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island news Edition 18

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& ADVERTISER

UIST: IT’S TIME TO THINK BIG TO SURVIVE A South Uist businesswoman wants a radical solution to halt Uist’s worrying population decline.

few years ago and last summer opened Lochboisdale Post Office and Internet Café in Kenneth Street.

She said: “The islands are in a precarious situation and we have to think of something radical. People are more likely to stay knowing they can get off the islands regularly and quickly, 24 hours a day.

“I personally think the whole of the Outer Hebrides should also be joined by causeway or bridge to open up better opportunities for everyone.”

Mrs MacLellan’s view is supported by Seonaid Alec Maclean of Berneray, a long time proponent of fixed links between Uist and Harris and Eriskay and Barra, and to the mainland.

He said: “They do it in other places, why not here?

ATV & GATOR OPEN DAY People need 24 hour access to the mainland for family or Join us at Lochs Showground, Laxay, on 12th September. Call 01463 277702 to book your place. business reasons. Companies would think more about 32 Bells Road, Stornoway, HS1 2RA Tel: 01463 277799. establishing in the Western Web: www.macgregorsupplies.co.uk Isles. It would open everything up. It would save

Anne MacLellan, pictured, has started a tongue-in-cheek fundraising bottle for a tunnel from Skye to Uist- cost £450million she’s been told- and she’s found a groundswell of support.

She returned to Uist from the mainland a

these islands.”

Barra & South Uist councillor Donald Manford said he fully supported the idea and urged the Uist community to take matters into their own hands.

He said: “Instead of waiting for the council to take the initiative a local group, or groups should seek the cost of a feasibility study. It would come under regional transport because it would involve two local authorities, so they could put pressure on Hi-Trans.

“We need a set of figures, and public backing, and if we could show long-term savings to the Scottish Government, politicians would listen.”

Mr Manford added: “It’s worth bearing in mind the enormous energy potential to the west of our islands. The companies who might want to exploit them will base themselves on the mainland, and if we had a fixed link, we would effectively be the mainland.”

CnES leader Angus Campbell added his support to the idea.

He said: “We should look at the

example of the Faroes and Norway where they have a lot of tunnels and bridges between islands. Making transport links more affordable and more accessible brings jobs and helps sustain business. A fixed link should have built-in energy generation to make it self-financing, but that’s dependent on the interconnector to the mainland.”

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2

island news & ADVERTISER - September 2013 Issue 18

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Express your view in 400 words: editor@islandnewsandadvertiser.com IN&A does not take responsibility for the views expressed or facts mentioned in readers’ letters

EE FR

island news & ADVERTISER

is the FREE MONTHLY NEWSPAPER OF THE HEBRIDES Circulation 10,000 Island News & Advertiser

Room 7, East Camp, Balivanich, Isle of Benbecula, HS7 5LA

Tribute to a Berneray legend I was interested by your notice detailing results at the Berneray 2013 Sheep Dog Trials in the August issue of your valued cost-free journal.

This letter is composed in tribute to a Berneray legend, crofter Neil MacAskill, of whom it could be said that it is amazing, but perhaps not really all that surprising given the level of physical strength and stamina which has has displayed all through his working life, that he is still bringing home trophies from these events at the age of 80 plus.

Neil reminds one in some way of a host of distinguished Berneray characters of the past, who seemed to defy the onset of ‘old age’ remaining active deep within it.

One who belongs in this category in my view is the late and redoubtable ferryman Norman ‘Scruff’ Maclean. A man of rather differing characteristic and temperament to the ice-cool Neil, my friend Scruff raised a family of sometime rampant members of the cat species, upon some of whom he bestowed unenviable

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names and titles, dedicated to members of the community for whom he had scant regard at times!

Scruff - who once nicknamed the writer of this letter David Cassidy(!)- was till plying the waters around Berneray whilst in charge of his famous Lady of Lorne when in his early 80s, surely quite a remarkable feat.

But getting back to the main subject of my letter Neil has over the years and with little sign of self-aggrandizement occupied a number of important and prestigious posts in the everyday life and running of his loved ‘Bjorn’s Islend.’ On a personal note, he gave me invaluable help and advice in the setting up, cultivation and harvesting of my own potatoes on the Berneray machairland, a most enjoyable pursuit during the closing years of my stay there.

On the final occasion during I think it was 2002, his astutely honed method of workmanship easing between potato plot and his own corn area enabled me to plant everything myself within an hour of us setting out. Teamwork m’tha!

Many congratulations Neil and thanks. I extend you all best wishes for the future.

Yours sincerely,

editor@islandnews andadvertiser.com

As one of the UK’s largest employers, your readers may be interested to understand what the recent announcement by the Government on the Royal Mail Free Shares for employees means for postmen and women and other Royal Mail staff in the Western Isles.

The Government said it intends to dispose of a majority of its shares in Royal Mail through a flotation of the company on the London Stock Exchange. It will automatically give 10 per cent of all the shares in the business free to eligible Royal Mail employees in the UK at the time of the flotation.

This is the largest free stake of any major UK privatisation. The overwhelming majority of Royal Mail’s 150,000 employees in the UK, including employees working in Parcelforce Worldwide, will be eligible for Free Shares if they have worked for the company from July 10th 2013 and continue to do so until flotation.

Eligible employees will automatically receive an equal number of shares, irrespective of their grade. There will be a pro-rata allocation for part-time employees.

This will mean that our employees will have a meaningful stake in the company.

I look forward to working towards and sharing in the future success of the company with my colleagues.

Yours sincerely, Gerry McAuley Royal Mail Delivery Director 20 Turner Road GLASGOW G21 1AA

Ian Frew 9 Winfield Close Balivanich Benbecula HS7 5LQ

ADVERTISING

Royal Mail Free Shares for employees

01870 602151 ads@islandnews andadvertiser.com Design

Tim Mason Managing Editor

Susy Macaulay Editorial Assistants

Jackie MacLellan Caroline Johnson

VISIT

Crofters face tractor ban Brussels is at it again. The humiliation continues. From next July, EU rules will come into force with strict limits on how long agricultural workers can be exposed to vibrations from their tractors.

The WBV (whole body vibration) restrictions would mean that a crofter ploughing his field (which produces the highest level of vibrations apparently) might only be allowed half an hour each day

on his tractor. No longer will he be able to take home his peats on the same day. It could take him a week or more.

It’s so preposterous you couldn’t make it up. It really is health and safety gone even madder than it already is but it’s what we have come to expect from the absurdity that is the EU. It’s not the first hare-brained, ill-thought out directive from the clowns in Brussels and it

won’t be the last. They have already all but destroyed Britain’s fishing industry.

Sadly, our politicians (of whichever party) meekly obey.

Yours sincerely, Donnie M MacDonald Chairman, Croitearan Nan Eilean 25 Aignish Point, Isle of Lewis HS2 0PB

IN&A’s new website for more local news daily www.islandnewsandadvertiser.co.uk

AVAILABLE In 65 outlets from Tiree to Stornoway; also Oban, Inverness Glasgow and Edinburgh

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT CROISMORAIG Alaistair, Annie and family would like to thank all friends, neighbours and relatives for their overwhelming support following the tragic death of Ivan. Thank you all so much for your continuing

www.HOME-2-HOME.co.uk

letters, cards, gifts, visits, practical help and above all sympathy and understanding. Thanks to all those who assisted at Ivan’s funeral and to everyone who travelled from all over to be with us that day.

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September 2013 Issue 18 - island news & ADVERTISER

Uist and Harris residents are celebrating a successful campaign to retain MV Hebrides, one of CalMac’s most reliable vessels as their lifeline ferry when the timetables are changed next month.

Last winter MV Finlaggan was taken off its Islay run to service the Uig triangle, while the Hebrides worked as refit cover on various west coast routes between December and March.

After Finlaggan consistently ran late and was subject to frequent cancellations, Southern Isles residents sent a strong message to CalMac senior management not to deploy the ship again on the Uig triangle over winter.

