Posts Tagged ‘Lewis’

Western Isles council budget seminar

Aug 10th, 10 / 1 Comment

Following a budget seminar meeting at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar today, Leader of the Comhairle, Councillor Angus Campbell said:

“Today marked the start of a process within the Comhairle where Members and Senior Officers began to examine options and choices for future budgets.  This is the first in a series of meetings which will include consultation with the wider community, service users and Comhairle staff.  The challenges which the Comhairle will inevitably have to face must be dealt with on the basis of best information and knowledge”.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Wave company looking at wave power potential of Lewis

Aug 10th, 10 / 1 Comment

Wave energy company Aquamarine Power has recently visited the Western Isles to explore the potential for installing a small demonstration wave power project off the west coast of Lewis.

Representatives of the Edinburgh-based company came to Stornoway to attend the inception meeting of the Outer Hebrides Renewables Group [Friday July 23], chaired by Council Leader Angus Campbell, which met to discuss issues affecting the renewable energy industry such as grid infrastructure and transmission charging.  The meeting was also attended by representatives from Scottish Natural Heritage and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.  Aquamarine Power also met with local MSP Dr Alasdair Allan while they were in Lewis to ask for advice about how to find the best location for a demonstration site.

“Responsible development”

The company now plans to make contact with as many local stakeholders as possible to take advice on the most suitable locations for a potential site to install a test of array of up to ten wave power devices in the next five years.

“It has been great to visit Lewis to understand some of the issues facing the renewable energy industry here on the island.  We are now keen to speak to as many local people as possible to help us identify potential areas for testing a small demonstration array of our Oyster wave power devices,” explains Dr Sian George, head of Aquamarine Power’s commercial development team.

“The Isle of Lewis has some of the best wave resource in the world. We think the marine renewables industry offers terrific potential for the island but at this early stage it is essential that we work closely with local communities and key stakeholders to ensure the sustainable and responsible development of any proposed Oyster project.

“Oyster 2 device”

Dr-Sian-George

“In the next few weeks we will be commencing some preliminary boat survey work to compare the seabed at different points along the coast, and this will help inform our discussions with the Lewis community,” Dr George adds.

Aquamarine Power has offices in Edinburgh and Orkney. The company successfully installed its Oyster 1 wave device at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney last summer and plans to deploy its next-generation Oyster 2 in Orkney next year.

Aquamarine Power worked with over 30 local firms and spent over £1.5m in the Orkney economy during the installation of its first Oyster device and continues to source much of the goods and services it requires from within Orkney as the company progresses with the development of its Oyster 2 device.

If any reader has an interest in this proposal, please contact Neil Davidson, Public Affairs Manager, Aquamarine Power, 10 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH2 2AF. Tel: 0131 718 6011, or email: neil.davidson@aquamarinepower.com.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Harris Tweed saris at Edinburgh Festival

Aug 8th, 10 / 1 Comment

Harris Tweed cloth manufactured by Harris Tweed Textiles in Carloway, Lewis has been donated to create some very unusual saris that will be showcased in a catwalk event at the Edinburgh Festival this weekend.

“Cultural diversity”


The event is part of festival’s ‘Cargo’ event; a collaboration between some of Scotland’s most exciting artists, musicians and theatre-makers.

Cargo is also part of the three day ‘Mela’ section of the festival taking place over this weekend.  Mela is a celebration of cultural diversity, which has in the past attracted tens of thousands of people.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Hebrides pupils learn about money

Jul 3rd, 10 / 1 Comment

Sgoil a’ Bhac pupils, in Gaelic Medium P7 & S1 classes, have won a prestigious UK-wide award for a 5 scene DVD dealing with various aspects of personal finance for young people.

This teaching resource was developed with the support of Learning & Teaching Scotland (LTS) and the professional scriptwriter Catriona Lexy Campbell.

The DVD was originally scheduled to be distributed to all schools offering Gaelic Medium education but a version with English subtitles is currently being prepared for national circulation.

“National stage”



The scenarios scripted by the pupils focus on:

  • borrowing and friendship.
  • lottery and the love of money.
  • store card credit.
  • cost versus function – real value.
  • spend or save?

The DVD is targeted at pupils in upper primary and early secondary stages.

As well as working with LTS staff, a scriptwriter and other adults, the pupils had the opportunity to film at various locations in the community.  This experience enabled them to develop skills in media, drama and teamwork.  These skills which are central to the new Curriculum for Excellence.

On Thursday 17th June 2010, two pupils and members of staff attended the national awards ceremony in London where the school was presented with the overall trophy for the most innovative PFE awards project.

This is a major achievement for a small, rural, island school and the pupils are to be commended for their efforts.  It also highlights the potential for success of Gaelic Medium education on a national stage.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Up, up and away – sea eagle is released in Lewis

Jun 15th, 10 / 1 Comment

A magnificent sea eagle who was rescued by the crew of a French yacht in Harris last week has been released back to the wild.

