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September 2014

island news Edition 29

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SUFFERING UNDER ZERO HOURS REGIME Vulnerable and needy islanders are suffering because of the Zero Hours system in operation for care workers throughout the country, says care provider Tagsa Uibhist. Drummond Park Boysʼ Hostel

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Anniversary Reunion

The Balivanich based some time given the distances on the working weekends or overnight, she or three jobs to survive. This uncertainty often means that organisation daily juggles the islands, although a below-standard added. Carers never know when they are carers are unavailable, or unable, to needs of its home-based and mileage rate is paid.” The rate of pay, £10.16 an hour, is needed, or how many hours of work take up work when it is offered. respite clients with the availability Continued on Page 5 of carers on so-called ‘sessional the same whether the carer is they will get, so often they juggle two hours agreements.’ Tagsa manager Kathryn Martin says the conditions under which her pool of carers are expected to work make it challenging to find and keep staff. She said: “The carers are only contracted for the work they do, and this breaks down into segments ranging from 15mins to 1hour 15 mins in a client’s home. “They are not paid for travel time between clients- and this may be West Coast Energee, is the premier source for renewable energy solutions throughout the Highlands and Islands. We have extensive experience in the installation and servicing of wind turbines and provide a comprehensive bespoke service that best suits our clients specific energy requirements.

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island news & ADVERTISER - September 2014 Issue 29

LETTERS 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

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On Saturday August 10, one of our party suffered an injury in an isolated spot of the northern TrĂ igh Iar on Berneray. She was a participant in our chamber music course Music on the Isles.

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Siân MacLeod

My husband, Wolfgang and I had decided to take nine of the young musicians to the West Beach for a breath of fresh air, a plunge in the sea and to enjoy the freedom of the great expanse of sand. While playing ball, one young 15 year-old cellist from Belgium landed unfortunately with her foot in a hole in the sand, twisted it - the result being a fracture of the foot. Luckily we had a mobile phone with us and miraculously phone reception worked at that spot on the island. I dialled 999, as there was no possibility of us carrying the girl up and over a somewhat precarious, steep path from the sand through the dunes to the machair, where our two vehicles were parked circa quarter of a mile from the beach. Within half an hour of my phone call, an ambulance with crew of three, including a doctor, two coast guards in a separate vehicle and a helicopter from Stornoway which had landed on the beach, were there to give combined assistance to the injured girl. She was airlifted to Stornoway hospital together with my husband and we were most relieved to hear later in the afternoon that she could be discharged that day with a large plaster cast and crutches (without operation). Now, a week later, she is playing her cello in quartets by Schubert and Ravel, and is recovering from the fright. We, as the guardians responsible not only for the musical development of these young students, but also for their welfare so far from home in Germany and Belgium, wish to express our heart-felt thanks and great admiration to all those who participated in this most expedient, impressive and

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highly-professional rescue operation that took place on Berneray’s northern shore. As fate will have it, a weather change was in the offing and before the inevitable Sunday afternoon rain descended on the island, the midges swooped in large clouds on both doctor and patient on the sands, making the initial examination of the injury an almost impossible feat. The precarious situation was saved by the initiative of the helicopter pilot, who kindly tried to ward off the beasties by keeping his rotors turning! We would also like to thank the kind lady from Balivanich, (encountered in Sornoway Hospital) who happened to be returning by ferry from Leverburgh to Berneray that same evening and delivered my husband and our young cellist back to our house. The friendliness and efficiency of the Outer Isles are overwhelming! Caroline Bergius Knocklea Kiltarlity Beauly

For the fourth year, Uist Writers’ Group has put together a collection of poetry and prose by its members. A Skein of Words features work by twelve writers and is now on sale at Taigh Chearsabhagh, priced £5. Uist Writers’ Group, led by Pauline Prior-Pitt, meets on the first Saturday of the month at Taigh Chearsabhagh.

A Lewis woman has won The Book of the Year in the Donald Meek Awards 2014. Norma MacLeod took the prize for her new novel, An Dosan. She said: “I never expected this at all but I am so pleased that the judges assessed An Dosan worthy of the Donald Meek Award. An Dosan is a tale within a tale and tells the story of how An Dosan (his nickname) deals with dark issues in his life.� Acair will soon be publishing the book under their Aiteal imprint, she added. Gaelic learner Alison Lang from Edinburgh won the new

A Skein of Words has contributions by Thelma Marl, Catherine Eunson, Loriana Pauli, Barbara Hunter, Pauline Prior-Pitt, Kirsty O’Connor, Peter Kerr, Catherine Laing, Mary Morrison, Amanda Woods, Elizabeth French, Betty Macaulay and James Campbell. It is designed and edited by Loriana Pauli, assisted by Pauline Prior Pitt and Peter Kerr.

Highly Commendable prize with An Aisling, a novel about a group of university undergraduates. Christine Stone originally from Lewis now resident in Thurso, won the First Book prize, also a new category this year, for her collection of short stories, As a’ BhÚth ’s an Tac an Teine.

L-R: Cairistiona/Christine Stone(A’Chiad Leabhar/First Book), Norma NicLeòid/MacLeod (Leabhar na Bliadhna/Book of the Year) & Alison Lang (Airidh air Moladh/Highly Commendable).

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Lesley Maclean, Secretary Sgoil Lionacleit Pipe Band Association

A quiz night with dinner themed around World War One saw Lochmaddy Hotel raising ÂŁ460 to help with the refurbishment of North Uist War Memorial. The quiz contained ten specific WW1 questions, and at dinner a beef stew was served from military billy cans. Lorna Docherty of Lochmaddy Hotel said the evening had generated a great atmosphere and people had been very generous. The money has been put towards the cleaning and repainting of the

Lorna Docherty hands the Memorial cheque to John McDonald who has been spearheading the refurbishment.

names on the Memorial and landscaping of the grounds. Sollas Co-op also raised ÂŁ160 for the Memorial through donation cans at the check-out.

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The competition season is now over for Sgoil Lionaceit Pipe Band and the feedback from the judges has been very positive and helpful. The committee would like to thank Comhairle nan Eilean Siar for their continuing encouragement and support, without which the band would be unable to continue. We would also like to thank all the businesses, organisations and members of the community who have supported us over the last 12 months. Special thanks go to West Coast Energee, QinetiQ,Third Sector Hebrides, South Uist and Benbecula Agricultural Show,North Harris Cattle Show, MacInnes Brothers, Island News and Advertiser, Harris Tweed Hebrides Tattoo, Dark Island Hotel,Custom Prints, Co-op, Church of Scotland, CalMac, Ask Car Hire, Angus MacIntyre, Am Paipear. The Committee is also very grateful to Alan Craig and David Wotherspoon of Lomond & Clyde Pipe Band for their valuable help and to our friends and staff at Sgoil Lionacleit. Lastly a big thank you to Domhnall Ban and to all the parents and families but most importantly to the pupils themselves for their hard work and commitment. Special thanks go to the older pupils who are leaving the band, we wish them well and hope that life after school is still full of pipes and drums!

WW1 theme night raises funds for New publication from Uist Writers Group North Uist war memorial

Donald Meek Award 2014

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Thanks from school pipe band

Praise and thanks after Berneray rescue

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North Uist Community Council This month’s meeting is on Monday September 15 in the former Headteacher’s House in Bayhead at 7.30pm.

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September 2014 Issue 29 - island news & ADVERTISER

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The Referendum Of Our Lives SEPTEMBER 18, 2014 AsIsland News & Advertiser goes to print, less than three weeks remain until voters decide whether Scotland should be an independent country. IN&A is a non-political newspaper and as such has not entered into the debate, but we’re happy to be thought-provoking now and then.

