Posts Tagged ‘Uists’

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

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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.”

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North Uist lass Julie wows Cambridge festival

Aug 6th, 10 / 1 Comment

North Uist singer Julie Fowlis is said to have stolen the show at this Cambridge Folk Festival.

Singing in Gaelic accompanied by her bouzouki-playing husband, Eamon Doorley (from the Irish band Danu), and the much-venerated fiddler Duncan Chisholm, guitarist Tony Byrne and bodhran drummer Martin O’Neill, her enchanting vocals brought some sunshine to the damp festival Saturday.

Performing songs from her latest album, Uam, with huge energy, Fowlis showcased folk tales passed down from the tiny Gaelic-speaking community she grew up in.

On Sunday, Fowlis made a surprise appearance with Scottish-Cuban-fusion band Salsa Celtica, to huge applause.

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Sniffer dog joins the hunt for Western Isles hedgehogs

Aug 4th, 10 / 0 Comments

The hunt to locate hedgehogs in the Western Isles was bolstered this week when a sniffer dog joined the effort.

Golden Labrador Misca will be used to find evidence of the mammals so they can be trapped and relocated to the mainland.

The dogs are being used by the Uist Wader Project (UWP) as part of an ongoing drive to rid the Western Isles of the non-native hedgehogs.

New dog handler Stephen Robinson is in place to help the team along with golden labrador Misca, who is fully trained and will mainly be used on the moorland on the east side of Benbecula, and parts of North Uist.

“People to contact”


She is expected to be extremely effective, especially in those areas where hedgehogs are thin on the ground and the terrain is tough going for the project’s 16 trappers. The sniffer dog also gives us a means of determining the efficiency of trapping.

And Stephen has just got a second dog, Guss, who is just a few months old but will be trained to search out hedgehogs.

The UWP is responsible for removing introduced hedgehogs from the Uists and Benbecula. Research has shown that hedgehogs have caused severe damage to the islands’ biodiversity by eating the eggs of internationally important populations of wader birds.

Gwen Evans, the UWP manager, confirmed: “We have already contacted many crofters and landowners to find out if they are willing for a dog to search part of their croft land, but we have more people to contact still.

“Down rabbit burrows”


“Prior to appointing Stephen, we needed to be sure that Misca was suitable for the job, especially around stock, so we asked Pete Crichton to help. Pete has impressive credentials as for the past 10 years he has been assessing the suitability of dogs for the Search and Rescue Dog Association (SARDA).

“This work is as a volunteer which he fits around his paid job as part of the SNH team based at Kinlochewe on the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve.

“With Calum Watt, the local SSCPA Inspector looking on, the prospective dog and handler were assessed for control of the dog; coverage of the ground and especially how they reacted to stock. Each dog was expected to sit in the corner of a pen of sheep, while the sheep were moved around.

“We are pleased to report that Misca passed with flying colours. The next stage was to search a field looking for hedgehog smells – we used bedding that hedgehogs had been using overnight, hidden down rabbit burrows and in walls. Again Misca was clearly suitable for the job.”

“Avoid handling the hedgehogs”


Ross Minett, the Uist Hedgehog Rescue (UHR) spokesperson, said: “We are pleased to be helping both hedgehogs and the wading birds by removing the hedgehogs from the Uists in a humane manner.

“We are pleased to be working closely and effectively with the Uist Wader Project and this year have already translocated lots of these wonderful creatures back to mainland Scotland where they have been released to live out their lives.

“We have been made aware of concerns that hedgehogs are being picked up on South Uist. Obviously when babies or pregnant/nursing mothers are handled, this can create welfare problems, so we would like to remind people to please avoid handling the hedgehogs on South Uist. Leave that to the experts!”

If you want to report any hedgehog sightings on North Uist or Benbecula, the contact details are: Tel – 01870 620300 or uwp@snh.gov.uk.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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South Uist children’s dental drop-in clinic proves a great success

Jul 31st, 10 / 1 Comment

During the British Dental Health Foundation ‘National Smile Month’ children of South Uist recently had the opportunity to attend an ‘open clinic’ at Lochboisdale Dental Practice. The aim of the day was to improve awareness of how to prevent dental decay and to apply a fluoride varnish to their teeth. Fluoride varnish applied regularly to the teeth has scientifically been proven to reduce dental decay.

