NEW Golden Eagle Observatory for North Harris
First ever music festival for North Uist See Page 9
ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE Uncertain future for goose management scheme
See Page 7
See Page 8
island news Edition 01
March 2012
EE FR
& ADVERTISER
THE REAL COST OF HIGH FUEL AND FERRY PRICES
MV Hebrides unloading in Tarbert.
Lifeline local businesses set to close if things don’t improve
Norman MacAskill faces impossible cost rises in his haulage business.
Norman MacAskill, of Drimore Farm, South Uist supplies hay, feed and fertiliser from the mainland to Uist crofters in nothing short of a lifeline service. He told Island News & Advertiser that his £32,000 ferry bill last year will rise to £48,000 this year during the period of RET transitional relief. The following year, if RET for hauliers is taken away as threatened, the ferry bill will rise to £85,000, making it impossible for him to continue. Mr MacAskill said his 26 year old family business will fold, because he will
HARRIS
retire and his son will go to the mainland to seek a living rather than struggle against impossible odds- which include the escalating price of fuel and insurance. He described the transitional relief set out by transport minister Keith Brown last month capping ferry tariff rises at 50% for hauliers as ‘a con to pacify us.’ He said: “At first he said there was no extra money, then within a week he finds £2.5 million. The fares are still going up 50%, which means we’ll pay him back the £2.5 million anyway.” John MacDonald of Uist Parcels says he faces similar bills to Mr MacAskill, and there are some days when he feels close to packing it all in sooner rather than later. Mr MacDonald started his business in response to local demand 17 years ago. He started with one Transit van and now has an18 tonne lorry, three vans, a depot in Inverness and seven members of staff. He says the responsibility for his staff keeps him going, but the economic challenge is keeping him ‘scraping along’ rather than able to invest in and grow the business. He said: ‘If we lose RET it will be the end of many haulage firms. It’s enough of a struggle as it is. Whatever we gain from RET we lose in high fuel prices. “We also have to pay more than £1,000
BERNERAY
NORTH UIST
‘‘
John MacDonald said: ‘If we lose RET it will be the end of many haulage firms. It’s enough of a struggle as it is. Whatever we gain from RET we lose in high fuel prices.
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Two Uist hauliers say they face closing their businesses if fuel and ferry prices don’t come down.
John MacDonald is concerned for the future of his haulage business.
per month now in insurance, something else which has escalated.” Mr MacDonald said his company has held its prices down to protect his customers for years. He said: “ We charge £50 for the average pallet, but if we were to reflect the rising costs it would be more than £80 per pallet.
BENBECULA
“There will come a point when if we do are sums and find it’s going the wrong way we will have to close the business, and that would create a monopoly for the one remaining main carrier.” Kenny MacLennan of MacLennan Removals, Grosebay Harris says the past six months have been very quiet. He said: “It’s simple maths, things are going to get more expensive. If the fuel price goes back down to pre-RET prices perhaps we could survive. We also run a bus and coach company where we are at the mercy of fuel prices, and we will have to pass the costs on. The customer will end up paying- the government is taxing everybody.” Mr MacLennan said the new 6m rule to bring vans into RET risks taking business from his removal company. He said: “It’s more viable now for people to hire a van and get their own stuff.” Continued on Page 3
SOUTH UIST
ERISKAY
island news & ADVERTISER - Issue 1
Welcome
Why not advertise your business in
IN&A’s
to the first issue of
island news Edition 01
March 2012
EE FR
SUMMER HOLIDAY GUIDE 2012?
& ADVERTISER
the free monthly newspaper for the Uists and Harris. In this age of instant and non-stop communication, there is often a lack of truly local news, no more so than on these islands. Newspapers are considered to be on the wane, so why bring out a printed paper to remedy the need for better communication in the Uist and Harris communities?
A comprehensive free guide for holidaymakers to the Uists and Harris, covering June, July and August ●
Wide exposure guaranteed
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Available on Western Isles ferries
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Edinburgh and Glasgow, Inverness, Benbecula and Stornoway airports
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40 outlets from Eriskay to Stornoway and online
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Competitive rates, great value
Not everyone uses Facebook or Twitter, not everyone is comfortable with the internet, indeed not everyone here is able to have the internet in their home. To start up an online-only news service seemed too exclusive to suit our particular community, so Island News & Advertiser is going into print until – and if - that particular medium has its day. ●
IN&A was born out of the conviction that the small, fragile communities of the Uists and Harris want their own voice, a platform to represent their particular interests. A free paper, funded by advertising and distributed in 40 outlets from Eriskay to Stornoway is a valuable means of communication amongst ourselves about things that really matter to us, big or small.
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IN&A will also be seen by the outside world.
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ads@islandnewsandadvertiser.com
Or call Sharon on 01876 510758 ●
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SUMMER 2012
Lorem ipsum. See Page 5
AGRICULTURAL SHO WS
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Copies will be sent to Holyrood and Westminster so that our elected representatives may get a clearer picture of the challenges our communities face - and of the resilience and achievements of a population often condemned as a drain on the public purse.
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IN&A is available aboard CalMac ‘s Western Isles ferries, and in Inverness, Stornoway and Benbecula airports. The thousands of people who visit us each year, and those who might do one day, will surely see the paper and our forthcoming summer holiday guide, and understand more about us as a result.
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IN&A is also available in other selected outlets on the mainland - see www.islandnewsandadvertiser.com for the full list - and through the IN&A website, our community has a global voice.
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As well as covering general news and community events, IN&A is here to highlight the challenges which threaten the very future of our islands, and to campaign with our readers. The door is open to your letters, views and stories - please use your new newspaper!
SHEEPDOG TRIALS
North Uist March 2012
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SOUTH UIST
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ERISKAY
& ADVERTISER
Holiday Inside this issue: Music and Art
Lorem ipsum dolor sit. See Page 12
FEIS
See Page 4
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur. See Page 14
WHERE TO STAY, WH AT TO EAT
Beaches,Walking, Wildlife
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As managing editor, I look forward to nurturing IN&A in line with these aims - with your support and input, of course.
Susy Macaulay
BENBECULA
island news HIGHLAND GAMES
Every family and member of staff at Inverness and Glasgow Gaelic-medium schools will receive IN&A each month - that’s more than 700 copies going to readers with a real commitment to island culture and heritage. We hope the links between our young people and Gaelic - speaking youngsters on the mainland will go from strength to strength as a result.
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C O N TA C T
2012
2
YOUR 24 PAGE GUIDE OF
See Page 7 THINGS TO DO AND SEE
PLUS FULL LISTINGS OF ACCOMMODATION
island news & ADVERTISER - Issue 1
3
Continued from Page 1
HIGH PRICE OF FUEL CHANGING HABITS The high cost of fuel is also changing the public’s driving and shopping patterns. James Glen of Harris Garage Co said:“People are not putting so much fuel in. They are planning their journeys more, and not going for spins at the weekend.” Harris councillor Catherine Macdonald runs a campsite on her croft. She said: “ I get a lot of feedback from
Soundings for a North Uist
COMMUNITY BUY-OUT North Uist grazings clerks are being sounded out on the possibility of a community buy-out of North Uist estates.
manager Kenny Macleod said with prices going up every week, people were buying less luxury goods. He said: “Prices are going up not just by one or two pence, but by 10p some weeks. “People are definitely more careful about using their cars. They are thinking twice about doing their big shop in Stornoway and staying more locally which is helpful for us.”
tourists, and one English lady said to me, I don’t know how you manage to live on this island. “I worry tourists are going to stop at Inverness this year. You have to think twice about going anywhere with fuel prices as they are. I would say my bookings are slightly down on last year.” At An Clachan community shop in Leverburgh, floor
A letter has been sent to them by local councillors Archie Campbell and Uisdean Robertson looking for their views. In it the councillors state that they have been approached to explore the possibility of a community buy-out involving Bays of Harris (Berneray), North Uist Estate, Balranald Estate and Newton Estate.