In this personal opinion piece, Shetland historian and author Chris Brown argues that there should be a third option on the ballot paper: “Don’t Care” So here we are; Scotland’s greatest political decision for three hundred years. Allegedly. What real difference would independence make? What real benefits would accrue from saying ‘No’. In all probability very little whichever way the vote goes. Would there be economic benefits to independence? There certainly ought to be, but that is likely to be tempered by the sort of innately ‘tory-light/social democrat/wishful thinking’ policies that have served us so well (or not) over the past sixty years and more. Would there be social benefits? If so, the Yes campaign should be advertising them loud and clear. Promising a great deal more personal liberty would be a good start; why should it take months on end to get planning permission to convert your garage or loft into a room? A touch of ‘your home will be your castle’ and a promise to enact a democratic electoral system wouldn’t go amiss, but don’t hold your breath. Avoiding cringe worthy actions like waving a flag at Wimbledon might be a good idea too. Would there be any major improvements to our lot if we stay in the Union? If so, the Better Together campaign would be well-advised to tell us that there would be. Endless repetition of ‘punching above our weight’, ‘pooling our resources’ and a rather nebulous ‘security’ hasn’t really played too well so far. It didn’t help when Johan Lamont told us that Scots are ‘not genetically programmed to make political decisions’ or when Danny Alexander got his ‘independence set-up costs’ sums wrong by a factor of more than 1000 per cent. Cameron’s refusal to have a debate with

Salmond doesn’t exactly smack of either confidence or integrity. If he really thinks that the referendum is a matter for the Scots alone then he should keep schtum. If he feels (and he should) that it is the duty of the Prime Minister to take an active role in preserving the Union he should be prepared to put his mouth where our money is. If government departments are to spend our money on the campaign, the head of the government should be taking some direct personal responsibility. Neither campaign has – so far anyway- given us anything much to cheer about. The ‘Yes’ campaign has depended on ‘we’re less rubbish than them’. They are not quite altogether wrong, but there’s not a lot in it. Over the past seven years the Edinburgh government has been a bit less incompetent than the London government, but that’s hardly a ringing endorsement; the UK is still lagging behind Iceland in recovering from the financial crisis. At the same time, the ‘No’ campaign has depended on assertions of doom and destruction that sit on a spectrum which starts at ‘highly questionable’ and ends at ‘just plain wrong’. What would we gain through independence? Probably nothing at all in the way of personal liberty; we would still have an unnecessarily large state dictating our every move (and blaming it on the EU) and costing us far too much. Most of the oil and whisky revenue would continue to accrue to large foreign corporations and much of the rest of the world would continue to think that Scotland is part of England anyway, so we would still be held accountable for stupid military adventures. What would we gain through voting ‘No’? We would continue to be part of a

country with delusions of grandeur, based largely on keeping a missile system that political realities at home (and of course the Americans) would never let us use. Additionally, we would be able to pool national resources for projects that benefit the whole country - the M25, Canary Wharf/Docklands, The Channel Tunnel, the Thames Barrier, the London Underground, HS1 and HS2...the list is endless. Clearly a sizeable proportion of Scots would actually prefer ‘Full Fiscal Autonomy’ and a majority would have liked to see that as an option on the ballot paper. Salmond could afford to say he was open to the idea because he knew that that would be

enough to make Cameron, Clegg and Miliband oppose it....how very public-spirited of them all. Neither side is really very interested in what the people want. They don’t trust us and they don’t really like us either. The political classes are only interested in what they would prefer the people to want, and that’s why I would like to be able to vote ‘Don’t Care’. Either way it won’t make much difference to our lives. It’s not that I don’t know the arguments, it’s just that I don’t believe that either side has any interest at all in us, the electors, and I wouldn’t want to encourage them to think they had my support.


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island news & ADVERTISER - September 2014 Issue 29

Uist BRAves raise full-figured sum

Some of the Uist BRAves. L to r: Morag Ferguson, Hannah Morrison, Rosie Moar, Libby Paterson, Gretta Campbell, Margaret Bolton, Kate Dawson, Diane McPherson.

Twelve Uist women have raised more than £11,200 towards breast cancer research and support by taking part in the annual Moonwalk in Edinburgh. Three of the team walked for 26.2 miles, known as the Full Moon, while the rest did a Half Moon of 13.1 miles. Dr Kate Dawson was one of the ringleaders in the expedition, which started in torrential rain. She writes: “For most of us, it was our first moonwalk, and we were a little anxious: would we find each other? Would the rain stop? Had we done enough training? By the time we’d registered, the rain had seeped into everything, even the dry clothes for afterwards were wet. “Inside the great pink tent, there was lots of warming up, including three sessions of stretches and general limbering up, and then, before we knew it, we were off, funnelled through the exit into the night.

“Initially the going was slow, but it was astonishing to see how many people were walking; around 4,500 people did the walk and we could see walkers miles ahead and miles behind. It is a really moving experience seeing so many people coming together in a good cause. “The clear skies gave us great views of Edinburgh as we walked around Arthur’s Seat, the lochs glinting in the moonlight, and the seagulls rising up into the sky, their privacy invaded. In our honour, the castle, the Bank of Scotland building, the Scotsman building and several other landmarks were lit up in pink. ‘Before we knew it, the sun was rising and the end was in sight. We picked up our medals and set off home, tired and pleased with a good night’s work. The three women who did the Full Moon are my heroes: they walked all the way to Portobello and back. They said the last six miles were really tough.

“Many thanks to the people of the Uists and Benbecula, those cheering us on in Edinburgh, and all our friends, for the support we’ve had. For some of us, it was a significant fitness challenge beyond anything we’d done before, and for all of us, it was an unforgettable night.” Full Moon walker Ann Marie Johnson said she found the challenge tough but the thought of the difference they were making to people with cancer kept her going. She said: “I was overwhelmed by the support I received before, during and after the walk.” Fellow Full Moon Sarah MacEachen said: “The sore legs were worth it in the end, it was really good to see folk out supporting us- and great to see the finish line too.” Rosie Moar , who did the Half Moon, said: “My walking partners Libby[Paterson] and Gretta [Campbell] were great as they kept me going till the end. We had a blast.

The Uist BRAves were Gretta Campbell, Half Moon Kirsty MacCormick, FULL MOON Ann Marie Johnson, FULL MOON Rosie Moar, Half Moon Sarah MacEachen, FULL MOON Margaret Bolton, Half Moon Morag Ferguson, Half Moon Eilidh MacDonald, Half Moon Libby Paterson, Half Moon Hannah Morrison, Half Moon Diane McPherson, Half Moon Kate Dawson, Half Moon “I will do it again as everyone we met on the walk was so nice and the stories they had why they were doing the walk were inspiring.” Gretta Campbell said: “For someone who is regularly out walking in Uist, the training beforehand did not prepare me for the Edinburgh route which was extremely challenging at times and I have total respect for the full moon trio. "I’m proud to have been part of team Uist BRAves, where together we raised a magnificent sum of money for a great cause and I’d like to personally thank everyone for their encouragement and generous support. With this year’s theme being Super Heroes, we certainly were all that.”


September 2014 Issue 29 - island news & ADVERTISER

Continued from Page 1 Mrs Martin says some clients are really suffering. She said: “There are times when I have had no carer to send out. In those cases, we can phone and ask family to step in. But for people with no family here, the situation is terrible, and they have to look at going into residential care.” Tracy Rough, 46, is based in Howmore and has been a carer all her life. She loves her work- but not the conditions of her employment. She said: “I can’t take on another job to

“Some clients are really suffering” supplement my income because of the irregular hours. “I worked out that once you take off travel costs, if you have to go from one end of the island to the other, I am working for £2.70 an hour, and yet it’s such a responsible job. I’m lucky because I have a partner who is earning, but some of the girls have to work 16 hours a week or they lose their family credit. “Everyone is trying to find other work all the time.

therapists and the like.” At the moment however, the future of those with complex needs on the isles is far from clear. Mrs Martin said: “With the new legislation coming into force in April 2015 where Health and Social care have to work under one budget, no agreement for the Western Isles has been made to date on how this is going to change the way Health and Social care service providers are going to be affected.”

“Some guaranteed hours would help, surely the Government could subsidise this.” With a rapidly ageing population and spiraling cases of dementia, care needs to be seen as a professional career choice and a massive industry for the future, Mrs Martin said. She said: “Care will cost the tax payer more and more in the future, but it could create many jobs supporting independent living, physiotherapists, occupational

New Hebrides film festival launches this month

HEBRIDES INTERNATIONAL

FILM FESTIVAL

The first Hebrides International Film Festival will take place from September 22 - 27 as part of the new Hebtember initiative in the Western Isles. The festival presents international and Scottish award-winning environmental feature films, documentaries and shorts such as Kiss the Water, More than Honey, Sand Wars, Revolution, and Chasing Ice. For children there is the beautiful Chinese fairytale film Cinderella Moon and a collection of international shorts and animations. There will be three film screenings a day in nine venues throughout the islands as well as in arts

centres Taigh Chearsabhagh and An Lanntair. Dates and Venues Monday 22 Ionad na Seann Sgoil, Shawbost, Isle of Lewis Tuesday 23 Tarbert Community Centre, Isle of Harris Wednesday 24 Leverburgh Village Hall, Isle of Harris Thursday 25 Spòrsnis, Isle of Lewis; Berneray Hall, North Uist

Drummond Park Boys’ Hostel: 50th Anniversary

Gaelic classes starting this October Ceòlas is running Gaelic classes for beginners at Lews Castle College, Benbecula, this autumn. The weekly classes are designed to help you develop Gaelic conversation skills within an engaging and active learning environment. For further information and enrolment contact:

