E YTHING islVaEnRd our new onlin e shop
island news Edition 32
December 2014/January/February 2015
EE FR
& ADVERTISER
INSIDE YOUR FESTIVE EDITION
Our usual round up of local news including crofting, wildlife, music, sport Pages 18, 19, 21, 23 and 25
Time Out Down time during the holidays can spark those creative impulses
Pages 14 and 15 Short story by Mumsnet writer, Eilidh Mackay of Lewis
Page 18
Page 23
Memories of a childhood in North Uist - our serial continues
Create a Diggory Brown designer tiescarf
Page 21
Page 25
How to make Christingles and Christmas candles
Rustle up a farmyard for the kids
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island news & ADVERTISER - December 2014 - January/February 2015 Issue 32
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
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Poppy appeal thanks Thank you to all who contributed to this year’s Scottish Poppy Appeal. The amount raised from Poppy trays, distributed by The Royal British Legion Scotland Uist Branch to retail and commercial businesses and schools on Benbecula, South Uist and Eriskay, was a magnificent total of £1539.13. Additionally the 1st Battalion The Highlanders ACF, Benbecula Detachment, collected £1386.88 on Poppy Saturday street collections. Funds raised by the annual appeal for Scottish Ex-Service Personnel and Veterans in need are allocated as follows:
INBRIEF
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island news
Tim Mason
Nick Phillips Royal British Legion Scotland, Uist Branch
A WW2 veteran recently reminded me that any war-bereaved person can wear the medals of their dead relative, provided such medals are worn on the right breast, and only at a Remembrance Service. You are really honouring your relative by wearing any medals awarded to them, on their behalf, at a Remembrance Service. It is only surviving veterans themselves that wear their
medals on the left breast. For enquiries re medals for the Merchant Navy- The Register General of Shipping and Seamen, Cardiff. For the Armed Forces: Joint Personnel Admin Centre, MOD Medals Office, Bldg 250, RAF Innsworthy, Gloucester, GL3 1HW Kenny Maclean Benbecula
Angling Club AGM
War graves app launched
The Commonwealth War Graves Com mission has launched an app for anyone planning a trip to the war cemeteries, for those just curious to find war graves near them, or for those who want to remember the 1.7 million Common wealth servicemen and women who died in the two World Wars. Simple to use, the CWGC War Graves app allows you to search for war graves at more than 23,000 locations , in 153 countries and makes it easy to find and visit these places of remembrance. Go to cwgc.org to download
The AGM of North Uist Angling Club will take place at 8pm in Carinish Hall on Wednesday December 10 2014. New members welcome.
Taigh Chearsabhagh AGM and screening Taigh Chearsabhagh’s AGM will be held at Taigh Chearsabhagh at 5.30pm on Tuesday, 13th January, 2015. The AGM will be followed by a screening of UistFilm’s White Tailed Eagle: The Native’s Return
Design
Providing direct financial assistance to individuals. Funding an advice service for the veteran’s community, including war pension appeals. Providing grants and research for organisations that deliver specialist support for veterans in Scotland. Supporting employment of veterans with disabilities. Your generosity is greatly appreciated by the ex-service community in Scotland.
Please wear your medals correctly
RECRUITING NOW FOR REGULAR ARMY FULL-TIME ROLES LES AND PAID P PART-TIME AR A T-TIME ROLES IN THE ARMY RESERVE
All welcome.
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Barra school children’s impressive fund-raiser for Children in Need Eoligarry Primary pupils held a fundraising event last month in aid of Children in Need. They came to school dressed in a mixture of super-hero costumes and pyjamas and donated their toys, books and games. They also spent the morning baking a variety of beautiful cakes. All of the donated items and
the baking were sold, by the children, to members of the public. In addition to the fundraiser, the children participated in various activities and asked friends and family to sponsor them. All of the monies have now been collected and the total stands at £237.32, an impressive achievement for a school of only 19 pupils.
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January launch for Beinn Lee walk
A ten mile signposted circular walk up Beinn Lee in North Uist will be ready in the New Year. The project marks the 20th anniversary of the Beinn Lee Hill Race, and has been organised by the Hill Race Committee and North Uist Deveopment Company.
Around 40m of boardwalk for those muddy patches are being installed by Sgoil Lionacleit pupils, and 150 markers along the way will ensure no-one gets lost. The walk, estimated at four hours, starts and finishes at Stromban, and there are plans in place for an accompanying brochure.
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December 2014 - January/February 2015 Issue 32 - island news & ADVERTISER
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IMPORTANT NEWS ABOUT YOUR PAPER
Island News & Advertiser will not appear in February as we are working on a new publication. The next edition of Island News will appear in March, our third anniversary.
Long wait ahead for parts of Barra and South Uist to get fast broadband Parts of Barra and South Uist will have to wait until survey work is completed in 2016 before they find out if and when they will get superfast broadband, according to information given to local councillor Donald Manford. areas it is difficult to understand why they are being by-passed. “When the community was consulted by HIE and CNES on the provision of wireless broadband, the community of Northbay asked that the considerably cheaper and more robust option of upgrading the telephone exchange be undertaken. “Our request was rejected as was our offer in 2010 that the community fund the upgrade of the Northbay telephone exchange. British Telecom, in refusing our offer assured that new technology available in 2012 would be provided. “ We now in 2014 learn that despite the cable having been trenched through two EC Environmental Designations, a Special Area of
Mr Manford has been pressing BT and HIE for answers as to when areas defined as ‘Under Evaluation’ in the Digital Scotland map printed in Island News & Advertiser last month will in fact receive fibre broadband. He wrote to BT Scotland boss Brendan Dick and Stuart Robertson of HIE, the lead agency on the Next Generation Broadband project to ask why Barra and South Uist were being by-passed when the cable comes ashore only 300m away from the Northbay exchange. He told them: “Barra and South Uist are at the extreme end of the already weak, slow, undependable and expensive wireless system and as the newly laid cable runs through these
Conservation and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, to the very doorstep of the facility we have consistently asked to be enabled; the inhabitants of this area are to be deprived the service it provides.” So far only HIE has responded. A spokesman from HIE Digital Team told Mr Manford: “ Once detailed local survey work on Barra and South Uist is complete in 2016 we will be able to share more information.” He went on: “As part of our contract with BT we have an allocation of £2.5m to find new ways of improving broadband speeds. This will either be through the introduction of new techniques or procedures or through different means of delivering broadband services such as using
Population boost for North Uist under Lochmaddy Hospital regeneration proposals teaching campus for UHI art students, linked to Lochmaddy school (once the new North Uist primary is built) by a path and feature bridge over the loch between the two areas.
The regeneration of the old Lochmaddy Hospital site could boost the population of North Uist by around 5%, according to a local development group. The ten-member Lochmaddy Hospital steering group has secured £10,000 from the Big Lottery towards their planned £35,000 feasibility study to look at the possibilities of the eight-acre site.
He said this would bring a population of around 70 students and teachers into the area during the academic year. It would ease pressure on Taigh Chearsabhagh, where the art courses are currently held, and would stop the present drain of third year BA
Local development officer Alasdair Macleod said the study would look at turning the site into an accommodation and
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students to Elgin to complete their course. Mr Macleod added that UHI Sabhal Mor Ostaig in Skye had expressed an interest in using the campus for Gaelic courses for twelve weeks during the summer. This would bring the annual occupation of the site to around 45 weeks, he said. He said a laundry, gym, mixed
use pool, caravan/campsite and new social housing could also be part of the regeneration, along with business units, studio space for the artists and renewable energy scheme. The feasibility study will go out to tender in January. The price tag on the regeneration project could come to around £7 million, Mr Macleod said.
advanced wireless. These services are still under development but we are hopeful that they will provide a means of improving broadband even more widely within the timeframe of the current project.” The spokesman added: “Meantime, as a short term measure, we are looking at using the new subsea cables across the Minch to improve the current Connected Communities service.” Mr Manford said: “The response is far from satisfactory, and I will continue to pursue the matter.” Island News & Advertiser has asked HIE for more information about the future of Connected Communities, but had no response by the time we went to print.
Tagsa Uibhist Doigheag Respite Care Home Tel: 01870 610239
For booking enquiries please contact Balivanich Office
Tel: 01870 602111 Fax: 01870 603450 Email: tagsa.uibhist@care4free.net
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island news & ADVERTISER - December 2014 - January/February 2015 Issue 32
In memory of Seumas As we approach the first anniversary of his passing, the Uist Cancer Care Forum would like to remember James ‘Seumas’ Macdonald for his commitment to the group and his close-working with other community members in ensuring that local and mainland cancer services met the required needs of those affected by cancer. Seumas was diagnosed in 2007, the year the Forum was formed and immediately decided to
POLICE REPORT
join after seeing an advert in a local newspaper looking for people who were affected by cancer. He attended the Scottish Conference of Cancer Support Groups on several occasions and found that this provided him with a great deal of support. It also led to invaluable networking opportunities with other cancer-related charities from around Scotland. After meeting members of the Hebridean Men’s Cancer Support Group Seumas was
inspired to set up a similar group in Uist. He felt that having a men-only group would encourage other men to come along and be supported, whether that be as someone with a cancer diagnosis or one providing care to a family member. Seumas was also actively involved with a number of community projects; he was particularly passionate about local culture and history. On this anniversary, our thoughts and good wishes are extended to Seumas’s partner Marjorie, his brothers and sisters, extended family and friends.
On 25th October following an incident in
On 6th November following a domestic
Benbecula a 24year old man was arrested for drink driving, He later appeared at Lochmaddy Sheriff court where he received a driving ban.
incident in Benbecula a 22 year old man was arrested. He appeared from custody at Stornoway Sheriff Court.
On 26 October following a domestic th
incident in Benbecula a 43 year old man was arrested. He appeared from custody at Storonoway Sheriff court. Following a road traffic collision in South
Uist on 27th October a 49 year old man was charged with careless driving. Police are investigating the theft of an
inflatable dinghy from a secure shed at Loch Carnan between 24th - 27th October. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101.
James ‘Seumas’ Macdonald May 16 1948 - November 21 2013.
The Uist Cancer Care Forum
Between 30th October and 9th
November heating oil was stolen from a tank in Torlum. Police are appealing for anyone with any information to contact Police Scotland on 101. A 48 year old man appeared from
custody at Stornoway Sheriff court following a domestic incident on 11th November.
Please note: On Friday 5th December 2014 new legislation will come into force reducing the drink drive limit in Scotland from 35 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath to 22 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.
