Posts Tagged ‘Hebrides’

Festival Hall of Fame winners announced

Jul 11th, 10 / 1 Comment

The Hebridean Celtic Festival has announced the winners of this year’s 15th anniversary Hall of Fame as voted by the public.

The three awards recognise performances over the past fifteen years at the event.

The winners of Best Show in the Big Blue Marquee were Runrig for their 2005 performance, Karen Matheson (2009) won Best Show in An Lanntair, and Runrig won Best Show in the 15 Years of the Festival, again 2005.

The festival received nominations from the public as to who should be honoured for their performances at the four-day event, and in a close run voting contest, Runrig’s and Karen Matheson’s were deemed the most memorable.

“HebCelt Festival”


The festival is celebrating its 15th anniversary and attracts 16,500 people to the annual event, half of them from countries around the world such as the USA, Canada and Australia. The Hall of Fame was created to mark the anniversary and the first three inductees were renowned Scottish artistes Runrig, Julie Fowlis, and Peatbog Faeries.

Festival Director Caroline MacLennan said: “The voting was very close and at times fevered. All of the performances on the shortlist were worthy of being nominated and we would have been honoured to have any of them in our Hall of Fame. The winning performances were indeed special and highly representative of the superb music to be heard at the festival.”

Calum Macdonald of Runrig said: “Runrig are honoured indeed to have been acknowledged in this way. The HebCelt Festival has had a wonderful 15 year history and we feel very proud to have played a part in it.

“Venue and atmosphere”


“The band always feels an extra sense of anticipation and purpose getting any opportunity to play in our spiritual homeland of the Western Isles and the 2005 Festival was very special for us. We would like to take this opportunity of thanking all the fans who voted for us and we can’t wait for this year’s anniversary festival to come along.”

Karen Matheson said: “I am delighted to be given this accolade from such a special festival. Some concerts over the years become a blur in the memory but the performance at An Lanntair last summer was one of those nights for myself and the band when the music, venue and atmosphere collided in a great way – so it’s all the more rewarding to be voted for by the public!”

The shortlist for nominations were:

Best Show in the Big Blue Marquee
Face the West (2009); Runrig (2005); The Chair (2009)

Best Show in An Lanntair, the Stornoway arts centre
Karen Matheson (2009); The Chair (2009); Iain Morrison (2008)

Best Show in the 15 Years of the Festival
Runrig (2005); The Chair (2009); Seth Lakeman (2008)

In a fourth category, Best Outreach Event, that covers the programme of gigs and performances in communities outwith Stornoway, an outright winner was the performance given by The Hunger Mountain Boys at Breasclete in 2008.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Tall Ships will been seen off Hebrides in 2011

Jul 7th, 10 / 0 Comments

Billowing sails and tall ships masts will come into view on the Western Isles horizon in the summer of 2011when the magnificent vessels taking part in the Tall Ships Race make their way from Greenock to Lerwick.

“Other ports”


The Tall Ships Race gets underway in Waterford, Ireland on June 30, 2011 before heading for Scottish shores.  It includes a non-competitive element ‘Cruise in Company’ where from July 12th to July 21st the vessels will cruise north to Lerwick, Shetland at their own pace.

The ‘Cruise in Company’ will give the crews taking part an opportunity to explore the Scottish coastline and islands, as well as enjoying hospitality in ports such as Campbeltown, Port Ellen, Islay; Ullapool and Stornoway, before heading off to Orkney’s Stromness and Kirkwall; and finally calling in at the fishing port of Whalsay.

Project manager of Shetland Tall Ships 2011 Ltd, Fiona Dally explained: “As part of The Tall Ships Races every year, there is a ‘Cruise in Company’ leg, which is not a race but a chance for the competitors to relax, call at other ports, meet people and have fun.

“Sail training”


“For 2011, we are working with our colleagues in some of Scotland’s most beautiful harbours along the route to welcome the ships in style.  A programme of events – from ceilidhs to beach barbecues – will certainly send out a real welcome to both the ships that choose to visit and to the people that want to enjoy the spectacle of the visiting ships in some of Scotland’s most stunning scenery.

“This will be a rare opportunity to combine a visit to Scotland’s outstanding west coast and islands and – at the same time – get caught up in all the atmosphere and excitement that the visiting ships and programme of events will bring.”

