March 2015 by Island News & Advertiser Ltd

Loving tribute to Ellie Benbecula music courses celebrate 15th anniversary page 14

pages 10,11

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March 2015

island news Edition 33

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REMOTE PHARMACY SERVICE ON TRIAL IN UIST

A year-long pilot project is underway to provide selected patients registered in Benbecula and North Uist with a remote pharmacy service.

It’s our

Two pharmacists from Western Isles hospital, Stornoway have been made available, each on a part-time basis, to carry out medication reviews with patients via telephone or videolink. Evelyn Yoong and Emer Friel are the two pharmacists selected to provide care and advice during the £62,000 trial. Emer’s job at the Western Isles Hospital is split 50/50 between specialist clinical pharmacist and antimicrobial pharmacist. She is a qualified independent prescriber with a special interest in cardiology and respiratory conditions. Evelyn is a clinical pharmacist for NHS

Western Isles. She is currently completing her independent prescriber qualification with Robert Gordon University and has a special interest in diabetes. They remain based in Stornoway to carry out Pharmacist Emer Friel. the consultations. Letters have been sent to patients with complex medical needs to invite them to take part in the trial.

The patients then arrange an appointment via their GP practice. The consultation is carried out either by telephone from the patient’s home, or by video conference in the GP practice. The Uist community mobilised two years ago against an attempt by an independent pharmacy to set up in Balivanich. This pilot is part of the Scottish Government’s ‘Prescription for Excellence’ action plan whose objective is to ensure all patients, regardless of their age and where they live, receive high quality pharmaceutical care using the clinical skills of pharmacists.

This will help ensure they get the best possible outcomes from their medicines, and avoid harm and waste. Dr Kate Dawson of Benbecula Medical Practice said: “The policy is to explore innovative ways of providing pharmacy services for patients in remote rural areas. This will test how far the technology can go and how comfortable patients are with it. “Many patients on multiple prescriptions are old and frail, and they will be able to talk to a pharmacist about their medication and any issues they may have with it from their own homes.”

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island news & ADVERTISER - March 2015 Issue 33

Plenty of young isles talent in FilmG awards FilmG, MG ALBA’s Gaelic Short Film Competition this year boasts a shortlist packed with island talent. Barra pupils have been shortlisted in three different categories. Their film An Gealladh Meallta (The Deceitful Promise) is shortlisted in both the Best Film and FilmG Gaelic prize. Their music video An Saighdear (The Soldier) is on the shortlist for the Best Music Video. Two films from the Nicolson Institute have been shortlisted in two different categories; Gealladh Gemma (Gemma’s the award for Gaelic for An Gaol Dìomhair Promise) in the Best Film section and An (Secret Love). t-Àm ri Teachd (The times that are to From Harris, Emma MacLeod has been come) in the FilmG prize for Gaelic. shortlisted in two different categories for Sgoil Lionacleit has been shortlisted in

Lewis peat bog sta Wild Space exhibit rs in ion

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A new water colo ur Muir Trust’s Wild exhibition in the John focuses on Barva Space in Pitlochry sM bog that features str oor – the vast peat ongly in the acclaim Lewis Trilogy by author Peter May ed . The Moor is a co lla and pictures betw boration in words een Lewis-based Gareth Watson and nature write artist r Robert MacFarlane. The exhibition ru ns to March 8.

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Lionacleit sports hub nearly ready ity The new Uist & Barra Commun it acle Sports Hub next to Lion running track and sports ﬁeld is nearly complete. The facility includes two changing rooms, a meeting room and a conditioning suite. The building is environmentally friendly throughout, highly insulated, with low energy lighting and heating provided by an air source heat pump. The building is a joint venture d, between CnES and Sport Scotlan il. Apr in n and set to ope

North Uist and Harris roadworks nearing completion Shetland

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Earthworks are complete on the 750m stretch of dualling at Carinish, North Uist. Surfacing is now underway and the work is expected to be complete early this month. The Stockinish to Luskentyre Phase 2 works continue with drilling and blasting through the hard Harris rock, expected to be complete early this month. The project is 1500m long, in two sections. Surfacing will shortly be underway with the project substantially complete at the end of March.

her film of her beloved island of Scalpay (Scalpaigh Bheag Mo Ghràidh-sa). She is nominated in the Best Music Video and also in the category for Best Young Film Maker. A youth group from Shawbost, ‘Tàirneanaich’ (Thunder) have been nominated in the categories for Best Film and Best Community Award for Madainn Mhath Breatainn (Good Morning Britain). Alex John Morrison who features in this film has been shortlisted in the Best Performance category. The awards ceremony takes place in the Old Fruitmarket, Glasgow on March 27. All the shortlisted films can be viewed at filmg.co.uk

Bass Rock beats St Kilda for gannets East Lothian’s Bass Rock has toppled St Kilda from the world top spot for Northern gannet population. According to research carried out by The Scottish Seabird Centre and the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology the Bass Rock has upwards of 150,000 gannets in the breeding season. St Kilda’s Northern gannet population is around 120,000 birds, but it remains the largest colony in the north-east Atlantic.

Bass Rock researchers last summer found 75,000 sites apparently occupied by gannets. This is an increase of 24% since a similar count in 2009 giving an estimated population in the breeding season of more than 150,000 birds.

New Outer Hebrides Bird Recorder d Ian Ricketts is the new bir recorder for the Outer m Hebrides, taking over fro Ian d Yvonne Benting an Thompson. Mr Ricketts is currently brides assembling an Outer He s he say d an e itte mm Rarity Co er’s will maintain the record close association with Curracag. He is planning to move to Barra shortly to join his partner. s For sightings or question ted tac con be can ts Mr Ricket er on 07534 085505 or record k @outerhebrides.org.u

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March 2015 Issue 33 - island news & ADVERTISER

OHT survey highlights ‘huge’ issues with Uist ferry routes Availability on the Uig-Lochmaddy route has rapidly worsened over the past three years, according to Outer Hebrides Tourism (OHT). The organisation has been undertaking meetings across the islands and an online survey to clarify capacity issues and to canvas views on additional StornowayUllapool services this summer.

OHT found that

Uig – Lochmaddy had 124 out of 361 sailings Unavailable To Book Online (UTBO)

70% (59% in 2013) of all sailings were UTBO during July & August.

83% (58% in 2013) of all runs in July were UTBO and 56% (60% 2013) in Aug.

L to r: Roslyn Macpherson with MP Angus MacNeil; Andrew Walker.

Election of North Uist & Benbecula councillor Two candidates have put themselves forward in the by-election for councillor in the Beinn na Foghla agus Uibhist a’ Tuath electoral ward. Roslyn Macpherson (SNP) and Andrew Walker (Independent) will contest the ward. Polling will take place on Thursday March 26 between 7am and 10pm.

Ferry traffic queuing at Lochmaddy.

Oban – Lochboisdale in peak season has the lowest frequency of service, and the worst availability.

The main constraints for North Uist are found in July & August but there is a noticeable increase in pressure during all months especially June

During the peak season the route can be UTBO for over 10 days in a row.

A lot of sailings are UTBO for 1-2 months in advance of departure.

100% of sailings in July and fully UTBO

82% of sailings in August UTBO

Most constrained day for travel out of Lochboisdale is Friday, followed by Saturday.

42 days between July 4th and Aug 16th had at least one sailing UTBO.

The pilot service from Lochboisdale to Mallaig has been plagued with weather related cancellations, and has suffered from a major loss of

Peak sailings on a Saturday were UTBO 2-3 months in advance.

All change at Uist Post Offices It’s all change at Daliburgh and Balivanich Post Offices. After the retirement of Margaret and Gilbert Walker, Daliburgh now has a new post mistress. Kathryn Martin, best known for her role as Tagsa Uibhist manager, takes on the mantle. Daliburgh will become a new Post Office ‘local’ service with greatly extended opening hours from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday, an increase of 22.5 hours per week.

Local residents and small business customers will be able to access a wide range of Post Office and mails services, including Special Delivery, Local Collect, home shopping returns, online banking cash deposits and withdrawals. Other services include withdrawals using a Post Office Card Account, sending funds abroad using Moneygram, and customers can also pay bills, pre-order travel money, apply for travel insurance and top up mobile phones. Meanwhile public consultation continues on Post Office proposals to move

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public confidence in its reliability, meaning that the results from the pilot are unlikely to be meaningful. OHT chairman Ian Fordham said: “We understand that the tourism and business community in South Uist is now planning to establish a local ferry user group to further gather information and data. We hope North Uist might do the same but there is more discussion needed.” On additional SY-Ullapool services, OHT says there is overwhelming support for additional services firstly on Saturday, and then Friday and Monday leaving Stornoway at 10.30, and returning at 14.30. It has been agreed to propose that such additional sailings be on Friday and Saturday for a ten week period this summer. Calmac will be producing a formal proposal based on this to Transport Scotland for Ministerial approval.

Balivanich PO from its current location to MacGillivrays Gift Shop. The consultation will close on17 March 2015. Submissions can be made during by Freepost YOUR COMMENTS to Post Office Ltd, via email to comments@ postoffice.co.uk, via the Customer Helpline on 08457 22 33 44 or Textphone 08457 22 33 55. Customers can also share their views online through the questionnaire at postofficeviews.co.uk with the branch code 166869. The proposed changeover period would be May/June 2015.

Thanks from IN&A editor This edition of Island News is a few days late due to IN&A editor Susy Macaulay writing off her car in an accident in North Uist and having to delay sending the paper to the printers. The car skidded out of control on a carpet of hailstones at Knockquien and ended up on its side. Susy says: “I owe a huge debt of thanks to everyone who came to my help, especially those on the scene of the accident who

helped me out of the car and controlled the oncoming traffic so that there were no further disasters. “Thanks to Anne who took me into her kitchen, to the fire and ambulance crews, to PC Liz Mackay and to everyone who popped round, telephoned and sent messages of support. “Apart from shock I am unscathed, and everyone’s support helped me back to normal as quickly as possible. Thank you.”

Successful Sollas Norgrove fund-raiser Thanks from the ladies of Sollas, North Uist to all who supported their fund-raiser for the Linda Norgorve Foundation. Inspired by hearing John Norgrove talk of the Foundation’s work for women and children in Afghanistan at the Harris Rural last year, the Sollas community put on a coffee morning at Taigh Sgire last month. They raised £1,036- enough to put four Afghan women through their first year at university. Ring leader Tina Wakeling said: “I am absolutely overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone involved. We had yummy soups, home baking and preserves, great bric -a-brac, good raffle prizes and willing helpers. “Jean Archer brought along some Afghan artefacts for folks to have a look at. “All in all a hugely successful event and everyone deserves a huge thank you.”

