Posts Tagged ‘barra’

Tour of the Western Isles for Education Secretary

Aug 26th, 10 / 0 Comments

Barra is the first stop for Education Secretary Michael Russell next week as he tours a number of establishments in the Hebrides to see the ‘Curriculum for Excellence’ in action.

“Engage for Education”


Mr Russel will begin his visit at Barra on Monday when he will launch a new DVD designed to help Gaelic Medium early years staff make the most of Curriculum for Excellence at Croileagan Children’s Centre.

The following day he will visit South Uist and Benebecula to open a new facility for work based courses and find out more about the Crofting Connections project at Sgoil Lionacleit.  He will also take questions from parents, pupils and teachers at an ‘Engage for Education’ roadshow in Benbecula.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Two officers on Barra receive commendations for bravery

Aug 20th, 10 / 1 Comment

Two police officers on the island of Barra have received commendations for their professionalism and bravery shown during a firearms incident in Barra in December 2009. PCs Michael Gallie and Blair McMaster were presented with Force commendations by the Chief Constable of Northern Constabulary, Ian Latimer and the Convenor of the Northern Joint Police Board, Norman MacLeod at a ceremony in Castlebay Community Hall, Barra on Wednesday 18 August. The two officers were recognised for their actions during an incident on the island of Barra on 16th December 2009.

“Restrained and disarmed”


About 1600 hours on Wednesday 16 December 2009, the accused John Christie (aged 24) was seen by witnesses and was heard to say he was going to get a gun to ‘hold up’ the Co-op. A short time later other witnesses saw him walking through the village carrying a rifle of some description. Alarmed members of the public alerted the police. Meanwhile there were further sightings of the accused carrying a rifle through Castlebay causing fear and alarm to members of the public. Initially the officers attended at the Co-op, but it was quickly established that the accused was not there and was likely to be in the nearby villageof Horve. They attended at his home address where they found the accused in his garden holding a rifle (later established to be an air rifle). He was instructed to put down the weapon, but he repeatedly levelled it at both officers threatening to shoot them. When it became apparent that verbal communication was not persuading the accused to comply, and was still refusing to put the weapon down, Constable McMaster approached and a struggle ensued during which both officers restrained and disarmed the accused, taking him into custody safely.

“Special recognition”


The accused was later convicted of eight offences, including theft of the air rifle, three offences against the Firearms Act 1968 and three against the Police (Scotland) Act 1967. He was sentenced to two years imprisonment. Members of the community of Barra requested that the two officers be thanked for their bravery and professionalism in dealing with the incident. Michael is 30 years old with 5 years service, having served initially in Dingwall before his transfer to the Western Isles. In addition to general policing, Michael is an instructor in Officer Safety Training. Blair is 34 years old with over 12 years service and served in Portree for four years and Inverness for seven years before moving to Barra. Chief Constable Ian Latimer congratulated the two officers saying: “Good work is done by many officers and staff across the force on a daily basis, however Chief Constable Commendations are infrequently awarded.Constable Blair McMaster and Constable Mike Gallie are deserving of this special recognition for their professionalism and bravery shown in successfully resolving the incident in December last year.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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“Whisky Galore” bottle fetches £4,200

Aug 19th, 10 / 1 Comment

The SS Politician wrecked in 1941 off the island of Eriskay is famous for its cargo of whisky which inspired the Ealing comedy ‘Whisky Galore’.

“Amber nectar”


Now now one of the rare bottles of Ballantine’s whisky salvaged from the ship in the 1950s or ‘60s has fetched £4,200 at Bonhams annual Scottish Sale in Edinburgh this week.

Of course when the wreck happened nearby islanders acquired some of the ‘water of life’ for free, although some did end up being fined and jailed for stealing the amber nectar.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Allan takes up Barra ferry problem with calmac

Aug 2nd, 10 / 0 Comments

Western Isles SNP MSP, Alasdair Allan, has written to Calmac urgently to raise the repeated failures of service on the Oban to Barra route. This comes after the MV Clansman broke down again on Saturday night stranding a number of passengers trying to leave the island following Barrafest.