Stornoway Port Authority on behalf of the ‘Cruise in Company’ are inviting applications from young adults in the Western Isles to be considered for placement as trainees aboard a sail training vessel on the Tall Ships 2011 circuit.

For more information log on to: www.stornoway-portauthority.com

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Mental health of Western Isles unemployed

Jul 5th, 10 / 1 Comment

MSP Rhoda Grant

Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant has highlighted the detrimental impact six months of unemployment has on people’s mental and physical health.

Research findings suggest that being unemployed for six months or more has the same effect on health as smoking 200 cigarettes a day.

Official figures indicate that there are 220 people in the Western Isles Council area who have been unemployed for six months or more.

“Work and Pensions”

Ms. Grant said: “The consequences of losing a job can have a significant impact on both physical and mental health.

“They include rises in levels of anxiety and depression, loss of self-esteem and morale, vulnerability, and they contribute to the development of chronic illness such as heart disease.

“That’s why active and sustained intervention by the government to support business and the economy is absolutely vital.”

The research which compared smoking with being out of work was compiled by Professor Mansel Aylward of the Wales Centre for Health, and the former chief medical officer for the Department for Work and Pensions.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Gaelic education report welcomed

Jun 28th, 10 / 0 Comments

A report on Gaelic Medium Early years education published by the Scottish Government is being welcomed by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, the main organisation leading Gaelic development.

Research was undertaken to establish existing provision, identify gaps and what development is needed in Gaelic medium early years education.

The report found that there were 127 providers of Gaelic-medium early years education or childcare, mostly in Highland and the Western Isles and that the vast majority of children attending Gaelic medium provision come from English-speaking homes.

The study highlighted a number of challenges that face Gaelic medium early years education such as recruiting staff who are fluent Gaelic speakers and trained early years practitioners and also a limited supply of Gaelic medium preschool resources.

“Gaelic medium”

Adam Ingram, Minister for Children and Early Years, said:

“We welcome this very helpful report and we are grateful to the researchers for their efforts. The Bòrd’s new Action Plan includes a commitment to develop an early years initiative and this report is a useful contribution to this important work. We look forward to working with the Bòrd on the new initiative.”

Arthur Cormack, Cathraiche (Chairman) of Bòrd na Gàidhlig stated:

“We welcome this research on Gaelic medium early years education which will help us to fulfil the commitments we have in our action plan, Ginealach Ùr na Gàidhlig, to develop early years education. This study indentifies the gaps and challenges and provides us with recommendations on how we can develop current provision.”

“The report recommended the need to grow the market for Gaelic medium provision through a national promotion strategy and ensure good access to information about local Gaelic medium provision and we will look at ways on how this can be achieved.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Promoting Gaelic beyond traditional Western Isles heartlands

Jun 27th, 10 / 0 Comments

Scottish viewers of programmes such as Big Brother, Deal or No Deal, Holyoaks and Desperate Housewives on Channel 4 and Five will be introduced to Gaelic via the advert breaks over the next month.

In what is believed to be the first uniquely Gaelic advert it will feature courses offered by the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) and will be broadcast in English and Gaelic.

“Lews Castle College”

The advert shows a variety of people musing about study opportunities, and realising that UHI makes it possible for them – wherever they live, and whatever their circumstances.

Professor Matthew MacIver, UHI chairman said: “I am simply delighted that Gaelic will be used in our advertising campaign as it illustrates the different academic opportunities we provide for students.

“At UHI, we are committed to the Gaelic language. Gaelic is an integral part of the culture of the Highlands and Islands and as such will play an important part in the future development of the UHI.

“This is a first for the UHI and it sends out a clear message that, as an emerging University, we will be a different academic institution from others.”

UHI has just over 8,000 students in 13 partner colleges including Lews Castle College in Stornoway and Sabhal Mor Ostaig in Skye.

“Inverness and Aberdeen”

UHI principal, James Fraser, added: “Whether you can understand Gaelic or not, our advert will bring it to the attention of thousands of people through one of the most powerful communication media.”

It is hoped the 30 second adverts – which cost UHI £25,000 – will help UHI reach out beyond the traditional Gaelic heartlands, such as the Western Isles, and into the cities.

At the last census in 2001 there were 58,652 Gaelic speakers, but 92,400 who could speak, read or understand the language spread across the country.

While half live in the Highlands, Western Isles and Argyll and Bute, more than 11,000 (19 per cent) of Gaelic speakers live in greater Glasgow and there are also large concentrations in Edinburgh, Inverness and Aberdeen.