Dental decay is a preventable disease and the day’s events helped to highlight and improve awareness of the benefits to both teeth and the body if a healthy diet is maintained. Implementing good oral hygiene routines and diet from a young age is key to ‘Healthy Teeth For Life’.

“Lochboisdale Dental Practice”


The support of parents bringing their children to attend the event was tremendous. This is the first time this idea has been tried and judging by the attendance the format proved to be a success. The high number of children receiving the fluoride varnish amounted to approximately half the number of the local schools role number.

Children took part in various activities including a ‘Tooth Brush Hunt’ which gave them a chance to win an electric toothbrush. The winners were Calum and Francesca MacMillan from Frobost, South Uist. Whilst educating both parents and children on the key messages of good dental health, fun was had by all, and made a trip to the Dentists an enjoyable experience.

KEY POINTS FOR HEALTHY TEETH FOR LIFE

1)     Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste containing 1000-1450ppm Fluoride.

2)     Avoid sugary snacks or juice between meals.

3)     Regular visits to your dental practice.

Due to the resounding success of the ‘Open Day’ the next event will be held on Friday August 13 at 9.30am until 4.30pm at Lochboisdale Dental Practice.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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World’s largest tapestry to go on display in Hebrides

Jul 25th, 10 / 0 Comments

One of its many scenes features the tale of Bonnie Prince Charlie escaping to Eriskay, now the world’s biggest tapestry is set to go on display in Prestonpans.

At 104 metres long it took 25,000 man hours to finish and involved 200 volunteers from Scotland, France, Australia and the United States.

Commissioned by the Battle of Prestonpans Heritage Trust in East Lothian a year ago and designed by local artist Andrew Crummy, the tapestry tells the story of the battle on September 21, 1745 in which Jacobite rebels recorded a resounding victory against the Hanovarian Redcoats.

“Battle of Prestonpans”


Originally the tapestry was to be made up of 79 metre-long panels depicting the journey of Bonnie Prince Charlie from France to Eriskay in the Outer Hebrides and through the Highlands as he gathered supporters.

But due to the complexity of the story the tapestry grew to 104 metres.

The tapestry – 34m larger than the Bayeux – will be unveiled in Prestonpans tomorrow (Monday) before touring the country following the route the Jacobites took in 1745.

It will be displayed in Eriskay on Saturday, July, 31st and Sunday, August 1st at July at the island’s village hall

After touring Scotland, the Battle of Prestonpans Heritage Trust hope to create a permanent home for the tapestry at the site of the battle. For more details of the project, visit www.prestonpanstapestry.org

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Stornoway News

North Uist Highland Games

Jul 25th, 10 / 0 Comments

North Uist Highland Games held on Friday at Balelone machair has been hailed a great success with good turn outs in the athletics and piping sections.

However the island’s notorious hill race was won in 11 minutes, not by a local, but by Glaswegian Jamie Reid visiting the region on holiday.

“South Uist games”


But the games were graced with the presence of many of Scotland’s finest young pipers, who were already on the islands for the Highlands and Islands Young Piper of the year contest on Benbecula, which took place on Thursday.

In the heavy event, Lewis man Ranald Fraser swept the boards, consolidating his triumph from the South Uist games earlier in the week.

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Missile washed up in South Uist

Jul 11th, 10 / 0 Comments

It has been reported that part of a missile has been washed up on a beach in South Uist.

Coastguards have cordoned off the location after a grey and aluminium cylinder was discovered by a walker. The public are being warned to keep away.

A Royal Navy bomb disposal team from Faslane has been deployed to make the device safe.

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Macneil urges Cal-Mac to put options on table for Uist and Barra

Jul 6th, 10 / 0 Comments

Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MP Angus MacNeil has called on Caledonian MacBrayne to present options available in an effort to ease the backlog of ferry traffic in Uist and Barra, following the breakdown of the MV Clansman.

Angus MacNeil said:

“Technical issues surrounding the MV Clansman has plunged Uist and Barra into travel chaos.  The fishing and tourism industry are losing money because of these technical issues and the subsequent amended timetables.

“Alleviate the backlog”.


“There is never a good time for disruptions to ferry timetables but this has happened at the worst possible time.  I have written to Caledonian MacBrayne urging them to put options on the table, which will help ease the backlog and restore the carrying capacity to Uist and Barra.