Invitation to RNLI Burns Supper Why not come and enjoy the humour and genius of Scots poet Robert Burns at a Traditional Burns Supper, to be held on Friday January 23 at 7 pm, in Berneray Hall, with MC Roddy Shaw? Money raised will go to the RNLI. A three-course meal and cash bar will be provided by Stepping Stone Restaurant, Balivanich, and there will be music, improve your health • raise your spirit poetry and songs from a variety of talented local Free open sessions! entertainers. The programme for the Everyone welcome! ™ No need to register, evening will include the just turn up Selkirk Grace, Address to the Haggis, Address to the Lassies and Suitable Benbecula Benbecula Response, together with a St Mary’s Mary’s Hall Hall selection of the poems and Griminish HS7 Griminish, HS75QA 5QA songs of Robert Burns. Open session Open session There will also be a Grand Tuesday 13th January Tues 14 January 20142015 Raffle. 20.00- 21.30 20:00-21:30 renovate your body Look out for posters in Watch demonstrations North Uist Uist North local outlets and tickets VillageHall Hall available shortly: Adults Talk with an accredited Carinish Village instructor about how HS6 5EN 5HE £25; Children £15. these arts could help you Subject to demand, we Open session Open sessions Take part in taster are also looking to provide Wednesday 14th January Wed 15 January 2014 2015 sessions some public transport to 20.00 21.30 14:30-16:00 and 20:00-21:30 Suitable for all ages and Berneray Hall and back. abilities, including those with health problems or New beginner courses start Further information is in the following week limited mobility available from Barbara Rosemary Jackson Jameson (01876 500849) taoist.org.uk 01876 580226 or Stella Evans A registered charity highlands@taoist.org (01876 500306). 1053425 / SC039513
Taoist Tai Chi
December 2014 - January/February 2015 Issue 32 - island news & ADVERTISER
Bird watcher spots ancient basket on Baleshare beach
Service marks linkage of churches A joint service has been held in Griminish, Benbecula to celebrate the linkage of Benbecula and Carinish churches of Scotland.
A bird-watching trip on a North Uist beach shortly after some stormy weather last month led to a rare archaeology find for one eagle-eyed local resident.
Excavating the basket.
Roger Ager, 57, of Grimsay was walking along Baleshare beach when he came upon something intriguing sticking out of a layer of peaty deposit. On closer examination it turned out to be an ancient bag or basket woven from plant matter, containing small animal bones and worked quartz pebbles. It appeared to be anchored into the deposit with a bone, the object which first caught Roger’s eye. On closer examination the magnitude of what he had found became clear. Roger said: “It was the first time I had seen those peat banks exposed, and I thought, that looks odd. “I saw the quartz crystals and bones, then made out the shape and outline of the basket.” Aware that his find was rare and precious, Roger said he went into a ‘slight panic.’ He said: “It was getting dark and the tide was coming in. I couldn’t rouse anyone on the phone
except archaeology enthusiast David Newman. We decided to take away the loose stuff before it got washed away.” Next morning, Dr Kate MacDonald of Uist Archaeology arrived on the scene and mapped the site, which included other intriguing marks, possibly footprints in the brown deposit. Kate said: “Roger did everything right by leaving the basket and taking away the loose matter as undoubtedly it wouldn’t have been there the next day. “It’s rare to find well-preserved organic material. It indicates that this basket must have been kept under water from the day that it was placed, or lost, there. Perhaps it was in a freshwater loch until it was covered over by encroaching beach sediment. “As far as I can recall only one Iron Age basket has been found on the islands before, on the west coast of Lewis. “Specialist analysis of the weaving and the contents will greatly contribute to our knowledge of the people living there. “A bone specialist who saw the early photos said he is pretty sure the bones are those of a dog of around 18 months old. ” The Comhairle has responsibility for archaeological finds. County archaeologist Deborah Anderson came on site and commissioned AOC Archaeology Group to excavate the basket.
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The service was conducted by Interim Moderator Rev John Miller, Rev Ishie MacDonald and Rev John Murdo Smith, with the choir of Carinish Church leading the praise. Roger Auger with the remains of the basket on his right. Roger took this photo of the basket after he first found it.
With further stormy weather and several heavy tides before they were able to carry out the work, the basket had all but disappeared. What remains will now be analysed by experts in various related fields. Uist’s Access Archaeology chairwoman Catherine Macleod spent considerable time at the site. She said: “Looking closely at the remains of the basket by the texture of it, it could have been made from marram grass roots. There were many other interesting marks and pieces of wood in the sediment round about which were sadly not part of the excavation procedure.” She added: “Unfortunately due to council procedure it took time organise the excavation of the basket by a mainland company. Given that there are fully qualified and experienced archaeologists resident in Uist, we would like to see a change in council procedure to enable fragile, disappearing finds like this to be excavated quickly using local expertise in future.” More on this story on at islandnewsandadvertiser.co.uk
Linkage means the two linked congregations can move forward to call a minister to serve the two parishes. It’s thought the churches will alternate the Sunday morning services between the two parishes, but the details have not yet been confirmed. Rev John Miller, who has been present for three months to assist in the linkage will leave the islands to return home later this this month.
Benbecula airport has two new high-tech fire tenders, named Eaval and St Kilda by the children of Balivanich Primary. Read all about it at islandnewsandadvertiser.co.uk
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island news & ADVERTISER - December 2014 - January/February 2015 Issue 32
Fluraichean Mhairi We wish everyone
Nollaig Chridheil agus Bliadhna Mhath Ùr
Ardmaree Stores & Lobster Pot
Balivanich Post Office/ Sports Shop
Iris, Bob and all the staff would like to wish all our customers
The staff would like to thank all their customers for their support throughout the year and wish them
a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year
a merry Christmas and a happy New Year
MacLeod Insurance MacLeod Insurance would like to wish everybody
DR MacDonald Hardware
a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Iain, Sarah and Julie. www.macleodinsurance.co.uk
Ronnie, Anna and Margaret
would like to wish all their customers a merry Christmas and a happy New Year
D MacDonald & Co Builders The staff at D MacDonald & Co would like to wish everybody
a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year
The Cauldron Leverburgh
Kallin Shellfish
Season’s greetings and a happy New Year
We would like to thank all our customers for their support and wish everyone
to all our customers from everyone at The Cauldron
a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our readers
December 2014 - January/February 2015 Issue 32 - island news & ADVERTISER
Pot of gold for local food initiative Two Uist organisations have secured an award from the Climate Challenge Fund for a joint initiative, Local Food for Local People. The award of £128,734 will ‘build on and develop’ Tagsa Uibhist’s horticultural project at East Camp, Balivanich and Cothrom’s work with learners at the Walled Garden in Daliburgh, South Uist. The project aims to deliver support to individuals and communities throughout Uist by helping new growers to start growing their own vegetables, as well as existing growers, and crofters, to expand their production; providing training in horticulture, including accredited training, open to anyone in the community.
The accredited training will be developed by Cothrom in partnership with Lews Castle College, and should commence in the spring. The project also wants to raise awareness of opportunities to grow and purchase local food, of food waste and its impacts, and of creative ways of reducing waste and encouraging more composting, through community events, workshops and leaflets. The funding runs for twelve months from April 2015, and will see the creation of three full-time posts: the Project Leader, the Project Coordinator at East Camp, and the SVQ Tutor at Cothrom. Cothrom will be working in partnership with Lews Castle College in the delivery of the Horticulture
Meanwhile Tagsa received a further funding boost with the announcement of a grant of £93,213 from Transport Scotland to extend and improve the dial-a-bus service already in service.
The funding will go towards a joint Local Food for Local People initiative.
SVQ at level 1 and 2 next year and invites anyone interested in training from February onwards next year to get in touch.
Two new vehicles will be bought to allow for a more effective service, and Tagsa will work closely with the Comhairle and NHS Western Isles to provide integration.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank my neighbours Pete and Sue Finney for their support during my illness. Also all my family and friends, those who telephoned and sent cards, texts and e-mails; Rev Donald Campbell and the congregation of North Uist Community Church for their beautiful basket of flowers and constant prayers and visits; Uist Gaelic Choir for their lovely bouquet of flowers; Sandy and Linda for their lovely bouquet of flowers, and all who visited and brought flowers and gifts. I am now feeling much better. God bless you all. Margaret Saxton
Carinish road widening in full swing
Carinish road widening underway.
Work is in full swing to widen and realign a section of the main A865 at Carinish, North Uist. A 750m single track section to the south of the village will be replaced with a two lane carriageway of around 6.6m in width. It will connect at each end with existing double track sections of the road. Traffic management measures are in place to ensure the safety of the work force and road users and to minimise delays due to the works. The project costs just under £750,000 and is
Please help Highland families in poverty
13 of these schemes in Scotland. Latest figures from Save the Children show that one in four children in Scotland is living in poverty. 1500 grants have been issued in Scotland this year to provide washing machines, beds, etc. Barbara Jameson Save the Children in Inverness has asked for our help. Probably, like me, you associate the charity Save the Sacks are available for filling with: toys, CDs, bric-a-brac, Children with war-torn countries, and people living in abject poverty in lands far away from our shores. Sadly, clothing (both adults’ and children’s), sheets, blankets, duvet covers (not duvets, thank you), paperback books. this is not the whole story: in the UK today, there are 116 projects being run by Save the Children, 21 of which Lochmaddy Hall has very generously offered its are in Scotland. It beggars belief that, in a country that facilities to take in the sacks, and D.R. MacLeod will kindly we are told is one of the richest in the world, there are take the sacks to the depot in Inverness. If you would like a sack, or children who have no beds, cots or food. sacks, please contact me on 01876 Projects such as FAST (Family & School Together) 500849 and we can arrange a drop-off reach out to children and parents whose housing point. Your support and generosity situations make learning difficult. The children meet with their parents after school to do lessons. There are would be very much appreciated.
All the Stepping Stone staff wish you
a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year A warm Hebridean welcome awaits you at
UIST’S FAVOURITE FAMILY RESTAURANT
Delicious home-cooking all day Local produce used where possible Tea, coffee and cakes in the bistro 11am to 8pm Sundays Noon - 9pm Opening Hours
Balivanich, Benbecula HS7 5LA
Tel: 01870 603377
scheduled for completion by the end of March 2015. The main contractor is local company MacInnes Bros. This project, combined with a similar road improvement project on the A859 in the south of Harris, formed a funding application through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Priority 3: Enhancing Peripheral and Fragile Communities. The successful application attracted £500,000 of additional funding with the Comhairle funding the balance of £1,543,000.