The letter states: “This is a very important issue for the whole community of North Uist and could obviously involve a great deal of further research, including an assessment of the financial sustainability of any such buy-out, before if approved taking matters forward.” The councillors add that they have formed no opinion and will be guided by the response. The latest buy-out campaign Eaval, North Uist. has been led by Norman Johnson of Lochmaddy, who approached the Scottish Government and called a meeting of interested parties last month. North Uist estate factor George MacDonald said: “We are not aware of any crofting township actively seeking to purchase its common grazing land and certainly have never received any formal approach on the subject. “We also do not think it would be in our interest to encourage this proposal as it would have far reaching implications for the future management of the estate.”
The ESTEEM Hebridean Science Festival returns to the Western Isles this month to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, technologists and mathematicians. The festival starts in Barra on March 8, moving to Lionacleit school on Friday 9 and includes a talk by Harris-based John Maher of Maher Racing. The former Buzzcock now builds VW engines and will be talking about the science of speed. There’s also a family day at Lionacleit on Saturday March 10, before the festival moves to Stornoway for the rest of the week.
RET HOLYROOD DEBATE The Outer Hebrides Transport Group (OHTG), campaigning to stop the removal of RET for island hauliers, expressed bitter disappointment with Isles MSP Alasdair Allan (SNP) after he voted with the SNP against a motion tabled by Dumfriesshire MSP Elaine Murray (Scot Lab) in a debate in Holyrood last Thursday. (February 23) Ms Murray’s motion, supported by Highlands & Islands MSP Rhoda Grant(Scot Lab)called for a moratorium on fare increases until ‘ a full and proper socioeconomic study has been carried out to assess the impact that increased transportation costs will have on households, local employers and island hauliers.’ Transport minister Keith Brown (SNP) tabled an amendment detailing the current benefits of the RET
system and the new £2.5 million transitional scheme, criticising large commercial hauliers for not passing the benefits of RET to their customers and looking forward to ‘the review of ferry services that will put RET at the heart of an equitable system of fare setting.’ OHTG spokeswoman Gail Robertson said: “The Outer Hebrides Transport Group is bitterly disappointed to learn that Alasdair Allan is betraying his constituents and voting with the SNP Government today. We would have hoped that Mr Allan would have realised that his first priority was those he is elected to represent and that the trappings and bountiful remuneration that Ministerial office bring, would have been a secondary consideration. Despite this crushing blow we will continue campaigning for our communities.”
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island news & ADVERTISER - Issue 1
Recently there has been increased awareness of the life and skills of my uncle, Angus MacPhee of Iochdar, South Uist, known as the Weaver of Grass. Many people have written stories and songs about his life, including Joyce Laing, Donnie Munro and the MacKenzie Sisters. The artist Mike Inglis has integrated Angus ancient weavings into the outfits of his panelled creation “Cathedral” on the Crown Wall in Inverness. Offering a metaphysical landscape which travels from a formal, ritualised and stylised deer clan “city” to an organic, natural perhaps even shamanistic wolf clan “wilderness”. The most recent book about his life and skill is called “The Silent Weaver” by Roger Hutchison. This is a picture of my brother Iain, Angus MacPhee, his sister Peggy and my brother Patrick. Catriona my daughter is the red head, with Rhodie and Catriona, Patrick’s daughters. The picture was taken at Balgarva in 1996.
In the autumn of last year Karrie Marshall ran a Mental Health Exhibition in Partnership with NHS Highland at Eden Court Theatre, Inverness. It was late on a Saturday afternoon when I walked in on the last day of the exhibition and was overhelmed by all the information Karrie had on Angus. Farmers, fellow patients and staff who knew him from his stay in Craig Dunain Hospital from 1946 to 1996 had recorded many interviews with Karrie. They had worked with Angus and knew about his habit of walking along fields and verges pulling up armful of grass to create his objects. Karrie played some of the interviews back to me and I was stunned with the happiness in their voices when they spoke of Angus, telling stories about his affinity with animals and his sense of humour. Several people who had worked in Craig Dunain had donated woven shoes and ropes they had stored on their lofts for a long time, a small sample of the objects Angus had made over the years. I have to thank Karrie Marshall, working in partnership with SMHAFF Highland, for gathering this information and gifting the items to the family. When she asked me where the exhibits should go after the exhibition closed, I contacted Kildonan Museum in South Uist. Would they be interested in showing Angus’ work? Yes, they would be very happy to accept the items for display. This exhibition opens on Easter Sunday 8th April, 2012. You can go along and witness the wonder of Angus’ work for yourselves.
Eilidh Shaw 32 Braeside Park, Balloch, Inverness IV2 7HN
Send your letters on any topic to letters@islandnewsand advertiser.com or Sandary Lodge, Cnoc An Torrain, Isle of North Uist, HS6 5ED.
URGENT APPEAL FOR NEW CARERS IN NORTH UIST Tagsa Uibhist, Uists’s provider of support for carers, people with dementia and vulnerable people is appealing for new carers to come forward in North Uist. The island has an ageing population with significant care needs, but Tagsa is struggling to find carers to meet the demand. The charity is seeking people with some care experience, but who aren’t already employed through home care or Tagsa. Availability for temporary relief at short notice would also greatly help Tagsa deliver the appropriate care for North Uist residents. If you have what it takes, please give Tagsa a ring on 01870 602111.
INBRIEF
Dear Editor
LATEST L O O H C S H G R U DALIB school remains on
The new Daliburgh to complete in programme for Phase 1 2 in December early August, and Phase of the grass this year. The first phase works are pitch is complete, grass walls are mostly underway, the external gym block. The ool’s Parent Teacher complete, except for the nced. Meanwhile the sch April 9 and me com s ha t ou fit al ern int nday ewell Ceilidh Dance on Mo Council is planning a far 8 700276. looking for performers. @gnes.net or call 0187 cil un tco ren pa gh ur lib Contact da
CEOLAS SYMPOSIUM ANNOUNCED
This year’s Ceòlas conference will focu s on east side settlements from Oitir Beag , the ford between South Uist and Benbecula to Usinis, south of Loch Skipport. The event will include talks, walks, a ceilidh and a photographic exhibition to run in Ger inish Hall for the summer. Ceolas runs from July 1 to 6.
MARINE RESCUE KNOW-HOW Don’t be stuck when you come across an animal stranded on the beach. British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) is holding a marine mammal rescue training course in Eriskay Community Hall on Saturday March 24, between 09.30 and 5pm. The course uses life-size water-filled models of a seal pup, a common dolphin and a pilot whale to teach how to safely handle, assess and lift the smaller animals, and how to use re-flotation pontoons to refloat the two tonne pilot whale. Sandy Macdonald of BDMLR said the training was in response to the high number of cetacean and seal stranding events in the islands. Go to www.bdmlr.org.uk and click through to training to book a place on the course.
c i l e a G n i x i r t a e B
les of Beatrix Potter’s Ta Three new titles in leased in ction have been re Peter Rabbit colle mplete ote Publications, co Gaelic by Grace N rn to Offer, see right. Tu er ad Re A & IN ith w ce gual review of Gra page 12 for a bilin lic. ae G in r Rabbit tales Note’s earlier Pete
NEW TITLES in Gaelic FROM THE Beatrix Potter collection N O W AVAI LA BL E FREE p&p for Island News & Advertiser Readers Simply order your copies direct from the publisher quoting Island News & Advertiser
Price £5 each from: books@gracenotereading.co.uk
OR PHONE
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island news & ADVERTISER - Issue 1
5
TROUBLED WATERS Counting the cost of the North Uist water crisis The on-going problems with North Uist’s water supply have so far cost Scottish Water a staggering £1.4 million.
