Posts Tagged ‘Islanders’

Update on MV Clansman breakdown

Jul 19th, 10 / 0 Comments



Phil Preston, Managing Director of Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) said: “The specialised service engineers provided by engine manufacturer MAK to undertake the repairs to MV Clansman’s crankshaft, have encountered a problem while re-assembling the engine which is likely to delay the vessel’s return to service. It is too early to say how long that delay will be, but every effort will be made to keep it to a minimum.

“We share everyone’s frustration that we are not able to provide our full service and are grateful for the patience and understanding of our customers while we work this through.”

“As previously stated, the current fault is one of the worst ever experienced by CalMac and due to the complexity of the repair we have always been reluctant to give a definitive completion date. The most recent problem highlights the necessity of this caution.

”Further updates”


“We are deeply sorry for the inconvenience caused, and know this further delay will be disappointing for many, but we can assure everyone that we are doing everything we can to minimise the disruption to services.

“A temporary timetable for the routes affected has been in place for some time and all indications are that we are getting people to where they want to be, albeit that some flexibility in their travel plans has been required.

“Worldwide searches for vessels to provide cover have been unsuccessful and we therefore have no option than to make the most of the fleet we have at our disposal. Although only one vessel has been taken out of service, it serves several island communities and we have had to ensure that no island is left without a ferry service when making alterations to the timetable.

“Although our resources are stretched, we are continuing to review the situation on a daily basis and should an opportunity for providing additional capacity present itself we will certainly consider doing so, but I must stress that our options are severely limited and will only ever be a stop gap until the MV Clansman returns to service. We will give further updates when we have them.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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St Kilda in full colour in the 1800s

Jul 12th, 10 / 1 Comment

Images from St Kilda opening a window on rural life in Scotland from 125 years ago old are to go on display at Aberdeen University.

An Aberdeen audience will enjoy a rare insight into the St Kildan landscape and its people at a free event this week.  The unique slideshow presentation will happen at Waterstone’s Union Bridge branch on Wednesday (July 14th).

“Colour photography”


The iconic pictures, captured on individually hand-coloured lantern slides, were taken by Aberdeen photographers George Washington Wilson and Norman Macleod who embarked on a journey from Oban to St Kilda in 1886.

During the event they will be presented in their original format using a Victorian magic lantern projector.

Author and historian Mark Butterworth, a leading expert on the photographic lantern slides of Scotland produced during the 19th century, will present the slides at the event, which is part of the University of Aberdeen’s Café Scientifiqueseries.

He said: “The incredible journey taken by George Washington Wilson and Norman Macleod as they travelled through the Western Isles of Scotland to St Kilda is portrayed beautifully in their images, which uniquely capture the way of life in the 1800s in evocative detail.

“The images — which shed new light on life in the Western Isles at this time – were ahead of their time, produced fifty years before colour photography came to Scotland.

“Controversial drug”


“I acquired these rare hand-coloured slides in 2004, complete with the original accompanying lecture notes and have since given regular presentations, sharing this unique collection of rarely seen images with the public.”

The event — Scotland through the Magic Lantern — takes place as part of the Café Scientifiqueseries, which provides a public forum for the discussion of highly topical issues in science.

There is no need to book for the event which begins at 7pm and takes place in the Costa Café area of the Waterstone’s.

Café Scientifique takes place once a month at Waterstone’s through to October.

Other topics set to be highlighted in the series include the effect rising sea levels through global warming, could have on cities across the globe in the future, and the way the controversial drug Thalidomide has changed the world.

For full listings of the three series programmes visit: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/science/cafescience/

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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Hebrides Fuel petition success

May 30th, 10 / 1 Comment

The petition for fair fuel prices to be a feature of the new Conservative / Lib Dem government has collected well over 1200 signatures in a matter of days.

Speaking on the petitions success Erica Macdonald said “It is thrilling to see so many people actively collecting signatures for this.”

“Considering the high dependency on cars in this area, and with figures of people in fuel poverty rising, it is maybe not surprising”.

“Collecting signatures at the classic car show last weekend it was plain to see that people were eager in anticipation for a pilot fuel duty regulator scheme to be implemented in the Western and Northern Isles.”

