SUMM
ER
2014
island news Edition 28
August 2014
EE FR
& ADVERTISER
WHAT A SUMMER
It’s been the warmest summer in recent memory, and also one of the busiest on the islands.
Island News & Advertiser brings you some of the highlights
Queens Baton Relay......... p 9 The magic of Ceòlas............... p15 Shows and Games ........................... pp 13, 14 All the fun of the Fèis.................. p 16
AT 11am ON TUESDAY 2nd SEPTEMBER 2014
H ER ROYA L H I G H N ES S
The Princess Royal will be in attendance to officially open Lochmaddy Marina. All throughout the community are warmly welcomed to the opening ceremony and to join us in the celebrations.
…and there’s more to come this month What’s on centre pages All enquiries to Comann na Mara Chair ~ Gus Macaulay - 07828 105 423
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island news & ADVERTISER - August 2014 Issue 28
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
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Moonwalk success
Very recently, two friends and I visited the beautiful Isles of Islay/Jura in order to check out the distilleries there. The distilleries themselves and the people who work there were fantastic to us but so too were all of the people that we met during the visit. We have never been treated as well and we will
Four weeks ago I participated in the Edinburgh Moonwalk and I’m delighted to announce that with the help of colleagues at Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar the grand total with Gift Aid raised was £2,107.14.
INBRIEF
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island news
Thanks to Islay and Jura folk definitely return again many times. I won’t mention people individually but you all know who you are... Peter White, Vice President, Irish Whiskey Society Finn MacDonnell Cedric Asselin
Thank You Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Garden Sale
My sincere thanks for all your support and encouragement, it means a lot. There were eleven of us in team Uist
BRAves and the magnificent total with Gift Aid raised to date is £10,326.73. Now that’s what you call wonderful team effort and awesome girl power! This money will go a long way in helping organisations that support people with breast cancer. Gretta Campbell Market Stance Depot Benbecula
You SHALL go to the Fѐis - thanks to UCSC
pupils to attend the Fѐis. The pupils had a Parents of pupils from Benbecula and great time at the Fѐis. South Uist who attended Fѐis Tir an you thank big a Eorna would like to say Thanks also go to Macvicars Coaches to the Uist Celtic Supporters Club for who provided the children (pictured) stepping in at short notice and with a punctual and comfortable contributing generously to the cost of bus hire, making it more feasible for the journey on each day of the Feis.
A big thank you to all who attended, donated raffle prizes, money donations, baking donations, those who helped on the day. The fantastic amount of £1,755.70 was raise d. Thank you all very much. Balaglas, Grimsay.
MacAskill Lecture now in book form A lecture given by Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill MSP last year in Lewis is now in book form and available to purchase
from The Islands Book Trust (IBT). Mr MacAskill, who has family links to Linshader in Uig, delivered his lecture Opportunities of Independence for Island Communities in Pairc School, Gravir as the 10th Angus Macleod Memorial Lecture.
The book can be purchased from IBT priced £6.
Isles representatives nominated for Drumhead Service at Edinburgh Castle Ten people from Uist and 11 from the wider Outer Hebrides will be going to Edinburgh Castle to attend the Drumhead Service on August 10. The representatives were nominated by members of their communities to Comhairle
Nominate your favourite health worker
The search is on for Scotland’s top health workers as people from the Western Isles are being urged to nominate their local healthcare hero. Every year, the Scottish Health Awards recognise and reward dedicated NHS staff, support workers, volunteers and specialist teams who go the extra mile to provide outstanding patient care. Nominations are being sought from those who want to acknowledge the quality of treatment they have received, either for themselves or a loved one. There are 16 award categories, including the Nurses Award, the Volunteers Award, the Top Team Award and the Doctors Award. To nominate your healthcare hero visit www.scottishhealthawards.com. The closing date for nominations is Monday 8 September, and the awards ceremony is on November 6 at the Corn Exchange, Edinburgh.
nan Eilean Siar, which is responsible for distributing the ticket allocation. The service has been arranged by the Edinburgh Military Tattoo as part of events to mark the centenary of WWI.
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August 2014 Issue 28 - island news & ADVERTISER
3
Royal opening for Lochmaddy marina HRH The Princess Royal will open the Comann Na Mara Lochmaddy Marina on Tuesday September 2. Uist’s Society of the Sea Comann Na Mara (CNM) is planning a community celebration, with all warmly welcome. Her Royal Highness will fly in by helicopter to spend around two hours in Lochmaddy. She will cut a ribbon to open the new marina in a celebration enhanced by music from local singers and pipe bands. In Lochmaddy Hotel she will learn more about CNM’s ongoing work, and inspect their pioneering underwater camera system. She will go on to meet wider members of the community at a reception in the hotel. Meanwhile, work continues on the marina with water and electricity now connected, first
stage landscaping underway and a washing machine and dryer set to be installed in the CNM portakabin. CNM chairman Gus Macaulay said: “Members of the community are welcome to use the machines. We now have calor gas for sale to visiting sailors, and this too is available for the community to purchase.” Mr Macaulay added: “We’re delighted by the amount of people who have sailed in from all over Europe including France, Sweden, Finland, the Baltics and of course from Scotland and England. The marina is going from strength to strength and making a noticeable impact on the local economy.”
Lochmaddy marina.
Sectarianism survey in the isles Two university researchers have visited the Outer Hebrides, including the Southern Isles, to ask volunteers about community experiences of sectarianism. Dr Kay Goodall from Stirling University, a reader in Law, and Stephen Millar of Queens University Belfast spoke to individuals and focus groups across the islands as part of a wider Scottish Government project. Dr Goodall said: “We are carrying out exploratory research to better understand how sectarianism may or may not manifest itself in modern Scottish life.
Facelift for Lochboisdale housing Lochboisdale has a new, brighter look following exterior paintwork on the row of Hebridean Housing Partnership (HHP) homes on the main street, known as Calabhaigh. The colour scheme of duck-egg and cream was arrived at through discussions with HHP and its tenants. HHP’s Area Manager, John MacQuarrie said: “A variety of options and colours were discussed with tenants during a surgery session. It was pleasing that almost unanimous agreement was reached about the final selection.” Mr MacQuarrie said the transformed appearance of Calabhaigh had been well received by residents and visitors alike. HHP recently carried out a tenant satisfaction survey of the 24-home estate.
Mr MacQuarrie said: “HHP wanted to examine all aspects of living in Calabhaigh because there is a regular turnover of these houses. It is re-assuring that feedback was very positive.” The Calabhaigh properties enjoy spectacular scenery, looking across the bay to the island of Gasay, where Storas Uibhist is leading the Lochboisdale Regeneration Project to construct two causeways, a fishing boat pier, a pontoon development, a new slipway and the formation of a site for industrial, commercial and housing development.
HHP board member Mairi Bremner said she is optimistic that the developments will give a boost to the local economy. She said: “It is pleasing to see the result of HHP’s investment in the houses and I think it is very important that good standard housing is available to help support jobs in the community.” Mr MacQuarrie added that there are some houses available for let at Calabhaigh and anyone interested in securing a tenancy there should ring him on 0300 123 0773.
“At this stage we are not trying to estimate its extent, but to understand more about what people think it means, when a remark becomes sectarian as opposed to a joke or banter for example.” Seven researchers have been conducting surveys across Scotland since March, with the aim of bringing out a report, which will be available to the public, next year. The research will be used by the Scottish Government and other public bodies to inform their approach to the issue.