Bayhead Treatment Plant.
Almost half this figure has been taken up with the emergency response following the discovery of excess aluminium in the water last October, and the subsequent round-the-clock tankering of water into Bayhead from Lochmaddy and Benbecula. The other half has been spent on measures to improve what the utility describes as ‘the robustness’ of the plant, to make it better able to deal with periods of poor water quality. A third Dynasand filter is being installed in the Bayhead plant to help the plant cope with future extremes in raw water quality, and to minimize future tankering requirements.
Bottled water and water treatment lorries in Bayhead, North Uist.
New Treatment plant for Lochmaddy Meanwhile, Scottish Water is considering future options for North Uist. Proposals for a new plant at Lochmaddy capable of supplying the Bayhead area are under consideration. Lochmaddy is in line for improvements in its water treatment process during Scottish Water’s 2010-2015 investment period. A Scottish Water spokesman said: “The project for this site has already identified the solution to install a new ‘membrane’ treatment facility. This is currently proceeding through detailed design. In addition the longer term solution for Bayhead is also being considered and an option to extend the proposed new Lochmaddy plant to supply the current Bayhead zone is being investigated.”
Scottish Water says the new filter will not deal with customer complaints about taste. A spokesman said:
Bottled water left for residents at Bayhead shop.
“The taste of water is an individual thing. Some people are more sensitive than others to the taste of chlorine. We are legally obliged to chlorinate the supply to ensure it is safe for everyone to drink, including those at the far end of the water supply pipeline.”
WATER QUALITY CHECKS In the light of numerous complaints by residents about water taste and quality, IN&A asked Scottish Water to set out their staffing and sampling procedures at Bayhead. A Scottish Water spokesman said:“There are seven multifunctional operational staff on Uist/Benbecula who look after all aspects of water and wastewater treatment and networks. “The area is managed by a dedicated team leader. In addition to this there are sampling and maintenance staff on the island. The area has also recently been supported by a number of staff from the mainland and other parts of the Western Isles including both operational and technical staff. “Key parameters at our water treatment works are monitored through online telemetry which is fed back to the Control Centre in Glasgow. Operational staff undertake quality tests during each visit and regulatory samples are sent away for analysis on a weekly basis. Additional samples have been sent away for laboratory analysis from Bayhead Water Treatment Works on a daily basis since October.”
TACKLING THE LOW PRESSURE PROBLEM IN LOCHMADDY A Scottish Water spokesman said:“Following recognition of low pressure problems in Lochmaddy during tankering activity, we have recently changed our operational practices to ensure that water is now primarily taken from Benbecula whenever possible (which doesn’t affect our customers there). “Unfortunately we cannot guarantee that water will never be tankered out of the Lochmaddy zone in future, however this will only be done if it is not possible for us to take adequate quantities from Benbecula.”
North Uist consumes 0.58 megalitres of water per day – that’s 580 cubic metres. One third of this goes in leakage. Scottish Water says there is ongoing investment in the Western Isles network infrastructure to tackle this, including in North Uist. This includes the replacement of pipes and installation of additional valves and meters.
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island news & ADVERTISER - Issue 1
BUTH SCALPAIGH: COUNTDOWN TO OPENING Scalpay residents are set to enjoy shopping on their own island for the first time in five years. Their community-owned, not-for-profit ‘buth’ and cafe will open next month, a milestone for its 259 members. The demise of Scalpay shop in 2007 dealt a severe blow to the community, obliging residents to drive a 14 mile round trip to Tarbert. They also felt keenly the loss of a focal point and hub for their community. With Scalpay school also set to close, residents wanted to restore a sense of community to their island, and two years ago formed Scalpay Community Development to resurrect the shop. They purchased the building for £50,000, and formed a co-operative, with a minimum shareholding of £25. The keys were handed over to the Buth Scalpaigh committee exactly one year ago, and renovation work started. Coinneach Morrison, development officer for South Harris and Scalpay, Harris Development Ltd said: “Although there is still a great deal of work to be done, there is a definite sense of achievement in working
towards providing this much needed facility for the community of Scalpay. “The project is being delivered by some extremely dedicated volunteers who have worked tirelessly throughout every stage of this exiting venture and as work intensifies on the project, the community seem to be extremely upbeat regarding the prospect of having a community run shop and café on the island. “The success of the recent community share option scheme demonstrates the incredible level of support which the community have shown towards the project and in addition to providing a shop, café and vital jobs for the island this venture will be equally valuable to the
Copyright Duncan MacSween
community in than it provides a focal point and meeting place for the island’s 300 residents.” He added: “The shop will stock a wide variety of grocery items, and it’s the community who will ultimately decide which
product lines are stocked as they are shop’s core customers. We are looking to stock as much local produce as possible and are keen to hear from local producers who may be able to provide fresh fruit and veg for the shop in line with all necessary legislation.”
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island news & ADVERTISER - Issue 1
Call to extend Machair Life goose control scheme South Uist farmer Norman MacAskill has called on the Machair Life programme to extend its goose control scheme to cover the land he farms near the Loch Druidibeg National Nature Reserve.
RSPB Images
Mr MacAskill lost two tonnes of prime Uist oat seed to greylag geese overnight last October. The corn had just been stooked in a four acre field opposite a favourite nesting site for the geese. When it was checked a few hours later at dawn, some 600 geese had defied electric fences and a deterrent trailer to gorge on seed worth Trampled stooks caused by Greylag Geese. around £1,500. Mr MacAskill said: “It is impossible to replace that amount of clean Uist oat seed. The crop was completely decimated in the moonlight. The geese were like a herd of locusts.” He added: “Machair Life say their goose control scheme was a great success last year, but it wasn’t round here.” Martin Scott of Machair Life partner, RSPB, said Mr MacAskill’s situation was unfortunate. He said: “I understand the field was part cut, which unfortunately allows the geese in. We encourage people to phone the Machair Life office if they have a situation like this.” Mr Scott added: “Complaints from crofters about geese dwindled to five this year, from around 150 in past years. It’s something we’ll never manage to control 100 per cent.”
Crofters to attend Biodiversity Forum in Strathpeffer
SADNESS AT TRAGIC DEATH North Uist Agricultural Society (NUAS) expressed sadness on learning of the sudden death of Perthshire farmer Donald Pattullo. Mr Pattullo, 56, died in a fire in his home, Millhaugh Farm, Logiealmond in January. NUAS chairman Iain MacDonald said: “Donald was a well-kent face on these islands, where he often bought livestock. “We invited him to judge the North Uist agricultural show in 2009 because of his great knowledge of island cattle. “We are all very sad to hear of his tragically early death. He will certainly be missed on the Uists.”
7
Crofting FUTURE GOOSE MANAGEMENT IN DOUBT Meanwhile, the future of the Machair Life goose management scheme beyond 2013 continues to be the subject of intense lobbying by RSPB. Mr Scott said: “We are lobbying to continue the scheme, but funding from government looks unlikely as the national government is withdrawing from goose schemes. “The Machair Life scheme has shown best techniques and best practice, but long term it’s a big problem, and a complicated one with the estates retaining shooting rights and not wanting the birds disturbed. It’s a difficult balance to strike.”
SHOOTING RESTRICTIONS ON GREYLAG GEESE The Lewis and Harris Goose Management Group reminds crofters that up to August 31, it is illegal to shoot resident greylag geese unless a licence has been granted by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). Where greylags are likely to seriously damage crops (including grass), crofters can apply to SNH for an out-of-season licence to shoot them. When considering a licence application, SNH must be satisfied that crofters have first tried other scaring techniques and found them insufficient. Where a licence is granted, crofters are required to keep a simple but accurate record of when shooting took place, the number of resident greylag geese killed and the names and addresses of the people authorised to shoot. This information must be returned to SHN within one-month of the licence expiring.