Ceòlas Uibhist Ltd info@ceolas.co.uk 01851770 516 Charity Number: SCO31179 Company No: SC216090

An informal buffet supper and get-together is planned for the evening of Thursday 9th October 2014 in the Lochardil House Hotel, Inverness for all ‘DP Boys’ who lived in the hostel during the years of 1958 to 1964, writes Alasdair (Alex) MacGillivray. The hostel provided accommodation for secondary pupils (mostly S3/S4 onwards) from the former Inverness-shire, attending Inverness Royal Academy, Inverness High School, and latterly, Millburn Academy, Inverness. This is the first ever ‘DP Boys’ reunion of which we are aware (but are open to correction!) and is the brainchild of Calum (Malcolm) Morrison from Harris, now living in South Africa. It is being co-ordinated locally by Jimmy Matheson, North Uist, who has put in a tremendous amount of time and effort engaged in detective work, trying to trace former Drummond Park boys who resided here, 50 (and more) years ago, and also members of staff from that era. Jimmy has so far managed to track down well over fifty ‘DP Boys’ and a very encouraging number are hoping to attend- not just from the Highland and island parts of the former Inverness-shire, but from throughout Scotland, England, Ireland, USA, Cayman Islands, Russia, and no doubt from many other corners of the globe.

If you haven’t so far been ‘tracked down’, please contact Jimmy as soon as possible (ideally before 12th September) on 01876 580292 or by email: thaliaandjimmy@yahoo.com

2014 ENVIRONMENT

Friday 26 Bernera Community Centre, Lewis; Balivanich Hall, Benbecula Saturday 27 Uig Community Centre, Lewis; St Peters Hall, South Uist; An Lanntair, Stornoway September 22 - 27 Short film screenings at Taigh Chearsabhagh, North Uist and in the HIFF pop-up cinema in Stornoway Town Centre. Turn to p14 for more Hebtember information and keep an eye on islandnewsandadvertiser.co.uk for regular updates.

Were you a ‘DP Boy’ between 1958 and 1964?

Some of the ‘DP Boys’ from Barra, South and North Uist, Harris, Skye and Plockton, 1961. Photo by courtesy of Archie Lamont, South Uist

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island news & ADVERTISER - September 2014 Issue 29

Sgoil Lionacleit Pipe Band news Anne Bird

The band at the World Pipe Band Championships.

Linda Nolan unveiling a plaque at the opening of the Samaritans Cromwell Street branch.

The band’s busy summer schedule began with a trip to Barra during the last week of school where they played for the pupils and staff at Castlebay School.

Western Isles Samaritans commemorate 20 years

This was closely followed by ‘Piping Hot Forres’, venue of the European Pipe Band Championships, where pipers and drum corps completed their set proficiently despite heavy rain. The day ended in style when the band were invited to play at a wedding reception in the village of Abriachan.

In 1994, a group of individuals got together in Stornoway with a strong desire to care for those hurting in society.

In July, a number of band members travelled north to perform at the North Harris Show and there was a fair turnout for the South Uist and Benbecula Agricultural Show later in the month. Then the band were honoured with an invitation to the Harris Tweed Tattoo in Stornoway on 8th and 9th August. Band members had learnt a selection of tunes which they played in a ‘massed bands’ event at the Tattoo, alongside Uist Pipe Band and several other bands from further afield, including the world-famous Simon Fraser University Pipe Band from Canada. After a few days at home, the young pipers and drummers were off again to the World Pipe Band Championships on 15th and 16th August. Held on Glasgow Green, there were 2 days of mixed weather while bands competed at all levels. Sgoil Lionacleit Pipe Band were in Novice Juvenile a class with a total 28 pipe bands competing. Although the band did not make the Final round, they had performed well and worked hard to keep any nervousness at bay. The final outdoor event of the year will be on Tuesday 2nd September. Comann na Mara has invited the pupils to play for the Princess Royal and all those present for the opening of the new marina at Lochmaddy. As the days begin to shorten, the band look back at what a great summer they have had. Of course there is sadness too at this time of year when some of the band’s older pupils move on. The school leavers will be missed by the rest of the pupils, but the band will continue to have many busy days ahead of them with the promising debut pipers and drummers coming up through the ranks.

They had answered an advert by The Samaritans charity looking to set up a branch in the Western Isles. Now they will mark the twentieth anniversary of The Samaritans in the isles on September 5 with A Walk Down Memory Lane, a fund-raising evening of fashion and music at the Caladh Inn in Stornoway. It starts at 7.30pm and everyone’s invited. Another important milestone for the branch came exactly two years ago when, after moving from pillar to post to carry out their work, the Samaritans got their own premises in Cromwell Street Stornoway, opened by Linda Nolan and five young men from Uist (pictured). Though for a number of years the callers were mainly those contemplating suicide, the amount of calls has greatly increased and their nature now covers almost every situation. The ages of those using Samaritans has

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Now they will mark the twentieth anniversary of The Samaritans in the isles on September 5 with A Walk Down Memory Lane, a fund-raising evening of fashion and music at the Caladh Inn in Stornoway. It starts at 7.30pm and everyone’s invited.

changed too, now ranging from teenagers to the elderly. This was much noted at times of community or national crisis, such as when there were widespread redundancies and when the farming community was hit by the C.J.D (mad cow) outbreak. Having lost their

livelihood almost overnight these devastated people needed support and Samaritans was there for them in their crisis. The branch now offers support by telephone, e-mail, and SMS. All these services are totally anonymous, strictly confidential and users are assured of a genuine caring support service. Face to face sessions are also available, where the same caring support is offered. A support service is also offered to any who may have experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide. At the Bereaved by Suicide session one can come and be assured of a confidential caring listening service, either on a one to one basis or meet with a group of others who have experienced a similar loss.

Contact details for Samaritans can be found each month in The Advertiser on page 19.

LOCAL INCIDENTS REPORT FROM POLICE SCOTLAND On 22 July following an incident in Benbecula a 33 year old male was arrested for a breach of the peace, he was later released from custody and a report submitted to the Procurator Fiscal On 24 July a 21year old male was arrested on warrant in South Uist and taken to Stornoway to appear from court. Between 1330 hours on 30/07/14 and 1100 hours on 04.08.14 damage was caused to vehicles at Garrygal Quarry, Barra – police are appealing for any information relating to this incident to contact the police on 101

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Police are appealing for witnesses after a car was damaged whilst parked at the Lochmaddy Ferry terminal between 30th July – 4th August. Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101.

Uist Community Riding School Balivanich, Isle of Benbecula

On 11th August, following a domestic incident in Benbecula, a 55 year old male was charged with assault, a report was sent to the Procurator Fiscal. In a separate incident, following a domestic incident in Benbecula, a 34 year male was charged with various offences, a report was sent to the Procurator Fiscal. Both men appeared from custody at Stornoway Sheriff Court. On 18th August, following a domestic incident in Benbecula, a 49 year old male was charged with a breach of the peace offence he appeared from custody at Stornoway Sheriff court. Anyone who requires to contact Police Scotland can do so on police non-emergency number 101. Alternatively contact crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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September 2014 Issue 29 - island news & ADVERTISER

One-stop shop proposed for Carnan Stores Uist could have an ‘agricultural country store’ style one-stop shop under plans being progressed by Carnan Stores.

l to r Jonathan Robinson United Farmers, Archie Maclean Carnan Stores, Douglas Watson SAOS, Ian Paterson Carnan Stores.

The board of the South Uist-based agricultural co-operative, founded 35 years ago, has been looking at ways to secure its future, improving and expanding its service to the community. In a strategy seminar funded by HIE and bringing together Carnan Stores’ key stakeholders, various tentative courses of action for the future were discussed and examined. Douglas Watson from the Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society (SAOS) and

Jonathan Robinson, chief executive of purchasing agency United Farmers attended the seminar to offer advice. Carnan Stores manager Ian Paterson said the day had been very productive. He said: “Our aspiration is to build a new, bigger store in a central location to act as a one-stop shop for crofters, jointly offering a broad range of ‘country store’ style products for the general public. “We intend to remain a co-operative, but will

10am - 5pm Debbie Nash is the first ever Parkinson’s Specialist Nurse for the Outer Hebrides.

Firework fundraisers in Lochmaddy

Car Boot Sale/Table Top Lochmaddy Hall Saturday 20th Sept 10am - 2pm

Bingo Lochmaddy Hall

Meet the isles’ new Parkinson’s nurse Tuesday September 9 Tagsa Uibhist , East Camp, Balivanich

7

Pop in for a chat or to browse the information booklets. One to one support is available for people with Parkinson’s, their families and friends.