The Gaelic version of the advert can be viewed online at www.thinkuhi.com.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Isle of Lewis stone to feature in Royal Museum’s ‘Wall of Wonders’

Jun 26th, 10 / 0 Comments

The public have been asked to support a fundraising drive to create a ‘Wall of Wonders’ – the centrepiece of the revamped Royal Museum building in Edinburgh.

The £2 million push aims to fill the funding gap in the £46.4m project to transform the celebrated Victorian building.

Almost 1,000 separate objects, including a 2.8 billion year old rock specimen from Lewis, will be showcased when the museum reopens to the public next summer.

“The Grand Gallery”

Taking the form of two 18-metre tall towers, each 13.5m wide, the ‘Wall of Wonders’ is expected to be the star attraction in the muesum’s Grand Gallery.

Objects already selected for the centrepiece are one of the world’s first gyroplanes, a girder retrieved from the wreckage of the Tay Bridge disaster and from overseas the jaw bones of whales captured in Indonesia in 1843 and glass models of sea creatures by the German artist Leopold Blaschka and his son Rudolf.

Contributors to the campaign will be recognised by receiving a special souvenir booklet and will also receive a commemorative print of the museum by the original architect, Captain Francis Fowke.

Public donors are being encouraged to donate sums of £12.50, £25 or £50 a month over two years, or one-off gifts of £25, £50 and £100 towards the wall.

The Grand Gallery exhibits will be built in September and it is hoped the museum will be ready to reopen next summer.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Western Isles MSP welcomes talks to devolve animal health budgets

Jun 24th, 10 / 1 Comment

Western Isles SNP MSP, Alasdair Allan, has today welcomed negotiations between Scottish Rural Affairs Secretary, Richard Lochhead, and the UK Government which could lead to animal health budgets being devolved to the Scottish Government from April 2011.

“Significant example”

Alasdair Allan commented:

“It is encouraging that constructive talks have now taken place regarding the devolution of animal health budgets. After the experience of foot and mouth, it is clear that Scotland is in a far better position to assess the needs of affected farmers and crofters than civil servants hundreds of miles away in Whitehall.

”It makes no sense for Scotland to be responsible for picking up the pieces after major incidents but not to have the responsibility for the budgets and money that goes with the responsibility.

”This is a small but significant example of the ongoing debate about the need for Scotland to have much greater control over her own affairs and I look forward to this debate in the coming months.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Selling out the Hebrides

Jun 22nd, 10 / 1 Comment

Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Peter Peacock has accused the LibDems of “selling out” the region over fuel prices following the rise in Vat announced in today’s budget.

The 2.5% rise will force the price of fuel up by over £1.50 for every small tank filled.

”Coalition promise”

Mr Peacock said: “This is a LibDem let down – they promised us petrol price cuts, they give us petrol price increases. People across the Highlands and Islands will feel very let down, and their already high travel costs will rise.

“More generally, taking money out of spending power by increasing VAT will restrict spending, and that will slow down economic recovery. That, together with the huge public sector cuts will force up unemployment and risks forcing us all back into recession.

“It feels just like the bad old days of the Thatcher Tories’ but this time propped up by the Highlands and Islands LibDems, who are guilty of “selling out” their constituents.”

Mr Peacock added that the Coalition promise of a discount fuel scheme in remote areas appeared to have been kicked into the long grass.

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Stornoway News

Nicolson pupils’ continental tours this June

Jun 19th, 10 / 0 Comments

Italy is the destination for the Nicolson Institute’s 4th to 6th year students this month.

A group of pupils – those studying Latin or the Classics – are travelling to Rome with their teachers and are keen to see the many sights; visiting

“Eiffel Tower”

The Vatican, the Forum, the Trevi fountain, the Spanish Steps and Mount Vesuvius.

Paris is another stop in this month’s itinery for another group of Institute students.

This time pupils studing Art and Design from S3 to S5 will take in the iconic  Louvre Museum; Musee de Orsay; the Picasso Museum; Notre Dame; Versailles; the Eiffel Tower and Disneyland Paris.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Celebrating the Hebrides Time and Tide Bell

Jun 19th, 10 / 1 Comment

By Gregg Adams

“Land and the sea”

As part of a permanent coastal installation of 12 around Britain, Bosta beach will be the latest location to install a Time and Tide Bell.