Anyone who wants to add their views can reach the team at research2014@stir.ac.uk
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island news & ADVERTISER - August 2014 Issue 28
IN&A welcomes Siân Island News & Advertiser welcomes Siân MacLeod of Lochboisdale as our summer undergraduate placement. Siân is developing our online shop, Everything Island, at islandnewsandadvertiser.co.uk. She’s also going out and about as a trainee journalist to cover events and hone her reporting skills. Siân said: “I’ve just finished the second year of my BA Journalism course at the University of the West of Scotland. I hope to go into radio or TV with a position that has a strong connection with the internet, my true passion. “I hope that I can use my knowledge of social media to make this a successful venture and obviously this is great experience for me and for my future career.” IN&A editor Susy Macaulay said: “Siân is bringing a lot to the table with her passion for the internet. We are delighted to be able to offer her a summer job so close to home which will add to her CV and help her along her career path.” Siân’s placement was through ScotGrad which is partnered by Highlands and Island Enterprise.
Marie Curie nurses in place to carry out overnight care in Uist Two registered nurses and a health care assistant have been recruited by Marie Curie Cancer Care (MCCC) in Uist to carry out overnight nursing care for terminally ill patients at their own homes. The nurses are awaiting patient referrals, which come from district nurses. Lynne Millar, NHS clinical nurse manager of the project said: “Our Marie Curie nurses and
healthcare assistants in Uist will provide hands–on care and support to patients and their families, enabling patients to be cared for at home with their families and friends. “As well as providing personal care they help with symptom management and provide reassurance and emotional support to patients and their families.”
Meanwhile the whole of the Outer Hebrides is set to get this service after interviews this month to recruit ten more nurses. Mrs Millar said: “We can cover Barra too with nurses travelling to the island to stay over.” Local fund-raising plays a big part in supporting the service, with the recently formed Outer Hebrides Fundraising Group generating £3,400 as part of Marie Curie’s annual Great Daffodil Appeal in March. A successful pilot programme in Orkney last year is being renewed to allow MCCC cover to continue. Shetland is now the only area in Scotland without this service, something MCCC intends to rectify as soon as possible.
More information on the Marie Curie Nursing Service can be found on www.mariecurie.org.uk
Better Together supporters mobilise in Uist The Western Isles Better Together campaign has started making arrangements for a series of events in the Uists in the lead up to referendum in September. The campaign invites individuals across the islands from Berneray to Eriskay, to become involved in activities during this period. Better Together Uist coordinator Hector MacLeod said: “The forthcoming period will be one of the most important of all our
lives, as our constitutional future is decided in September. As has been said, this is not a council election, not even a general election, when policies and politicians can be changed by the electorate every subsequent four of five years. The decision will be binding on us all indefinitely, so
we all need to be sure of our facts, as we go to the polls. This is not a trial run.Once we are out, we are out. “Better Together has no exclusive party political leanings, as indeed I do not personally. I simply believe that the interests of the local and national population will be best served by retaining
and strengthening the union with our friends across the UK. “Furthermore, it is the duty of all of us to ensure that the claims and promises being made by the Yes campaign can be proven and verified. Questioning is not scaremongering. I for one just want the honest answers from the YES campaign.” Anyone wishing to be involved in the events during the summer, please contact Hector at bettertogetheruist@gmail.com or on 07967 111532.
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August 2014 Issue 28 - island news & ADVERTISER
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Ancient bronze pin found by holidaymaker A chance boat trip brought a Uist holiday maker face to face with a piece of 1500 year old treasure. Iain Simpson, 39, a student support worker with UHI North Highland College in Alness, was visiting a friend on Grimsay when the two decided to join an Access Archaeology (AA) boat trip from Kallin harbour to the east coast of Benbecula. On a sand-blow area where erosion has exposed signs of ancient human habitation like charred pottery sherds, square-headed iron nails and fragments of Irish slate and soapstone, something sticking out of the sand caught Mr Simpson’s attention. He pulled it out to reveal an
exquisitely crafted bronze pin, about five inches long, in perfect condition. He said: “I just saw the top sticking out. It was in such good condition I thought it must be something quite modern. “I’ve always had an interest in archaeology so I was quite excited.” Kate MacDonald of Uist Archaeology was on site and rushed to look at the find.
Iain Simpson with the newly-found pin.
She said: “In fifteen years of working on digs, I have never found anything of this quality. It is remarkable.” She said the pin was likely to be around 1500 years old, and to have belonged to a high-status individual. The carefully crafted hollows in the pin head may once have held gems, or might have been enameled, she said. The cross-hatching on the stem would have helped secure the pin in place. The pin will be sent to the Treasure Trove panel in Edinburgh where it will be recorded. It
The 1500 year old pin will go to Treasure Trove.
is likely to end up in Museum nan Eilean, Lewis. Access Archaeology chair Catherine Macleod, who was also on site, said the group was thrilled by the find. She said: “We know there is a lot of archaeology on the east coast of Uist and as a group we had set out to record it as some of it is subject to erosion. The find has spurred us on with our ideas of creating a bigger project to map east coast archaeology, and also in our general work of trying to record as much of the archaeology on the Uist coastline before it disappears for ever.”
Swan’s flying visit to Lochmaddy Dutch schooner Wylde Swan will be calling into Lochmaddy marina for one night this month, August 10, with an open invitation to the public to come aboard for a look round.
Wylde Swan.
goes back to 2011, when Kevin Peach of Ullapool Harbour Trust (UHT) met Wylde Swan’s skipper Jurgens Hanekom.
At the heart of the Community ●
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Wylde Swan at St Kilda.
Wylde Swan is the largest twomasted topsail schooner in the world, and a certified training ship. Last month she carried 28 ‘Minch kids’ and their teachers from Bergen to Stornoway and Ullapool in the adventure of a lifetime.
Open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm
Telephone: 01876 510257 Bayhead, North Uist
Seventeen pupils from the Nicolson Institute undertook sail training on the ship after leaving Bergen with the Tall Ship fleet,
while 11 pupils from Ullapool High used the experience for their Duke of Edinburgh Award. Wylde Swan will also be undertaking three day charters to St Kilda between August 3 and 9. The schooner’s annual presence in the Minch working with local people
Mr Peach said: “We got on like a house on fire and UHT has sponsored training trips for 170 Minch kids each year since then. Wylde Swan considers Ullapool her second home and we go all out to support her amazing work.”
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island news & ADVERTISER - August 2014 Issue 28
1615.0
PS10/1 Cleaner's St
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Clearing the way for new North Uist primary school The first phase of demolition will start this month as the decks are cleared in Paible for the new North Uist primary school, Sgoil Uibhist A Tuath. The former S1/S2 wing and four classroom cabins will come down first in a staged demolition designed to clear the site of all the old buildings, including contentiously, the former Head Teacher’s House. (See below). The new school will have accommodation for 160 pupils, although at present there are less than 70 primary children on the island. Architects 3DReid say the building has been designed as a ‘fully inclusive
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environment, with all areas of the school being available to all users. ‘The design of the spaces explores the ideas of privacy, security and inclusion, with spaces that are both sheltered and comfortable and open and accessible.’ The development includes a new floodlit synthetic sports pitch, in addition to the existing grass pitch. New vehicle access will be ‘in-out’ on the same side as the school, with pedestrian access continuing via
existing pathways. The building will mainly be white, and the architects have chosen a ‘natural gold yellow tone’ for the exterior features to echo the ‘colour of the sandy bay adjacent to the site and within many of the machair flowers.’ The plans will be available to view at the school once the new term has started and matters discussed with the head teacher, according to a Comhairle spokesman, who added there will be ample opportunity to see them.