Call 0844 2259820/ 07827 982639 to book a time, or just pop in.

consider partnering with other appropriate organisations, particularly if we conclude this would bring benefits to the community we work to serve.” Mr Paterson said the board is now looking to develop a business plan for potential funders. He said: “The board intends to hold consultation meetings with key community stakeholders as it progresses its vision.”

Live

SHELLFISH WANTED

Would you like to row? Find out more about our community rowing project Sgoil Lionacleit Theatre, Benbecula.

Thursday September 4, 7.00 pm Contact Robert at 01870 603754.

PDK Shellfish Ltd, Trading since 1998 We are seeking supplies for the European market of live brown crab, velvet crab, lobster, prawn, shrimp, cockles and winkles. Also seeking supplies of brown crab for processing markets. We can supply bait as required. Competitive prices, paid on the week.

For more information contact Paul Knight.

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

f r a s e r A ARCHITECTURE

Wedding in Glasgow

Award-winning Chartered Architect based in North Uist. With over twenty years design experience on proojjects throughout the Western Isles, we specialise in creating energy-efficient buildings, inspired by their Hebridean setting and designed to meet the challenges of our extreme environment.

Iain MacKinnon, son of Barbara and the late Lachie MacKinnon, North Uist/Mallaig and Elizabeth, daughter of Peter and Elaine Oswald, Tennessee, were married in St. Brides, Glasgow on May 16th 2014.

FOR SALE

www.fraserarchitecture.co.uk

3 bedroom cottage with mature garden Beautiful location at Balemore, North Uist

£127,500 www.bellingram.co.uk 01463 717 799

Saturday 20th Sept Starts 7.30pm Doors open at 7pm In aid of Community Fireworks

The happy couple Iain and Elizabeth MacKinnon.


8

island news & ADVERTISER - September 2014 Issue 29

OUR ISLANDS OUR FUTURE Latest chapter in Our Islands Our Future campaign The UK government has declared its support for the principle of ‘Islands Proofing’. In a statement of political intent issued last month, the government said it wants to ensure that policy and legislation take account of the islands’ circumstances ‘where practicable.’ The 50-point framework is entitled ‘A Prosperous Agenda in the UK for the Scottish Islands’ and recognises that Shetland, Orkney and the Western Isles have chosen to adopt a collective position in dealing with the UK government on certain matters. It concedes that these archipelagos represent the most hard-to-reach parts of the United Kingdom and this geographical remoteness ‘presents specific challenges to exploiting their economic and social potential in full.’ The framework aims to provide the basis for joint working between the UK Government and Shetland, Orkney and the Western Isles on a range of priorities which include: A new Islands Working Group supported by a dedicated position in the Scotland Office with its agenda set by the islands, covering priorities like Islands

Innovation Zones, construction costs and community benefits. A new Oil and Gas Islands forum: The framework

recognises the islands are vital to meeting the UK’s energy needs. Renewable energy: The framework includes a firm

UK Government commitment to the Renewable Energy Delivery Forum, focussed on getting transmission links to the islands. Social needs: The framework recognises that island

groups face particular challenges in the areas of transport, postal services, digital connectivity and fuel poverty. Transport: This includes seeking an extension to the

Air Discount Scheme and a commitment to consider fiscal measures to support transport connectivity with the island groups. Postal services: The UK Government is committed to

working with retailers, consumer groups and enforcers to ensure parcel delivery charges to remote regions are fair and transparent, in line with the UK statement of principles for parcel deliveries. Digital connectivity is of great importance to local

inhabitants and businesses on the islands, requiring

subsidy from both the UK and Scottish Governments to overcome the geographical and commercial challenges in delivery of these services The UK Government said it is also committed to

providing parity of minimum service level between the UK mainland and island areas by delivering standard broadband of at least 2Mbps to all premises in Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles. Crown Estate: The framework also contains measures

to strengthen the transparency and accountability of the Crown Estate EU and representation on government bodies:

A dedicated point of contact to offer advice and guidance to the islands within the UK Representation to the EU. The framework includes increased island representation on other government bodies.

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

Remote cameras stream Orkney wildlife The antics of divers, waders and other wildfowl in Orkney can now be seen live online at orkneynaturefestival.org. RSPB’s Enjoy Wild Orkney project has seen three remotely-operated cameras placed around the islands to stream live images to visitor centres in Orkney and on the internet.

‘Divercam’ is on a secluded moorland lochan frequented by red-throated divers in summer. Another camera is trained on a wetland at

SHETLAND Shetland author makes murder mystery event materials available to all libraries Award-winning author Ann Cleeves is offering all libraries free materials for staging a murder mystery event, ‘Murder in the Ravenswick Hotel.’ It’s set in a fictional Shetland hotel and invites the audience to solve the murder of Hanna Bayford, found in a pool of blood in the hotel library with a poker nearby… Shetland Library and The Reading Agency will be making the scripts, crime scene reports and most importantly the confession available to all interested libraries. It’s part of Cleeve’s promotion to encourage libraries nationwide to join in the 24 Islands/24 Hours project she is organising with Shetland and Orkney Libraries this month. This is a series of events celebrating reading, writing and libraries. Cleeves and authors Lin Anderson, Louise Welsh and Zoe Strachan along with local writers, poets and storytellers will be travelling by air, sea and road to entertain the islanders in a 24 hour race against the clock.

RSPB Mill Dam reserve on Shapinsay, and another on a heather-clad hillside in West Mainland. Two more installations are planned for later this year.

ORKNEY

Red-throated divers from the Divercam.

SHETLAND

Conference explores Orkney’s creative force

Shetland Gig in the Gardens

Orkney’s vibrant and diverse arts scene is the focus of a special event taking place this month.

The first ‘Gig in the Gardens’ in Lerwick saw children’s activities and music on offer in the Jubilee Flower Park, along with afternoon teas and snacks.

The two day Creative Orkney conference, which runs from September 26-27 at the St Magnus Centre, Kirkwall, is open to the general public. It will use a mix of workshops, talks, a discussion forum and field trips to explore why Orkney has such a successful and active arts community, and how it can continue to prosper. The programme includes a field trip taking in Orkney’s sites including Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage attractions, and a tour by the Pier Arts Centre of their award-winning facility. Professor Donna Heddle, Director of the Centre for Nordic Studies, said: “The conference will be an opportunity to celebrate and showcase our rich cultural and artistic tapestry – but it’s also a chance to tap into the academic resources through the Centre and the wider University of the Highlands and Islands network to try and understand how we got here, and how we can continue to go from strength to strength.”

Music was provided by the Lerwick Brass Band, the South Mainland Young Fiddlers, Arthur Nicolson, and Bryan Gear and Violet Tulloch. The tennis court was used for activities for younger children and members of Lerwick Outdoor Bowls Club also provided bowls instruction, following the success of Lawn Bowls at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. The event was devised by Shetland Council Sport and Leisure service.


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ial RTI has huge potent like the inscriptions to help us see things mason’s marks on on gravestones and e clearly buildings much mor Simon Davies

September 2014 Issue 29 - island news & ADVERTISER

9

Archaeology

3D recordings reveal Uist archaeology in a new light Members of Access Archaeology photographing Howmore chapel.

Members of Uist’s Access Archaeology group said they now see the Grimsay wheelhouse in North Uist and Howmore Church in South Uist in a completely different light after working with a visiting research project to create 3D images of the monuments. The Accord project saw Dr Stuart Jeffrey and Dr Mhairi Maxwell from Glasgow School of Art and Prof Siân Jones from Manchester University in Uist for a few days to introduce Access Archaeology members to the technology and its potential. After taking multiple photographs of a site in a process known as photogrammetry, powerful software can create a 3D image of it from all

angles. Further work can create a digital reconstruction of the monument complete with the finds that came from it. Access Archaeology member Ian Bramwell said: “You can see things you can’t normally see. It brings clarity to the site.” The group also used Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI), a series of well-lit photographs, to capture clear images of carved surfaces, for example on the stone cross at Howmore church. Archaeology enthusiast Simon Davies said: “RTI has huge potential to help us see things like the inscriptions on gravestones and mason’s marks on buildings much more clearly. “The techniques also have the potential to help us distinguish between geology and archaeology when we look at a pile of stones in the landscape.”

Prof Jones said: “This technology is normally in the domain of heritage specialists but Accord sets out to use them to work in partnership with community groups. The findings will be archived online for all to see, and the images left with the groups to use how they 3D view down onto Grimsay wheelhouse. see fit.” Access Archaeology will now consider the potential of what the group learned for educational and public engagement applications. Mr Bramwell said: “We feel it’s empowering. We’ve been told the highly expensive software can be made available to us at low cost for educational purposes.”

