Posts Tagged ‘Harris’

Water investment has clear benefits for Harris

Aug 18th, 10 / 0 Comments

The Harris community of Tarbert is set to benefit from a fresh investment from Scottish Water.

Over the coming months old cement water mains are to be replaced with tough but flexible plastic pipes. This will reduce the number of supply interruptions caused by bursts and ensure supplies remain clear and fresh.

This adds to Scottish Water’s earlier investment in the Tarbert area. During 2007/8 21 kilometres of pipes were replaced and earlier this year a new water treatment works, worth £1.6million, was put into operation, ensuring supplies are treated to the latest standards.

Work on the water mains, worth £530,000, is due to start in the coming days and is expected to be complete by February.

“Reliable network”


Malcolm McPhail, Scottish Water Asset Planner for the Western Isles, said: “Our customers in the Tarbert area have been very patient and I’d like to thank them for bearing with us. Last year we put in place some temporary measures while we drew up plans for a permanent solution and it’s great to be starting that work now. The result will be a reliable water network for the community for many years to come.”

Project Manager Jimmy Ferguson of Scottish Water’s Capital Investment Delivery team said: “We’ll replace a total of nine kilometres of old cement water mains between Carragraich and Tarbert with tough but flexible plastic pipes. This will improve the service the customers receive by reducing bursts and interruptions and will help maintain the high quality of the supply. We’ll do our best to minimise disruption during the work.”

“Pipes dating from 1950S”


Last year there were repeated interruptions for customers in the Tarbert area due to the fragile condition of the old water mains dating from the 1950s and 60s. As a temporary measure Scottish Water installed a pressure reducing valve on the system to improve the flow in the Ardhasaig area, to the west of Tarbert, along with an overland link pipe.

Scottish Water’s leakage team has also reduced the amount of water lost from the Tarbert system by finding and fixing a number of leaks on service pipes to customers’ properties, and at Scalpay Pier.

During 2007/8 Scottish Water invested £1.6million in the Tarbert area upgrading the local water treatment works to safeguard the quality of the drinking water, and replacing sections of water mains that had been causing supply interruptions.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Harris Tweed weavers to pass on skills

Aug 18th, 10 / 1 Comment

Harris Tweed weavers are being encouraged to have their skills officially recognised to secure the long term future of top quality weaving on the islands.

The skills and training programme recently taught 10 new Harris Tweed weavers who are now establishing themselves as self employed weavers. In a further part of the scheme, the Harris Tweed industry is encouraging its experienced weavers to gain their accreditation in order to demonstrate the value and high standards of weaving which will be recognised by this award. Having a skilled workforce including weavers and mill staff remains an important priority for the industry as it continues to promote Harris Tweed across international markets.

The programme is being delivered by Cardonald College which has designed the assessment process and will award the formal SVQ qualification. Kirsty Scott of Upper Quartile, the company managing the project, said: “The reviews will recognise existing skills, give feedback, and provide any further training for those who might welcome this opportunity.”

The project has received funding from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, and the European Social Fund (ESF).

HIE’s Margaret Macleod said: “We are delighted to be working closely with the mills and weavers on the project. The experienced weavers have a wealth of skills and to ensure these are recognised and passed to future generations we want to encourage them to support the qualification. The programme aims to bring new weavers up to the same high standards and it is valuable if our experienced weavers can lead the way for the young people of the future.”

“Dynamic to drive Harris Tweed”


Accrediting the existing Harris Tweed weavers is part of the wider Harris Tweed Skills programme, which has already led to new training opportunities for mill staff, while re-establishing formal training for new weavers.

Evelyn Macdonald from Stornoway has been weaving for nearly 11 years and was recently awarded with the SVQ qualification. She said: “It’s really great that existing weavers of any age are taking up this training as it makes sense to have a formal qualification. Not just anyone can have a go at weaving – you need to be up to a certain standard and this qualification will definitely make a difference to the longer term of weaving.”

Neil Macleod who also lives ion Stornoway is an experienced weaver. He said: “After watching this very important industry which is a barometer to the economic stability of the island, I made a lifestyle choice to become a weaver because it gave me the opportunity to pursue my many other interests particularly in crofting and rural affairs. I became conscious of the need for weavers to come under a training regime where their particular skills were recognised, developed and passed on to the future generation.

