Posts Tagged ‘Highlands and Islands’

Western Isles MSP welcomes Shetland support over RET

Sep 3rd, 10 / 0 Comments

Western Isles MSP Alasdair Allan has welcomed the ‘sensible’ comments of Shetland Islands council Convener, Councillor Cluness’, in which he supports cheaper fares on ferries to Na h-Eileanan an Iar as he said they blew Tavish Scott’s politically motivated complaints out of the water.

Contrasting Cllr Cluness’ remarks with the “contrived and nonsensical” attack this week on the scheme by Shetland MSP Tavish Scott Dr Allan said.

“Ferry services”

Alasdair Allan commented:

“Cllr Cluness’ reasonable point blow Tavish Scott’s contrived and nonsensical attack made on the Western Isles out of the water.

“Cllr Cluness makes the very reasonable point – one apparently lost on Tavish Scott – that if the “RET” subsidy, recently extended in the Western Isles, were applied to the Shetland ferry, it would make fares MORE expensive.

“The Scottish Government is already providing a much more substantial form of subsidy on the Shetland route.

“The LibDems had eight years in government and Tavish Scott had two years as Transport Minister when he did nothing to assist his constituents or anyone else with fares to their islands.  In fact it was the last Government that presided over the disastrous North Link Services and the long running battle over the future of Cal Mac services.  Cllr Cluness’ remarks hopefully mean Mr Scott’s posturing on this issue is over, so that all Scotland’s islands can now work together for better ferry services in future.”

Stornoway News

ST Kilda exhibition at Stornoway museum

Sep 3rd, 10 / 0 Comments

A new exhibition to commemorate the recent 80th anniversary of the evacuation of St Kilda which for centuries was Britain’s most isolated island community, has now opened at Museum nan Eilean in Stornoway.

“Museum nan Eilean”

The temporary exhibition includes photographs from the ‘Mercy Mission’ launched by the Daily Mirror newspaper in 1912 to rescue ‘starving St Kilda’. Also on display will be a DVD containing archive footage taken in 1930 showing the preparations for the impending evacuation of the island.

Admission to the exhibition is free and Museum nan Eilean, located on Francis St in Stornoway is open to the public from Monday until Saturday from 10.00am until 5.30pm.

Stornoway News

Further Improvements at Goat Island Slipway

Sep 2nd, 10 / 0 Comments

At its meeting on Thursday 19 August 2010 Stornoway Port Authority authorised the award of a contract for installation of electrical power at Goat Island slipway to N.D. Macleod Ltd.

The installation of power outlets at either side of the Slipway apron will allow flexibility to use portable electrical equipment when working on slipped vessels. This will improve the health and safety environment for all workers at the Slipway.

“Commercial slipway”

This contract brings the total investment in the Slipway facility by Stornoway Port Authority in recent years to a total of £920,000 as it builds on the upgrade to the main cradle and rails of the slipway and the addition of an interceptor for waste oil.

Jane Maciver, Chief Executive of Stornoway Port Authority said “The Port Authority has approved this level of investment in the Goat Island facility because it recognises the slipway is an important asset for harbour users as it is the only commercial slipway on the West coast North of Oban.”

Stornoway News

Western Isles coastal erosion action

Sep 2nd, 10 / 0 Comments

Fishing nets will be used to reduce the impact of climate changes on South Uist. The decision was made at a meeting where a range of organisations discussed solutions to South Uist’s eroding coastline.

Present at the meeting were local resident and crofter Seumas MacDonald, David Muir of Coastal Adapt, local councillor Gerry MacLeod, Western Isles Council community co-ordinator Mairi Campbell and Oxfam Scotland’s Caluna Campbell, Jim Boyle and rosie McIntosh.

Scientists predict that sea levels could rise by 37cm by 2080, leaving some areas of the island under water. The use of fishing nets to anchor sand dunes until marram grass can take hold will be piloted at a five-mile stretch at Kilphedar, which is the most vulnerable area in the Western Isles.

Old nets, which can no longer be used for fishing, are readily available and the idea has been tried successfully in other areas of the island as well as on Barra and Vatersay.

“Homes and crofts”

Oxfam Scotland has been working with the community in South Uist since the charity held a climate hearing on the island in November 2009. Since then, solutions have been discussed at a series of meetings involving more than 50 members of the community and several local organisations.

There will be another meeting on September 13, where involved organisations will meet with crofters and other community members to finalise plans for the use of fishing nets as coastal barriers.