Uist Community Riding School Santa Dash and musical display Christmas Musical Display Friday December 19 at UCRS, Balivanich, 6pm, Refreshments. Donations on the door. More information on 01870 602808
Santa Dash Saturday December 20 Leaves the stables at 2pm Route - Up main road, past spar & village hall, across main road to BNC and back past old primary school, home via airport road.
How do I get involved? Join us and hire a Santa suit for £1 or donate money when we pass.
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
FOR RENT Carloway, Lewis
l Comfortable two-bed cottage by Doune broch. l All mod cons. l Short or long term.
Tel: 0141 246 1294 / 07747 840 525
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island news & ADVERTISER - December 2014 - January/February 2015 Issue 32
We remembered them Remembrance Sunday November 9, 2014
Benbecula
North Uist
South Uist
‘‘
December 2014 - January/February 2015 Issue 32 - island news & ADVERTISER
lembola, The oldest fossil Col ssil ‘insect’ known, which is the oldest fo hire. nie Chert, Aberdeens hy R e th in d un fo was illion years old. It is four hundred m
‘‘
Wildlife
Curiouser and curiouser When eagle-eyed South Uist naturalist and artist Bill Neill spotted an unusual beastie walking up his front door, he investigated further - and painted it of course (right). He had to send the 6mm long creature away to Roehampton University for identification, where Dr Peter Shaw revealed that it was Pogonognathellus longicornis, a very curious
animal indeed. It is the largest in size of a group of animals known as Collembola, or springtails. Scientists have decided they can no longer be described as insects, nor as crustaceans. They are on their own. Bill said: “There are so many odd things about them. The oldest fossil Collembola, which is the oldest fossil ‘insect’ known, was
Pogonognathellus longicornis.
found in the Rhynie Chert, Aberdeenshire. It is four hundred million years old. “There has only been one previous record in the Outer Hebrides, from Lewis. “However it is probably quite common as it
has a wide British distribution. They are sometimes found in the canopy of trees and shrubs.”
Group finds Uist a plant detective’s paradise centre and the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI).
We’re an amateur group who want to learn about plants across the Uists, writes Flora Donald.
Hazel Smith says: “Before the first field visit, I anticipated a good walk after which I’d come home brimming with knowledge and understanding: a veritable expert. No. Plants are the evil genius to my bumbling Inspector Clouseau. Every time I thought I had one, someone would say ‘ah, which species?’or, ‘how do you know?’ and I’d be thwarted again until I was shown the hidden secret: the tiny points on the flower’s hooded petal or the extra leaves at the base of the stem.
Large or small, common or rare, English or Latin name, there’s nothing we’re not interested in. You never know what you’re going to find until your boots touch the ground.
“Botany is all about investigation of meticulous detail, like being Poirot. Every Poirot needs a Captain Hastings to say, ‘That leaf looks like a sheep: is it Sheep’s Head Sorrel?’ ”
We had four field excursions in 2014, mostly to parts of the islands that we’ve all driven past but that have never before been botanised. We found 170 different species (only the tip of the iceberg) and submitted more than 340 new records to the Outer Hebrides Biological Recording (OHBR)
Another member, Louise Crockett says: “During a gentle morning’s amble on pasture, bog, machair or monadh, wearing ubiquitous Uist wellies and using a x5 magnifying hand lens, I am introduced to a fascinating world of beauty and science.
The botany group in action.
“Tiny guard hairs on Bell Heather stems to protect flowers from marauding insects; spurs on violets perfectly formed to balance the flower’s weight on the stem. Such tiny revelations broaden my world.” We have a good mix of beginners and folk with more experience so we all learn from each other. Excursions are advertised by email and on the Uist Botany Group Facebook page. Everyone is very welcome to join us, including those with an interest in recording things other than plants. Bill Neill says: “I have to admit that my primary interest is in insects but since locating them in the
field requires a knowledge of plants, I was happy to join in. As soon as you start to search you are amazed by the variety.” Please contact Flora at floderi@btinternet.com if you’d like to join the mailing list, or follow us on Facebook. We’re always happy to try and ID plants from photographs or to suggest species to look out for in certain places. Or to hear about places you’d like the group to come and record. As William Blake wrote, ‘see the universe in a grain of sand, heaven in a flower.’
@
LOVATS SUPERMARKET Festive Opening Hours
BALIVANICH
Transatlantic visitors blow in to Balranald Brian Rabbitts Late in the afternoon of October 22nd, birders Roger Auger and Mark Fielker were driving home from Aird an Runair when a bird flashed across the windscreen and landed on a grassy bank. As they were both cold and a little damp after a days birding in the wet it was a toss-up as whether to continue or to investigate. The bird had gone into a large sandy depression by the side of the track and as it turned out well worth stopping for as it turned out to be a Hermit Thrush (only eight previous British records). In the heavy rain the bird was a bit bedraggled but in considerably better weather the next day
its true colours could be appreciated by the handful of birders that gathered to see it. The thrush was quite confiding as Martin Benson’s excellent photo shows. The bird arrived as the remnants of Hurricane Gonzalo were blowing through (this later brought a Chimney Swift to Ness). On November 16th, RSPB officer Jamie Boyle mentioned a coot that he had seen while carrying out a count at Loch nam Feithean that he thought showed some white under the tail. There are other small differences from our familiar bird that used to be far more widespread on the islands. Today they are only to be found with any regularity on the appropriately locally named Coot Loch on Benbecula. In fact the sixth record of American Coot for Britain turned up here in 2005. If previous records are anything to go by the Loch nam Feithean bird looks set for a lengthy stay. It can be seen from the road but views are quite distant.
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15th Dec 16th Dec 17th Dec 18th Dec
8 a.m. - 9 p.m. 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
CARNAN Carnan Post Offfice 8 a.m. - 8 p.m m. 8 a.m. - 8 p.m m. 8 a.m. - 8 p.m m. 8 a.m. - 8 p.m m.
19th Dec 20th Dec 21st Dec 22nd Dec 23rd Dec
8 a.m. - 9 p.m. 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
8 a.m. - 8 p.m m. 8 a.m. - 8 p.m m. 2 p.m. - 6 p.m m. 8 a.m. - 8 p.m m. 8 a.m. - 8 p.m m.
8 a.m. - 6 p.m. CLOSED 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
8 a.m. - 6 p.m m. CLOSED m. 2 p.m. - 4 p.m 8 a.m. - 6 p.m m. 2 p.m. - 6 p.m m.
8 a.m. - 9 p.m. 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. CLOSED 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
8 a.m. - 6 p.m m. 8 a.m. - 8 p.m m. 8 a.m. - 6 p.m m. CLOSED 2 p.m. - 4 p.m m.
9 a.m. - 9 p.m. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
8 a.m. - 6 p.m m. 2 p.m. - 4 p.m m.
24th Dec Chrisstmas Day Boxing Day 27th Dec 28th Dec 29th Dec 30th Dec manay Hogm New Years Day 2nd Jaan 3rd Jaan 4th Jaan
Merry Ch hristmas & Happy New Year f Lovats Supermaarket Lovats, Lovats Supeermarket Carnan or Lovats Superrmarket Balivanich
10
island news & ADVERTISER - December 2014 - January/February 2015 Issue 32
Lochboisdale Café
Bùth Bharraigh Ltd
Tha cafaidh Lochbaghasdail
a’ guidhe Nollaig Chridheil’s Bliadhna Mhath Ùr dhan a h-uile duine
would like to thank all their customers and suppliers for their support through 2014
Merry Christmas and a Happy 2015 Buy Local
Rothan Cycles We would like to wish everyone
Macaulay Askernish
a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
All the staff would like to thank our customers for their support and wish you all
a merry Christmas and a happy New Year Southern Isles Veterinary Practice Season’s greetings and all the best for 2014 to all our clients
South Uist Surgery Lawrence’s Butchers Lawrence and staff would like to wish everybody
a happy Christmas and a good New Year
Dr Bird & staff would like to wish you all
a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Please remember to order your repeat prescriptions in plenty of time due to the holidays.
to all our readers
‘‘
‘‘
December 2014 - January/February 2015 Issue 32 - island news & ADVERTISER
nsion, The fundamental te ousing has h s u rs e v re u lt u c ri g a not been resolved.
Crofting
MacNeil proposes shift in crofters’ rights
‘Messy’ Crofting Law issues discussed at Lochmaddy conference
Isles MP Angus MacNeil has proposed a key shift in crofters’ rights to ‘resolve tensions at the heart of crofting.’ Mr MacNeil, who crofts on Barra, outlined his ideas in his keynote speech at the annual Crofting Law Group conference in Lochmaddy. Quoting the late MacNeil of Barra, he described crofting as ‘ a community of competing interests’ and talked of a current fundamental tension in crofting, where some want to work their crofts for agriculture, and others see their croft as a way of building a house to enable them to live in their community. He said: “This leaves a tension at the root of agriculture because when the croft goes into the hands of someone who is not interested, it fossilises and stunts what happens round about it.” He described the need to safeguard the tenancies of crofts of those who live away for work reasons, but retain a
11
fierce emotional tie to their family croft which they don’t want to give up, as they might want to come back to it later in their lives. He said: “People can hold tenancies with intention to come back at some stage, and we have Isles MP Angus MacNeil to recognise that some people do not want a croft for agriculture, but to Mr MacNeil said he wanted to probe build a house and live in that and spark debate on ways of changing community. that situation, so that those who want to “The 1886 Crofting Act where the carry out agriculture can do so, and those rights of the landowner were superceded who simply want a house do that, without by rights of tenant has led to difficulties prejudicing the tenancy of the land and and perhaps we need to move to another those all-important emotional ties. set of rights, grazers rights, the rights to A longer report on Mr MacNeil’s agriculture. speech can be found online at “The fundamental tension, agriculture islandnewsandadvertiser.co.uk by using versus housing has to be resolved.” the search function
One thing that has focussed the mind of crofting lawyers over the past year is the gathering and collating of information on problems experienced in practice that arise from the arguably overcomplicated legislation. Martin Minton, Inksters Solicitors The Crofting Law ‘Sump’, as its name suggests, was created as a single location to deposit, gather and analyse the messy issues faced by practitioners and their clients. The Sump is administered by Derek Flyn, retired crofting lawyer and chairman of the Scottish Crofting Federation, and Keith Graham, retired Principal Clerk of the Scottish Land Court. They have undertaken the unenviable job of collating responses from respondents. From a wide range of issues raised, the delegates focused on a shortlist of key issues that might be seen as high priorities that require legislative attention. These will go forward to the Scottish Government for further consideration and discussion with stakeholders. A lengthy list of problems deemed high priority was on the table for discussion at the Crofting law conference in Lochmaddy. Unsurprisingly, top of that list was a general call to simplify the layers of crofting legislation, not just to assist crofting lawyers but crofters too. Other key problems raised ranged from the complexity of croft succession rules to the timescales for the Crofting Commission deciding on applications. One priority in particular was a problem that could discourage the creation of new crofts. The legislation allows the owner of land to create a new croft on application to the Commission, but due to a legislative anomaly, the applicant cannot not be regarded as the owner-occupier crofter, and therefore cannot access grant funding. This issue could be seen to discourage the growth of crofting and new entrants. During the conference, Eilidh Ross from Inksters talked in more detail about the particular problems associated with the definition of “owner-occupier crofter” which has a wide impact. It has caused difficulties for many crofters looking to make regulatory applications to the Commission, as well as being a potential trap for the unwary croft purchaser and their solicitor.
