Posts Tagged ‘Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’

Western Isles Council moves ahead with budget process

Sep 1st, 10 / 0 Comments

Comhairle Leader Angus Campbell said: “The recent visit by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, emphasised the challenging times that lie ahead for the public sector, although we are not yet clear of the detail. However, it is obvious that the Comhairle will have to take difficult decisions which will reflect spending choices. To that end we intend to hold a series of consultation meetings throughout the Islands and a timetable for these will be made available soon.

“Reduction in resources”

The Comhairle recognises the importance of local authority jobs to the local economy and as well as continuing to argue for the retention of local service delivery will, as far as possible, seek to preserve employment although we are looking at voluntary retirements and redundancies as part of the Budget/HR strategy.

It is important that our choices are as fully informed as possible and that our budgets are set in a planned manner to allow us to continue to provide the best quality and best value services that we can, given the reduction in resources we are likely to face.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Stornoway public drinking ban

Aug 12th, 10 / 1 Comment

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill has given The Comhairle Nan Eilean Sair permission to introduce a new ban on the public consumption of alcohol in Stornoway. The measures come into force on September 6, 2010.

“Nuisance and disorder”


Mr MacAskill said:

“Public drinking is often a nuisance and can greatly hamper the quality of life for residents in a particular area. Thirty one local authorities already have such byelaws in force and that demonstrates how seriously local authorities are tackling the problem of reducing the nuisance and disorder commonly associated with public drinking.

“I will continue to support other councils that come forward with similar byelaw proposals.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Outer Hebrides community planning partnership meeting

Aug 3rd, 10 / 1 Comment

HOT topic issues such as the economic climate and a review of ferry links in the Outer Hebrides are on the agenda for the forthcoming Outer HebridesCommunity

Planning Partnership meeting to be held on Thursday August 19 at 7pm.

Members of the public are invited to attend the meeting, which will be held in

“Economy and environment”


Stornoway’s Council Chamber, Sandwick Road, and provide feedback on any of the topics following the meeting through the OHCPP website, www.ohcpp.org.uk or by contacting the Community Planning Partnerships’ Unit.

The OHCPP is a partnership organisation led by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and includes representation from NHS Western Isles, the Voluntary Sector, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the emergency services.

Its aim is to encourage partnership working among agencies throughout the Outer Hebrides in order to nurture and stimulate the unique culture, economy and environment.

If you require any further information please contact info@ohccpp.org.uk or 01851 709306. Future meetings of the OHCPP will be held in Harris, Uist and Barra. For updates on these meetings and electronic agendas please log on to the website.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Western Isles MSP keeps pressure on council regarding schools

Aug 2nd, 10 / 1 Comment

Western Isles SNP MSP, Alasdair Allan, has written to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar urging them to listen to all the representations made by communities in the Western Isles when making decisions on the future of local schools.

Alasdair Allan commented:

“The deadline for responding to the Comhairle’s consultation into the future of eleven schools in the Western Isles has now closed. I have written to the Comhairle to urge them to listen to the representations made by the local communities, and by parents the length of the Western Isles, when they make decisions regarding the future of these schools.

“Future of schools.”


“A number of parents from Shawbost and Lionel two-year secondary schools in particular have been in touch with me recently to express their concerns at the possibility of these schools being closed. I do not believe the significance of travel times in these cases is a factor that should be overlooked.

“I don’t underestimate the difficulty of the task the Comhairle faces, or fail to see the reality that not every school can stay open. However, I hope that the Comhairle will listen to these concerns and take into account the impact which any school closure would have on the community and on the pupils concerned.

“The contribution of rural schools is fundamental to safeguarding fragile local economies and communities. We should be seeking to make rural and remote communities more, not less, attractive to young families and I hope that the Comhairle will bear this in mind when it comes time to make a decision regarding the future of these schools.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Upgrade work at Western Isles sports centres

Jul 19th, 10 / 1 Comment

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar are continuing to invest in improving sports facilities across the Western Isles; this year has seen the opening of the new fitness suite at Castlebay Sports Centre in Barra and over the next few weeks there will be significant changes to the facilities at Ionad Spòrs Leòdhais in Stornoway and at Lionacleit Sports Centre in Benbecula.