North Uist and Benbecula councillor Uisdean Robertson spearheaded the campaign, supported also by Harris community council and Comhairle councillors and officials.

Mr Robertson said he was delighted by the news as up until June there had been no firm commitment by CalMac to keep the Hebrides on the Uig triangle this winter.

He said: “The Isle of Lewis can often get cancelled, and there are frequent disruptions on the Lochboisdale routes, so we need a vessel that’s reliable on Uist where we are the most vulnerable community.�

A CalMac spokesman confirmed: “For operational reasons we have decided to deploy the MV Hebrides on the Uig

3

THEY LISTENED

MV Hebrides to stay on Uig triangle this winter Triangle during the refit period except for a three week period in March when she is in refit herself.�

The good news continues with Barra and South Uist to benefit from an extra ferry sailing from Oban in the new winter timetable. The changes are to bring it into line with the summer timetable which

already sees a two-vessel service offered by MV Clansman and MV Lord of the Isles.

It is possible, although not yet confirmed, that MV Isle of Arran will replace Lord of the Isles over the winter period.

The Calmac spokesman said: “Details of our winter timetable are still being finalised but we will be consulting with the local

communities on how the ferry plan’s proposal to introduce an additional sailing day on the Oban-Castlebay-Lochboisdale route will work in practice.�

He added that the additional late sailings between Uig and Lochmaddy introduced this summer to address capacity issues will be back for a period next summer.

Worrying news for Uist in 2011 census figures Caroline Johnson looks more closely at the new census revelations Although the Outer Hebrides’ population shows an increase of 4.5% in the decade to 2011, the picture is much less encouraging for North and South Uist.

While Lewis and Harris showed a 6% population increase overall, and Barra and Benbecula showed rises of 8.9% and 6.9% respectively, North and South Uist showed population declines.

Berneray, Baleshare and South Grimsay in North Uist revealed a combined population increase of 12 over the decade, but Flodda, North Grimsay and the rest of North Uist showed a combined decrease of 53 inhabitants.

South Uist lost 64, although Eriskay gained 10.

Barra showed an

increase of 96 souls, while

Benbecula’s population

went up by 84. (see graph).

North Uist & Benbecula

councillor Neil Beaton said

the figures were disappointing.

He said: “Overall, we

need to intensify our

efforts to create the

conditions where these

islands retain and

encourage our young HIE Population change on Uist. people to prosper.�

South Uist councillor Donnie Steele called shocking transport links. Other islands fare for greater government and council support much better with support from the government and the Comhairle.� for his area.

An important point to note is the only He said: “These figures come as no surprise. There are very few opportunities of reason for the isles’ overall population employment, broadband is slow or increase is the net migration to the islands non-existent, we have poor facilities and -without it there would be a drop of 4.7% in

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The next public meeting to discuss the proposed Community Pharmacy for Benbecula and North Uist will be held on September 12 in Lochmaddy Hall at 7.30pm.

It is the second meeting as part of applicant Local Pharmacies Ltd’s public consultation process. The first was held in Balivanich Hall last month, attracting more than 100 members of the public and vigorous opposition to the proposal from the floor.

IN&A’s coverage of the meeting can be found at islandnewsandadvertiser.co.uk, along with a rolling update of any developments.

All Uist residents are urged to make their views felt on a development which will have an impact on medical services from Berneray to Eriskay.

The application and further detail can be accessed at: http://www.wihb.scot.nhs.uk/public-consultations. Alternatively, copies of the application are available from Christine Mckee on 01851 763321.

The closing date for comments and responses is Sunday September 30.

population births and deaths.

Figures released by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) showing the age groups leaching from the Outer Hebrides highlights the low proportion of the population under 40, and the growing proportion of the over 50s.

HIE’s reasons for the ageing population-lack of facilities and employment opportunities- come as no surprise to isles residents.

The enterprise agency adds: “An emphasis on creating jobs for people starting off their careers and also creating facilities that will encourage people to stay or take job opportunities in the area, such as cinemas and leisure facilities, would be beneficial. The high transport costs, leading to a high cost of living combined with low wage levels could be obstacles for population growth, and could be addressed through policy.�

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4

island news & ADVERTISER - September 2013 Issue 18

Smokehouse raises mail privatisation concerns

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Isles surveying starts for BT fibre broadband rollout Subsea survey work is under way to analyse the routes for underwater cabling to bring fibre broadband to the Outer Hebrides.

So far routes for around 20 subsea cables to service the islands are under inspection.

This will be followed by additional land surveys to identify cabling routes and consider sites with potential planning implications, be it archaeological or environmental.

The subsea cabling part of the project is planned for between May and October 2014.

A spokeswoman for Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) said: “Engineers have already visited forty potential landing points for sub-sea cables in remote locations such as Islay, Jura, Stornoway and South Uist. More details on the number and locations of the cables will be made public shortly as details are finalised.�

The land cabling aspect has not yet been timetabled, but the participating agencies say they hope fibre broadband will be brought to the islands by end 2016.

Residents will be notified that their area exchange will be ready to go live six months in advance.

The ÂŁ146m project to bring fibre broadband services to around 84% of Highlands and island homes is funded by HIE, the Scottish Government, Broadband Delivery UK and BT.

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Staff at North Uist’s Hebridean Smokehouse took the opportunity of a visit by Scottish Secretary Michael Moore to raise concerns about how Royal Mail privatisation could adversely affect their core mail order business.

General manager Christopher West told Mr Moore that the Smokehouse feared a loss in service levels under privatisation, potentially to the serious detriment of the company.

Michael Moore samples Smokehouse products with Christopher West.

The Smokehouse has built its success upon the mail-order business it inherited in 2000 when they bought George and

L to R Christopher West, Lisa Wilkinson, Secretary of State Michael Moore, Judith Entwisle-Baker.

Rosemary Jackson’s business, Mermaid Fish Supplies.

Hebridean Smokehouse dispatches in excess of five tonnes of product around the world per annum. Over the critical 10 day Christmas period, the company sends out more than 5,000 parcels, with Royal Mail putting on additional aircraft to cope.

Mr West said: “We would hope to continue to be a valuable customer to Royal Mail, but what really counts is the service level we are offered, whether it is between ourselves and the Post Office or another carrier. “It’s important that the same effort is made by the Post Office to deliver our products. “An erosion of services would mean that we are no longer able to tell our customers that we are a next day service, which is not great when you are posting

Southern Isles children flock to their dentists Children in Uist and Barra went in droves to their dentists during Childsmile Week last month.

In Lochmaddy, just under 100 children attended the Childsmile clinic, in Lionacleit 100, in Barra 110 and in Lochboisdale 200.

Around 1500 children attended dental appointments across the Western Isles as

a result of Childsmile Week.

NHS Western Isles praised dental therapist Morag McKinnon for co-ordinating the event, which involved giant toothpaste tubes, tooth fairies and fun and games.

A spokeswoman said: “So many children now see going to the dentist as a positive

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food. It erodes our credibility.�

Mr West praised the local post offices and carriers currently used by the Smokehouse.

He said: “We are more than happy with them, they go out of their way to help.

Under privatisation, we hope that the pressures of delivering profit to shareholders will not affect the excellent service Royal Mail currently delivers to remote rural communities.�

Mr Moore said that as an MP in a constituency with remote rural areas (Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk) he could relate to the Smokehouse’s concerns.

He said: “A Universal Service Obligation is written into the act. But what we need is a Royal Mail fit for purpose. It’s got to modernise and get investment to a level where it can compete nationally.�

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September 2013 Issue 18 - island news & ADVERTISER

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6

island news & ADVERTISER - September 2013 Issue 18

No Southern Isles representation on health board This month sees two new non-executive board members from Lewis take up their positions on NHS Western Isles Health Board, leaving no representation on the board from the Southern Isles.

Ian Burgess and Michael Frain replace Annie MacDonald (Harris) and Gerry Macleod (Uist).

