Posts Tagged ‘Highland’

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

Jul 6th, 10 / 0 Comments

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

Angus MacNeil said:

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

“Alleviate the backlog”.


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

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

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Western Isles MSP welcomes passing of crofting bill

Jul 1st, 10 / 1 Comment

Western Isles SNP MSP, Alasdair Allan, has today welcomed the passing by 66 votes to 0 of the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Bill.

Alasdair Allan commented:

“Reaching agreement on this bill has been a very long process. It began four years ago with the appointment, by the previous Government, of Professor Shucksmith’s Enquiry into crofting and the Bill itself has been subject to very significant change from the original proposals, which were in part unworkable.

“Passing this Bill”

“Of course not everyone will agree on every part of the bill that has been passed today. Indeed, I took the opportunity today to press the minister for assurances on crofter housing, and I made the case for reducing further the fees to be paid for the new Register of Crofts.

“However, the debate about legislation cannot go on indefinitely, and we now have a piece of legislation, which is the produce of lengthy consultation in the crofting community. Now it is time to focus on the other issues affecting the future of crofting, besides legislation.

“Passing this Bill, and turning our attention to the problems facing crofting will allow us to do that.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Happy birthday live Hebrides

Jul 1st, 10 / 0 Comments

The Live Hebrides advice service, launched only one year ago, have to date worked with over 200 businesses throughout the Outer Hebrides from a wide range of sectors.

Live Hebrides is funded by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and European Regional Development Funding which means the team are able to offer free impartial advice to organisations in the region.

Since the launch in July 2009 the small team have not only successfully implemented a 1-1 advice service, but have delivered a series of workshops, drop in surgeries, seminars and have even hosted their own radio show offering advise and raising awareness on the benefits of broadband for businesses.

The most recent success has been a series of seminars, supported by Business Gateway. The seminars have focused on a vital operation within all business; Accounting.

Live Hebrides advisers identified a pattern emerging within small businesses they were engaging with and believed there was a real need for some practical support to help businesses become more efficient when it comes to their accounts.

“Outer Hebrides”

The team approached local accountants who were all keen to become involved and support the development of the seminars.

The seminars were fully subscribed within days of being advertised; showing the enthusiasm from business owners to learn more about how broadband can support such a critical business function.

CIB Services played a key role in the first round of seminars, attending both the Stornoway and Uist events.

Allan MacAskill from CIB Services commented:

“The two days spent on this project not only assisted local businesses but gave us an insight into the opportunity of ICT and accounting and the development potential across business sectors. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience!”

The Live Hebrides team are working with a number of accountancy firms to offer further workshops and seminars in the Autumn in conjunction with Business Gateway.

The service, which continues to go from strength to strength, hopes to assist in a future e-skills pilot project as well as continuing to offer advice and guidance to organisations in the Outer Hebrides.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Western Isles MP highlights concern over exam timetables

Jun 29th, 10 / 0 Comments
Angus MacNeil

Angus MacNeil

Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil has written to the Scottish Qualifications Authority, expressing his concern that next year’s timetable has Gaidhlig, Gaelic learner and Chemistry all on the same day.

The MP believes this will put added pressure on pupils and schools, following information that one Western Isles school will see 35 pupils sitting exams in Chemistry, Gaelic or Gaidhlig learner on the same day.

“Gaelic learner examinations”

Mr MacNeil commented: “I feel that it is unfair to ask pupils to sit two major exams on the same day. The SQA have been aware of this anomaly for a while but they don’t seem to want to alter the exams.

“I realise that the number of pupils sitting their Gaelic/ Gaidhlig exams in other areas might be low, but the numbers in the Western Isles are high, in one island school alone, and it will affect up to 35 pupils.

“With this in mind I have written to the SQA asking that they look again at the 2011 timetable, with a view to moving the Gaidhlig/ Gaelic learner examinations to another day.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

News Archives

Plans for new Western Isles wind farm

Jun 28th, 10 / 0 Comments

By Annie Smith

Plans are said to be at an ‘advanced stage’ between the Stornoway Trust and Amec for a 30 turbine wind farm on Trust land.