“Caledonian MacBrayne has told me that they are on schedule to have the Clansman back in operation on the weekend of 23 July.  Together with Councillor Donald Manford and following representation from Island businesses, I have asked Caledonian MacBrayne to look at the possibility of using Mallaig as a Port during the period of this disruption; the Loch Nevis could be used in addition to the current timetable with overnight sailings and extra crew.  I have also asked Caledonian MacBrayne if they have considered chartering another vessel to help alleviate the backlog”.

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Posting a letter from St Kilda

Jun 30th, 10 / 0 Comments

St Kilda mail is being resurrected to make the 80th anniversary of the evacuation of the islanders on August 29, 1930.

Specially designed notepaper and envelopes will be available to delegates at a conference from August 11 to 14 at Lionacleit School, Benbecula organised by the Island Book Trust to mark the anniversary.

“North Uist”

The stationary will feature eight scenes of the island by artist Maureen Kerr, while the original artwork will be on display at an exhibition at Claddach, Kirkibost, North Uist from August 16th to September 6th.

Delegates will be able to use the stationary to post a letter from the island, with ‘the mail’ being picked up from St Kilda by helicopter and taken to Balivanich, North Uist where it will be franked.

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Stornoway News

Uist bike ride in remembrance of Katie

Jun 28th, 10 / 0 Comments

Next month the McKerracher family from Selkirk with around 120 friends will take on a charity bike ride around the Uists in support of the Katie McKerracher Trust.

The Trust was formed is remembrance of 11 year old Katie who died last January from a rare brain tumour ‘Diffuse Pontine Glioma’.

The charity bike ride is the most recent project undertaken by her family to raise awareness and funds for the charity, who support other children suffering from these inoperable tumours and their families.

“Raised £60,000”

Mum Ann explains why the family decided to set up the Trust: “There are very few people, thankfully, who lose a child, but we all know how it is.

“It’s just something that I know we will never get over. But what keeps us going is Katie. She’s still as much a part of our lives now as she was when she was alive.”

Recently the Trust also received the news that a one-off fairytale ballgown has been created in a pink tartan named after Katie by top design house ANTA.

Founder of ANTA, Annie Stewart is a family friend who has created a collection using the Katie’s tartan, including scarves, a girls’ mini kilt, a pashmina and a range of ceramics.

Five per cent of the tartan’s proceeds will go to the Katie McKerracher Trust, which since its establishment this year has raised £60,000.

For more about the work of the Trust log on to: www.katiemckerrachertrust.co.uk

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Western Isles pupils pick up national award

Jun 24th, 10 / 0 Comments

An award winning accolade for their school magazine ‘PS!’ is the latest achievement for the students of Paible School in North Uist.

Pupils Sarah Campbell, Mairi MacInnes, Nyree Troughton and Catrin Evans accompanied by teacher Mrs F Campbell, travelled to Edinburgh to attend the Scottish Schools Magazine Awards on June 18th.

“Thank our sponsors”

Describing the trip Sarah Campbell reports: “The day started off with a tour around ‘Our Dynamic Earth’ which was interesting as well as fun. Next came lunch where we shared a table with Paisley Grammar and had a visit from our MSP, Alasdair Allan.

“Then it was time for the Awards Ceremony which started off with a lovely speech from Judy Murray (Wimbeldon hopeful Andy Murray’s mum and coach) comparing coaching a tennis player to producing a magazine.

“There were so many big schools there, 174 in all, and we weren’t expecting to win anything which is why it was such a surprise to win the bronze award for best overall magazine. We all had a great time and would like to thank our sponsors, the teachers involved and everyone who bought the magazine.”

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Ancient skeletons found in the Hebrides

Jun 23rd, 10 / 0 Comments

The bones of three skeletons have been found by a pest control officer is North Uist.

Colin Newton who works for the North Uist estate made the discovery when he was laying rat and ferret traps in Griminish on the north-west coast of the island.

He first spotted a lower jawbone – believed to be a child’s – jutting from the sand

Looking further Colin could see other bones and so decided to report his find.

“Skeletons remains”

Historic Scotland commissioned a dig of the site and three bodies were unearthed; they had been buried with the feet towards the east, suggesting possibly the early Christian period.

Some of the remains had been washed away by the sea and sheep’s bones were also discovered in amongst the skeletons suggesting that someone had buried a sheep at the site on a later date.

Some pottery and flint were also discovered, however without other artefacts, the ‘story’ of the skeletons remains a mystery

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Crime in the Uists!

Jun 14th, 10 / 1 Comment

Customers of the Uist Mobile Library were pleased and surprised when they were visited by best selling thriller writer Ann Cleeves recently.

