NEW: Pull-out art supplement from Taigh Chearsabhagh
Harris Nurse leads Paralympics care See Page 10
What next?
EDUCATION CENTRAL See Pages 8 and 9
island news Edition 07
September 2012
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& ADVERTISER
UIST AND HARRIS THIRD MOST EXPENSIVE PLACE TO BUY PETROL - IN THE WORLD Britain comes in 1Oth. Uist and Harris beaten only by Norway and Turkey.
Hard-pressed island families and businesses continue to endure eye-watering fuel prices now revealed as the third most expensive in the world. In August, pump prices on the Uists and Harris were around £1.51 per litre for unleaded, and £1.55 per litre for diesel. According to retailers, these prices reflect the 5p island discount, so the true prices are £1.56 for unleaded, and £1.60 for diesel. The Norwegians pay £1.70, the Turks £1.59. In mainland Britain, last month’s prices were around £1.32. (source Bloomberg Gas Price Ranking, August 2012). The AA has warned of a 6p a litre rise to come this month, and in the New Year the Chancellor is planning further rises of up to 7p a litre. If these predictions come about, unleaded could reach £1.64 within months. Harris garage proprietor Roddy MacAskill of
HARRIS
Ardhasaig said his business was experiencing a noticeable reigning in of fuel spending by his customers. He said: “It could reach a point where it is uneconomic for people to work, like in England where I hear people are giving up their jobs because of transport costs. We depend on other sales like coal and groceries to keep our business going, if it was just the fuel we would have given up long ago.” Stephen Macaulay of Macaulay Askernish said people were continuing to buy fuel as normal at his Lochboisdale filling station, but that the prices were hurting everyone’s businesses. He said: “Over the past year our haulage costs have doubled, if you take into account the 50% ferry fare increase. The bottom line is that those increases are passed on to the consumer.”
BERNERAY
Continued on Page 3
NORTH UIST
BENBECULA
SOUTH UIST
ERISKAY
island news & ADVERTISER - September 2012 Issue 7
Uist Men’s
Cancer Support Group Informal meeting Tuesday, September 18th, 7.00 pm Tigh Ceilidh, Trianaid, Carinish All welcome
Your NEW Art Supplement at Taigh IN&A was delighted to be approached by Andy Mackinnon, arts officer occasional of series a host to addy Lochm Centre, Arts Chearsabhagh Museum and paper. the in centrefold supplements Murdo The idea is to create a collectable record of Dundee. He has been working with of History of or MacDonald, profess some of the finest exhibitions at the centre, Scottish Art at the University of Dundee on and also to offer interested artists the a study of ten carved stone balls from the opportunity to create work specifically for islands of Scotland. They are among the the medium of newsprint. The series begins earliest art in the country. Mr Pattison says of ion in this edition with a four-page celebrat their project ‘sets out to draw greater Mind, of the work of Jim Pattison, Models attention to and add existing knowledge T.C. currently on display at about specific examples of these highly Mr Pattison is a lecturer at Duncan of significant cultural artefacts.’ Jordanstone College of Art & Design,
for further information ring
Seumas on 01878 700577
A new support group has been set up for Uist men experiencing cancer in their lives. See page 4 for more details.
RNLI OPEN DAY
(Courtesy of Peter Prince)
Amhuinnsuidhe Castle, Harris is the backdrop for a fundraising day in aid of RNLI on Saturday September 22 from 1pm to 4pm. There will be baking and stalls, castle tours and a grand auction among other things. The lifeboat will be moored alongside the castle, weather permitting. More on the event’s Facebook page.