“Old equipment”


The amazing success of the ‘Slainte Mhath!’ sports facility access scheme has put significant pressure on the fitness suite at Ionad Spòrs Leòdhais. A new air conditioned strength and conditioning area is currently being created, which will have the added benefit of freeing up space for additional CV equipment.  Progress continues to be good and the Sport and Health section would like to assure all customers that disruption will be kept to a minimum during this time.

The new equipment, which was funded entirely by NHS nan Eilean Siar, is due to be installed at Ionad Spòrs Leòdhais and Lionacleit Sports Centre during the week commencing the 16th of August 2010.  Gym facilities will close for a short period to allow the old equipment to be removed and the new equipment to be installed.  Service users will be given good notice ahead of these works and should continue to read information notices in the building

“Small disruptions”


Facilities Manager at Ionad Spòrs Leòdhais, Tony Wade said:

“We hope that service users will understand that some disruption is unavoidable during this time.  The new cardiovascular equipment by Technogym is the latest model on the market.  Ionad Spòrs Leòdhais and the Lionacleit Sports Centre will be the first Local Authority sites in the UK to have this state of the art equipment installed.  The new equipment will have many exciting new features, including eco-friendly low running costs which will make 40% efficiency savings on energy.  I am sure that all our members and users will agree that the small disruptions will be worth it once the upgrading is complete”.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Western Isles council object to DECC’s proposals

Jul 15th, 10 / 1 Comment

Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Angus Campbell, has followed up the Comhairle’s response to the consultation on Feed-in Tariff and Community Renewables with a letter to Mr Gregory Barker, MP, Minister of State at the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC).

“Unhelpful proposal”


The Leader said –

“Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has already strongly objected to the DECC’s proposals to make public grant and Free-in Tariff revenue mutually exclusive for all renewable energy installations.  The proposal would in essence rob community centres throughout the islands of essential revenue from all renewable energy installations.  The Comhairle has assisted many community groups with renewable energy projects which reduce the energy costs of community buildings and supports the Western Isles drive towards a low carbon economy.  It seems strange that the DECC’s proposals rather than encouraging community centres to do down the renewable route will actually deter them from choosing this approach.  The Comhairle will continue to press and lobby the DECC to drop this unhelpful proposal”.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Western Isles trading standards issue timely reminder

Jun 23rd, 10 / 1 Comment

The Trading Standards Department at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar are issuing a timely reminder to consumers in the Western Isles concerning Doorstep Traders. The spring and summer are generally when itinerant sellers visit the area.

Some time ago households in the islands were delivered doorstep sellers packs which gave consumers help and advice on dealing with Doorstep Traders.

The packs included a card which can be presented to a seller to let them know that you are not interested in what they have for sale.

“Doorstep traders”

These cards have proved beneficial, especially for the elderly, where people may be embarrassed to say no to a Doorstep Seller.

If you require a new card please contact Marina MacSween, Trading Standards Officer, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar on 01851 709577 or e mail mmacsween@cne-siar.gov.uk.

A Trading standards spokesperson said:

“Sellers are trained to get a sale, and very often, once you start a conversation, it can be difficult to say no. This card can be presented directly to the seller without the need to say anything”

If you have any suspicions regarding doorstep traders contact the Comhairle’s 24 hour helpline, at Fàire, on 01851 701702.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

News Archives

£840,000 to develop Outer Hebrides small businesses

Jun 21st, 10 / 0 Comments

In this time of economic challenges Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Business Gateway service are delighted to launch an £840,000 funding programme to support the development of small businesses across the Outer Hebrides.

“Outer Hebrides Fisheries”

Over the next three years, the ‘Outer Hebrides Small Business Assistance Scheme’ (OHSBAS) – which is part-funded by the EU’s European Regional Development Programme (ERDF) will offer loans and small grants to eligible businesses to help them start or develop business activity.

The purpose of the ERDF is to strengthen economic and social cohesion in the European Union by redressing the imbalances between different regions. Assistance for a range of activities is available to new enterprises, existing small businesses with new proposals and social enterprises.

Enabling businesses to achieve growth aspirations is recognised as a priority within the EU-assisted programme, so – in addition to small grants and interest-free loans to support micro-business – larger interest-bearing loans of up £50,000 will be available to eligible applicants with plans for growth.

Coming at a time when the effects of the economic downturn are being keenly felt by the business community the new OHSBAS programme will complement the range of business support services currently offered by the Comhairle’s Business Gateway team, including: One-to-one Support and Expert Advice, Business Skills Workshops, On-line Support and Information (www.bgateway.com), The Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust for 18 to 30 year olds, the Inter-Island Business Development Scheme and the Outer Hebrides Fisheries Support Scheme (OHFSS) in addition to the FREE on-line Business Directory (www.businesshebrides.co.uk).