“The petition is ready to sign in many places in Stornoway, including the office of Angus Brendan MacNeil MP in Bayhead.”

“Other outlets in Stornoway which have the petition for signing include Autoparts, Auto-Scott’s part shop, Aladdin’s cave, Black Cat studios, the sawmill at Marybank, and Campbells service station on Riggs road.”

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Highlands MSP made Shadow Environment Minister

May 21st, 10 / 0 Comments

Jamie McGrigor, Highlands & Islands Conservative MSP, has been appointed as the new Shadow Environment Minister by Scottish Conservative leader Annabel Goldie MSP as part of her reshuffle of Conservative Shadow portfolios at Holyrood.

Jamie will move from his Communities & Sport remit to shadow the SNP Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham. Over the last 3 years as Communities Spokesman with responsibility for housing Jamie has been a vocal supporter of local authority housing stock transfer and has argued against further restrictions on the right to buy; he has also pressed the Scottish Government to improve the Rural Empty Properties Grant scheme so that empty and derelict buildings in the countryside can be utilised as affordable homes.

“Good rapport”

Speaking today at Holyrood Jamie, who has also previously served as Fisheries and Culture Spokesman said:

“ I am delighted with my new role and the Environment brief which covers farming, crofting, fishing, aquaculture, country sports and forestry. These are all of huge importance to my region of the Highlands & Islands and I have much experience of all these vital primary industries.

“ The Crofting Bill is an obvious priority and I will continue to work with the SCF and others to improve the Bill to ensure crofting is given practical support. Food security is another major issue, along with our rural infrastructure.

“ I am looking forward to working with John Scott MSP with whom I have a very good rapport.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Fair fuel for rural areas

May 18th, 10 / 1 Comment

“Rural Scotland “

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

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

“Scotland’s concerns”

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

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

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

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

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

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Law on school closures comes into force

Apr 6th, 10 / 0 Comments

A leaflet designed to give advice and information to parents when major changes to their child’s school are proposed has been published by the Scottish Government.

Designed to explain the updated and strengthened consultation process that comes into force on April 5, the leaflet makes clear that when any changes to schools are being considered, education must be the key priority.

It also explains the role and responsibilities of local authorities – such as consulting for six weeks during term time, holding a public meeting and asking HMIE to prepare a report – as well as covering how parents can get involved and have their voices heard.

“Closure of rural schools”

Minister for Skills and Lifelong Learning Keith Brown said:

“The new law around proposed school closures, which come into force today, bring in some important changes – putting education at the heart of the decision and giving parents more of a voice in the process.

“It is therefore vital that parents know about the new system and what it means for them, if any changes to their child’s school are proposed. That’s why we’ve published a leaflet to explain the changes and provide information to parents.

“This also makes clear that there is a presumption against the closure of rural schools, meaning councils must show they’ve considered all viable alternatives and assessed the potential impact on the community before proposing to close a school in a rural area.

“I hope this will help make sure that parents are fully aware of

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MSP describes Western Isles Council as “dictatorship”

Mar 24th, 10 / 1 Comment

“Disappointing and unhelpful”

MSP Rhoda Grant

Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant has hit back at claims she is unqualified to comment on issues surrounding Castlebay School in Barra.

She was speaking after the Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Angus Campbell, offered to ensure that she has “factual information” before speaking out about the school.

Mr Campbell hit out at comments made by Labour MSP Rhoda Grant on Radio Highland. Ms Grant accused the Comhairle of not working with teachers and parents.

She said the council acted as a dictatorship by blocking school access to a website run by former councillor Angus Nicolson where pupils criticised staff and the council. The MSP also said the council was “closing down the debate rather than dealing with the problem.”

Angus Campbell retorted: “It really is most, disappointing and unhelpful, that Rhoda Grant MSP has weighed into issues surrounding Castlebay School without taking the trouble to ask the Comhairle about the current situation.

“We would have been more than happy to brief the MSP to enable her to speak with some knowledge of the subject.”
However Mrs Grant said: “I have written to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar on several occasions asking for information relating to management and leadership issues at Castlebay School which have been highlighted in recent inspection reports.

“Remained unresolved”

“However, the replies I have received do not explain how Comhairle nan Eilean Siar plans to resolve these problems and I am concerned that neither myself nor the parents of school pupils are being taken seriously enough.