Ann is best known for her Shetland Quartet of novels, the first of which, ‘Raven Black’ won the prestigious Duncan Lawrie Dagger Award in 2006.

Ann and her husband Tim were up on holiday, staying with friends in North Uist.  As this is her first visit she wanted to get an idea of what the area was really like, not just by appreciating its beauty and looking at its historic places, but also by meeting some of the people who live here.

“Return again”

As she likes to work closely with libraries she realised that the Mobile Library is an ideal way of meeting people, and Mobile Librarian Donald Ewen Morrison a wonderful source of amusement, and information about life in Uist.

She also met members of the local Creative Writing Group when she visited Lionacleit Library later in the week, and there was a fruitful discussion about her own writing career, and the difficulties of getting work published in an increasingly competitive market.

Although Ann was only here for a week she enjoyed herself very much, and hopes to return again next year.

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Benbecula running track officially opened

Jun 7th, 10 / 0 Comments

On Saturday the 12th June 2010 the Running Track at Liniclate, Isle of Benbecula, will be officially opened by Beth MacLeod, who represented Scotland on 68 occassions in rugby union and Mairi Levack, who is a founder member and lynchpin of North Uist Athletics Club.

The official opening will be held before the start of the inaugural Uist and Barra Community Games.

“Jog Scotland Groups”

The project which was funded by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and sportscotland will provide a sporting facility for a whole spectrum of users and it is hoped that the facility will be well utilised.

The track can be used for walking groups, those wishing to improve their fitness and agility for other sports as well as the variety of track and field events enjoyed by many:

Councillor Archie Campbell, Chair of the Sustainable Development Committee at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar commented:

“I am delighted that the facility at Liniclate is now fully operational.  The Comhairle continue in their commitment to providing quality accessible sports facilities and the additional funding made available by sportscotland enabled the progression of this project.  I am confident that the facility will be a valuable asset within the Uist community and groups such as the vibrant North Uist Athletics Club, the Jog Scotland Groups and Comunn Spòrs a’ Chinn a Deas will made full use of it”.

“Existing football pitch”

sportscotland Chief Executive, Stewart Harris said:

“sportscotland is delighted to have worked with Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar on the development of the Liniclate running track. It is a fantastic development, in a picturesque setting, which will assist the development of athletics in the Uists. sportscotland has been able to provide technical advice and support for the project, along with an investment of £200,000.  The new facility will benefit the local community, schools and athletes by giving them the opportunity to participate or train in running, long-jump, triple-jump, shot putt, hammer and discus. The incorporated floodlights will allow all-year-round use of the track facilities as well as the existing football pitch.”

The opening will commence at 10am with refreshments being served to invitees, and following some opening words from Councillor Campbell at 11am, the track will be officially opened and Beth and Mairi will start the warm-up lap for the first Community Games.  All in attendance will receive a commemorative medal.

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HIE focus on Uists and Barra development

May 26th, 10 / 1 Comment

Highlands and Islands Enterprise is to create a new senior development post for the Uists and Barra. The initiative will provide a dedicated focus to strengthen and diversify the communities’ future development.

”South Uist Estate”

Based in Benbecula, the Head of Business and Community Development (Uists and Barra) will work closely with key businesses, social enterprises and other organisations to explore and encourage opportunities for the local economy to grow. Specific duties will include promoting the area both locally and nationally and seeking additional investment prospects.

Playing a senior role within HIE’s Innse Gall team, the post will also contribute to the work of the multi-partner Hebrides Range Task Force.

The announcement came as a high-level group from the development agency visited Benbecula and South Uist on Tuesday 25 May.

Chair of HIE William Roe, Acting Chief Executive Sandy Brady and Outer Hebrides Area Manager Archie Macdonald held talks with a number of local business and community leaders, including members of Stòras Uibhist, the community company which owns South Uist Estate.

“Development manager”

Mr Roe said: “Sustaining our more fragile communities is a vital part of what Highlands and Islands Enterprise does, and achieving economic progress in the Outer Hebrides in particular is one of our core ambitions.

“When we decided in January that we needed to reduce HIE’s overall workforce, we also said we would take the opportunity to strengthen some key areas of our work with additional funding and staff resources.

“This new post for the Uists and Barra is a direct result of that commitment to target our resources as effectively as possible to meet present-day needs and opportunities throughout the Highlands and Islands.”