“Our advisors”

OHSBAS will focus primarily on developing commercial competitiveness by supporting new business start-ups and safeguarding and promoting employment through enabling existing businesses to grow. Local businesses with plans for expansion are encouraged to contact the Business Gateway team to see if they are eligible for support.  Social enterprises may also be eligible for business development assistance, depending on the organisation’s commitment and capacity to generate income, leading to enhanced long-term financial sustainability.

Anyone interested in find out more about the support available through the Comhairle’s Business Gateway service should speak to one of our advisors on 01851-707-307 or emailbusinessgateway@cne-siar.gov.uk

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Charity award for Western Isles Council

Jun 21st, 10 / 1 Comment

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar who recently joined the national Geared for Giving Campaign (www.gearedforgiving.com) and re-launched its Workplace Giving scheme to its 3,000 staff across the islands of the Outer Hebrides, have seen an increase of 400% since the launch.  Comhairle staff now donate £5.5k a year to a whole range of charities, many of which are local.

The scheme enables employees to give to the charity of their choice, tax effectively, directly from their salaries.

“Staff to donate”

Th Bronze award is a Payroll Giving Quality Mark which is funded by the UK Government and administered by the Institute of Fundraising.

Chief Executive of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Malcolm Burr said: “I am delighted that the Comhairle have been given this award so soon after the re-launch of the scheme and we continue to be very proud to be taking part in the Geared for Giving campaign. In the current financial climate it can be hard for people to find the resources to give to charity, and we hope this way makes it more convenient for our staff to donate.”

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Stornoway music school in limbo

Jun 19th, 10 / 0 Comments

“Lack of support”

By Gregg Adams

An historic old building in the heart of Stornoway that had been set for refurbishment into a music school has been abandoned due to the budget pressures being faced by Western Isles Council.

The future of the dilapidated 150 year old Lady Matheson’s Seminary building on Scotland Street looks bleak following the announcement that the Lewis and Harris Preservation Trust (LHPT) – who had been lobbying for the work – has been wound up.

A spokesman said that the organisation had “ceased to function” with immediate effect and blamed the decision on a lack of support from the council.

“Inappropriate to comment”

The former school was opened in 1849 by Lady Matheson – wife of the Lewis landlord Sir James Matheson – who made his fortune in the illegal Chinese opium trade.

In a statement the group claimed that the council had reneged on a ‘verbal agreement’ to underwrite the second stage of the project, as well as removing the project from the Townscape Heritage Initiative Programme (THI).

The LHPT had lodged a number of formal complaints with the council concerning the trust’s treatment.

A spokesman for Western Isles Council said it was following up on the complaints submitted by LHPT, but it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Hebrides jobs and services feel impact of funding gap

Jun 17th, 10 / 0 Comments

“£3.5m in service cuts”

Millions of pounds of cuts need to be made for Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to balance its books and staff will be asked to consider voluntary redundancy or work reduced hours to help meet the demands of budget constraints.

Half of what the Comhairle spends each year goes on its workforce and with the Local Authority facing a funding gap of £5.5m in 2011-12 £2m will be sought through efficiency savings and £3.5m in service cuts.

“Members in Stornoway”

The public will be asked for their input during a series of meetings in September to formulate a plan of reducing costs.

A Comhairle spokesman highlighted: “Significant savings have already been achieved through a number of early retirements from within the teaching profession and it is proposed this opportunity be offered to other staff over the summer period.

“Staff will also be offered the opportunity to reduce their hours voluntarily.”

In the early part of this week it was speculated that more than 400 jobs could be cut at the Comhairle – driving up the Western Isles unemployment figures by 75% – however this speculation was described as “alarmist” by the Local Authority’s Leader, Angus Campbell.

Further debate on the funding gap is expected to take place this evening at a full meeting of Council members in Stornoway.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Western Isles council review standing lists

Jun 15th, 10 / 1 Comment

“Public Contracts Scotland”

In accordance with good practice the Comhairle is currently carrying out a review of the Standing Lists of Contractors for procuring building, civil engineering and “specialist” works.

The Comhairle is now required to advertise projects as widely as possible when procuring works and will make use of the Public Contracts Scotland ‘Portal’ Website for projects of an estimated value higher than £450,000.