Check your CAP payment letters carefully Crofters across the islands are being urged to check carefully the detail of letters recently sent out by the Scottish Government about new payment regions for direct farm support. system direct basic payments will be based on the amount of land held in each of the three new payment regions. “The Scottish Government recently wrote to farmers and crofters to let them know which of the three new CAP payment regions we think their land falls MEMORIALS LTD into. For crofters, the letters cover TRADITIONAL, INDIVIDUAL AND EVERLASTING MEMORIALS in-by land only and we will Memorials, Renovations and additional inscriptions shortly send separate letters about carried out in any cemetery Common Grazings shares. Home visits arranged to suit you Telephone for our helpful brochure via post “It’s really important that Unit 33 Carsegate Road, Inverness, IV3 8EX everyone reads these letters Tel: 01463 711287 Fax: 07798 734778 carefully and checks the www.jonhearach.co.uk email: hearachworks@aol.com provision allocation against their
Scotland’s Chief Agricultural Officer Drew Sloan said: “The new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) comes into effect in January, and under this new
Jon Hearach
own maps and records. If the provisional allocation is not what you might have thought, or if you have not received a letter, you need to contact your local Area Office as soon as possible, where our team will help answer your query and let you know what factual information you will be required to submit, so we can review the provisional allocation.” Any crofters concerned about the way their land has been classified have been asked to request a review of their allocation within 60 days from date of the letter. They must provide evidence on why they believe the land has been wrongly classified.
‘‘
island news & ADVERTISER - December 2014 - January/February 2015 Issue 32
Talented players fro m the club will also be given th e chance to attend th e basketballscotland ‘Future Starz’ natio na l ca mps, a basketball player development progra mme open to players from acro ss Scotland.
Sport
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New basketball club launched in Uist Uist youngsters are enjoying a new sport with the launch of the first basketball club in the Western Isles. The Uist Otters meet on Saturdays between noon and 2pm at Sgoil Lionacleit, Benbecula. There are four teams, divided into U12 Girls and Boys, and U14 Girls and Boys, and they are coached by Angus Carruthers and Naomi Coleman. Training includes skill development drills and friendly matches. In March, the younger teams will travel to Inverness to compete in the Highlands & Islands Under 12s Primary Championship, whilst the U14 teams will take part in the Under 14 North of Scotland Competition. Talented players from the club will also be given the chance to attend the basketballscotland ‘Future Starz’ national camps, a basketball player development
programme open to players from across Scotland. The new club has been set up by basketballscotland in conjunction with Active Schools, and is being supported by local employer, The Scottish Salmon Company (TSSC).
Uist Otters practice.
Basketball fun at Sgoil Lionacleit.
TSSC’s HR director Debra Nichol-Storie said: “By supporting initiatives such as the launch of the Uist Otters, we hope to promote healthy lifestyles to the next generation in a way that is both fun and competitive.� John Kerray, basketballscotland Highlands & Islands regional development manager has visited Uist on several occasions to work with Active Schools in getting the club off the ground. He said: “It is great to see a business recognising the value of sport in the local area and I could not be more pleased to see how much more accessible basketball is becoming to young people of all abilities in the Hebrides.�
Last month more than 70 pupils had the chance to try the sport for the first time in a session organised by TSSC in Sgoil Lionacleit hall, with Mr Kerray as coach. After morning training, games were played in the afternoon, officiated by Lionacleit pupils who had undertaken the Getting Started Referee Award run by Chris Dodds, FIBA referee and Head of Communities at basketballscotland. New players of all skill levels are encouraged to get involved with the Uist Otters, and anyone interested in attending training sessions should contact Angus Carruthers at acarruthers4@hotmail.co.uk.
Successful junior sevens in Balivanich Around 40 primary children from Uist and Barra gathered at Balivanich school for a junior sevens competition last month. North Junior FC took the opportunity to showcase their smart new strip (pictured) Three teams participated in each section of the competition, P7 & Under section and P6 & Under.Â
North Uist Junior FC in their new strip.
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Attention all ‘Tattie Heids’ Now is the time to place your order for Seed Potatoes
Order now to avoid disappointment: Varieties available include e: Second Early British Queen Charlotte Estima Kestrel Maris Peer Wilja Open: Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.
P6 & Under
Barra:
Balivanich A: Won 4
Won 1, drew 1 and lost 2
Daliburgh: Won 2, drew 1 and lost 1
Balivanich B: Won 1 lost 3
Iochdar:
North Uist:
Won 1, drew 2 and lost 1
Won 1 lost 3
Overall points Daliburgh 7, Iochdar 5 and Barra 4. This competition really could have gone anyway however it is Daliburgh who progress to meet the winners of the Lewis & Harris competition in February 2015.
CARNAN, SOUTH UIST, HS8 5RH
First Early Arran Pilot Duke of York Epicure Home Guard Red Duke of York Sharpes Express
P7 & Under
Main Crop Desiree Kerrs Pink King Edward Maris Piper Pentland Dell Record
With full points, Balivanich A progress to meet the winners of the P6 & Under competition held in Lewis & Harris. The matches in Harris are billed as the Western Isles qualifiers. The winners will progress to the finals which take place in Dundee.
Active Schools Co-ordinator Christine MacQuarrie said the day was excellent.
Action in the junior sevens tournament.
She said: “It was a little different to previous competitions as each school/area selected their strongest 7-a-side team to participate in either the P7 & Under competition or P6 & Under with the added incentive of a trip to Harris next year to meet the winners of the Lewis & Harris competition.Â
“At the same time as the competition matches we had friendly matches on the adjacent pitch which allowed all kids the opportunity to participate. It was great to see so many kids here at Balivanich. I would like to thank all those who helped on the day and made the event possible.�
! " ! # ! $$ ! % $ $ & # %
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111% $ % %
December 2014 - January/February 2015 Issue 32 - island news & ADVERTISER
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Children play their part in war commemorations Carinish and Lochmaddy Schools gathered in Taigh Chearsabhagh as part of the commemorative opening of An Fheadhainn Tha Laighe Sàmhach (They Lie Still and Silent), Comann Eachdraidh Uibhist a Tuath’s WW1 exhibition.
Carinish pupils with Norman Maclean.
Children from North Uist have been fully involved in war commemorations on the island. They held their own Remembrance Service in Kilmuir Church on November 7. Accompanied by Rev Donald Campbell and Rev Ewen Matheson, they read poetry and passages in both Gaelic and English, and laid crosses for each soldier from the island who died in the world wars. On Armistice Day children from
Lochmaddy pupils read more letters and sang the psalm Is e Dìa fhèin as buachaill dhomh. Penny Burgess also sang a song by Domhnall Ruadh, An Eala Bhàn, and Norman Johnson played The Flowers of the Forest and Donald’s Away to War. Rev John M Smith gave blessings and prayers and introduced the two minute silence. Afterwards the company filed into Gallery 2 where the children laid poppies and letters at the foot of the memorial wall.
The Carinish pupils sang Sgoil Chairinis 1914 , composed by Norman Maclean, and read letters from WW1 soldiers and their families.
Advent services of Holy Eucharist
Congregation of St Brendan the Navigator
Carol Service 23rd December at 7.00 pm
on 7th, 14th, 21st December at 11.00 am.
The cadets and adult volunteers of the local Army Cadet Force would like to thank everyone for their donations to the PoppyScotland collection held outside local shops from Berneray to Eriskay on Remembrance Weekend. We raised a superb total of £1384.49. This was in excess of £50.00 more than last year’s record collection. This has now been forwarded to the appeal.Very many thanks to all our supporters of this worthy cause.
Laying poppies.
Scottish Episcopal Church
Thanks from the Army Cadet Force
One of our cadets, Kenny Mackillop attended all four island services, including Berneray. The remaining cadets attended services at North Uist, Benbecula and South Uist War Memorials. Kilmuir church.
Christmas Day, Holy Eucharist at 9.30 am Services are held at The Breeze, Balemartin, North Uist
Further information from Rev Mary Lewis 01876 510789.
Back Row: Ewen Ferguson, Connor Macleod, Christopher Palmer, David Alexander, Marc Lindsay, Calum Binnie, Douglas Muncaster, Lee Stewart and Dean MacInnes. Front Row: Uilleam Brass, Marco MacDonald, Seonnaidh Binnie, Kenneth MacKillop, Rosslyn Palmer, Declan MacLennan, MaryRose MacIsaac, and Andrew Kelty.
Episcopal bishop visits Uist Elizabeth Crichton, Bishop Kevin, Rev Mary Lewis.
The Scottish Episcopal Bishop of Argyll and The Isles, Kevin Pearson paid a brief visit to Uist to confirm a parishioner into the church.
Podiatry Clinic and Home Visits available in Uist and Benbecula Kevin Macdonald MChS, BscHons, HPC Registered
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VENISON Available from this month onwards Whole or half carcass @£1.30/lb Delivered to Stornoway Orders taken now CONTACT
NorthUist Estate Office, Lochmaddy, North Uist
Tel: 01876 500329
He was invited by Rev Mary Lewis who has opened her home in Balemartin, North Uist to Episcopalian worshippers. Together they form the congregation of St Brendan the Navigator. Before a picture window with the ocean as a backdrop, the Bishop confirmed art student Elizabeth Crichton, surrounded by around twenty church members. He described the day as ‘stunning in every respect.’ He said: “This is a sign of what is happening throughout the diocese, with small devoted groups bringing a spirit of renewal throughout the diocesan congregation.” The Bishop said he welcomed the recent appointment of Rev Terence Taggart from the Lincoln Fenns to the church of St Peter in Stornoway. He added that a full diocesan visitation is planned for the islands in around 18 months. Meanwhile, Bishop Kevin’s wife Dr Elspeth Atkinson (pictured) joined him on the visit. She is the director of MacMillan Cancer Support in Scotland, Wales and Northern Dr Elspeth Ireland. Atkinson, director Dr Atkinson took the MacMillan Cancer opportunity to pay Support Scotland. tribute to all the MacMillan nurses, fund-raisers and donors from the islands. She said: “The Outer Hebrides have one of the highest donation rate per person in the whole country. The MacMillan nurses are known by everyone as they travel throughout the islands to give treatment and support. I would like to thank all the people of the islands for the help they give us, we are very grateful.”
