roses here on Lewis.

Our plants are hardened off to the Western Isles weather.

In our shop we stock a wide range of furniture, pots, ornaments, chemicals and an increasing range of pet supplies.

We have been coming to Uist for 20 years and will continue throughout the summer. We make regular trips down and gladly accept telephone enquiries for delivery when we are in Uist.

If you are looking for advice or plants don't hesitate to ring.

14 North Street, Sandwick HS2 0AD

01851 705798 www.mayburygardens.co.uk

If you grow your own vegetables from seed it is well worth investing in a cold frame. You can sow seed in September indoors, transplant the seedlings, then transfer to the cold frame.

Keep them damp, but not wet over the winter. They will be ready to plant out as soon as the weather improves.

I did this last year and now have wellestablished onions, leeks, cabbage, caulis and broccoli in the ground since March.

The cold frame should extend the growing season by four or five weeks. In summer it can give protection to more tender vegetables like courgettes or dwarf beans.

A cold frame can be constructed cheaply from scrap timber and an old window, as pictured here.

East Camp bedding and veg plants are now for sale at the polytunnel. Call Bill on 07768363690 for a tour of the project or to become involved.

17

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May 2014 Issue 25 - island news & ADVERTISER

19

THE ADVERTISER YOUR DIRECTORY Have your business seen throughout the islands for as little as £66 PER YEAR. OF LOCAL SERVICES Flat rate £2 per line, minimum three lines, minimum eleven insertions. Call 01870 602151/ads@islandnewsandadvertiser.com to book your space.

Accommodation

Business Services

An Taigh Fiodh, Grimsay Luxurious self-catering apartment www.grimsay.com Call Heather 01870 602943

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

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

Accommodation 2-bed s/c cottage Laxdale area, on bus route Free wifi.

Tel: 01851 705771

Cafe/Post Office/Gift Shop

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

Ardhasaig Filling Station Isle of Harris Tel: 01859 502066 Licensed grocers Calor Gas & Bicycle Hire

Lochboisdale Café Open all year 6 days. WiFi. Tel: 01878 700313

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

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Uist Vac Services Uist & Barra Tel: 01870 602212/ 07765 524 753

Cycle Shop

New builds, Renovations, Roof specialists.

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

Western Isles Citizens Advice Service

Barra 01871 810608 Uist 01870 602421 Harris01859 502431 Lewis 01851 705727

Money Advice 01870 603807 and 01851 700088

MSP Western Isles

Pregnancy Crisis

Taxis

Uist Computer Repairs

Scottish, Celtic, silver and gold jewellery.

Traditional and contemporary designs.

Tel: 01870 610288 www.hebridean jewellery.co.uk

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 Email: westernisles@ careconfidential.com

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

Low cost computer repairs and servicing Call VOOVE: 0845 689 0030 (Local Call Rate)

Cycle hire, sales, repairs.

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

Painter and Decorator All types of decoration undertaken.

Ally MacKenzie Tel: 01870 602725 Mob: 07723013884

Grass cutting/small plant repairs David’s Garden Machinery Grass cutting, small plant repairs, hires tel: 01870 603833 mob: 07880 743437 bagleyr@supanet.com

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

Insurance Services

Building & Roofing Contractors

Jewellers

Are you paying over the odds for your insurance?

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

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

Painter/Decorator Laundry Sandra’s Laundry Hours 1-5pm All Year Round Uist Bunkhouse Mobile: 07810 408493

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

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

Memorials Jon Hearach Memorials Memorials, renovations, added inscriptions Any cemetery, Home visits.

Tel. for our helpful brochure.

01463 711287

Satellite Dish Repair Satellite Replacement, Retune and Repair Emergency Call Outs Available Call VOOVE: 0845 689 0030 (Local Call Rate)

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

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

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

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

Sign Makers

Taxis

Photographic Printing & Graphic Design

Taxis Quick Cab Taxis Country & Airport Runs Tel: 01851 701234 Harris Taxis Tel: 07500 450 387

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

Uist Satellite Internet Fast Internet Access for the Islands Get Connected Call VOOVE: 0845 689 0030 (Local Call Rate)

Wi-Fi Installs Commercial and Residential Wi-Fi Installs Whole House or Hotel Wireless Service Call VOOVE: 0845 689 0030 (Local Call Rate)

TV, Satellite & Broadband Satellite Broadband TV Aerial and Satellite Dish Call Charles: 01876 580372 or 07748 081871

Window cleaner Window cleaner/ odd jobs Berneray, North Uist, Benbecula Call Colin 01876 540252

Uist Disability Access Panel

NEEDS YOU We try to help anyone with any access issues in the Uists If you are interested in joining us contact: UDAP c/o Tagsa offices orc/o 23 Winfield Way, Balivanich Isle of Benbecula, HS7 5LH

Tel: 01870 603233

MAY REFUSE COLLECTION SCHEDULE FOR UIST Monday May 5 Paper/Card

May 19 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 6, 20 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 7 Blue Bin

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May 12 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 13, 27 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.

May 21 Paper/Card

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

Peter Mac

Monday May 26 Paper/Card

Thursdays May 8, 22 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.

Wednesday May 28 Paper/Card May 14 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 1, 15, 29 Residual Locheport, Berneray, ClachanSands, Vallique, Lochportain, Cheesebay, Blashaval, Minish, Lochmaddy Commercials, Bayhead, Paible, Claddach, Clachan, Carinish, Balivanich.

samhradh summer

2014

Island News & Advertiser is published by Island News & Advertiser Ltd, Room 7, East Camp, Balivanich, Isle of Benbecula, HS7 5LA Printed by Cumbrian Newsprint, Newspaper House, Dalston Road, Carlisle CA2 5UA