Posts Tagged ‘Stornoway’

Western Isles MSP welcomes Shetland support over RET

Sep 3rd, 10 / 0 Comments

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

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

“Ferry services”

Alasdair Allan commented:

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

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

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

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

Stornoway News

ST Kilda exhibition at Stornoway museum

Sep 3rd, 10 / 0 Comments

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

“Museum nan Eilean”

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

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

Stornoway News

Skills for Work at Sgoil Lionacleit

Sep 1st, 10 / 0 Comments

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

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

“Local economy.”

Education Secretary Michael Russell said:

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

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

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

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

“College or employment.”

Mr Miller Macdonald (Acting head Teacher) said:

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

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

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

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Western Isles Council moves ahead with budget process

Sep 1st, 10 / 0 Comments

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

“Reduction in resources”

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

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

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Taskforce continues to support the case for Hebrides range

Sep 1st, 10 / 0 Comments

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

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

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

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

“Hebrides Range”


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

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

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

“Defence diversification potentials”


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

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

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Harris Tweed Hebrides triggers £230,000 boost for weavers

Aug 31st, 10 / 0 Comments


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

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

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

“Business booming at Shawbost”


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

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

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

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

“significant upturn”


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

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

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

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

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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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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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

Tour of the Western Isles for Education Secretary

Aug 26th, 10 / 0 Comments

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

“Engage for Education”


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

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

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Western Isles MP makes fuel action call

Aug 26th, 10 / 0 Comments

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

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

- Barra: Unleaded 133.9p / Diesel 134.9p

- Uist: Unleaded 133p / Diesel 134p

- Harris: Unleaded 130.9p / Diesel 132.9p

- Stornoway: Unleaded 126.9p / Diesel 127.9p

“Rural communities need instant action”


Mr MacNeil said:

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

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

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

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

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

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

SPCA calls for guga hunt ban

Aug 25th, 10 / 0 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

“Scottish Natural Heritage”


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

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

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

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

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

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

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.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Date extended for rural broadband initiative

Aug 24th, 10 / 0 Comments

Rural communities can now bid for a share of a one million-Euro (€1m) fund, which presently amounts to approximately £800,000, to bring enhanced broadband to their areas.  The new investment which is being delivered by the LEADER 2007-2013 programme supports small-scale, community driven projects in rural areas and aims to improve coverage and bring faster broadband to rural communities.

This latest announcement of support under SRDP means that communities will have the opportunity to define the broadband needs for their area and develop a project which meets these needs. It will then be for the Local Action Groups to assess the merits of these applications and bid to the Challenge Fund to take these forward.

“Local principles”


Projects should be in keeping with the LEADER principles and applications made should highlight the positive rural development impact which they consider improved broadband access would bring.  In particular applications are sought from communities where there is presently no broadband coverage their area.

Furthermore no match funding is required, i.e. 100% costs can be applied for through the Challenge Fund.

Examples of potential projects include:

  • community groups wishing to upgrade exchanges
  • pilot projects into next generation broadband
  • supporting a business collective to access better broadband

The deadline for applications has now been extended to allow more communities the opportunity to apply for the funding and the LEADER Innse Gall Local Action Group are inviting applications and enquiries from communities throughout the Outer Hebrides by 17 September 2010.

As broadband projects have to follow the LEADER national and local principles for further information on the programme can be obtained at www.outerhebridesleader.co.uk or by calling 01851 709248/ 01870 603860..

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Western Isles MSP attends Volunteer centre AGM

Aug 24th, 10 / 0 Comments

Western Isles SNP MSP, Alasdair Allan, today attended the Annual General Meeting of the Western Isles Volunteer Centre, and used the opportunity to highlight the “enormous contribution” which volunteers make to the Western Isles.

Those at the Stornoway meeting were joined by video link by volunteers in other islands

“Volunteer Centre”

Speaking at the AGM of the Western Isles Volunteer Centre, Alasdair Allan said:

“The Western Isles beat anywhere else in Scotland when it comes to voluntary work, with almost two thirds of the adult population estimated to be doing some kind of voluntary work in the community. In fact if all these volunteers were to be paid even the minimum wage it would cost the community £3.5 million a year. That is an enormous contribution to the life of the islands.

“It was great to get another chance to meet those involved in the Volunteer Centre throughout the Western Isles and to hear about their work this year.

“Work this year has been as varied as helping pupils of Eoligarry school with the community garden in Barra at Garadh Bagh a Tuath and organising musical events at North Lewis Volunteers Week.

“This activity and sense of optimism was reflected at this year’s AGM, and I would like to wish the Volunteer Centre every success for its projects in the future.”

News Archives

Outer Hebrides CPP meeting

Aug 23rd, 10 / 0 Comments

Local Community Planning Partners in the Outer Hebrides welcomed news of a significant reduction in alcohol related crime between 2007 and 2010 at an OHCPP meeting on Thursday 19 August.

Chair of the Alcohol and Drug Partnership, Chief Inspector Gordon Macleod provided figures showing a drop from 1367 incidents in 2007 to 1039 in 2009/10 leading Partners to prioritise early alcohol intervention in order to ensure the progress continues.

Chair of the OHCPP, Angus Campbell welcomed the news saying:

“The strategic recognition by the OHCPP of the importance of early intervention is an important step forward for tackling ongoing health and safety issues in the Outer Hebrides. While important and effective work had been conducted to date, this increase in focus will ensure that the needs of the islands are targeted directly and we can continue to reduce the figures of alcohol related incidents.”

“Outer Hebrides”


As part of its continued work with community projects, Partners also agreed to continue funding through the Fairer Scotland Fund until March 2011, issuing over £100,000 to projects which aim to tackle alcohol issues, mental health issues and homelessness as well as social enterprises.

And in line with an increase in youth engagement Community Planning Partnership will use social networking to lead the way on Engagement following approval of its new Communications Strategy at the meeting.

The Strategy, which highlights the intention to make use of Twitter and other new media, was welcomed by Partners who are looking to increase their level of engagement with the public ahead of the creation of the next Single Outcome Agreement. This document is an agreement between local organizations and the Scottish Government detailing the needs and priorities of the Outer Hebrides.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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No slow ferries for Western Isles

Aug 23rd, 10 / 0 Comments

Ferry travellers to and from the Western Isles are not prepared to put up with longer journey times in order to help cut carbon emissions.

This is the information that has been revealed following Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s draft response to the Scottish Government’s ferries review.

“Reduce emissions”


The Council has urged caution on slowing the ferry link to the mainland saying the journey is already long enough and that commercial transport may be unduly affected by any lengthening of the trip.

The Council’s response to the ferry review was drafted following a series of public meetings across the Western Isles.

Instead of looking at slowing the islands’ mainland ferry journeys the Council have suggested that the government look at speed reductions on shorter Calmac routes to reduce emissions.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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