The three year old raptor, which according to her tag, was born in the Uists, was discovered exhausted on the shores of Loch Bhrolluim, and taken into the care of local RSPB officer Martin Scott.

“Local island”

After resting over the weekend on Monday evening it was time for the eagle to return to the wild and she was released.

She was eager to leave her cage but took some time to find her bearings, especially given some pesky nearby gulls, who were determined to give her a hard time.

Following her release she has taken up residence on a nearby local island.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Lewis chessmen on the march home?

Jun 15th, 10 / 0 Comments

Could the Lewis Chessmen be on the way back to the Outer Hebrides?

Well it seems this scenario could be one step closer following a ‘positive meeting’ between Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil and the British Museum today (Tuesday).

“Rich heritage”

Mr MacNeil has presented a number of proposals to the British Museum and the Chessmen may soon be on public display in Lewis.

The MP was reported as saying: “Today we held a very positive meeting between the British Museum and myself, as MP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, at which we discussed partnership with the National Museum for Scotland and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar regarding a regular presence of the Lewis Chessmen and possibly other objects from the British Museum in Lewis in the near future.”

It is believed that the return of the chessmen to the home where they were discovered would provide a unique draw for tourism, as visitors seek to discover more about the area’s rich heritage.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Western Isles parents to receive letter from education secretary

Jun 15th, 10 / 1 Comment

A letter from Education Secretary Michael Russell will land on the doorsteps of parents with pupils in P7 across the Western Isles this week.

Mr Russell will give parents further information about Curriculum for Excellence, including examples of how subjects can be linked, the new qualifications, and what will change and what will not.

Mr Russell said: “As Curriculum for Excellence is being put into practice in schools this August, it’s important that parents know how it will improve their child’s education. That’s why I have written to all parents of primary 7 pupils, highlighting the main points about the new curriculum. My letter builds on the parental toolkit which helps schools tell parents about the changes and delivers another part of my ten point plan. It is good that schools are organising events for parents. The laws of physics and rules of French grammar will remain the same, so no one needs to think that everything in use now has to be re-thought or re-written.  That is emphatically not the case; Curriculum for Excellence is more about method than content. Curriculum for Excellence will build on the current strengths of Scottish education and make sure our young people are resourceful, adaptable, flexible, confident and responsible. It will give them the skills they need for the jobs of the future and make sure they – and Scotland – will be in a stronger position to succeed in a global economy.”

“Primary and secondary”

Schools in the Western Isles are currently preparing for implementation of Curriculum for Excellence in August 2010.

Councillor Morag Munro, chair of education and children’s services at Western Isles Council, said:  “I welcome this initiative by the Cabinet Secretary.  In the Western Isles we are actively involved in publicising Curriculum for Excellence and have distributed our own explanatory leaflet to parents.  Headteachers have also been promoting the new curriculum through Parent Councils.  The letter from the Cabinet Secretary is a very valuable addition to these efforts and will help to highlight the benefits of CfE for pupils.”

A parent toolkit and leaflets are also available to explain what Curriculum for Excellence will mean for children at each level – early years, primary and secondary.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

HMIe report on Lews castle college inspection

Jun 11th, 10 / 0 Comments

“Conversational Gaelic”

HMIe have just published a report on their recent inspection of Lews Castle College.

The report highlights many positive aspects of the College’s delivery of learning and teaching in the context of national targets.

As a co-partner in the Ulpan Gaelic Language Learning Programme, the Comhairle is delighted that Ulpan has been flagged up as an excellent example of sector leading and innovative practice.

Ulpan is a national immersion programme designed to develop quickly, learners’ skills in using conversational Gaelic.

“Western Isles.”

As well as helping to meet Gaelic targets within the Comhairle’s own Gaelic Language Plan, the Ulpan Courses delivered at LewsCastle College have been acknowledged by the HMIe to be of the highest standard.

This endorses the Ulpan programme at Lews Castle College as a centre of excellence and a model for other educational institutions throughout Scotland to follow.

Agnes Rennie, Chair of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Comataidh Buileachaidh Plana Cànain said:

“I am delighted that the Ùlpan course being delivered by Lews Castle College has been recognised within the HMIe report as an excellent example of sector leading practice.  It has been of enormous benefit to the Comhairle in delivering its own Gaelic Language Plan and we look forward to seeing future increases in the number of Gaelic speakers in the Western Isles.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Minch swimmer triumphs in challenge but may lose out on record

Jun 6th, 10 / 0 Comments

THE freezing temperatures and gruelling currents of the 15 miles of open sea from Waternish in Skye to Rodel in Harris has beaten many a daredevil free swimmer.