“I would be happy to be briefed properly by the Council and am writing to Mr Campbell to ask him for a meeting.”

Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) recently identified for the third time issues with the quality of learning at the school which date back two years.

In their latest report the inspectors state that pupils “still experience too much variability”.  An identified strength of the school is the “achievements beyond the classroom” but within the classroom “standards of reading, writing and mathematics” have fallen.

There have been staffing issues in the English department that have remained unresolved for the last year, and the inspectors say that “the needs of those studying English … are not being effectively met”.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

MPs will push for fair fuel regulator

Mar 4th, 10 / 0 Comments
Angus MacNeil

Angus MacNeil

“Fuel up 11.46% since 2008″

Latest figures from the AA revealing that drivers have endured recent petrol tax increases up to five times higher than in other European countries, show why the SNP is right to propose a fuel duty regulator says SNP MP Angus MacNeil.

According to the AA the burden of fuel duty and VAT on a tank of petrol in the UK has gone up by 11.46% since the Pre-Budget Report at the end of November 2008. This compares to just 2.23% in Austria and an average increase for 10 mainstream European countries, including France, Germany, and Holland, of 5.07%.

Commenting Mr MacNeil said:

“We all know that Labour has admitted that they will yet again use fuel tax to hammer household motorists and hauliers to pay for their bank bail out.

“However these latest figures from the AA confirm that Labour and Gordon Brown have learnt nothing from their years in government.

“Sky high fuel taxes”

“Sky high fuel taxes imposed by Gordon Brown, and latterly Alistair Darling, are indiscriminate and effectively a poll tax on wheels.

“And it’s not just hauliers who suffer but ordinary families struggling to run a car for normal use. The effects of sky high fuel taxes also impact on prices in the stores with costs rising to deliver food and other products to the shops.

“It shows how much Labour has become out of touch that they should target ordinary people in this way to pay for the bail out of a banking system failure they helped create.

“I can categorically say that the SNP MPs will continue to oppose Labour’s arbitrary fuel tax hikes and propose the introduction of a fuel duty regulator at the Budget to ensure price stability as well as lower fuel taxes for remote areas.

“Scotland should be reaping the benefits”

“An oil rich nation like Scotland should be reaping the benefits from our offshore resources – not watching as North Sea revenues flow into a black hole in Treasury coffers while the Scottish budget is slashed.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Local Businesses interested in reaching Nordic countries invited to meet trade experts

Mar 4th, 10 / 0 Comments

“Potentially lucrative trading links”

Highlands and Islands businesses with interests as diverse as forestry, manufacturing, marine science, fine foods and textiles are taking advantage of an opportunity to meet with trade specialists from the Nordic region.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is hosting the fact finding opportunity in an effort to develop further potentially lucrative trading links with our Scandinavian and other northerly neighbours.

In partnership with Scottish Development International (SDI), the UK Trade and Investments Nordic team will be in Inverness on Wednesday 17 March.  They will give an overview of their region, with its population of 25 million people, and will then offer individual meetings to discuss each business’ specific needs.  Businesses of any size who are interested in applying should contact HIE before Wednesday 10 March.

“Excellent trading opportunity”

“There are long standing cultural and trade links with the Nordic region.   The Highlands and Islands share a number of business interests and their close proximity and good transport links make them an excellent trading opportunity,” said Norma MacDonald, HIE’s senior development officer with the international team.

One businesswoman already signed up is Helen Lockhart from Assynt, in North Sutherland.  She has been running her creative textiles company, Ripples Crafts, since 2008.  She is keen to see if there is an opportunity to supply her hand dyed yarns and knitting kits to Scandinavia, which has a strong traditional knitting culture.

“This is a fact finding trip for me.  I have had some success in exporting to America and Europe and am interested to see if there is a market for my unique yarns either to hand knitting pattern designers, wool shops or to distributors.”

Two members of the business team from the internationally renowned marine research institute, the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) based in Oban, are to meet with the Nordic team.

“Identify emerging business opportunities”

“Our core business activities span several market sectors including renewable energy, biofuel R&D, mining, and marine technologies.  In these areas, SAMS provides commercial services on a global scale, however, we have had little involvement in the Nordic Region. At this event, we are keen to identify emerging business opportunities as well as build new collaborations within our existing markets,” said Dr Keri Page.