Alasdair Allan commented:

“I can imagine the immense frustration of many people in Barra at this time. When everyone expected the Clansman to be functioning normally following a prolonged absence it broke down once more during the busiest time of the year for travel to and from the island.

“Individual islanders”


“I have written to Calmac urgently today to raise the concerns of my constituents that no contingency plans were put into place should another problem like this hit the Clansman, particularly as it was just back in service. I have also asked whether there are now plans in place should anymore problems hit the Barra ferry service.

“This is more than just a ferry for Barra, it is a lifeline link. When there are major problems like this it has a huge effect on the economy of the island, particularly on tourism which much of the island depends on during the summer.

“I am also currently in the process of setting up a meeting with Minister for Transport, Stewart Stevenson, to discuss this situation with the MV Clansman and to ask if there any ways of avoiding similar situations in the future.

“I am happy to take up the concerns of any individual islanders on this matter should they wish to contact me and continue to press home to Calmac the need for a resolution to this ongoing problem.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Barra’s ferry breaks down again

Aug 1st, 10 / 0 Comments

Transport links from Barra have been hit once more following the discovery of further mechanical problems on board the Clansman ferry.

The ferry had only returned to service this weekend following month long repairs to its engine – but the vessel has broken down again.

“Apologise for the inconvenience”


However operator, Caledonian MacBryane believe repairs can be made quickly and hope the vessel will be able to sail to Barra this evening.

A temporary service between Mallaig and Barra has also been running, but there may only be limited space for cars.

The island is currently playing host to the annual ‘Barrafest’ which attracts hundreds of visitors and there are further fears that the ferry disruption this summer has resulted in a detrimental effect on tourism.

A spokesman for the firm stated that Cal Mac thanked customers for their patience, wished to apologise for the inconvenience and are doing everything can to get things back to normal.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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MV Clansman returns to service

Jul 28th, 10 / 0 Comments

Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne has issued the following update on the
work being carried out to repair the MV Clansman, which suffered a major
technical fault on June 17, 2010.

Phil Preston, Managing Director of Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) said: “The
specialised service engineers provided by engine manufacturer MAK to
undertake the repairs to MV Clansman’s crankshaft, have encountered a
problem while re-assembling the engine which is likely to delay the
vessel’s return to service. It is too early to say how long that delay will
be, but every effort will be made to keep it to a minimum.

”Disruption to services”


“We share everyone’s frustration that we are not able to provide our full
service and are grateful for the patience and understanding of our
customers while we work this through.”

“As previously stated, the current fault is one of the worst ever
experienced by CalMac and due to the complexity of the repair we have
always been reluctant to give a definitive completion date. The most recent
problem highlights the necessity of this caution.

“We are deeply sorry for the inconvenience caused, and know this further
delay will be disappointing for many, but we can assure everyone that we
are doing everything we can to minimise the disruption to services.

“MV Clansman”


“A temporary timetable for the routes affected has been in place for some
time and all indications are that we are getting people to where they want
to be, albeit that some flexibility in their travel plans has been
required.

“Worldwide searches for vessels to provide cover have been unsuccessful and
we therefore have no option than to make the most of the fleet we have at
our disposal. Although only one vessel has been taken out of service, it
serves several island communities and we have had to ensure that no island
is left without a ferry service when making alterations to the timetable.

“Although our resources are stretched, we are continuing to review the
situation on a daily basis and should an opportunity for providing
additional capacity present itself we will certainly consider doing so, but
I must stress that our options are severely limited and will only ever be a
stop gap until the MV Clansman returns to service. We will give further
updates when we have them.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Calmac to provide additional capacity for Tiree and Barra festivals

Jul 21st, 10 / 1 Comment

Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne is to redeploy vessels and amend timetables to provide additional capacity on services to Tiree and Barra.

The changes, which will apply on July 24-25 for services to and from Tiree, and to Barra on July 28-30, have been brought in to support music festivals on each island by further reducing the impact on services by the ongoing technical problems with the MV Clansman.