The appointments are made by the Scottish Government, and will run to August 31, 2017.

Dr Francis Tierney of Uist was on the board as chair of the Area Clinical Forum, but his time as chair has ended. The government will shortly announce a replacement board member.

Cllr David Blaney of South Uist said he was concerned about the lack of Uist representation on the board.

He said: “Did anyone from Uist apply? And if they didn’t surely the board could have headhunted someone, or encouraged them to apply as happens elsewhere.

“Local knowledge is very important.”

A spokeswoman for NHS Western Isles said: “Each member of NHS Western Isles Board represents the population of the Western Isles as a whole. Individual Board members are not appointed to represent specific geographical areas. The process for people applying to become a Non Executive Director, which is open and transparent, is conducted through the Public Appointments Unit.”

Scottish Affairs Committee members visit Hebrides Range

l to r: Pamela Nash, Lindsay Roy, Ian Davidson, Donnie Steele, Jim McGovern, Sgt Rob Stevens at Clettraval.

Four members of the House of Commons Scottish Affairs Committee visited the military ranges in Uist last month.

Ian Davidson, Pamela Nash, Jim McGovern, and Lindsay Roy, all Labour, were looking at the implications for the Range under Scottish independence.

The group were given an overview of the Hebrides Investment Programme, and a tour of West Camp, Rangehead and Clettraval.

Glasgow South West MP Mr Davidson said after independence, the UK Government would not be able to guarantee work for the Scottish ranges under the rules of competition.

He said: “The UK government is investing to guarantee the future of the range to 2030. Under separation it

seems clear that substantial amounts of work will be transferred south.

“Under EU rules, work on the ranges would be given out in competition with Scotland, because that’s the only way it would be viable.

“Those on the range with transferrable skills could move away, leaving those who are so specialised that they have no chance of being employed in the Western Isles.”

Cllr Donnie Steele, QinetiQ Employee Representative for Scotland North, said under independence the ranges would struggle to survive, staff jobs would be lost and the local area devastated.

New North Uist school site update

Amazing blood donor response in Lewis The Blood Transfusion unit will be visiting Stornoway once again on September 17 and 18, and if past performance is anything to go by, the team will be collecting blood from more than 700 donors.

Donor Services Manager Katie Moir said the Stornoway sessions are some of the most productive held in Scotland.

She said: “Many of our donors travel a great distance in order to donate. It’s always a very busy session and sometimes our donors have to endure a wee bit of a wait.”

Mrs Moir praised the Nicolson Institute, whose senior pupils are allowed to donate blood in their school time.

Collecting blood on an island poses challenging logistical problems for the team, as the once blood is collected it must be processed within 48 hours.

He said: “Most of the range equipment is currently controlled by strict regulations signed between the USA and UK, they have no such agreement with Scotland, and have yet to even talk about it.

“All UK trials will go out to the open market and are likely to go to places like Sweden.

“John Swinney has stated that the range will still be there under independence. He was correct, but I'm afraid there will be no trials or employment.

“This is a lot more serious than the threat of downscaling of 2009.”

Mrs Moir said: “Will the weather be kind to us, and will the ferry sail?

We have had a few close calls and the team have been stranded a couple of times, but we have always managed to get the blood off the island in time, either on the freight ferry or with the help of the Scottish ambulance service.”

Mrs Moir encouraged new donors to come along.

She said: “We look forward to welcoming new donors. It’s lovely and friendly and we enjoy seeing so many familiar faces and catching up with folk.”

Further information at www.scotblood.co.uk

Three possible sites have been narrowed from a list of 12 for the proposed new primary school for North Uist.

They are the existing Paible school site; Claddach Illeray Common Grazings north of Clachan; and south of Clachan near Carinish Hall.

These sites will now be subject to a second stage more detailed appraisal, including assessment of utilities capacity and connection, potential site layouts, capital and lifecycle cost assessment and risk assessment.

A CnES spokesman said: “This work is on-going and the plan is to conclude the technical appraisal in early September and issue a supplementary report to committee.”

Meanwhile as IN&A went print, parents of children in all three North Uist primary schools were due to attend briefings to discuss a project led by the head teachers to engage pupils in some joint working. The initiative is supported by the Education and Children’s Services Department, and is designed to contribute to the transition of pupils to the proposed new North Uist school, the CnEs spokesman said.

More about this on islandnewsandadvertiser.co.uk The

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September 2013 Issue 18 - island news & ADVERTISER

Exhibition celebrates Highland and Islands forerunner of NHS The distressing state of health care on the islands at the turn of last century are brought vividly to life in a visiting exhibition in Taigh Chearsabhagh, Lochmaddy.

‘From Dewar dream to NHS reality’ celebrates the work of Sir John Dewar who chaired the Report of the Highlands and Islands Medical Service Committee, otherwise known as the Dewar Report.

A display of surgical instruments used in Uist

by Dr Alexander Macleod.

The committee was constituted after it was realised that crofters were not covered by the 1911 National Health Insurance Act. The hardships endured by grindingly poor crofters led to outbreaks of measles, whooping cough and turberculosis, often tackled with quack remedies. Poorly

Lauren rides high Sir John Dewar.

trained nurses were scarcely able to help, A photograph from the Neil Priessman series. while isolation meant The images were taken by the visiting doctors often arrived too late. Death was so common that the deceased often went American photographer Neil Priessman who spent time travelling around North unrecorded.

The Report set out a compelling case Uist with Dr John’s father, Dr Alexander for health recommendations which Macleod. gradually transformed medical services The exhibition was developed by to remote, rural areas, and later became a Comann Eachdraidh Uibhist a Tuath blueprint for the NHS in Scotland.

(CEUT).

The exhibition describes the background CEUT secretary Christine Rintoul said: and work of the Dewar Report in a series “We’re delighted by the response and of information panels, and is enhanced by feedback to the exhibition. The panels are local artefacts- medical instruments and fascinating and the artefacts and paraphernalia, and a series of hitherto extraordinary photos have great relevance unseen photographs depicting the medical to our community, especially tied in with and social life of the islands in 1959-60. the arrival of the MacLeod family who The photographs were donated by contributed so much to medical services Lorna Macleod, widow of the late Dr here and were able to thanks to the John Macleod of Lochmaddy, and recommendations of the Dewar Report.”

The exhibition runs until the end of painstakingly developed from contact prints by Taigh Chearsabhagh’s Norman September with a possible extension into the first fortnight of October.

Macleod.

GOLF AND SHOPPING AT ASKERNISH

Eye-catching local produce at Uist Shopping.

Golfers and fans of local produce were in their element in South Uist during the Askernish Open Weekend, Askernish Golf Club’s flagship annual event.

More at islandnews andadvertiser.co.uk

CARINISH HALL forthcoming events

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Benbecula rider Lauren Mackay topped an outstanding season as champion of the Lochside Arena Horse Show for the second year running.

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Sat Sept 7 at 7.30pm Europa - Our First Migrant Replico Productions Play and exhibition linking Mediterranean & Celtic folklore, The Aegean to the Hebrides.

Tues Sept 17 at 7.30pm The Drawer Boy Mull Theatre Company Play- part comedy, part mystery, part tragedy Thurs Sept 26 Doors open 7pm Screen Bandita presents Rebel Landscapes, an evening of film and folklore

With her 16 hand cob Piper, Lauren, 17, from Dunganichy came first in Condition and Turn Out (14.4hh and over), Cob and Heavy/Middleweight, Equitation 17 years and over.

Lauren and Piper.

The pair were also champions at the South Uist & Benbecula Agricultural Show and won the Ridden class at the North Uist show.

Lauren has owned Piper, an eight-year old garron (gelding) from Ireland, for the past three years and has been training hard with him ever since to develop their winning relationship.

She said: “Piper loves jumping, will jump any height and do anything I ask of him, he loves the beach and our lessons.”