Mr Roe added that the meeting with South Uist community and business leaders in Daliburgh had been “positive and forward-looking”.

“The community buy out of South Uist Estate in 2006 has presented many challenges and opportunities, from which the community has spearheaded initiatives in tourism and renewable energy in particular.

“HIE is very pleased to have been able to work with the community in their efforts to regenerate these islands, and we look forward to playing a significant role in future developments.”

Recruitment for the new development manager will get under way shortly and HIE expects to fill the post this summer.

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Sniffing out hedgehogs in the Hebrides

May 23rd, 10 / 1 Comment

A dog handler is wanted to help hedgehog trappers in the Uists.

Hedgehogs are not a native species in the Outer Hebrides and have been blamed for preying on the nests of wading birds.

“Hundreds of traps”

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) is leading the scheme in the region and it’s believed dogs will be able to help sniff out hedgehogs.

Once found the mammals are then put in a carrier or fitted with radio tags so they can be tracked and trapped later.
Hundreds of traps have been set on North Uist and Benbecula since the project started about six years ago.

After health checks, hedgehogs are released on the mainland.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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Mink manage to avoid the trappers in the Hebrides

May 19th, 10 / 1 Comment

The battle to eradicate mink from the Hebrides continues as conservationists have revealed that the animals are re-establishing themselves in North Uist.

Millions of pounds have been spent trying to remove the ferocious predators which have had a devastating impact on local wildlife.

“Local bird populations”

The mink arrived in the Western Isles in the 1960s and 70s, after being imported by fur farmers, however some animals escaped and have wreaked havoc on local wildlife ever since.

The Hebridean Mink Project was established to wipeout the animal from Uists and has seen 2,000 mink culled since 2001.

The scheme moved from the Uists to begin culling in South Harris, however it has now been discovered that a ‘satellite’ population has managed to cling on in the Uists.

The news that mink are re-establishing themselves in North Uist is being seen as a significant setback, although overall the Hebridean Mink Project has been hailed a success in supporting local bird populations.

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

Stornoway News

Western Isles MP calls for a Fuel Duty Derogation

May 13th, 10 / 1 Comment

“Rural areas”

Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil has today called on the new Conservative/ Lib Dem Government to introduce a Fuel Duty Derogation for rural areas something that Scottish Lib Dem MP’s have supported in the past and hope that they will now also insist on as part of the new UK Government.

Mr MacNeil has called for this so that there will be parity in the rural areas of Scotland with the rural areas of France, Portugal and Greece.

“Coalition government”

Mr MacNeil commented:

“At the moment the rural areas of France, Portugal and Greece enjoy a 3p reduction in their fuel duty, something that was supported by the previous Labour government, and a proposal that has been supported by Scottish Lib –Dem MP’s in the past.

“With the soaring price of fuel, I would hope that the new government will consider this proposal, and I also hope that the Lib –Dem MP’s will be fully supportive of it, and have not forgotten Highlands and Islands needs since entering the coalition.

“I would hope that Highland and Islands issues such as a Fuel Duty Derogation for rural areas were one of the issues that the Lib-Dems agreed on with their Conservative counterparts before they entered into the coalition government and was not forgotten about.”

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Western Isles MSP meets regulator over Uist community turbine delay

May 12th, 10 / 1 Comment

“National Grid”

Western Isles SNP MSP, Alasdair Allan, yesterday met with energy regulators, Ofgem, where he raised the issue of delays in connecting community renewable projects in Uist and elsewhere to the National Grid.

Alasdair Allan met in the Scottish Parliament with Charles Gallacher, the Scotland Director of Ofgem.

Dr Allan commented:

“I have in recent days contacted both Stòras Uibhist and a number of other community organisations in the Western Isles who had understood from Scottish and Southern Energy that they could expect their community renewable projects to be connected to the grid in accordance with a speedy timetable. As is now well known these organisations are all highly disappointed to be facing delays.

“Wind and wave power”

“I raised this subject with Mr Gallacher and he confirmed that Ofgem had been in talks with SSE about this subject. I have also sought a meeting with SSE themselves. There is no doubt about the concern which many communities now have about their projects and SSE has a duty to explain themselves.

“I also took the opportunity to press Ofgem about the issue of transmission charges. As things stand, essentially the further a renewable project is from London the higher the transmission charges are. This system of charging may have made sense at a time when power stations were deliberately concentrated around urban areas but it now discriminates against the very parts of the country where communities are exploiting wind and wave power.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles

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