You can follow the Accord project at accordproject.wordpress.com, @ACCORD_project and on Facebook.

The cross at Howmore seen using RTI.

Are you thinking about starting a business?

Workshops to help record Uist’s disappearing coastline Representatives from the SCAPE Trust will be in Uist from September 22- 24 to give workshops in North and South Uist. Jo Hambly and Ellie Graham will provide some ShoreUPDATE recording, website and phone app

training followed by fieldtrips to record high risk archaeological sites.

Monday September 22

Tuesday September 23

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Training session at Kirkibost Centre, North Uist.

Day time site visits across North Uist. Meeting times and places will be arranged on Monday evening. 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Training session at Cothrom

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:

Free advice, support and information

‘Will it Work?’ grant - £250

Start-up loan – up to a maximum of £5,000 (interest-bearing)

Wednesday September 24 Lews Castle College UHI, Benbecula Campus, will be running a short archaeology course

‘Investigating Archaeology: field and research skills’ beginning in Oct 2014. For further information contact Rebecca Rennell.

E: rebecca.rennell@uhi.ac.uk T: 01851 770 500

Day time site visits across South Uist. Meeting times and places will be arranged on Tuesday evening.

All welcome. For more information and to book a place at either of the training sessions and/or to join the site visits please get in touch with Jo. Email: jh105@st-andrews.ac.uk

or telephone: 01334 462904

Call Nick on: 01870 602 403

uistboattrips.com ningledew@aol.com

Start-up grant – up to a maximum of £1,000 (this is discretionary and the focus is on those particularly disadvantaged)

Aftercare support

Support for established businesses is also available. Funding is discretionary and Terms and Conditions apply. 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.


10

island news & ADVERTISER - September 2014 Issue 29


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, In cloudy conditions rcraft collided their huge Halifax ai ew, h the loss of both cr and fell to earth wit sixteen young lives.

September 2014 Issue 29 - island news & ADVERTISER

11

Neighbours

Poignant seventieth anniversary as Tiree WWII memorial unveiled The memorial plaque to the airmen.

Most were total strangers, yet they had a tragic common bond. All had lost a father, grandfather or husband in a terrible accident over Tiree airfield at lunchtime seventy years earlier on August 16, 1944. That day, two crews from 518 Coastal Command were on exercise prior to flying out over the Atlantic to take all-important weather readings to feed back to Bomber Command. In cloudy conditions, their huge Halifax aircraft collided and fell to earth with the loss of both crew, sixteen young lives. Seventy years later, at the precise hour of the accident, 1.25pm, a memorial bearing their names, their rank and ages was unveiled close to Tiree airport. Wreaths were laid. There were prayers, the Ode of Remembrance was recited and a lone piper played The Flowers of the Forest. Among the group gathered at the airport was 91 year old Sheena Pelling and her sons Philip and Iain Harding. Mrs Pelling lost her husband of only six weeks in the crash. Flying Officer Roy Stevenson, whom she had met while serving as a WAAF on Tiree, was twenty years old. Accompanied by her sons, Mrs Pelling travelled to Tiree this August for only the

August 16, 2014 was a solemn and poignant day in Tiree. Gathered at the airport was a large group of people from far and wide, including from the former Czechoslovakia, Australia and Canada.

The shocking scene for Mrs Pelling only weeks after her marriage.

second time since the accident. She said: “I was in hospital with kidney trouble when it happened. Roy had taken me over and travelled back. I remember being told about the accident in the hospital. “I went back to Tiree for the funeral, and all I remember is the sight of all those open graves.” Mrs Pelling said the memorial day had brought back emotional memories, but had also given her some kind of closure. She said: “I feel as if my life has turned full circle.” Mrs Pelling’s son Philip from a later

Ken Organ unveils the memorial.

marriage lives in North Uist and is well known on the islands as a recently retired teacher at Sgoil Lionacleit. He said: “We wondered how our mother would cope with the day but she remained very composed. She never talked about the accident but she was very pleased to be there as were my brother and myself. It was impeccably planned and organised.” Unveiling the stainless steel memorial was the culmination of two years work for Ken Organ, who turns 70 in December. He lost his father, 24 year old Kenneth William Organ in the crash, some four months before he was born. Joining forces with author Mike Hughes and Tiree GP John Holliday, he set about tracing the descendants of the lost airmen with a view to raising a memorial to them. Mr Organ said: “Had I ever met my father, I think I would have lost my composure at the unveiling and services which followed. “My feelings now are of satisfaction and contentment that I succeeded in what I set out to do two years ago, and that I can now raise a glass to each of the sixteen airmen and feel that each of them has an immortal memory.” The memorial plaque is positioned close to Tiree airport. Mr Organ said: “No-one can miss it, and for

future generations it will be testimony to why those men were on a remote island, and what they were doing there flying those enormous aircraft.” He added: “Part of me is on Tiree. I didn’t want to leave. The island and its people get under your skin. I shall go back though and bow my head in memory at the memorial.” Island New & Advertiser recounted Ken Organ’s story in April 2014, please contact the office if you would like a copy of that edition. You can also read an account of the Tiree tragedy in Hebrides At War by Mike Hughes, pub. Birlinn 1998.

Mrs Pelling with author/researcher Mike Hughes.

Food cabin based at Balranald Hebridean Holidays Campsite

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Hougharry, North Uist, HS6 5DL Mob: 07748 267996 www.balranaldhebrideanholidays.com email: info@balranaldhebrideanholidays.com Flying Officer Roy Stevenson and Sheena on their wedding day in July 1944.

Mon - Fri 11am - 3pm Sat & Sun 11am - 4pm


12

island news & ADVERTISER - September 2014 Issue 29

Dodging showers at North Uist cattle show Hannah MacDonald with champion horse Lily.

The weather set its face against North Uist’s agricultural show on Hosta machair for most of the day.

careful husbandry had been recognised, and that he was looking for a good tup to breed from his ewe. He also praised his 13 year old grandson Craig McClounan, always at his right hand on the croft. The pair took away a fistful of other rosettes for their sheep. Cattle judge Donald John MacInnes of Atlantic View, Harris, judging at the show for the first time,said the

Nevertheless, the show put its best foot forward under a succession of heavy showers and leaden skies. More than 750 people went through the gate, down on previous years, but a heartening number in view of the weather, show organisers said. The east side of the island came through in the sheep section, with overall champion a cheviot ewe reared by John MacDonald, Gearradubh, Grimsay from a home-bred ewe and a Stornoway sire. Judge Richard Maclennan from Borve, Harris said the ewe showed Mr MacDonald’s good husbandry in the face of rougher grazing on the east side. He said: “While the grazing is good they don’t get everything they need to survive. She’s a good size, with good skin. She has bright eyes and holds her stance well.” Mr MacDonald said he was pleased his

John MacDonald’s champion sheep.

Champion of champions calf with breeder John Allan MacLellan

Show judges Donald J MacInnes, Richard Maclennan and Fiona Chisholm.

Fistfuls of rosettes for John MacDonald and his grandson Craig McClounan.

conformation and plenty of growth still to come. He’ll finish at a young age without much feeding. A very nice butcher’s animal.” Champion horse was Lily, owned by Hannah MacDonald, and judged by Fiona Chisholm. The three judges battled it out to select John Allan’s calf as supreme champion. On aggregate, Alasdair MacDonald, Ahmore came out top of the cattle and sheep sections, while Iain MacDonald Illeray ended up with the highest number of points in the sheep section.

standard of cattle at the show was excellent. He singled out as overall cattle champion a limousin calf bred by John Allan Maclellan, Hougharry. He said: “It’s a really good animal, good

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AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS – Full range of Ritchie gates, hurdles, feed and stock handling equipment. ANIMALS - Large selection of Cattle, Sheep, Horse and Pig feed. BIRD & PET FOOD – Grain, Mash, Pellets, Dried and Canned Dog/Cat food. FENCING – Strainers, Stays, Stobs, Barbed/Plain Wire, Rylock, Staples. HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES – Cookers, Deep Fat Fryers, Microwave Ovens, Fridges, Freezers, Washing Machines, Tumble Dryers & Kettles. FURNITURE - Beds, Bedside Cabinets, Wardrobes, Chest Of Drawers, Dining Tables, Chairs, Coffee Tables, Bookcases & Coat stands. HOME HARDWARE – Pots, Pans, Casseroles, Baking/Cooling Trays, Mugs, Jugs, Clocks, Mirrors, Bedding, Curtains, Blinds, Linen & Consumables.