s u g n A n o rk o w d a re o t t Poe g in n e v E y r t e o P t a e e h P Mac
uth Uist, 7.30pm 12, Kildonan Museum, So Wednesday September tion “Grass” to read from her new collec gus sts Ui the g itin vis is lt Sa about An Poet Chrys l poem in the collection is tra cen e Th s). eam Dr igo been chosen as the (Pub: Ind t Kildonan Museum, has tha ing fitt is it so and hee MacP Pitt. is widely venue, writes Pauline Prior of her poetry, Chrys’ work der rea nt llia bri and s res d at major A consummate act 3 and 4. She has performe dio Ra on ast adc bro n bee published published and has rope and the USA. She has Eu in , ide y-w ntr cou ues festivals and ven io plays, features and ites books, theatre and rad four poetry collections, wr Media Award. nal tio recipient of a Na the n bee has and es ari Mental Health and document events taking place during the of e on is g din rea ’ Chrys anised by NHS Health s Week, which is being org Chearsabhagh. nes are Aw n tio ven Pre de Suici Taigh Mental Health Service and Promotion, Tagsa Uibhist
(Courtesy of Peter Prince)
ctor Run Harris Trarun from Stornoway to
The 6th annual tractor s of £800. Rodel has raised in exces nsored tractors from This year’s run saw ten spo l, Berneray and lapoo Harris, Elgin, Aberdeen, Ul Lewis taking part. second year for the They raised money for the , and also for the Linda Norgrove Foundation Cancer Support east recently formed Harris Br Group. Norgrove Foundation Rachel Wade of the Linda d to helping farmers said: “Linda was committe ter, more marketable bet and entrepreneurs produce communities. Farmers and s ilie crops for their fam tedly be using the very in Afghanistan will undoub t we saw trundling same models of tractors tha ” ek. over the Harris hills last we
From the Uists to the Mara
WILDLIFE FILM-MAKING TALK Friday September 14, Benbecula Col lege, Lionacleit, 7:30pm
TV producer Nigel Pope (Big Cat Diary, Springwatch, The Secret Life of Elephants) gives an insider’s view of the world of wildlife filmmaking, from gorillas to caterpillars . He’ll also be sharing some clips of the new landmark series on the
island news IS THE FREE MONTHLY NEWSPAPER OF THE OUTER HEBRIDES Edition 01
INBRIEF
2
March 2012
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& ADVERTISER
NEWSDESK 01876 510758 editor@islandnewsandadavertiser.com ADVERTISING: 01871 810634 ads@islandnewsandadvertiser.com Design: Tim Mason Managing editor: Susy Macaulay
Readership 30,000 and growing
Natural History of the Hebrides due for transmission next year. Talk organised by Curracag - Outer Hebrides Natural History Society. Free for Curracag members, £4 for non-members. Contact: events@curracag.org.uk
September 2012 Issue 7 - island news & ADVERTISER
Continued from Page 1 A spokesman from GB Oils, parent of Scottish Fuels which supplies the Uists and Harris said: “We recognise that the cost of retail fuel is an emotive subject for residents on the islands, especially in these straightened economic times. “On the Western Isles, we supply fuel to independent businesses. We do not dictate in any way retail prices to consumers, nor do we have any control over the retail price. The retailers themselves determine the prices they charge based on what they believe will give them the appropriate return. Our selling price to the owners of the filling stations is dictated largely by the
international price of fuel, fluctuations in the £/$ exchange rate, stock movements, costs of supply and storage on the islands and government taxation policies. “We take our fuel supply responsibilities to the islands very seriously, which includes our involvement with the local community as well as being an employer on the islands. Recently the Office of Fair Trading reviewed the nature of fuel prices on the islands. In considering the apparent widening of the price differential in recent months between the islands and the mainland the OFT believes that this can probably be attributed principally to
MV Finlaggan to replace MV Hebrides for the winter MV Hebrides is to be taken off the Uig triangle over the winter to work as refit cover for four ferries on CalMac’s west coast routes. MV Finlaggan, currently one of two ferries serving Islay, will take its place.
CalMac wants to deploy MV Hebrides, one of the fleet’s most reliable ships, as cover during the annual two-week refits which all their vessels undergo in winter.
intense competition on the mainland. This has been driven to a large extent by supermarkets and has lowered the mainland price relative to the islands (where this type of competition is not in evidence). It is also the case that as fuel prices increase the transport costs of moving fuel are rising, with a disproportionate effect on markets more remote from refineries.” A Treasury spokeswoman said: “Since March, motorists in remote islands have been benefiting from a 5p a litre cut in pump prices thanks to the Government’s pilot rural fuel rebate scheme. In addition the Government
MV Finlaggan.
Starting in early December to the end of March it will cover the refit periods of MV Caledonian Isles (Arran), MV Isle of Lewis (Stornoway-Ullapool), MV Isle of Mull (Oban-Mull) and MV Clansman (ObanColl-Tiree-Barra- Lochboisdale). A CalMac spokesman said MV Finlaggan has no wave restrictions and so is able to operate on every part of the CalMac network. He said: “Masters and crews are shuffled to gain experience of different routes so customers need have no concerns that they
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has taken real action to help motorists with the cost of fuel, including cutting fuel duty at last year’s Budget and delaying a rise planned for last month. This support is worth more than £5.5 billion over two years. Petrol and diesel is an average of 10 pence per litre cheaper than if we had proceeded with the escalator introduced in 2009.” Editor’s Note: Small comfort from GB Oils or the Treasury. Local politicians and campaigners lobby continually on this matter, but prices continue to rise. The very sustainability of our islands is in jeopardy. Have your say: editor@islandnewsandadvertiser.com
are getting crews unfamiliar with their route. They are professional, highly qualified seafarers, well used to sailing in many parts of the network. “Every one of the three Masters who regularly sail MV Finlaggan has experience of the Uig triangle. In addition, we have undertaken an extensive programme of familiarisation for Masters with the MV Finlaggan. She is the most technically advanced ship in the fleet so there are many masters capable of sailing her wherever she is required.” He added: “Our priority has to be to balance the needs of the whole network to ensure no-one is left without a service for any period of time. “If we have a period of prolonged bad weather and a number of sailings are lost it can take several days to catch up. For example, places like Coll, Tiree and Colonsay which do not have daily services in the winter can be without a full service for many days.”