A much larger project of wind turbines on the Isle of Lewis was turned down two years ago by the Scottish government following a concerted campaign of protest against the ‘urban-like’ development.

“Natural resources”

However the government did not rule out smaller schemes and perhaps this proposal will find favour with the community who realise the positive impact that renewable energy production could have on the economy of the Western Isles.

Numerous community wind turbines have been constructed over the last few years, with local schools and community halls reaping the benefits of the renewable power produced to lower their running costs.

Details about where the turbines will be situated and what benefits via jobs, or community income created from such a project remain unclear, however as the negotiations progress it is hoped more details will be made public shortly.

Meanwhile Environment Secretary, Richard Lochhead has announced the first step of a major new programme to deliver the benefits of local ownership of energy into the hands of Scotland’s communities and businesses.

Making the keynote speech at the Scottish and Southern Energy business reception at the Royal Highland Show, Mr Lochhead said: “During the last few months I have listened to stakeholders including landowners, farmers, local business and communities who all wish to develop and own renewable energy projects using our abundant natural resources.

“Ambitious scale”

“A major stumbling block identified by all these groups is access to finance at the high risk pre-planning stage where they are still at risk of being turned down. Advice from the Forum for Renewable Energy Development Scotland (FREDS) confirms this.

“We are firmly committed to driving local ownership of energy and in doing so, securing wider community benefits. I have commissioned a feasibility study to look into early stage financing for renewables projects. It will be carried out by the Scottish Agricultural College in conjunction with Community Energy Scotland who will report back to me in three months.

“This study will consider whether a loan fund could be established that will encompass the needs of both the wider community and landowner/farming businesses.

“Community renewables encompasses local ownership of energy, by a wide range of stakeholders including: community groups, landowners, farmers, and business. Many local communities across Scotland have already secured benefits, and we want to achieve much more and on a more ambitious scale.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Honey bee health focus

Jun 27th, 10 / 1 Comment

The latest intiative to help honey bees across the country has been announced.

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Richard Lochhead launched a new strategy at the Royal Highland Show to protect and improve the health of the insects, who are so vital to the pollination of the fruit and vegetables.

A bid for funding for a Bee Health Initiative under the Rural Tayside Leader Programme has been successful.

Over the next three years, £50,000 has been committed to support BeeBase. A national database that provides beekeepers with information on the activities of the National Bee Unit, legislation, pests and disease recognition and control, interactive maps, current research areas and keys contacts.

“Industry in Scotland”

The Scottish Government has also contributed £500,000 towards a UK wide £10 million research programme into pollinators. The nine successful projects announced include £1.8 million for a project based at Dundee University, looking at the impact of pesticides.

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Richard Lochhead said: “Honey bees are an essential part of agriculture in Scotland. They play an extremely important role in pollinating crops and plants such as the £68 million soft fruit industry.

“We are committed to supporting the beekeeping community to ensure that Scotland has a sustainable and healthy population of honey bees over the next ten years.

“The strategy is being backed-up by a number of other measures, such as an increase in the number of bee inspectors, the establishment of a database for Scottish beekeepers and investment in research programmes.

“We will continue to work closely with bee keepers to help secure a profitable future for the industry in Scotland.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

News Archives

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

51st Highland Divison and St Valery en Caux remembered

Jun 11th, 10 / 0 Comments

“Uist and in Lewis”

Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil has today said that we should remember with pride what the soldiers of the Highland 51st division achieved at St Valery on the 12th of June 1940. Many of these soldiers came from communities in the Highlands and Islands, with many from the Western Isles among the men that were captured by German forces in the small coastal village of St Valery en Caux in France. Mr MacNeil today (Friday) attended an exhibition  at the  premises of the Kinloch Historical Society, which featured pictures, stories and memorabilia relating to the Lewis men who where at St Valery.

Commenting Angus MacNeil MP said:

“After the evacuation of troops from Dunkirk the 51St Highland Division had been left behind in France and fought on for roughly a further week as part of what was left of the BEF.  Many Hebrideans in the  Seaforth and Cameron as well as the Ross Battery were in the 51St Highland Division and those who survived the fighting were mostly taken prisoner for the rest of the war in Germany and Poland.  The anniversary has been marked in Uist and in Lewis.