Fight continues to save former Head Teacher’s House Negotiations continue to try and save the former Head Teacher’s House from demolition. In the latest site plan for the new school, the building finds itself too close to the space allocated for the new nursery play area, according to the council. The council wants to see the building demolished to save having to build a retaining wall between the two areas. It says the cost of retaining the house would be more than £37,000. As well as being used as a polling station and meeting place for seniors groups, the building currently houses a small business and the office of North Uist
Development Company (NUDC), and also provides a room for a doctor’s surgery fortnightly, saving local residents from the time and expense of travelling to Lochmaddy. The surgery will move to the janitor’s house until it is eventually Old Head Teacher’s House. demolished next year. NUDC believes that minor amendments to the external layouts might provide a way to resolve the problem. NUDC director Ada Campbell says the company’s aim is to seek money from the Land Fund to buy the Head Teacher’s house from the council so that it can continue as a community hub. The money from the purchase would offset the cost of the retaining wall. She said: “We have been trying to buy the house or assure its future for the community since 2010. “When the new school was agreed for
Paible, we had assurances from the chief executive and leader of the council that they would do their best to protect it, to no avail. “We had a meeting with council officials recently in which we managed to convey to them the importance of the building to the west side community, and how there are no other buildings available to use instead. “We are waiting to hear what they say now, and whether by re-stating our intention to buy the building it can help resolve the situation.”
August 2014 Issue 28 - island news & ADVERTISER
Lochboisdale ball park transformed into all-weather pitch
Stephen Scott.
Siân MacLeod The new 3G playing surface in Lochboisdale ball park has been tested out for the first time by local football players who enthused about the chance to play at home rather than having to travel.
“It’s so much softer than it was before!” “It looks so much better now!” The surface, also known as AstroTurf, is made of synthetic fibres that are made to look like real grass meaning that it is safer to play on than the previous tarmac surface and it does not require regular trimming or maintenance. Stephen Scott, a director of Lochboisdale Amenity Trust (LAT) and goalkeeper for Iochdar Saints, stressed the importance of having a high-quality playing surface in Lochboisdale that allows children to be more active in their own village.
Central belt college to launch two new Celtic Studies and Gaelic courses Newbattle Abbey College in Midlothian will launch two new, full-time courses next month to promote Celtic Studies and Gaelic in Scotland. The courses, which will include mandatory Gaelic units for learners and native speakers, have been developed with the help of Sabhal Mor Ostaig and Lews Castle College. They are at NC and Access level and will cover a wide range of subjects including politics, history, art and literature. Morag Macdonald, who is originally from North Uist and now works as Newbattle Abbey College’s Gaelic Development Co-ordinator says she hopes that that the courses will
encourage more people to take up the language and develop an interest in Celtic Studies. She said: “There is so much happening with regards to Gaelic in Scotland at the moment and Morag Macdonald. with that comes many opportunities for people who are familiar with the language. “There’s definitely a big demand for people that are qualified to work in the Gaelic industry as it’s hard to find people that have a good grasp of the language and are confident with it.”
Harris mountains celebrated in fourth annual festival The fourth annual Isle of Harris Mountain Festival returns next month in a week-long celebration of the Harris hills.
glorious coastlines – including the return of the Clisham Horseshoe and the famous Golden Eagle Walk.
The organisers say the festival which runs from September 13 to 20, will be bigger and more ambitious than ever this year.
New for 2014 will be a set of “Gaelic in the Landscape” classes, and a short course of Mountain Training accredited Hill and Mountain Skills Awards, aimed at new and improving hill walkers. There will also be a range of outdoor sports sessions, as well as boat trips, a hill race, raft race and festival ceilidh.
Guest speakers include author and activist Alastair McIntosh and biologist and author John Love, as well as festival regular Laurie Campbell. There will be special screenings of two films by Terry Abraham –“The Cairngorms in Winter” and “Scafell,” the former being introduced by Chris Townsend, who stars in the film. A spectacular range of guided walks is also on offer, from stunning ridges and glens to
For up to date information about the programme, visit www.harrismountainfestival.com, emailinfo@harrismountainfestival.com or phone the North Harris Trust on 01859 502222.
He said: “With the new developments happening right now, Lochboisdale is changing and this is all part of the ongoing improvement. “It’s great for the kids too, they won’t have to travel and it will bring more people to Lochboisdale to play here.” The LAT initiative aims to further encourage sports and physical activity within the area and to broaden the range of participants. The project has been funded by Awards for All with a grant of £10,000, as well as The Robertson Trust and the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar community sports fund.
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island news & ADVERTISER - August 2014 Issue 28
Destiny’s interior is crafted from an 80 cubic fe et, three tonne piece of English oak. The trim is camphor with walnut accents, the floor is beech an d sapelle.
Visitors
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During summer in the Hebrides you never know who might blow in for a visit - or what mode of transport they might be using A date with Destiny
Macleans BAKERY, BENBECULA
Butchery counter featuring local meat Fine local fish and seafood
Tempting range of oatcakes, bread and treats Fresh vegetables Hot and cold snacks And don't forget our takeaway in Balivanich Sandwiches, soup, hot dishes and pies Whatever you want, when you want it!
Uachdar, Isle of Benbecula HS7 5LY Tel. 01870 602659
f r a s e r A ARCHITECTURE Award-winning Chartered Architect based in North Uist. With over twenty years design experience on proojjects throughout the Western Isles, we specialise in creating energy-efficient buildings, inspired by their Hebridean setting and designed to meet the challenges of our extreme environment.
Andrew at the helm.
Eye-catching yacht Destiny berthed in Lochmaddy marina for several days, attracting much attention from landlubbers and fellow yachtsmen.
When they realised they could get to more inaccessible places by sea for their climbing adventures, they bought their first boat, a Vancouver 32, appointed an instructor and got on with learning how to sail.
The 48’ single mast sloop is a Van De Stadt Samoa, described by her owners Andrew and Janice Fennymore-White as a ‘special boat.’
Now they have RYA qualifications up to the hilt and have created Destiny to spirit other adventurers away on dream holidays.
Even more special as the couple built Destiny themselves, from scratch, to be the performance cruising boat in which they now live and plan to make their future livelihood.
Andrew said: “She’s designed to take you from A to B in comfort, at around seven or eight knots and with no engine to scare away wildlife. She’s sedate and heavy, made for light airs and we’ve adapted her to have a lifting keel, enabling her to sail into anchorage in shallow waters.”
It’s taken ten years, Andrew’s skill in motorcraft fabrication, all their savings and the sale of three houses not to mention countless hours of elbow grease to create Destiny, half a million pounds of floating luxury ready to bear away newbie sailors on wildlife spotting trips around the west coast of Scotland or further afield.
The boat has berths for six, central heating, an onboard shower and hot water, a comfortable saloon complete with well-stocked drinks cabinet, home-cooking by both Andrew and Janice, and there are usually freshly baked bread and cakes to be found cooling in the galley.
With Destiny the product of such obvious passion and commitment, it would be easy to think that the Fennymore-Whites have been lifelong sailors. On the contrary, both come from a background of mountaineering, Andrew’s sure-footedness at heights coming from his early years living at altitude in Lesotho, and Janice’s from club mountaineering in England.
Janice in the galley.
Uist, Jeeves! Members of the Bentley Drivers Club brought their vehicles over to tour Uist in style.
Sue Shoosmith ‘grew up in the back of a Bentley.’
www.fraserarchitecture.co.uk
For both of them, the outdoors is where they feel most comfortable, riding, canoeing, climbing, diving- and since 1999, sailing.
The stately cars dated from the 1920s to the 1950s, each matched with a driver of equal panache Sue Shoosmith, 57, brought her Bentley, a 1926 3/4½. She says she grew up in the back of a Bentley after her father bought his first vehicle in 1941. She now rallies with her friend Trina
Janice said: “Sailing with us is all about fun and encouraging people to learn if they want to.
Janice and Andrew with Destiny in Lochmaddy. We love teaching people new things, so we say to our guests almost as soon as they come aboard, would you like to take the helm? “They usually look petrified at first, but it’s nice to see them get such a buzz out of it as they never imagine they could be at the helm of such a luxury boat. “They can learn how to pull ropes or just relax, it’s entirely up to them.” Destiny’s interior is crafted from an 80 cubic feet, three tonne piece of English oak. The trim is camphor with walnut accents, the floor is beech and sapelle. The gleaming, smooth beauty of the fittings belie years of meticulous work by master craftsmen and by the couple themselves, particularly Janice, who applied nine painstaking coats of varnish to the oak, and laid and oiled the floor. Andrew and Janice are heading to Tromso, Norway for the winter, but will return to Lochmaddy next summer to offer four day cruises around the islands.