Additional services include deploying the MV Lochnevis between Mallaig and Castlebay

“CalMac direct”


CalMac Managing Director Phil Preston said: “We share everyone’s frustration that the MV Clansman is not ready to resume her usual services and are doing everything we can to minimise disruption. The interim timetable has been working well with tens of thousands of ferry travellers continuing to be carried despite the disruptions, but we have always been mindful that there would be occasions when additional services may be required. As resources are severely stretched this was always going to be a challenge but we have identified some changes which we believe will provide people travelling to Tiree and Barra with a few more options. “

He added: “Some flexibility in customers’ travel plans may be required, but we are sure they will appreciate the efforts being made to get them to and from these events. Where travellers are required to move to other routes, their tickets will be honoured on the alternative service(s). Anyone who has booked, and whose sailing is affected will be contacted by CalMac. Foot passengers who wish to discuss their options under this revised timetable should contact CalMac direct.”

The revised timetable will be published on our website (www.calmac.co.uk) in due course.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Update on MV Clansman breakdown

Jul 19th, 10 / 0 Comments



Phil Preston, Managing Director of Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) said: “The specialised service engineers provided by engine manufacturer MAK to undertake the repairs to MV Clansman’s crankshaft, have encountered a problem while re-assembling the engine which is likely to delay the vessel’s return to service. It is too early to say how long that delay will be, but every effort will be made to keep it to a minimum.

“We share everyone’s frustration that we are not able to provide our full service and are grateful for the patience and understanding of our customers while we work this through.”

“As previously stated, the current fault is one of the worst ever experienced by CalMac and due to the complexity of the repair we have always been reluctant to give a definitive completion date. The most recent problem highlights the necessity of this caution.

”Further updates”


“We are deeply sorry for the inconvenience caused, and know this further delay will be disappointing for many, but we can assure everyone that we are doing everything we can to minimise the disruption to services.

“A temporary timetable for the routes affected has been in place for some time and all indications are that we are getting people to where they want to be, albeit that some flexibility in their travel plans has been required.

“Worldwide searches for vessels to provide cover have been unsuccessful and we therefore have no option than to make the most of the fleet we have at our disposal. Although only one vessel has been taken out of service, it serves several island communities and we have had to ensure that no island is left without a ferry service when making alterations to the timetable.

“Although our resources are stretched, we are continuing to review the situation on a daily basis and should an opportunity for providing additional capacity present itself we will certainly consider doing so, but I must stress that our options are severely limited and will only ever be a stop gap until the MV Clansman returns to service. We will give further updates when we have them.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Western Isles MSP meets with calmac over ongoing ferry problems

Jul 19th, 10 / 1 Comment

Western Isles SNP MSP, Alasdair Allan, has met with the Managing Director of Calmac, Phil Preston, to discuss the ongoing ferry problems following the major breakdown affecting MV Clansman.

“I am aware of the frustration of many people in Barra and South Uist at this time, particularly following news today that it will take longer than expected to reassemble the affected engine of the Clansman. With Barrafest taking place and the tourism season underway it is obviously important to get this situation resolved as soon as possible and I have made that point to Calmac.

“Individual islanders”


“While I realise that this is not an event that Calmac could have foreseen or planned for, and indeed I realise too that they are scouring Europe for alternative vessels, it is right that they should be made aware of the concerns of my constituents in the Southern Isles.

“I have also discussed this situation with the Transport Minister, Stewart Stevenson, and urged him to look at ways of avoiding similar situations in future while he considers the evidence from the ferries review currently underway.

“I am happy to take up the concerns of any individual islanders on this matter and continue to press home to Calmac the need for a resolution to this problem.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Macneil urges Cal-Mac to put options on table for Uist and Barra

Jul 6th, 10 / 0 Comments

Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MP Angus MacNeil has called on Caledonian MacBrayne to present options available in an effort to ease the backlog of ferry traffic in Uist and Barra, following the breakdown of the MV Clansman.