“On the day of battle”

“In Laxay I visited the Kinloch Historical Society’s collection of memorabilia in Lochs and saw bagpipes given by the Red Cross to Seaforth piper Angus Ferguson who used them on the 1300 km long forced March at the end of the war. Also a ceilidh programme from one of the Stalag camps where the men, at the time Gaelic speakers from all over the Highands, had set up a branch of An Comunn Gaidhealach.

“The time, 70 years ago was very tense with men who were captured being posted missing as facts were unknown just after  the battle preceding  surrender at St Valery en Caux with one house from on Kenneth Street Stornoway having 3 men posted as missing.

“The actions of the 51St in 1940 helped many others escape although they faced death or captivity for 5 years after.  Ultimately when you read about them you feel pride, amazement and a sense of gratitude that our generations did not have to face these dangers of mass war.

“It is good to ponder the words on the memoriam at St Valery; “La a bhlair is math na cairdean”; “On the day of battle it is good to have friends.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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HMIe inspection of Western Isles schools

Jun 8th, 10 / 0 Comments

As part of the inspectorate’s ongoing strategy for evaluating the educational provision of local authorities reports were recently issued on inspections carried out in March 2010 by HMIe on the quality of education at Bragar School in Lewis, Paible School in North Uist and Balivanich School in Benbecula.

“Quality learning”

The Report on Bragar School recognises key strengths in the approaches to identifying and supporting children who require additional help with their learning. Pupils in the school were identified as being confident and keen to learn and the Headteacher and staff have been commended for their work in improving learning and the achievements of children.  The Headteacher was also praised for the manner in which she has taken the whole school community forward.  In the evaluations of the school performance against HMIe quality indicators the school was judged to be performing at good and very good levels.

The Report on Paible School commends the well behaved, polite young people who are always eager to learn.  It acknowledges the high quality of young people’s work in art and design and their confident use of ICT to support their learning across the curriculum.   The report also praises the engagement of staff and their willingness to undertake new developments to improve the school and the partnership with parents and the whole community as well as the very high standard of leadership within the school.  The HMIe report recommends that the school continue to raise attainment and build on examples of very good learning and teaching to ensure that young people receive consistently high quality learning experiences.

“Positive outcomes”

The HMIe Report on Balivanich School highlights the inclusive and welcoming ethos of the school and the positive impact of Gaelic culture on the school.  Children are happy, motivated and confident within the school and continue to progress well.  The Report praises the leadership of the Headteacher and the effective teamwork of all staff in improving the school and that the school has made productive links with the local and wider community.  In the evaluations of the school performance against HMIe quality indicators at primary and nursery class levels, the school was judged to be performing at a very good level.

Chair of Education and Children’s Services Committee at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Councillor Morag Munro commented:

“I was very pleased to read the recent positive inspections of the three Western Isles schools.  I would like to thank HMIe for the inspection reports that highlight the good work taking place in our schools as well as giving clear points where the schools can make further improvements.  I commend the hard work of the staff, pupils and parents in achieving these very positive outcomes”.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

News Archives

Western Isles MP calls on Treasury Minister to “honour his word”

Jun 1st, 10 / 1 Comment
Angus MacNeil

Angus MacNeil

Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil today (Tuesday) said the new Chief Secretary to the Treasury must “honour his word” over promises of help with soaring fuel costs in remote areas of the Highlands and islands.

Highlighting a catalogue of pledges made by Danny Alexander while in opposition, the SNP said the Treasury Minister must now deliver on his promise of much needed help for households and businesses.

“Rural communities”

Mr MacNeil said:

“As a Highland MP Danny Alexander was vocal about soaring fuel prices and frank in his criticism of the Treasury. Now that he is a Treasury Minister himself, will he honour his word and cut fuel costs for his constituents or will he continue Labour’s highway robbery.

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

“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.

“Prices in Scotland are well above the £1.21 highlighted by the AA.

In Stornoway today unleaded fuel is £1.28 and diesel is over £1.30, in Inverness – home to the Scottish Secretary it’s £1.25.  This has a crippling effect on family budgets and on all our industries.