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island news & ADVERTISER - March 2015 Issue 33

Community company to look at North Uist broadband blackspots North Uist Development Company (NUDC) has agreed to look into different options for broadband provision on the west side of North Uist.

Stornoway-Benbecula flights: Comhairle seeks meeting with Loganair and NHS Officers from Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar have sought an urgent meeting with representatives from Loganair and NHS to discuss the reinstatement of the Stornoway-Benbecula air service to five days a week. They are also working to gauge potential interest from the wider market in the delivery of an inter-island air service. The Comhairle also wants to meet Loganair as soon possible to discuss their commercial services from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness, their fleet

of aircraft and their investment plans for the fleet. Transport chair cllr John Mackay said: “We’ve been trying to get NHS and Loganair round the table for some months. “We anticipate there may be funds available to reinstate the five day a week service and are looking

into all avenues. “I was disappointed when the service went to three days a week. For the benefit of the general public but particularly Uist hospital patients who suffer from delayed discharge as a result I am very keen to see the five days a week service restored.”

Lionacleit pupils prepare Unicef awareness and fundraising day Students from S1 to S6 are working together to create a whole-school event to raise funds for childrens’ charity Unicef.

NUDC member Henry Morrison raised the issue at the development company’s AGM last month. He pointed out that Next Generation Broadband provision is not on the cards for residents from Clachan to Balranald for the forseeable future. NUDC chair Robert Fraser agreed that looking into other options was something company would undertake. He said: “We need to look at connectivity issues for the whole of North Uist and all the possible solutions.”

ews Castle Co ege Music Departmen resent eir annua

St. Patrick’s Night Concert

rogarry Lodg 7.30pm Tuesday 17th March 2015 Tickets £6/4 on the door

The school doors will open on Saturday April 18 to welcome everyone in the community to an afternoon entirely in the hands of the pupils. The goal is to raise £3,000 for Unicef’s work to help children facing violence, disease, hunger, war and natural disasters. Year S5 is taking responsibility for the overall organisation. The 50 S5 pupils have split into four groups to delegate tasks and ensure everything gets done. Chloe Steele and Megan Mackinnon are both in S5 and told IN&A about the plans for the day. To raise awareness of Unicef’s work, S1-3 will prepare display tables and presentations about the lives of teenagers in some of the countries where Unicef works. A buddy system will be created with S4, who will help younger pupils with their tasks. Chloe said: “We don’t often get the chance to work with younger people in the school, so it’s a good opportunity to get to know them.” The fundraising will come from A Mile In Their Shoes, where pupils will complete a mile round the school track in the most challenging way possible- skipping, jumping, in a sack, with an egg and spoon, the possibilities are endless. Each competitor will have sponsorship forms capped at £10. Megan said: “With 300 pupils in the school, we should be able to meet our target of £3000.” S5 are also organising tea, coffee and baking as part of the afternoon. Chloe said: “The girls will be doing all the baking and at the moment we’re trying to work out how many cakes we’ll need. It could be quite a lot.” The school is also taking early steps towards joining Unicef’s Rights Respecting Schools Award (RRSA). RRSA recognises achievement in putting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) at the heart of a school’s planning, policies, practice and ethos. S6 will be presenting information about this on the day. More on this event in IN&A April edition. Updates at islandnewsandadvertiser.co.uk and the IN&A Facebook page.

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March 2015 Issue 33 - island news & ADVERTISER

Reassurances given to Iochdar school Members of Iochdar School Parent Council met Comhairle chief executive Malcolm Burr to discuss the school’s future role in primary provision in Uist. Also on the agenda were school and pre-school catchment guidelines and implementation and the provision of pre-school childcare facilities within the school. The parents are concerned that Balivanich’s 120 roll includes 40 pupils from the Iochdar catchment area, while Iochdar has 57 pupils. Parent council member Anne Bird said: “Pre-school provision and wraparound care seem to be the key for P1 enrolment, and we have been striving for this for years without success. “Among other things, we were looking for assurance [from Mr Burr] that Iochdar School has a significant role to play in future primary provision in Uist. “We are delighted to say that we left the meeting feeling reassured. It was pointed out to us that if anything, being the sole primary school in Uist that has been named as a Gaelic School of Excellence makes Iochdar’s position even more secure than before, which will benefit both the Gaelic pupils and English Medium classes.” She added: “Mr Burr seemed to be impressed with the initiatives that Iochdar have put in place to make the existing pre-school facilities more accessible for local families. “He offered his support to any ideas to extend the provision more widely across the school day. Although there is currently no additional funding available from the council, we are looking in other directions for financial assistance.”

Ceòlas new facility discussions underway Several sites for a proposed music, culture and heritage building in South Uist were discussed in a public meeting in Southend Hall last month. More than 50 people attended the meeting called by Ceòlas to discuss their planned activities for this year. Central to Ceòlas’ future plans is its partnership with Lews Castle College (LCC) and their joint plans for a new facility to accommodate the needs of the college music course as well as Ceòlas’ growing activities and events. Ceòlas development officer Dr Becky Rennell talked the audience through location options, explaining that the building would be in the south end of South Uist and that Ceòlas is currently investigating a number of sites around Lochboisdale and Daliburgh. She then invited the public to put forward locations ideas, but emphasised that careful consideration needed to be given to certain criteria, including available area (at least 0.5 hectares required), proximity to shops, street lights, site availability and build-ready costs.

A 16-plot allotment site at Lionacleit is now under the management of the newly formed Lionacleit Community Growers’ Association (LCGA). LCGA has taken the site on from Sustainable Uist, and believes it is the first formal allotment association in the Western Isles. It is affiliated to the Scottish Allotments and Gardens Society and the National Allotment Society. A committee is responsible for managing LCGA business, while all members collaborate on the day-to-day running of the site. LCGA spokesman Matthew Topsfield said: “All growing plots inside both greenhouses are currently occupied and we are operating a waiting list. However, outside growing plots remain available to anyone looking for a bit of growing space with a friendly community of like-minded growers.”

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Performers at Ceòlas in Daliburgh School last year.

member already, now’s your chance.’ Meanwhile concern was raised at the meeting about the implications for LCC art courses. Hazel Smith, LCC development officer said the Ceòlas and Lews Castle College partnership related solely to the music courses and that there were no plans to move the art courses away from Lochmaddy.

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Ruabha Bhuilt was suggested by a member of the audience and it was confirmed that this site was already on the list of possible sites. Other sites under consideration are Lochboisdale old School and an area of the Daliburgh Common Grazing to the south of the Drill Hall. Dr Rennell said: “Following the meeting several people got in touch with interesting and inspired location suggestions for the proposed building. These suggestions have now been incorporated into our options appraisal analysis. “There seems to be a genuine interest and enthusiasm about the project which is great. And although it is going to be difficult deciding on the most appropriate site for this building, we’re confident that wherever it is located it will be a real asset to the Uist community. “Once we have a reasonable shortlist of sites we will be asking members to vote on their preferred location. So if you’re not a

Allotment association formed to manage Benbecula site

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Inside the Lionacleit greenhouse. He encouraged people to consider becoming a Life Friend of the LCGA. He said: “For just £10 you will be giving direct support to community growing in your local area, receive a regular newsletter containing news and updates on what’s happening at the site as well as invitations to special events. “If you are interested in becoming a Grower on an outside plot, want to be added to the waiting list for a greenhouse plot or becoming a Life Friend contact lionacleitgrowers@hotmail.com or 01870 602348 for an application form. You can also find ‘Lionacleit Growers’ at www.facebook.com/lionacleitgrowers.”

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island news & ADVERTISER - March 2015 Issue 33 U&B Hospital.

Ramsay portrait could be Flora MacDonald An 18th century oil portrait currently in a private collection in Florida could be that of the legendary Flora MacDonald of Milton, South Uist.

The Allan Ramsay portrait, thought to be Flora MacDonald. Courtesy of Rafael Jorge.

The portrait is signed Allan Ramsay and contains several clues that it might indeed be Flora, painted from life and well before she helped Prince Charles Edward Stuart escape over the sea to Skye from Nunton, Benbecula.

The painting’s owner, Rafael Jorge, spotted the painting in a small gallery, with the signature A. Ramsay hidden by the frame. He bought it for $1,500 and ‘an old coin collection’. Mr Jorge has subsequently carried out more research into the painting. He told IN&A: “Her bodice is adorned with a white rose, symbol of Prince Charles and his followers. Although Flora’s father was a tacksman, she was taken in the care of prosperous kinsmen after the death of her father and the abduction of her mother by a determined suitor. “Her guardians sent her to boarding school in Edinburgh’s Old Stamp Office, close to High Street, and adjacent to Castle Hill, where Allan Ramsay was at the same period painting and living in his father’s house.” Mr Jorge is having minor restoration work carried out on the painting, and hopes later to sell it to a museum or private collector for in the region of $250,000.

Community councils protest U&B hospital bed cuts The decision by NHS Western Isles to cut the number of beds at Ospadal Uibhist agus Bharraigh, Balivanich by 44% from 29 beds to 16 beds should be subject to an immediate moratorium, according to the Association of Community Council, Uists & Benbecula. The Association met last month to discuss significant concerns raised by the community about the cuts, along with concerns about the health board’s proposal to relocate three existing dental practices at Lochmaddy, Lochboisdale and Lionacleit into the Balivanich hospital. Chaired by Cllr Uisdean Robertson, the Association has written to for Health and Wellbeing minister Shona Robison to request her immediate intervention, and recommending that a moratorium be called on both proposals until the newly constituted integrated joint board and managers ‘have an opportunity to

comprehensively assess the diverse and challenging health and social care needs of the communities served by this hospital.’ Cllr Robertson said: “The Association is firmly of the view that any changes being proposed for Ospadal Uibhist agus Bharraigh will inevitably impact on community-based health and social care services, and any significant change of function being considered for the hospital should not be decided upon in isolation. “For example, the Association wishes to clarify the status of the eight beds at the hospital originally designated as ‘continuing care beds’ for patients with chronic long-term medical conditions-

Call goes out for Lewis & Harris schoolmates as Big Reunion looms

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do these beds still remain within the 16-bed designation? “It is a known fact that local authority provision in the two residential care homes are facing increasing pressures as a result of demographic trends, and they operate at 100% capacity with waiting lists.” Mr Robertson added: “We also regret the manner in which these announcements were made, without any consultation whatsoever with the affected communities, and at a time when the Health Board and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar have just began a consultation on proposals for Integrated Health and Social Care Services.”