There’s never enough time. Let’s make some. Want to grow your business? Start here. Business Gateway has a wealth of resources, fresh perspectives and new ideas to help growing businesses - all of which can be tailored to your needs. We also have qualified growth advisers who understand the challenges growing businesses face. To arrange a meeting or a visit to your business premises, please contact: STORNOWAY - Richard Tarves 01851-822-775 richard.tarves@cne-siar.gov.uk BALIVANICH - Iain Macdonald 01870-604-986 iain.macdonald@cne-siar.gov.uk Download our free business support app.
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14
island news & ADVERTISER - December 2014 - January/February 2015 Issue 32
Our Caravan by Eilidh Mackay
On an island far away – well, not so far away really – the wind is howling and the rain is tap-dancing on the roof. “It’s the last night of the year,” says Dad, putting more peat on the fire. “And what a year it’s been!” Mum laughs, the reflection of the flames twinkling in her eyes.
and our cousins from the mainland. “Look, it’s you and Mum!” I show Dad. They’re dressed up for Granny and Shen’s party - I took this picture. “Not often we’re both in a photo!” Dad says, smiling across the couch at Mum. “You look posh!” says Stan, stuffing his face with popcorn.
We pile onto the couch, me and Stan and Little Miss J, Mum and Dad at either end, a pair of bookends to our family. Cosy and snug, all together, saying
A festive short story
goodnight to the old year and madainn mhath to the new one. “Can I stay up for the Bells?” I ask.
for our younger
“Me too, me too!” Stan bounces beside me. “The jingle bells?” yawns Little Miss J.
readers by Eilidh
“Let’s dig out the photo album and remember the things we did this year,” suggests Mum.
Mackay of Lewis. Eilidh recently had a short story selected
“I’ll get a blanket,” I say. “We should have popcorn!” Stan calls, already in the kitchen, thinking of his tummy as usual. “Don’t forget the sweeties!” says Little Miss J. So here we are, cuddled up in front of the fire on
for a prestigious anthology, The Mumsnet Book of
Hogmanay looking back at our year... Birthday parties with funny cakes and sticky faces. I turned eight, Stan was six and Little Miss J,
Her story, exclusive
The photo album is full of memories. Mum has put the
she’s just four. (“I’m only wee!” she cries at least ten
pictures in order: spring, summer, autumn winter. Baby
times a day). Dad and Stan fishing; me and Little
lambs to Christmas carols.
Miss J turning cartwheels at our gymnastics display; me with my sports trophy – fastest in the school; Stan with the painting that won ‘Best in Show’ at the Gala
Animal Stories.
“Where am I?” wonders Little Miss J.
Halfway through the album we reach the part we’ve been waiting for, hurriedly turning the pages, skipping past the end-of-term parties and the Sunday school picnic.
Day, Little Miss J’s silly potato man from that very same day. “Summertime!” I say. Crocuses and daffodils we’d planted in a pot, painted Easter eggs, Granny and Shen on their special wedding day (“Their Ruby anniversary!” Mum tells us)
“When school was off forever!” Stan remembers. “Our holidays!” giggles Little Miss J. “Our caravan!” we chorus.
to IN&A, is illustrated by
Way back in July, when school had just finished and the whole summer lay ahead. One great, big adventure. One Friday night our Mum said: “We’re going on our holidays!”
Holly Strathmore
I thought of a plane. Stan wanted to go on a boat.
of Lewis.
“Or maybe a train!” said Little Miss J, who’s never ever been on a train. “We’re going in the car,” said Dad, “On a magical mystery tour.”
December 2014 - January/February 2015 Issue 32 - island news & ADVERTISER
We each packed a bag, mine full of books, Stan’s
big round moon smiling down on
stuffed with toy cars and Little Miss J’s taken
our caravan.
up entirely with a squishy purple teddy bear.
The next morning it rained, but we
“Is there room for your pyjamas?” Mum laughed. We drove for a long time, at least an hour. The
didn’t mind. Mum had new colouring books for us.
sky grew dark and the stars began to sparkle.
A princess one for me.
Little Miss J’s eyes closed first, then Stan’s, but mine
A spaceman one for Stan.
were still open when we arrived.
And one with puppies for Little Miss J.
We stopped in a field beside the tiniest house you’ve
Dad peeked out of the door, only
ever seen. With wheels.
halfway open, like a horse’s stable.
“Here we are,” Dad said proudly, “Our caravan!”
“It’s stopped raining!” he said.
Inside was teeny. A minute kitchen, a titchy table,
We went for a long, long walk. Dad
two mini sofas and the littlest bathroom in the
showed us sheep in the fields, rabbits
world.
running wild, hairy Highland cows and a golden eagle
We drove home on twisty roads. Past the
high in the sky. We followed the road until we came to a
sheep and the rabbits and the Highland cows
shop. It felt as if we’d walked for miles, but Dad said it
with their shaggy fringes. Past the ice lolly
wasn’t that far.
shop (Dad was right, it wasn’t really miles away).
“Where will we sleep? There are no beds!”
And we did go back, every weekend of the holidays. It
Mum winked and lifted a cushion. Out came pillows,
was the best summer ever. And we didn’t even have to
a duvet, some huffing and puffing and there was a bed. A cosy, comfy bed.
leave our island. Dad bought a newspaper, Mum got a pint of milk and gave us money for an ice lolly.
Dad was busy at the other end of the caravan. The table disappeared and turned into
I chose a chocolate one.
bunk beds. Like a magic trick.
Stan wanted strawberry.
“Bedtime!”
And Little Miss J picked one with sprinkles.
“We don’t need to go on a plane,” I said. “Or a boat or a train,” said Stan. “That was my most favouritest holiday ever!” said Little Miss J. As we headed homewards for the last time at the end
In the morning we explored.
It took us ages to walk back, what with
of the summer, Little Miss J’s eyes started to close.
the melting ice lollies taking up all of
“The beach!” I shouted.
our attention.
Then so did Stan’s.
“The sea!” yelled Stan. “I need a carry!” said Little Miss J. “I want to make a sandcastle,” Dad lifted her up onto his shoulders,
said Little Miss J.
on account of her legs being so
And finally mine.
The sun shone brightly in the
short. I held Stan’s sticky hand and
blue, blue sky and we played
Now it’s almost a new year, which means...
we raced down the road to our
and paddled and laughed and
caravan.
splashed. We built the world’s We played tag in the tall grass, but
largest sandcastle and buried
then the midges came out.
Dad in the sand.
It will soon be summer again! The fire is glowing and our living room is cosy and warm. Bagpipes are playing on the television and Dad opens a bottle with a ‘pop!’ and pours a glass each for
“I’m itchy!” I said.
I wrote my name with seaweed.
“I’m scratchy!” Stan cried.
Stan found a crab.
him and Mum. Little Miss J is fast asleep.
“Naughty midges!” said Little
Stan’s eyelids flutter, a happy smile on
Miss J with a pout.
his face as he dreams of sunny days and sandcastles.
And Little Miss J collected a
And me?
hundred tiny shells. The sun didn’t want to go to
We ran to the beach -
bed - and neither did we. Dad
midges don’t like sand, you
cooked sausages on a camp
see. We chased each other
fire. Mum let us toast marsh-
around the rocks and
mallows on sticks, as long as
splashed in the waves, until
we were really, really careful.
Mum called over the dunes.
I listen as Big Ben’s bells chime. One, two, three... ...ten, eleven, twelve. “Happy new year!” Mum and Dad whisper as I drift off to sleep.
Little Miss J’s eyes closed first,
“Time to go home!”
then Stan’s, but mine stayed
“We’ll come back next
open long enough to see the
weekend,” said Dad.
Bliadhna Mhath Ùr
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island news & ADVERTISER - December 2014 - January/February 2015 Issue 32
Hebridean Housing Hebridean Housing Partnership wish all our tenants and friends
Uist Vac Services Alasdair at Uist Vac Services would like to wish all his customers
a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
a happy Christmas and a good New Year
Ally MacKenzie
painter and decorator would like to wish all his customers
MacGillivrays would like to thank all their customers for their continued support throughout 2014 and would like to wish them all
North Uist Estate Everyone from the North Uist Estate office, would like to wish you
a Very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year
a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
a very merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year
Tagsa Uibhist Thank you to all our supporters, service users and funders for your continued support.
We wish you a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our readers
December 2014 - January/February 2015 Issue 32 - island news & ADVERTISER
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Pailteas ciùil ri thighinn air BBC ALBA.. A Festive Feast of Music on BBC ALBA
2013 Scots Trad Music Awards Scottish Dance Band of the Year winners Trail West L-R Ian Smith, Alain Campbell, Andrew Findleader, Seonaidg MacIntyre.
ha cliù agus ainm aig BBC ALBA airson nan diofar sreathan agus prògraman ciùil a tha ri fhaicinn air an t-seanal. Thairis air àm na Nollaig 2014 tha tòrr phrògraman ciùil ri fhaicinn. Bho Duaisean Na Trads MG ALBA a bhios a’ tighinn beò à Inbhir Nis gu Cèilidh na Bliadhn’ Ùire à sgìre Loch Abair, tha measgachadh de phrògraman ri fhaicinn.
T
In keeping with its reputation as a provider of top quality music on television, BBC ALBA provides viewers with a wide range of choices over the 2014 Festive Season. From the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards which this year come live from Inverness (Saturday 13 December) to the Live New Year’s Eve cèilidh from Lochaber, BBC ALBA is definitely the place
to be for your Festive music! In a series of concerts from Celtic Connections 2014 Cuirm @ Celtic includes music and song from Scotland’s top Gaelic singer Julie Fowlis and Rant, a quartet of violinists who are stars in their own right (Monday 15 December) while Stockton’s Wing (Tuesday 23 December) follows the band that dominated the folk scene in the 1980’s and 1990’s as they return to the Celtic Connections stage. The Great Gathering (Christmas Eve) sees renowned accordionist Alasdair MacCuish and top Shetland fiddler Chris Stout bring their magic to our screens through a night of songs and tunes to make something for the head and for the feet. Capercaillie (Christmas Eve) round of the series as they celebrate their 30th anniversary.