Works of an estimated value up to £450,000 will therefore generally be procured using the Standing Lists of Contractors. However, the Comhairle may occasionally wish to make use of a Public Contracts Scotland Portal advertisement to seek tenders for specific ‘specialist’ projects below that value.

These changes mean that it has been necessary therefore to completely review the current Standing Lists, particularly with regard to the value bands of projects for which Contractors may wish to be invited to tender.

Similarly the lists of “specialist” contractors have been rationalised to trades or specialists likely to be invited to carry out works for the Comhairle, albeit in most cases likely to be on an approved sub-contractor basis rather than as a main contractor.  The requirement to widely advertise larger projects on the Public Contracts Scotland website means that there is now no need for the Comhairle to maintain large lists of specialist contractors other than under the revised headings now listed.

“Information and Guidance”

There has been a good response to the initial review request from the Comhairle to existing Contractors; however, a number of Contractors who regularly tender for work for the Comhairle still need to get in touch, by 30 June 2010, to tell us what type of works and what value bands they are interested in.  Some Contractors, for instance, may now be employing their own electricians or painters and may wish to be placed on these Lists; some Contractors may wish to apply for the Landscaping List or may have an expertise in Flat Roofing.

Accordingly all Contractors wishing to review and maintain their place on the Comhairle’s Standing Lists of Contractors, or new Contractors wishing to apply, should complete the Application form which is available to download, along with Information and Guidance notes, at www.cne-siar.gov.uk/techservices and www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk.

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Stornoway protest over changes to service supporting special needs adults

Jun 11th, 10 / 0 Comments

A protest by a group of young adults with special needs took place this afternoon (Friday) outside the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Offices in Stornoway.

The group are against the move to shift the local area co-ordination service which supports them from the voluntary sector to under council control.

The service, which costs £70,000 annually is run by Advocacy Western Isles, but the council want to save money by bringing it in-house.

Protestors believe the service should stay in the voluntary sector to ensure its‘independence’, with parents being more comfortable with the service as it currently stands rather than it being under council control.

The Comhairle have said they will retain the majority of the posts associated with the service.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Gaelic plan for the future

Jun 10th, 10 / 1 Comment

“Gaelic speakers”

The Gaelic Plan Implementation Committee met today (Thursday 10TH June 2010).  Present at the meeting was Mr David Boag, Head of Gaelic Usage at Bòrd na Gàidhlig who delivered a presentation on the Bòrd’s plans in relation to their Action Plan for increasing the number of Gaelic speakers. Chair of the Gaelic Committee, Councillor Agnes Rennie commented:

“It is very encouraging to hear that many of the points raised in the Action Plan are in the Comhairle Gaelic Plan and we are already meeting many of the key objectives.  Our next step is to take it to the next level.  At a time of great economic uncertainty, there will be a need for more co-operation between organisations.  At the end of the day we all have the same objective – to raise the overall number of Gaelic speakers”.

“Celtic Media Festival”

The Committee agreed to fill the funding gap for Comunn na Gàidhlig’s Student Summer Placement Scheme.  Information was provided on the Celtic Media Festvial which the Western Isles will host in April 2011.  Councillor Rennie commented:

“This is a fantastic scheme which gives some great opportunities.  The scheme has been of great benefit to our communities and to the students involved”

It was agreed to fill the funding gap for Carinish Gaelic Class.  Classes have been very successful in the area and with the additional funding the classes can be delivered to those who are already engaged in learning the language as well as offering it to those who are interested in learning Gaelic.  Information was provided on a range of topics, including the success of the Comhairle in hosting the Celtic Media Festival in the Western Isles in April 2011.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Outer Hebrides first in Scotland with skills and training agreement

Jun 9th, 10 / 0 Comments

“Sustainable Development”

Meeting today in Stornoway, Malcolm Burr, Chief Executive of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Damien Yeates, Chief Executive of Skills Development Scotland, signed up to a Service Delivery Agreement (SDA) for the Outer Hebrides, the first area in Scotland to have such an agreement.

The SDA represents a formal agreement on the local and national services which will be available to support skills development and training for individuals and employers in the Outer Hebrides.

Skills Development Scotland representatives also visited the Seaforth Road ‘Media Village’ in Stornoway, which houses Studio Alba, the headquarters of MG Alba, and the ERDF-funded £2.6m Creative Industries and Media Centre which is currently under construction.  The Comhairle’s Sustainable Development Committee met with Mr Yeates in the afternoon to hear about recent developments within the organization.