HEATING APPLIANCES & FUEL – Electric & Gas Heaters, Coal, Logs, Kindling, Bottled Gas and Gas Appliances.

CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR – Wet Weather Suits, Boiler suits, Jackets, Trousers, Shirts, Socks, Underwear, Gloves, Hats, Wellingtons, Boots and Shoes.

PAINT – Undercoat, Emulsion, Gloss, Marine, Machinery Enamel.

TOOLS – Extensive range of Draper quality hand and power tools.

FIREARMS - Cartridges, Bullets, Pellets.

NEW - Engine Oil, Tractor Parts, Plumbing and Electrical Accessories.

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

COMPETITIVE PRICES PLEASE CHECK WITH US BEFORE ORDERING ELSEWHERE

Show president Anne MacLellan said: “Despite the wet weather we had a really good turnout at the show. We had a wide selection of home produce and craft exhibits in the hall. The children’s entries grow in number each year, so much so that we are at the stage that we need a larger space to exhibit them. The wide range of side shows and stalls provided things for people to do and see throughout the day including the Island News & Advertiser bio-blitz, dog and pet show, biscuit icing and

decorating for children and the cookery demonstration using local produce. “The opportunity to taste the food afterwards was enjoyed by spectators and we are grateful to the support of local businesses for donating produce for this event. “We wish to thank all our stewards and volunteers that helped on the day. The committee has worked hard to ensure that the day went well and that the North Uist Agricultural Show remains a great event in the summer calendar.”

Trophy winners now online at

islandnewsandadvertiser.co.uk


September 2014 Issue 29 - island news & ADVERTISER Life

13

Life

Mill Milestone Designer kilt makes history for Uist mill

This month marks a historic milestone for Uist Wool. The Grimsay-based artisan mill can now show off a kilt made from the first ever length of Harris Tweed woven from its yarn, complete with the world-famous Orb to prove its quality and credentials.

Margaret J. MacIsaac/ Uist Wool

Margaret J. MacIsaac/Uist Wool

The tweed is made from a dark chocolate yarn spun from the fleeces of Hebridean sheep from Uist, Harris and Lewis, with a creamy grey pinstripe from Cheviot/Blackface crosses reared on North Uist not far from the mill.

The tweed, with its feature pinstripe running horizontally, has now been made into a contemporary kilt designed by Lewis-based tailor Netty Sopata of Diggory Brown. The stunning kilt will be one of the centrepiece displays in ‘Snàth’, Uist Wool’s Hebtember 14 exhibition, open to the public at the mill site from September 13 – 27.

It was designed and woven by Rebecca Hutton of Northton, Harris, who took the bold decision to present her fabric to the Harris Tweed Authority for approval and the award of the coveted Orb.

Other work commissioned from Uist Mill yarns will be on display, including a selection of textured tweeds woven by Sheila Roderick of Scalpay Linen and made into garments by Rosie Wiscombe of By Rosie, Stornoway; and some ‘wearable art’ knitted pieces by Uist designer Flora Kennedy.

The standards are exacting. The tweed passed muster and a swatch of the fabric bearing the Orb is now the pride and joy of Uist Wool’s project manager Dana MacPhee. She said: “I was a temporary emotional wreck when I got the phone call confirming the tweed had been stamped. “It felt significant for many reasons - all the local wool producers and crofters who contributed the fleece, the trainees who had prepared and spun the wool and of course Rebecca who created the cloth. “We know thousands of metres of Harris Tweed are stamped every month in Lewis but our wee length remains a first for us. “Considering we only started testing the machinery in January I think it’s remarkable that we’ve achieved this quality standard within a few months.”

The mill at Scotvein croft has grown in baby steps since its inception in 2012 and the start of basic training. Machines to transform fleeces into yarn have been installed and a programme to train seven people in their maintenance and management is well underway. Yarn is being produced, some for knitting, some for weaving. Quantities are yet small as trainees learn how different types of fleece behave under processing, and machinery ranging from new to 150 years old is fine-tuned and experimented with. The yarn colour pallet for now is neutral and natural with soft blended tones that reflect the Uist environment- and ideas for what to do with it are abundant.

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

www.theislandsbooktrust.com landsbooktrust.com

Dana said: “We can do bespoke runs for tweed and create a multitude of different knitting yarns.

“Retailing knitting yarn online and creating patterns and kits look set to be our strongest income stream for the future. Keen knitters love the way we know the provenance of our wool and the care we take in preparing it.”

Uist Wool’s Hebtember 14 exhibition ‘Snàth’ opens at 2pm on Saturday September 13 as part of the annual Michaelmas Open Day at Scotvein and runs until September 27.

Dana said: “Snath shows a unique range of room settings with Sheila’s cloth used for upholstery by Chris Steele from Cothrom’s RE:STORE project and feltmaker Karen Allen’s 3D forms adding a different dimension to croft house interiors. “Uist artist Anne Corrance Monk takes wool in a different direction through a site-specific interaction of yarn with the landscape.”

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For booking enquiries please contact Balivanich Office

Tel: 01870 602111 Fax: 01870 603450 Email: tagsa.uibhist@care4free.net


island news & ADVERTISER - September 2014 Issue 29

ORT P FRED MACAULAY JULIE FOWLIS P U S S U PL

19 - 21 September

11 - 13 September

The Frederendum! Blah, blah, blah. That’s the politics over; now it’s time to FXW WKURXJK WKH ZDIÀH DQG KDYH D EORRG\ good laugh about the referendum.

Brought up on North Uist in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides, Julie has been a proud standard bearer for Gaelic music and culture over the course of a solo career which has spanned RYHU WHQ \HDUV DQG WKUHH KLJKO\ DFFODLPHG studio albums.

CEILIDH DANCES

‘SNĂ€TH’

5 - 26 September

Pròiseact nan Ealan welcome all ages to a VHULHV RI OLYHO\ WUDGLWLRQDO FqLOLGK GDQFHV (DFK FqLOLGK ZLOO IHDWXUH KLJKO\ DFFODLPHG Gaelic singers such as Kathleen MacInnes, 6LQHDJ 0DF,QW\UH DQG &KULVWLQH 3ULPURVH DQG there will be ceilidh dance workshops at each venue before the main event

Contemporary Craft in Artisan Yarns

13 - 27 September

7KH 6QjWK H[KLELWLRQ DW 8LVW :RRO LQ *ULPVD\ ZLOO UHYHDO WKH TXDOLW\ RI ZRRO JURZQ LQ WKH Outer Hebrides and explore the potential for WKH XVH RI ORFDOO\ SURGXFHG DUWLVDQ \DUQV LQ IDVKLRQ DQG WH[WLOHV WKURXJK D YDULHW\ RI creative constructive media.

For information on tickets go to Photograph Š Beka Globe

14

www.hebtember.co.uk

GÀIDHLIG EALAIN CEÒL DUALCHAS ÀRAINNEACHD Blasad den Iar san t-Sultain

CEILIDHS CRAFTS MUSIC HERITAGE LANDSCAPE

A taste of life in the Outer Hebrides in September


September 2014 Issue 29 - island news & ADVERTISER Life

15

Life

North Uist community’s generosity

helps the children of Gaza

Singer - Snapper -Sandie You’ll probably recognise Sandie Maciver from her years of singing in venues up and down the Outer Hebrides. ©Sandie Photos

You might also have seen her out and about, laden with cameras covering events for newspapers or doing photoshoots for magazines and commercial clients. Now she’s developing a new arm to her careerwedding photography. And she’s keen to come to the Southern Isles to capture those most important days. Her skill with the lens combined with her warm personality, love of people and sense of humour make her the perfect person to photograph your wedding. Her interest in photography began four years ago when she got a compact camera for her sister’s wedding. She soon enrolled on a study course and ‘stuck with it’ as she says, until she got her Diploma in Professional Photography.

Meanwhile, she was singing for her supper in a ©Sandie Photos career which began when she was still at the Nicolson Institute, Stornoway with a band called Profile. “During its short life it was relatively successful,” Sandie says, with the ultimate highlight being an invitation to play at Lochmaddy Hall. Since then she has been part of the line-up as a guitarist and vocalist in many outfits, the most enduring being 101. That band took her to mainland gigs and TV appearances on Grampian TV and the BBC music magazine ©Sandie Photos Brag, but Sandie insists one of the most memorable was playing at a carefully planned, unique beach gig in Benbecula. It rained. About ten years ago, she took the decision to go solo as ‘The One-Woman Band’ and she has since played most of the pubs, clubs, hotels and halls in the Western Isles. She says she still likes jumping into her van and heading to Uist where she’s a regular fixture at the Creagorry Hotel, and more recently, the Lochboisdale Hotel. Her new niche in wedding photography is getting “I have been performing for a long time and, of her really excited. course, I have not hung up my guitar yet. She says: “I specialise in getting both the formal However, I have to say that my real passion now poses and also those adorable candid moments, is photography and that is the area where I see particularly with the youngest guests, which no myself spending more time in years to come.” photographer can get without swallowing their pride Sandie can be contacted on and joining in with the fun and mischief.” 01851 720888 / 07014 238711 Looking back on her years on the long and winding www.sandiephotos.com road between the Butt and Barra, Sandie says:

From the children of Lochmaddy to the children of Gaza A cheque for almost £1500 has been sent to the Save the Children Gaza appeal thanks to the generosity of the North Uist community.