Traditional music publishing business, Taigh na Teud, based in Skye is hoping to gain advice on ways to grow opportunities for cultural exchange.  Christine Martin researches, collects and collates traditional tunes in original music books, and has been running the business for 25 years. She commented:

“There is a strong link between Scandinavian music and Scottish music, and the Nordic countries enjoy a very strong fiddling culture.  I already have some links with clubs in Norway, Sweden and Denmark, and am interested in exploring whether there is a market to promote Scottish music through shops and publishers, with a reciprocal arrangement here.”

Any local business interested should contact Norma MacDonald at HIE in Inverness 01463 244478 for an application or download an application form from http://www.hie.co.uk/Nordic-awareness-event.htm

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Western Isles Hospital’s electrical fault repaired

Mar 4th, 10 / 0 Comments

The recent problem affecting the sustainable dual power supply in Western Isles Hospital has now been resolved and the overall system has resumed normal working.

NHS Western Isles Chief Executive Gordon Jamieson said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all staff, in particular members of our Estates team who rallied round to provide continuous support and expert advice throughout this challenging period. I would also like to thank those clinical staff who have helped us to maintain ongoing safe and effective care for patients, and to Scottish and Southern Energy who provided additional support. An excellent example of teamwork.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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NHS waiting lists

Mar 4th, 10 / 0 Comments

“We welcome this review of New Ways”

Commenting on the Audit Scotland report Managing NHS waiting lists – A review of new arrangements published today, Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said:

“We welcome this review of New Ways – the new system of managing NHS waiting lists.

“We have made significant changes to the way patient waiting lists are managed. Before New Ways tens of thousands of patients were held on ‘hidden waiting lists’ with no treatment time guarantees, now these people are treated within the Scottish Government’s waiting time targets.

“Plans are already underway”

“New Ways has also introduced more flexibility so that appointments and treatments can be made to suit patients’ individual needs and schedules. This means that appointments and are less likely to be cancelled and patients who would previously have had to wait indefinitely can get the care and treatment they need.

“Waiting times are now at an all time low. Staff across the health service have worked extremely hard to make these changes and will continue to keep this progress going.

“We are committed to supporting ways that put patients first in the health service and plans are already underway to put the recommendations made by the report in place.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Lewis News, News Archives

Sudden death on Isle of Barra

Mar 4th, 10 / 0 Comments

Police on the Isle of Barra are carrying out enquiries in relation to the death of a 59 year old local man at an address in Eoilgarry, Isle of Barra.

About 1500 hours on Wednesday 3rd March 2010, the man who had been burning grass in his garden, was found having collapsed.

Police, Ambulance Service, HIFRS and a local doctor attended, however the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Northern Constabulary are not treating the death as suspicious.

Details of the deceased are not being released at this time.

Anyone with any information surrounding this death are asked to contact Stornoway Police Station on 01851 702222.

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Western Isles salmon producer suspend boss

Mar 3rd, 10 / 0 Comments

The board of Director in Lighthouse Caledonia Ltd have suspended Managing Director OddGeir Oddsen of Lighthouse Caledonia Ltd from his work.

Oddsen strongly refuse that the Board has any justified reason for the suspension and see the Board’s initiative as a consequence of different view on corporate governance in particular the CG rules that should govern the relation and responsibilities between the Board and the management

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Gaelic learning week

Mar 3rd, 10 / 0 Comments

During Easter  Stòras Uibhist are offering a unique opportunity to Gàidhlig learners to spend a ‘Learning Week’ in South Uist and its surrounding communities, enhancing and developing their use of Gàidhlig through a total immersion programme.

The Learning Week will be based at the exclusive Grogarry Lodge http://www.grogarrylodge.com an all inclusive basis.

“Range of culturally based activities”

The week will take the format of interactive tuition in the mornings, followed by a wide range of culturally based activities related to the learning sessions including hill / machair walks, museum and cultural tours, an autobiographical presentation by a local bard, fishing and weather permitting, an exciting and thoroughly memorable boat trip to the second most southerly island of the Western Isles; Mingulay.

Evening entertainment will encompass a range of opportunities to see, hear and take part in traditional dancing, song, ceilidhs and music sessions – so bring your instruments!