LOCHMADDY CHURCH CENTENARY Lochmaddy church commemorated its centenary with five days of worship and events which included a celebration meal, an open day and a lecture on the history of the church.
Rev Donald Campbell, current minister of Lochmaddy church.
More than a hundred people, including 28 children,visited the church during the open day, and the church was packed for the lecture given by Rev Dr R Macleod.
The church also invested in a new banner to mark the centenary and became home to a new communion set from a donor on the mainland. Lochmaddy’s current minister Rev
Donald Campbell said he was pleased with the way the celebrations had gone. He said: “One of the things that came to the fore is how God has sustained the church through the years, through His faithfulness and the faithfulness of the people.” The church’s longest serving minister is Rev John Smith, there from 1963 until his retirement in 1992. Mr Smith delivered 6,000 sermons during his ministry, and carried out 140 baptisms and 52 weddings. He also visited every house in the parish regardless of denomination twice a year. Mr Smith and his family were the first to occupy the current manse, which they shared with two other ministers and many visiting missionaries. Early in his ministry a wing was added to the church to accommodate the increasing congregation and 80 strong Sunday school. With 120 tonnes of rock from haulier John Morrison, Mr Smith and the church elders even built the path to the manse.
Mr Smith said: “It was a great pleasure to be in Lochmaddy and we enjoyed every minute. I had many calls to leave and go elsewhere, but why would I when we were so happy there?”
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island news & ADVERTISER - September 2012 Issue 7
New cancer support group for Uist men
A support group has been established for men on the Uists who are experiencing cancer in their lives. Uist Men’s Cancer Support Group (UMCSG) will offer mutual emotional support, as well as practical information and friendship. The group will meet this month on Tuesday September 18 at 7pm at Tigh Ceilidh, Carinish, North Uist with partners and close family members also welcome. The group hopes to have further meetings
in South Uist in due course. The idea came from Cancer Forum member Seumas MacDonald who felt the time was right for such a group. He said: “The group should be run on informal lines with an emphasis on friendship and support, where men can talk freely among themselves in a supportive and confidential atmosphere.”
UMCSG is being supported with funds, secretarial and administrative support by the Cancer Forum Group and the Eaval Club, set up by the late Dr John MacLeod more than ten years ago to support families affected by cancer in North Uist and Berneray. Funds were also donated recently to the group by the Health Promotion Department and the Uist Men’s Health Forum.
UIST ARTISTS EXHIBIT IN LONDON AND MILAN Uist artists Amanda Rae and Mairi Thomson have been selected to exhibit their work both nationally and internationally this month.
Leaving the Nest by Amanda Rae will be exhibited in London.
Amanda Rae’s sculpture “Leaving the Nest” was selected for exhibition at the Mall Galleries, London for the prestigious Threadneedle Prize. Mairi Thomson’s black and white photographs have been selected to be exhibited in Milan. Both artists are recent BA Fine Art (hons) UHI graduates via Moray College, Elgin and Lews Castle College, Taigh Chearsabagh, North Uist. Meanwhile the leader of the UHI Fine Art degree, Sophie Morrish enjoyed national recognition of her own work recently when she reached Stage 2 of John Moore’s Painting Prize this
Untitled by Mairi Thomson will be exhibited in Milan.
year. Ms Morrish was part of a 200 strong shortlist for the prestigious prize, chosen from a field of 3,500. She said: “This is the biggest painting prize in the country, and my first time of
entering, so I am really thrilled to have got this far.” To find out more about the Lews Castle UHI BA (hons) in Fine Art, turn to IN&A’s Education Central on page 9.
September 2012 Issue 7 - island news & ADVERTISER
We’re quilt excited!
New lunch boxes for nursery children Local nursery children have smart new lunchboxes thanks to the charity Humanos Aid International. The Perthshire-based charity was donated several hundred Disney lunchboxes normally retailing at £12.99, by Spar in Aberfeldy after the supermarket was found itself with excess stock. Humanos, an anti-poverty charity which works in the UK, Eastern Europe and parts of South America, is also known for its emphasis on combatting waste, so Spar gave 843 lunch boxes to the charity for distribution. Some 500 lunchboxes were sent to Peru and Brazil. Others went to Eastern Europe. Humanos founder/director Billy Chung said: “The only downside was after we sent some lunchboxes to Chernobyl we were told there was no food for the children to put in them.” Mr Chung, who comes to the Uists regularly to visit his partner biodynamic gardener Anneke Kraakman, said he wanted to include local children in the lunchbox windfall. He has distributed the lunchboxes to children at Sollas Croileagan and Saoghal Beag in North Uist, Balivanich school nursery, Cothrom, South Uist and Barra. Margaret MacLean of Saoghal Beag said: “It’s nice to be included in this initiative. We’re very grateful and the kids love the them.”