“Partnership document”

Damien Yeates, Chief Executive, Skills Development Scotland, said:

“I am delighted we have worked with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar on this agreement. Strong partnership working is essential in ensuring the correct priorities are identified for the benefit of the local area.

“Skills Development Scotland is committed to delivering its national programmes and core services in a flexible way that meets local needs and this Service Delivery Agreement is a way of ensuring we achieve this.

“The Outer Hebrides has many opportunities in areas such as renewables, creative industries and aquaculture, and it is vital we support individuals and businesses to ensure the right skillsbase exists to sustain the growth of these sectors.

“I look forward to the achievements that will be gained from this collaboration and the benefits it will bring the local community.”

Malcolm Burr, Chief Executive of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said:

“The Comhairle is pleased to have signed this agreement, which commits us to working proactively with Skills Development Scotland in the support offered to individuals, businesses and key economic sectors  We will be working closely with Skills Development Scotland to review progress against the outcomes and targets in the Service Delivery Agreement, and also to be adaptable as new opportunities emerge  I am particularly pleased that the Outer Hebrides is the first local authority area in Scotland to have put this crucial partnership document in place.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Benbecula running track officially opened

Jun 7th, 10 / 0 Comments

On Saturday the 12th June 2010 the Running Track at Liniclate, Isle of Benbecula, will be officially opened by Beth MacLeod, who represented Scotland on 68 occassions in rugby union and Mairi Levack, who is a founder member and lynchpin of North Uist Athletics Club.

The official opening will be held before the start of the inaugural Uist and Barra Community Games.

“Jog Scotland Groups”

The project which was funded by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and sportscotland will provide a sporting facility for a whole spectrum of users and it is hoped that the facility will be well utilised.

The track can be used for walking groups, those wishing to improve their fitness and agility for other sports as well as the variety of track and field events enjoyed by many:

Councillor Archie Campbell, Chair of the Sustainable Development Committee at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar commented:

“I am delighted that the facility at Liniclate is now fully operational.  The Comhairle continue in their commitment to providing quality accessible sports facilities and the additional funding made available by sportscotland enabled the progression of this project.  I am confident that the facility will be a valuable asset within the Uist community and groups such as the vibrant North Uist Athletics Club, the Jog Scotland Groups and Comunn Spòrs a’ Chinn a Deas will made full use of it”.

“Existing football pitch”

sportscotland Chief Executive, Stewart Harris said:

“sportscotland is delighted to have worked with Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar on the development of the Liniclate running track. It is a fantastic development, in a picturesque setting, which will assist the development of athletics in the Uists. sportscotland has been able to provide technical advice and support for the project, along with an investment of £200,000.  The new facility will benefit the local community, schools and athletes by giving them the opportunity to participate or train in running, long-jump, triple-jump, shot putt, hammer and discus. The incorporated floodlights will allow all-year-round use of the track facilities as well as the existing football pitch.”

The opening will commence at 10am with refreshments being served to invitees, and following some opening words from Councillor Campbell at 11am, the track will be officially opened and Beth and Mairi will start the warm-up lap for the first Community Games.  All in attendance will receive a commemorative medal.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Gym equipment to be distributed within the Outer Hebrides

Jun 7th, 10 / 1 Comment

“Sustainable Development”

The Comhairle Sport and Health section were recently successful in gaining £236k in Capital Grant assistance from NHS Western Isles.  This funding will be used specifically to upgrade sport equipment at Castlebay, Lionacleit and Stornoway.

This will assist in the delivery of broad health and fitness initiatives as well as giving sports facility users access to some of the most up to date equipment available.

The opportunity has now arisen to allow the existing cardiovascular and resistance equipment at Lionacleit and Stornoway to be distributed within the Outer Hebrides in a manner that most benefits the most vulnerable and most remote individuals through the establishment of localised fitness hubs.

Organisations wishing to access ownership of equipment will be required to provide evidence of need and detail how the equipment will be promoted and managed. Chair of Sustainable Development Committee, Councillor Archie Campbell said:

“Community Services Department”

“This is an excellent initiative.  We are grateful to NHS Western Isles for the funding which will provide access to some of the best equipment to be found anywhere.  The opportunity for communities to obtain the existing equipment is one which should grasped and it could be of enormous benefit to the most vulnerable and most remote individuals who may not have such easy access to the main Sport Centres”.