“Homeland of the Gaels”

This is an exceptional opportunity for learners at an intermediate level to experience Hebridean culture and apply their Gaelic in an informal atmosphere in the homeland of the Gaels within the exquisite and historical island setting of a traditional Estate lodge.

The programme will run from 10am Monday the 5th April 2010 with departures on Saturday morning, 10th April 2010.
For further details please go to www.storasuibhist.com/gaelic-week or contact Deirdre MacEachen on 01878 700101 or e-mail deirdre.maceachen@storasuibhist.com

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Culture, Gaelic language, News Archives, Uists

Western Isles MP welcomes UKBA decision

Mar 3rd, 10 / 0 Comments


Angus Macneil

Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil has welcomed the announcement from the United Kingdom Border Agency that non EU fishermen will be allowed to work on fishing boats within Scottish waters subject to certain conditions.

This issue has been a cause for concern for many fishing boat skippers in the islands, and I am now glad that after much work the issue has been resolved.

Mr MacNeil commented:

“This had been a long term issue, which I have been working on for the past 2 years, and during that time have been in close dialogue with industry leaders and fishing boat skippers and also the UKBA. This also needed liaison with the Immigration Minister Phil Woolas MP, who listened to sensible argument on the issue.

“I am glad to see that common sense has prevailed, and that many of the hard working fishermen from non EU countries will now be allowed to return and work on the boats they had previously been working on.

“These fishermen are valued crew members, and it will mean that many fishing boat owners will not now be in a predicament as to whether they could go to sea or not.

“Many people have worked hard to achieve this result, and I am glad that this decision will be welcomed by many in the industry.”

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Seeking a major reform of Crown Estate in Scotland

Mar 3rd, 10 / 0 Comments

Michael Foxley

“Marine energy development”

The Highland Council’s Leader Councillor Michael Foxley underlined the Council’s commitment to major reform of the Crown Estate in Scotland when he gave evidence to the UK Government’s Treasury Sub-Committee, which is reviewing the role of Crown Estate in Scotland
In reinforcing the Council’s written submission, Councillor Foxley told the sub-committee at Westminster that a vital concern of the Council was the need to secure major local financial community benefits (in addition to employment, training and business benefits) from marine energy development around the Highlands and Western Isles.

In supporting the renewable energy sector in the Highlands, the Council saw huge opportunities for the development of marine renewable energy in the Pentland Firth.

“Benefit from offshore renewables”

To this end, the Council was now working with the Crown Estate Commissioners and its Highland and Islands local authority partners and Highlands and Islands Enterprise to agree a Memorandum of Understanding with the Commissioners.

He said: “We need to learn from the mistakes of the past to ensure that Highland and Islands communities benefit from offshore renewables. We should seek community benefits similar to those gained by the Shetland oil fund.”

He stressed the Council also wished to see conditions conducive to sustained investment in the Highlands and Islands. The Council accepted that unnecessary delays in allocating leases combined with recent reports of three-fold increases in transmission charges may increase uncertainty, particularly at the early stages of development. Clarity and stability were important prerequisites for potential developers of marine energy.

“New Opportunities for Public Benefits”

He added: “A further concern is that marine renewable energy development takes place in a sustainable manner that is fully integrated with the marine spatial planning process at a national and local level. The importance of appropriate consultation as part of this process is obvious. Highland Council wishes to see greater efforts to fully integrate the role of the Crown Estate Commissioners with the marine planning process at national and local level in Scotland. This implies a need for greater integration with Marine Scotland, which will shortly have responsibility for marine planning and licensing, with the passage of the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010. ”

Councillor Foxley told the sub-committee the Council was a leading force in commissioning a report entitled “The Crown Estate in Scotland – New Opportunities for Public Benefits”, because of a longstanding dissatisfaction with the Crown Estate in Scotland in terms of dealing with fish farming and harbour and port developments. It was his view that harbour authorities and trusts, who control the waters around ports, should own and control the sea bed.

Councillor Foxley concluded: “I am pleased that we took this opportunity to present our views and we got a fair hearing from the Treasury Sub-Committee. Hopefully, something positive will come from this review.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles
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Lewis News, News Archives

Gaelic: A Winner at Scottish Ski Centres?