Lauren’s riding teacher Viki Leicht of Loch Eynort said: “It’s been a pleasure working with Lauren and Piper and to witness their partnership, confidence and skills develop, It goes to show that all the hard work at home has paid off, with the proof in their consistent high placed results.

Lauren is always looking to improve her riding and Piper has a lot more to offer. I’m sure they can look forward to having a lot of fun in the future and we can look forward to more of their achievements.”

House Plots A unique opportunity to purchase house plots with stunning views across Vallay Strand and to the hills of Harris.

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7

8

island news & ADVERTISER - September 2013 Issue 18

From

ACCOMMODATION WINDOW CLEANER

Find your local services in our new Business Directory.

TURN TO PAGE 19

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email: ads@islandnewsandadvertiser.com Tel: 01870 602151

Hercules statue unveiled in Langass Woods A 7ft wooden sculpture of Hercules the grizzly bear who was on the loose in Uist for three weeks in 1980 has been unveiled in Langass Woodlands, North Uist.

The sculpture, by champion chainsaw carver Iain Chalmers, marks the completion of a four year project by Urras nan Croabh Uibhist a Tuath (UnCUT) to commemorate a unique bear and an extraordinary time for the islanders of Uist.

Hercules’ owners, Andy and Maggie Robin joined members of the community for an emotional afternoon in the woods.

Piped by Fergus MacVicar of Grimsay, they led a procession to the covered statue standing in the heart of the woods.

Andy cut the ribbons away to unveil the sculpture of the gentle giant with whom he

A ‘fine herd’ of droving stories

and Maggie had such a tight bond over the 27 years of his life.

Andy said: “It’s nice to come back again and see Herc. The carver has done a good job. I hope Herc brings a lot of joy to everyone who comes to see him. I love him.”

Maggie thanked Ada Campbell, George MacDonald and the other members of unCUT for devising the project and bringing it to fruition.

Maggie has family connections to the Macleans of Grimsay. She said: “This is a fantastic day for us. I feel his whole life story really came from here, because we came up here as children and we brought Herc up.”

Help prevent the extinction of corn buntings

– a plea from RSPB Terry Williams.

Beauly-based author Terry Williams says she has a ‘fine herd’ of stories to work on after a visit to Uist this summer to research her latest project In Search of the Highland Drovers.

Terry’s interest in droving was kindled while working on an illustrated feature about the Highland Livestock Heritage Society’s (HLHS) Drover Project, which began in 2004 and culminated in April 2011 with the unveiling of Lucy Poett’s lifesize bronze statue of a Highland Drover, a Highland bull and a collie outside Dingwall and Highland Marts Ltd. Terry went on to create her mobile “drovers’ roadshow” based on HLHS main exhibition.

She travelled by campervan throughout the Highlands and Islands recording memories and stories, especially from people involved in bringing livestock across the Minch to the mainland marts during the 20th century, and in particular between the Uists and Dingwall.

Her aim is to build on the work of the original project by compiling an archive of oral recordings which will be added to the HLHS collection to help preserve this more recent droving history for future generations.

l to r, George MacDonald, Maggie Robin, Andy Robin, Ada Campbell.

Many memories were shared during the afternoon of the day he went missing, the search for him, and the day he was found.

Ada Campbell remembered her children were at school in Tigharry, and the teacher, Katie MacDonald wouldn’t let them out at playtime. Ronald Iain MacDonald of Balemartin recalled seeing Hercules ambling down his croft past his window. Many remembered the day he was found, and rushing to Lochmaddy to see him being brought in by helicopter before he was put into the Robins’ bus to begin his recovery.

He had lost half his body weight, and islanders donated gallons of milk to help pull him through.

Andy and Maggie talked of their anxiety and despair as time went on during the search.

Andy said: “I knew he wouldn’t kill anything, he would rather starve. But I also sensed he was still alive, out there somewhere.”

Hercules is buried in the couples’ garden.

Andy said they want to bring part of him for burial in Langass Woods alongside his statue.

She began her Uist trip with a stand at the North Uist agricultural show.

She said: “This proved to be a real jumping-off point. Wherever I went, I was made welcome. I met young drovers (now in their 70s and 80s) with tales of driving escape-minded cattle along unfenced roads; children of the 1950s and 60s remembered “helping” at the sales; I heard of the dealers and the auctioneers and a week of long, hard days followed by long, sociable nights. I ran out of time long before the islands ran out of stories - but a return visit is already in the pipeline and I’m looking forward to it.

“Now for the hard work at the desk - editing, transcribing, and then making my own story of it all.”

Terry is also planning a book based on her findings and experiences during her search for the Highland Drovers.

She can be contacted at highlanddroving@gmail.com

The Corn Bunting (pictured) has been dramatically declining across the UK and is a Red List Species because it holds the highest level of conservation concern.

The small population in the Western Isles is now one of the few remaining in Scotland, but the bird is declining here too, with perhaps fewer than 50 breeding pairs remaining.

To help in the bid to prevent the extinction of Corn Buntings in the Western Isles, it would be hugely valuable to know more about corn harvesting times on the islands over the past decade or so. Do you have diary records that could help us?

We would greatly appreciate if you could simply let us know the approximate date that the corn harvest began in your township in any year since 2002. Even if you only have information for a single year or a rough date, that could still help us.

Data will be treated in complete confidentiality.

If you can help, please contact davide.scridel@rspb.org.uk, 0131 317 4179 or return the tear-off form below.

Please return to: Mr Davide Scridel, RSPB Scotland Headquarters, 2 Lochside View, Edinburgh Park, Edinburgh, EH12 9DH Township:

Year 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002

Date harvest started

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September 2013 Issue 18 - island news & ADVERTISER

about I wanted to find out use it is important ca be s em st sy ic am biodyn nature. to be a grower with Marchaud Romane

Crofting

WWOOFERs help out in Uist gardens People from across Europe have been working on two Uist organic gardens as volunteers under the World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) scheme.

Biodynamic gardener Anneke Kraakman is offering the scheme in Uist for the first time, and through the summer hosted visits from two Prague students, a student from Lyon, and an engineer and a PE teacher from Barcelona.

Geography and town planning student Romane Marchaud, 18, from Grenoble also spent a fortnight working at Bunait, Cnoc An Torrain, and Kyles Paible learning organic growing techniques and weeding, hoeing

and picking vegetables.

She said: “I wanted to find out about biodynamic systems because it is important to be a grower with nature.

“This is my first time in the UK. I wanted to come to Uist because it’s an island and I’ve never been on an island before.

It’s been a very positive experience. I’ve learned a lot to pass on to my family and friends.”

Anneke, who converted a caravan in Sollas, North Uist to house the Wwoofers, said she

Proposals sought for Machair LIFE+ machinery legacy Proposals are being accepted from private, educational or community-based organisations to take over agricultural machinery acquired by Machair LIFE+ during its four year project in Uist.

In line with EU conditions, the machinery must be used entirely for conservation-based agricultural management of machair for seven years.

Wwoofer Romane Marchaud.

was pleased with her first year on the scheme and planned to continue offering working holidays next year.

reaper binder and increasing the quality and quantity of Uist corn.

Machair LIFE+ hopes that a new locally-based, financially sustainable social enterprise (SE) could be established to take ownership of the machinery and continue educational and conservation work should appropriate funding be sourced.

Support is available from Third Sector Hebrides for crofters wishing to establish an organisation for this.

Proposals must include the promotion of organic seaweed as fertiliser; shallow ploughing; harvesting by

The organization also hopes that the successful SE would use the equipment to provide education and training opportunities to young people and new crofters, assisting the Lionacleit School crofting course and any future crofting course provided by Lews Castle College.

The date for receiving the proposals is 16th September to be considered at the steering group meeting at the end of September.

Contact Conserving Scottish Machair LIFE+, CRP Building, East Camp, Balivanich, HS7 5LA

Giant net keeps geese off blackland crops covered in the first year thanks to the increase in harvest.