“The training structure is thorough, flexible and is overseen by helpful experienced instructors whose mission is to assist the very nervous but extremely competent weaver who has spent a lifetime weaving without a formal qualification. With a resurgent industry buoyant by steady orders, this accreditation drawn up by the prime movers in the textile industry should be the dynamic to drive Harris Tweed to the iconic discerning market it deserves.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Man dies after fall from Harris ferry

Aug 11th, 10 / 1 Comment

It has been reported that there has been a fatality after a man fell from the Harris to Skye ferry early this evening.

It is believed passengers themselves raised the alarm after witnessing the fall just before 6pm.

The passenger had been in the water around 15 minutes before the ferry’s own rescue craft was able to pick him out of the water at Loch Snizort, near Uig pier.

“Procurator Fiscal.”


Northern Constabulary said: “Emergency services were in attendance at an incident whereby a man entered the water from a ferry a short distance from Uig Pier in Skye shortly after 17.45pm hours this evening.

“The man was recovered from the water and despite the best efforts of the ambulance crew at the scene he sadly died.

“Northern Constabulary are in the process of contacting next of kin.

“Police are currently carrying out enquiries to establish the full circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”

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Dog left driving boat after four people tipped into sea

Aug 7th, 10 / 1 Comment

Stornoway Coastguard coordinated the rescue of four people from the sea and a Labrador dog from a motorboat that was going in circles yesterday afternoon half a mile off Mallaig.

Fishing vessel Alex C reported the incident at just before 4.30pm this afternoon. Mallaig RNLI All Weather Lifeboat and the Coastguard Rescue helicopter from Stornoway were sent to the scene. The well boat Ronja commander also went to help.

Four people were pulled from the water by the fishing vessel Alex C leaving the lifeboat to stop the motorboat and save the dog.

”Rescue services”


The lifeboat managed to stop the motorboat by fouling the propeller and the dog was safely recovered. None of those involved in the incident needed medical attention.

Stornoway Coastguard Watch Manager Carol Collins said: “I’d like to thank the Alex C for reporting the incident and helping to recover people from the water.
”It is believed that the motorboat was tipped by a large wave and everyone ended up in the water, apart from the dog, which was all alone on the boat as it carried on and on.

”Whilst the incident may sound funny, the people in the water were in danger not only from the cold sea but also from the propellers, so I’d like to remind all motorboat enthusiasts to use a kill cord. It will stop your boats engine in an emergency and make it easier for the rescue services to find you.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Harris Tweed cycle charity challenge

Jul 29th, 10 / 0 Comments

The latest fundraising challenge to hit the Western Isles will see a Harris Tweed fan dressed in the Clo Mhor cycle from East Sussex to Stornoway.

Kelvin Pawsey said his ride, which will involve a ferry crossing from Skye, will raise funds for the Harris Tweed Authority Educational Trust and RNLI.

“On his bike”


He plans to set off from Rye Lifeboat Station in East Sussex this Sunday (August 1st) and he expects the challenge will take up the best part of the month.

For the 900 mile journey Kelvin will carry everything he needs – including a tent and tweed bunting – on his bike.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Social Enterprises are thriving in Harris

Jul 6th, 10 / 1 Comment

Social enterprises in the Isle of Harris are going from strength to strength, delivering community and environmental benefits for residents.

Supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) a number of social enterprises are pursuing ambitious growth plans which are showing encouraging progress.

“Lifetime research”


HIE’s Innse Gall team has supported improvements at the Isle of Harris Golf Course in Scarista, helping it to become a key tourist destination and it is now self sufficient in terms of income.

Clachan Stores, at Leverburgh on Harris has been trading as a social enterprise for 30 years. HIE has provided assistance towards an extension project to cope with demand from residents and visitors to the area as they are seeing weekly sales at the shop and tea room increase up to 25 per cent compared to last year.
Bill Lawson, chairman of Co Chomunn na Hearadh who runs the shop, said: “We are certainly seeing more visitors, and particularly camper vans, which have had a significant effect on sales in our shop. Since the introduction of the Road Equivalent Tariff we are experiencing a very busy year so far.”
The Seallam! Visitor Centre in Northton, Harris is another social enterprise experiencing higher visitor numbers during the past year. The centre is home to the Cò Leis Thu? Genealogy Service which is based on the work of genealogist Bill Lawson who, 10 years ago, donated his lifetime research to the trust.