Isles in line for best view of solar eclipse The Outer Hebrides and Northern Isles are UK hotspots for the best view of a total solar eclipse taking place on Friday March 20. The moon will completely block at the sun at around 9.30am, turning day into night for upwards of a minute. From 9.45am Svalbard, Norway and the Faroe Isles will have 2 minutes and 47 seconds of darkness. An influx of star-gazing tourists is expected on the islands. It will be the last total solar eclipse visible in Europe until 2026, but the next total eclipse near Britain won’t take place until 2090. Remember not to look directly at the eclipse, but invest in a pair of eclipse glasses.

Organisers of the Reunion which takes place over April 3 and 4 hope to hear from ex-classmates and are keen that no-one should miss out on two days of catching up. Planned events over the two days include a golf competition, Dinner and Disco with funds being raised for the Eilean Siar Foodbank and the RNLI.

Further information on the Lewis & Harris 40th Reunion is available on www.thebigreunion2015.myevent.com

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March 2015 Issue 33 - island news & ADVERTISER

Sgoil Lionacleit Pipe Band benefits from easyfundraising.com Anne Bird

Sgoil Uibhist a Tuath/North Uist Primary School demolition set to start next month Demolition of the secondary wing of Paible school is earmarked for April, provided delivery agreements for the new North Uist primary are in place. The Comhairle says it is likely that the main contractor will be Wilmot Dixon, with principal sub-contractor Robertson Construction. They are aiming to achieve the delivery agreement and award of contract by March 9. A Comhairle spokesman said if the agreement and contract go ahead, construction staff would go on site immediately afterwards, with the secondary wing to be demolished in April, followed by the former Head Teacher’s House in May. He said: “In a similar phasing pattern to previous school building projects, this would facilitate a summer 2016 handover for the first phase which is the school building and car-park, and a winter 2016 handover for the remaining external works.”

Silent fundraiser for Grimsay centre A silent auction and an auction of promises to raise funds for the Centre for Grimsay will be held this month as part of a viewing night at the centre. A wide selection of furniture and homewares will be auctioned, including a pair of three-seater leather sofas and a television. The auction of promises already includes delicious home baking, local trips and experiences as well as gardening services to help get your plot in order for the spring. There will be a viewing night at the Centre for Grimsay to allow people to see what is on offer on Friday March 6 from 5pm till 8pm. The auction itself will be held at the Centre on Saturday March 7, starting at 2pm with tickets sold at the door. Entry is £2.00 and includes a complimentary cup of tea or coffee and some tempting home baking. The purchase of the former Free Church building on behalf of the community of Grimsay was made possible through funding from the Scottish Land Fund. The Association is now looking to secure further funding for the capital works required to bring to fruition the community’s vision for the Centre for Grimsay as an economic, social and cultural hub for the island.

As SLPB starts another busy year, fundraising is always a key activity to keep the band well-equipped, looking smart and in the right place at the right time for their various events and competitions. Anyone visiting the Sgoil Lionacleit website will see a new link on the Pipe Band page for easyfundraising.com. SLPB has been registered with easyfundraising for around 6 months and already £180 has been raised by less than 20 supporters. Once signed up, any online purchase from mainstream shopping sites triggers a donation to the band at no additional cost to the shopper. It is the band’s ambition in 2015 to attract more supporters and benefit from this easy way to raise funds, so their message to Uist folk who are shopping online is: ‘Please consider going onto the Sgoil Lionacleit website and signing up - its free and it really helps!’ The band is gearing up for the Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championship on Sunday March 8. It’s an opportunity to compete against bands from the same age group and a chance for the newer band members to experience the buzz of a Pipe Band competition for the first time. The band has been preparing all winter, with

regular input from visiting Drum tutor Alan Craig. During Alan’s last visit in February the band were also able bring up Alan’s colleague, piper David Wotherspoon thanks to a generous donation from John Daniel Peteranna at West Coast Energee. David is an experienced Pipe Major and gave the band a good workout in preparation for the Championships. SLPB has also entered the additional category of Freestyle band - this is a band within a band, consisting of Pipe Band members but demonstrating the versatility of pipes and drums by including different instruments such as guitar and drum kit. There was disappointment last year for the pupils and leaders when the ferry was stormbound and they missed the Scottish Schools Championships after many weeks of preparation, so this year all eyes are on the forecast and all fingers will be crossed.

Competition to help young isles entrepreneurs Cothrom’s Enterprise on the Edge is launching the Inspiring New Business Competition to encourage more young islanders to develop their business ideas. Computer services, animal care, music tuition, paintballing, shops and a café are just some of the business ideas being developed by people

Deadline is on Thursday, March 26 at 5PM Do you have an enterprising business idea, or social enterprise idea, that you would like to develop anywhere on the Outer Hebrides? Are you aged 16 to 30? Do you want to win one of four cash prizes from £250 to £50 00? For more details or to request an application form, please contact the Enterprrise on the Edge pro oject at Cothrom by Phone: 01878 700918 Email: enterpriseontheedge@cothrom.net FB: www.facebook.com/enterpriseontheedge

Enterprise on the Edge is funded by

aged 16 to 30 across the Outer Hebrides. One of these, Jade Cantos-MacRury, has received an award in Inverness for Best Social Enterprise Idea. Jade’s Island Haven Travel, to be based on South Uist, hopes to bring more tourists to the Outer Hebrides and also help locals to travel to destinations they never thought possible. Island Haven Travel will allocate some of its profits to support international exchanges for young people from the islands. The Inspiring New Business competition is designed to help young people develop their ideas to the point they can approach agencies like Prince’s Trust Youth Business Scotland or FirstPort for finance and other support. Thomas Fisher of Cothrom said: “There are many young people in our communities that have great business ideas, and some who have even trialled their business, but they do not always have the confidence to launch into business more fully.” Help is available to young people to develop their ideas through the application form, while three independent judges will decide on the winners. One of up to four prizes is earmarked for the best applicant under 21, and one for the best social enterprise. The award ceremony will take place in mid-April.

Real Life. Real God Every Sunday live - 6.30pm or watch at a time that suits you on:

www.destiny-church.com OR http://new.livestream.com/destinytvlive1

Destiny Church is part of a growing number of Christian churches in Scotland that believe God is real and that He changes lives. Stornoway Discussion Group every Wednesday 7- 8pm. It would be great to see you! An Lanntair Community Room Kenneth Street, Stornoway, HS1 2DS If you’d like to find out more please get in touch:

e: info@destinyhighlands.co.uk

island news & ADVERTISER - March 2015 Issue 33

Crofting

Lambing advice to pregnant women

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There will be a huge sense of relief amongst ow ner-occupiers of croft land who ar e not classified in la w as owner-occupier crofters. Brian Inkster, Inksters So licitors.

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Crofting Commission u-turn on de-crofting of land in multiple ownership

Pregnant women should avoid close contact with animals that are giving, or have recently given birth, according to the Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Aileen Keel. To avoid the possible risk of infection, pregnant women should: Not help to lamb or milk ewes, or to

provide assistance with a cow that is calving or a nanny goat that is kidding Avoid contact with aborted or new-born

lambs, calves or kids or with the afterbirth, birthing fluids or materials (e.g. bedding) contaminated by such birth products Avoid handling (including washing)

clothing, boots or any materials that may have come into contact with animals that have recently given birth, their young or afterbirths. Potentially contaminated clothing will be safe to handle after being washed on a hot cycle Ensure contacts or partners who have

attended lambing ewes or other animals giving birth take appropriate health and hygiene precautions, including the wearing of personal protective equipment and clothing and adequate washing to remove any potential contamination

Owner-occupiers of croft land can now apply to de-croft their land without the permission of neighbours who happen to be owners of part of the original croft unit. The Scottish Land Court last December ruled that this should be the case (MacGillivray v Crofting Commission) but the Crofting Commission set in motion an appeal to the Court of Session. The commission withdrew its appeal at the eleventh hour and has now accepted the Land Courtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ruling. Crofting law expert, Brian Inkster of Inksters Solicitors, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a sensible decision by the Crofting Commission and puts the position back to what it was before they decided on 14 December 2012 to interpret crofting law in a way that I do not believe was ever

intended by Scottish Government. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Land Court decision was a clear, sensible and fair one and it makes much sense for the Crofting Commission to abide by it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There will be a huge sense of relief amongst owner-occupiers of croft land who are not classified in law as owner-occupier crofters. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They can now apply to de-croft land that they own without requiring the consent of neighbours who happen to be owners of part of the original croft unit. The lack of such consent in certain instances was causing huge problems for many who have been in a state of limbo for over two years now.â&#x20AC;? Crofting Commission convener Susan Walker said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The ruling has implications on part croft owners in relation to the requirement to register the croft prior to submitting certain regulatory applications. The Commission is working to align our policy to the ruling and will begin to process applications relating to part crofts from single North Uist Agricultural Show will owners.â&#x20AC;? take place on Thursday July 30 from 10.30am in Hosta, North Uist.

North Uist show date announced Show organisers from around the isles - please submit your dates to IN&A when you have them and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll pleased to publicise them. editor@islandnewsandadvertiser.co.uk

Crofting Law Sump report available The Crofting Law Groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s final report on The Sump is now available to download from the Scottish Crofting Federation site at crofting.org. The purpose of The Sump is to gather together details of the significant issues and problems within existing crofting legislation and to provide an opportunity for those involved in crofting to give them close attention.

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stone houses The remains of two date, ght to be Neolithic in ou th s, le ho st po ith w ford considered by Craw were identified and ttlement to be the earliest se l area. excavated in the Uda

March 2015 Issue 33 - island news & ADVERTISER

Archaeology Udal project: community consultation takes place in Sollas Around thirty members of the public dropped into Taigh Sgire, Sollas to share their views with consultants on how the Udal collection should be housed. The collection now belongs to Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar. A feasibility study is underway by Glasgow consultants Ekos to look at the possible creation of a facility in North Uist to house the collection, create a research base and visitor attraction. From Ekos, archaeologist Gavin MacGregor and economic development expert Mhairi Donaghy came to Sollas for the consultation, and also met directors of North Uist Development Company. Ms Donaghy said she was pleased with the level of interest, passion and commitment shown by the community to the Udal project. She said: “The consultation was successful in giving us an understanding and context into how the project might come together. “Everyone was very positive about the project, but about different parts of it, so we need to take time and work through what it all means.” Ms Donaghy added: “We need to seek further input from specialist archaeology, environmental and tourism consultants before we report back to the Comhairle, who commissioned the report. Notionally this will be by the end of April.” Access Archaeology chair Catherine Macleod said she thought the consultation had been a useful exercise.

Udal, Grenitote, North Uist.

Bronze Age burial cairn finds under spotlight in Udal analysis

She said: “They listened to everyone’s comments and opinions. The drop-in format was an ideal way for as many people as possible to attend. “I don’t envy the task in front the consultants to sort it all out.”