If you think your group or organisation could benefit from this equipment, contact Ionad Spòrs Leòdhais on 01851 70 9190 or Ionad Spòrs Lionacleit on 01870 603526 for an application form.

Applications should be returned to Emma Macsween, Social & Community Services Department, Council Offices, Stornoway, HS1 2BW by the 9th of July.  The applications will then be assessed and the equipment will be available for collection in early August.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Gaelic survival in the balance

Jun 6th, 10 / 1 Comment

THE future of Gaelic as a viable language is ‘bleak’ without radical action, Education Secretary Michael Russell claims.

The Minister told MSPs heard that councils are unlikely to follow the aspirations of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, that every child should start their education in Gaelic.

In the Scottish Parliament, Western Isles MSP Alasdair Allan said the aspirations of his constituency’s local authority was that in future, every child – “as far as possible” – will start their education in Gaelic.

“Scottish population”

He said: “It is a very welcome aspiration. Does the minister agree that unless it becomes a reality it is difficult to foresee how Gaelic can survive in the islands as a community language?”

Mr Russell said he had every sympathy with the council and would be happy to lend his support to the initiative.

But he added: “Other authorities are very unlikely to take this route. Unless radical action is taken in terms of Gaelic in Scotland then the prospects for the language look bleak.”

The number of Gaelic speakers has been steadily declining over the past century. According to Census records there were just 58,652 speakers in 2001, or 1.2% of the Scottish population, the majority are in the Western Isles.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Funding awarded to Hebrides school

Jun 3rd, 10 / 0 Comments

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has welcomed the Scottish Futures Trust announcement of £2.1m of funding towards a new school at Daliburgh.

This is part of a package of funding awarded by the Scottish Government to improve Primary Schools throughout Scotland.

Leader Angus Campbell said: “This is good news for Daliburgh and the Outer Hebrides. This is a significant contribution towards the overall costs of a new school. Together with the Comhairle’s £3.5m from the capital programme this takes us a long way towards a financial package. “

“The Western Isles”

Chair of Education and Children’s Services, Cllr Morag Munro, said: “An additional £2.1m to go to building a new school is good news. We are committed to improving schools and the Western Isles Schools Project is progressing very well. Some work has already started on the Bayble site with the pupils having been decanted into the former secondary block as the main primary building is in the process of being demolished. Further advance works will commence at the Nicolson Institute and Sir E Scott sites over the summer holiday period. This is additional good news today for Daliburgh”.

The Western Isles Schools Project will see five new schools built at Point Primary (Lewis), West Side Primary (Lewis), the Nicolson Institute Secondary (Lewis), Sir E Scott Primary and Secondary (Harris) and Ballivanich Primary (Benbecula).

The money towards Daliburgh becomes available in 2011/12.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Harris Tweed industry welcomes new weavers

Jun 1st, 10 / 1 Comment

“SVQ Level 2”

The Harris Tweed industry will benefit from a new intake of weavers following the completion of a 12 week full time weaving course in Stornoway.  Ten students completed the course, run by Cardonald College, and have achieved a formal qualification, SVQ Manufacturing Textiles Level 1, adapted for the Harris Tweed industry.

The trainees are now in the process of setting up looms and loomsheds and, once working as weavers, will be supported by the mills and Cardonald to build up the required experience of weaving tweeds to meet the requirements of SVQ Level 2 over the coming months.

“European Social Fund”

Sam Goates, Cardonald College, commented, “We have been delighted with the success of the course and the progress and achievements of the students.  The experience has been extremely positive for all involved.  The course benefited particularly from the trainers John Chisholm and Angus Morrison, both Harris Tweed weavers, who passed on their skills and enthusiasm for the industry on to the students, and also to the involvement of Mal Macleod and John Chisholm to help develop a relevant qualification.”

Iain Angus Mackenzie, Chief Executive of Harris Tweed Hebrides, has also welcomed the new entrants into the industry, “I am delighted to see new people coming into the industry.  We are having a good season and I am confident that the new weavers will have an encouraging start to their weaving career.”

Councillor Angus Campbell said, “I would like to pass on my congratulations to the trainees, who have undertaken a demanding learning experience over the past three months.  Thanks are also due to the industry for its support, in particular the three Harris Tweed mills who provided access to equipment, yarn, and expertise.”

The training course was supported through funding from Skills Development Scotland, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the European Social Fund.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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