At a ceremony this afternoon the bell will be inaugurated, followed by a celebration ceilidh this evening.

The Time and Tide bells work with the rise and fall of the tides, with the water at high tide moving the clapper to strike the bell. Played by the movement of the waves, the bell creates a constantly varying musical pattern.

The idea of the Time and Tide Bell is to create, celebrate, and reinforce connections, between different parts of the country, between the land and the sea, between the community and their environment.

“Physical structure”

Creator of the bells, sculpter Marcus Vergette explains the process of creating a unique installation in each location: “At each site I would encourage the host community to have a creative engagement with the bell, and through the bell to their own environment.

“The community will be invited to create an inscription to imprint their identity onto the bell, physically and symbolically.

Developing the text of this inscription would develop out of the process of consultation, to include talks, workshops, and public meetings.

“Additionally to the inscription there would be a process of consultation and discussions on the frequency of the ring, volume levels, and quality of the sound, so the bell says what those who experience it want it to say.

“Although the basic physical structure of the bell stays the same in each site, each bell will also be unique to its own site.”

Stornoway News

Singer, Fiona comes home to Lewis

Jun 19th, 10 / 0 Comments

Gaelic songtress Fiona Mackenzie is set to grace the An Lanntair, Stornoway stage next weekend, June 26 at 10pm.

Born and raised on the Isle of Lewis, Fiona has been performing as a professional singer since leaving the islands for university life in Glasgow. She has toured and recorded with the Edinburgh-based folk band, Seelyhoo, and continues to perform and record as a solo artist and with the groups Anam and Mackenzie.

For her return to home territory Fiona will be joined by guitarist Brian O’hEadhra and pianist/accordionist Liza Mulholland to perform a selection of songs from her acclaimed solo album, Elevate.

“Preview of Fiona’s work”

This is a chance to also hear some of Fiona’s newly composed songs, as well as one or two traditional Scottish Gaelic gems.

As well as performing at An Lanntair on Saturday evening, Fiona will also be performing at The Ceilidh Place in Ullapool on Friday, June 25.

If you would like to take in Fiona’s performance at An Lanntair you can book tickets by logging on to: www.lanntair.co

And for a sneak preview of Fiona’s work and what you can look forward to log on to: http://www.myspace.com/fionamackenziemusic

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Catamaran for the Western Isles ?

Jun 17th, 10 / 1 Comment

A faster crossing of the Minch to the Western Isles courtesy of a catamaran is being considered by the Scottish Government as part of its review of ferry services across the country.

Officials are to meet with Pentland Ferries, which operate the speedy vessels, and questions about the crafts’ability to travel the Minch in challenging weather conditions will be investigated.

“Passenger and freight ferries”

It is believed that the purpose-built catamaran MV Pentalina will be compared against Northlink‘s vessel on the Pentland Firth crossing.

The Stornoway to Ullapool ferries are due for replacement over the next few years and it is believed the Government favour a single vessel for the route – taking the place of the current passenger and freight ferries,

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Tasty delights from the Hebrides showcased in Lyon

Jun 17th, 10 / 0 Comments

“Stornoway black pudding”

It’s hoped ‘Oh-la-la’ will be the reaction by French gastronomes to delicacies from the Hebrides, as part of Visit Scotland’s marketing campaign ‘Meet the Scots’, being held in Lyon this week.

Specialities such as Stornoway black pudding, Salar Salmon and Barra scallops will be the ‘star’ ingredients as Lady Claire Macdonald fronts Scotland’s food and drink event.

“Interested in Scotland”

The two day event was held at ‘In Cuisine’, a venue in the centre of Lyon, which provided excellent facilities for Lady Claire’s cookery demonstrations and an exhibition of portraits of all 14 Scots who front up the ‘Meet the Scots’ campaign.

The aim was to increase awareness of Scotland and its excellent produce with the French media, trade and consumers.

Lady Claire carried out two cookery demonstrations using fresh Scottish produce and her own recipes.

Talking about the event Lady Claire commented: “I’m delighted to be the face of Scottish food and drink and particularly enjoyed this event in Lyon.  Not only did it give me the opportunity to work with some of my favourite produce but it also allowed me to engage with a wide range of people interested in Scotland.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Western Isles budget strategy

Jun 17th, 10 / 0 Comments

“Chancellors emergency budget”

The Comhairle has set out the next steps in its budget strategy for the coming years in a period when it is clear public expenditure is going to reduce.