Deborah Anderson, regional archaeologist, Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar The Comhairle Archaeology Service has been working closely with Beverley Ballin Smith, the lead researcher for the Udal project and other specialists including Historic Scotland to move forward the analysis of RUX6, which is the smallest of the three sites at Udal. This site was uncovered in 1974 by coastal erosion, excavated by Ian Crawford but with the financial support of Historic Scotland. RUX6 was exposed in exceptionally high tides in the 1970s as a Bronze Age cairn, and other test-pits in the vicinity produced finds of coarse hand-made pottery. Today there is nothing visible of this site, it was excavated to destruction and the sea did the rest. The remains of two stone houses with postholes, thought to be Neolithic in date, were identified and considered by Crawford to be the earliest settlement excavated in the Udal area and indicated settlement and activities prior to the development of the machair. Associated with the houses were plough marks from tilling and farming the land. These activities were superseded by the digging into sand of a large number of round pits which were quickly backfilled,

similar to some excavated at Cladh Hallan by Sheffield University. Crawford identified these as the products of ritual activity which predated the construction and use of a ritual centre. Three burial cairns in succession were constructed on top of each other to the west of the settlement. Located within the kerb of the middle cairn was the burial cist of a single individual. We are currently assessing the stratigraphic record in order to radiocarbon date the main six phases of RUX6 site use. We are also completing the analysis of the material in order to be able to publish RUX6 by 2017. In addition to this we are also assessing and developing a strategy for the analysis of the human remains, which amounts to 90 samples from all three sites, RUX6, Udal South and Udal North. This report will outline to scientific importance of the remains and their potential for further research. Recommendations will be made regarding the proposed scheme of full analysis. This work has been made possible by the substantial grants towards the project until 2017 by Historic Scotland and match funding by the Comhairle.

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

All enquiries welcome

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

island news & ADVERTISER - March 2015 Issue 33

Last year our community was stunned by loss of Eleanor MacDonald of Kyles, North Uist to a rare and aggressive cancer.

For Ellie

Ellie’s mother Michelle has found a way through her pain to pay moving tribute to her inspirational daughter. Michelle MacDonald How does a mother write a tribute for her own daughter? A daughter who was taken from her family and friends on the 18th September 2014, after a brave battle with cancer, at the tender age of 23. I know who she was and loved her dearly for the beautiful young woman she had become and so decided to use the words of her friends to guide me. The words used most to describe Ellie are that she always had a beautiful smile and was very generous with her love; always thinking of others and putting them before herself. Gentle, warm and caring, she avoided conflict at all costs and when I was ill, she took on the responsibility of being “Mum no. 2” to Alexander, still a toddler, lovingly and with grace. Even after my recovery she kept the role going, always being patient and making time for Alexander as well as ensuring that he got away to see the other side of life – Cirque du Soleil, “The Lion King”, Walking with Dinosaurs to name just a few. Born on the 9th February 1991, on a Saturday, she was due to “work hard for a living” as the poem goes. I think that Tuesday or Friday would have been more appropriate days (“full of grace”, “loving and giving”) but Saturday it was and she did work hard at everything that she did. Always studious at school, she was also helpful around the house; sometimes more than she needed to be as Sarah, her younger sister, conned Ellie into bringing in the peats for weeks when her father had actually asked her to do the job. When old enough she worked at Langass Lodge whilst completing her Highers and at university, she worked at the Vine Leaf restaurant in St. Andrews. When diagnosed in December 2013, her main concern was if she would be able to complete her degree; most of the staff told her that she would be too tired and she should concentrate on her treatment. However she was determined to finish her final year. Fortunately when her oncologist, Professor Alastair Munro, walked into her room on her initial consultation, the first thing that he did was to acknowledge her wishes and said that he would do everything in his power to help her finish her degree. From that moment on the two of them had a special relationship of mutual trust and respect. He is a great doctor who remembers every little detail about the patient and he would bring in books or spend time discussing Ellie’s current essay when she was in for her treatment every three weeks. Ellie duly graduated with a 2:1 in Business Management. This took grit, determination and hard work whilst attending hospital for her treatment and at the end I was very worried about her. She had completed a dissertation, sat her exams and had one catch up essay to complete which she did in bed looking so unwell and characteristically thinking her essay wasn’t good enough – her final piece of work achieved a first grade! That result, and the news that she had completed her degree, was one of the happiest days of her life and gave her such a boost – she took some convincing that it was her work without any special consideration from the university that had

Ellie jumps for joy in Spain

achieved this! The support from friends, Dr John Desmond, her mentor and tutor, and Barbara Lessels helped her finish her year. Her Graduation day was a proud day for us all. In true Ellie style she graduated, attended the Graduation Ball and then set off first thing in the morning with Robert, her wonderful boyfriend, to London en-route to Northern Spain by train as she wasn’t allowed to fly. Ellie met Robert whilst an intern at Price

Ellie and her boyfriend Robert at her graduation ball

Waterhouse Coopers in the summer of 2013. She talked about someone she had met but they both had plans to travel; he wanted to move abroad once qualified and she was planning a year out to see the world before starting work. They met a few times and survived taking Alexander out for breakfast as he was embarrassing as little brothers can be. When Ellie received her diagnosis Robert was away for Christmas skiing with his parents but when he heard that she was unwell, he didn’t run as some would have, instead he stood tall and behaved like a true gentleman supporting her all the way. They spent time together in Glasgow, London, St Andrews and Oxford; Ellie met Robert’s friends and many of them did not even know she was ill. She wanted to be seen as normal and didn’t want to attract pity, such was her character. They had a fantastic time in Spain and in August attended every venue (but one) at the Commonwealth Games. It was beautiful to see their feelings for each other grow and he had a way of calming Ellie when she became agitated. He was with her at the end and his love for her was plain to see. He will always have a special place in our hearts. Her friends also spoke of her empathy, modesty, sensitivity, serenity and humble wisdom as well as her curious and adventurous nature. She loved to travel and had a keen interest in other cultures; her music playlist takes you all around the world through many different genres. When Ellie died, we discovered that the desktop picture on her laptop was of a person sitting on top of a mountain with the quote “Enjoy life now, it’s not a rehearsal”. She did that! She

March 2015 Issue 33 - island news & ADVERTISER

Ellie with her brother Alexander in a portrait set up by Ellie, revealing her budding photographic talent

embraced the opportunities afforded to her – she was an au pair in Valencia, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for Childreach and was the first woman in her group to make it to the top. Her visit to the Uru North Vocational Training Centre after her magnificent climb was described to me later as one of the best days of her life. She loved meeting the children; they always loved her, attracted to her quiet calmness. She kayaked across Scotland and travelled to many places with friends and still had plans to do even bigger and better things once recovered - as can be seen on her “Bucket List”. She wrote this a few months before she died for her boyfriend Robert; he wrote his too and they were both surprised at how similar their lists were though Robert joked that her list would take an awful lot more funding! Her friends and family hope to work through her list in remembrance and if anyone else wants to take the challenge, then her father (Angus) and I would love to hear about it. Ellie did not show me her final list; Robert shared it after she died. She had discussed whether or not to mention beating cancer as she thought that it might be a waste of one of her bullet points on her list (they had limited the number to ten) so I was surprised to see “Destroy Cancer” as number one. With the poise and grace of a ballerina, cancer was a cruel way to die but Ellie died with dignity

Ellie V %XFNHW /LVW 1.

Destroy Cancer.

ign country. h monkeys in a fore Work/Volunteer wit sible (& some in America as pos See as much of Lat crazy volcanos).

ling expedition. Take part in a sai

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Aconcagua, but untain (preferably Climb another mo ains are also cool). many other mount

SE Asia. Backpack through

d trip. and go on a cray roa Pass my driving test

ere remote. Volunteer somewh

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or World Cup. event e.g. Olympics Go to a major sport

and fighting to live until the end whilst remaining polite and thoughtful towards the medical staff – they commented on it often.

The MacDonald family sharing happy times at a wedding. L to r: Sarah, Fraser, Angus with Alexander, Michelle and Ellie

Cancer is a terrible disease that has no thought of age, gender or nationality and whilst many are treated successfully, there is still plenty of work to be done. We received £6,161.67 at Ellie’s funeral and in cards sent through the post and her JustGiving site has raised £3,375.00 plus gift aid and all of this is going to Cancer Research. With the help of the community led by the North Uist Athletics Club and the North Uist Junior footballers, we’re planning “Ellie’s Fun Day” to raise more funds for Cancer Research. It is to be held in Sollas on the 20th June this year, so we hope that everyone will pencil that in their diaries and look out for more details of the fun we’re planning. Speaking of the community, I also wanted this to be a tribute to them. Ellie came home to be buried on the 23rd September. It had rained heavily before she came back, but as she drew nearer to home, the sun broke through the clouds and a butterfly came out to greet her. We wanted to celebrate Ellie’s life and we were fortunate as on the next day, the sun shone bright, the older men in the community wore purple or something coloured (very unusual for an island funeral but a request by the family in honour of Ellie) and we were carried by the love of everyone who came. Her friends travelled from near and far, as did our family and friends and people from all over the islands. Her ceremony was in a marquee near the house (erected predominantly by the men from Sollas and the fish farms); three dear friends, Iain Graham, Niall MacDonald and Charlotte Muller gave wonderful eulogies and a Minister friend, Iain MacAskill lead the service so tenderly. A school friend played the guitar to two hymns and we had boards up full of pictures of Ellie doing what she did nearly all the time – smiling and being active. Purple was everywhere – her flowers and her kayak filled with heather, lavender and Scottish thistle. When she was brought out of the marquee, as we hugged and shook hands with hundreds, a butterfly fluttered above everyone and lingered. As we took the slow drive to the cemetery past Paible Primary School, Alexander’s classmates were all standing outside in a line respectfully. It is a sight that is etched on the family’s and everyone else’s hearts. After laying Ellie’s body to rest, we and many others returned to the marquee to be fed by the community’s ladies – a two course feast cooked and served by women from near and far; there were

comments that corporate functions are not so slick. Simone, a university friend, had put together a photo montage to music which was beautiful and quite an organisational feat as she had pictures from friends and family, home and away. As I said earlier, we were carried by the love and friendship shown to us on such a day and over the days before and after with the help offered and given and the food provided. Those who attended from all over the island, country and world, Ellie had many international friends, said that they had never experienced anything like it. And so to the future which on many days seems impossible without her. Thank goodness for memories and many of them. I’ve painted a picture of an angel but Ellie had an edge, a prime example of this from her young days is when she bet Fraser that he couldn’t climb the corn stack in the yard – something greatly frowned upon by those who built it. He did, and she thought that she could get out of paying him by telling on him! Fraser got his revenge later when she wanted to borrow some money and he attempted to charge her interest on her payments. People say that it must be a comfort knowing that she achieved so much; it is and it isn’t as she had so much left to do and so many dreams to bring to fruition – she had not reached her prime yet. The last word that has been used in abundance to describe Ellie is that she is an inspiration. Her friends say that the way she was as a person and the decisions she took in her final nine months inspire them and guide them when making their own decisions. She never gave up and lived each day as if it was her last. She was in Spain, kayaked at home and attended the Commonwealth Games just weeks before she died. Some of our friends who attended her funeral had been debating on whether to let their son go on a football trip as they felt that he was still a little young. After hearing about all the adventures that Ellie had had with the blessing of her parents, they decided that he should go and start seeing a little of the world independently. That possibly is Ellie’s legacy; sometimes you need to take a risk, grab life and run with it for all it’s worth. I hope to ensure that as much money as possible can be raised to help “Destroy Cancer” and support those travelling the cancer journey. I am working on an idea, “A million miles for Ellie, a million pounds for cancer”. I hope to use funds raised to support Cancer Research and Maggie’s and I will let everyone know how I progress. Ellie once said to me when feeling frustrated, “sometimes all I want to do is turn up the music and dance”, I hope that you, dear reader, are able to find your way of doing that too.

island news & ADVERTISER - March 2015 Issue 33

Lionacleit pupils roll up sleeves to improve environment Helping to eradicate rhododendron in South Uist and building boardwalks for a North Uist hill walk are two projects keeping volunteers from Sgoil Lionacleit busy. Hugh and Cameron work on the boardwalk.