Dominik Doyle, 2, shows off the lunchboxes at Saoghal Beag.
RANGE REUNITED
Joy: Cathie Laing, Nanag Skivington and Katie MacCormick spot their grandmothers’signatures.
There was much laughter and nostalgia at the recent Royal Artillery Range reunion in Benbecula. The event brought together more than 60 former range personnel stationed in Uist from the 1960s onwards and their partners (many local girls) with a celebration meal and dance. The presence of the Range from five decades ago has had a huge and enduring impact on the Uists. Photo shows 632 Signals in the 1960s and is courtesy of John and Margaret Saxton.
The presence of a 130 year old quilt in North Uist created a stir among local families. The quilt was brought to Taigh Chearsabhagh, Lochmaddy by Perthshire storytellers Claire Hewitt and Ruth Atkinson. It had been passed to them after being found in Kinloch Rannoch school. It bears 90 signatures, hand-embroidered by girls taught by Isabella Christie from 1882 to around 1895. Isabella came from Elgin, and began her teaching career with two years in Heisgeir, followed by five in Lochmaddy before returning to the mainland to teach at Kinloch Rannoch school. North Uist residents, including Heisgeir’s last inhabitant Lachie Morrison and children from Lochmaddy school gathered to look at the quilt and spot their relations. More on this story in a future edition of IN&A.
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HEARTFELT THANKS South Uist Medical Practice would like to express heartfelt appreciation of the donation they recently received from the retiring collection at the funeral of Sandy Sinclair, North Boisdale. The Daliburgh Church congregation raised £1500 in memory of Mr Sinclair who was a much treasured member of the community. Mary Steele and other members of Sandy’s family have divided the money between South Uist Medical Practice and the Head & Neck Unit of Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. Dr Stephen Bird of South Uist Medical practice said:“This donation is a real reflection of the warmth and generosity of Sandy’s friends and family.The money will go towards a new ECG machine which will integrate with our computer system and enable information to be sent with much greater ease and clarity to specialists. It will help with both diagnosis and treatment.”
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island news & ADVERTISER - September 2012 Issue 7
South Harris Show Fine weather brought a busy gate to the South Harris show in Leverburgh with numbers topping 1500.
North Uist’s Norman Maclean opened the show, and the entertainment continued with a wide variety of shows and stalls. Although livestock numbers were small, their standard pleased judge John Campbell of Glenrath Farms, Peebles. He brought in a limousincross cow with limousin calf as supreme show champion, and blackface ewe lamb as overall champion sheep. He said: “The champion sheep was a black face ewe lamb, very well grown, very wellproportioned with a lovely coat, a nice head, everything that a blackface sheep should be. “I originally placed the limousin cow second, but it had a tremendously good calf, making it the show champion.” Show chairman Kenneth MacLeod said livestock numbers had increased this year, with a lot of new exhibiters, including youngsters introducing new breeds of sheep. One such is 21 year old joiner Angus John McKenzie of Strond,
Angus John Mckenzie with his Zwartbles.
Angus Mackay with his champion cow with calf at foot.
who describes himself as a hobby crofter. He introduced Zwartbles to Harris last year as “something different”, and crossed them with Suffolks to produce a prizewinning ewe lamb at this year’s show. Mr McKenzie also won first for Ram Any Breed with a Suffolk and reserve champion with a black face. Supreme champion Limousin breeder Angus Mackay of Scaristavore said he has been
building up his cattle herd over the past four years, but is now moving away from continental breeds. He said: “They are so difficult to keep up here. The Aberdeen Angus is far easier and holds up in price if you get good stock. Traditional breeds like Highlands aren’t holding up in price at the moment.” Derek Campbell of Scarista not only won champion sheep with his blackface ewe lamb, but reserve with his Cheviot tup.
Sgoil Lionacleit pipe band supplied the show music.
NORTH UIST SHOW
There was a buzz in Hosta as crowds descended on the North Uist Agricultural Show, writes Anne MacLellan of North Uist Agricultural Society.
Alastair MacQuarrie with his champion Cheviot cross ram.
Hugh Macdonald with his supreme champion calf.