“It is light, easy to handle once you get the knack and The giant net successfully can be propped kept geese off the crop. up on electric fence posts while the grass grows,” the Centre reports.

© Mary Norton

Productivity from a silage and brassica fodder field at the Blackland Centre croft in Kenary in Grimsay, North Uist has almost tripled this summer after a giant net placed over it kept geese away.

Last year the field produced 12 bales of silage, but this year it yielded 35.

A 25mm anti-bird net almost a quarter of an acre in size was placed over the crop in spring at a cost of around £300.

The Blackland Centre said the cost will be

9

Homebred Gimmers - July 2013

Kilpheder BRED BLACKFACES

Homebred Tup Lambs - July 2013

❖ A small number of Ewe Lambs and Gimmers FOR SALE

Michaelmas Open Day and Blackland Conference this month The 4th annual Blackland Conference has been announced for September 14 at Kenary, Scotvein, Grimsay, North Uist, together with the Uist Wool Gathering.

Initial results of the seaweed trials will be presented by the SRUC/University of Edinburgh research team with visits to the lazybeds and seaweed sites. The new Uist Wool mill will be open to visitors and the Michaelmas Dinner and Ceilidh will take place that evening in the New Shed.

PRIVATELY

❖ Homebred Ewe with Twin Lambs Sired by a £500 Elmscleugh - July 2013

Tup Lambs available FOR SALE

❖ Shearlings and Aged Tups FOR SALE

Can be kept until required Homebred Ewe Lambs - August 2013

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Craig Straition Bred Sire - Left & Knockdon Bred Sire - Right Pic - Stock Rams August 2013

Visitors and enquiries welcome 291 Kilpheder LOCHBOISDALE Isle of South Uist

Stud Ewes - Purchased from Craig Straiton - October 2012

Contact: Iain MacDonald Tel: 01878 700866

10

island news & ADVERTISER - September 2013 Issue 18

Gàidhlig/Gaelic Gaidhlig/Gaelic Ath-Nuadhachadh Dhùn Deagh Didòmhnaich air ais, ’s mi aig an taigh an Dùn Deagh, chuir brag anabarrach mòr a-muigh clisg orm.

B’ e seo latha leagail nam multis. ’S ann sa Hilltoun - bràigh a’ bhaile, a bha uair ’na bhaile fa leth Dhùn Dèagh, a chaidh an dà aitreabh àrd a chur ’nan smùran. ’S i roinn bheothail den bhaile a th’ innte ged a tha i bochd. Mas e athnuadhachadh a tha fa-near do ùghdarras na Comhairle sa cheàrn seo, tha e fada gun tighinn.

Abair Sgrios/What Destruction

Bha e a’ cluinntinn mar thàirneanach, ach b’ e latha brèagha gun sgòth air iarmailt a bh’ ann.

Greiseag an dèidh seo, dh’fhairich mi fàileadh ceòtha tron uinneig fhosgailte, ’s chunnaic mi neul dubh a’ seòladh don taobh an ear o chùl nan teanamantan mum choinneamh.A’ chiad smuain a bhuail orm – an e boma no tubaist plèana a bh’ ann?

Cha b’ e. Bha mi air dìochuimhneachadh.

Ma thilgeas tu sùil timcheall Dhùn Deagh, tha e follaiseach gu bheil aiseirigh ailtireachd a’ tighinn.Tha obraichean mòra air tòiseachadh.An-dràsta, tha seann chairtealan-cinn na Comhairle,Tayside House, ga thoirt mean air mhean às a chèile a chionn tha an t-àite mun cuairt ro dhòmhail ’son a leagail le spreadhadh.An ceann greis, bidh taighean-òsta agus meangan den taigh-tasgaidh ainmeil Victoria & Albert à Lunnainn ag èirigh suas an cois Linne Tatha.Thèid leasachadh a chur ris an stèisean-rèile le bùthan ’s

Hiort nas Fhaisge Eairdsidh Caimbeul Saoil cia mheud leabhar a chaidh a sgrìobhadh air Hiort, cha bheag sin.

Pios dhen Eadailt sa Bhaile/A Piece of Italy in the Town

taighean-bìdh spaideil gu bhith ann.Tha seo uile an amharc a’ bhaile san ùine bhig romhainn.

Don taobh an ear air meadhan a’ bhaile, gheibhear Baxter Park a chaidh a dhealbhadh san 19mh linn le Sir Joseph Parker ’s a mhac. Bha mi a’ gabhail sgrìob troimhe lath’-eigin agus a’ faicinn cho gasta ’s a tha a’ Phàirc fhathast, ged a tha pìosan dhith air a dhol a dholaidh.Tha cuid dhen àite air a thoirt air ais ’na sheann ghreadhnachas mar a bha e roimhe. Chuir iad loinn às ùr air a’ Phàillean Eadailteach aig cridhe na Pàirce.Tha an togalach seo air uchdangàrraidh ’s rèidhlean mòr leathann sìnte a-mach foidhe gu geata mòr beul na pàirce. ’S math as fhiach tadhal air nuair a bhios a’ ghrian a’ deàrrsadh.

Beannachdan o Dhùn Dèagh, Steaphan MacRisnidh.

DUNDEE’S RENEWAL The other Sunday I was at home in Dundee when I was suddenly startled by a massive bang outside.

Although it sounded like thunder there was not a cloud in sight.

considering its regeneration, well, it’s been a long time coming.

Soon after, I smelled smoke through the open window of the flat, and I could see a black cloud blowing to the east from behind the tenements opposite. The first thought that struck me was that it might be a bomb, or even a plane crash, but it wasn’t. I had forgotten that today was demolition day.

Casting an eye around Dundee, it’s obvious that there is an architectural revival on the way. Large works have begun. The old council headquarters, Tayside House, are being pulled down bit by bit because the area around it is too dense to use explosives. In a short while, there will be new hotels and a branch of the famous Victoria & Albert museum in London next to the Firth of Tay. The train station, too, is going to be renovated with smart shops and restaurants installed. All this is planned for the city in the not too distant future.

The two tall multi-storey buildings that were felled are in the Hilltown, in the upper part of Dundee, an area which was once a separate town lying above the city. Although poor, it’s quite a busy part of the city and if the Council are

To the east of the city centre is Baxter Park, which was designed by Sir Joseph Parker and his son in the 19th century. I was taking a walk through it the other day and I could see what a fine park it still is despite some parts of it having fallen into decay. Some of it has been restored to its former grandeur with the centrepiece being the Italianate Pavilion situated on a terrace above a great wide lawn which stretches out below it to the park’s large entrance gate. It’s well worth a visit when the sun is shining.

Greetings from Dundee, Steven Ritchie

‘S nach iomadh taisbeanadh ‘s fiu ‘s opera. Bu toil leam cuairt a ghabhail ann Eaglais Mhiùghalaigh/Mingulay Church gu dearbh.Tha greim aig Hiort air mac-meanmhainn an Ach beag air bheag thàinig crionadh air a’ choimhearsnachd t-sluaigh, àite far an robh coimhearsnachd a’ tighinn beò ann ‘s cha robh duine air fhàgail ann an 1912. Cha do chuidich e nach an àite ao-coltach ri àite sam bith robh deagh acarsaid air an eilean. eile.Ach saoil an robh beatha nan Cuideachd, bha creideamh làidir Hiortach cho ao-coltach sin bho choimhearsnachdan iomallach eile? aig muinntir an àite , ach ‘s ann glè ainneamh a chitheadh iad Thug e toileachas mòr dhomh a sagart, air sàilleabh far an robh dhol a Mhiùghalaigh air latha iad. eireachdail bho chionn ghoirid le fear a tha ag ionnsachadh na Tha e inntinnteach gun do Gàidhlig. Nam bheachd-sa bha stèidhich Eaglais Shaor na h-Alba beatha a cheart cho dùbhlannach sgoil ann ro Achd an Fhoghlaim aig muinntir Mhiùghalaigh ‘s a bh’ ann an 1872. aig na Hiortaich. Bha aca ri beòB’ fhiach dhuibh turas a ghabhail shlaint a thoirt às a’ mhuir ann le Dòmhnall MacLeòid,‘s e fhiadhaich ’s greim fhaighinn air eilean àlainn a th’ ann ‘s cha tèid eòin-mara à creagan a bheireadh e às ur cuimhne. d’anail bhuat.

