Posts Tagged ‘Outer Hebrides’

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

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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Politicians welcome extension of cheap ferry fares in Western Isles

Aug 31st, 10 / 0 Comments

SNP MSP for the Western Isles, Alasdair Allan, has today expressed his delight at the news that the Scottish Government will extend the Road Equivalent Tariff scheme for at least another year on island ferries.

The move means that, instead of ending in April 2011, as originally announced when the scheme was launched in 2007, the reduced fares will now continue until Spring 2012 to allow the Government time to review the RET pilot study which has been underway.

“Island travellers”


Alasdair Allan commented:

“This news comes after much lobbying of government ministers, and is a recognition that the benefits of RET for the island economy are obvious. It was clear that a decision would have to be taken imminently because of the need to print next year’s ferry timetables, and I believe that the right decision has been taken at this time to extend the RET pilot by at least a further year.

”As originally envisaged, the scheme would have run out in April 2011, with a decision on replacement not being taken until some months after that, during which the old pre-RET fares would have made a comeback. Thankfully, in spite of the huge pressures on Scotland’s budget just now, the scheme has now been renewed for a further year.

“While ministers can’t prejudice the results of the RET pilot study by committing yet to the longer term, I hope this is a positive indication for the future and makes the case for RET in the longer term. I would like to thank all constituents who have raised this issue with me, and warmly welcome this positive result for island travellers, the tourist industry and the island economy.”

Angus MacNeil commented:

“This is great news and I am delighted that the lobbying done by myself and Alasdair Allan MSP has paid off, and many in the islands will welcome this news, as they have seen passenger and vehicle numbers increase hugely since the scheme’s introduction in October 2008.

“In particular, the tourism industry in the Western Isles has seen huge benefits since the start of the scheme.

“Almost on a daily basis, I was being asked by constituents what was happening with the scheme beyond 2011. Today’s announcement will be hugely welcomed not just by residents of the Western Isles but also by the many visitors who are now able to visit the islands because of the reduced ferry fares.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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New DVD designed to help Gaelic early years staff

Aug 30th, 10 / 0 Comments

A DVD designed to help Gaelic early years staff make the most of Curriculum for Excellence has been launched.

The resource shares practical examples of the new curriculum in action and highlights the many different ways that children can learn and develop Gaelic language skills. It includes film clips of real examples in a variety of contexts and suggestions for using meaningful Gaelic play-based and active learning across the eight areas of the curriculum.

Education Secretary Michael Russell said:

“Curriculum for Excellence is designed to bring learning to life and offer a joined up approach from 3 – 18. It offers a fantastic opportunity for staff working with children in the vital early years of their lives to develop creative and innovative approaches to helping pupils learn.

“Children learning Gaelic in the earliest years of their education have the best opportunity to be able to use the language in every day life. That’s why this is a key part of our drive to increase the number of young Gaelic speakers and ensure the language thrives.

“Engage for Education”


“This DVD will help staff use the new curriculum to boost pupils learning by offering ideas on how to teach Gaelic in nurseries. There are many good ideas from involving pupils in relevant activities in the local community so that they get used to hearing Gaelic spoken to using traditional Gaelic songs and poems to build literacy skills.

“I hope this will provide inspiration for staff working in Gaelic Medium nurseries and primary schools and make sure pupils beginning to learn through Gaelic benefit from the play based approach to learning that’s so successful in the early years.”

Examples of good emerging practice were captured in five settings from across Scotland. The section of Language Learning and Developments features children learning Gaelic in a range of activities. These include engaging with the wider Gaelic community, using ICT and active learning activities. Gaelic practitioners will be provided with information on how children acquire language and how they then progress to be bilingual and bi-literate. The DVD has been produced by Learning and Teaching Scotland. Copies have been sent to all pre-school and primary settings which provide Gaelic Medium education.

The Scottish Government’s innovative Engage for Education site allows users to read blogs from Ministers, post comments and get involved in workshops on issues relating to education.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

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

Western Isles Friends of the Co-operative

Aug 30th, 10 / 0 Comments

The Western Isles Friends of the Co-operative Ideal are keen to hear of people’s memories and reminiscences of the old Co-op shops and Co-op vans which used to sell groceries in the islands up until the 1970’s. Any photographs and stories of how the work was organised and who was involved will be welcome.