“Financial support”


HIE is supporting Seallam!’s website design project which will include an integrated pay-to-view genealogical database in order that it can be preserved permanently and be made available to the growing number of people both locally and internationally with a passionate interest for family and social history.

Jane Macintosh, Head of Communities at HIE said: “We have long been an advocate of community development, and social enterprises are absolutely natural for remote areas and essential for fragile areas such as Harris. We have seen real benefits in this area which have provided significant community and environmental benefits as well as jobs to the Outer Hebrides.”

HIE’s ‘account management’ approach is designed to ensure that social enterprises can fully access their expertise and contacts. HIE is working with locally significant community businesses to help them realise their ambitions, creating development plans and in some areas appointing a member of staff as a dedicated resource to work alongside the community.

Jane continued: “Through working with our partner agencies we have had closer working relationships with social enterprises in our region. The development plans are designed to maximise opportunities for each client’s ambitions and capacity with many achieving success. Each business is different and we can offer help in many ways, including advice on opportunities for growth, training, and access to consultancy, as well as financial support.”

For further information about how HIE can help social enterprises in the Outer Hebrides, contact the Stornoway office on 01851 703703 or the Benbecula office on 01870 604900

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Magnificent Sea Eagle rescued in Harris

Jun 12th, 10 / 0 Comments

An injured Sea Eagle found some good Samaritans to look after it when it was grounded through injury at a Loch in Harris.

The huge bird of prey was spotted by French nationals on-board chartered boat ‘Arthur’; and it took four of them to hold the animal so that its wings could be secured.

“Territorial fight”

Once immobilised the crew informed Stornoway Coastguard of its capture and set sail for the nearest port at Tarbert on Harris.

Local RSPB Scotland conservation officer Martin Scott met the yacht and transported the eagle to the vet in Stornoway for treatment.

It is believed that the three year old female bird, who was born in Uist according to her identity tag, had been involved in a territorial fight with another eagle on the Eishken Estate.

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Crossroads Harris named charity of the year 2010

Jun 11th, 10 / 0 Comments

Crossroads (Harris), which provides care and support to ill, disabled and elderly people on the tiny island community of Harris has been named as the Scottish Charity of the Year 2010.

The organisation, which has an annual budget of just £42,000, provides an essential lifeline for vulnerable people who are isolated from both mainland Scotland and often their own neighbours.

Its commitment to high-level service user involvement and dialogue was highlighted by the judges of the Scottish Charity Awards.

Dr Alison Elliot, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisation’s convener and Scottish Charity Award judging panel chair, said: “Crossroad (Harris) Care Attendant Scheme has demonstrated both excellent value for money in meeting the care needs of sick and disabled people on this small island community, but is also at the forefront of service-user involvement. The panel was hugely impressed by the way this service engages with the people who use it and provides them with exactly what they need.”

Representatives from Crossroads (Harris) picked up their award at a top-class ceremony in Edinburgh’s prestigious Mansfield Traquair Centre on Thursday evening.

Catherine Morrison, chair of Crossroads (Harris) said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the honour of being named Charity of the Year 2010.  We accept this award on behalf of all the people involved in Crossroads (Harris), the clients, the carers, the staff, the committee and the community.

“Pulling in crowds”

“We live in a small island with a population of just over 1900, a high proportion of which is elderly, but we have a hugely supportive community.  The aim of our scheme is to make the life of those unsung heroes, the family carers, easier. “

Awards were also given in four more categories.

Jimmy McIntosh, who was born with cerebral palsy and has spent most of his 70 years campaigning to ensure that the views of disabled people are heard and their rights upheld, was this year’s Charity Champion.

McIntosh is at the forefront of self-advocacy and as chair of Partners in Advocacy campaigns on issues such as Direct Payments, service procurement and accessible transport.

Speaking after the awards, he said: “It is very nice to receive this award. I want to thank Partners in Advocacy who put me forward because I enjoy working for them. It’s a great organisation.

“It’s a great honour to be chairperson of its board. I’ve been a campaigner all my life. I make changes for the better for other people to help them have a better life. I like what I’m doing.”