You can see more about their venture at sailinghols.com
Harley as navigator. The duo came second in the Flying Scotsman two years ago, the first ladies to do so. In a brand new rally, The Hero 1000 mile Trial from London to Edinburgh and back, she and Tina came fourth overall. Sue, who has a soft furnishing shop in Biggar, is now looking forward to a rally with Trina in Sardinia later this year, and doing the London-Brighton Veteran Car Run in a friend’s Some of the Bentleys which toured Uist. Daimler. Edward Hinks’ vehicle, a 1947 Mark VI, was deployed in the recent Ken Loach Scottish comedy-drama film, Angel’s Share. Edward said: “You see some very rich people arriving for a whisky auction, and my car was at the front of the distillery.” Edward described his trip to the islands with his Bentley, as ‘fantastic.’ He said: “People were waving and chatting and we had fabulous weather all week. We took all the cars onto the beach at Barra once the plane had taken off.” Edward Hinks with his film star Bentley.
August 2014 Issue 28 - island news & ADVERTISER Iain MacDonald with Chris Bennett.
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Experience of a lifetime as Queen’s Baton Relay passes through Southern Isles On day 25 of the Queen’s Baton tour of Scotland it arrived in Eriskay early on a sunlit morning before moving through South Uist, up to Benbecula and then to St Kilda.
Siân MacLeod Sgoil Dhalabroig hosted a community breakfast for more than 200 people, while the Uist Community Riding School put on a display with their Shetland ponies at Sgoil Lionacleit while athletics, dance and other sports activities took place.
Ronnie MacPhee passed the baton to Christine MacQuarrie.
The first baton bearer was Ronnie MacPhee who was nominated for his association with youth clubs and Iochdar Saints football team, “I was happy to be picked as baton bearer. I’m even happier being baton bearer number one!” Christine MacQuarrie and then Marion Steele, who have both been involved in many sports groups and activities including setting up an Athletics club in Daliburgh, were next to carry the baton.
Uist Camanachd captain Joseph MacInnes did a lap of the pitch while allowing members of the watching crowd their own chance to hold or at least touch the baton. During a short break a strip the willow started Joseph MacInnes. up with many of the crowd joining in and, at one point, the baton itself took a spin courtesy of Dr Kate Dawson. She carried the baton back around to the front of the school to be passed on to Jane MacIntyre who then took the baton onwards and northwards. Jane has been involved with athletics clubs and cross country running clubs and she was very happy that the community was being recognised in such a significant way.
Jane MacIntyre with Dr Kate Dawson.
Christine MacQuarrie with Marion Steele.
The baton then went to Sgoil Lionacleit where more than 300 people thronged the grounds to cheer on the baton bearers. Donna MacLeod began the relay at the Dark Island Hotel. She volunteers at her local junior youth club organising events for the children to participate in. Paul Morrison, who was chosen to represent Sgoil Lionacleit and was nominated for his commitment to the North Uist Amateur Athletics Club (NUAAC), then picked up the baton to pass it on to Chris Bennett, nominated for his work with primary school children
Donna MacLeod passed the baton to Paul Morrison.
doing football training in Balivanich for seven years, and then with children from all over the islands over the past two years. Chris passed the baton to Iain MacDonald. Iain is treasurer of the Uist and Barra Football Association, manager of Benbecula Football team and coach/manager of Uist and Barra junior squads. He said: “ I was nervous. It was a real honour. I was asked to do an extra lap round the track for everyone to join in.” He passed the baton to Katlyn MacLellan, the final baton bearer on Uist. Katlyn has been praised by her community for the amount of work she has put in volunteering and training with NUAAC and taking part in a Saltire Award. She said: “It was surreal. I was so nervous
Katlyn MacLellan.
Tagsa Uibhist Doigheag Respite Care Home
and could hardly sleep the night before. But the support of the crowds made it so easy. I kept thinking, I’ve held the Queen’s message that she put into the baton last October.” The baton sped on to Benbecula airport where swimmer Colin Macleod took it by helicopter to St Kilda, courtesy of QinetiQ. The baton headed from St Kilda to Harris, leaving those in North Uist and Berneray disappointed that they were not able to be represented in the relay despite their number of athletes and dedication to sports on the islands.
Baton bearer Colin Macleod with the baton at Benbecula airport about to head to St Kilda.
A warm Hebridean welcome awaits you at
UIST’S FAVOURITE FAMILY RESTAURANT
Delicious home-cooking all day Local produce used where possible
Tel: 01870 610239
Tea, coffee and cakes in the bistro 11am to 8pm Sundays Noon - 9pm Opening Hours
Balivanich, Benbecula HS7 5LA
For booking enquiries please contact Balivanich Office
Tel: 01870 603377
Tel: 01870 602111 Fax: 01870 603450 Email: tagsa.uibhist@care4free.net
Iain MacDonald took the baton on a lap of honour with the children at Sgoil Lionacleit.
islandnews
& ADVERTISER
What’s on in August
ALIVE WITH MUSIC
August finds home-grown music in every nook and cranny of the islands Isles tour for Causeway Trio. To describe them as ‘three young music students’ vastly understates this gifted group. The Causeway Trio comprises St Mary’s Music School, Edinburgh new ‘graduates’ Padruig Morrison from North Uist, Peter Thornton and David Swan. If you want to hear fresh, original compositions underscored with breathtaking musical skill, don’t miss their tour dates this month. The trio combined their diverse
influences two years ago to create what they call a ‘far from traditional take’ on traditional Scottish music, combining accordion, guitar, percussion and jazz-infused piano.
You can hear the EP’s title track, The Otter and the trio’s showreel on Island Creative at islandnewsanadvertiser.co.uk
They’ve just finished recording their self-titled debut EP at the renowned Castlesound Studios, following in the footsteps of Frightened Rabbit, Karine Polwart and Lau.
now 14 years old and winner of the first prize in Germany’s national music competition 2013 ‘Jugend Musiziert’. Louis has formed a chamber orchestra in Munich which rehearses regularly under his guidance and is formed of former course participants. They have already given public concerts in the main cultural centre, Gasteig, and more are planned in the Autumn.
BERNERAY
He has also been invited twice by the Ministry of Education to perform with his string quartet at official prize-giving functions.
MUSIC ON THE ISLES SUMMER SCHOOL 2014
The four members of the quartet have lovingly named their ensemble ‘Berneray Quartet’. We are very touched at this initiative and enthusiasm and see our teaching principles of instilling whole-hearted dedication to the furtherance of music-making among the younger generation fulfilled in the best of ways.
For the past 13 years, Berneray has been playing host to orchestral and chamber-music courses for young European musicians. Caroline and Wolfgang Bergius and Anna Shneidt are regular tutors on the courses. Caroline writes: Beside the usual tutors Caroline & Wolfgang Bergius and Ann Schneidt, we are pleased this year to welcome Simon Fordham, principal violinist in the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, to our teaching staff.
Thank you, Louis!
Twenty young musicians between the ages of 10 and 20, (string players, a bassoonist and a pianist) many of whom plan to study music professionally, will be participating. The course is now so popular among instrumentalists with serious ambitions that a gifted cellist from Brussels has applied to take part and some of our pupils are returning to their beloved Berneray for the fourth time! Regular visitors to our concerts will remember our talented young violinist, Louis Vandory -
will be a concert of seven new songs mirroring the traditional ones, with live musical accompaniment.