It was a beautiful sunny day and as a result the show was one of the busiest yet. There was a huge variety of entries in the home industries and dairy, home baking and preserves sections. Despite the dry summer there was an impressive display of garden produce with the prize winning turnips the size of footballs from Hector MacAulay, Balemore drawing much attention. Jessie Morrison from Claddach Kirkibost was the winner of the New up and coming flower garden - a new class for 2012. Sheep numbers were high but cattle and horses were lower than last year. The champion of champions (Cattle and Sheep) was a Limousin cross bullock from Hugh MacDonald, 3 Hosta. Champion sheep was a cheviot ram from Alastair MacQuarrie, Corunna. The show committee were indebted to Derek Campbell from Harris for standing in at short notice to judge the livestock.
There were many side shows and stalls including a new attraction, Heather’s Animal Corner which gave visitors the opportunity to watch the pet calf being fed and to guess the age of the turkey. Heather also brought along a friendly goat and a very cheeky pet lamb.
Peter Wilson whose German Short-haired pointers Mara and Forrie won the dog show.
Despite the dry summer the garden produce amazed everyone.
The sausage making demonstrations provided by “Gordon the Butcher” from Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) grabbed the attention of young and old. A BBQ by MacLean’s Bakery, the Sollas Ladies Tea Tent, the Lite Bite and Sheila’s Ice Cream Van ensured all spectators were well fed and refreshed throughout the day. The Show Committee would like to thank all who supported and helped to make the 2012 show such a success – businesses for donating raffle prizes and sponsoring classes, volunteers who give of their time as stewards, the many judges, the Hosta Township for use of their land, Sarah Fraser – MC for the day, the Highland Dancers who entertained those waiting for the prize giving, stall holders and all those who attended and exhibited. We look forward to seeing you all again in 2013.
September 2012 Issue 7 - island news & ADVERTISER
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Crofting Stakeholders join forces to reduce goose population by more than a third The Uist Greylag Goose Management Committee is to be part of a trial Adaptive Management Scheme to reduce greylag goose numbers on the Uists from around 8,000 to 2,500 over the next three years. For the first time this local goose group (including estates, crofters, shooting syndicates, and government agencies) can actively plan to reduce the population of greylags to a more manageable level - a significant departure from previous scaring schemes which sought to protect the machair crops. It will complement Machair Life’s continue their existing arrangements in the case of deer); to bring forward current crop protection scheme which to enable local shooting during unlet the open season to August 1 and allow uses scaring techniques to move the periods provided this is co-ordinated decoys to be used during August; and geese away from the crops, and for by keeper Colin Newton. to permit the sale of goose meat. Newton syndicate in North Uist has which funding will end in 2014. At present, shot geese may not be SNH will be administering an proposed an open day early next year sold, but can be distributed free of annual fund of £10,000 over the next to allow other gun clubs to come and charge among the community. three years for a team of five shoot for free. To stimulate demand for goose Uist Greylag Goose Management meat and thereby create a market, marksmen to take out at least 1000 geese over a period of 20 days Committee says it would like to see SNH is looking into creating a chefchanges in existing legislation in hosted demonstration event to show between October and March. Machair Life’s Goose co-ordinator future, including the right of crofters how to cook the meat and to give Rory MacGillivray will co-ordinate to shoot geese for crop protection (as away recipes and goose breasts. the team of marksmen involved in the Adaptive Management scheme. Other voluntary efforts have been agreed with estates and gun clubs. South Uist estate has Connachan Bred Ewes agreed to allow crofters to shoot more geese provided that the individual is a competent ❖ shot and their efforts are co-ordinated by keeper A small number of Ewe Lambs Nigel Taylor. and Gimmers Blackface Ewe Lambs North Uist Estate is to
Kilpheder
BRED BLACKFACES
FOR SALE
PRIVATELY
INVITATION
❖
Crofting today and how it relates to you
Tup Lambs available Blackface Gimmers
❖
Invitation to all to meet Crofting Law specialists Brian Inkster and Eilidh Ross of Inksters.