An innovative approach to providing a fun place to socialize for people who are recovering from drug and alcohol addiction won this year’s Community Action Award.
Community development agency Comas became aware that there was little opportunities for people recovering from drug and alcohol misuse in Scotland to enjoy relaxing, social occasions. The Serenity Café ran three trial nights in June and July 2009 to gauge the interest from local people. Volunteers then turned a city centre church hall into a club venue with café and soft bar. 130 people turned up for the first night, many dressed to the theme, to dance, chat and enjoy the mocktails. Since then the club has become a monthly event, including a Hogmanay special, pulling in crowds of around 120 each time.

“Marrow donors”

Ruth Campbell, the chief officer of Comas said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been recognised by the Scottish Charity Awards. Comas is a small organisation working hard with very limited resources to try something new and to challenge people to think differently about what being in recovery from addiction means day to day for people overcoming many years of dependency and despair.

“The award to the Serenity Cafe Project can help to put the spotlight on this growing community of people recovering from addiction and highlight the support that people need to stay free from drugs and alcohol. And it is a great way of saying thank you to the volunteers in recovery who make the Serenity Cafe such an exciting place to be.”

Action Against Stalking won the Campaign of the Year Award for its successful work to introduce a definition of stalking into Scots law.

Ayr resident Ann Moulds lost her home and her business after becoming the victim of a stalker. Her stalker however received a lenient court sentence and was free to walk the streets. In March 2009, Ann launched this campaign to introduce stalking legislation into the Scottish Criminal Justice System. Following a year of lobbying and telling Ann’s story through the media, proposed anti-stalking legislation has been included in the new Criminal & Licensing Justice Bill. Importantly, training modules are being developed to be delivered throughout Scotland’s police forces and the Crowing Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has developed a training DVD to be delivered to all staff.

The Anthony Nolan Trust also won the Partnership Award alongside Strathclyde Fire and Rescue for their joint work to increase the number of bone marrow donors in Scotland.

“High standard”

The Anthony Nolan Trust manages the UK’s largest bone marrow register, which provides life-saving bone marrow donors for people with leukaemia and related diseases. It approached Strathclyde Fire and Rescue in a bid to increase donors to the scheme, particularly amongst young men aged between 18 and 29. The partnership has been a huge success with the fire service agreeing to host at least 10 donor recruitment sessions in fire stations over the next three years. 70 fire service volunteers have been trained up to be counsellors at the sign-up clinics and the service now encourages staff and new recruits to register. Since July 2009 there has been an almost 20 per cent increase in recruitment to the bone marrow register in Scotland.

The Scottish Charity Awards was set up to highlight innovative work being carried out across the whole voluntary sector.

Dr Elliot said: “The last year has been a difficult one in which we have seen funding cuts up and down the country coupled with an increased demand for services, meaning we’re all doing more with less. But despite this, the voluntary sector enjoyed some incredible achievements.

“The judges for this year’s awards were not only delighted to receive a record number of entries, but also an incredibly high standard of entries from the length and breadth of Scotland.”

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

Stornoway News

Mink manage to avoid the trappers in the Hebrides

May 19th, 10 / 1 Comment

The battle to eradicate mink from the Hebrides continues as conservationists have revealed that the animals are re-establishing themselves in North Uist.

Millions of pounds have been spent trying to remove the ferocious predators which have had a devastating impact on local wildlife.

“Local bird populations”

The mink arrived in the Western Isles in the 1960s and 70s, after being imported by fur farmers, however some animals escaped and have wreaked havoc on local wildlife ever since.

The Hebridean Mink Project was established to wipeout the animal from Uists and has seen 2,000 mink culled since 2001.

The scheme moved from the Uists to begin culling in South Harris, however it has now been discovered that a ‘satellite’ population has managed to cling on in the Uists.

The news that mink are re-establishing themselves in North Uist is being seen as a significant setback, although overall the Hebridean Mink Project has been hailed a success in supporting local bird populations.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Fair fuel for rural areas

May 18th, 10 / 1 Comment

“Rural Scotland “

A fresh campaign to bring fair fuel prices to rural Scotland are today seizing the opportunity to present to the new government the public’s opposition to extreme fuel prices.

The new Conservative / Lib Dem government are due to present an emergency budget on June 22.  The campaign has a strong base on Facebook – with over 800 supporters all calling for a fuel duty regulator or otherwise to give rural Scotland a level playing field with the mainland.