The application form and guidance can be obtained from SNH’s website:
www.snh.gov.uk or via a local SNH office.
A delegation from Lionacleit school and several Uist crofters will attend an international biodiversity forum in Strathpeffer from March 9 to 11. Let’s Liberate Diversity is organized by Scottish Crofting Federation, Garden Organic and the UK Food Group, and will look at issues such as seed
legislation, GMO and the patenting of plants and animal genetic material. Farmers’ organisations from Europe and North Africa will join Irish, Uist and Shetland crofters for plenary sessions, crofting entertainment, poster sessions, workshops and a seed swap.
Registered in Scotland as a Limited Company No: SC218658 Recognised as a Scottish Charity No. SC 031919
CROFTERS AND SMALL LANDHOLDERS SKILLS FOR THE 21ST CENTURY
Practical Training Courses
Donald Pattullo judging at North Uist’s 2009 show.
UISTS DRY STONE WALLING FRI 16
SAT 17TH MARCH, LIONACLEIT, 10.00AM - 4.00PM, £50 Aimed at beginners, but open to all, this 2-day course will cover the fundamentals of repairing a dry stone wall. TH
AND
Other courses in grassland management and animal husbandry are also being arranged, contact SCF for date. For more information please contact: Su Cooper, Scottish Crofting Federation Tel: 01463 796836 / 01599 530005 e-mail: training@crofting.org www.crofting.org
Funded by:
8
island news & ADVERTISER - Issue 1
Wildlife The North Harris Trust’s new eagle observatory in Glen Meavaig, North Harris is to open later this month. The glen has a resident breeding pair of golden eagles, and the observatory will permit ornithologists and members of the public to enjoy watching their activities all year round without disturbing them. Trust ranger Robin Reid designed the observatory after the success of his guided eagle-spotting walks in the glen. He said: “It’s clad in Scottish larch, so it will turn silvery with age and blend into the landscape. The turf roof means it’s not too obvious from the air. “The glass panels at the front face north for the best views of the glen and the eagles’ main activity areas.” The hide is 2km up a track on the B887 Husinish road. It will be open 24 hours, all year round. Robin said: “We decided this was the best way to give access for all. There are interpretation panels, but people will need to bring their own binoculars.” In addition to golden eagles, visitors will be able to observe many other birds in the glen, including sea
Copyright Laurie Campbell
eagles, merlin, golden plover and red grouse. Robin added: “The Western Isles has the highest density of golden eagles anywhere in Europe, and there are 13 pairs in Harris. “They are a great asset, and anything which enables people to experience them is a The North Harris Trust’s new eagle observatory in Glen Meavaig. great thing.” Construction of the observatory was led by CnES, and Hebrides-Managing involved two apprentices from the Comhairle’s Outer Training scheme.
FUTURE MANAGEMENT OF LOCH DRUIDIBEG Loch Druidibeg.
As part of a national review of National Nature Reserves (NNRs) Loch Druidibeg, South Uist is due to lose its NNR status this month. The site remains important for wildlife and will continue to be protected by its status as a Site of
OPENING SOON
MACLEANS BAKERY, BENBECULA
Special Scientific Interest, Special Protection Area, and Special Area of Conservation. Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) currently owns part of this site, including the loch, a small area of moorland next to it and the plantation at Loch Skipport. SNH is keen
Enterprise
and
to explore options for future management of this asset with the local community. Interested parties should contact Johanne Ferguson at the SNH Office at Stilligarry.
Telephone 01870 620 238 or johanne.ferguson@snh.gov.uk
BALRANALD HEDGEHOG WATCH A small but persistent hedgehog population in one of North Uist’s most critical sites for wading birds is being targeted by Uist Wader Research (UWR) this year.
Bakery extension and new shop… More space to browse our wide selection… Bread to suit all tastes… Famous oatcakes, including wheat-free… Mouthwatering shortbread and cakes… Pies and snacks, hot or cold…
The group is appealing to the public to report sightings of hedgehogs, dead or alive, in the Balranald RSPB reserve, and also in Bayhead and Paible. UWR first started removing hedgehogs from North Uist in 2003, from Carinish, Claddach Carinish, Knockquien and Locheport. Six years later, the search tailed off, as there were no more to be found. However last year, hedgehog sightings and trappings increased on the west side, prompting UWR to focus their live traps and sniffer dogs in the area this spring.
Uachdar, Isle of Benbecula,Western Isles, HS7 5LY Tel: 01870 602659
The group asks that any sightings be reported to uwp@snh.co.uk, or telephone 01870 620238.
Bakers of distinction
Employment,
Hedgehog problems on North Uist.
island news & ADVERTISER - Issue 1
9
People
FIRST EVER MUSIC FESTIVAL FOR NORTH UIST Niall Johnson
North Uist is to have its first ever music festival in June.The three-day event, Fèis Oir Na Cruinne (Festival at the Edge of the World) will take place in Lochmaddy, on June 8-10.
Organiser Niall Johnson of Uist Outdoor Centre said the festival will not only feature visiting mainland musicians,but provide a showcase for Uist’s local talent. He said: “There will be a range of music from contemporary to traditional and I hope the Uists’ current crop of talented young musicians will feature strongly. “I’m inviting intimations of interest from any local
Oral history project for Harris The unique history and stories of Harris are about to be captured for posterity in a new oral history project. Co-ordinated by the Landscape Partnership scheme of Harris Development Ltd and Comunn Eachdraidh Na Hearadh (Harris Historical Society) the project will result in a Heritage Trail guide book with weatherproof fold-up map, two books, an online exhibition and a CD of Harris and Scalpay songs. Recording equipment has been given to volunteers, who will be recording the stories and history of the people and villages featured in the guide.
musicians wishing to take part.” The festival will centre around Lochamaddy Hall, Lochmaddy Hotel and Taigh Dearag, and potentially three other venues as required. The football field will turn into tent city, and bunkhouse accommodation will be available in Uist Outdoor Centre. Niall added: “The festival is to be a celebration of our
Copyright Bill Lawson, www.BillLawson.com, An Taobh Tuath, Na Hearadh.
The book, working title Seanachas Na Hearadh & Scalpaigh/Harris and Scalpay Stories, will tell the stories of the remarkable people who live on the islands, from skilled weavers to fishermen and boat builders. The online exhibitions will draw on the book and complement it. The bards of Harris and Scalpay will also have their own book of poetry and songs, some of which will make their way onto a CD accompanied by a music tuition book. The team behind the project are looking for suggestions for people to interview, and for volunteers to interview or take photographs.
Monday 26th March – Hugh Dan MacLennan Shinty in the Western Isles. Claddach Kirkibost, North Uist. Friday 13th April – Alasdair MacEachen ‘Wiay’ St Mary’s Hall, Griminish, Benbecula. Saturday 14th April – Petersport, Benbecula to Wiay by boat. Saturday 5th May – Bill Lawson/Mark Elliott – Rodel Church and Alexander Crotach’s Tomb - Rodel, Harris. Thursday 10th May – Boat Trip from Kallin, North Uist, to Canna. Saturday 12th May – Walk with Seonachan Macleod to the former settlement of Leitir Fura and home of Clan Macinnes, Sleat, Skye. Saturday 19th May – Boat trip from Elgol, Skye to Soay. Saturday 26th May – Boat Trip from Husinish, Harris, to Scarp.
www.theislandsbooktrust.com Further enquiries: 01851 820946
The new history project for Harris.
Telephone Jenn Jones or Joan Cumming on 01859 540462.