Local MSP Alasdair Allan said: “I am pleased to hear that the community is making some progress on this important matter. There is no doubt that Kilphedar is one of the areas of Uist most vulnerable to coastal erosion, as was seen not only in the 2005 storm, but since then.

“I welcome the cooperation between the community, Oxfam and local agencies to bring about practical measures to stabilise the dunes in this area in this way. While nobody would suggest this is the answer to all of South Uist’s coastal erosion problems, I am glad to see that this positive step is being taken.”

Caluna Campbell, who is a Campaigner with Oxfam Scotland and is originally from South Uist said: “This is a real positive step. We are all worried that people may lose their homes and crofts, but this is a chance for the community to make a difference.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Skills for Work at Sgoil Lionacleit

Sep 1st, 10 / 0 Comments

Education Secretary Michael Russell yesterday opened a purpose built facility that will see more work based courses offered to young people in Uist and Benbecula.

The new building at Sgoil Lionacliet will allow a wider choice of vocational courses to be taught, including skills such as Crofting and Traditional Boat Building which are directly relevant to the local economy.

“Local economy.”

Education Secretary Michael Russell said:

“Curriculum for Excellence, which is now in practice in all secondary schools, is designed to give young people the skills they need for a positive future. Job basedcourses clearly have a valuable role to play in making sure the next generation of Scottish employees have the knowledge and skills to find jobs.

“That’s why I am particularly pleased to open this new building at Sgoil Lionacleitwhich will see an improved range of job related courses offered to young people in Uist and Benbecula.

“This is giving young people skills and qualifications in areas that are directly related to the local economy, such as construction skills, crofting and traditional boat building.

“I believe this can help make sure island businesses have the workforce they needand young people don’t have to leave in search of training and employment – helping young people into jobs and benefiting the local economy.”

“College or employment.”

Mr Miller Macdonald (Acting head Teacher) said:

“The pupils and staff of Sgoil Lionacleit were delighted that Mr Russell could attendthe official opening of the Applied Learning Facility and see some of the excitingprojects that the pupils have been working on. Having a workshop for ConstructionSkills and other vocational courses in the school means that pupils can walk from onelesson in one department to the workshop and have their overalls on and ready tostart within a few minutes.

“I wish to thank Education and the Technical Services Departments of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, as well as the building contractors J.J. Macdonald for funding, designingand building this wonderful resource. I also wish to thank Mr Collier, former Principal Teacher of Technical subjects at Sgoil Lionacleit, for establishing the constructionSkills course and for helping to fit out the new workshop.

“The basic curriculum in Sgoil Lionacleit is a good one, but we must ensure that we equip pupils with the skills that they will need when they leave school. Theadjustments we are making to our curriculum and the new projects we’ve introduced will help pupils going on to university, college or employment.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Western Isles Council moves ahead with budget process

Sep 1st, 10 / 0 Comments

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

“Reduction in resources”

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

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

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Calmac staff go on-line to brush up on their Gaelic

Sep 1st, 10 / 0 Comments

Scotland is a core aim of the many Gaelic-related initiatives currently underway, so CalMac’s initiative in finding a way to make language training accessible to as many staff as possible is to be commended. For many people, other than passing road signs, seeing the ferries’ names and the onboard signage in Gaelic may be their first known exposure to the language, so it is great to see CalMac going a step further and teaching staff useful Gaelic words and phrases.”

“Gaelic to fluency.”


Donella Beaton, Chief Executive of Cànan, said: “The brief from CalMac was to create the means by which as many staff as possible could become familiar with some Gaelic and use it in their day to day work. The geographical spread of staff and complicated working hours means that it is not possible to send them all on courses, but they have been able to overcome this by using online technology to take Gaelic into their homes. We believe it is a model which could be adopted by other companies and organisations who would like more of their staff to be able to speak some Gaelic and understand why it is important. ”

Arthur Cormack, Cathraiche of Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said: “The Bòrd is focused on increasing the numbers of Gaelic speakers in Scotland and we are happy to support this initiative by CalMac offering the opportunity to all theirstaff to learn some of the language.  This type of online learning, relevant to the organisation, is an example that other public bodies, councils and private companies could follow, and is essential if services are to be offered in Gaelic.  We hope that, through introductions such as these in the workplace, more and more people may be encouraged to go a step further and learn Gaelic to fluency.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Taskforce continues to support the case for Hebrides range

Sep 1st, 10 / 0 Comments

The Hebrides Range Taskforce (HRTF) met today in Balivanich in order to review activities over the past period and consider the way forward over the Autumn.