Shearlings and Aged Tups FOR SALE
Can be kept until required
❖
Tuesday September 4
Hosta Hall, North Uist
Sire of Tup - £3200 Cuil
Wednesday September 5
Visitors and enquiries welcome 291 Kilpheder LOCHBOISDALE Isle of South Uist
Dark Island Hotel, Benbecula. Both sessions begin at 7.30pm and refreshments will be offered
FOR SALE
Arnicle Bred Ewes - Purchased Sept 2011
Contact: Iain MacDonald Tel: 01878 700866
EDUCATION Learning practical skills close to home A Modern Apprenticeship could be the best move you ever make When Kirstie Smith left Sgoil Lionacleit last year, she was painfully shy and lacking in confidence. She knew she wanted to pursue a career in admin - but the goalposts seemed too high. She tried a couple of weeks on the Skills Development Scotland Get Ready for Work scheme, but found it hard to settle. Finding herself at a loss, Kirstie even considered going back to school. But she heard about Cothrom’s Modern Apprenticeships, and how she could join the scheme as a Trainee Admin Assistant. Full of self-doubt and anxiety, Kirstie took the plunge, and became Cothrom’s receptionist for a year, learning on the job, and earning an SVQ3 level qualification at the end of it. Now Kirstie, 17, is the first to arrive at Cothrom each day. Full of newfound confidence, she carries out her duties as receptionist, answering the telephone and welcoming visitors, responding to emails and carrying out various other tasks as instructed by the staff. She says the Modern Apprenticeship was a turning point for her. Kirstie said: “When I first came I was shy, I didn’t talk, I couldn’t ask for help. But now I have the confidence to talk to people and help them. The staff at Cothrom have helped and supported me. I’m about to finish my year, and it will leave a big gap in my life.” Kirstie wants to stay on the islands, and says she will look for an
admin job. She already has an interview for a post, quite an achievement for someone who a year ago was all at sea with herself. “I couldn’t have written a personal statement to back up my application a year ago,” she says. Kirstie added: “I recommend anyone thinking about an apprenticeship to go for it. Your employers will help you and teach you. You face challenges, but you deal with them.” If you’re aged 16-24 and would like to get into work and learn on the job, a Modern Apprenticeship could be for you. There are many opportunities in different fields - all you need to do is get in touch for a chat with Cothrom’s training co-ordinator, Agnes MacDonald on 01878 700910.
EMPLOYERS: How a Modern Apprenticeship could help your business ●
ARE YOU AGED 16-24 AND AT A LOOSE END?
●
NOT SURE HOW TO GET ON TO THE WORK LADDER?
Our Modern Apprenticeships could be just the answer Hands-on practical experience with local employers. Stay on the Islands and learn as you earn. Your springboard to the career you want.
Contact Agnes MacDonald, Training Co-Ordinator
TEL: 01878 700910 E: agnes.macdonald@cothrom.net www.cothrom.net
Cothrom administers Modern Apprenticeships on behalf of local employers in Hospitality; Business and Administration; Management and Children’s Care, Learning and Development. But the apprenticeships aren’t limited to these subjects. Cothrom recently facilitated an agricultural apprenticeship for 17 year old Micheill Iain MacRury with Oatridge College and Norman D MacAskill & Son, Drimore Farm, South Uist. Micheill attends the college for a week every quarter, and works with Mr MacAskill the rest of the time. Mr MacAskill said: “Someone with Micheill’s ability would be very welcome in any industry. I hope more employers will be willing to share their place of work with youngsters to help them get work later on.” Get in touch with Cothrom’s training co-ordinator Agnes MacDonald to see how the scheme could work for your business on 01871 700910.
N CENTRAL Detail from “Langass Wood” Morag Montgomery 2012.
DEVELOP YOUR CREATIVITY -
COURSES STILL AVAILABLE BASED IN NORTH UIST It’s no secret that the Outer Hebrides are a source of constant creative inspiration to musicians, writers - and of course visual artists.
Many students come to the NC course with little or no formal art experience, but quickly find their feet.
Perhaps you’re one of those whose creative drive buzzes at full tilt as you move around the islands, observing and sensing, photographing and drawing.
“One of its most important functions is to help people prepare their all-important Portfolio which they need to go on to art school or for the onward progression of their careers.” MOVING ON - A FULL DEGREE
If you feel the time has come to recognise and develop your inner artist there are courses available through Lews Castle College UHI, based in Taigh Chearsabhagh museum and arts centre, Lochmaddy. The centre offers two highly-acclaimed courses, a National Certificate in Art & Design, and a BA (Hons) Fine Art. PERFECT FOR FLEDGLING ARTISTS The National Certificate is an Open Access course, led by Anne Mackenzie. Anne, originally from Uist, is a graduate of Grey’s School of Art, Aberdeen where she also did her PGCE. She has been involved with the development of art teaching at Taigh Chearsabhagh since the very beginning. The NC course was established in 1997, and as Anne explains, can act as a stepping stone to a career in the creative visual arts. She said: “The course has been a huge success, with many students going on to graduate with full degrees from here and other art schools in the UK. “Our students are now teaching, working for arts organisations and participating in worldwide residencies. The course opens so many opportunities for people.”
Anne said: “The course is very nurturing, with small numbers and plenty of tutor contact time.
The BA (Hons) Fine Art is run by Sophie Morrish, who took over as course leader this year. Originally from Hampshire, Sophie graduated with B.A. Hons from Chelsea School of Art, and went on to do a postgraduate degree at the Royal College of Art in London. She later ran the illustration department at Glasgow School of Art and taught there for 12 years.
Sophie said: “Our students are encouraged to consider carefully how they perceive their immediate and wider-surroundings, the islands are much more than just a beautiful landscape”. “By exploring and investigating in depth, students develop a wide variety of approaches to expressing their creative identity.” The first two years of the four-year course are delivered at Taigh Chearsabhagh, after which students can opt to continue their study at Moray School of Art UHI in Elgin, or apply to degree courses at any other UK art school. Entry to the BA requires a minimum of three Higher grade or equivalent passes, or a recognised Access programme.