Manran
Manran also feature as a documentary (Christmas Day) follows the band as they travel to America and Germany and the Western Isles in addition to releasing their second album. BBC ALBA also features the band as they play Feis na Mara in Mallaig (Christmas Day). Viewers can relive the Royal National Mod 2014 which was a resounding success in Inverness as BBC ALBA features wonderful performances from
Mòd nan Coisirean (Christmas Day) and some of the successful performers from Mòd na Cloinne (Boxing Day). Rounding of the year on a musical high the New Year’s Eve Cèilidh on BBC ALBA will come live from Kilmallie Hall in Lochaber and will feature a host of top talent including Skipinnish, Dol Eòin Mackinnon, Ellen MacDonald and Atomic Piseag. this is one cèilidh that should not be missed!
Gemma’s story comes to BBC ALBA Dilleachdain Gemma/Gemma’s Orphans Starts Monday 29 December 8.25pm he inspiring story of young humanitarian, Gemma Steele from South Uist who as a teenager made a life changing decision and set up a new charity venture to build a new orphanage in Kenya will be told on BBC ALBA over the Festive season
T
Aged just 17, Gemma made a random decision on the internet in 2008 to help orphans in Kenya. Within six months the children at the orphanage faced being abandoned due to a lack of money, and Gemma made a life changing decision as she set up a new charity venture called St. Jerome's to build a new orphanage. At just 23 years old, Glasgow student Gemma who won the 2014 Young Scot Unsung Hero Award - is responsible for the wellbeing of 25 children at the orphanage in Nakuru, Kenya. Thanks to the financial and practical support from the people of Uist St Jerome's Children's Home, which Gemma began building as a teenager, opened in 2012 and offers a loving home to children aged 4-18 who would otherwise be on the streets.
MacTV profiles this remarkable young humanitarian from South Uist, who has won the trust of orphans and the admiration of Scots countrywide, as she undertakes her latest project. We follow Gemma as she builds a new orphanage in Kenya, in conjunction with Glasgow-based humanitarian design organisation,
Orkidstudio - providing beds for 40 children and with
Dilleachdain Gemma/Gemma’s Orphans will be
the space to expand. Can she ensure the build is on
shown in 3 parts on BBC ALBA and starts on Monday
track to completion within its tight eight week deadline
29 December at 8.25pm. Part can be seen on
before returning to her university studies in Scotland
Tuesday 30 December at 8.30pm with the final part on
in September?
Wednesday 31 December at 8.30pm
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island news & ADVERTISER - December 2014 - January/February 2015 Issue 32
Time Out Memories of a childhood in North Uist Continuing our bilingual serialisation of Katie M MacDonald’s childhood in Carinish Katie and her husband Alick with three of their daughters at Clachan Sands.
The long summer holidays were my favourite time of the whole year. There were the fields to explore for birds’ nests, mainly skylarks’ nests, and the dry-stone dykes to be searched for stonechats’ nests. The cows had to be herded on the croft. They had to be herded, as they had to be kept away from the young corn. With the summer too, came the “travelling folk”. Some of them camped at a place called Cnoc an Fhùdair behind Carinish Inn. They were expert tinsmiths. They made milk jugs out of empty syrup tins, tin basins with two handles on them, sieves, and various other utensils. They were expert at soldering repairing. The men were good at piping and playing tunes on the jaws harp.
An uair a bhiodh an sgoil a’ dunadh airson làitheansaora an t-samraidh, bha a h-uile pàisde san sgoil a’ faighinn leabhar agus ubhal is orainsear. ‘S e soar- làithean an t-samhraidh an t-àm dhen bhliadhna a b’fhearr leam uile-gu-lèir.
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.
Other exciting happenings in the summer were the Cattle Sales and the droves. When the Benbecula sales were over for the day, the drove of cattle, which had been bought by the mainland dealers, was driven across the sands from Benbecula to Carinish Inn and along the main road to Lochmaddy, where the cattle were transported by boat to the mainland. We children used to sit on the top of the quarry between Templeview and the Manse waiting for the drove to go past. We could hear the lowing of the cattle and the barking of the dogs and shouting of the drovers coming across the sands, long before we could see them. Of great interest for children were such
times as lambing-time, sheep-shearing and sheep-dipping times. During the lambing-time, at weekends, I used to wander round the neighbouring crofts to look for newly-born lambs. On informing the crofter that he was the owner of a new lamb, I was given what we termed a bonnach-luirgne or bonnach-luirge, usually a lovely blue duck’s egg or a hen’s egg or a scone or piece of some kind. During my childhood there was no word of electricity or calor gas. During the long winter night our homes were lit by oil-lamps and candles until a new lamp was invented called the Tilley Lamp,
which gave a brilliant light and also provided a gentle warmth for the room. During these long dark nights we sometimes passed the time by playing Gaelic and English records on a gramophone which our Uncle James, Templeview, had given us. There were no electric cookers, electric fires, electric kettles, deep freezes, fridges or gas cookers. Nor were there such facilities as microwave ovens, washing machines, spin-dryers, tumblr-dryers or dish-washers to ease the work of the housewife. We possessed a stove called a Victoress Stove had a large surface, which would take four or five pans if necessary, and a large oven with a door at each side.
Cha robh guth air solas an dealain neo air calor cas sna làithean sin. Fad nan oidhcheannan dorcha, fada geamhraidh ‘s e lampaichean agus coinnlean an solas a bh’ againn gus an tàinig lampa ùr dhan Eilean dham b’ainm Tilley Lamp, a bha toirt dhuinn solas deàlrach agus a’ cur a-mach beagan blàith cuideachd. Fad a’ gheamhraidh ‘s nan oidhcheannan fada, b’abhaist dhuinn a bith a’ cluich òrain Ghàidhlig agus òrain Bheurla air gramafòn a thug Seumas, bràthair ar n-athar, dhuinn. Cha robh guth air stòbhaichean dealain, neo coireachan dealain, bogsaichean fuara, innealan nighe, neo gin dhe na goireasan a th’ aig bean-an-taighe an-diugh airson a Katie and her six children, left to right, Morag, Anne, Donald, Simon and twins Margaret and Kathleen. h-obair latha a dhèanamh nas fhasa. Bha stòbh san taigh againn, Victoress Stove, leis Bhithinn a’ dhol timcheall na croite a’ ccoimhead gabhail an rathaid gu Loch nam Madadh, far am am biodh mo mhàthair a’ còcaireachd. Bha rùm airson neadan uiseag agus airson neadan biodh an sprèidha’ dol air a’ bhàta gu Tìr-Mòr. gu leor air mullach an stòbh airson ceithir neo chloichearan anns na ballachan cloiche. Bhithinn Bhiodh clan a’ bhaile nan suidhe air mullach na còig de phanaichean aig an aon àm. Bha a’ bhuachailleadh a’ chruidh air a’ croit airson an cuariadh, eader am Manda agus “Templeview”, àmhainn mhòr ann le doras air gach taobh. cumail air falbh fhocann. a’ coimhead an dròbh a’ dol seachad. Text and photos reproduced by kind permission of Katie’s family As an t-samrach cuideachd thigeadh na Chluinneamaid geumaich a’ chruidh agus ceàrdannan. Bhiodh iad a’ campachadh an comhartaich nan con agus èigheach nan Càirinis ann am àite ris an abrar “Cnoc an dròbhairean, a’ tighinn tarsainn na Fhùdair”, os cionn an taigh-òsda. Bha iad fior fadhlach agus na tràghad, fada mus mhath air dèanamh shiugaichean-bainne à faiceamaid iad. crogain siorap, miasan, sìolachain agus iomadh Bha àm breith nan uan, rùsgadh nan rid eile. Bha iad math air càradh agus air caorach agus bogadh nan caorach nan sobhtraigeadh. Bha iad math air pìobaireachd amannan aoibhneach dhan chloinn. Bu Based in North Uist, Outer Hebrides where we have purpose-built facilities that are safe, secure, agus air cluich na tromba. toigh leam a bhith a’ dol timcheall nan BEFORE clean and homely for your dog. Bha margaidhean a’ chruidh a’ gabhail àite as croitean a’ choimhead airson uan air an Professionally Trained at 'Pampered Pets Ltd' AFTER In Scotland. Certificate achieved of Practical t-samradh. Nuair a bhiodh margadh Bheinn na ùr-breith. Gheibhinn bonnah luirgne, ugh Course for all breeds. Pick Up and Drop-offs Fadhla seachad airson an latha, bha an dròbh a tunnaig neo bonnach, neo ruideigin a Service available at a small fee. All Dogs Welcome. cheannaich na ceannaichean far Tìr-Mòr a’ chòrdadh rium, an uiar a dh’ innsinn dhan Please contact me for more information of appointments and prices tighinn tarsainn na fadhlach gu Chàirinis agus a’ chroitear gu robh caora air breith. 07888 070264 / 01876 580211
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December 2014 - January/February 2015 Issue 32 - island news & ADVERTISER
19
Time Out Band of Uist music students release first album Talented composers and performers have been pouring out of UHI Lews Castle College Benbecula for the past 15 years. Colonsay native Caitlin MacNeill and her band are among their number. They’ve just completed their first EP. Caitlin describes their journey. I turned on the radio in the car the other day and my jaw dropped when I was met with the sound of my own voice. Someone was playing the closing track from the EP I had just released with my band, Canach, and I was left a little speechless. It was an incredible feeling. It’s almost the same feeling I experienced when we arrived at the recording studio full of nerves and ideas. It was there when we stepped off stage after our first gig. It’s pride, excitement and anticipation. This little EP is the culmination of a lot of hard work. I grew up on Colonsay and moved to South Uist in 2011 to attend the HNC Music course at Lews Castle College Benbecula. I had just spent my last two years of high school studying at the National Centre for Excellence in Traditional Music in Plockton where I’d been completely living and breathing music. I was keen to keep that up and Uist, full of Gaelic
culture and home to an array of fantastic musicians, seemed as good a place as any. Under the watchful eye of Anna Wendy Stevenson, I and around twenty other students worked, played and thrived and, on a trip to France organised by Ceolas Uibhist, I formed a band. Fiddler Robbie Greig, from Edinburgh, was in my class and Alana MacInnes, piper and whistle player from South Uist, was studying at Sabhal Mor Ostaig at the time having completed the course on Uist a few years previously. Our ideas about what we wanted to create were similar; songs and tunes, both traditional and our own original pieces combined in a way that would feel fresh but not too distant from the very traditional style we’d grown up with. We worked well together, the music came easily and we started to perform around Skye and Uist. We enjoyed some great gigs. We had played alongside acts like Anna Massie & Mairearad Green and Skipinnish and at festivals and venues around the country before we had even starting thinking
about going into the studio. It was about year on from the band’s conception that we first began to brainstorm. It seemed surprisingly attainable from a distance but worryingly complicated the closer we came. There was copyright, cover designs and credits let alone the cost of recording. Fortunately though, we were determined and, possibly more importantly, we were incredibly lucky to have past tutors, friends and family with a great deal of experience who guided us through the tricky parts. In June this year boxes and boxes of our self-titled EP arrived at our door. Canach (l to r) Alana, Caitlin and Robbie. That feeling was there again. It’s been You can purchase our EP at canach.bandcamp.com an educational but rewarding experience and we Find us at: owe much of that to the support we have received facebook.com/canachmusic over the years. We continue to work towards bigger twitter.com/canachmusic instagram.com/canachmusic and better things. Here’s to the next one!