Angus MacNeil said:

“Technical issues surrounding the MV Clansman has plunged Uist and Barra into travel chaos.  The fishing and tourism industry are losing money because of these technical issues and the subsequent amended timetables.

“Alleviate the backlog”.


“There is never a good time for disruptions to ferry timetables but this has happened at the worst possible time.  I have written to Caledonian MacBrayne urging them to put options on the table, which will help ease the backlog and restore the carrying capacity to Uist and Barra.

“Caledonian MacBrayne has told me that they are on schedule to have the Clansman back in operation on the weekend of 23 July.  Together with Councillor Donald Manford and following representation from Island businesses, I have asked Caledonian MacBrayne to look at the possibility of using Mallaig as a Port during the period of this disruption; the Loch Nevis could be used in addition to the current timetable with overnight sailings and extra crew.  I have also asked Caledonian MacBrayne if they have considered chartering another vessel to help alleviate the backlog”.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Western Isles MSP discusses Barra marine designation

Jun 29th, 10 / 0 Comments

Western Isles MSP, Alasdair Allan, met today (Tuesday) with the company assessing the impact of any Marine SAC designation on the economy of Barra.

Dr Allan met with Iain Mowat, the principle economist at Halcrow Ltd, who are conducting the economic impact study on behalf of the Scottish Government. The study was requested by Alasdair Allan following concerns expressed to him by people in Barra.

The MSP commented: “As people in Barra are very aware ,  the European Commission are keen that certain habitats and species in the Sound of Barra and Mingulay are subject to a marine Special Area of Conservation (SAC) designation.

“Comprehensive assessment”

“One of the failings of the system as operated by Europe is that the consultation process around marine SACs considers only scientific questions, not social or economic ones.

“I therefore met with Halcrow today to reiterate the concerns which many people in Barra have that some voice needs to be given to the issues that matter to them.

“In particular we discussed the strong feelings of fishermen in Barra about the future of the local fishing industry, and also numerous other issues including the continued right to cut seaweed and the future potential for renewables.

“It is my belief that Halcrow intend to put together a comprehensive assessment of what a designation would mean for the people of Barra and I welcome the work which they are undertaking.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Youngster try their hand at radio presenting during Feis Barra

Jun 24th, 10 / 1 Comment

Lucky teenagers will get a chance to put out daily live radio programmes this summer when Siar Media Group joins forces with Fèis Bharraigh for a week-long youth tuition festival from Monday, 5th July.

The long established festival promotes the importance of Gàidhlig language through the tuition of various musical instruments, song, drama, dance and storytelling.

Siar Media Group, based on the island of Barra, has for the last three years been providing media and IT services on the island, including the successful local internet radio station Siar FM, formerly known as BVC Radio. The station attracts more than 2000 worldwide listeners a month.

“Fèis Teenagers”

John Joe MacNeil, one of Siar FM’s main presenters as well as a presenter on Celtic Music Radio and Two Lochs Radio, will teach radio skills to the group of teenagers. Each morning John Joe and his class, with assistance from Siar FM technicians, will put together and broadcast a live programme which will include live music, plenty guests and amusement.

Karen MacKinnon, Fèis Bharraigh chairperson said: “We are delighted to be working with the local radio station and especially with John Joe. This is a fantastic opportunity for our teenagers to get real depth into the world of radio and at the same time promote the language of Gàidhlig through its strong musical and oral traditions.”

Murdo MacNeil, Siar Media Group’s Co-ordinator added: “This is a brilliant opportunity for the Fèis Teenagers to get involved in radio. We are extremely pleased to be working with the Fèis and this will lead to our continued development.

Listeners can join John Joe MacNeil, his class and his many guests each Fèis week day morning (5th – 9th July) from 11am – 12.30pm with his brand new Gàidhlig Programme, Sona le Seonaidh Beò aig an Fhèis, live on Siar FM on www.siar.fm

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

HIE focus on Uists and Barra development

May 26th, 10 / 1 Comment

Highlands and Islands Enterprise is to create a new senior development post for the Uists and Barra. The initiative will provide a dedicated focus to strengthen and diversify the communities’ future development.