Eriskay’s Ceit MacDonald is 90
Ceit MacDonald celebrating her 90th Birthday.
music, culture and natural and social history. It will include poetry and a ‘còmhdhail na seanchaidh’ or council of storytellers. There will also be opportunities for people to go on boat trips to the Monach Islands, St Kilda and the Sound of Harris.” Niall can be contacted on 07890 547239 or email: zodiacniall@hotmail.com
Relatives and friends from all over the islands and the wider world gathered around Ceit MacDonald of Eriskay to celebrate her 90th birthday last month. The milestone puts Ceit way ahead of Father Calum, a spring chicken of 85, as Eriskay’s most senior resident. Ceit was born in Gerinish on the memorable date of 2.2.22. Early on, the family moved to Brevig, Barra where Ceit grew up. She married Donald MacDonald in 1949, and the two settled in Eriskay where Donald was schoolmaster. Ceit was the school cook for a number of years. She was widowed in 1989, but remained active in the community as a keen knitter and faithful churchgoer and flower arranger. Her family has grown from two sons and two daughters to 12 grandchildren and 6 greatgrandchildren. Ceit began her celebrations with a mass followed by a ceilidh in Am Politician.
COME and JOIN US! If you enjoy listening to traditional Scottish music or even better, play an instrument, then why not come and join us! You do not need to be a Club member to attend. MUSICIANS….whatever age, whatever standard, whatever instrument even, there will be a welcome for you at the Club. PARENTS….bring your children along and encourage their burgeoning musical talents! NON-MUSICIANS….come along and listen to the music; you never know, maybe you might be encouraged to pick up a long-forgotten instrument or start learning to play a new one! The Club was formed in 1994 for musicians of any ability and age to meet regularly and provides an opportunity to play along with other musicians who either play by ear or use music. If you feel able to, and would like to showcase your latest tunes, then you can also perform individually to the small but supportive audience but…you do not have to! You may prefer to ask for some accompanying support from one of the seasoned musicians to give you courage! The regular Ceilidh Nights are held in the Griminish Church of Scotland Hall, Benbecula on alternate Saturdays from September to May starting at 8 pm. with a break for tea/coffee/juice and biscuits at 9 pm (minimum donation £2, children free). The evening usually ends about 10.30 pm., however, if you have young children, feel free just to come for the first half. If you want to join the Club, annual membership is £10/£15 per person/couple (children of members free). You will be sent club mail-shots, and be eligible for some other benefits. A variety of Club Specials are organised throughout the year. We have guest musician nights, a great Christmas night out at the Stepping Stone Restaurant, ceilidhs in other venues throughout the Uists and, of course, our legendary trips which have included Skye, Harris, Barra, even Ireland. The Club musicians are also asked to play at charity or community events and at the local hospital and residential homes. Our events are advertised by posters throughout the Uists, on local radio, in local newspapers and on our website www.ceoluibhist.co.uk. For further information, contact Chris (602682) or Angus (602432).
10 island news & ADVERTISER - Issue 1
Archaeology
ARCHAEOLOGISTS
Uist archaeologist Dr Becky Rennell is looking for volunteers to help her in a Herculean task.
from the universities of Southampton and Liverpool will be visiting the Uists this summer in a project entitled ‘Stepping Stones’. They want to find out when Neolithic peoples arrived on islands in the western seaways of Britain. They will excavate sites in South Uist, Guernsey and the Scilly Isles looking for artfects which will show the earliest Neolithic evidence on the islands. More on this in the next issue of Island News & Advertiser.
She is processing the soil samples from the Baleshare beach excavations carried out by Scottish Coastal Archaeology and the Problem of Erosion (SCAPE) between 2007 and 2010.
A team from SCAPE, led by Tom Dawson of St Andrews University and assisted by local volunteers excavated two areas of the Baleshare shoreline to record the presence of Iron Age wheelhouses before they were torn away by the sea. The dig yielded 227 soil samples taken from key points in the excavation, which now need to be processed and sent to specialists. The soil samples contain fragments of shell, bone, antler, pottery and charcoal of interest to archaeologists. They also contain tiny carbonised seeds and fish bones, hard to see and even harder to separate out.
Members of Uist’s Access Archaeology group have been taking turns at the flotation tank on Saturday afternoons at Taigh Chearsabhagh, Lochmaddy, but more volunteers are needed.
Becky said: “Anyone can come along , and kids are welcome. Even just lending a hand for 20 minutes would be a great help. It’s quite a thrill seeing 2,000 year old charred seeds float to the surface.” Becky will be at Taigh Chearsabhagh from noon onwards on Saturdays from the rest of the month.
The answer is a flotation tank improvised from an old oil drum. The soil samples are placed in a 3 mm sieve within the tank. Water is then pumped into the tank from below the sample, mixing it and agitating the soil. Heavier items sink to the bottom and are collected in the sieve, but the tiny organic items float to the top and run out into a finemeshed net.’
Becky Rennell working at the flotation tank.
The resulting clean samples are bagged and carefully numbered to indicate where they were found during the excavations.
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It’s not difficult work, but it’s time consuming, and for funding reasons Becky needs to have it all done by the end of this month.
Access Archaeology members Felicity Bramwell, left, and Marie Stewart help Becky Rennell at the flotation tank.
Free P&P when ordering direct from the publisher
FROM MACHAIR TO MOUNTAINS: Archaeological Survey and Excavation in South Uist edited by Mike Parker Pearson An account of the surveys and excavations in South Uist including the Bronze Age houses at Cladh Hallan, the Iron Age broch Dun Vulan, the Viking settlements in Bornais and Cille Pheadair and the post-medieval blackhouses at Airigh Mhuillin. Available direct from the publishers Oxbow, price £35. Buy online at www.oxbowbooks.com quoting Island News Offer in the comments section to claim free delivery. Order by email to oxbow@oxbowbooks.com or phone 01865 241249 (Mon-Fri 09.00 – 17.30) quoting Island News Offer in each instance to claim free P&P.
island news & ADVERTISER - Issue 1
11
Reviews A Life of Song: The Autobiography of Marjory Kennedy Fraser, with an introduction by Per G.L. Ahlander. For more than a century, name of Marjory Kennedy Fraser has been well known to music lovers throughout the world. Despite international acclaim and unconditional affection, however, her native Scotland has no shortage of uninformed critics willing to leap on the bandwagon. Most reviews end with a recommendation for the book—or not, as the case may be. While it is difficult not to be influenced by personal taste in music, nevertheless anyone tempted to criticise her work (as opposed to her song arrangements) should read this book, writes Margaret Bennett.
A well-researched piece by Per G. L. Ahlander introduces the book, which, like the 1929 edition, is in three parts, with the opening scene among Marjory’s ‘Gaelic-speaking forebears’ from Perthshire. Part I (16 chapters) describes life with the Kennedy family, particularly Marjory’s father, David, who lived through waves of mass emigration from the Highlands and understood the nostalgia of exiles thus ‘believed in his vocation to carry the songs of Scotland round the world to all Scots scattered abroad.’ Marjory was the fifth of eleven musical children who shared the stage with him, accompanying him on piano and singing to packed concert halls the world over. Anyone familiar with drawing room photos of a much older (rather fey-looking) Marjory may delight in discovering a young, spirited girl, capable horsewoman and intrepid traveller who weathered perilous seas, torrential rains, searing heat, dangerous encounters that almost included the notorious Kelly Gang. Touring Australia with a four-horse coach and buggy (piano on board) and a team of saddle horses, they enjoyed occasional comfort in city hotels but equally knew how to camp and make do with tinned rations. Whether in cities with magnificent Victorian concert halls or outpost barns filled with makeshift seating and hayloft for the gallery, thousands of exiled Scots flocked to listen to their concerts led by ‘the most perfect and dramatic exponent of Scots song that Scotland has produced.’