SOUTH UIST
AN SGATHAN
Concert by Gaelic singer/songwriter Fiona J Mackenzie Taigh Mairi Anndra, North Glendale FRIDAY AUGUST 8 Fiona has been researching the collection of Margaret Fay Shaw and John Lorne Campbell for her Masters at the University of the West of Scotland. She says: “The project will take the form of a special performance of a Song Cycle called An
For book sales, eevents vents an andd membe membership ership info’ inffoo’ visit
www.theislandsbooktrust.com landsbooktrust.com
“This will be the first time an event has happened in the house since the
Sgathan, actually in Taigh Mairi Anndra in North Glendale , where Margaret Fay Shaw lived with the Macrae sisters and collected the songs from them for nearly seven years. “The performance will be in two halves- the first a ‘promenade’ performance with lots of secrets and surprises for the audience, including seven of the traditional songs collected by Margaret, then when the promenade reaches the cottage, there
Macrae sisters died and is informed by exactly the same environment that surrounded Margaret. The house is currently being renovated for a self catering house but it is still bare walls and so will be completely authentic and, I hope, magical.” Due to lack of space at the venue it’s important you let Fiona know early if you plan to go. fiona@fionamackenzie.org More information at fionamackenzie.org/AnSgathan
Call Nick on: 01870 602 403
uistboattrips.com ningledew@aol.com
Guided Walks in Harris
AUGUST EVENTS
APPY DAYS - DOWNLOAD THE ULTIMATE OUTER HEBRIDES GUIDE ONTO YOUR PHONE A must-have app for visitors to the Outer Hebrides is now available from the visitouterhebrides.co.uk website (click on Visitor Information). Called the Ultimate Outer Hebrides stay, where to shop, what’s on and Guide, the free app tells you the where to find activities. best places to spot wildlife, the best The listings have images, descriptions, contact beaches, where to eat, where to details and locations. Once you have FINE FOODS
LIGHT LUNCHES
TAKE-AWAY
downloaded the app, you need no internet connection to retrieve the information.
another tool we have developed that ensures visitors have the best information possible, and is an easy to use addition to our website.
The project comes from Outer Hebrides Tourism Industry Association (OHTIA), an Outer Hebrides wide organisation set up to represent the wider tourism interests of the islands.
OPEN Mon³Sat 10am³5pm DUNGANACHY, ISLE OF BENBECULA
TEL:01870 602 796
info@islanddeli.co.uk
The organisation’s collaborators range from Visit Scotland to Calmac, Loganair, RSPB and SNH in an ‘ever expanding list,’ says chairman Ian Fordham.
OHTIA was granted funds two years ago to develop nature based tourism in the islands, resulting in the popular www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk.
“We are planning an exciting initiative featuring performance, arts and crafts and Gaelic arts for visitors, coming in September,” he added. Nature-based tourism has also been at the forefront of OHTIA’s work, as part of a transnational LEADER project, with partners in Yorkshire, Wales, France, Hungary, Finland, Portugal and Cape Verde.
Since beginning their work to raise the profile of tourism on the islands OHTIA says their membership has grown to 300 isles tourism providers from 84 in 2010. This initiative to bring visitor information into a downloadable app is
NORTH HARRIS TRUST & RSPB SCOTLAND
Eagle Walk EVERY WEDNESDAY (up to 17th SEPTEMBER) 10am - 1.30pm A guided walk in search of Golden Eagles and Sea Eagles in the North Harris Hills. Meet: Bogha Glas car park (NB 186 115) Distance: 4.5 miles Tickets: RSPB members , “Friends” & members of NHT and children - Free, Non-members - £5
From that work, OHTIA won an international
follows a good path but includes some steep sections.
NORTH HARRIS TRUST GUIDED WALKS (All walks below free of charge) th
th
Tel: 01876 510304
the Hushinish road (NB 085 061). Distance: 2 miles
Meet: Car Park next to the Scaladale Centre (NB 187 105).
THURSDAY 28th AUGUST 1.00pm - 4.30pm
Rhenigidale to Loch Trolamaraig
Parking: Glen Miavaig Car Park (NB 101 063) The North Harris Ranger will be at the Eagle Observatory every Tuesday morning between 10am and 12pm through August to help you spot eagles, and to answer any questions you may have about wildlife watching and walking on Harris. The Observatory is an easy 1.5 mile walk out along the Glen Miavaig track.
Bag a Beinn – Husheval Mhor
The remote village of Rhenigidale was the last Scottish settlement to be connected by road in 1989, and the whole area is steeped in history. This is an easy walk along the shoreline path past evocative ruins to the head of Loch Trolamaraig. Good for seals and porpoises and there is always the chance of a glimpse of an eagle above the skyline. Meet: Rhenigidale (NB 223 016). Distance: 3 miles
EVERY TUESDAY AFTERNOON (5th, 12th, 19th, 26th AUGUST) 1.00am - 4.00pm
An ascent of Husheval Mhor (489m), one of our most westerly peaks, with stunning views up and down the west coast of Harris and Lewis. Bring Lunch. Meet: Start of track just to the east of Amhuinnsuidhe Castle (NB 052 077). Distance: 7 Miles
Distance: 1.5 miles
Hougharry, North Uist, HS6 5DL Mob: 07748 267996 www.balranaldhebrideanholidays.com email: info@balranaldhebrideanholidays.com
“This offers excellent exposure for the businesses that support the site with paid listings, and also for the thousands of events and attractions that we list to help visitors make the most of their stay.”
THURSDAY 14th AUGUST 10.00am - 4.00pm
Caravan & Campsite Pitches -10 Caravan/Motorhomes & 10 Tents ● Electric Hook-ups Modern toilet and shower block ● Dish washing facilities ● CDP
“This May we had 20,000 unique users, more than double the same period last year.
Eagle Watch at the North Harris Eagle Observatory
Meet: Hushinish car park (NA 992 120),
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He said: “It’s always a challenge to develop traffic quickly to a brand new web site with a new domain name, but we’ve been really pleased with the growth in usage.
Distance: 2 miles
An easy walk across the Hushinish machair to investigate its unique flora and learn some of the traditional uses for its plants. Views from Hushinish are spectacular and there will be an opportunity to hear about the history of the adjacent island of Scarp.
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The website goes from strength to strength, Mr Fordham said.
EVERY TUESDAY MORNING (5 , 12 , 19th, 26th AUGUST) 10.00am - 12pm
Hushinish Machair Flowers
in the heart of the Balranald Nature Reserve
LEADER award last year for best tourism project with a partner in the Nordic or Baltic region.
THURSDAY 7th AUGUST 1.00pm - 4.00pm
Exploring the Ardvourlie Woodland A short guided walk around the developing native woodland at Ardvourlie. Learn all about woodland on the Western Isles past, present and future! This walk
THURSDAY 21st AUGUST 1.00pm - 4.00pm
Cliasmol Beehive Dwellings This is a short walk across the moor to a well preserved bee-hive dwelling. This unique igloo-shaped structure was once used as accommodation through the summer months by people taking cattle to graze the hill ground. Although a very short walk, this is a route across rough boggy ground so sturdy footwear is essential.
Food cabin based at Balranald Hebridean Holidays Campsite
Open to non-residents Soups Homebaking ● Freshly filled rolls and sandwiches ● Coffee, Tea, Soft Drinks, Ice Cream ● ●
Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 11am - 3pm Sat & Sun 11am - 4pm
Meet: Cliasmol School on
Island News & Advertiser What’s On Guide August 2014
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island news & ADVERTISER - August 2014 Issue 28
Canna SPEC
Neighbours
IAL
Young family breathes new life into Canna They come tearing over the hills, muddy and full of mischief. Canna’s youngest residents are experiencing a sense of freedom and adventure unknown to them when they lived on the mainland. No point in asking them if they’re enjoying life on the island, they’re charging off again on a new adventure along the shoreline and into the gardens of Canna House to cuddle the hens. Ryan (11), Julie-Ann (8), Erin (6) and Gordon (4) will start school again this month when the primary school opens for the first time since 2011. A teacher is now in place to take on the four charges. The Guthrie family moved to Canna in April from Carfin after answering the island’s plea for a young family to take up residence. Dad Gordon, 36, is a web designer and developer with the potential to work from anywhere in the world, while mum Denise, 32, is a beauty therapist.