©SandiePhotos

©SandiePhotos

FINE FOODS

LIGHT LUNCHES

TAKE-AWAY

OPEN Mon³Sat 10am³5pm DUNGANACHY, ISLE OF BENBECULA

TEL:01870 602 796

info@islanddeli.co.uk

Macleans BAKERY, BENBECULA

When warm-hearted Berneray woman Barbara Jameson heard of the indescribable suffering of children in Gaza, she phoned her friends around the island and they immediately set about organising a bake-sale in Lochmaddy Hall.

Flùraichean Mhàiri

Local children rolled up their sleeves to add their support by manning the stalls and taking part in games.

Donations of baking, raffle prizes and goods for sale rolled in, and at the end of the day £1462.46 was raised.

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

Butchery counter featuring local meat Fine local fish and seafood

Tempting range of oatcakes, bread and treats Fresh vegetables Hot and cold snacks And don't forget our takeaway in Balivanich Sandwiches, soup, hot dishes and pies Whatever you want, when you want it!

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

Some of the children who helped raise money for Gaza children.

Uachdar, Isle of Benbecula HS7 5LY Tel. 01870 602659


16

island news & ADVERTISER Life - September 2014 Issue 29

Life

A life remembered

Katie M Macdonald

Read Katie as a young woman.

Memories of a happy childhood in North Uist

Over the next few editions, IN&A is serialising in Gaelic and English the delightful memoirs of the late Katie M Macdonald of Carinish, North Uist. She is still remembered to many as the teacher in Tigharry school and campaigner against its closure. We’d like to thank Katie’s family for allowing us to publish her work and for supplying us with photographs of Katie throughout her life. I was born on a Sunday afternoon in a thatched cottage in the township of Carinish in North Uist. There were five children in our family, one boy and four girls. I was the second oldest in the family. My father, Donald Maclean, Dòmhnall a Ghobha, was a blacksmith, as was his father, Neil Maclean, and his grandfather, another Donald Maclean, known locally as the Gobha Ruadh, “the red-haired Blacksmith”. They were descendents of the Macleans of Boreray who had their own cemetery at Aird a’ Bhorrain. Margaret, my father’s sister, was the last person to be buried there. My father was also a crofter,

sub-postmaster, postman and merchant. My mother worked very hard too and was kept busy in the Post Office and the shop, as well as in the house. There were four rooms in the house, a kitchen and three bedrooms. There was no bathroom in the house or running water from a tap as we have in our kitchens and bathrooms nowadays. We obtained our fresh water from a well – beautiful, clear, cold spring water. I remember we had to empty the well, whenever the algae or lionaraich and weeds grew too profusely and choked up the well. We emptied it with buckets and jugs and cleaned the stone walls with a scrubbing brush or heather-brush. Even before we had finished the cleaning, the spring, at the bottom of the well, had started to bubble up again, and by the following morning the well was full of beautiful, crystal-clear water.

As we had no bathroom in the house we washed our hands and faces in a zinc, tin or enamel basin placed on a table or chair. Every weekend our mother washed our hair and gave us a bath in a large zinc bath placed in front of the black Victoress, cast-iron stove where there would be a roaring peat-fire. On a string above the stove hung our clean underwear for the week to come. I can still recapture the lovely, warm, cared-for feeling of security I had while our mother, a tall, slim, black-haired beauty, as she was then, attended to our needs. Saturday was always a busy day, as the preparations for the Sabbath were made on that day. No work was undertaken on the Sabbath except the work of necessity. Sacks of peats and buckets full of caorain (small peats) from the peat-stack, as well as buckets and pails of water

Katie in her courting days with her husband to be, Alex JD Macdonald.

from the well, were taken into the house on Saturday, enough to keep us going all through Sunday. All the family boots and shoes were polished ready for church and Sunday School. The main meal for Sunday was prepared on Saturday and my mother baked a big batch of oatcakes, scones and pancakes as well. A baker’s loaf was a rarity in those days. Copies of the Christian Herald were laid out in a prominent place as suitable reading for the Sabbath.

Rugadh mi air feasgar Sàbaid ann an taigh-tughaidh ann am baile beag Chàirinis an Uibhist a Tuath. Bha còignear san teaghlach againn, aon ghille agus ceathar nighean. ‘S mise an dara neach bu shine san teaghlach. B’e m’athair Dòmhnall a’ Ghobha, mac Nèill Ghobha, mac dhan Ghobha Ruadh (Dòmhnall MacGhilleathain). Bha iad de shliochd Chlann Ghilleathainn Bhòighreigh, aig an robh cladh dhaib’ fhèin an Aird a’ Bhorrain. ‘S e Maireared, piuthair m’athar, an neach mu dheireadh a chaidh adhlaiceadh ann. A bharrachd air a bhith trang sa cheàrdaich, bha Oifis a’ Phuist agus bùth aig m’athairagus bha e na phosta agus na chroiter. Bha mo mhàthair trang a’ cumail an taighe agus a’ cuideachadh an Oifis a’ Phuist agus sa bhùth. Bha ceithir seòmraichen san taigh againn, cidsin agus trì seòmraichen-cadail. Cha robh seòmar-nighe anns an taigh, neo uisge a’ ruith tro phìoban-taosgaidh mar a tha againn an-diugh. Bha sinne a’ tarraing uisge fuar, fìorghlan, ùrail às an tobar. Tha cuimhne agam air a bhith falmhachadh an tobair agus ga ghlanadh nuair a biodh e air thuar a bhith tachdte le lìonaraich. Bha sinn a’ toirt às an uisge le siugaichean agus bucaidean agus a’ glanadh nam ballachan le bruis-sgùraidh neo sguab-fhraoich. Mus bitheamaid deiseil ga ghlanadh bha am fuaran beag am bonn an tobair air tòiseachadh ri brùchdadh suas a-rithist, agus an ath mhadainn bha an tobar làn de

dh’uisge fìorghlan, soilleir mar chriostal. Bho nach robh seòmar-nighe san taigh, bha sinn a’ nigh ar n-aghaidh agus ar làmhan ann am mias a bhiodh air bòrd neo air cathair. A h-uile deireadh seachdain bha ar màthair a’ nighe na gruaig againn agus ar com ann an tuba mòr staoin air beulaibh an stòbh far am biodh teine lasrach mònadh. Air streang os cionn an stòbh bha an t-aodach glan again airson na h-ath sheachdain. Tha cuimhne agam fhathast air cho tèarainte agus cho toilichte ‘s a bha mi, agus mo mhàthair fhìnealta cho teò-chridheach a’ frithealadh dhuinn. ‘S e latha trang a bh’ann an Disathairne, oir bha ullachadh airson na Sàbaid air a dhèanamh an latha sin. Cha robh car air a dhèanamh air Latha na Sàbaid ach obair

Katie on the left with her pupils at Tigharry school, 1974.

na h-èighinn. Bha pocannan mònadh agus bucaidean chaoran, agus bucaidean uisge às an tobar air a toirt a-staigh dhan taigh Disathairne na chumadh a’ dol sinn fad na Sàbaid. Chan fhaodach neach sam bith a dhol an còir an tobair neo na cruaich-mònadh Latha na Sàbaid. Bha caisbheart an teaghlaich air a ghlanadh Disathairne airson na h-Eaglais agus na Sgoil Shàbaid. Bha dìnnear na Sàbaid air a deasachadh; agus bha mo mhàthair a’ fuineadh tòrr sgonaichean, arain-coirce agus bhonnach. ‘S e annas a bha an buileann fuineadair sna làithean sin. Bha an Christian Herald air a chur air leath airson leaughadh freagarrach airson na Sàbaid.


September 2014 Issue 29 - island news & ADVERTISER Life

17

Grow

Heather Wheeler’s

Pallet Paradise

Build your own chicken coop Lots of us are keeping hens these days but it’s not always easy to protect them from cunning predators like otters, ferrets or stoats. IN&A repurposing guru Heather Wheeler wanted to create an area where her hens could feed, peck and scratch in safety, so she turned to her favourite recycling material - old pallets. With the help of chicken wire, simple tools and elbow grease, she’s created a coop that’s cheep as (eggs and) chips.