Tours of North America and the British Isles were followed by years in Italy and France, studying under the most prestigious voice coaches of the day. Tragically, three the siblings studying in Nice died in 1881 when a theatre in Nice caught fire. It was in France the following year that Marjory felt a turning point in her life after listening to Breton songs: they should include Gaelic songs in their repertoire, which they did, coached by the bardess Mary MacKellor. David Kennedy’s death in 1886 concludes the first part, then Part II (in 3 chapters) tells of her marriage to Alex Fraser, the birth of their two children and widowhood at the age of 33. With small children to support she became a singing teacher in Edinburgh (as well as music critic, social activist with suffragette leanings and strong views on nationalism). Marjory continued to research European music (placing Gaelic song within that context) and was much in demand for lectures and recitals, when possible involving the rest of the family. Part III (in 11 chapters) deals with her visits to the Outer Hebrides (as well as Skye and Eigg), her tireless song collection (helped by her daughter, who, like all teenagers, was quick to master the new technology) and her collaboration with the Rev. Kenneth Macleod. From the age of 48, when she was first ‘enchanted’ by Eriskay, Marjory devoted herself to recording, transcribing and arranging Gaelic songs so that they might be heard and appreciated at every level of society all over the world. Per Ahlander explains, that, ‘as a champion of social equality, she saw a way of rehabilitating the reputation of the Gael, who, at the time—if noticed at all—were
usually thought of as backward, uneducated and devoid of any cultural heritage worth preserving’ [as she lived in] ‘a time when the cultural inheritance of the Gael was slighted, abused and set at naught every minute of eh nay and in every place from Highland schoolrooms up through churches and courts to Parliament itself.’ While Marjory herself enjoyed singing the original Gaelic, to fulfil this aim she needed concert versions that worked in English yet conveyed the exquisite beauty of the originals. In this she succeeded, giving recitals, touring, lecturing and publishing volumes that have been cherished all over the world—except perhaps here. Marjory Kennedy Fraser’s work calls to be understood in the context of her ‘life of song’ and the era in which she lived. Her style of writing is quaintly entertaining and easy to read though the new edition cries out for an index instead of 5 blank pages at the end. Published by the Islands Book Trust, South Lochs, Isle of Lewis, 2011. (35 pp. + 149 pp.) Price £14.99 Note/postscript: Any reader curious enough to want to hear the actual sound of Marjory Kennedy Fraser’s wax cylinder recordings may listen to examples on tracks 1 and 10 of Martyn Bennett’s CD,‘Glen Lyon: A Song Cycle’, (1999) Margaret Bennett is a renowned Scottish writer, folklorist, ethnologist, broadcaster and singer.
SETON GORDON: Hebridean Memories Seton Gordon was born in Aberdeen in 1886, the son of the city’s Town Clerk, writes Gordon Herries Davies. Come the climacteric of 1914 he might so easily have enlisted in the Gordons and then gone over the top into oblivion with so many of the Highlanders at High Wood on 23 July 1916. Had that happened, then our literature devoted to the Highlands and Islands would have been the poorer by more than twenty volumes. As it was, Gordon found himself in what his soldierly countrymen would have termed a cushy number. He took a commission in the RNVR and spent most of the war looking for U-boats off the western Scottish seaboard. While the Gordons were fighting in High Wood, this Gordon was at Loch Ewe exploring the woods planted by Osgood Mackenzie of Inverewe. There he noted a mimosa tree in full bloom at the Christmas of 1916. During the decades following World War I publishers found a buoyant market for books relating to Scotland’s Highlands and Islands. Perhaps it was escapism on the part of a reading generation which had lived with the casualty lists from the Somme and which now found itself having to endure the fall-out of the Wall Street crash. Perhaps it was simply a desire to find momentary literary escape from the sprawl of suburbansemis rendered possible by the existence of fleets of double-decked monsters out of Guy Motors and British Leyland. Gordon was one of the authors who, at his adopted home in Skye, employed his fluent pen in satisfaction of the unceasing demand for Highland and Island books. The very titles that he chose are themselves evocative : Islands of the West; The Charm of Skye; The Immortal Isles ; Days with the Golden Eagle. That last title is doubly revealing. Gordon’s first book, published as early as 1907, was devoted to birds and his
interest in the avians never wavered. He was a major figure in ornithology. The book now reviewed was originally published in 1923, and its reappearance is to be warmly welcomed. It consists of 28 disparate chapters relating to the Highlands and Islands, with seven of the chapters being dedicated to birds. The remaining chapters are arranged in calendar fashion according to the season to which they relate. Many of the chapters originally featured in newspapers and journals, and they are written in an engaging style (Gordon was Oxford educated) which encourages a reading – and a re-reading – of the chapters in whatever sequence may suit the mood of the moment. There can be no question about it : this is a perfect bedside book. The book is nonetheless a period piece – a charming period piece. It was originally launched in a world vastly different from our own. It was a world where European powers still held empires and where the word ‘fascist’ was a novelty. Locally it was a world where St Kilda still possessed a human population, and where a would-be traveller to Benbecula must needs consult a tide-table. Anyone of my years finds it hard to credit but we today are almost as far removed from Gordon’s world as Gordon was removed from the Hebridean world described by John Macculloch in the four volumes of his letters to Sir Walter Scott published in 1824. So, to read Gordon is to enter the past, and this is just as true of his ornithology as it is of his human encounters. Gordon and his wife Audrey were both noted photographers. Sadly this volume is without examples of their work although there is a frontispiece of Gordon himself. In conclusion, my congratulations to Melvin Creative for the design. I like the cover. About it there is something so very Hebridean even though there is not a single bird to be seen. Neil Wilson Publishing, Glasgow, 2011, pp.xii+132. £9.99. ISBN 978-1-906476-21-2
GORDON HERRIES DAVIES Professor Gordon Herries Davies was born in England and he first visited the Long Island in 1952. He now resides in North Uist, but most of his life was spent in Ireland. He has been a Fellow and Fellow Emeritus of Trinity College, the University of Dublin, since 1967 and a Member of the Royal Irish Academy since 1979. His published works have mostly been devoted to geomorphology and to the history of Irish science. He was the first General Editor of the Dictionary of Irish Biography, and his most recent book (2007) was the bicentennial history of the Geological Society of London.
12 island news & ADVERTISER - Issue 1
Gàidhlig/Gaelic Gaidhlig/Gaelic Duais Dhomhnaill Meek 2012 Tha Comhairle nan Leabhraichean a’ sireadh thagraidhean bho sgrìobhadairean Gàidhlig airson farpais Duais Dhòmhnaill Meek Chaidh Duais Dhòmhnaill Meek a’ stèidheachadh ann an 2010 le taic-airgid bho Bhòrd na Gàidhlig agus bho Alba Chruthachail le sùil gum misnich is gun cuidich i sgrìobhadairean Gàidhlig.Tha luach £5,000 ga thairgse airson sgrìobhadh Gàidhlig de dhiofar gnè. Thuirt Rosemary Ward, Ceannard, Chomhairle nan Leabhraichean: “ ‘S e farpais bhliadhnail airson sgrìobhadh ùr Gàidhlig a bhrosnachadh a th’ ann an Duais Dhòmhnaill Meek agus tha sinn a’ sireadh thagraidhean bho measgachadh de sgrìobhadairean ùra agus stèidhichte. Tha sinn a’ lorg sgrìobhadh cruthachail sa Ghàidhlig – bàrdachd, sgeulachdan, nobhail no drama - a bhios aig meudachd leabhar no faisg air, nach deach fhoillseachadh fhathast. Gabhaidh sinn cuideachd ri obair rannsachaidh air cuspair a bhuineas dhan Ghàidhlig fhads nach deach fhoillseachadh ro ceann-latha an fharpais.” Gheibhear tuilleadh fiosrachaidh mu Duais Dhòmhnaill Meek bho Rosemary Ward, Ceannard, Chomhairle nan Leabhraicheans no air an làrach-lìn www.gaelicbooks.org. Feumaidh tagraidhean a bhith a-staigh ro dheireadh an latha air Dihaoine 27 Giblean 2012.