”South Uist Estate”

Based in Benbecula, the Head of Business and Community Development (Uists and Barra) will work closely with key businesses, social enterprises and other organisations to explore and encourage opportunities for the local economy to grow. Specific duties will include promoting the area both locally and nationally and seeking additional investment prospects.

Playing a senior role within HIE’s Innse Gall team, the post will also contribute to the work of the multi-partner Hebrides Range Task Force.

The announcement came as a high-level group from the development agency visited Benbecula and South Uist on Tuesday 25 May.

Chair of HIE William Roe, Acting Chief Executive Sandy Brady and Outer Hebrides Area Manager Archie Macdonald held talks with a number of local business and community leaders, including members of Stòras Uibhist, the community company which owns South Uist Estate.

“Development manager”

Mr Roe said: “Sustaining our more fragile communities is a vital part of what Highlands and Islands Enterprise does, and achieving economic progress in the Outer Hebrides in particular is one of our core ambitions.

“When we decided in January that we needed to reduce HIE’s overall workforce, we also said we would take the opportunity to strengthen some key areas of our work with additional funding and staff resources.

“This new post for the Uists and Barra is a direct result of that commitment to target our resources as effectively as possible to meet present-day needs and opportunities throughout the Highlands and Islands.”

Mr Roe added that the meeting with South Uist community and business leaders in Daliburgh had been “positive and forward-looking”.

“The community buy out of South Uist Estate in 2006 has presented many challenges and opportunities, from which the community has spearheaded initiatives in tourism and renewable energy in particular.

“HIE is very pleased to have been able to work with the community in their efforts to regenerate these islands, and we look forward to playing a significant role in future developments.”

Recruitment for the new development manager will get under way shortly and HIE expects to fill the post this summer.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Western Isles MP calls for a Fuel Duty Derogation

May 13th, 10 / 1 Comment

“Rural areas”

Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil has today called on the new Conservative/ Lib Dem Government to introduce a Fuel Duty Derogation for rural areas something that Scottish Lib Dem MP’s have supported in the past and hope that they will now also insist on as part of the new UK Government.

Mr MacNeil has called for this so that there will be parity in the rural areas of Scotland with the rural areas of France, Portugal and Greece.

“Coalition government”

Mr MacNeil commented:

“At the moment the rural areas of France, Portugal and Greece enjoy a 3p reduction in their fuel duty, something that was supported by the previous Labour government, and a proposal that has been supported by Scottish Lib –Dem MP’s in the past.

“With the soaring price of fuel, I would hope that the new government will consider this proposal, and I also hope that the Lib –Dem MP’s will be fully supportive of it, and have not forgotten Highlands and Islands needs since entering the coalition.

“I would hope that Highland and Islands issues such as a Fuel Duty Derogation for rural areas were one of the issues that the Lib-Dems agreed on with their Conservative counterparts before they entered into the coalition government and was not forgotten about.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Western Isles schools and nurseries benefit from innovative projects

Mar 8th, 10 / 0 Comments

“Visual art and technology”

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Cultural Co-ordinator Service have recently been involved in some innovative projects within schools and nurseries throughout the Western Isles.

The Beathaichean Beaga (Small Animals) project was aimed at accessing the five areas of the Early Year’s Curriculum through creative learning.

Over the course over an hour children were involved in five work stations consisting of storytelling, music, movement, visual art and technology all based on the theme beathaichean beaga/small animals.

The project, aimed at the under five’s, was delivered throughout Uist and Barra and 122 children participated.

Beathaichean Beaga also promoted Gaelic fluency skills amongst cròileagan children by delivering the workshop through the medium of Gaelic.  Janice MacKay playleader at Cothrom Òg childcare facility in South Uist said:

“Gaelic Drama workshops”

“The children enjoyed the opportunity to leave the nursery and take part in the different activities offered.  Hopefully the children will remember the activities at each workshop when they get back to the nursery”.