Under the umbrella of Western Isles Support for the Environment project (WISE) the pupils use time freed up by the asymmetric timetable to undertake volunteer work on Fridays. Some have been heading to the plantation at Loch Skipport to assist RSPB and SNH to bring rampant rhododendron ponticum under control. Introduced more than three hundred years ago by Lady Cathcart, the shrub has spread like wildfire around the area, but must be eradicated for its noxious influence on the environment.

The plant is poisonous to other plants around it, and diminishes natural biodiversity by creating dense thickets with deep shade. Honey made from its flowers is poisonous, and the vegetation is harmful to grazing animals. S2 pupils Isobel Paterson, Catherine MacDonald and Kirsten Beaton have been working to remove the remains of branches and roots left after large sections of rhododendron thicket were injected with poison. The project is ongoing and opening up to all volunteers soon. WISE is led by Angela Murphy and funded by the Big

Lottery and Scottish Natural Heritage. In the Machair Life shed close to the school, Hugh Paterson, Cameron MacInnes, Finlay

Tackling rhododendron at Loch Skipport.

Aucott and Mata MacIsaac have been working on creating boardwalks for Beinn Lee, Lochmaddy. A circular footpath has been way-marked on the hill, but some sections are too muddy for easy passage. The pupils are creating 40m of boardwalk, learning joinery techniques and using appropriate tools. The pupils are overseen in the boardwalk project by Alastair Macleod of Beinn Lee Hill Race and North Uist Development Company, volunteer Stuart McIntyre, Peter Caldwell CnES environment officer and Stuart Taylor RSPB.

Campaigning carers network seeks Uist volunteers Volunteers in Uist with an interest in health and social services are being sought by Western Isles Carers, Users & Supporters Network (WICUSN). The volunteers will keep WICUSN informed of any problems being experienced by users of these services in Uist and anything that is working well, or ideas for a new service or improvement to current services. WICUSN has been active since 2000 with many successful campaigns under its belt. Mata sawing lengths of boardwalk, watched by Stuart Taylor RSPB.

Jinty Morrison, WICUSN chair said: “Following the dire pilot project some years ago of the frozen Appetito meals being forced on home care uses, we campaigned for meal preparation to be properly acknowledged as Personal Care and as such, a free service, and for frozen meals to be prepared locally using local ingredients where possible.” WICUSN has also successfully campaigned for disabled parking compliant parking bays in Stornoway. The network is currently campaigning for a dedicated Stroke Unit, and for ambulance staff to be trained to recognise strokes, with a fast track to the mainland scanner and the ability to administer a clot-busting drug if appropriate.

At the heart of the Community ●

Wide selection

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Local meat, fish, eggs and seasonal veg

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Fresh baking

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Fuel

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Friendly service

WICUSN also wants to see more training for the home care work force, support for those on Self Directed Support,

WICUSN AGM 2013.

support and employment for those with disabilities, and more overnight care. Mrs Morrison said: “We have continuously pursued the implementation of Free Personal care for Under 65s, and for better recognition, support and respite for unpaid carers. “The Carers Allowance should be exempt from the Overlapping Benefits rule, and carers in full time education should qualify for carers’ allowance.” Mrs Morrison invites all with an interest to become members of WICUSN for an annual membership fee of £5. She said: “You will receive a copy of the agenda and minutes of all meetings either by hard copy or by email, and any comments, suggestions or criticisms can be made directly to me.”

Contact jintymorrison@aol.com or telephone 01851 621232.

Daily papers

Reels to Ragas Two -H&I concerts and workshops March 6 - 10 7.30pm

Telephone: 01876 510257 Bayhead, North Uist

Open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm

(6th at Mission House Studio, Harris, 7th at Ceilidh Place Ullapool, 8th at Universal Hall Findhorn, 9th at Victoria and Albert Halls Ballater and 10th at Big Shed Tombreck) Scottish-Indian fusion as Red Note Ensemble is joined by the superb tabla player Kuljit

Bhamra and piper-and-multiinstrumentalist Fraser Fifield for new and traditional tunes. Expect love songs, dance music, a hint of Bollywood and plenty of tunes you’ll recognise immediately even in their new guise. Join internationally-renowned tabla player Kuljit Bhamra each

day at 3pm for a family-friendly hands-on Indian drumming workshop, introducing some of the rhythms and musical ideas that drive Reels to Ragas.

Tickets £10 and £6

Visit www.rednoteensemble for booking details to all venues

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March 2015 Issue 33 - island news & ADVERTISER

e Orkney tours Carrie Brown of Se as walking along (see-orkney.co.uk) w st month h end of the island la the coast in the nort d of a rib-cage expose rt pa d te ot sp e sh n whe the banks. in the sandy part of

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Neighbours Colonsay: New app being developed

Orkney: The Child in the Sand

Hannah, our LDO, has secured funding for an all-singing, all-dancing Colonsay App which is being designed by BlueMungus.

Winter storms and high tides have begun to reveal another one of Sanday’s spectacular number of archaeological curiosities. afternoon revealed the back of the skull. After that the county archaeologist was informed, and very quickly Historic Scotland was alerted to the human remains, and they arranged for two experts to come to Sanday on Saturday 7th. During the weekend they exposed more of the site by working downwards from the top of the section, revealing what may be the burial site, some three to four thousand years ago, of a child of perhaps 10-12 years of age. Photos and text courtesy of Roderick Thorne

Carrie Brown (pictured) of See Orkney tours (see-orkney.co.uk) was walking along the coast in the north end of the island last month when she spotted part of a rib-cage exposed in the sandy part of the banks. She and her partner Ali Thorne looked a little more closely, and suspected that they might have found human bones. Having first protected and marked the area by leaning a large flat beachstone against the top of the banks, they then notified resident Sanday archaeologists who took a closer look in the afternoon. Further careful investigation the same

Read more at sandayranger.org

Tiree: Historic building holds open day An Iodhlann held an Open Day to give more local Tiree folk the opportunity to come in and find out about what goes on there. The building was dressed with colourful bunting to draw people’s attention, and a number of staff, committee

members and summer volunteers were present to welcome visitors and provide additional insights into Tiree’s history. An Iodhlann first opened its doors to the public in 1997 after refurbishment of the original building, known as The Reading Room (pictured left), which was built in 1886 as a waiting room for ferry passengers. The history of the building makes fascinating reading. The extension was built a few years after 1997, and the current permanent exhibition was opened around 2008. Courtesy of antirisdeach.com

Orkney and Shetland: Libraries gear up for Shetland Noir Shetland Library is starting a new crime reading group in the run up to Shetland Noir, the crime writing festival taking place at Mareel in November. The group is the idea of Stewart Bain from Orkney Library and Archive, who suggested Shetland could mirror Orkney’s ‘Saturday Slaughters’ book group. The Shetland group will read and discuss books by each of the six headline authors in the Nordic/Scottish festival - Hakan Nesser, Yrsa Sigurdardottir, Arne Dahl, Denise Mina, Stuart MacBride and Alex Gray. Saturday Slaughters has been running for six years in Orkney Library.

Some of us are a bit unfamiliar with such things but apparently it will have an interactive map and the user can select symbols according to taste – beauty spots, places of interest, shop, church, pantry etc. If, for example, you select The Pantry you will get contact details, hours of opening, possibly a menu and (who knows?) a glimpse of the Dish of the Day. Obviously the final thing will be as good as the information supplied but there will be a facility to suit the more proactive provider. Places of Interest are being “populated” (note the early-adoption of the lingo) as we speak; there is to be a bit of background about each place and a picture… it is envisaged that users will be able to submit possible additions to the initial offering, and also to submit improved pictures (not too difficult, since the originals are being taken in mid-winter conditions). Courtesy The Corncrake newsletter. Read more at corncrake.org.uk

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

View from the plots

There are currently two 1/3 acre plots and an acre plot available off the main road overlooking Vallay Strand. They all have outline planning permission and

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in creating a small holding or larger garden.

Stewart said: “It has consistently been the most well attended of all our reading groups and we have already read five of the six visiting authors. Crime fiction is very popular in the North Isles and we hope folk in Shetland will enjoy this opportunity to try out the same kind of group.”

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are not subject to crofting restrictions.

available to buy/rent for any purchaser interested Catherine Jeromson (right) and Louise Graham from Shetland Library, with copies of the first group book sent by Orkney Library.

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The sites have uninterrupted panoramic views over the Vallay Strand towards the Harris hills.

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COMPLETE HOUSE BUILD For a One Stop Shop contact: Angus MacDonald Tel: 01876510293 / 07970218904 Project e: rthomp4521@btinternet.com

island news & ADVERTISER - March 2015 Issue 33

Benbecula fiddlers 2015.

Music students 2005.

Jamie MacDonald conducting the college choir.

Benbecula music courses celebrate 15th anniversary Caitlin McNeill 2015 sees the Lews Castle College Benbecula music courses celebrate their 15th year. With an ever increasing student body residing in Uist, countless alumni making their mark on the Scottish music scene and a stellar line up of tutors, both resident and visiting, the reputation of this campus is growing exponentially. Simon Bradley and Anna-Wendy Stevenson.