She is a perfect example of the artist who falls in love with the bewitching Hebridean environment, coming to the islands first in 1995 from London. She made up her mind to find a way of living and practising her work here, something she achieved full time, in July 2007. Sophie says she plans to build on the existing environmental focus of the BA, placing the natural, human and cultural history of the islands firmly at its core. Traditional skills, lens-based media and contemporary technology are explored through a series of taught modules over the first year, with second year students moving towards ‘self-directed’ creative work- their focus based on individual areas of interest.
Mikki Finnigan working in the 2nd year studio, 2012.
Drawing installation, detail, Penny Curry, 2011.
Further & Higher Education Art Opportunities for 2012-13 session A small number of places are still available for the LCC/UHI NC Art & Design and B.A. Fine Art Level One courses at Taigh Chearsabhahgh, North Uist. For B.A. Fine Art course information contact course leader sophie.morrish@ lews.uhi.ac.uk (01876 500871) for National Certificate in Art & Design contact course leader anne.mackenzie@lews.uhi. ac.uk (01876 500871) or visit Lews Castle college website: www.lews.ac.uk Application forms can be downloaded from: www.lews.uhi.ac.uk/ studying-at-lcc/apply/ lcc-application-form
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island news & ADVERTISER - September 2012 Issue 7 Ellen proudly sports her Team GB top in Leverburgh before heading for the Paralympics.
People
Harris nurse leads team GB care at Paralympics camp As IN&A goes to print,one inspirational Harris woman is busy working amid the excitement and drama of the Paralympic Games. Ellen McDougall, 36, from Scarista is the lead nurse at Team GB’s holding camp at Bath University, looking after a squad of more than 400 athletes. She started work on August 16 and will remain with the team throughout the games. She said: “I’m lead nurse for the camps, based in Bath, and there is a nursing team based at the Games. We work in conjunction with each other. “The athletes are pretty much selfcaring but we’re there for any injuries or illness that occurs. The squads have been
Surrey woman’s timeless images of Harris Lesley Buchanan
Monica Weller with her latest book.
A picture of the Callanish stones first drew Monica Weller to the Outer Hebrides, and chance meeting on a small ferry in the islands was the moment that she felt a connection with the people.
arriving, and we have clinics for them with doctors, nurses, phsyios, anything they need. “We have already seen the first squads off to the Olympic Village in London where they will continue their preparations. That was an emotional moment, waving them off. You’re part of it and you want it to go well for them.” When IN&A spoke to Ellen she was in the middle of working with the powerlifting team, and had already seen several squads off to London in tiptop form- including
Perhaps it was a sense of destiny as she looked down her camera lens at a woman with three small children. That moment started her long love affair with Harris. Monica, from Surrey, visits the island at least twice a year and has compiled a book, The Hebrideans, from a mixture of photographs and daily blogs. The stunning images are a timeless reflection of island life. “My photographs are an extension
cerebral palsy 7-a-side, visually impaired 5-a-side, shooting, archery, seated volleyball, goal ball, table tennis and bocca. She said: “There is an amazing atmosphere with the athletes looking foward to performing in front of a home crowd. Paralympics means parallel Olympics, and the thing to remember is that it’s not about disability, but ability.” Ellen, originally from Cumbria, did her nurse’s training in Merseyside and early on discovered a vocation for disability sports nursing when she was recommended for
of my emotions,” Monica said. After a long career in management, she began writing small articles for magazines and local newspapers. She also exhibited her black and white images to great success. The Hebrideans is the result of her work on the islands as she attempts to capture ordinary people in their everyday lives. The faces of the people in this book could be from the 1800’s or the present day, there is a timeless quality about them. Monica now hopes to publish her next book Hebrideans Two, in which she will capture images of the younger generation on the islands. Her latest book, The Twilight Connection, is a pictorial history of her family and an attempt to have something positive in print to remember her family roots. Monica’s nephew is the Hollywood actor Robert Pattinson and because of this the family have experienced the negative intrusion from the press. The Twilight Connection acknowledges the family yet invites the public to see them in an ordinary way. Monica was out and about in Harris when the first copy came out and was chased down by a helpful parcel van driver who left the book in Monica’s shed for her to pick up. Monica was struck by this and commented at the time: “It all seemed a million miles from the glitzy Hollywood and its formidable machine!” Follow Monica on Facebook or to see her book, http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/ detail/3111583.
work at the Wheelchair Tennis Open in America in 1996. This experience grew into a passion, and Ellen was invited to Athens 2004 as part of the core medical team looking after the British Paralympic squad. She was the first UK nurse ever to have been involved in Winter Paralympics, working for the British team in Turin in 2006 and going on to the Vancouver Games in 2010. Ellen and her husband came to live in Harris in 2009. She currently works in the Specials Ward of Western Isles Health Board.