A NEARER ST KILDA Archie Campbell I wonder how many books have been written about St Kilda, not a few.

And many exhibitions and even an opera. I’d certainly like to take a trip there. St Kilda has a hold on people’s imagination, a place where a community wrestled a living from a place unlike any other.

But, was the life of the St Kilda people so different from people in other remote communities?

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Mingulay with a Gaelic learner. I think the people had a life just as challenging as the people of St Kilda. They has to make a

living from a turbulent sea and to catch seabirds from cliffs that would take your breath away.

But the population gradually declined, and there was noone left by 1912. The lack of a good natural harbour didn’t help. Also, the people had a strong religious faith, but it wasn’t possible for a priest to visit often due to its location.

It’s interesting that the Free Church of Scotland established a school there prior to the Education Act of 1872.

You should take a trip there with Donald Macleod, it’ll stay in your memory.

Tha ar duilleag cunbhalach dà-chànanach Gàidhling ’s Beurla air a thoirt thugaibh le taic bho Bhòrd na Gàidhlig Our regular Gaelic-English page is brought to you with the assistance of Bòrd na Gàidhlig.

Deasaiche/Editor: Eairdsidh Caimbeul/Archie Campbell

September 2013 Issue 18 - island news & ADVERTISER

Balivanich school

First Day at School

11

Lingering sadness at closure of Eriskay school

Kirsten Beaton (left) and Sophie MacAulay.

Special report by Kirsten Beaton and Sophie MacAulay

Eoligarry school

Castlebay school

There will be no pupils going through the door of Eriskay school for the first time in many years as all pupils were transferred to Daliburgh school on August 15.

The school day for the pupils will be a lot longer and the Eriskay community will be a lot quieter without the activity around the school.

Eriskay school opened in 1888 with over one hundred pupils. Mairead MacInnes from Eriskay remembers how each child had to bring a block of peat to school every day for the fire as there was no heating.

Times have changed but the school remained over the years a big part of the community with much support from parents and residents.

By 2013 there were nine pupils in the school at the end of term but as some opted to go to Daliburgh other parents felt there would be too few pupils remaining to sustain it.

Friends Kirsten Beaton, who has just left Eriskay for Lionacleit and Sophie MacAulay who left last summer say they are very sad that the school has closed because it was a really good school. “We all knew each other and the staff very well and all the pupils were good friends. We also used to do lots of activities for the community such as ceilidhs, the community will miss the school and so will we.

Carinish school

Leverhulme Memorial school

“Eriskay will never be the same again.”

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12

island news & ADVERTISER - September

Art

Fine Art degree show in North Uist Artwork by Tara Paterson.

Š Photos by Jackie MacLellan

Three BA Hons Fine Art (UHI Moray College) graduates are exhibiting their work Taigh Chearsabhagh, Lochmaddy until September 28.

Artwork

y.

ael Kell

by Mich

Artwork

rt.

h Stewa

by Eilid

Michael Kelly, Eilidh Stewart and Tara Paterson did their degrees in Uist, based in Taigh Chearsabagh, studying remotely with Moray College.

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September 2013 Issue 18 - island news & ADVERTISER

rticipants Two of this year’s pa erman National won prizes in the G Jugend Music Competition Musiziert 2013.

13

Music

Berneray Music Summer School in full swing Gifted young musicians were gathering in Berneray as IN&A went to print for the 12th annual Music on the Isles summer school.

This year 18 participants from Germany are undertaking the orchestral and chamber music courses and rehearsing intensively for two public concerts in Berneray Hall on Friday September 6 and Young string player Felix Saturday September 7, Schöllbronn. at 7.30pm.

Highlights from the concerts include

After adjudicator and National Mod gold medallist Paul McCallum’s description of last year’s Mod Ionadail Bharraigh is Bhatarsaigh as having the wow factor, anticipation is mounting on the island ahead of this year’s event.

The Mod takes place in Castlebay school on Friday September 27 and Saturday September 28.

Now in its third year, the event enjoys enthusiastic local community support and participants from increasingly far afield.

There are 105 competitions with 40 junior and senior entries already received from as far afield as Mull, Lochaline and Taynuilt.

This year’s judges include Alasdair Whyte, Mod gold medallist from Mull, Moira Robertson, Pipe Major Lochaber Pipe Band, Mary MacLean conductor of Falkirk Junior Choir, and Uist’s Fr Ross Crichton.

Price teaches the blues

Peter Peter Price in The Bunker.

Acoustic blues guitarist Peter Price visited Uist to run two workshops and give a concert in The Bunker, Benbecula.

Grieg’s Holberg Suite, conducted by 17 year old cellist Maximilian Leinekugel; the first movement of Bach’s 3rd Brandenburg Concerto in G Major, the first movements of the Mendelssohn Octet, the Schubert Quintet and Dvorak’s ‘American’ Quartet.

The students, who range in age from 12 to 20, rehearse daily for five hours, studying works for string quartet, bassoon quartet, string quintet and octet, voice and harpsichord. Some of them are returning to Berneray for the third time.

Two of this year’s participants won prizes in the German National Music Competition Jugend Musiziert 2013.

Violinist Louis Vandory, 13, took first prize and cellist Leon Karpf, 14, Music Summer School students Pauline and Elisabeth Geisenbrunn. took third.

The students are tutored by Caroline Hartmann (violin).

Bergius(harpsichord), Wolfgang Bergius Tickets for the concerts are available on (cello), Ann Schneidt (viola)and Rebekka the door at £8, conc £4.

Barra Mod- looking forward to more wow factor

Fun and games at last year's Barra Mod.

There will be activities to keep younger children entertained and ceilidhs on Friday and Saturday evenings with a special ferry leaving at 10:30 pm from Ardmhor, Barra to Eriskay to allow visitors from the Uists to attend the prize winners ceilidh.

Price, from Warrington continued his island tour with workshops for students in Sir E Scott school, Harris and the Nicolson Institute in Stornoway before giving a concert in An Lanntair.

Price, who calls himself a modern troubadour, plays a Gibson SJ Deluxe and a rare silver Beltona Resonator.

He has been coming to the Outer Hebrides to perform for a number of years, and said he finds the thriving musical culture on the islands inspiring for his own music.

He said: “You can’t fool anyone here, the musical standards are very high. It’s a different form of music, but people are interested in what I do, and in turn I listen to their music and find ways of incorporating influences into what I do.”

He added: “I have toured all over the world, but I love the geography of the islands, the beaches and the gentle, welcoming people.”

14

island news & ADVERTISER - September 2013 Issue 18

HARRIS MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL scales new heights

The third annual Isle of Harris Mountain Festival takes place this month offering its most ambitious programme yet.

The week long festival starts on September 14 and offers walks, talks and watersports, workshops, boat tours, races, and exhibitions.

Organisers North Harris Trust (NHT) say they want the mountain festival to bring visitors and locals together to enjoy what Harris has to offer- and to attract visitors to the island outside the main tourist season, giving a boost to the local economy.

Bookings from the mainland have been brisk, according to NHT ranger Matt Watts.

He said: “Last year there were more than 500 people around during festival week, and this year has generated quite a buzz. The workshop session with Laurie Campbell has proved a big draw already, and there’s a lot of interest in a speaker new to the festival, Chris Townsend who recently did a continuous walk from the Borders to Duncansby Head along the Scottish watershed line where water flows both east and west.”

Mr Watts will be leading the festival’s guided walks and another new feature, powerboat trips round Loch Seaforth.