Will Lamb.

The music courses began accepting students in 2000 and Will Lamb was appointed as course leader joined in 2003 by composer pianist Mhairi Hall. The college quickly became well known as an inspiring place for musicians of varying levels of experience to hone their skills in the traditional music context.

Buttons & Bows Tuition in Button Accordion for 8 hours and Tuition in Fiddle for 8 hours

INSTRUMENT AMNESTY Do you have either of these instruments sitting somewhere not being used – we could ensure it was used by someone who was keen to learn to play it. Donate to project or lend on a fixed 2 year agreement.

Please contact the Ceolas Office:

01878 700154 or info@ceolas.co.uk

The college prides itself on its ability to help musicians from all backgrounds realise their music potential in a very creative and almost familial environment; it’s a small community and often shapes lasting friendships and musical partnerships. Enormous strides have been made in the development of the college in the last few years due, in no small part to the drive and passion of celebrated fiddler, Anna-Wendy Stevenson. Anna-Wendy met Will at the Barbados Celtic festival in 2001 and first visited Uist as a visiting fiddle tutor the same year, continuing to visit until 2006 when she was appointed as music lecturer for the FE and HNC music courses. In 2010 Will left Uist to undertake a teaching post at the University of Edinburgh and Anna-Wendy was appointed course leader. Up until this point Anna-Wendy had originally planned to spend just a year teaching, but it was in the first term in 2006, that she fell in love with teaching, and fell in love with Uist. Under Anna-Wendy’s captaincy the courses have expanded to include a new BA Honours degree in Applied Music and most recently a Masters in Music and the Environment. Both of these qualifications were introduced by Mark Sheridan, Reader in Music and Creativity with the University of the Highlands and Islands. As programme leader for a degree that serves the whole of the Highlands and Islands she has learned that her remote location has provided her with a unique insight into the lives of her students. “It’s really important that the programme leader has a personal understanding,” she says “Being remote helps you consider the needs of other people working at distance.” With students based from Shetland to the Borders, the degree must be constantly flexible and always accommodating to the needs of its students, now more than 80 in number.

Lews Castle College Benbecula has served as a spring board for many young musicians who are currently at the forefront of the Scottish traditional music scene. Piper James Duncan MacKenzie, of the folk heavy weight Breabach studied in Uist. The band Lurach met and formed at the college and many others such as Angus Nicolson and Seaonaidh MacIntyre have passed through the doors of LCC Benbecula. A past student who has made incredible headway in his field is Matheu Watson. At 16, Matheu joined the HNC course in 2006, the same year that Anna-Wendy became a permanent staff member. Anna-Wendy describes that year as “memorable…..full of music, sessions and adventures.” During this time, Anna-Wendy was commissioned by Celtic Connections to write and record a piece of music inspired by her hometown, entitled ‘My Edinburgh’ and she invited Matheu to contribute. “It was brilliant to give Matheu this opportunity,” she says. “He has gone on to make a name for himself as a session guitarist who is fierce demand for bands, projects and even the odd Disney film. He also returns to Uist regularly to teach guitar at the college.” I asked Anna-Wendy what she believes to be the biggest successes of the college. She takes a moment to think, but certainly not for the lack of potential talking points. In 2011 a group of six – named Room 5 after the classroom they worked in as both FE and HNC students – made it through two rounds of the Music for Youth competition and were rewarded with a slot at the final night of the Schools Proms in the Royal Albert Hall in London. They were interviewed by Classic FM radio and performed a very well-received set; their achievement was then replicated by a three-piece Hosta the following year. In 2013 fiddler and composer Simon Bradley

Iain MacDonald’s repertoire class.

joined the teaching team, heading up the HNC music course on the ground. His ensemble group featured on Channel 4 programme, Restoration Man which documented the renovation of a church in Berneray where the beautiful acoustics of this venue were demonstrated. With his Donegal heritage and background in international collaboration with Asturian musicians from the Celtic regions of Spain, Simon has increased the international profile of the music course. As artistic director of the Albastur Cultural Exchange, he has led acclaimed performances with students and fellow staff Anna-Wendy and Gaelic singer Paul McCallum in both Asturias and as part of Celtic Connections festival 2014. In November 2014 Gaelic speaking students performed and taught in Donegal and before that, in 2011, Ceolas Uibhist invited students on the return leg of an exchange trip to Brittany, France.

Launching the BA in Glasgow.

Working closely with Ceòlas, the Gaelic cultural organisation based in South Uist, has been important to Lews Castle College in Benbecula as it has provided opportunities and expertise over the years. Most recently Ceòlas have presented beginner’s Gaelic lessons in the college that have been enjoyed by students and staff. “I am loving the classes!” Anna-Wendy enthuses. Artistic director of Ceòlas, Iain MacDonald is an invaluable source of wisdom. As well as teaching piping and flute - he along with highly-regarded singing teacher Paul McCallumfacilitates the handing-down of tradition to a new set of students each year. We also have links with Taigh Chearsabhagh Arts centre –where the monthly music evenings – Taigh Ciuil take place. Our students are regular contributors and the audiences couldn’t be more supportive and enthusiastic. As the college celebrates 15 years, the staff and students, past and present can be very glad to have been a part of what is now one of the most innovative and successful music courses in Scotland. “We have come a long way in the last 15 years.” Anna-Wendy says proudly. “One of the biggest indicators of success is students returning to Uist, building a strong student cohort. I would never have imagined five years ago that we would have all these students living in Uist. We are building on this.” Caitlin McNeill is a past and current student at LCC Benbecula. She is from Colonsay.

March 2015 Issue 33 - island news & ADVERTISER

Life

Creative ladies

Tiles and tweed Two projects are currently underway in Uist to create unique artifacts infused with the spirit of the islands wow factor when they host the Rural’s 40th Western Isles Rally next month.

All fired up- Lochmaddy Rural ladies have been making a celebratory mosaic, while at Uist Wool, a set of designer garments is being created from ‘yarnover’ tweed.

The mosaic will be unveiled in the meeting room in Lochmaddy Hall on Saturday April 25- and looks set to enchant its audience.

An 80-tile mosaic made by members of Lochmaddy WRI will be a focal point with a

The 4” square tiles depict images relating to the Different layouts are being tried out before the unveiling in April.

Sandra Hutton (left) and Louise Cook discuss the layout of the tiles.

activities of the Rural, scenes of the islands, and scenes personal to their creators. The idea came from ceramicist Louise Cook of Locheport when she was invited to talk to the members. She said: “Rather than give a talk I thought we could all do something practical. When I heard about the Rally, I realised we could create something special together.” Louise hand-rolled the tiles and showed the ladies various decorating techniques ranging from carving, impressing, scratching and building onto the tiles. A fortnight later decorating work began, with everyone bringing something unique to their tiles. Sandra Hutton, Lochmaddy WRI hostess secretary said: “People were a bit hesitant at first but Louise gave us all confidence.” The tiles were then fired at 1040°C in Louise’s kiln. Next came the glazing, done with a ‘Uist wash’

made by Louise from ‘glacial till’ a fine mixture of sand and gravel found on Langass Hill. It’s mixed with water to a gravy consistency, then painted on and sponged off, creating a harmonious range of natural browns, from pale cream to bronze. The tiles were then fired again at 1260°C. “Everyone put so much care into their design and we were so surprised at how our tiles turned out, that was the joy of it,” Sandra said. Louise said: “I loved this project and I’m so pleased at the result. It’s been very satisfying and exciting to do and it really has the wow factor when you see it all laid out.” As IN&A went to print the final tile layout was still being decided before the mosaic is mounted on plywood ready for the Rally. The first Western Isles Rally was held in Tarbert in 1976, and in subsequent years it has been held in Tong, Leverburgh, Ness, Tarbert, Stornoway and Lochmaddy.

Yarn by-products used to create stylish tweed A wool by-product from the carding process at Grimsay-based Uist Wool has been gathered together, spun and woven into a length of unique Harris Tweed. The soft herringbone pattern in subtle shades of grey was designed and woven by Rebecca Hutton of Harris. Dana MacPhee of Uist Wool calls it ‘yarnover’ tweed. She said: “The resulting magic mix of yarn is robust and characterful and can contain several different local wool types depending on what wool types have been carded previously.”

On a visit to Uist Wool, Netty said: “We’ve been thinking about the importance of travelling and how you dress to travel from the islands, so this has become a theme for the garments.

A warm Hebridean welcome awaits you at

UIST’S FAVOURITE FAMILY RESTAURANT

“I will brainstorming lots of ideas on paper until something clicks, but for the moment I’m just enjoying handling the cloth and getting a feel for it.”

Delicious home-cooking all day Local produce used where possible

Now the tweed is in the hands of bespoke kiltmaker Netty Sopata of Diggory Brown, Lewis to continue its transformation into garments bearing Netty’s trademark style and panache.

Meanwhile, the new wool centre and drying loft at the Mill will be constructed this summer, opening to the public in the autumn to coincide with the annual Michaelmas Open Day held at Scotvein.

The idea follows on from Uist Wool’s Hebtember ‘Snath’ exhibition last year, where Netty made a kilt and apron in chocolate brown and cream cloth from the mill’s first length of accredited Harris Tweed, also woven by Rebecca Hutton.

Dana said: “This exciting development will combine the functions of yarn production and public exhibition and workshop space to promote the heritage and contemporary craft of wool-work in the Outer Hebrides.

Netty examines the ‘yarnover’ tweed.

Dana MacPhee of Uist Wool said: “It’s a heavier weight, so we want to see how it makes up into outerwear.“

“The inaugural display will feature new commissions using Uist Wool artisan knitting and weaving yarns. Visitors will get an opportunity to

explore the diversity of design-work from a range of contemporary makers based in the Outer Hebrides and mainland Scotland.”

Tea, coffee and cakes in the bistro 11am to 8pm Sundays Noon - 9pm Opening Hours

Balivanich, Benbecula HS7 5LA

Tel: 01870 603377

island news & ADVERTISER - March 2015 Issue 33

Life

Poems, paintings and a play

Read

Murray celebrates Stornoway’s history through its harbour

Ness man and erstwhile teacher in Uist Donald S Murray recently released SY StorY, A Portrait of Stornoway Harbour, an anthology of verse and prose telling Stornoway’s story from Mesolithic to modern days.

Sean Macleod, Iain Beggs and David Walker in Sequamur.