Members of HRTF were appraised that the Economic Diversification Strategy was now complete and that an implementation group had been formed to drive forward progress.  HRTF met with John Swinney, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth in Edinburgh in July to discuss the strategy.  Mr Swinney very much welcomed the strategy and looked forward to its implementation.  He made Scottish Government officials available to provide advisory input and assist HRTF with the delivery of the strategy.

HRTF continues to engage in political outreach activity across the main political parties.  A series of meetings recently took place in London where representatives of HRTF met with a number of politicians and officials.  That activity afforded an opportunity to make new contacts and to update them on the defence and economic importance of Hebrides Range.  It also provided an opportunity to remind key stakeholders of the reasoning behind the previous Defence Minister’s decision in regard to the Range.

HRTF will have a presence at the UK party conferences during September / October to allow key messages to be relayed to politicians, officials and advisors within the three parties.

“Hebrides Range”


HRTF also continue to engage with Qinetiq and recently met with Leo Quinn, Chief Executive of Qinetiq.  The meeting provided an opportunity to understand some of his key objectives and to gain an in-sight into some of the strategic challenges facing Qinetiq.

The potential for diversification activities at Hebrides Range is also being explored, with a market review, evaluation and identification of opportunities exercise being undertaken into the commercial and civilian unmanned aerial systems sector.  This growth sector has been identified as having potential to present opportunities for diversification.

Speaking after the meeting the Chairman of HRTF, Councillor Angus Campbell said, “Today’s meeting provided an opportunity to update the Members of HRTF in regard to activity over the last few months and for us to agree the way forward for the next period.  HRTF is very much aware that a Strategic Defence and Security Review is underway and that critical decisions may be taken by the end of the year.  We are keen, that ahead of any decision-making, we have engaged with as many stakeholders as possible and have made them fully aware of both the defence and economic importance of Hebrides Range.  Over the next number of months we will continue to reach out to the various political parties to ensure they are fully conversant with the issues.

“Defence diversification potentials”


As well as that critical political outreach work, HRTF will continue to progress with our economic and defence diversification agendas.  I am pleased that the Economic Diversification Strategy is complete and will shortly be formally launched.  As part of the development of the strategy, representatives of HRTF recently met with the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth and presented the draft strategy to him.  Mr Swinney was very positive in regard to the strategy and I am pleased that he was able to offer us the support of his officials in taking forward and implementing the strategy.  I now look forward to rapid progress being made on the implementation of the strategy.

We are also undertaking important exploratory work in regard to the defence diversification potentials at the Range.  A study into the potentials has been commissioned and I await with interest the outcomes of that work.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Harris Tweed Hebrides triggers £230,000 boost for weavers

Aug 31st, 10 / 0 Comments


Harris Tweed Hebrides, the Shawbost-based company which accounts for more than 90 per cent of Orb-stamped fabric, this week confirmed a £230,000 autumn boost for weavers.

The company repaid the full amount advanced last year from the Harris Tweed Investment Fund, which was established by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to support out of season employment in the industry.

Harris Tweed Hebrides chairman, Brian Wilson, said:  “Once again, the fund has proved its worth.  It was of great assistance in keeping the mill busy on a year-round basis.  Now we have repaid last year’s advances and will make the same commitment  for the coming winter.

“Business booming at Shawbost”


“All of the stock pieces produced with support from the fund have now been sold.  It is a huge advantage that these can be produced during the quieter part of the year when, traditionally, weavers had little work and the mills paid off”.

He said that ideally, as new markets develop and out of season work increases, the need for the fund will diminish.  “In the meantime, however, it is of real help to the industry and represents a substantial contribution on the part of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar”.

Mr Wilson added:  “Business is booming at Shawbost. So far in 2010, we are 50 per cent ahead of last year’s figures and the outlook is excellent”.

Comhairle leader, Angus Campbell, said: The Harris Tweed Investment Fund is a very important element in the direct support the Comhairle is providing to the industry.  In particular, it helps provide year-round employment for mill workers and tweeds for weavers during the period when normally there would be no work available.

“significant upturn”


“The Comhairle’s commitment to the industry has contributed towards a new era for Hrris Tweed and has allowed a clear vision to be shaped for the future”.

HTH Chief Executive, Ian Angus Mackenzie, paid tribute to the mill workers at Shawbost, as well as the 120 home weavers, for a “fantastic team effort” in order to meet all the outstanding orders on schedule prior to the summer break.