Mar 3rd, 10 / 0 Comments

A research project is set to get underway to assess the impact and benefits of bilingual signage at Scotland’s ski centres.

The Gaelic and English signs, at the Lecht, Glenshee, Nevis Range and Glencoe ski centres, were installed 12 months ago under a scheme operated by Comunn na Gàidhlig (CnaG), on behalf of Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

Now, given the excellent skiing conditions being enjoyed across the country, it is hoped to take advantage of the high visitor numbers to look into their awareness and attitude towards the bilingual signage.

CnaG chief executive Donald MacNeill said:

“The recent wintery weather and surge in visitors at Scotland’s Ski centres is providing great exposure for the new Gaelic presence at these centres. It’s an ideal opportunity to examine the effectiveness of the bilingual signs among skiers and boarders from the Highlands and afar who are attending the centres; a lot of whom may never have come across signs with Gàidhlig and English before.

“The bilingual signage scheme has run successfully for a number of years with some 100 companies having taken advantage of the opportunity, so we already know it’s worthwhile in raising the profile both of Gaelic and the participating company or business. What this new research is about is trying to find out whether the presence of these signs affects the general interest in Gaelic; encourages people to think about Gaelic in a different light; or if visitors are more attracted to places with Gaelic.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles
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Culture, Gaelic language, Lewis News, News Archives, Stornoway News

Power supply to Western Isles Hospital

Mar 2nd, 10 / 0 Comments

NHS Western Isles is currently working with electricity suppliers to resolve an issue which affects the power supply within Western Isles Hospital.

The issue relates to a fault with one of the hospital’s two circuit breakers, which was discovered during routine testing of the generator.

As a result of the fault, the circuit breaker is currently non-operational. Consequently, in the event of a mains power failure, the hospital would be unable to automatically switch immediately to the emergency generator.

Manual switching to the remaining circuit breaker to move to emergency power is however possible and technical staff are now on site 24/7 to conduct the switch-over, should that be necessary.

All necessary steps have been taken to resolve the situation and contingency plans have been agreed to minimise the impact on patient services, and to maintain clinical safety.

However, as a precautionary measure, some surgical procedures are being postponed.

Chief Executive Gordon Jamieson stated:

“NHS technical staff are urgently working to resolve the situation with expert support from Scottish and Southern Energy.  Patients can be assured that there is no cause for immediate concern and that there are robust contingency plans in plans to maintain clinical safety.  We will have to reschedule some surgical procedures as a precautionary measure, and we will be in touch with those patients who may be affected.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles
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Stornoway News

Leader Innse Gall assist Barra water sport club

Mar 2nd, 10 / 0 Comments

The Outer Hebrides LEADER Innse Gall programme has just paid out its first full LEADER grant of £8,635 to a community project in Barra.  Barra Watersports Club,managed by volunteers, provides water based activities to the communities of Barra and Vatersay.  LEADER has contributed towards funding for a fleet of Royal Yachting Association (RYA) sailing boats, windsurfing and kayak equipment as well as RYA Sailing Instructor fees and Windsurfing Instructor fees.

The boats and equipment have been a huge success in enabling the club to develop its existing water based activities offered in the local community.

Karen Denehy of Barra WatersportsClub said:

“The support and assistance provided by LEADER Innse Gall has been instrumental in the development of the Barra Watersports Club.  We are looking forward to a busy summer season.  The new boats and equipment will provide an excellent new facility for tourists and islanders alike and will give people the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful coastline which surrounds our islands”.

LEADER, is part of the Scottish Rural Development Programme, and is a rural development grant funding programme aimed at promoting economic and community development within Scotland and the Outer Hebrides through supporting small-scale, community-driven integrated and innovative projects.

The LEADER Innse Gall Field Officer for Uist and Barra is Donna Matheson.  Donna is based in Balivanich and travels to Barra once a month to meet with prospective clients.

If you have a new project, that has not already commenced, and that you think would be eligible for LEADER funding or if would like to discuss a project idea, please contact Donna on 01870 603860 or by email to donna.matheson@cne-siar.gov.uk.  Donna will next be available to meet at the Comhairle offices in Barra on Tuesday 9th March between 11.30am – 4.30pm.

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