Donald’s Sequamur opens this month Not content with launching SY StorY in January, and in the throes of completing a new book on the herring industry, Donald S Murray has been in rehearsals for his play Sequamur. The multi-media Gaelic play looks at the life of Lewis educationalist William Gibson, headmaster of the Nicolson Institute in Stornoway between 1894 and 1925. His inspirational style of leadership led many young Hebridean men to leave the classroom and go to war in 1914. Gibson believed that service in WWI would bring a new enlightened age to Britain - but endured personal turmoil following the death of 148 of his pupils. The play is based on factual material with new music by Andrew Yearly of Lewis, experimental film projections and a roll call of the local WWI fallen. The play is in Skye at the Aros Centre on Tuesday March 17 (two performances) and Sabhal Mor Ostaig on Wednesday March 18. Writer: Donald S Murray Director: Iain Macrae Actors: Daibhidh Walker, Angus Peter Campbell (Kyle), Iain Beggs (Barra), Sean Macleod (Stornoway) and Donna Morrison (Stornoway). Music: Andrew Yearly. Sequamur is performed in Gaelic with live simultaneous translation to English via headphones.

“Many of my misspent years were spent around Stornoway Harbour,” writes Murray. “As hostel boys, adrift in town for much of the week as our homes were deemed to be too far from the main island school, the Nicolson Institute, to travel daily, we would wander round its quays throughout much of the early evening.”

Years later, Murray has created in his collection a celebration of the 150th anniversary of the harbour, infused with sights, smells and sounds engrained from those seminal boyhood days, and complemented by illustrations by Douglas Robertson. Hampshire-based Douglas said: “Our collaboration journey began when I worked with Donald on a poetry and art project with his former pupils at

ent of War, 1939 v d A e th in 6 4 lm Psa ‘Come and behold what wondrous works have by the Lord been wrought. Come, see what desolation He on earth hath brought.’ The young man in starched uniform wrapped within his thoughts. The older man recalling the last time legions fought. And how they, too, once gathered in crowds upon this pier, From Kirk, workplace and crofthouse to this building where this sheltered bay is washed by psalm, the cold breeze softened by a prayer to help men stand and carry arms that -for generations- they’ve been forced to bear

Margaret E Cowie, Fiona MacIsaac, Jacqueline Maclellan and Michaela Finnegan

Valediction Speedwell, old co mrade, let the wavecrest ta ke you out of the haunts of darkness into a brighter m orn.

Fear not in your ocean venture. A constant friend is with you. The ripples of past voyages will – in a little w hile – be gone, And with resolve and perseverance, a flowing stream will bear you below a glittering constellation to a peaceful hori zon.

Illustrations by kind permission of Douglas Robertson

graduated with honours in October 2014, having studied in Uist for three years, and then as distance learners with Moray College, Elgin for their final year. Their Degree Show originally took place in Elgin last June, and can now be seen in Gallery 1 Taigh Chearsabhagh from March 2- 6.

“We have developed a strong working

relationship, despite living at opposite ends of the country. As an artist, Donald’s poems are a gift to work with, evoking images in my mind’s eye as soon as I read them.

Degree Show at Taigh Chearsabhagh Work by four North Uist based graduates of UHI LCC’s BA Fine Art degree will be exhibited in Taigh Chearsabhagh, Lochmaddy this month.

We found that we both thought on the same wavelength and from there I had the pleasure of creating artworks for the covers of his books, Praising The Guga, and Small Expectations.

Let a silver cord re lease you from these storm-c hurned channels into serene waters, towards a golden dawn.

From SY StorY, A Portrait of Stornoway Harbour (pub Birlinn) by kind permission of Donald S Murray.

And so their voices ripple across harbor from vessel’s bow and stern, as they echo that faint promise they hope power will one day learn. ‘Unto the ends of all the earth, War into peace He turns. The bow He breaks, the spear He cuts In fire the chariot burns.’

Sandwick School on Shetland.

The fine art graduates at Moray College.

“For SY StorY, as with The Guga Stone (our last collaboration), I have tried to ‘skew’ the viewer’s visual perspective a little, helping them to understand the slightly unusual and personal viewpoint Donald has taken of the harbour’s history.”

March 2015 Issue 33 - island news & ADVERTISER

Artist’s unique bone collection

Artist Interview

Sophie Morrish talks to IN&Aabout Biomass (NU20072014), her first solo show in Uist.

Life

Fascination and awe were written all over the faces of visitors at the opening of Biomass (NU20072014) in Taigh Chearsabhagh, Lochmaddy. The installation by North Uist–based artist Sophie Morrish brings together an epic collection from her seven years on the island, walking its shores and moors and picking up ‘whatever presents itself.’ In an exquisitely designed array, hundreds of bones from 70 species of bird, insect, crustacean and mammal are laid out on a low platform in Gallery 2. Next door in the café, the wall bears a roll call in Gaelic and English of all the species to be found in the array- and that includes human, for one of Morrish’s own bones lies amid the collection. She is reluctant to divulge much about her bone, what it is and where it is. She simply says that if she is laying out the bones of other animals for scrutiny, it’s only fair that one of her own is among them.

“We are animals ourselves although we have technology,” she says. “To have something of myself in there is a way of countering any criticism.” The aesthetic appeal of the array with its bleached pallet relieved only by dark feathers and startling rusty lichen took many days and permutations to create- this can be seen on a timelapse film at broadbreachproject.com- and is a deliberate way of bringing people in, Morrish says.

Morrish is now engaged in a number of followup events and artist’s talks around her installation, including working on a special project with Balivanich primary school and RSPB.

March events connected with the exhibition Sophie Morrish with her extraordinary collection.

She has called the species list on the café wall the Critter List, and says it is meant to be read out loud, allowing it to become a poem. She has deliberately separated it from the array. “I didn’t want to it be like i-spy,” she says, “although people will naturally see what they can spot in the array. I want people to look at the remains as those of individuals, marvellous and mysterious. Look at the skull of the whale and see something of wonder about the world.”

Morrish reveals herself as the deepest of thinkers through this exhibition.

Wunderkammer March 4, Gallery 2/Café 10.30am

She decided on the purest of approaches to express her collection and thus her relationship with the natural world- it is not to be seen through the lens of a camera, or through drawings, it is not to be seen under electric light.

Assistant curator Gayle Meikle will discuss Biomass in relation to the Cabinet of Curiosities, a mechanism of display that began in Renaissance Europe.

“You can read it as a memento mori or vanitas,” she adds, thoughts perhaps born from her own near-fatal car crash in 2002.

Things We Collect Saturday March 14 1 - 4pm An afternoon dedicated to the art of collecting, including a show and tell area with all collectors great and small invited to come along and share their wares.

Closing event March 21- check IN&A website for details

Things Thing s W We eC Collect o ollect A day dedi dedicated cated to the art arr t of o collecting collecting

Saturday Satu rday 1 14 4 March Marcch

1.00pm 1.00 1 00pm - 4.00pm 4.00pm

TTaigh aigh C Chearsabhagh hearsabhagh Museum Museum and and Art Ar t Centre Centre

“There is no hierarchy and no taxonomy,’ she says. “For me the work is a statement about the place and its specialness, the ecology of Uist and the interaction of its species, with both predator and prey in there.”

par ties to B Broad road Reach Reach are are seeking seeking interested interested parties to share share their their collec tions at our our show show and and tell tell day day . We collections We are are looking looking for for a ny thing from frrom m anything mass-produced ass-produced memorabilia, memorabilia, popular popular collectibles collec tibles one-of-a-kind tto o o ne-o off-a-kind curiosities, curiosities, rare rare artefacts ar tefac ts and and specimens. specimens. Do yyou ou have have a secret secrret collection to share share with the the collec tion you you want want to world? world? If so ccontact ontac t a arts@taigh-chearsabhagh.org r ts@taigh-chearsabhagh.org ttelephone elephone 0 01 18 870 70 603970 603970 to to book book yyour our sspot. pot. Th This is event event is is free free and and o open pen tto oa all. ll.

‘‘ Sport Fiona’s marathon milestone island news & ADVERTISER - March 2015 Issue 33

‘‘

It’s the hardest thing I ever attempted. The sheer monoton y of training is soul-destroying and the physical challeng es of road running in winter ar e massive. Fiona Campbell

Where most people would treat themselves to something indulgent on their milestone 50th birthday, a nice meal perhaps or a lazy holiday, Sgoil Lionacleit teacher Fiona Campbell has something quite different in mind. She has told herself she will run a marathon, and the London one at that. Fiona is already a keen runner, but has never before attempted something she knows will be so mentally as well as physically challenging. She’s opted to run for Unicef ‘because it is all for children, and one way and another, my whole life seems to have involved children in some way. This is for the ones who find themselves in situations they neither asked for nor deserve.’ Fiona found she needed all her grit and

determination to train this winter on the roads around her home in Gramsdale, Benbecula. She said: “It’s the hardest thing I ever attempted. The sheer monotony of training is soul-destroying and the physical challenges of road running in winter are massive- the darkness, the wind and rain. “The treadmill is a godsend, although I’ve grown to detest it with a passion.” Fiona says veteran runner Angus Nicolson of Grimsay is her inspiration. She said” I’m proud to claim him as a

relative, and I’m not sure whether I’m more in awe of his physical achievements or attitude.” The thought of the finishing line will keep Fiona going on Saturday April 26. She said: “This is to celebrate being still here and fit and healthy enough to be able to set a challenge for myself. And I’ve never been on a run yet where I didn’t feel better afterwards.” Fiona must raise at least £2,000 for her challenge, and sponsorship forms are available locally.

Fiona Campbell is treating herself to a marathon for her 50th.

She also has a Justgiving page for Unicef: justgiving.com/Fiona-Campbell19

Stornoway mainland medal raid at the National XC Stornoway RAC athletes went for a training run close to Stirling Castle on Saturday afternoon en route to the Scottish National Cross Country Championships, and then declared on Twitter they were ready for ‘battles ahead’ at Falkirk’s Callendar Park. And how! The club from the Western Isles duly took the U17 men’s race by storm with gold for Connor Maclean, bronze for Euan Campbell and team silvers in what was a 17-strong ‘raiding party’ across the age groups. Maclean had been strongly fancied for the U17 title following recent great form at the Great Edinburgh XC and when wearing a Scotland vest in Ireland at the Celtic XC event. Connor Maclean.

Stornoway coach Ross Munro was also delighted with team silver medals as Michael

MacMillan and Hugh McKenzie backed up medallists MacLean and Campbell. It was the club’s first team medals at the National XC since being formed in 1985. He said: “It is about having a good squad and working hard. ‘We have done that throughout the winter. Connor has been in great form and we’re delighted he is a national champion. He deserves because he is a dedicated trainer. Euan lives in Belgium but his family are from the

Western Isles and he’s been up there training with us on occasion.” Maclean and MacMillan are chasing track times which could win them college places in America – with Connor set to move across the Atlantic next January. ‘They can take the challenge on and see what they can do it with it,’ added Ross.