“Scotland’s concerns”

Fair fuel in the budget with be a huge test in Scotland for the new administration.

The campaign launched a petition for presentation to the government online (http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/fairfuelbudget/signatures)  which attracted 42 signatures within 30minutes of launch.  Due to the change of administration the Downing Street petition service is unavailable at present.  A paper copy will soon be available in outlets to compliment the online petition.

Campaigner Erica Macdonald said “it is really important that we all sign this petition and show the new government that we are really suffering from extreme fuel prices”.

“We can hope that they will implement fair fuel as part of their emergency budget.  They need to understand that in rural Scotland we need to use our cars more, and that we cannot keep being penalised for no good reason especially when they can fix it incredibly easily.”

“Lets hope, that this UK government listens to Scotland’s concerns on this issue”.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

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.”

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Western Isles MSP speaks on crofting reform bill

May 13th, 10 / 1 Comment

“Neglect of crofts”

Western Isles SNP MSP, Alasdair Allan, has today spoken in the Scottish Parliament on stage 1 of the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Bill.

Speaking in the debate, Dr Allan said:

“Much has been said, rightly, about the need for renewal in Scotland’s crofting communities.

“The need to ensure that a new generation enter crofting, the need to ensure that crofting is adequately supported, the need  to ensure that crofting is allowed to develop and become more diversified are all vital.

“The Bill that has been debated today is emphatically not the draft Bill which – for very good reasons – caused such anxiety in crofting communities like my own

“The Bill is now significantly different in scope and content from that originally proposed. The Government has consulted extensively and has listened to what crofters have had to say.

“The things which were most controversial in the draft bill – standard securities, area committees and residency requirements – are now gone.

“Instead, the bill focuses on democratising the Crofters Commission and empowering the commission to deal with speculation in and neglect of crofts.

“Crofting today”

“The Parliament’s Rural Affairs Committee has, in its recent report, made a useful contribution to the debate and identified further areas where the Bill might be improved. For instance by reducing further the costs associated with any register through community-based mapping.

“This Bill deserves to proceed to Stage 2, because there is now, I believe, a clear wish for legislation.  We can identify improvements, we can amend and we can debate further.  However, the need for progress and consensus is now clear. If parliament continues to engage with the crofting community itself it stands some chance of providing legislation that will not only command broad support but which will also address some of the problems facing crofting today.”

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NHS Western Isles Fas Fallain competition

May 4th, 10 / 1 Comment

Back to basics was the theme when Fas Fallain recently visited Sheilibost School in Harris, awarding two of their pupils first and second prize in a recent competition.

The competition, which was open to under-12s throughout the Western Isles, was aimed at finding a new ‘Fas Fallain Friend’, which would then be turned into a seedstick; accompanying the already highly popular and innovative family which includes Coinneach Carrot, Lachie Lettuce, Seonaid Strawberry, Mairi Mint and Tormod Tomato.

“Western Isles”

The ‘Fas Fallain Friends’ are seedsticks, each with their own Gaelic name, that encourage younger people to gain an interest and become involved in growing fruit and vegetables.

Out of over 120 superb entries Christopher Mackay, Primary 5, Sheilibost, was awarded first place for his original entry of ‘Bobaidh Brussel Sprout’. Second place was awarded to Finlay Summers, also of Primary 5, Sheilibost, who designed ‘Tomas Turnip’. Third prize was awarded to Stornoway Primary pupil Reen Chisholm, of Primary 4 who designed ‘Seonaid Swede’.

The prize winner received a custom-made planting box, containing everything required to start his own vegetable garden. Second and third prize winners received vouchers from Willowglen Garden Centre, with all receiving a bag of Fas Fallain goodies.

Sheilibost School Headteacher, Rhoda MacDonald, said she was delighted at the school doing so well, especially when there were so many entries.

NHS Western Isles Fas Fallain Manager, Mary MacLean, said: “I was absolutely astounded by the level of response to this competition. The seedsticks seem to have caught the imagination of all ages, and the quality of the entries reflected the talent we have in the Western Isles.