However 22 year old Eilidh Macdonald became the first person to swim across the Little Minch to the Western Isles on Thursday evening in nine and half hours – creating a new world record.

Yet it seems the young swimmer’s achievements may not be officially recognised, due to the fact that Eilidh had to don a wetsuit in order to survive the cold waters.

“Both her parents are from Lewis”

Her wetsuit has been deemed a ‘swimming aid’ breaching the rules of the British Long Distance  Swimming Association (BLDSA).

The BLDSA consider the suits an aid to buoyancy, but  also its protective qualities against the cold are frowned upon, as they believe swimmers should be ‘braving the elements’.

Battling cramp and dodging thousands of jellyfish an exhausted Eilidh almost gave up on her record setting swim within sight of the headland at Rodel, but she persevered telling herself ‘just touch the wall’.

Her magnificent achievement has meant Eilidh, who is from York but has strong family connections to the Isle of Lewis (both her parents are from Lewis), has raised £3,000 for charities: Bethesda Hospice in Stornoway, Martin House Children’s Hospice in York and the Cat Welfare and Rescue Trust.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Lewis athlete reaches stage three of national sports initiative

Jun 1st, 10 / 1 Comment

“April 2010”

Talented local swimmer Kathryn Offer has eased through the first two stages of a national initiative for athletes entitled Talent 2016: Tall and Talented.

The programme aims to unearth exceptional athletic talent capable of achieving medal success at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and beyond.

Facilities Manager at Ionad Spòrs Leòdhais, Tony Wade found out about the programme and suggested to Kathryn that she put herself forward.

Photo courtesy of Leila Angus

Over 1500 applications were initially received and 800 athletes were chosen to take part in five camps which were held in various locations across Britain.

Camp attendees participated in a number of physical assessments under the guidance of UK Talent Team sports scientists and Olympic coaches.

Kathryn was informed in March that she had been chosen to attend Phase 2 of the Programme which took place in Nottingham in April 2010.

“General training”

Fifty boys and thirty girls, from across a range of sporting disciplines, took part in this stage where further assessments were carried out along with individual interviews.

Kathryn has since been informed that she has passed through Phase 2 and has been invited to attend a Rowing Camp in Nottingham in August along with 40-50 others.

There are five phases in the assessment programme and the athletes participating will be whittled down in each phase depending on their individual assessments.  Commenting on her achievement, 18 year old Kathryn said:

“I am absolutely delighted to have reached this stage.  I can’t quite believe that I have got this far.  I know that I have a huge amount of work ahead of me between now and August and with each passing stage the competition gets fiercer.  However the experience gained from this has been invaluable and all the hard work and dedication put into my swimming and general training seems totally worth it”.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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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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Outer Hebrides tourism urged to grab Thistles ‘Opportunity’

May 25th, 10 / 1 Comment

VisitScotland’s Islands Manager in the Outer Hebrides is urging the region’s tourism businesses to grab the opportunity to enter the Scottish Thistle Awards this year. MaryAnn MacIver says that the Outer Hebrides have a great deal to offer in the way of world class visitor experiences, but that the islands need to blow their own trumpet more when it comes to talking up their achievements.

“Furthering his career”

“There are many fantastic visitor experiences throughout the Outer Hebrides, from top quality accommodation to fine dining, from events to guided tours, and it’s time we spoke up about them. The Scottish Thistle Awards represent an opportunity for tourism businesses in the Outer Hebrides to be recognised amongst their peers on a national level and I urge groups, businesses and individuals involved in tourism throughout the islands to enter.”

Rhoda Campbell, Owner of Blue Reef Self Catering Cottages in Harris, which won a Thistle Award for Customer Care in 2006, and was a Thistle Award ‘Innovation’ finalist in 2005, agrees: “Winning the Thistle Award was a great boost for Blue Reef Cottages. Aside from all the publicity, which helped to raise our profile, it was very rewarding to have our hard work recognised on a national scale. The Thistle Awards provide the perfect platform for achieving national recognition and I would encourage tourism businesses across the Outer Hebrides to enter – after all, entry is free so they’ve nothing to lose!”

VisitScotland’s newly appointed Chairman, Dr Mike Cantlay, is another former Thistle Award winner, an achievement he feels has played a pivotal role in getting him where he is today. Now a successful businessman and convener of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and Authority, a destination which attracts millions of visitors, Dr Cantlay said that scooping the Young Manager of the Year accolade at the inaugural Scottish Thistle Awards ceremony was vital in furthering his career.

“Scottish Thistle Awards”

“I am very proud of the fact I have won a Scottish Thistle Award – I think it’s a magnificent institution,” said Dr Cantlay, who was 28 when he picked up the honour back in 1992. “Winning the award was a real catalyst in terms of meeting other people within the industry and building up my confidence. It also helped to inspire their confidence in me.”