He said:  “Demand was exceptionally strong during the ordering season but we did not want to turn any customers away and this act of faith has been justified”.

He said that the HTH customers were well spread around the world with Germany and Japan still the most buoyant  markets. There had been a “significant upturn” in the United States, where the company has concentrated its marketing efforts, as well as unexpectedly high demand from South Korea.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Ensure your right to vote in next year’s election

Aug 30th, 10 / 0 Comments

This week 130,000 households in the Highlands and Western Isles will
receive the annual voter registration forms.
The register produced from the information provided will be used on 5
May 2011 in the Scottish Parliament election and a potential referendum
on the voting system to be used in Westminster elections.

“Assistance or advice”


Douglas Gillespie, Electoral Registration Officer for the Highlands and
Western Isles, said: “Registering to vote is very simple. The form
which every household receives should be checked, amended where
necessary and returned in the pre-paid envelope. Every year names are
deleted from the register because some households fail to return their
canvass forms. Spending a few minutes now will avoid disappointment
when the election takes place.

If your name is not on the register it can also affect your credit
rating and mobile phone contract. Any elector who would like assistance
or advice should contact my staff using the Freefone number shown on the
form.”

The Freephone number is 0800 393 783.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Trust urges beachcombers to look out for St Kilda mailboat

Aug 30th, 10 / 0 Comments

People visiting Scotland’s beaches are being urged by the National Trust for Scotland to look out for a tiny wooden mailboat which was launched from St Kilda yesterday (29 August] to mark the 80th anniversary of the evacuation of the islands.

Staff from the conservation charity say the vessel – which is similar to those used by St Kildans in the past to communicate with the outside world – could wash up anywhere almost anywhere on the coastlines of Scotland or Scandinavia.

“2/3rd of all mailboats are found”


“We suspect the boat is likely to turn up somewhere in the Western Isles,” said Susan Bain, who manages St Kilda for the National Trust for Scotland, “however, it’s not unusual for them to turn up in Orkney or further afield. I launched one recently and it was found in Northern Norway.

The mail boat – which has small sail and has been painted green and red – bears the words: “St Kilda mail please open”.

“Anyone finding the mail boat will be in for a nice surprise, as it contains a year’s free membership of the National Trust for Scotland,” added Susan.

“It also contains postcards which we hope the finder will send on to our Patron, HRH The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay, and Norman John Gillies (85], one of the last surviving former residents of St Kilda.

“Mailboats are a poignant symbol of the isolation faced by St Kildans – a major factor in the evacuation of the islands – so we felt it was appropriate to commemorate the anniversary in this way.”

St Kildans fashioned mailboats out of a wide variety of waterproof containers – including bottles and cocoa tins. They were traditionally kept afloat by an inflated sheep’s bladder.

The first mailboat was sent out as a distress signal in a time of famine by John Sands, a journalist, who was stranded on St Kilda during winter of 1876.

Mailboats are now sent by conservation work parties as part of the ritual of visiting St Kilda. They are carried by the Gulf Stream and usually reach land in Scotland or Scandinavia. Around 2/3rd of all mailboats are found.

“Unique and important”


A recent mailboat sent with greetings to the new Scottish Parliament arrived within a few weeks!

Anyone finding the 80th Anniversary mail boat is urged to follow the instructions inside.

The last 36 remaining residents of St Kilda requested to be evacuated to the mainland. They left the islands on 29 August 1930 – ending around 4,000 years of habitation on the island.

“In addition to its duel World Heritage status, St Kilda has been designated a National Nature Reserve, a National Scenic Area, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a European Community Special Protected Area,” added Susan. “The Trust is immensely proud of the work it does to preserve and enhance such a unique and important environment.”

More information about St Kilda and the evacuation can be found at www.kilda.org.uk

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Allan supports bid to save important Uist landmark

Aug 30th, 10 / 0 Comments

Western Isles SNP MSP, Alasdair Allan, has today written in support of the funding applications currently being made by the Teampull na Trionaid Conservation Association in North Uist. Funding is being sought to support the preservation of the historic Teampull na Trionaid in Carinish, North Uist.

Alasdair Allan commented:

“Teampull na Trionaid is not only one of the most significant medieval buildings in the Western Isles, but in Scotland. It is also a building at imminent risk of complete collapse if urgent action is not taken to stabilise and conserve what is left of it, and to strengthen it against the effects of island winters.