“Victorian Day”

“It was extremely difficult to choose a winner, but eventually it was decided that Christopher’s creation should join our horticultural family. I have run workshops with various age groups throughout the Islands, and I am reassured by level of knowledge and understanding our children have in growing and healthy eating. These children are the future growers of our Islands and will continue to be encouraged through Fas Fallain and with the support of NHS Western Isles. On a final note, I would like to thank all children who entered and congratulate them on their artwork and imagination.”

Fas Fallain is an initiative aimed at encouraging healthy eating and the provision of locally produced foodstuffs throughout the Western Isles. The overall aim of Fas Fallain is to raise awareness of local food issues, encourage a healthier diet, and provide an understanding of the role it plays in a healthy lifestyle. All activity and services are community led and tailored to meet the individual or community needs.

‘Bobaidh Brussel Sprout’ is currently being brought to life and will make a public appearance shortly. On the day of the awards, staff and pupils at SheilibostSchool were celebrating a Victorian Day, and are pictured with Mary wearing clothing appropriate to that era.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Designer Harris Tweed

May 3rd, 10 / 1 Comment

“Dashing Tweeds”

ONE of the UK’s iconic handbag makers has struck a deal with a Harris Tweed mill to produce the handmade cloth in its own unique design for a premium range of bags.

Radley + Co has secured its very own tweed which is being produced at the Carloway Mill of Harris Tweed Textiles, based on the west of Lewis.

One of the most successful and fast-expanding handbag companies in the UK, Radley is a mid-level manufacturer supplying all the major multiples and every quality independent handbag store in the country as well as its own chain of stores and online shop. It has grown in four years from one store in London’s King’s Road to 15 in the UK and another in New York.

On a visit to Carloway to see Radley’s own tweed being made, Natalie Bolton, the company’s design director, explained that its founder was very interested in Harris Tweed. However, they had put the idea on the back burner until now.

“We were putting together our latest themes and had a very strong inspiration from the 1920s’ Bloomsbury group which is all about arts and crafts and the painting and literary set. There was a wealth of information about tweeds and we thought why not try to get proper Harris Tweed. We talked to our designers, Dashing Tweeds, who came up with an exclusive design and that is when we contacted the mill here at Carloway.”

”Radley + Co”

Now Radley can talk directly to the mill about the colours in its palette whenever they want to go down the Harris Tweed road again.

Radley + Co has been around for about 12 years. That was when everything was black. Natalie says: “Radley really was a reaction to that and colour was, and still is, a key element of the brand. We’re known for being colourful – detailing, colour and handcraftedness are the elements of our bags. It’s an ethos of ours the whole way through.”

The bag using Harris Tweed is known as the Grosvenor which uses top-grade leathers and very fashionable styling. It is exclusive to Radley’s own stores and its website and retails at £185, with a matching holdall available at £300.

Before a sightseeing tour of Lewis, Radley senior designer Ben Patton said: “Radley +Co is a British company so it’s nice to link up with a British product we can use. Harris Tweed is handmade like our bags so it is a very good fit for us. We make bags that will last many years and Harris Tweed is like that. It is not just good for a few months.

“Harris Tweed”

“We have a very seasonal colour palette which changes from year to year. Next winter will be nothing like this year’s. It will be fantastic to have a mill that we can keep updated on whether it is going to be a massive blue season or pink or whatever. The Bloomsbury range is a premium range of ours but I am sure there will be many other opportunities as well to use the tweed.”

Carloway Mill general manager Ann MacCallum said: “It is exciting for me to build a relationship with a major handbag company that will hopefully use the tweed in many different ways and in many different patterns and colours. Although Radley is a fairly new company, it is already an iconic name in the world of handbags. So we have two iconic names working together, which is fantastic.
“Although there are smaller companies making handbags on the island, Radley is the first mass-market manufacturer of accessible handbags that we are working with.
“Harris Tweed is a bit like that too. It is known for quality but now accessible because it is not too expensive.”

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Stornoway News

National progression award in Harris Tweed

Apr 27th, 10 / 0 Comments

“Standard Grade”

The first national qualification in Harris Tweed was approved this week by the Scottish Qualifications Authority.  The four unit National Progression Award was produced in the Western Isles by a partnership between CNES Education department and the Harris Tweed industry, and was led by Sir E Scott school.  The award is at Level  5 on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework, equivalent to Intermediate 2 or Credit level at Standard Grade.