Based on work undertaken by COSLA the current projections are for real reductions in funding over the next three year settlement and beyond. As present the Comhairle is estimating that it will be faced with a funding gap of £5-6m a year for the next 4 years.

The forecast deficit of £5.5m in 2011/12 includes £1m in respect of the Comhairle’s estimated share of the £6bn of cuts in 2010/11 that is being proposed in the Chancellors emergency budget on 22 June, which the Scottish Government is deferring till 2011/12.

“£5.5m shortfall”

As well as the uncertainty around economic growth that will impact on the funding the government is able to provide, the major influences on the Comhairle’s funding gap will be budget pressures, inflation and pay settlements.

The Comhairle will not know what resources it has for 2011/12 until late in 2010, though the UK spending review announcement in the autumn will start to provide an indication of the likely levels of funding by means of the Scottish allocation.

The budget process has therefore started early to enable the Comhairle to respond effectively in this difficult environment. Over the coming months Comhairle officers will be working with the Scottish Government, COSLA and Trade Unions to seek to reduce the uncertainty around the 2011/12 budget.

To find the £5.5m shortfall the Comhairle’s will be seeking to achieve efficiencies in the way the Comhairle delivers services. This will include an ongoing drive for savings within Comhairle departments as well as corporate initiatives to deliver in areas including improved customer services and estate management.

“Discuss the challenges”

With staff accounting for around half of all Comhairle expenditure the Comhairle is also considering an HR strategy to effectively manage changes in the workforce. This has been subject to consultation with Trade Unions. The Comhairle has had a good track record in implementing Single Status without having to reduce the workforce and remains committed to its staff as the means of continuing to deliver services within the Islands. 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.

£2m of the £5.5m shortfall for 2011/12 will be sought through efficiency savings. The balance of savings, currently estimated at around £3.5m, may need to be found from a reduction in services and Members will be considering these over the summer.

The Comhairle recognises the importance of engaging with the wider community on any proposals to change services and will be holding a series of public meetings in September 2010 to discuss the challenges the Comhairle faces and the options it is considering.

The Comhairle has set up a dedicated area on its website (http://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/fcr/budgetstrategy.asp) where the budget strategy and related documents can be accessed. Comments and suggestions on the forward strategy are welcome and can be submitted via budgetconsultation@cne-siar.gov.uk

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Western Isles MSP welcomes lighthouse caledonia jobs

Jun 17th, 10 / 0 Comments

“63 positions”

Western Isles SNP MSP, Alasdair Allan, has today welcomed news that Lighthouse Caledonia has started advertising today for 63 additional staff as part of the re-opening of the fish processing plant in Marybank, Isle of Lewis.

Alasdair Allan commented:

“I met with representatives of Lighthouse Caledonia this week and was delighted to hear that, as part of the re-opening of the Marybank plant, another 63 positions in the processing, hygiene and harvesting teams will be advertised as of today.

“Local economy”

“This is part of a phased recruitment programme, with a number of positions already being interviewed for, and more positions being advertised in the coming weeks.

“Fish farming is one of the most important sectors for the Western Isles economy. The closure of the Lighthouse Caledonia factory in 2008 was a major blow for the Western Isles. These new jobs are something which everyone can welcome, as a positive sign for future further development. New jobs are always a welcome boost to any community, but this many coming to the Western Isles is a huge and significant boost to the local economy.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Treasury must ‘honour’ fuel pledge

Jun 16th, 10 / 1 Comment

“Bring down fuel prices”

The UK Government has been pressed to honour its manifesto commitments to introducing fair fuel prices for motorists and the haulage industry in the run up to its first budget.

Speaking at Scottish Questions, SNP Treasury spokesperson Stewart Hosie MP, questioned whether the coalition would deliver on a Tory pledge to introduce a fuel price stabiliser and Lib-Dem promises of a fuel derogation for motorists in rural areas.

Mr Hosie said:

“In Opposition, both the Tories and the Liberal Democrats were vocal about soaring fuel prices and frank in their criticism of the Treasury. Now they are in government they must honour their word and cut fuel costs.

“The coalition must live up to the word of both parties and take immediate action to bring down fuel prices at the Budget next week.

“Support this measure”

“A fair fuel regulator is the only way to ensure that Scotland’s essential industries and our hard pressed families are not continually hit by rising prices.