Now in their 19th year, the much sought-after Scottish Thistle Awards are widely viewed as the official mark of excellence within the Scottish tourism industry, celebrating quality and innovation across a range of categories.

In total there are ten award categories, which are designed to span the different elements that help to develop a successful tourism product. Businesses can enter as many categories as are applicable to their individual achievements.

Category Sponsors
Retail Tourism Award (new) Bank of Scotland Merchant Services
Events and Festivals Award

(National and International)

 EventScotland
Taste of Scotland Award Barr’s Originals
Extra Mile Award (Small, Medium and Large Businesses) VisitScotland Quality & Standards
Innovation Award Scottish Enterprise
Marketing Initiative Award VisitBritain
Young Tourism Entrepreneur Award Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust with support from The Moffat Charitable Trust
Heritage Experience Award (new) Historic Scotland
Sustainable Tourism Award Scottish Natural Heritage
Business Tourism Award VisitScotland Business Tourism Unit

Entries for this year’s Scottish Thistle Awards close on Wednesday 30 June. The ceremony takes place at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on Friday 29 October. For further information or to enter, visit www.scottishthistleawards.co.uk

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Labour MSP criticises Lewis estate owner

May 24th, 10 / 1 Comment

Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Peter Peacock has criticised the owner of the Pairc Estate on Lewis for launching a last-minute court action to try to stop the community buyout of 20,000 acres of moorland.

Mr Peacock said: “This seems like a typical action of someone completely out of tune with the local community and determined to kill off the initiative and drive of that community.

“The community want, rightly, to take control of their own future and make that a better future, removing control from a
landowner hostile to their ambitions.

“The historic land reform legislation we passed was designed to help communities in the face of just such landowners.

“I hope the Courts reject his case.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Western Isles no fly zone

May 16th, 10 / 1 Comment

The possibility of flight disruption arising from volcanic ash has increased in the last 24 hours following fresh volcanic activity in Iceland and south-westerly winds carrying the ash towards UK airspace

Recognising the lifeline nature of the majority of the routes operated by Loganair, we will not cancel flights unless such action becomes unavoidable as a result of a No Fly Zone being imposed.

A further review will take place this evening to review operating plans for tomorrow, where disruption may affect further services on other routes such as those to the Western Isles in particular.

New, easy-to-understand information on the disruption caused by the volcanic ash cloud is now available online.
Finance Secretary John Swinney said the Government’s website would now categorise disruption as either:
Level 1 – No Present Disruption
Level 2 – Likely Disruption
Level 3 – Current Disruption

“7,000 seats”

This will allow the public to get an instant snapshot of the current situation.

The website will also link to other essential information, including the Met Office’s new five-day ash prediction charts.

The development came as the volcanic ash cloud again caused disruption to Scottish air travel, with wider disruption expected over the next 24 hours.

The current situation is:

Prestwick, Campbeltown, Barra and Islay airports closed at 1300 hours today and will remain closed until at least 1900 hours. Flights from other airports are affected due to airport closures in other countries.

The ash cloud is likely to move over other parts of Scotland over the next 24 hours causing further closure of airports/airspace. Not all airports/airspace will be affected in the same way at the same time.

Additional capacity is being made available on other modes of transport, including an extra 7,000 seats on Virgin trains.

“Alternative travel”

Mr Swinney said: “Once again Scotland is facing disruption and we are working hard to minimise the impact on the travelling public.

The Scottish Government Resilience Room is open and Ministers met again today to agree what further action we can take.

“That action includes our new web pages which will give people instant access to simple information about the current situation, plus access to a wealth of other valuable information.

“Current predictions suggest the situation is likely to worsen over the next 24 hours before easing into Tuesday. As ever passengers are strongly advised to contact their airlines before travelling to the airport and may wish to consider alternative travel arrangements if possible.”

Stornoway News

Western Isles labour candidate speaks on housing

Apr 19th, 10 / 0 Comments

“Grant and Loan”

While campaigning this week with activists in the Seaforth Road, Battery Park and Newton areas of Stornoway, Labour  candidate Donald John MacSween said the provision of good quality social and crofter housing in the Western Isles was essential to maintain the islands’ population and attract young people back to live and work here.

He said: “There are three critical issues facing us right now. The ending of the Improvement and Repair grant scheme, the dismantling of the Crofting Grant and Loan scheme and the reduction in investment in the social housing stock are all severe cuts which  have all been inflicted on these islands by the SNP government.

“Housing strategy”

These are urgent problems which need a solution. As someone who has experience in housing, who understands how housing investment contributes to economic activity, and who will work to reverse these damaging SNP cuts, I will raise these topics and campaign for a properly-financed and joined-up housing strategy to keep housing and the economy of these islands moving.

“We need more houses built for our young people, we need houses well-insulated and kept in good repair. The current SNP housing strategy will not achieve this.”

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.”

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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

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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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