In formally validating the national qualification without amendment, the Scottish Qualifications Authority commented particularly favourably on the degree of business engagement in the development process.

“Scottish Qualifications Authority”

The award will be available through schools and colleges from August 2010.  The course provides a comprehensive introduction to aspects of the Harris Tweed industry from social context, manufacture, weaving, design and promotion.   Unit 1 is titled An Introduction to the Harris Tweed Industry, and gives students information about the origins of the industry and about how Harris Tweed is produced and used.  Unit 2 is titled An Introduction to Weaving and Production Techniques.  It explains the manufacturing process, enables students to design a Harris Tweed pattern and required students to produce a piece of woven Harris Tweed material.  Unit 3 is titled An Introduction to Product Design and Make.  It required students to make a product using Harris Tweed to a given specification and to design another product which could be marketed.  Unit 4 is titled An Introduction to Marketing and Promotional Methods.  It requires students to investigate the promotion and sale of Harris Tweed and Harris Tweed products, and to produce promotional material.

Chair of the development group, Calum Mackay, Depute Headteacher at Sir E Scott school, said “Our main objective in developing this course was to enable students in schools and colleges to have access to more vocationally relevant courses.  This particular course will complement the training of weavers which is currently ongoing and will give students an appreciation of the various opportunities which are currently available through the Harris Tweed industry.  We are very grateful for the support received from various sectors of the industry, from local funding providers and from the Scottish Qualifications Authority in the development of this award.”

“Harris Tweed goods”

The Harris Tweed qualification is the latest in a series of Skills for Work courses introduced under a CnES strategy to meet the needs of pupils and the economy.  Previous qualifications include Crofting, Traditional Wooden Boatbuilding, Marine Skills, Hospitality, Construction, Hospitality, Tourism and  Energy.

Cllr Angus Campbell, CnES Leader and Chair of the Harris Tweed Industry Liaison Group, said “‘The Western lsles Harris Tweed Industry Liaison Group is a collaborative public/private sector body established with the aim of ensuring a vibrant sustainable Harris Tweed industry and the Comhairle would like to demonstrate its support of the introduction of this SQA qualification in Harris Tweed.

The Harris Tweed manufacturing industry is of high socio-economic importance in the Western lsles and although it has suffered decline in recent times is showing signs of recovery. In addition, there is evidence of a welcome growth in small and micro businesses clustered round the manufacturing base requiring skills in design, production and marketing of finished Harris Tweed goods.’

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Western Isles postal votes

Apr 27th, 10 / 0 Comments

Electors who have opted for a postal vote will receive them over the next few days.

Electors need to complete the Postal Voting Statement (PVS) and ensure they have entered their date of birth and have signed the form.

Completed ballot papers should be placed in the A envelope which, together with the PVS, should be placed in the return envelope (envelope B) and posted.

The ballot paper and PVS must be received by the Returning Officer by 10.00pm on Thursday 6th May 2010. Alternatively you may deliver it to a polling station on polling day.

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Western Isles MSP moves to close crofting loophole

Apr 27th, 10 / 0 Comments

“Macdonald Whitbread ruling”

Western Isles SNP MSP, Alasdair Allan, is seeking to close a loophole in crofting law which has allowed useful land to be taken out of crofting in the past.

Dr Allan has submitted an amendment to the Crofting Reform Bill removing the so called “sale by nominee” anomaly, a loophole which has the potential to allow speculation in croft land by housing developers

Alasdair Allan commented:

“A number of crofters have contacted me who were anxious to ensure that the Crofting Reform Bill corrects some unintended consequences created by the so called “Macdonald Whitbread ruling”.

“Crofting communities”

“This ruling, which is not quite as obscure as its name suggests, may have had some benefits at the time it was first made.  However, since then it allowed a small number of crofters to appoint a “nominee”, often associated with the building trade, who receive croft land at right-to-buy prices, without any clawback. This is even when there is clearly no intention for the land to be used either for crofting, for a croft house, or for houses for the relatives of a crofter. The consequence is a fear that some areas of good crofting land have been speculated on for house plots in parts of the Highlands.

“My amendment to the Crofting reform Bill does NOT affect a crofter’s right to bequeath or assign a croft to whomever he or she likes. However, it does remove the much more rarely-used right to appoint a “nominee” unless it is a family member.