“Through co-operation”


Chair of the group Matt Bruce said that people’s stories and recollections would be used in an exhibition as part of a conference to be held in the Bridge Centre Stornoway on Friday 8th October 2010.

The conference will examine co-operative ideals in both a modern and a historic context. The Highlands and Islands branch of the Co-operative Party held its June meeting in Stornoway. At that meeting, Islanders said that if the Western Isles are to survive as a vibrant, successful, enterprising community, retaining its young people, and attracting families from elsewhere, it must be through co-operation.

If you would like to share your Co-op stories please contact Matt Bruce on (01851) 870273.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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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

New Equipment Installed at Stornoway Sports Centre

Aug 27th, 10 / 0 Comments

Significant works have just been completed at Ionad Spòrs Leòdhais in Stornoway and Lionacleit Sports Centre in Benbecula.  Following the installation of new ‘state of the art’ Technogym equipment at the facilities in Stornoway and in Benbecula, service users are being invited to try out the new equipment for themselves!

The successful ‘Slainte Mhath!’ sports facility access scheme which began in January 2010 began to put significant pressure on the fitness suite at Ionad Spòrs Leòdhais.  The new development includes a new air conditioned strength and conditioning area, which has the benefit of freeing up space for additional cardiovascular (CV) equipment and has increased the capacity of the facility by 30%.

“Funding new equipment”


The new equipment, which was funded entirely by NHS nan Eilean Siar is a welcome boost for the two facilities and it is hoped that it will encourage more people to use the gyms and sign up to the Slàinte Mhath initiative.

Facilities Manager at Ionad Spòrs Leòdhais, Tony Wade said:

“I am delighted with the new cardiovascular equipment by Technogym which is the latest model on the market.  Already we have had some excellent feedback from service users and the installation of extra equipment will allow more people to use our facilities.  Our staff are on hand to assist with any questions service users may have regarding the new equipment and its operation”.

NHS Western Isles Chief Executive Gordon Jamieson commented: “This is an excellent example of joint working between the Health Board and Comhairle. A major aim of the Health Board is health improvement, health promotion and illness prevention. We are delighted to be able to support our local fitness suites by funding new equipment.

“Sports centre facilities”


“There is a clear link between increased physical activity and the reduction in the incidence of heart disease, hypertension and diabetes. The significant benefits in terms of mental health are also well documented. The investment in these facilities will increase the capacity of the sports centres and allow them to continue to widen access to both the public and patients.”

Adding his endorsement, Chair of Sustainable Development Committee, Councillor Archie Campbell said:

“I am delighted that the new equipment is fully operational at both Lionacleit and Stornoway.  Through the Slàinte Mhath scheme it has not only become more affordable to use the island facilities but we now have access to some of the best equipment in the country. I hope that many more people choose to make use of the excellent sports centre facilities we have on our very doorsteps”.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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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.

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Public Health Minister visit’s new dental centre in Stornoway

Aug 25th, 10 / 0 Comments

Scottish Public Health Minister, Shona Robinson, will visit the new Teach and Treat centre in Stornoway.

Ms Robinson will also visit a new garden, which has been created for elderly mental health patients; the visits will coincide with the NHS Western Isles Annual Review. The garden has been designed for mental health patients at the Western Isles Hospital; local community groups and schools were involved in the construction process and will be encouraged to make use of the facility in the future.

“Showcased in the Western Isles”


Construction is currently underway on the new four million pound dental centre in Stornoway and the centre is set to open its doors to patients at the end of the year. The brand new, state of the art facility will contain seven general dental surgeries and five training surgeries, which will be used to teach and train undergraduate dental students and trainee dental hygienists and therapists.

The new Dental Teach and Treat Centre will improve access to NHS dental services in the Western Isles and will provide excellent training facilities for the dental professionals of the future. It is also hoped that many of the graduates will choose to stay on and work in the Western Isles, which will further improve access to NHS care.

Shona Robinson said she was delighted with both of the new projects being showcased in the Western Isles; she went on to say that she was incredibly proud of the work achieved by the NHS and that she was looking forward to the Annual Review.

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