“Scotland’s remote and rural communities need instant action to bring down fuel costs and the Chief Secretary will be held to his word.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

More police for Highlands and Islands

May 27th, 10 / 1 Comment

Northern Constabulary is looking to recruit 24 new staff after the number of officers leaving turned out to be higher than it had expected.

The force, which is responsible for the Highlands, Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland, has committed to having 800 officers this year.

“Record levels”

Funding for the recruitment has come from a transfer of £1.6m of force resources from ‘back office’ departments.

Application forms can be downloaded from the force’s website.  The current recruitment drive will end on June 18.  So far 50 completed applications have been received.

The number of police officers patrolling communities in the Highlands and Islands reached record levels last year.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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HIE focus on Uists and Barra development

May 26th, 10 / 1 Comment

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

”South Uist Estate”

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

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

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

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

“Development manager”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Promoting nutritional care awareness in the Western Isles

May 26th, 10 / 1 Comment

“care awareness”

An event held to raise awareness of the risk of malnutrition in the local community, promote good practice and most importantly promote understanding of issues around food, fluid and nutritional care in hospital was recently held by NHS Western Isles.

The awareness day event was held at Western Isles Hospital on May 24, with ward staff and staff from local care homes coming together to promote nutritional care awareness.

“Staff and patients”

During the day, there were colourful displays, information and training sessions.

Lillian Macaskill, Nutrition Champion at NHS Western Isles explained: “Malnutrition leads to disease, delays in recovery, increases visits to the GP and increases the frequency and length of hospital stay. The sessions gave staff the tools to ensure that malnutrition is recognised at the earliest opportunity.”

Nurses and Healthcare Assistants from the hospital attended the day as well as 20 care staff from Ardseileach, Blar Buidhe, Carloway Day Centre, Dun Berisay, Grianan and Bethesda.

One of the participants commented: “It was all really beneficial – I will go online and do the training and I’ll definitely share the information with the day care staff and patients’ relatives”.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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More people quit smoking

May 25th, 10 / 0 Comments

Latest statistics on smoking cessation show a rise in the number of people using NHS services to quite the habit.

Public Health Minister Shona Robison said:

“Stopping smoking is the single most important thing anyone can do to improve their health. But we recognise that stopping smoking can be difficult which is why the NHS invests £11 million annually to provide a range of smoking cessation services.

“Stop today’s children”

“It’s good news that we’ve seen a significant increase in the number of people using NHS services to quit the habit – in 2009, there were 26,485 successful quit attempts, an increase of 31 per cent on 2008.

“We’re continuing to do all we can to make cigarettes less attractive and less available and, in particular, stopping children from starting to smoke in the first place. The Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act, which recently received Royal Assent, will end the display of cigarettes in shops and ban sales from vending machines – both measures designed to stop today’s children becoming tomorrow’s smokers.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Second Homecoming in 2014

May 25th, 10 / 0 Comments

Scotland will build on the success of the Year of Homecoming by staging a second formal celebration in 2014, First Minister Alex Salmond said today.

Homecoming 2014 will take place in the year that Scotland hosts the Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup and marks the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn.

The FM made the announcement on the same day an independent evaluation revealed the enormous benefits of the first year of Homecoming in 2009.

Research by economic and social development consultancy EKOS shows Homecoming Scotland 2009:

“Tour of Scotland”

generated £53.7 million in additional tourism revenue for Scotland, exceeding the £44 million target by 22 percent

attracted 95,000 additional visitors to Scotland

generated £154 million of positive global media coverage

The FM also launched a new digital archive that will showcase Homecoming 2009 to audiences at home and abroad.

The Homecoming Scotland Digital Archives and Exhibition Project, designed by Queen Margaret University, uses new Microsoft technology to allow users to learn more about Homecoming 2009 and increase interest in Homecoming 2014.

An archivist will collate Homecoming documents, brochures, articles and video clips which will be digitised using Microsoft’s Zenity product. The archives will be available online from January next year and a public exhibition will begin a tour of Scotland in the summer.

“Generations to come”

Mr Salmond said:

“In 2014 the eyes of the world will be on Scotland as the Commonwealth Games comes to Glasgow and the Gleneagles hosts the Ryder Cup and Scots at home and abroad mark the anniversary of Bannockburn.