“Community of Uist.”


“Already a scheduled monument, the remains of the church, which date in the main back to the 14th century are one of very few medieval buildings in the Western Isles. More significantly, they are traditionally understood to be one of the earliest seats of learning in Scotland - pre dating St Andrews University.

“It is a matter of enormous concern that the building has been allowed essentially to crumble away, with each storm allowing part of the building to be destroyed. I cannot emphasise enough the need for major intervention, and it is no small feat that the Association have already gained approval in principal from Historic Scotland for their plans to do just that.

“Aside from the historic interest of the site, I believe that these plans will have a direct benefit on the island economy as a visitor attraction, at a time when many people in the Western Isles are beginning to build up the infrastructure needed for tourism.

“I have therefore written very strongly in support of a scheme which I believe is a credit to and of direct benefit to the community of Uist.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Western Isles on route of marathon bike challenge

Aug 29th, 10 / 0 Comments

He overcame the challenges of battling cancer now Northumbrian Mick Dowling will get on his bike to raise money for the hospital that treated him.

The 74-year-old retired geography teacher from Fourstones near Hexham will peddle his way around the Scottish coastline, including the Western Isles on a marathon trek.

He hopes to raise a substantial amount for Marie Curie Cancer Care and Macmillan Nurses.

“Bike Ride In Aid Of Cancer Care”


He said that this latest challenge – a solo one – was just one of many long distances rides he has completed before.

He added: “I wanted to do something for the people who did so much for me, and this is my way of doing it.

The intrepid cyclist believes it will take him around a month to complete the ride.  He sets off on September 6 when his route will take him via Dumfries and Galloway to Ardrossan, island to the Western Isles.  When returning to the mainland the route goes north from Ullapool to Cape Wrath across to John O’Groats then south down the east coast to Berwick and Tynemouth before heading for home.

Donations to Mick can be made via Lloyds Bank in Hexham the account is named ‘Bike Ride In Aid Of Cancer Care’.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

More Western Isles Students than ever going into higher education

Aug 29th, 10 / 0 Comments

More students than ever are applying for higher education courses, but there are concerns about how much support students can expect from government, especially in light of looming public spending cuts.

Figures released by the Scottish Government show the number of Scots under 21 taking up higher or further education courses went up by 0.8% to 43% in 2008-09.

“Student hardship”


More than half the young people in the Western Isles took up courses — 58.5%.

And whilst increased participation after seven years of decline was seen as a  welcome development there are concerns about the government’s financial commitment to students.

With questions over the future of educational maintenance allowances, bursary funds and childcare funding.

However a Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The figures are positive news and reflect the action the Scottish Government has taken to widening participation in higher education, such as restoring free education by abolishing the graduate endowment fee and introducing a raft of policies to help students and tackle student hardship.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Success for Island war memorials

Aug 27th, 10 / 0 Comments

Following a recent inspection of War Memorials in the Highlands and Islands area by the Royal British Legion, two Memorials in Lewis have been voted top of their section.  The Memorial at Garrabost in Point was voted top in the ‘Small Communities with Gardens’ section.  The Memorial is described in the inspection as ‘outstanding’.  One of the other particular features which really stood out for judges was that the Memorial was constructed using stones from the homes of those who are named on the War Memorial.

The Memorial at Baile na Cille, in Uig came in first place in the section ‘Satellite without Gardens’.  It was desribed as being in ‘immaculate condition’ and ‘obviously well looked after by the local Committee’.

“Point and Uig”


This was the first time that the Lewis Branch of the Royal British have taken part in this competition and fourteen island memorials were submitted for inspection.  One of the aims of the Royal British Legion Scotland is to perpetuate the memory of those lost through conflict and the war memorials are a symbol of the ultimate price which any person can give for his fellow.

The Memorials at Point and Uig have been entered into the National Competition,  the results of which will be announced shortly.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

No ban on Western Isles guga hunt

Aug 26th, 10 / 0 Comments

It has been a tradition of the Western Isles for generations but this year’s annual guga hunt has come under fire as ‘being barbaric’ from animal welfare charity the SPCA.

“Ban the hunt.”


The SPCA had written to the government asking for a ban on the hunt which sees around 2,000 baby gannets harvested each year from the island of Sula Sgeir off the, north coast of Lewis.