He said: “We’ve teamed up with the Scaladale Centre to offer the trips in their powerboat, and using some of our funding can subsidise the trips to make them affordable for people.”

Mr Watts urged early booking for the Loch Seaforth trips. There are four trips, two on Tuesday and two on Thursday,

with space aboard for four only each time.

The regular Harris 5 Peaks Challenge is this year oiled by an inducement- a dram at the Harris Hotel awaits those who scale three of the five peaks, and can produce a stamped card to prove it.

The peaks are An Cliseam, which is also

one of this year’s guided walks, Tiogra, Toddun, Roineabhal and Beinn Dubh- a combined climb of almost 3,000m and 26 miles.

The festival programme can be seen in full on the Harris Mountain Festival website and Facebook page.

Highlights from the programme include: Guided walks going on every day, including a day-long walk around the spectacular Clisham Horseshoe, Machair Walks with the ‘Barefoot Shepherdess’ Alison O’Neill, a Golden Eagle walk, a community walk from Meavaig to Bogha Glas, and other walks into the Harris Hills.

GUEST SPEAKERS: Cameron McNeish giving a presentation about the influential naturalist John Muir; renowned natural history photographer Laurie Campbell on some of his recent work; and long distance walker Chris Townsend will give an account of his most recent expedition, a 1200km continuous walk along the Scottish Watershed.

A full day photographic workshop with Laurie Campbell Outdoor sports taster sessions –

sea kayaking, mountain biking, surfing and stand-up paddle boarding.

FILM NIGHTS – screenings of the 2012 animated film “Brave,” as well as “Touching the Void.” l Powerboat tours of Loch Seaforth l The return of the Raft Race in East Loch Tarbert, and the Rhenigidale Hill Race l Exhibitions from local galleries l A festival dance

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‘‘

September 2013 Issue 18 - island news & ADVERTISER

ar was A new activity this ye s for the children, a step dancing clas tutor. with Anne Wilson as

Another successful Sollas week Report by Joan MacDonald

The week began with a popular new game, The Weakest Link, copying the television format for children and adults and starring Nannac Skivington as the intimidating Anne Robinson.

Community

Sunday saw the Family Service led by Anne MacNab in Taigh Sgire.

On Monday morning, 18 brave souls set off from Taigh Sgire on Monday morning for ‘Lachie’s Trek’ entitled the ‘Short Precentor’s Walk’ which took the participants on the walk Tormod Dhomhnaill Shalmadair made each Sunday for nearly thirty years to lead the praise at Kilmuir Church after he had been allocated a croft in Grenitote in 1899.

Meanwhile, the more than 30 children attended a Gaelic Fun Day at the marquee.

Monday evening was quiz night and 18 teams battled it out in the marquee for the Chicago Cup donated by the family in memory of the late Donald John MacDonald ‘Chicago’.

Tuesday morning saw approximately 40 children attend the children’s sports. Later that evening John Docherty of Lochmaddy Hotel was the guest chef in the marquee for a cookery demonstration. The Promise Auction followed, raising a fantastic £1343.

On Wednesday afternoon Mary MacLean

Setting off on Lachie’s Trek.

organised a strawberry tea in aid of Cancer Research UK. The second walk of the week saw approximately 36 participants descend on Scolpaig where Jean Archer lead them in an informed ‘walk and talk’ on the various rock formations.

A new activity this year was a step dancing class for the children, with Anne Wilson as tutor. This activity will hopefully continue in Taigh Sgire during the winter months.

A fishing competition followed that afternoon on Loch Easadar. Approximately eighteen fishers participated and a reasonable number of

© Roddy MacDonald

Sgoil Lionacleit at World Pipe Band Championships Sgoil Lionacleit Pipe Band came 10th out of 14 qualifying bands in the Novice Juvenile grade at this year’s World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow Green.

The judges found no major faults with their performance, and that the only thing that let them down was their lack of competition experience.

Sgoil Lionacleit assistant head Ken MacDonald said: “The judges said they needed to show more spirit and enthusiasm during performance. The band is very young and they were very nervous. They were competing against mainland bands which have been able to play in competitions all summer.

It’s something we’re going to address by targeting more competitions next year.

“Coming 10th is an amazing achievement considering this time last year we didn’t even have any drummers. The band age range is from 9 to 18, so we should have the core nucleus around for four years, so we’ve high hopes for the future. It’s been a really great learning experience for everyone.”

Fred Macaulay lecturer announced

15

The band’s set included I’ll Gang Nae Mair Tae Yon Tune and Sweet Maid of Glendaruel. They’ve had instruction for the past year from visiting tutors Drum Major Alan Craig and Pipe Major Davie Weatherspoon of Lomond & Clyde Pipe Band, and have built up the drum section from zero to include five snares and four tenors.

brown trout were caught and many returned to the loch.

A whisky tasting competition and race night in the marquee completed the programme for Thursday.

Friday morning saw a group of 23 adults and children gather at Coille Ghlinn Gheirasdail where they walked through the wood and enjoyed a picnic albeit whilst being eaten alive by the dreaded midge.

John Morrison was the guest speaker at the annual Sollas Week talk. His talk ‘From Manse to Media’ was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience.

Winner of the new photography competition was Gemma Kilgour from Balivanich with her close-up of a bumble bee pollinating machair flowers (pictured).

Flùraichean Mhàiri Your Florist in Uist Full range from bouquets to wreaths Every occasion catered for ● Delivery from Berneray to Barra ● ●

tel: 01878 700320 264 Daliburgh, South Uist, HS8 5SS macleodmairi2@googlemail.com www.uistflorist.co.uk

Former head of BBC Radio Scotland Neil Fraser will be the speaker at Comann Eachdraidh Uibhist A Tuath’s annual Fred Macaulay Memorial Lecture. His talk is entitled ‘Reflections on 40 years in broadcasting.’

The lecture will take place on Friday September 13 in Taigh Chearsabhagh, Lochmaddy at 7.30pm.

Lochboisdale Coffee Shop & Post Office has ■

Computer/Wifi Access

■

Espresso Coffee, Home Baking

■

Variety of Paninis & Bagels

■

Cheeseburger and Chips, Grill Menu

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Homemade Salar Salmon pate

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In our Shop we have Retro Sweets, Costume Jewellery, Harris Tweed Handbags and Mice.

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Wide range of Contemporary Greetings Cards, Local Artwork and Canvas Prints

■

Not forgetting our Mr Whippy Ice Cream, it’s Heavenly!

Post Office, Kenneth Drive, Lochboisdale, South Uist HS8 5TH

Tel: 01878700313 f: Lochboisdale Internet Coffee Shop T: UistCoffeeShop

Angus B MacNeil MP Constituency Office, 31 Bayhead Street, Stornoway Isle of Lewis, HS1 2DU

All enquiries welcome

Tel 01851 702 272 E-Mail: macneila@parliament.uk

16

island news & ADVERTISER - September 2013 Issue 18

Sport

Lisa Dainty, first woman home.

Beinn Lee hill race dogged by bad weather

© Jackie MacLellan

© Jackie MacLellan

Conditions were atrocious on the boat to the Beinn.

Wind gusting over 40mph gave Beinn Lee hill race runners an extra challenge this year.

The unusually bad conditions saw a smaller turnout of runners with only 20 as opposed to last year’s 34.

First in was Alastair MacDonald of North Uist Amateur Athletics Club (NUAAC) at 56.33 adding 30 seconds to his time in last year’s race.

He attributed this to the weather.

Happy Beinn Lee walkers.

Lochmaddy runner Alastair MacDonald won North Uist’s iconic August hill race up Beinn Lee in challenging weather conditions.

© Jackie MacLellan

© Jackie MacLellan

He said: “We all got soaked in the boat going across, the waves were coming over the top.

“The wind was behind us on the way up, but against us all the way along the top.”

Second in was Richard Love of Malvern Joggers at 58.16, and third was Peter MacNab of NUAAC with 58.57.