Beathaichean Beaga was a joint venture between the Cultural Co-ordinator Service and Taigh Chearsabhagh.

The Cultural Co-ordinator Service also delivered a series of Gaelic Drama workshops to Gaelic Medium pupils from P4-7 throughout the islands.

Catriona Lexy Campbell and Anna Murray were the tutors and the theme of the workshop was based on the projects which were taking place in individual schools.

Feedback from schools has been very positive and topics were as wide ranging as Port-adhair Bharraigh (Barra Airport) to the Titanic.

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MPs will push for fair fuel regulator

Mar 4th, 10 / 0 Comments
Angus MacNeil

Angus MacNeil

“Fuel up 11.46% since 2008″

Latest figures from the AA revealing that drivers have endured recent petrol tax increases up to five times higher than in other European countries, show why the SNP is right to propose a fuel duty regulator says SNP MP Angus MacNeil.

According to the AA the burden of fuel duty and VAT on a tank of petrol in the UK has gone up by 11.46% since the Pre-Budget Report at the end of November 2008. This compares to just 2.23% in Austria and an average increase for 10 mainstream European countries, including France, Germany, and Holland, of 5.07%.

Commenting Mr MacNeil said:

“We all know that Labour has admitted that they will yet again use fuel tax to hammer household motorists and hauliers to pay for their bank bail out.

“However these latest figures from the AA confirm that Labour and Gordon Brown have learnt nothing from their years in government.

“Sky high fuel taxes”

“Sky high fuel taxes imposed by Gordon Brown, and latterly Alistair Darling, are indiscriminate and effectively a poll tax on wheels.

“And it’s not just hauliers who suffer but ordinary families struggling to run a car for normal use. The effects of sky high fuel taxes also impact on prices in the stores with costs rising to deliver food and other products to the shops.

“It shows how much Labour has become out of touch that they should target ordinary people in this way to pay for the bail out of a banking system failure they helped create.

“I can categorically say that the SNP MPs will continue to oppose Labour’s arbitrary fuel tax hikes and propose the introduction of a fuel duty regulator at the Budget to ensure price stability as well as lower fuel taxes for remote areas.

“Scotland should be reaping the benefits”

“An oil rich nation like Scotland should be reaping the benefits from our offshore resources – not watching as North Sea revenues flow into a black hole in Treasury coffers while the Scottish budget is slashed.”

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Local Businesses interested in reaching Nordic countries invited to meet trade experts

Mar 4th, 10 / 0 Comments

“Potentially lucrative trading links”

Highlands and Islands businesses with interests as diverse as forestry, manufacturing, marine science, fine foods and textiles are taking advantage of an opportunity to meet with trade specialists from the Nordic region.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is hosting the fact finding opportunity in an effort to develop further potentially lucrative trading links with our Scandinavian and other northerly neighbours.

In partnership with Scottish Development International (SDI), the UK Trade and Investments Nordic team will be in Inverness on Wednesday 17 March.  They will give an overview of their region, with its population of 25 million people, and will then offer individual meetings to discuss each business’ specific needs.  Businesses of any size who are interested in applying should contact HIE before Wednesday 10 March.

“Excellent trading opportunity”

“There are long standing cultural and trade links with the Nordic region.   The Highlands and Islands share a number of business interests and their close proximity and good transport links make them an excellent trading opportunity,” said Norma MacDonald, HIE’s senior development officer with the international team.

One businesswoman already signed up is Helen Lockhart from Assynt, in North Sutherland.  She has been running her creative textiles company, Ripples Crafts, since 2008.  She is keen to see if there is an opportunity to supply her hand dyed yarns and knitting kits to Scandinavia, which has a strong traditional knitting culture.

“This is a fact finding trip for me.  I have had some success in exporting to America and Europe and am interested to see if there is a market for my unique yarns either to hand knitting pattern designers, wool shops or to distributors.”

Two members of the business team from the internationally renowned marine research institute, the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) based in Oban, are to meet with the Nordic team.