However the Scottish government has backed the practice saying it was satisfied with the methods used to kill the birds and that there was no conservation risk to the gannet population, so there would be no move to ban the hunt.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Tour of the Western Isles for Education Secretary

Aug 26th, 10 / 0 Comments

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

“Engage for Education”


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

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

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Western Isles MP makes fuel action call

Aug 26th, 10 / 0 Comments

Welcoming the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on a visit to the Western Isles today (Thursday) SNP MP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Angus MacNeil, highlighted soaring fuel prices and called on the Lib/Dem Minister, a fellow Highland MP, to introduce an Islands’ Rural Fuel Derogation before the January VAT hike.

Mr MacNeil, SNP spokesperson on Transport at Westminster, pointed to fuel prices in his constituency this morning as underlining the urgent need for action:

- Barra: Unleaded 133.9p / Diesel 134.9p

- Uist: Unleaded 133p / Diesel 134p

- Harris: Unleaded 130.9p / Diesel 132.9p

- Stornoway: Unleaded 126.9p / Diesel 127.9p

“Rural communities need instant action”


Mr MacNeil said:

“As well as taking in the scenery, Danny Alexander must see for himself the soaring cost of fuel across the isles. The need for a derogation to bring down fuel prices is urgent, and we must certainly have action before the coalitions VAT hike in January.

“Road users in the Islands are probably paying more tax per litre than anywhere else in Europe, and the VAT hike planned by the Tories and the LibDems will make rural fuel even more expensive so action must be taken without delay.

“As a Highland MP Danny Alexander was, in opposition, 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 end Labour’s highway robbery.

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

“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

SPCA calls for guga hunt ban

Aug 25th, 10 / 0 Comments

The “barbaric” practice of beating gannet chicks to death during a cull on a Scottish island should end, the Scottish SPCA has said.

So-called guga hunting involves people from Ness on the Isle of Lewis sailing to the uninhabited island of Sula Sgeir to hunt and kill the birds for eating.

Every August, thousands of chicks are plucked from the cliff tops and hit on the head.

The charity has written to the Scottish Government asking it to revoke the licence which allows the practice. It said the methods used in the cull cause the birds unnecessary suffering.

Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said. “The suffering starts before any attempt to kill takes place because the chicks are hauled from cliff tops using nooses attached to long poles, which in itself will terrify the birds.

“Scottish Natural Heritage”


“They are then struck on the head with a heavy implement until dead. A competent person may kill one or two birds outright with a single blow but in our opinion most will take more than one blow to be killed.

“We would expect other animal welfare and conservation organisations to be supportive of a move to bring to an end a barbaric and inhumane practice which causes unnecessary suffering to thousands of young gannets every year.”

He said citing “tradition” is not an acceptable reason for maintaining such a practice and that while 150 to 200 years ago the guga hunt was linked to the diet of the islanders, this is no longer the case.

Mr Flynn said: “It may be argued that the cull is sustainable or it simply doesn’t matter because the gannet is not an endangered species, but these arguments are irrelevant when suffering is being caused.

Sula Sgeir is around 40 miles north-east of Lewis and is a National Nature Reserve managed by Scottish Natural Heritage.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Young Gaels take first steps towards career ladder

Aug 25th, 10 / 0 Comments

Twenty four students are currently getting their first experience of the workplace, as they participate in this year’s Comunn na Gàidhlig Students Work Placement Scheme.

Funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Highland Council and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, the scheme gives young people the opportunity to spend the summer months sampling a career of their choice in Gaelic, building important skills, experience and contacts for the young peoples’ futures. The Scheme is also welcomed by Gaelic employers who are given access to the enthusiasm and commitment of young Gaels eager to take forward their futures using Gaelic.

Amongst the organisations participating in this year’s scheme are Clì Gàidhlig, An Comunn Gàidhealach, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, The Scottish Parliament, Comunn Eachdraidh Bharbahis is Bru, Fèisean nan Gàidheal, Glasgow University and Urras Leabhraichean nan Eilean.

“Working together”


Donald MacNeill, Comunn na Gàidhlig Chief Executive said: “We are delighted with the success of this year’s Students’ Work Placement Scheme and with the enthusiastic response from both the students and the employers. Offering 24 placements across Scotland provides real benefits for all concerned. Alongside academic achievements it’s increasingly recognised that work experience of any sort is valued in the labour market, and the employers can benefit from the fresh perspective that the students can bring, and quite apart from all that, it demonstrates that the Gaelic language and the modern workplace can easily go hand in hand.”

“We are very grateful to Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Highland Council and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar for funding this project, enabling us to do this. We look forward to working together on other projects in the future.”

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