“In this year of celebration, repeating the remarkable success and benefits of Homecoming 2009 is an excellent opportunity to attract tourism and investment and showcase the very best of Scotland.

“The independent evaluation published today proves the unprecedented effect of the first Homecoming, attracting almost 100,000 people, generating £53.7 million extra income and contributing to visitor numbers rising by three percent despite the downturn and a four percent drop in global tourism.

“The Homecoming archive, developed by Queen Margaret University using new Microsoft technology, underlines our reputation for innovation and has the potential to become a model for the future. This ground breaking new product will ensure that the success of the celebration of Scotland and its many contributions to the world will be available for everyone to enjoy for generations to come.

“2014 has been designated as the next formal Homecoming year, but as this year’s focus on food and drink indicates, the themes of Homecoming will be carried forward every year. This is crucial as we build on the success of 2009 and towards 2014.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Western Isles MSP questions housing minister

May 12th, 10 / 1 Comment

“Energy Assistance”

Western Isles SNP MSP, Alasdair Allan, today questioned Minister for Housing and Communities, Alex Neil, over improvements to the Energy Assistance Package, which delivers central heating and insulation to many people in the Western Isles.

Dr Allan, who is Vice-convener of the Parliament’s Local Government and Communities Committee, raised the issue when Mr Neil was giving evidence to the Committee today.

Alasdair Allan commented:

“One of the single biggest subjects which constituents contact me about is the difficulty which many islanders continue to have in heating their homes.

“Western Isles”

“The Scottish Government’s Energy Assistance Package has been highly successful in making many homes in the islands warmer and more fuel efficient.

“However, I took the chance today to question Mr Neil about how the Government would help people living in so-called ’hard to treat’ homes. That means houses without cavity walls which are off the gas grid, and that of course describes many houses in the Western Isles.

“Mr Neil confirmed that the Scottish Government had lifted the funding cap from £5,500 to £6,500 per home, which goes some way at least towards meeting the higher costs associated with oil heating installations. He also confirmed that the Home Insulation Scheme was now making major progress in contacting and providing assistance to households in which the scheme is being piloted. This now includes the whole of the Western Isles.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Summit Discusses Saving Lives

May 9th, 10 / 1 Comment

“Highlands and Islands”

Equipment to monitor road accident casualties, life saving diagnosis devices for mountain rescue teams, software to allow more care at home for those with long term conditions and digital toys to encourage children to live healthier lifestyles.

These were all topics under discussion at the Telehealthcare Summit held in Inverness over the past two days.

Delegates from around the world came together to plan how technology might play a major role in the way we deliver healthcare in the future and how Scotland can lead the way.

The event was organised by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), with input from the Scottish Science Advisory Council, the Scottish Centre for Telehealth and the government’s joint improvement team.

HIE’s Director of Regional Competitiveness Alex Paterson says the region’s growing reputation for healthcare provision and research provides an excellent grounding to develop cluster for the sector in the Highlands and Islands.

”Valuable minutes”

He commented: “Internationally everyone agrees that this is a sector which is set to grow at some speed.  Technology has freed us up in many ways in our every day lives and we are already beginning to see a range of products and devices directly and indirectly treating and preventing health problems in our homes.

“As the industry begins to expand, there is a real opportunity for the Highlands and Islands and for Scotland to shape the way forward.  As a development agency HIE’s focus is on developing innovation, supporting growing businesses and encouraging research and development in these fledgling industries.  We are already investing in future infrastructure which will attract new business, including projects like the creation of the Centre for Health Science and the Inverness Campus.”

The delegates at the event included international and local device and software developers, health and social work professionals and communications companies.  One of the speakers at the event, Aviemore GP Mike Langran, who is a volunteer doctor for the local CairnGorm ski patrol, said that lives will be saved as this industry develops.  He told a workshop that the possibility of monitoring equipment which could help emergency response teams quickly identify life threatening conditions could provide valuable minutes.

“I am very excited about the prospects technology can offer.  For some people it really can be a life or death situation,” he commented.