Tunebook’s Melody Lab explores Scottish contemporary tune writing It’s quite something when your composition enters the repertoire of other players, but for the members of Tunebook, it’s almost an every day occasion. Three composer musicians, UHI Lews Castle College tutor and fiddler Simon Bradley, piper/whistler Ross Ainslie and accordionist Mairead Green make up the band, and made their debut at Celtic Connections last year.
Virtual music residency pioneered from Benbecula
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
Students on the Lews Castle College UHI Applied Music BA last month pioneered a ‘virtual residency’ involving a ‘chain-letter’ style of links stemming from Melbourne, Australia. Residencies are an important part of the degree, generally involving students from all over the UHI campus gathering in a physical place for a few days to learn and perform from master musicians. This time, in an idea put together by course organiser Anna Wendy Stevenson, the students worked in small ‘pods’ in their own geographical area, but used the internet to develop a piece of music started by students in a Melbourne institute. Each pod in turn built upon the piece, performing , recording and uploading their work to be built on by the next group. They received inspiration from Sydney by Jill Hicks, who lost both
legs in the London train bombings and whose resulting mission in life is to encourage people to collaborate and help each other. Ms Stevenson said: “This was an innovative form of residency which saw students testing out and using technology to collaborate and develop music with others anywhere in the world. It was very intense and rapid, stimulating the reality of working in a professional recording collaboration so that it felt like a race.” She added: “The concept has formed the beginning of a pedagogy research project I’m undertaking and will result in a paper to be published in April.” The students’ next residency will be a performance-based one, in Glasgow at Celtic Connections, with a concert involving all UHI music students on January 31 in the Mitchell Library at 2pm.
Now they have released Melody Lab– The Album. The album is drawn from their own composition coll- ections. The band is joined by Mhairi Hall on piano, Matheu Watson on guitar and James Macintosh on percussion. They’ve dubbed it ‘an exploration of con- temporary tune writing in the Scottish traditional context.’ Melody Lab is available from the Tunebook site, priced £13.
Macleans BAKERY, BENBECULA
Butchery counter featuring local meat Fine local fish and seafood
Tempting range of oatcakes, bread and treats Fresh vegetables Hot and cold snacks And don't forget our takeaway in Balivanich Sandwiches, soup, hot dishes and pies Whatever you want, when you want it! We thank all our customers for their loyal support and wish them
a Merry Christmas and Happy Uachdar, Isle of Benbecula HS7 5LY New Year Tel. 01870 602659
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island news & ADVERTISER - December 2014 - January/February 2015 Issue 32
Clachan Stores Stor A’ Chlachain. We thank all our customers for your support and wish you
Comann Na Mara
a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Nollaig Chridheil agus Bliadhna Math Ùr
The Directors of Comann na Mara thank all throughout the Outer Hebrides for their generous spirit of support, and goodwill.
We wish you all a most fulfilling year.
Uist Community Riding School Staff and horses, wish everyone
a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year
Nollaig Chridheil agus Bliadhna Mhath Ùr
Co Chomunn Eirisgeidh
Lorna Laird’s School of Dance would like to thank everyone for their support throughout 2014 and wish you
a merry Christmas and a happy New Year
would like to wish all our customers
Cambridge Weight Plan and the Beauty Room would like to wish all our clients
a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year
a merry Christmas and a happy New Year
Hebridean Coaches
would like to thank all their customers for their continued support throughout 2014 and wish them all
a merry Christmas and a happy New Year
to all our readers
December 2014 - January/February 2015 Issue 32 - island news & ADVERTISER
21
Time Out Have yourself a fruity little Christmas
Banana ice cream a simple standby dessert Continuing on a fruit bowl theme, bananas often ripen too quickly if stored in a warm room. One way to use up bananas is in ice cream. It makes a delicious accompaniment to Christmas pudding. Banana ice-cream is one of my simplest standby dessert recipes. My recipe was inspired by a lunch given by Jane Lorimer in her Fife home. Keep a bag of frozen bananas in the freezer, blend them with crème fraîche in a food processor and banana ice-cream is ready in minutes. No ice-cream machine is required.
Candles are an essential part of Christmas. Here South Uist food writer Fiona Bird explains how to make a Christingle full of symbolism, and a Satsuma candle to spread the seasonal scent of citrus throughout the household Christmas is celebrated in countries all around the world and with many different traditions. Satsumas, tangerines, clementines, mandarins and their hybrids are synonymous with Christmas, and some churches celebrate Advent (the Coming of Christ) by making a Christingle from an orange. A candle is placed in the top of an orange, a red ribbon is tied around the middle and four cocktail sticks speared with sweets or dried fruits are stuck into the sides. The orange represents the world; the candle celebrates Jesus, as the light of the world and the red ribbon is a reminder of his blood, which was shed for us. The sweets symbolize God’s gifts to the world. The Children’s Society has run a Christingle fund-raising campaign
This recipe mixes frozen bananas and raspberries for festive colour.
Banana and Raspberry Ice-cream Serves six 2 ripe bananas, sliced 225g frozen raspberries 150g (small tub) crème fraîche 1 tbsp icing sugar (optional)
for the past 40 years to help millions of families in the UK who are in poverty. Children make Christingles to illuminate thousands of events in schools and churches across the country. This year it’s supported by Alan Titchmarsh (pictured) Find out more at www.christingle.org
How to make a Christmas candle from a Satsuma Dr Stephen Bird has a festive party trick, which works with any loose skinned citrus fruit. Young and old will appreciate it but for safety, ensure that there is grown up supervision.
Eat the segments!
Use any loose skinned citrus fruit. Be careful to preserve the pithy core, it acts as a wick.
Simply pour (about a tablespoon of) cooking oil into the bowl of the fruit skin and let it soak into the pith and flesh – leave it on a small plate.
Take a small sharp knife and cut
around the middle of the Satsuma (dividing it into an upper and lower half) Try not to cut into the segments inside.
The two halves of skin are left with the central core of pith broken somewhere in the middle. Usually the bottom half makes the better candle with the pith core providing the wick.
Gently pull the edge of one of the
halves away from the fruit inside – enough to get a finger or blunt handle (of a spoon or fork) along the inside surface of the skin. Work the skin away from the
fruit except at the central core of the pith.
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Repeat the process for the
Using the other half of skin cut a 1-2cm hole in the centre of the top, or even better a star shape as pictured. After 10 minutes of soaking try to light the wick – it should only burn with a small flame. When lit place the top back on the candle and place in a safe but dark or gloomy part of the room.
other half of the skin. Without separating the two
halves completely – carefully pull the fruit segments from each other and remove – leaving as much pith in place as possible.
Your candle will glow for an hour or so, and your room will be orange scented. This candle takes a bit of practice and quite a lot longer than just eating the segments - the trick is to take time peeling the fruit’s skin.
What to do: Lay banana slices on a freezer proof tray (so that the pieces don’t touch each other). Freeze for 2 -3 hours until the banana is frozen. Put the frozen fruit and crème fraîche in a food processor, cover, and use the pulse button in short bursts until it mixes. Taste and add the icing sugar if needed. Spoon the ice-cream into cones or bowls and EAT IMMEDIATELY.
Adventurous stuff Add some grated chocolate or a tablespoon of frozen blueberries. For crunch add four crushed ginger biscuits to the ice-cream.
Even quicker stuff Cut a banana in half and carefully push a lolly pop stick into one end. Freeze and then coat in yoghurt, seeds, nuts or grated chocolate if desired. Fiona Bird is the author of Kid’s Kitchen (Barefoot Books), The Forager’s Kitchen (Cico Books) and the forthcoming Seaweed in the Kitchen (Prospect Books).
At the heart of the Community ●
Wide selection
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Telephone: 01876 510257 Bayhead, North Uist
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island news & ADVERTISER - December 2014 - January/February 2015 Issue 32
Voove
Hebridean Jewellery
Wishing all our old and new customers,
Hebridean Jewellery, would like to thank all their customers for their support throughout 2014 and wish them
safe and happy holidays
Co-Chomunn an lochdair
www.voove.com
a very merry Christmas and a happy new year
Co-Chomunn an lochdair wishes you
a very happy Christmas, a prosperous New Year and thanks you for your ongoing support for Carnan stores your island co-operative.
would like to thank all their customers for their continued support throughout 2014 and wish them all
a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year
Garden Machinery would like to thank all our customers for their support throughout 2014 and wish everyone
John Allan MacLellan CONTRACTOR
David’s
Borve
a merry Christmas and a happy New Year
Guest House Calum and Gretta would like to wish all our guests, family and friends
a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Tel: 01870 602685 info@borveguesthouse.com
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our readers
December 2014 - January/February 2015 Issue 32 - island news & ADVERTISER
23
Time Out Feeling creative during the holidays? Upcycle! Raid your man’s wardrobe for a couple of his unwanted ties and turn them into an eye-catching scarf by Lewis designer Netty Sopata of Diggory Brown.
THE DIGGORY BROWN Tie Scarf Things you will need: Two men’s ties. Netty has used two identical ones but you don’t have to. Material: Approx 1m. The type of material depends on whether you want to use it as the lining or outside of the scarf. Tweed for example would work well on the outside. Paper Scissors
1. Un-pick the seam running up the centre of the tie (s). 2. Press (iron) the ties flat and remove any of the remaining thread left over from unpicking.
7. Place the tie pieces right sides together and pin seam A, the shortest seam.
12. Turn the scarf the right way out by pulling the fabric through the hole between B and C. Press.
A
3. Measure 15” down from the narrow end of the ties. Mark this measurement point with chalk and then draw a straight line across the tie.