You can see Connor winning his race on islandnewandadvertiser.co.uk

MARCH REFUSE COLLECTION FOR UIST Please note in BLUE BINS hard plastic and tins only, no polythene or black bags For information about the availability of gravity locks for wheelie bins please contact the Waste Transfer Station, Market Stance on 01870 604998. Monday March 9 Paper/Card March 23 Blue Bin East Gerinish, Rhughasinish, Lochcarnan, Iochdar, Ardnamonie, Ardivacher, Ardmore, Creagorry, Liniclate & Liniclate School, Torlum, Hacklet, Uiskevagh, Petersport,WestCamp, Balivanich, Locheport, Berneray, ClachanSands, Vallique, Lochportain, Cheesebay, Lochmaddy, Minish, Blashaval, Uachdar, Dunganichy. Tuesdays March 10, 24 Residual Smerclate, Garrynamonie, South Lochboisdale, South Boisdale, North Boisdale, Daliburgh Commercials and Daliburgh West of, Kilphedar, Strome, Eriskay, Glendale, Kilbride, Rangehead, Hacklet Eastwards, Uiskevagh, Petersport,WestCamp, Balivanich/Aird, Creagorry Commercials, Liniclate Commercials, Liniclate Muir, Uachdar, Dunganichy. Wednesday March 11 Blue Bin March 25 Paper/Card Stoneybridge, Locheynort, Dalibrugh, Lochboisdale, Garryhellie,

Askernish, Milton, Kildonan, Bornish, Howmore, Howbeg, Drimsdale, Stilligarry, Drimore, Gernish, Rangehead, Liniclate Commercials, Balivanich Commercials. Thursdays March 12, 26 Residual Clachan, Claddach District, Bayhead, Knockintorran, Balemore, Kyles Paible, Paible, Sollas, Hosta, Tigharry, Grenitote, Ahmore, Balranald, Langass Lodge, Hougharry, Middlequarter, Lochmaddy Commercials, Clachan-na-luib, Carinish, Baleshare, Claddach Carinish, Grimsay, Island Flodda, Gramsdale, Griminish, Nonton, Aird, Muir of Aird. Monday March 2, 30 Paper/Card March 16 Blue Bin Clachan, Claddach District, Bayhead, Knockintorran, Balemore, Kyles Paible, Paible, Balranald, Tigharry, Lochmaddy Commercials, Hougharry, Hosta, Sollas, Middlequarter, Grenitote, Langass Lodge, Clachan-na-luib, Carinish, Baleshare, Claddach Carinish, Grimsay, Island Flodda, Nunton, Aird, Muir of Aird, Gramsdale, Griminish.

Tuesdays March 3, 17, 31 Residual Stoneybridge, Locheynort, Daliburgh, Lochboisdale, Garryhellie, Askernish, Milton, Kildonan, Bornish, Howmore, Drimsdale, Stilligarry, Howbeg, Drimore, Gernish, Rangehead, East Gernish, Rhughasinish, Lochcarnan, Iochdar, Ardnamonie, Ardivacher, Ardmor, Creagorry, Liniclate, Liniclate School, Torlum. Wednesday March 4 Paper/Card March 18 Blue Bin Eriskay, Glendale, Kilbride, Smerclate, Garrynamonie, South Lochboisdale, Daliburgh Commercials, Daliburgh - West of Borrodale Hotel, South Boisdale, North Boisdale, Kilphedar, Strome, Rangehead, DI, IOBHH. Thursdays March 5, 19 Residual Locheport, Berneray, ClachanSands, Vallique, Lochportain, Cheesebay, Blashaval, Minish, Lochmaddy Commercials, Bayhead, Paible, Claddach, Clachan, Carinish, Balivanich.

March 2015 Issue 33 - island news & ADVERTISER

THE ADVERTISER Accommodation

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Uist Vac Services Uist & Barra Tel: 01870 602212/ 07765 524 753

Interior and exterior painting, wallpapering & removal, power washing, gutters, windows & doors, chimneys. Call Harry on 07826 420564

Ardhasaig Harris Tel: 01859 502066 Licensed Grocers Calor Gas & Bicycle Hire

Advertise in this space

Insurance Services

Grass cutting/small plant repairs

01870 602151

David’s Garden Machinery Grass cutting, small plant repairs, hires tel: 01870 603833 mob: 07880 743437 gardenmachinery01 @hotmail.com

Cafe/Post Office/Gift Shop Lochboisdale Café Open all year 6 days. WiFi. Tel: 01878 700313

Jewellers Scottish, Celtic, silver and gold jewellery. Traditional and contemporary designs. Tel: 01870 610288 www.hebridean jewellery.co.uk

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

Filling Station

Blow your cover

Hens for Sale Skye. Pullets brown, black or pure breeds. Hen sheds, feeders & drinkers. Tel: 01470 572213

Are you paying over the odds for your insurance? Let us offer you a great deal on your personal and business insurance. Call us now for a no obligation quotation Tel: 01870 60 22 22 email: info@ macleodinsurance .co.uk Macleod Insurance Services

Blow your cover Advertise in this space 01870 602151 Licensed Tearoom & Shop Groceries, Gifts, Snacks Summer evening meals Ardmaree Stores The Lobster Pot, Berneray Tel: 01876 540288

Memorials Jon Hearach Memorials Memorials, renovations, added inscriptions Any cemetery, Home visits. Tel. for our helpful brochure. 01463 711287

MSP Western Isles

Pregnancy Crisis

Taxis

Uist Computer Repairs

Alasdair Allan MSP SNP 31 Bayhead, Stornoway, Lewis. E: alasdair.allan.msp @scottish.parliament.uk T: 01870 602287 (Uist & Barra) 01851 702272 (Lewis & Harris)

Free confidential counselling W.I.Pregnancy Crisis Support Text or phone: 07901 966101 E: support@wipcs.org Web: www.wipcs.org

Airport, ferry, school runs Staff runs & small contracts 24/7 service Menzies Private Hire Tel: 07833 357241 www.mph247.co.uk

Low cost computer repairs and servicing Call VOOVE: 0845 689 0030 (Local Call Rate)

Samaritans of the Western Isles Painter/Decorator Skinners Decor Painting & Decorating DIY Shop Howden’s Kitchens Tel: 01870 602423

Painter and Decorator

Talk to us in your own way, whatever life’s done to you. Call Samaritans on 0845 790 9090 Or email jo@smaritans.org No pressure, no judgement

Clothing, Workwear Canvas, Photo Restoration Balloons & Banners Custom Prints 01870 602515

Taxis Isle of Barra local taxi Tel: 01871 810012 Mobile: 07974 071255

Window cleaner Window cleaner/ odd jobs Berneray, North Uist, Benbecula Call Colin 01876 540252

Opportunities for Learning Cothrom Ltd Tel: 01878 700910 www.cothrom.net

Wi-Fi Installs

Satellite Dish Repair Satellite Replacement, Retune and Repair Emergency Call Outs Available Call VOOVE: 0845 689 0030 (Local Call Rate)

Fast Internet Access for the Islands Get Connected Call VOOVE: 0845 689 0030 (Local Call Rate)

Taxis Tam’s Taxi Tel: 07717 862999 Covers Uist area

Training

All types of decoration undertaken. Ally MacKenzie Tel: 01870 602725 Mob: 07723013884

Photographic Printing & Graphic Design

Uist Satellite Internet

TV, Satellite & Broadband Satellite Broadband TV Aerial and Satellite Dish Call Charles: 01876 580372 or 07748 081871

Commercial and Residential Wi-Fi Installs Whole House or Hotel Wireless Service Call VOOVE: 0845 689 0030 (Local Call Rate)

Don’t let your business be a secret BREAK COV ER! Talk to Moneypenny about appearing on this page Tel: 01870 602151 or email chloeina@outlook.com

AJ BEATON Roofing Specialist

BUILDING & ROOFING CONTRACTOR New builds, extensions and renovations

Approved installer of GRP fiberglass roofing

Operating from Barra and Uist

Telephone 01871 890374 Mobile 077882 630 80

H.M.I.W. Enterprises

The Old Manse, 1 Griminish, Benbecula, HS7 5QA

Tel: 01870 602575 Mobile: 07919 665512

Chandlery

Fishing Beta Tohatsu

Opening Hours: Mondays 10am - 5pm Can call evenings

Sunday Services in the Uists Sunday School and Crèche facilities at both the 10.30 and 12 noon service. 10.30: An Caladh, Balivanich 12.00: Carinish 15.00: Lochboisdale 18.00: Carinish

Midweek and monthly meetings throughout the Uists. A very warm welcome is extended to all.

Cycle Shop Cycle hire, sales, repairs. Rothan Cycles Tel: 01870 620283 rothan@hebrides.net www.rothan.com

Fiona's

Dog Grooming Western Isles Citizens Advice Service

Fire Protection Western Isles Fire Protection Fire equipment sales and service Contact Mark on 078279 67894

BEFORE

Professionally Trained at 'Pampered Pets Ltd'

AFTER

Barra 01871 810608 Uist 01870 602421 Harris01859 502431 Lewis 01851 705727

Money Advice 01870 603807 and 01851 700088

Based in North Uist, Outer Hebrides where we have purpose-built facilities that are safe, secure, clean and homely for your dog. In Scotland. Certiﬁcate achieved of Practical Course for all breeds. Pick Up and Drop-offs Service available at a small fee. All Dogs Welcome.

Podiatry Clinic and Home Visits available in Uist and Benbecula Kevin Macdonald MChS, BscHons, HPC Registered

Contact 07879 563 618 for an appointment or more information Also at PJs Hair Design 01851 706200 Back Pharmacy 01851 820333

Please contact me for more information of appointments and prices

Silhouettes Leverburgh 01859 520216

07888 070264 / 01876 580211

Home visits

SandieMaciver PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER Dip. Pro. Photo.

Weddings Family portraits Commercial Events, etc

Telephone:

01851 720888 AND

07014 238711 office@sandiephotos.com www.sandiephotos.com

Puffin Frames Professionally trained picture framer 5 Gearradubh, Grimsay, Isle of North Uist, HS6 5HU

Tel: 01870 603731 puffinframes@gmail.com

Full range of cuts available. Fillet steak and chops.

Prime North Uist Venison Telephone 01876 580285

Boned and rolled roasting joints. Stewing steak, mince and sausages. Hand-butchered at the Lodge. Drop in and select your meat from our freezers.

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hial.co.uk Island News & Advertiser is published by Island News & Advertiser Ltd, Room 7, East Camp, Balivanich, Isle of Benbecula, HS7 5LA Printed by Cumbrian Newsprint, Newspaper House, Dalston Road, Carlisle CA2 5UA