Denise says: “It’s a big change for us, but as long as the children are happy, I’m happy.” She’s busy using her skills to create Hebridean Beauty, a range of products using the island’s natural resources like salt, seaweed and volcanic sand. Her Skin Scrub is newly on sale in Canna’s community shop, using volcanic sand from Coroghon beach combined with essential oils. Gordon, who has a marine biology and zoology degree and was Young Ornithologist of the Year in 1992 loves the outdoor life Canna offers, but finds himself busier than ever at his desk with seven web design projects on the go from all over the world. Far from being a backwater, Gordon says Canna offers unexpected business
Canna, cultural haven
The Guthrie family, back row l to r Gordon and Denise. Front row l to r Ryan, Julie-Ann, Erin and Gordon.
opportunities when yacht owners pitch up at the moorings and come ashore to spend time mingling with the island’s 21 permanent residents. For the children, school will only provide part of their education. Gordon said: “Ryan’s passion is entomology, so when visiting researchers arrived from Napier University to look at hoverflies on the island, he spent a lot of time absorbing
former St Edward’s RC church on the tidal island of Sanday into a performance space now known as the Camus Arts Centre. It’s already hosted a number of productions, including earlier this year Colin’s own production of Never Say Die, Say Damn, based on the life of Margaret Fay Shaw and other women of Canna. Colin said: “It’s a play filled with poignancy, insight and beautiful Gaelic music. We performed to a full house and are hoping to tour the production next year.”
Hanna Tuulikki Away With the Birds.
August sees two major cultural events on Canna with Homecoming Fèis Chanaidh from the 6th – 10th, and Away with the Birds, mesmerising music in Canna Harbour on August 29 and 30.
lecturer and actor Colin Irvine to run Tighard Guest House with his partner David Marr, Canna has become something of a haven for touring shows and bespoke performances.
Since the arrival in 2012 of performing arts
Last year the community adapted the
Since then community preparations have been at full tilt-in between other jobs-to get the island ready for this year’s Fèis, featuring Canna emigrés, the MacArthur family from Newfoundland. Colin said: “They will be providing tuition on music song and dance with some of the traditions taken by their ancestors to Newfoundland from Canna. “The Canna step dance will be brought
knowledge from them.” Ryan has also been helping archivist Magda Sagarzazu with the Canna Archives in Canna House. The girls have been taken under the wing of the local farmers, feeding lambs and calves and helping at shearing. Gordon said: “It’s all really positive news for Canna, and hopefully there will be another new family here by the end of the year.”
back to Canna and taught to the residents as well as traditional Gaelic songs. “Margaret Bennett will be storytelling and providing tuition and Dolina Munro will tutor the children and teach songs too.” No sooner recovered from the Fèis ceilidh finale, the community will rev up preparations for Hanna Tuulikki’s Away with the Birds/ Air falbh leis na h-eòin. The performance, designed specifically to be set in Canna, rounds off the Commonwealth Games Culture 2014 programme. A temporary pontoon will be built in the bay for the performance, Tuulikki’s exploration of the mimesis of birds in Gaelic song sung by ten female vocalists with choreography by former Uist dancer-in-residence, Rosalind Masson. More at awaywiththebirds.co.uk and kickstarter.com/projects/suzyglass/air-falb h-leis-na-heoin-away-with-the-birds-on-ca nna
Centenary of Canna church commemorated by descendants Members of the Thom family gathered in Canna to commemorate the centenary of the island’s Church of Scotland built as a memorial to Robert Thom, who bought the island in 1881. After he died in 1911, the church, designed by architect Peter McGregor Chalmers as a ‘simple rubble church with a tapering Irish tower’ was built in in his memory by his son Alan and his wife Mary Johanna Cameron of Talisker. It was dedicated in 1914, just before the outbreak of World War One. Cousins Gilmour Thom of North Berwick, and Johanna Frampton of Rattray, the
great-grandchildren of Robert Thom, came to Canna to remember their forbears. Mrs Frampton said she felt it was important for the family to commemorate the centenary of the church and celebrate the contribution of her family to the island. Family members, the youngest of whom is two, assembled in the church for a short service. Gilmour Thom spoke of Canna pier, built by Robert as a herring curing pier in 1892, of Tighard House, built in 1905, and of the lights placed on the islands of Hyskeir and Sanday in the early 1900s. He also read remarkable extracts from his
father Alan’s diary of 1918, recording submarines in the Sound of Canna that May, and a day later, two submarines attacking St Kilda. By November, Alan records that his brother Robert (Johanna Frampton’s father) was ‘heading for Ypres. He shall probably be fighting in Belgium now.’ Robert survived, and returned to farm Canna until 1938 when he and his brother sold it to John Lorne Campbell and Margaret Fay Shaw. Canna Local History Group records Robert Thom as ‘a considerate owner who cared for the families on the island and invested in carrying out improvements to island properties.’
l to r descendants of Robert Thom: Gilmour Thom, Johanna Frampton, Robert Whitehouse, Rosie Frampton Monsef with her children Cairo and Delila.
August 2014 Issue 28 - island news & ADVERTISER
13
South Uist & Benbecula Show SUMME R and IN&A BioBlitz 2014 After the hard work of the South Uist & Benbecula Agricultural Show committee and their small team of volunteers to pull together this year’s show, frustratingly rain chose to dampen the proceedings for most of the day. It didn’t stop plenty of community members and visitors enjoying the attractions on offer however.
clutch of other trophies. It was a satisfying but emotional day for Sketch as he recovered from a family bereavement. A larger show of cattle than usual was a cheering sight.
Angus Ferguson of North Uist judged the cattle, and as a first-time judge admitted his nerves were bothering him at the start of the show, but the experience had been a good one He said: “The overall standard was pretty good and I would always encourage people if they’ve got good animals to show them even though it can be a bit of bother. It’s keeping up the community spirit.” Sgoil Lionacleit Pipe Band played between a break in the clouds.
Duncan John MacEachen of Drimsdale took supreme champion with his traditional shorthorn cow in milk. Uist Wool put on a beautiful display.
Duncan MacEachan with his champion cow.
Local products found favour with visitors at the stalls, and in the hall handicrafts and baking were particularly admired. In the sheep section, dedicated blackface breeder Archie ‘Sketch’ Macaulay of Hacklett proved his colours once again, taking the Ardkenneth Cup for Champion Sheep, Champion Blackface Ram, Best Ram at Show, Champion Blackface at Show and a
Home industries in the hall.
Protesting about getting wet.
IN&A second annual BioBlitz takes place at show Resident experts and visitors from UHI were on hand to identify flora and fauna found by members of the public around the Iochdar showground.
He said of the champion: “I thought she was a good overall cow, a decent length, steady on her feet and a good depth about her.”
eye-poppingly close-up under a portable electron microscope. IN&A would like to extend warm thanks to Derek and Angela and to UHI/Talking Science for supplying materials for our BioBlitzes. Warm thanks also go to resident naturalists Bill Neill, Flora Donald, Ian Thompson, Paul Boyer, Patrick Hughes, Hazel Smith and Rebecca Cotton for generously sharing their time and knowledge at the event; and to bird-watching ‘migrant’ Alan Fawcett who spends each summer in Uist recording bird life.