The finished run!

The basic design could easily be extended to provide a larger run area if required. 1

4

Three pallets are required to build the run. Pallets A and B as shown should be of equal size.

Turn them both upright and remove the highlighted sections.

5

2

Turn over pallets A and B and remove the sections highlighted in red. A crowbar and saw make it easy to do this.

Pallets A and B should now look like this.

10

7

Dismantle pallet C to provide timber for the following steps.

11

8

Join the pallets together as shown. The rear of the run is connected only at the top and bottom sections to allow it to fit onto the chicken coop.

9

6

3

The pallets should now look like this.

Place A and B against each other to form the basic structure of the run.

Sand, paint and cover in chicken wire securing with staples.

Construct a door and add vertical uprights on either side.

Secure two batons on top of the chicken wire as shown, repeat on both sides.

12 10

Add a hinged access hatch. A bolt to secure it and a hook and eye catch to hold it open are useful.

H.M.I.W.

Jon Hearach

Enterprises

MEMORIALS LTD TRADITIONAL, INDIVIDUAL AND EVERLASTING MEMORIALS Memorials, Renovations and additional inscriptions carried out in any cemetery Home visits arranged to suit you Telephone for our helpful brochure via post

Unit 33 Carsegate Road, Inverness, IV3 8EX

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

The Old Manse, 1 Griminish, Benbecula, HS7 5QA

Tel: 01870 602575 Mobile: 07919 665512

Chandlery

Fishing Beta Tohatsu

Opening Hours: Mondays 10am - 5pm Can call evenings


18

island news & ADVERTISER - September 2014 Issue 29

everything

island

your online shop

Fine pro d from Sc otland's ucts Isla islandn adverti ewsand ser.co.u k

nds

We’ve just launched our online shop, Everything Island. The shop specialises in quality artisan products from the Scottish islands. Find Everything Island at islandnewsandadvertiser.co.uk and browse the beautiful and original work being produced on our islands.

Margaret Cowie, artist, North Uist - painting her passion for the islands

Crafts with an accent of tweed from

Puffin Studios,North Uist

Margaret E Cowie is selling a number of her dynamic abstract paintings inspired by the islands.

Sue Dancey lives in Grimsay, North Uist.

She developed a love of the islands from the age of 12 when her father moved to Tobermory, Mull as postmaster.

At Puffin Studios, she produces a range of beautiful handmade gifts including cushions, corsages, greetings cards and candles.

She landed on Coll as a summer worker and her love of the islands grew so much she dropped out of Glasgow School of Art to remain on Coll and have a family. Now forty years later after a fruitful career as a chef and much island hopping, she has achieved her original goal of being an artist and living in the wonderful environment of North Uist. She recently graduated from UHI with a BA (Hons) in Fine Art. She says: “The Uists tick all the boxes, providing a stunning landscape with volatile seasons as well as a rich variety of flora and fauna. Landscape abstraction in oils is an important part of my work as well as all important wanderings with a sketch book.” Her canvases bring out the depth of emotion in her feeling for the islands, as well as her sheer Find Margaret's paintings in Everything Island on the IN&A website passion for her environment.

Her crafts showcase the rich beauty of Harris Tweed and there’s something for everyone in her range. Sue’s cushions are decorated with Harris Tweed animals and beautifully embroidered, while her corsages come in a variety of colours, each one with a different embellishment which makes it unique. Sue also makes Harris Tweed covered hip flasks which are sold in a wooden box and come with a funnel and four little cups to share your favourite whisky. A perfect gift with a distinctly island twist. Sue's work can be seen at in Everything Island on the IN&A website

Natural leather accessories from Storm Cottage, Lewis Storm Cottage Leather Carving is based in North Tolsta. Products are made from vegetable-tanned leather and hand carved which is a time consuming process; belts can take up to 24 hours to make (not counting drying time), depending on design, length and if the hand painting of the dye/stain is intricate. Storm Cottage makes belts, wallets, wristbands, keyfobs, coasters, phone holders and many other products.

The pictures show a belt made from 9-10oz vegetable tanned leather (4mm thick) that comes with a gorgeous Celtic buckle (which can be changed if you really wanted to).

Storm Cottage products can be found at islandnewsandadvertiser.co.uk/shop

It’s important to take care of leather items and Storm Cottage recommends you treat this particular item as water-resistant, not waterproof and every few years lightly apply a beeswax based product such as Fiebing Snow Proof Paste to keep it in good condition.

If you’d like to sell your products through Everything Island, contact editor@islandnewsandadvertiser.co.uk or telephone 01870 602151


THE ADVERTISER September 2014 Issue 29 - island news & ADVERTISER

19

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

Cafe/Post Office/Gift Shop

Cycle Shop

Insurance Services

MSP Western Isles

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

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

Cycle hire, sales, repairs. Rothan Cycles Tel: 01870 620283 rothan@hebrides.net www.rothan.com

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

Alasdair Allan MSP SNP 31 Bayhead, Stornoway, Lewis. E: alasdair.allan.msp @scottish.parliament.uk T: 01870 602287 (Uist & Barra) 01851 702272 (Lewis & Harris)

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

Accommodation 2-bed s/c cottage Laxdale area, on bus route Free wifi. Tel: 01851 705771

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

Building & Roofing Contractors 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

Business Services The Western Isles Occupational Health, Safety and Business Support Consultancy. Sandwick Management Systems Call Donald on 07788 963497 Email: donald@sandwick systems.co.uk

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

Filling Station Ardhasaig Harris Tel: 01859 502066 Licensed Grocers Calor Gas & Bicycle Hire

Jewellers

Fire Protection Western Isles Fire Protection Fire equipment sales and service Contact Mark on 078279 67894

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

Scottish, Celtic, silver and gold jewellery. Traditional and contemporary designs. Tel: 01870 610288 www.hebridean jewellery.co.uk

Talk to us in your own way, whatever life’s done to you. Call Samaritans on 0845 790 9090 Or email jo@smaritans.org No pressure, no judgement

Painter and Decorator All types of decoration undertaken. Ally MacKenzie Tel: 01870 602725 Mob: 07723013884

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

Photographic Printing & Graphic Design Clothing, Workwear Canvas, Photo Restoration Balloons & Banners Custom Prints 01870 602515

Memorials

Pregnancy Crisis

Jon Hearach Memorials Memorials, renovations, added inscriptions Any cemetery, Home visits. Tel. for our helpful brochure. 01463 711287

Free confidential counselling W.I.Pregnancy Crisis Support Text or phone: 07901 966101 E: support@wipcs.org Web: www.wipcs.org

Taxis

Uist Computer Repairs

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)

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

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

Painter/Decorator

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

Samaritans of the Western Isles

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

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

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

SEPTEMBER REFUSE COLLECTION FOR UIST Monday Sept 22 Paper/Card Sept 8 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 Sept 9, 23 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.

Peter Mac

CONSTRUCTION

New Build Renovations and Extensions All Trades

Free Estimates

24h Emergency Calls

Tel: 01876 540367 Mob: 07878 167 376 E.mail: mpeterdouglas@yahoo.co.uk

Wed Sept 10 Paper/Card Sept 24 Blue Bin Stoneybridge, Locheynort, Dalibrugh, Lochboisdale, Garryhellie, Askernish, Milton, Kildonan, Bornish, Howmore, Howbeg, Drimsdale, Stilligarry, Drimore, Gernish, Rangehead, Liniclate Commercials, Balivanich Commercials. Thursdays Sept 11, 25 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. Mon Sept 1, 29 Blue Bin Sept 15 Paper/Card 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 Sept 2, 16, 30 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. Wed Sept 3 Blue Bin Sept 17 Paper/Card Eriskay, Glendale, Kilbride, Smerclate, Garrynamonie, South Lochboisdale, Daliburgh Commercials, Daliburgh - West of Borrodale Hotel, South Boisdale, North Boisdale, Kilphedar, Strome, Rangehead, DI, IOBHH. Thursdays Sept 4, 18 Residual Locheport, Berneray, ClachanSands, Vallique, Lochportain, Cheesebay, Blashaval, Minish, Lochmaddy Commercials, Bayhead, Paible, Claddach, Clachan, Carinish, Balivanich.

At the heart of the Community ●

Wide selection

Local meat, fish, eggs and seasonal veg

Fresh baking

Fuel

Friendly service Daily papers

Open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm

Telephone: 01876 510257 Bayhead, North Uist


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