“I will be seeking cross party support for this amendment, which crofters themselves have come to me looking for.  After the many changes which have already been made to the Crofting bill by the Government, with many of the more contentious parts of the Draft Bill already removed, I hope this is a further and improvement to the legislation, and one that is useful to crofting communities.”

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Harris Tweed industry in spotlight at Scotland Week

Apr 19th, 10 / 0 Comments

“Harris Tweed”

The Harris Tweed industry was in the spotlight last week at Scotland Week 2010 in New York.

Aspiring Highlands and Islands designers Judy Clark and Alison Macleod attended the event using their world class skills and talents to demonstrate the versatility of Harris Tweed which celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Orb mark this year.

”Scottish design”

Alison is a textile designer based in Ness in the Isle of Lewis. Through her company Tiger Textiles, she offers a range of art and design work created using a variety of techniques such as screen printing, painted wall blocks and embroidered textiles. Much of her work is inspired by the history of the Hebrides, surrounding colours and the Gaelic language, her native tongue.

Fort William born Judy is a bespoke fashion designer with strong connections to Shawbost in the Isle of Lewis. She produces unique, handcrafted womenswear garments using Scottish cloths, including Harris Tweed. She works from a fashion studio based in Edinburgh.

Judy and Alison have worked together in the past and as part of Scotland Week 2010, attended the Dressed to Kilt event where they showcased the Gaelic Frock Coat made by Judy using Alison’s embroidered Harris Tweed panels. The catwalk show featured two other pieces from their collection, produced in collaboration with Harris Tweed Hebrides.

Alison said that it was an excellent time for Scottish design. She said: “It was fantastic to have been able to attend the event in New York as it is a great opportunity to build up contacts in the industry. Being able to showcase the Frock Coat collection to an international audience is fantastic and I was delighted to be part of it.”

“Harris Tweed Textiles”

HIE is committed to encouraging conditions in which the creative industries key sector can flourish and the organising has been working with both Alison and Judy. HIE has also been working closely with the ambitious Harris Tweed industry as it continues to promote the unique cloth across international markets, including the USA.

Margaret A Macleod, Head of Business Growth with HIE’s Innse Gall area team said: “Across the Highlands and Islands and particularly in the Outer Hebrides, the creative industries play a vital role in the economy. Scotland Week was an excellent platform for manufacturers and designers in our region to showcase their work in front of an international audience. The American fashion industry embraced our culture, heritage and top-quality textiles which took centre stage during Scotland Week.”

The high profile fashion event was also attended by Carloway based manufacturer Harris Tweed Textiles and the Harris Tweed Authority.

Sandra Murray was one of the judges at a fashion competition with students from the Fashion Institute of Technology where she evaluated creativity, innovation, and use of fabric and colour.

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Industry recognised award for Harris Tweed Weavers

Apr 12th, 10 / 0 Comments

Harris Tweed weavers are being urged to snap up the opportunity to have their skills officially recognised to secure the long term future of top quality weaving on the islands.

Backed by the Harris Tweed mills and the Weavers Association, the programme which gives participants an industry endorsed award starts later this month.

Morris Black, Chair of the Weavers Association commented: “It is really important that the skills of the existing Harris Tweed weavers are officially recognised. We have been involved in the design of the assessment process, to ensure that the qualification awarded will reflect the high level of skill and experience that already exist in the industry.”

The Harris Tweed mills and Harris Tweed Authority are also convinced of the need to recognise the unique skills involved in weaving, and have agreed that from March 2011, only accredited weavers will be issued with tweeds.

Accrediting the existing Harris Tweed weavers is part of the wider Harris Tweed Skills programme, which has already led to new training opportunities for mill staff, while re-establishing formal training for new weavers.

“Harris Tweed Authority”

Participants will work with two highly experienced local weavers. Kirsty Scott of Upper Quartile, the company managing the project, said: “The reviews will recognise existing skills, give feedback, and provide any further training for those who might welcome this opportunity.”

All weavers have been sent a registration form by Cardonald College, who have designed the assessment process and will award the formal qualification. In addition, forms can be obtained from the Harris Tweed Authority. Forms should be returned directly to Cardonald College by mid April.

Support for the programme from the European Social Fund, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar means it is currently being offered free.

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