Un-picker
8. Sew along seam A using a 1cm seam allowamce. Press the seam open. Repeat this process with your other material.
13. Tuck in the seam allowance between B and C and hand sew it closed. Press.
9. Place the tie piece and other material right sides together and pin along every seam.
Tape measure Pins
Your re-invented Tie Scarf is now complete!
Chalk Sewing machine Thread (to complement the colour of the ties)
B
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If you make a Diggory Brown tie scarf, we’d love to see a photo of it, please send in to editor@islandnewsandadvertiser.co.uk
4. With the scissors cut along the chalk line. The larger pieces of the ties will form the shape of your scarf.
Iron and ironing board
●
C
5. Take your chosen fabric and fold it in half. Take one of the tie scarf pieces and lay it on the bias ie diagonally across the fabric. Pin this in place and then chalk around the edge of tie piece. 6. Take the scissors and cut out along the chalk line.
10. Starting at point B sew all the way around the scarf until point C. Remember to back tack at B and C. *When sewing around a sharp point, stop the machine with needle down, pivot the cloth round and sew one point: stich in a straight line across the onal diag g rnin retu the to t pivo n The ng. hini and carry on mac This helps to give a much sharper point.
CALLUMS DELIVERIES Delivery service
Inverness Uist Uist Inverness
11. Press the seams open.
Mobile
07703 566051 Email callumsdeliveries@hotmail.co.uk
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island news & ADVERTISER - December 2014 - January/February 2015 Issue 32
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone at
Caraidean Uibhist Uist Befriending
DJ Buchanan
Wish all friends and family
a Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year
HAULAGE SERVICES would like to wish Customers and Friends
a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Neil and Grace Beaton
Charles MacLeod Wishing all our customers
a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Custom Prints
would like to thank all our customers for their continued support throughout 2014 and wish them all
a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Morrison Lochmaddy GIFT SHOP & STORE would like to thank all their customers for their continued support throughout 2014 and wish them all
a very merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year
to all our readers
December 2014 - January/February 2015 Issue 32 - island news & ADVERTISER
Time Out IN&A’s expert crafter Heather Wheeler has built this enchanting farmyard to keep her little ones occupied when they can’t get outside. Here’s how she did it
1
Heather’s Farmyard
Sections of the barn were cut from 9MM smooth plywood using a jigsaw.
2
3
The sections were joined together using a glue gun.
4
The hayloft and roof sections were put in place. Strips of balsa wood were added to the joins in the roof to strengthen the design and add detail.
6
Balsa wood was painted white and added around windows, doors and roof edges.
8
12
The internal fence was made from round dowling rods. Square dowling rods formed a platform for attaching the hayloft.
5
Ready for painting!
Completed farm!
House Plots
7
The roof was made from 1.5m rubber sheeting cut into small squares. These were then glued into place in overlapping rows.
9
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 Double doors were added on the right hand side of the barn and a single door to the left. A final roof section was added with hinges to allow access into the hayloft.
The stable was constructed using a similar method to the barn.
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in creating a small holding or larger garden. over the Vallay Strand towards the Harris hills.
It was divided into three stalls. The uprights and internal walls were built using balsa wood, and glued into place.
Architectural Services All Building Works
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The sites have uninterrupted panoramic views
The roof was added. Gates on the stalls and internal details were made using a mixture of balsa wood and dowling rods. The roof covering was complete and the stable painted red, with the white balsa wood as detail around the windows and roof edge.
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island news & ADVERTISER - December 2014 - January/February 2015 Issue 32
$ ZRUOG RI FKRLFH Start your journey, whether for business or pleasure, at your local airport. Book through on one ticket to your ďŹ nal destination – wherever in the world that may be. Sumburgh
Via Glasgow from: %DUUD %HQEHFXOD &DPSEHOWRZQ ,VOD\ RU 7LUHH
Kirkwall
Via Edinburgh or Aberdeen from:
Wick John O’Groats Stornoway
:LFN -RKQ 2p*URDWV
Via Inverness, Edinburgh, Glasgow or Aberdeen from:
Benbecula
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Islay Campbeltown
hial.co.uk
THE ADVERTISER December 2014 - January/February 2015 Issue 32 - island news & ADVERTISER
27
YOUR DIRECTORY Have your business seen throughout the islands for as little as £66 PER YEAR. OF LOCAL SERVICES Flat rate £2 per line, minimum three lines, minimum eleven insertions. Call 01870 602151/ads@islandnewsandadvertiser.com to book your space. Accommodation
Cafe/Post Office/Gift Shop
Cycle Shop
Insurance Services
MSP Western Isles
An Taigh Fiodh, Grimsay Luxurious self-catering apartment www.grimsay.com Call Heather 01870 602943
Lochboisdale Café Open all year 6 days. WiFi. Tel: 01878 700313
Cycle hire, sales, repairs. Rothan Cycles Tel: 01870 620283 rothan@hebrides.net www.rothan.com
Accommodation
Available for Hire 15 to 57 Seater Buses 6M Luton Vans. HEBCO Howmore, Isle of South Uist Tel: 01870 620 345 Mob: 07900 806 638
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
Alasdair Allan MSP SNP 31 Bayhead, Stornoway, Lewis. E: alasdair.allan.msp @scottish.parliament.uk T: 01870 602287 (Uist & Barra) 01851 702272 (Lewis & Harris)
2-bed s/c cottage Laxdale area, on bus route Free wifi. Tel: 01851 705771
Agricultural Contractor & Plant Hire Digger & Tractor Hire, Landscaping, Access Roads, Agricultural Sheds, Building Sand, Gravel, Concreting John Allan MacLellan Tel: 01876 510304 Mob: 07786 430989
Building & Roofing Contractors New builds, Renovations, Roof specialists. Archie Beaton Tel: 01871 890 374 Mob: 07788 263 080
Car Commercials Plant & Marine Repairs
Western Isles Citizens Advice Service
Barra 01871 810608 Uist 01870 602421 Harris01859 502431 Lewis 01851 705727
Money Advice 01870 603807 and 01851 700088
Business Services The Western Isles Occupational Health, Safety and Business Support Consultancy. Sandwick Management Systems Call Donald on 07788 963497 Email: donald@sandwick systems.co.uk
Filling Station Ardhasaig Harris Tel: 01859 502066 Licensed Grocers Calor Gas & Bicycle Hire
Jewellers Scottish, Celtic, silver and gold jewellery. Traditional and contemporary designs. Tel: 01870 610288 www.hebridean jewellery.co.uk
Fire Protection Western Isles Fire Protection Fire equipment sales and service Contact Mark on 078279 67894
Grass cutting/small plant repairs David’s Garden Machinery Grass cutting, small plant repairs, hires tel: 01870 603833 mob: 07880 743437 bagleyr@supanet.com
Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Uist Vac Services Uist & Barra Tel: 01870 602212/ 07765 524 753
Uist Computer Repairs Low cost computer repairs and servicing Call VOOVE: 0845 689 0030 (Local Call Rate)
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
Uist Satellite Internet
Painter and Decorator All types of decoration undertaken. Ally MacKenzie Tel: 01870 602725 Mob: 07723013884
Taxis Quick Cab Taxis Country & Airport Runs Tel: 01851 701234 Harris Taxis Tel: 07500 450 387
Painter/Decorator Skinners Decor Painting & Decorating DIY Shop Howden’s Kitchens Tel: 01870 602423
Licensed Tearoom & Shop Groceries, Gifts, Snacks Summer evening meals Ardmaree Stores The Lobster Pot, Berneray Tel: 01876 540288
Samaritans of the Western Isles
Photographic Printing & Graphic Design Clothing, Workwear Canvas, Photo Restoration Balloons & Banners Custom Prints 01870 602515
Memorials
Pregnancy Crisis
Jon Hearach Memorials Memorials, renovations, added inscriptions Any cemetery, Home visits. Tel. for our helpful brochure. 01463 711287
Free confidential counselling W.I.Pregnancy Crisis Support Text or phone: 07901 966101 E: support@wipcs.org Web: www.wipcs.org
Fast Internet Access for the Islands Get Connected Call VOOVE: 0845 689 0030 (Local Call Rate)
Training Satellite Dish Repair Satellite Replacement, Retune and Repair Emergency Call Outs Available Call VOOVE: 0845 689 0030 (Local Call Rate)
Opportunities for Learning Cothrom Ltd Tel: 01878 700910 www.cothrom.net
Taxis
TV, Satellite & Broadband
Isle of Barra local taxi Tel: 01871 810012 Mobile: 07974 071255
Satellite Broadband TV Aerial and Satellite Dish Call Charles: 01876 580372 or 07748 081871
Taxis Airport, ferry, school runs Staff runs & small contracts 24/7 service Menzies Private Hire Tel: 07833 357241 www.mph247.co.uk
Wi-Fi Installs Commercial and Residential Wi-Fi Installs Whole House or Hotel Wireless Service Call VOOVE: 0845 689 0030 (Local Call Rate)
Window cleaner Window cleaner/ odd jobs Berneray, North Uist, Benbecula Call Colin 01876 540252
DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 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. Revised Residual Collection Date for bins due to be collected on Christmas Day - collection will take place on Wednesday 24 December. Revised Residual Collection Date for bins due to be collected on New Year's Day - collection will take place on Wednesday 31 December. All other collections will take place on their usual day however times may vary so please have your bin in place for collection by 8 am. Monday December 15, January 12, February 9 Paper/Card Monday December 1, 29 January 26, February 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 December 2, 16, 30 January 13, 27 February 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 December 3, 31 January 14 February 11 Paper/Card Wednesday December 17 January 28 February 25 Blue Bin Stoneybridge, Locheynort, Dalibrugh, Lochboisdale, Garryhellie, Askernish,
Milton, Kildonan, Bornish, Howmore, Howbeg, Drimsdale, Stilligarry, Drimore, Gernish, Rangehead, Liniclate Commercials, Balivanich Commercials. Thursdays December 4, 18 January 15, 29 February 12, 26 Wednesday December 31 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 December 8 January 5 February 2 Paper/Card Monday December 22 January 19 February 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 December 9, 23 January 6, 20 February 3, 17 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 December 10 January 7 February 4 Paper/Card Wednesday December 24 January 21 February 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 December 11 January 8, 22 February 5, 19 Wednesday December 24 Residual Locheport, Berneray, ClachanSands, Vallique, Lochportain, Cheesebay, Blashaval, Minish, Lochmaddy Commercials, Bayhead, Paible, Claddach, Clachan, Carinish, Balivanich.
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