The Donald Meek Award 2012 The Gaelic Books Council is inviting submissions from Gaelic writers for the Donald Meek Award 2012. The Donald Meek Award was established in 2010 with financial assistance from Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Creative Scotland and aims to encourage and support Gaelic writers in their craft with a prize of £5,000 for new writing of any genre.
Potter (Beatrix seach Harry) ann an Gàidhlig Dàn-stòiridhean Ainmhidhean Sgeulachd Simeig Tunnag-lòin & Sgeulachd Mhgr Ieremiah Iasgair le Beatrix Potter, eadar-th. le Seumas Ruairidh MacDhòmhnaill; Sgeulachd Chnothain Feòrag le Beatrix Potter, eadarth. le Niall Brownlie. Gach leabhar 58 dd, cruaidh, Grace Note Publications 2009, £5.99. Tha Grace Note Publications air trì leabhraichean eile anns an t-sreath ainmeil “Peter Rabbit” le Beatrix Potter a thionndadh gu Gàidhlig, agus a chur an clò. Tha na trì seo (eadar-theangachaidhean de The Tales of Squirrel Nutkin, Mr. Jeremy Fisher agus Jemima Puddle-Duck) a’ cur ris na dhà a nochd an-uiridh – Peter Rabbit is Benjamin Bunny (faicibh Cothrom 58).
iad ceangal inntinn nas làidire le clann Albannach, gu h-àraidh balaich. Grace Note Publications have translated another three books in the famous “Peter Rabbit” series by Beatrix Potter into Gaelic, and published them. These three (translations of The Tales of Squirrel Nutkin, Mr. Jeremy Fisher and Jemima Puddle-Duck) augment the two that appeared last year – Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny (see Cothrom 58). Although the illustrations and the form of the books might make the reader believe that the text is very simple, it’s not quite like that. There is good Gaelic in all three, and the reader will learn new words concerned with nature. Thus, adults who are learning Gaelic will derive plenty from these attractive little books. And the English text can be found on the internet in order to compare with the Gaelic. Not everything is hunky-dory in Beatrix Potter’s natural world (and who would say that she was wrong), although she places human thoughts in the heads of animals (and who among us is absolutely certain that she was wrong about that?!) That can be seen in Sgeulachd Chnothain Feòrag (Squirrel Nutkin) which was translated skilfully by Niall Brownlie. At the conclusion Nutkin loses half of his tail and perhaps some readers will reckon he deserved no less and that he’s lucky he didn’t lose more! In a way, there’s more vigour in the translations, at least for Scots, with the Gaelic names that were chosen for the characters. There’s something about names like “Nutkin”, “Twinkleberry” and “Jemima” that doesn’t sit comfortably in Scottish culture; but “Cnothan”, “Drithleann-Dearc” and “Simeag” give more robustness to those animals and perhaps they’ll make a stronger link to Scottish children, particularly boys.
Airson tuilleadh fiosrachaidh, faic
Ged a tha na dealbhan agus cruth nan leabhraichean a’ toirt a’ chreidsinn air an leughadair gum bi an teacsa air leth sìmplidh, chan ann buileach mar sin a tha e. Tha Gàidhlig mhath anns na trì, agus ionnsaichidh an leughadair faclan ùra cocheangailte ri nàdar. Mar sin, gheibh inbhich a tha ag ionnsachadh na Gàidhlig gu leòr às na leabhraichean beaga brèagha seo. Agus gheibhear lorg air an eadar-lìon air an teacsa Bheurla airson coimeas a dhèanamh leis a’ Ghàidhlig. Chan eil a h-uile càil rèidh ann an saoghal nàdair Beatrix Potter (agus cò chanadh gun robh i ceàrr), ged a bhios i a’ cur smuaintean dhen t-seòrsa a bhuineas do mhac an duine ann an claiginn ainmhidhean (agus cò nar measg a tha làn chinnteach gun robh i ceàrr a thaobh sin?!) Chithear sin ann an Sgeulachd Chnothain Feòrag (Squirrel Nutkin) a bha air eadar-theangachadh gu sgileil le Niall Brownlie. Aig an deireadh tha Cnothan a’ call leth de earball agus ’s dòcha gum bi cuid de leughadairean dhen bheachd gun robh e airidh air sin ’s gu bheil e fortanach nach do chaill e barrachd! Ann an dòigh tha tuilleadh brìghealachd anns na h-eadar-theangachaidhean, codhiù do dh’Albannaich, leis na h-ainmean Gàidhlig a chaidh a thaghadh airson nan caractaran. Tha rudeigin mu dheidhinn ainmean mar “Nutkin”, “Twinkleberry” agus “Jemima”nach seas gu cofhurtail ann an cultar na h-Alba; ach tha “Cnothan”, “Drithleann-Dearc” agus “Simeag” a’ toirt barrachd foghainteachd do na hainmhidhean sin agus ’s dòcha gun dèan
www.gaelicbooks.org
Reprinted by kind courtesyof Cothrom, the bilingual Gaelic-English quarterly for learners and supporters of Scots Gaelic, published by Clì Gàidhlig.
Rosemary Ward, Director of the Gaelic Books Council said: “ The Donald Meek Award is an annual competition which seeks to encourage new and creative Gaelic writing and we are seeking new works in a variety of genre from emerging and established Gaelic writers.We are interested in receiving new Gaelic creative works – poetry, short stories, novels or drama – which are as yet unpublished but are nearing completion and could be progressed to publication.We will also accept academic works and research studies which though not necessarily written in Gaelic have a Gaelic subject matter, as long as they have not been published before the closing date.”
Duais Dhomhnaill Meek 2012 Farpais airson Sgriobhadh Ur
You can receive further information on the Donald Meek Award from Rosemary Ward, Director, The Gaelic Books Council ,
Tel 0141 337 6211 or on the website www.gaelicbooks.org. Applications must be submitted no later than Friday 27 April 2012.
Roddy Maclean
island news & ADVERTISER - Issue 1
www.gaelicbooks.org
LEUGH LEABHAR Tha Comhairle nan Leabhraichean a’ ruith iomairt ùr, ‘Leugh Leabhar,’ airson clubaichean leabhraichean a stèidheachadh air feadh Alba. Tha sinn airson cothrom a thoirt do leughadairean Gàidhlig – fileantaich agus luchd-ionnsachaidh - bruidhinn mu dheidhinn leabhraichean anns an sgìre aca fhèin. Tha Comhairle nan Leabhraichean air pasgan-taic ullachadh airson clubaichean ùra, anns a bheil nòtaichean air mar a thèid club a ruith, liosta de leabhraichean Gàidhlig a bhiodh freagarrach airson deasbad, eisimpleirean de cheistean a chleachdas iad ann an coinneamhan, liosta de dh’abairtean is faclan feumail agus postairean. Bheir sinn taic do chlubaichean a thaobh sanasachd agus cuiridh sinn fiosrachadh mun deidhinn anns a’ chuairt-litir agus air an làrach-lìn againn cuideachd. Gheibh clubaichean ùra trì lethbhric den a’ chiad leabhar a thaghas iad saor `s anasgaidh agus eisimpleirean de cheistean mu dheidhinn an leabhair airson a’ chòmhradh a chumail a’ dol. Às dèidh a’ chiad choinneamh aca, gheibh clubaichean lasachadh-prìse 10% bho Chomhairle nan Leabhraichean air na tiotalan a bhios iad a’ deasbad gach mìos. Nam biodh ùidh aig duine no buidheann sam bith ann an club a thòiseachadh agus a ruith anns an sgìre aca, bu chòir dhaibh fios a chur gu shelagh@gaelicbooks.net, no fòn a chur thugainn air 0141 337 6211. The Gaelic Books Council is running a new campaign, ‘Leugh Leabhar’ (Read a Book), to establish book clubs throughout Scotland. We aim to give Gaelic readers – both fluent and learners – the opportunity to discuss Gaelic books in their local area. The Gaelic Books Council has prepared a support pack for new clubs, which contains notes on running a book club, a list of Gaelic books which would be suitable for discussion, sample questions to use at meetings, a list of useful words and phrases and posters. We will also provide clubs with marketing support and will advertise them in our newsletter and on our website. New clubs will receive three free copies of the first book they choose to discuss, as well as sample questions about the book to keep the discussion going. After their first meeting, clubs will receive a discount on the titles they choose each month from the Gaelic Books Council. If any individual or group would be interested in establishing and running a book club in their local area, they should get in touch either via email at shelagh@gaelicbooks.net, or by phone on 0141 337 6211.
