UIST NEWSPAPER LAUNCHES NEW LOOK

Am Pàipear, the Uist community newspaper, is launching a new look later this week. For the first time in the near forty-year history of the publication, Am Pàipear will be published in full colour on Thursday 31^st January. The newspaper will also debut a raft of new features in the first issue of the New Year.

Am Pàipear editor Iain Stephen Morrison explained: “Like any publication that has been established for a substantial number of years, Am Pàipear will evolve and change through time. We judged that this was the right time to look at the product and consider how we could publish an even better paper for our loyal readers. The changes are quite striking, however, I hope that they mark the beginning of a positive new era for Am Pàipear, building on past achievements.”

Am Pàipear was first established in 1976. Since then, the community publication has grown steadily from a small newsletter to a widely recognised and respected monthly newspaper. Chief among the news features being launched this week is a brand new, dedicated sport section, an area for crofting news and an archive feature, delving into Am Pàipear’s vast photographic collection.

However, according to the editor, local news remains the priority for Am Pàipear going forward. Mr Morrison continued: “Our ultimate responsibility is to be the ‘voice of Uist’ if you like, a reflection of life in this community. Local news from Uist remains the number one priority, including Gàidhlig and cultural aspects. However, within that sphere, there is much going on that has previously been under-covered in my opinion. Sport is a prime example, which we are now looking to report on in much greater detail. We have hugely exciting plans for sport coverage this year, from everywhere between Berneray and Eriskay, which I think our readers will enjoy immensely.

“I really believe that Am Pàipear is one of the best community newspapers produced in Scotland and the ‘re-launch’ this week is, to a great extent, about expanding upon that position. The new format predicates planned advances into digital media which I am confident will see this paper informing and entertaining Uibhistich for many years to come.”

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