HIE is to co-ordinate an action plan from the event to create a way for those involved to work together.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Hebrides airspace closed

May 4th, 10 / 1 Comment

The UK CAA and National Air Traffic Services have imposed a no-fly zone covering parts of the Western Isles as a result of further volcanic activity in Iceland and prevailing winds carrying volcanic ash into UK airspace.

The no-fly zone affects services to Campbeltown, Islay, Tiree, Barra and Benbecula.

For the avoidance of doubt, flights to Stornoway are unaffected and services to and from Stornoway are operating as scheduled with the exception of the Stornoway-Benbecula route.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

News Archives

Scotland excluded from european fishing talks

May 3rd, 10 / 1 Comment

The decision to exclude Scotland from this week’s crucial talks on European fisheries policy in favour of an unelected member of the House of Lords has acquired added significance, according to Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead.

“Scots fishing”

Mr Lochhead had asked to attend the informal talks in Vigo, Spain, but was refused permission by UK Secretary of State Hilary Benn.

Since then, the situation has escalated after it was confirmed that the agenda has now been expanded to consider some items that had been due to be discussed at the formal Agri-Fish Council in Luxembourg on April 19, at which Mr Lochhead was due to attend. That meeting was cancelled due to travel disruption caused by volcanic ash.

The presentation of a detailed report on the future of the Common Fisheries Policy which is crucially important to Scotland will now be discussed in Vigo instead.

Speaking ahead of the Informal Council, Mr Lochhead said:

“Last month’s cancelled fishing negotiations in Luxembourg had been scheduled to discuss issues of immense importance to Scotland and now these agenda items have been added to the informal meeting in Vigo that Scotland is barred from attending. This rubs salt into the wound caused by the UK Government’s decision to stop Scotland attending in favour of an unelected Lord whose knowledge of Scots fishing could probably fit onto the back of a postage stamp with lots of room to spare.

“Synthesis report”

“The CFP has failed Scotland’s fishing industry and dependent communities. Our widely respected Conservation Credits scheme has demonstrated how using our limited fisheries powers we, fishermen and environmental groups can manage the seas in an effective and responsible manner. By returning key decision making to Scotland, a more local and regional approach would enable those who are the true experts to deliver real and lasting improvements.

“It’s essential that Europe seizes the best chance in a generation to deliver a fit for purpose fisheries policy. Our fishermen are struggling to cope with low market prices, rising fuel costs and other short term problems as a result of the broken CFP. The Scottish Government is doing its bit, but we need decisive action from Europe now. It’s a great pity that just when the Vigo meeting’s agenda has been expanded, Scotland will be stopped from attending with our rightful place given to an unelected Lord.”

Important business that had been scheduled for the AgriFish Council on April 19, but was cancelled due to volcanic ash causing travel situation, has now been added to the agenda for the Informal Fisheries Council in Vigo on May 4-5. The presentation of the Synthesis report on the Consultation on CFP Reform will now be taken at this meeting.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Call for national geese management plan

Apr 27th, 10 / 0 Comments

Angus MacNeil SNP, for Na h-Eileanan an Iar has today called for a ,National Geese Management Plan to control numbers for safety reasons in addition to stopping the damage that they are causing on croft land and many football parks in the islands.

Angus MacNeil commented:

“The issue needs to be dealt with as a priority as many who I have spoken to throughout the Western Isles have told me that if the issue isn’t looked at soon then a lot of land in the Western Isles will be beyond use.

“Geese numbers “

“This spring the number of geese seems to be worse than ever. The other morning I saw three dead on the road in Seilbost Harris and a car bumper beside them.  Aside from the agricultural damage, they are causing concerns for health & safety.  Some of the geese graze on road sides and get hit by cars such are the numbers.  They are now commonly being seen where they were never seen before.  This issue is now at the serious stage, and if it is not dealt with as a priority then it will be too late to do anything about it.

“What we need now is for a goose management plan to be put in place, so that numbers can be controlled, and that not as much damage will be inflicted on crofting land and on football parks throughout the Western Isles.

“SNH will have to set the ball rolling so that this serious issue can be tackled once and for all, doing nothing is not an option, we need a co ordinated approach to attack this problem urgently.  Everybody is fed up and concerned  with the every growing danger of increasing geese numbers ”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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