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14 island news & ADVERTISER - Issue 1
Dòmhnall MacNèill, ceannard Comunn na Gàidhlig, a’ ceasnachadh am fiosrachadh is eòlas ionadail a th’air cùl an t-uamhas de phoileasaidhean tha a’ toirt buaidh air coimhearsnachdan iomallach. Dòmhnall MacNèill, ceannard Comunn na Gàidhlig. Donald MacNeill, chief executive of Comunn na Gàidhlig.
Donald MacNeill, chief executive of Comunn na Gàidhlig questions the awareness and local knowledge underpinning the plethora of policies affecting remote communities. Poileasaidhean! Tha sinn air ar cuairteachadh leotha fad na h-ùine ged a tha fios againn neo nach eil. Tha poileasaidhean aig buidhnean poblach is buidhnean prìobhaideach airson a huile càil a th’ann, san latha ‘n diugh. Ma tha thu ag iarraigh càil a dhèanamh, neo chasg, b’fheàrr fios a bhith agad am bheil e a’ freagairt air am poileasaidh ceart. Ma dh’iarras tu beachd bho neachobrach poblach – ‘s gum bheil a’ chùis duilich air dhòigh sam bith – faodaidh tu bhith cinnteach gun tog iad cleòca throm nam poileasaidhean airson an dion fhèin. Uaireanan ged tha, faodaidh an cleòc sin a bhith gu math tana – mar aodach ùr an Impire. ‘Se cnag na cùise, freagarrachd na poileasaidh airson an adhbhar air an deach e a sgrìobhadh. Ma tha am poileasaidh a’ freagairt air am feum, is an suidheachadh anns am bheilear ga chuir an sàs – math dha rìreabh. Gu tric ged tha, chan ann mar sin a tha cùisean. Dìreach anns na seachdainnean neo miosan mu dheireadh chunnaic sinn eisimpleirean de phoileasaidhean a tha gan ceasnachadh: an SAC ann an Caolas Bharraigh; poileasaidh-siubhal airson foghlam Gàidhlig ann an Caol Loch Aillse neo ann an Siorrachd Pheart; Roinn an Ionmhais a’ cur an aghaidh prìs a’ chonnaidh bhith air ìsleachadh ann an sgìrean dùthchail. Dh’fhaodadh an liosta bhith gu math, math fada.
Nach e aineòlas a th’air an cùlaibh? Tha e coltach gum bheil 91% de shluagh na hAlba a’ fuireach an ìre mhath faisg air baile le sluagh còrr is 10,000. (Chan eil a leithid air Ghàidhealtachd ach Inbhir Nis agus a’ Ghearasdain). Cò bhitheas a measg an sluagh seo? Bithidh an fheadhainn a tha a’ dealbh na poileasaidhean againn. Dè fios domhainn a th’acasan mu suidheachadh na heileanan neo sgìrean fìor-dhùthchail eile? Dè mu dheidhinn uallach a chuir air luchd-deasachaidh phoileasaidhean dhà na trì miosan a’ chuir seachad anns na heileanan an iar tro mhiosan a’ gheamhraidh? Nan robh neach sam bith airson dreach àrd-mhanaidsear fhaighinn ann an ‘Seirbheis Sìobhalta’ na h-Alba dh’fheumadh fianas a bhith aca gun do chuir iad seachad Faoilleach gu Màirt ann an Steòrnabhagh, Loch na Madadh, neo Loch Baghasdail? Dhèanadh e feum gun teagamh dha na taighean-òsda is eile, ach am feum as motha, gum bitheadh tomhas a bharrachd eòlas aig an fheadhainn cumhachdadh seo air na sgìrean iomallach is dùthchail – is beagan a bharrachd misneachd ‘s dòcha gum bitheadh am poileasaidhean is codhùnaidhean a’ freagairt air na sgìrean sin.
Policies! We’re surrounded by them all the time, whether we know it or not. Public and private bodies have a policy for everything these days. If you want to do something, or stop something, you’d better be sure that it fits with the right policy. If you ask a public employee for an opinion – and the topic is in any way difficult – you can be sure they will lift the heavy cloak of policies to protect themselves. Sometimes though, that cloak can be very thin – like the Emperor’s new clothes. The key issue is the suitability of the policy for the task it’s meant to perform. If the policy fits the need, in the context in which it’s being implemented – that’s fine. Often, however that’s not the case. Just in the last few weeks and months we’ve seen examples of policies being questioned: the SAC in the Sound of Barra; travel policies for Gaelic school pupils in Lochalsh and Perthshire; the Treasury rejecting lower fuel prices in rural areas. The list could be long indeed. The reason has to be ignorance? Some 91% of Scotland’s population
lives reasonably close to a town of more than 10,000 people. (In the Highlands, only Inverness and Fort William meet this threshold.) Amongst them will be those who produce the policies that affect us. What in-depth knowledge do they have of the islands or other truly rural areas? How about placing a requirement on policy-makers to spend two or three months in the Western Isles during the winter months? If anyone wanted to take on a senior management position in the Scottish Civil Service they’d need to be able to demonstrate that they’d spent a January to March period in Stornoway, Lochmaddy or Lochboisdale? It would certainly benefit the hotels and so on, but the greatest benefit would be that these powerful officials would have a significantly greater understanding of remote and rural areas – and we might be a bit more content that the policies they prepared, or the decisions they took would reflect the needs and circumstances of those areas.
island news & ADVERTISER - Issue 1
Paw Prints
Welcome to Paw Prints, where your animals get their chance to shine.
Jura and Fergus live with Niel and Grace Beaton in Cnoc An Torrain, North Uist.
Vasco lives with Becky Rennell in Stoneybridge, South Uist and likes to help her at work.
Best friends Beauly and George MacDonald of Lochmaddy.
North Uist
BOARDING KENNELS Bayhead, North Uist Open all hours We are a small family run Boarding Kennels who want to look after your pets as you would. Individual needs catered for including; ● Medication given ● Daily beach walks for dogs ● Heated beds for cats ● Large outside exercise pens for dogs. ● Collection and delivery service across the Islands Please call Gillian to inspect our facilities or to discuss individual requirements on:
01876 510223 or 07922 178880
Buster rules Richard and Lena Maclennan’s roost in Borve, Harris.
Mithril of Bayhead has Gillian Lessiter as her chief slave.
Holly, with one of her best friends, Neil MacDonald of Lochboisdale.
Email your hi-res photos to pawprints @islandnewsandadvertiser.com with your name and address, your pet’s name and anything you’d like to say about them.
Then look out for your photo on IN&A’s Paw Print page over the coming months!
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