Visitors discuss wildlife with naturalist Bill Neill and botanist Flora Donald (far left).
recorded. Some species were sent away for further identification. Around thirty varieties of plants were also spotted. It’s the first time the biodiversity of that area has been recorded and the data will be sent to Outer Hebrides Biological Recording. Derek Gorrie of UHI’s Talking Science project came over from Inverness with his wife Angela to engage with families with various activities, including showing them their finds
Uist Community Riding School Balivanich, Isle of Benbecula BHS-approved
Derek Gorrie,UHI shows Daniel Burke, 3, a frog found on the showground.
Island News & Advertiser organised two BioBlitzes this year, attached to the agricultural shows in South and North Uist. A BioBlitz aims with the help of the public to record a snapshot of the biodiversity of an area to contribute to scientific databases. The rain flushed out a number of frogs to fascinate the children while moths, butterflies, spiders, hoverflies, frog hoppers and an array of other insects were identified and
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Open all year for all ages and abilities
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Beach rides and paddles, lessons, fun days in or out
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Indoor riding school
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Qualified staff
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Large selection of well-trained horses and ponies
Booking essential
Contact: 01870 602808 The BioBlitz records will be sent to Outer Hebrides Biological Recording.
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island news & ADVERTISER - August 2014 Issue 28
Uist Highland Gatherings
Wall to wall sunshine tempered with gentle breezes added sparkle to this year’s Uist Highland Gatherings.
R E M M SU
2014
SOUTH UIST
South Uist Highland games took place at Askernish with locals and visitors slapping on the sun cream to watch the events including the Highland dancing, piping and athletics. The Highland dancing drew the largest crowd with children excitedly imitating dance moves and picking out their favourites.
The dancers performed brilliantly under the hot sun.
The dancers themselves performed brilliantly under the hot sun most of them changing straight back into shorts and t-shirt once they had danced. The heavy events showcased some impressive strength from the competitors during the hammer throw, shotput and the weight over the bar.
The Highland dancing drew the largest crowd.
The pipers could be heard from the entrance to the field and provided the music to which visitors enjoyed the spectacular day.
The heavy events showcased some impressive strength.
Two days later, the North Uist Highland Gathering in the natural amphitheatre of Balelone Farm saw crowds flocking to enjoy a traditional day of piping, dancing, sport and bonhomie.
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Hill Race start.
John ‘Larry’ Ferguson of Tong, Lewis was one of the piping judges, judging in North Uist for the third time in ten years. He said: “The enthusiasm and talent are great. The standard keeps on getting higher, making it difficult to judge, there’s not a lot between them. Whoever wins has won in a difficult field of competitors.” A new trophy was added to the Gathering, the Jessie Ann Macaulay Memorial Trophy Owen Johnson, U16 hill race winner. (Strathspey and Reel). It was donated in honour of their mother by wellknown piper and piping judge Archie Maclean and his brothers Angus and Donald. Jessie Ann was from Field Illeray, Baleshare, married to the late Angus MacNeil Pipe Major John MP took part in the heavy Maclean of Claddach events.
Baleshare. The first recipient was Decker Forrest, who was presented with the trophy by Flora Matheson, Baleshare, niece of the late Jessie Ann. Decker also won the Piobraireachd and March, and came second in the jig The Highland Dancers which was won by performed elegantly H&I Young Piper of despite the sweltering heat. the Year Robert Gibb. In the heavy events, Ranald Fraser of Lewis once again swept the board, but was given a run for his money by local lad Gregor Anderson of Benbecula. The hill race was won by Iain Townsend, Grimsay with Shona Morrison, Balivanich first woman in, and Owen Johnson, Carinish and Katlyn MacLellan, Lochmaddy first U16 Boy and Girl. Carinish won the district trophy, while Lochmaddy men and women won the tug of wars. For the full results of both Uist Games visit islandnewsandadvertiser.co.uk
NORTH UIST
Flora Matheson presents the new trophy to Decker Forrest.
August 2014 Issue 28 - island news & ADVERTISER
The Magic of
SUMME
2014
Piping at Crossover.
R
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Featured student Rena Gertz
Rena Gertz with her handiwork.
Ceòlas attendees milling around Daliburgh School can’t fail to have been drawn to the pop-up shop with its range of knitted shawls, scarves and jewellery disappearing fast from the shelves. They are the work of Ceòlas devotee and Mòd trophy winner Rena Gertz.
A ‘game changer for people’s lives’ again in the Ceilidh tent in Glasgow Green for the Commonwealth Games the day after the opening ceremony. Mary said Ceòlas is a ‘game-changer for people’s lives’ and this certainly seems to be the case with the Gergel family of teachers from the Gergel School in Ukraine. They teach foreign languages and culture to children, coming over almost every summer to learn and to grow before taking their newfound knowledge back home to teach to others. Students also came to Ceolas from as far afield as Tokyo, Switzerland and Canada. This year the tutors from Cape Breton included Howie MacDonald and Dwayne Côté, fiddle and Cheryl MacQuarrie, dance. Due to the lack of space to hold classes the school can only run during the summer holidays but this could change as Ceòlas has expressed an interest in having a permanent base in Daliburgh. Mary said: “This would mean classes could run all year round and be even more accessible to people who can’t attend the regular summer school.”
Siân MacLeod Ceòlas Gaelic Music Summer School in South Uist has become a global phenomenon in Scottish traditional music since it began 18 years ago. It brings the community together, has an amazing atmosphere and sparks legendary house ceilidhs. This year’s Ceòlas, held in venues around Daliburgh, began with a welcome ceilidh before classes began on Monday. Classes were interrupted by the appearance of the Queens Baton Relay on the Tuesday but things eventually settled back down to normal. Mary Schmoller, co-ordinator for the school, enthused about the effect that the school has on peoples lives. She said that people come from all over the world to attend the school which runs Gaelic classes across a range of abilities in order to show the importance of the language in understanding the rhythm of the music they learn and create in their other classes. This is a big year for Ceòlas as they took part in the European Oral Singing Tradition project in collaboration with Finland, Estonia and Brittany that aimed to explore links to other minority language communities in rural areas through singing. They performed to a sell-out crowd of more than 800 people at the Old Fruit Market in Glasgow as part of the Celtic Connections celebrations and will perform
Blessed with a beautiful singing voice, a chance encounter led her to join the Aberdeen Gaelic choir while she was doing her Masters in Environmental Law. “I was instantly hooked,” she said. “I don’t have an operatic voice, but it is well suited for the Gaelic tradition.” Since that time she has been tutored by luminaries like Jennifer Speirs, Polly Phillips, Isobel MacDonald Mitchell, Donnie Murdo Macleod and Paul MacCallum, to the point where she won the learner’s traditional cup at the Mòd last year. “I’m going for the silver pendant this year,” she says. Rena is a lawyer for East Lothian Council, and lives in Prestonpans. She sings with Edinburgh Gaelic Choir and the Glasgow Islay Choir under Kirsteen Grant. She’s often to be found in folk clubs in Glasgow singing with Irish band Blàs. So when does she find time to do all that knitting? “I hate doing nothing,’ Rena says. “I can’t sit still, I have to do something, so I knit and it helps give balance to my life. I use good hand-dyed yarn. “The necklaces are created on a French knitting doll, using all sorts of colours and textures, and then braiding the tubes together and adding decorations. I love being creative.” Rena has been clearing her diary to come to Ceòlas each year for the past ten years. She says: “I love it. It is so well-organised, everyone is so helpful and kind. You get the crème de la crème teaching here, like Gillebride MacMillan, Paul MacCallum, Margaret MacLellan, Ingrid Henderson, Fin Moore, to name just a few. “They are wonderful teachers who do everything to support you. I have found many of my Mòd songs here thanks to their generosity.”
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island news & ADVERTISER - August 2014 Issue 28
R E M SUM
2014
All the fun of the Feis
Bumper year for Feis Tir a Mhurain like a big family.” Many of the tutors were ‘graduates’ of the Feis themselves, like singer 18 year old Eoghan MacDonald, artist Kate MacDonald, athlete Iain MacCorquodale and dancer Gemma Steele. It was a special year for Fѐis Tir an Eorna, which celebrated its 25th anniversary with a family ceilidh in Sollas machair.