First woman home was Lisa Dainty of Malvern Joggers with 1.10.20.

Uist runners take the honours in Ben Kenneth hill race Report and photos by Ian Smith

Race winner Iain MacCorqudale.

1st lady home Lorna MacLeod.

Race start.

Two runners from the Uists took top honours in the annual Ben Kenneth hill race held at Lochboisdale in South Uist last month.

Iain MacCorqudale from North Uist led the race from beginning to end - reaching the summit of the 276m hill in just over 18 minutes, well clear of the rest of the field.

He finished in a time of 31:32, over four minutes ahead of Angus Campbell from Iochdar who took second place in 35:50, and Hexham’s Phil Vincent who finished third in 35:55.

The first woman home was local girl, Lorna MacLeod from Lochboisdale. She completed the course in 46:43.

Her winning margin was even greater than in the men’s race, coming in almost seven minutes ahead of Jean 2013 Champions Bowman from Lorna & Iain.

Burntisland, Fife, who crossed the line in 53:25. Another local girl, Kathleen Alexander was third.Race organisers were delighted with what was a near record number of 59 runners, just four shy of the highest ever field of 63 in 2011.

Ian Binnie of the organising committee said: “We’re delighted that this year’s race has been such a success and that so many competitors, both visitors and locals, took part.

“This year’s field included runners from throughout the UK and one competitor who came all the way from Holland to take part. It was very encouraging to see the increasing level of interest being shown in the event from both the athletes and spectators, and we’re

confident that the Ben Kenneth Hill Race will now go from strength to strength in the years to come.”

The next Hebridean Hill Rac e is

Rhenigidale

on Saturday Septem , Harris ber 14 at 1pm, part of the Harris Mountain Fe stival.

September 2013 Issue 18 - island news & ADVERTISER

17

High praise for livestock at North Uist Show

Perfect conditions of sunshine for humans and breezes to keep the animals cool contributed to a memorable day at the North Uist Agricultural Society’s annual show on August 7 in Hosta.

John Archie MacDonald with his champion ram.

Livestock at the show earned high praise from judge Brian Grigor.

Mr Grigor, of Redfield Farm, Kessock is an experienced mainland judge and a well-kent face as a buyer at isles marts.

He keeps 150-200 store and fattening cattle, up to 1200 fattening lambs bought from Dingwall, Skye, Fort William and Uist, and has 160 acres of spring barley.

Mr Grigor was judging in Uist for the first time.

He described Best of Show animal, a continental bullock calf born after 1st

November reared by Hugh MacDonald, Hosta as having “keen lines, super hips, no waist, good growth potential and a bit of style.”

Mr Grigor said while an island judge might look at animals from the breeding perspective, he looks at them from the butcher’s side.

He said: “In one class I had two Limousin heifers and two Simmental heifers to choose from. I chose the Limousins, as they were good butcher’s animals. Faced with a bullock or heifer calf with very little between them, I’ll always go for the bullock as it has more potential.”

Mr Grigor congratulated North Uist crofters on the quality of their stock.

He said: “I saw excellent cows, bullock

The show took place in perfect weather.

calves and heifer calves. The fat lambs were also as good as anywhere on the mainland.”

Champion Sheep at Show went to John Archie MacDonald, Newton for his Texel ram.

Mr Grigor also judged a new Young Handlers (under 16 yrs) category. In Lamb Any Breed, he placed Eilidh Cameron’s lamb

in first place. Eilidh, 15, of Claddach said: “I’m proud. It was a single lamb, and I knew it was a good one as soon as it was born. I’ve done the crofting course at Lionacleit, and I want to go on with crofting, I love it.”

Donnie MacDonald, Hosta won Young Handler in the Calf any Breed class.

Hugh MacDonald with his champion calf.

This year’s show cabbages were outsize.

Young Handler Eilidh Cameron with her lamb.

Bill Taylor’s winning vegetable box.

Brian Grigor judged the show for the first time.

At the heart of the Community

The standard of livestock was highly praised.

●

Wide selection

●

Local meat, fish, eggs and seasonal veg

●

Fresh baking

●

Fuel

●

●

Friendly service Daily papers

Open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm

Telephone: 01876 510257 Bayhead, North Uist Mairi MacIain’s prizewinning dog Lily.

island news & ADVERTISER - September 2013 Issue 18

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The final dance, wit h the two bands combining, w as generally reckon ed to have been the be st on the island for years.

Neighbours © Laurie Campbell/SNH)

Name a shark

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18

Ups and downs at Fèis Thiriodh 2013

Names are being sought for 14 basking sharks being tracked online to find out more about their life cycle.

Scientists from Scottish Natural Heritage and University of Exeter (pictured( have tagged a total of 27 basking sharks in the waters off Coll and Tiree, and 15 of these can be tracked online via the SNH website.

Understanding the movements of the sharks will help the Scottish Government and other agencies manage the future use of the seas around Scotland.

The scientists are also appealing to anyone who finds a shark tag on the beach to get in touch. The tags are silver grey, torpedo shaped and 15 to 18 cm in length with a small antenna. If found please pick up and contact the SNH office in Oban on 0300 244 9360, or email baskingsharks@snh.gov.uk. There is a reward available for each tag returned.

Suggestions for names should be sent to baskingsharks@snh.gov.uk

This year’s Tiree Fèis continued the growth of the past few years, writes Dr John Holliday, Fèis Thiriodh chairman Blessed (or possibly cursed) with terrific weather, attendances at the classes grew while audiences at some of the evening events were disappointingly down.

2013 marked the 23rd Fèis with a return to the school after a number of years based in An Talla. The extra tutors from the two

bands – Trail West and The Scott Wood Trio – meant that the festival simply ran out of rooms at the community hall. Numbers in the classes rose for the third year running, although there were only two wanting to study the fiddle.

A particular success was the new expanded Fèis Bheag which ran for the full day and included for the first time non-Gaelic speaking children. Another winner was the Gaelic conversation class which was large and enthusiastic.

However, the lecture on the Middleton kelp

factory and the tutors’ concert were only thinly attended, possibly partly due to the glorious sunshine.

Meanwhile, 76 people boarded the ferry to Barra for the ‘Muse Cruise’ and were rewarded with a really great day of music and happiness. At Castlebay dancers and musicians from Fèis Thiriodh went ashore and did an Orcadian Strip the Willow down the pier with children from Fèis Bharraigh.

And as the boat left the quay, the Barra dancing class lined up and did a Highland dance to a Tiree piper playing from the departing boat. As the dancers made a deep final bow, the vessel’s master – a Barra man – blew the ship’s horn in salute. There was hardly a dry eye on board!

The final dance, with the two bands combining, was generally reckoned to have been the best on the island for years. The shape of the Tiree ‘season’ is changing, with the rise and rise of TMF. All the summer events are having to get used to the new world, and Fèis Thiriodh is no exception. But we are looking forward to 2014 with a few new plans up our sleeve.

Community buy-out under consideration for Colonsay Hotel A steering group has been set up to look at the feasibility of a community buy-out of The Colonsay Hotel.

The historic drover’s inn was put up for sale in July through Christies of Glasgow, offers in the region of £545,000.

It has nine bedrooms, a bar, conservatory and dining room, and is the only hotel, pub and restaurant on the island.

The hotel was originally bought in 2006 by Alex and Jane Howard.

Colonsay local develop

ment officer Donald MacNeill said: “When it came on the market we called a public meeting to see if there was sufficient interest in the community to consider buying it.

“Forty people out of the population of 130 came along, and a Colonsay Hotel. steering group formed hands quite to start investigating changed whether it would be viable, frequently in the past 20 years and lost something of and to access funding.”

Mr MacNeill said stability its identity. The community was an important factor in would like an input into the considering a community way it’s run, and we worry that it might be bought for buy out.

He said: “The hotel has use as a private house.”

THE ADVERTISER September 2013 Issue 18 - island news & ADVERTISER

19

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Thursday 12/26 September Residual Collection

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