“Identify emerging business opportunities”

“Our core business activities span several market sectors including renewable energy, biofuel R&D, mining, and marine technologies.  In these areas, SAMS provides commercial services on a global scale, however, we have had little involvement in the Nordic Region. At this event, we are keen to identify emerging business opportunities as well as build new collaborations within our existing markets,” said Dr Keri Page.

Traditional music publishing business, Taigh na Teud, based in Skye is hoping to gain advice on ways to grow opportunities for cultural exchange.  Christine Martin researches, collects and collates traditional tunes in original music books, and has been running the business for 25 years. She commented:

“There is a strong link between Scandinavian music and Scottish music, and the Nordic countries enjoy a very strong fiddling culture.  I already have some links with clubs in Norway, Sweden and Denmark, and am interested in exploring whether there is a market to promote Scottish music through shops and publishers, with a reciprocal arrangement here.”

Any local business interested should contact Norma MacDonald at HIE in Inverness 01463 244478 for an application or download an application form from http://www.hie.co.uk/Nordic-awareness-event.htm

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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NHS waiting lists

Mar 4th, 10 / 0 Comments

“We welcome this review of New Ways”

Commenting on the Audit Scotland report Managing NHS waiting lists – A review of new arrangements published today, Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said:

“We welcome this review of New Ways – the new system of managing NHS waiting lists.

“We have made significant changes to the way patient waiting lists are managed. Before New Ways tens of thousands of patients were held on ‘hidden waiting lists’ with no treatment time guarantees, now these people are treated within the Scottish Government’s waiting time targets.

“Plans are already underway”

“New Ways has also introduced more flexibility so that appointments and treatments can be made to suit patients’ individual needs and schedules. This means that appointments and are less likely to be cancelled and patients who would previously have had to wait indefinitely can get the care and treatment they need.

“Waiting times are now at an all time low. Staff across the health service have worked extremely hard to make these changes and will continue to keep this progress going.

“We are committed to supporting ways that put patients first in the health service and plans are already underway to put the recommendations made by the report in place.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Sudden death on Isle of Barra

Mar 4th, 10 / 0 Comments

Police on the Isle of Barra are carrying out enquiries in relation to the death of a 59 year old local man at an address in Eoilgarry, Isle of Barra.

About 1500 hours on Wednesday 3rd March 2010, the man who had been burning grass in his garden, was found having collapsed.

Police, Ambulance Service, HIFRS and a local doctor attended, however the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Northern Constabulary are not treating the death as suspicious.

Details of the deceased are not being released at this time.

Anyone with any information surrounding this death are asked to contact Stornoway Police Station on 01851 702222.

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Gaelic learning week

Mar 3rd, 10 / 0 Comments

During Easter  Stòras Uibhist are offering a unique opportunity to Gàidhlig learners to spend a ‘Learning Week’ in South Uist and its surrounding communities, enhancing and developing their use of Gàidhlig through a total immersion programme.

The Learning Week will be based at the exclusive Grogarry Lodge http://www.grogarrylodge.com an all inclusive basis.

“Range of culturally based activities”

The week will take the format of interactive tuition in the mornings, followed by a wide range of culturally based activities related to the learning sessions including hill / machair walks, museum and cultural tours, an autobiographical presentation by a local bard, fishing and weather permitting, an exciting and thoroughly memorable boat trip to the second most southerly island of the Western Isles; Mingulay.

Evening entertainment will encompass a range of opportunities to see, hear and take part in traditional dancing, song, ceilidhs and music sessions – so bring your instruments!

“Homeland of the Gaels”

This is an exceptional opportunity for learners at an intermediate level to experience Hebridean culture and apply their Gaelic in an informal atmosphere in the homeland of the Gaels within the exquisite and historical island setting of a traditional Estate lodge.

The programme will run from 10am Monday the 5th April 2010 with departures on Saturday morning, 10th April 2010.
For further details please go to www.storasuibhist.com/gaelic-week or contact Deirdre MacEachen on 01878 700101 or e-mail deirdre.maceachen@storasuibhist.com

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