Siân MacLeod Feis Tìr a Mhurain enjoyed a high attendance rate this year with 102 children from the islands and the mainland coming to Iochdar School, South Uist to learn and develop their musical skills. The Fѐis gives children from P1 up to S6 the opportunity to learn from experienced tutors as well as from younger people from the islands who have dedicated their summer holidays to passing on their knowledge. The children could choose from a range of subjects to study at the Fѐis including Accordion, Pipes, Singing, Drama, Clarsach, Media, Art and Shinty.
More experienced children could be seen and heard playing beautiful tunes expertly on their instruments and younger children were excited to cook and to play all while developing their knowledge of Gaelic. Everyone works hard throughout the week both as individuals and as groups to practice for their Ceilidh na Cloinne in which they all come together to perform what they have learned
Meanwhile in North Uist, Fѐis Tir an Eorna saw more than eighty children and 15 tutors enjoying drama, singing, dancing, fiddle, keyboard, whistle, drums, pipes/chanter, accordion, animation and traditional sports. Paible school was buzzing fun and laughter as the children carried out ‘Viking raids’, bursting unannounced into classrooms to carry out a prank, a popular tradition at the North Uist feis. Parent Marion Campbell, an English teacher at Glasgow Gaelic School, said: “The feis is always good and it’s very vibrant this year. It’s very well-run and organised, but the atmosphere is very relaxed,
August 2014 Issue 28 - island news & ADVERTISER Robert Gibb, Highlands & Islands Young Piper of the Year 2014.
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Highlands & Islands SU MMER Young Piper 2014 of the Year 2014 An engineering geologist from Glasgow is Highlands & Islands Young Piper of the Year.
Robert Gibb, 26, was competing in the Benbecula-based competition for the first time. He is a dedicated solo piper who spends as much time as he can over the summer on the competition circuit. Robert was modest about his own success but had words of praise for the local pipers he observed coming up the rankings in the competition. He said: “They were very good, very professional in their attitude and mature for their age in terms of piping.” Snapping at Robert’s heels for the overall trophy was 19 year old Michael Basford, formerly of Inverness, now residing in
Cambridgeshire and a student at Nottingham University. He won the Under 30 March, and Hornpipe and Jig. Michael said: “I learned with the Peterborough Pipe Band and am Pipe Major with the Cambridgeshire Pipe Band. You’d be surprised how many bands there are down south, at one recent event I was at there were thirty.” The Highlands and Islands Young Piper of the Year competition is organised by Comunn Phìobaireachd Uibhist agus Bharriagh (Uist and Barra Piping Association) and takes place annually at Sgoil Lionacleit. There were two entrants from the islands
also in the running to win the overall award, Fiona MacLennan of Benbecula and Màiri MacInnes of North Uist. Màiri came third in the Ceòl Mòr and fourth in the March and Strathspey and Reel categories while Fiona came third in the Senior Hornpipe and Jig category. Fiona entered the competition at the last minute deciding to just go for it, “Sometimes that’s the best way to do it!”
IN&A says: “Next year, girls!” Full results on islandnewsandadvertiser.co.uk
Michael Basford
Berneray 10k takes place in downpour Torrential rain kept runners cool during the Berneray 10k, a traditional highlight of Berneray Week. William MacRury, formerly of Benbecula, now of Stornoway came in with a time of 38.22, a clear lead over Nick Mackenzie of Somerset with 40.04, who was neck and neck with Angus MacLeod of Glasgow at 40.06. First female in was Gillian Sangster of Carnoustie, at 41.25. In the over 40s category, she pipped her younger counterpart Sheena MacLullich of Roslin (42.49) to the post by a good margin.
William MacRury came home first.
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18
island news & ADVERTISER Life - August 2014 Issue 28
Bramble and Coultoon
Grandchildren entertained
Summer Reading
Life
A Touch of Treason New edition of Hamilton autobiography. A revised edition of the autobiography of one of Scotland’s most passionate and swashbuckling patriots has been published in the run-up to the Referendum. A Touch of Treason by Ian Hamilton was first published in 1990 but now includes a final chapter on the years from 1990-2014 and a foreword by socialist agitator and independence campaigner Tommy Sheridan.
Hamilton won a place in history when he removed the Stone of Destiny from Westminster Abbey in 1950 and returned it to its spiritual home of Scotland. Although well-known as a Queen’s Counsel, he has also been a publisher, printer, award-winning playwright, oyster farmer, pilot, museum curator and transatlantic yachtsman (failed). He was also the first man to canoe across Scotland.
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The grandchildren are home- let Bramble and Coultoon entertain them Bramble and Coultoon are two adventureloving ponies who are tricked into venturing to a far-off cave by someone who wishes them ill. There they encounter a piper who asks them for help and events take an unexpected turn. Set in Islay, the story is a fresh take on a piping legend common across the west coast of Scotland. Bramble and Coultoon Their Bolsa Cave Adventure is the third in the series, written by Islay-based Catherine Wilson, and illustrated by spinner/weaver/dyer Ruth MacLean. The ponies originally started life as knitted mascots made by Ruth to take round the Outer Hebrides when she and Catherine made a grand tour from South Uist to Lewis almost twenty years ago. In Lewis, they stayed with author Ian Stephen whose two sons were enchanted by the ponies. Soon they had their own, courtesy of Ruth, and
Catherine created a story to go with them. Thus Bramble and Coultoon Their Hebridean Adventure was born, published by Catherine and Ruth on their own AilsaPress. This was followed by Bramble and Coultoon Their Sky Dragon Adventure. The Bolsa Cave Adventure is the latest. Catherine says: “My feeling about the piping story is that it’s the kind of legend that came about after the ’45 Rebellion when pipes were banned. If anyone heard the sound of pipes, they would put it down as ‘the old piper who lives in the cave.’ ” Suitable for 4- 8 year olds.
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overlooking Vallay Strand.
His legal responsibilities took him to countries as diverse as Canada and Zambia, from both of which he was expelled.
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Harris poem on the map StAnza is Scotland’s International Poetry Festival which takes place each March in St Andrews, writes Peter Kerr.
seventeen hundreds explains some of the force that I feel pulling me towards the shore here, but I think also it is the ebb and flow of history itself, mirroring the complex tidal movements of the waters of the Sound, that also holds a clue or two to the attraction.
Caolas na Hearadh/Sound of Harris… over the calm mirror of dawn One of the ongoing outcomes from this year’s islands float on thoughts event is the ‘Mapping Scotland in Poetry’ project which will pin poetry relevant to specific locations warmed by breath across the length and breadth of the nation rising from during this ‘Year of Homecoming Scotland’. the east A call for submissions was made in mid-July and so I sent in a wee piece about my favourite place in the Western Isles, the Sound of Harris. I suppose the fact that my family were living in Strond by the Sound of Harris in the late
Peter is the author of Cnoc and Loch, now available on Amazon as an ebook He blogs at berneraybardachd.wordpress.com/
August 2014 Issue 28 - island news & ADVERTISER
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THE ADVERTISER YOUR DIRECTORY Have your business seen throughout the islands for as little as £66 PER YEAR. OF LOCAL SERVICES Flat rate £2 per line, minimum three lines, minimum eleven insertions. Call 01870 602151/ads@islandnewsandadvertiser.com to book your space. Accommodation
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Window cleaner Window cleaner/ odd jobs Berneray, North Uist, Benbecula Call Colin 01876 540252
Uist Disability Access Panel
NEEDS YOU We try to help anyone with any access issues in the Uists If you are interested in joining us contact: UDAP c/o Tagsa offices orc/o 23 Winfield Way, Balivanich Isle of Benbecula, HS7 5LH
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