“Scottish motorists and our hard pressed haulage industry need immediate action to bring down fuel costs and the coalition government will be held to their word.”

Meanwhile, SNP Westminster Transport spokesperson, Angus MacNeil MP, joined one of his constituents from Barra, Erica MacDonald, to hand in a 3,000 signature petition protest over high fuel costs to the Treasury. The petition also calls on the UK government to include Scotland’s rural areas in a pilot project offering petrol and diesel at reduced costs.

Mr MacNeil added:

“The coalition must use the emergency budget to bring down fuel prices and ensure that Scotland’s essential industries and hard pressed households are not hit again by rising prices.

“Prices in Scotland are well above the £1.21 highlighted by the AA. In Stornoway, unleaded fuel is £1.28 and diesel is over £1.30. In Inverness – home to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury – it’s £1.25. This has a crippling effect on family budgets and on all our industries.

“Labour repeatedly used Scotland’s motorists as a cash cow. It is time drivers were given a break. People in Scotland will be deeply concerned that fair fuel prices are not a feature of the coalition agreement – despite claims by both parties to support this measure.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Stornoway Child Safety event

Jun 15th, 10 / 0 Comments

Safetywise, the multi-Agency Accident Prevention group are holding a Child Safety event in the Bridge Centre, Stornoway on June 24th and 25th June as part of this years Child Safety Week.

“Make time for Safety”

Marina MacSween, Chair of Safetywise, said “professionals from Road Safety Scotland will be attending the exhibition on Thursday and Friday next week. Parents  and anyone who has children in their cars, will be able to drive up to the Bridge Centre car park during the event and have access to expert advice and assistance on the correct fitting of child safety seats. ”

“The event will also give information on home, toy, sun, fire and water safety as well as practical demonstrations on a wide range of child safety issues. This years theme for Child Safety Week is  make time for Safety and we hope that as many people as possible can attend this exciting event and be able to recognise  hazards and hopefully prevent child accidents in the future”.

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Crime in the Uists!

Jun 14th, 10 / 1 Comment

Customers of the Uist Mobile Library were pleased and surprised when they were visited by best selling thriller writer Ann Cleeves recently.

Ann is best known for her Shetland Quartet of novels, the first of which, ‘Raven Black’ won the prestigious Duncan Lawrie Dagger Award in 2006.

Ann and her husband Tim were up on holiday, staying with friends in North Uist.  As this is her first visit she wanted to get an idea of what the area was really like, not just by appreciating its beauty and looking at its historic places, but also by meeting some of the people who live here.

“Return again”

As she likes to work closely with libraries she realised that the Mobile Library is an ideal way of meeting people, and Mobile Librarian Donald Ewen Morrison a wonderful source of amusement, and information about life in Uist.

She also met members of the local Creative Writing Group when she visited Lionacleit Library later in the week, and there was a fruitful discussion about her own writing career, and the difficulties of getting work published in an increasingly competitive market.

Although Ann was only here for a week she enjoyed herself very much, and hopes to return again next year.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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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.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Western Isles MSP comments on publication of ferry review

Jun 11th, 10 / 0 Comments

Western Isles SNP MSP, Alasdair Allan, has today commented following the publication of the Scottish Government’s Ferries Review.

The review, which does not, as yet, identify any new government policy on ferry services does, however, summarise the evidence which the review has received, much of which relates to the Western Isles.

It also gives the opportunity for members of the public to respond with their views on the future of ferry services to the islands.

“Road Equivalent Tariff”

Alasdair Allan commented:

“Clearly the Scottish Government is willing to think strategically about our ferry services in a way that has never been attempted before. We will have to wait until the final report itself is published before a clearer picture emerges. The Government have indicated that around 30 public meetings will be held over the next six months to provide a further opportunity for local communities themselves to have their say.

“I will be responding to this consultation with my own views that the existing number of ferry ports in the Western Isles should be maintained. The evidence published by the review so far also shows the clear desire of people in South Uist for a short sea crossing to Mallaig, something which needs to be achieved in a way that also respects the wishes of people in Barra.

“The consultation will also be seeking views on the Road Equivalent Tariff scheme and I would encourage people to write in making the case for its renewal next year.

“I would urge as many people as possible to continue to engage with the review and to attend its meetings to make sure the Western Isles gets the ferries they deserve in the future.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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