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September 2012 Issue 7 - island news & ADVERTISER
Music
Courtesy of Deborah Coleman.
Julie attends Brave premiere North Uist’s Julie Fowlis was invited to a red carpet reception at the US premiere of ‘Brave’, which features her voice on the soundtrack.
The makers of the film, Disney Pixar were captivated by Julie’s Gaelic singing while they were doing the research for 3D animated movie, and contacted her to record two songs for the sound track. Red carpet: Julie at the US premiere. Her dress is Julie told IN&A:“It was great to be involved by top Scottish couturier in ‘Brave’ - I enjoyed working with the Sandra Murray. creative team in the US and am delighted with how the songs fit into the film and into Patrick Doyle’s amazing score. “The fact that they decided to use a Gaelic language track for their worldwide TV campaign and trailers shows their commitment to Scottish culture, and in particular Gaelic culture; the TV advert was first broadcast during the Oscars ceremony in the US to an estimated audience of 40million people, which is amazing considering how few Gaelic speakers there are by comparison.”
Music residency anticipates the light
Music on the Isles Seventeen young German musicians are attending Music on the Isles this month to nurture their musical talent in a Hebridean setting. The Berneray-based chamber and orchestral music course is now in its 12th year, run by harpsichordist Caroline Bergius with violinist Rebekka Hartmann. This year a harpist, horn player, bassoonist and soprano join the regular cohort of string players. The students are aged 11-18, and will showcase the results of their intensive music studies in two concerts in Berneray Hall, on Friday
Uist pupils will be taking part in a series of musical workshops this month, culminating in a concert in Sgoil Lioinacleit. The residency is run by National Youth Orchestras of Scotland (NYOS) composer and outreach worker, Eve Harrison, with members of NYOS’ chamber orchestra Camerata and the involvement of young local folk musicians.
September 7 and Saturday September 8, at 7.30pm. Ms Bergius, from Dunoon, is an acclaimed pianist and harpsichordist. Last year she received an exceptional award, the Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany for her services to youth and music. She said: “I received this honour on the basis of the chamber music courses on Berneray, which offer specialised training to young instrumentalists who go on to take up music as their profession.” Ms Hartmann, from Munich, is one of Ms Bergius’ former
The team will be working with Balivanich, Paible and Sgoil Lionacleit pupils throughout the week starting on Monday September 17. Their work culminates in a recording and concert of a new piece composed by Ms Harrison, entitled Anticipating the Light. Ms Harrison and two members of Camerata visited Uist in June to start work on the composition with the input of Uist pupils.
Caroline Bergius (left) and Rebekka Hartmann during a recent tour of Cornwall.
pupils. With many national and international prizes to her name, she has just been awarded the Echo Classic prize for best solo violin CD of the year, ‘The Birth of the Violin’ featuring works by early masters. She has performed as a soloist with many leading world orchestras, and plays an Antonio Stradivarius violin from 1675.
The public concert takes place in Sgoil Lionacleit theatre on Friday September 21, at 7.30pm and features Mairi Therese Gilfedder on solo fiddle, along with 20 Camerata students and 15 Lionacleit pupils. The conductor is Garry Walker and the programme includes the new composition and works by Bartok, Beamish, Haydn and Mozart, all with roots in various folk cultures.
READER OFFER TWO FASCINATING NEW RELEASES BY GREENTRAX SCOTS IN THE SPANISH CIVIL WAR: ! NO PASARAN ! (They shall not pass) More than 500 Scots signed up to the International Brigades defending Spain from fascism, and more than a third remain sleeping in Spanish soil. Scotland’s finest folk artists pay moving tribute.
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KILMARNOCK EDITION: PAY IT FORWARD An exciting new genre of Scottish song
in association with the Piping Times Uist’s Society of the Sea is seeking six new pipe tunes to celebrate the unique land and seascape of the Outer Hebrides. Six categories with a minimum of two parts each: Slow Air Strathspey ● Hornpipe
March (any time signature) Reel ● Jig
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Composers can enter as many categories as they like, but only one tune per category. Entries should be emailed to: thepipingtimes@gmail.com, including composer’s name, address, mobile number and email address by November 30, 2012.
One prize of £100 per category. Results announced Feb 1 2013 in Piping Times.
Winners Concert at the Oran Mor, Glasgow in June 2013 as part of West End Festival, and concert in Lochmaddy at a later date.
The six singer/songwriters who make up Kilmarnock Edition weave into their own material elements of contemporary Scottish song with folk, jazz, Scots reggae, Gaelic and other world music.
For further information contact Gus Macaulay, chair CNM on 07828 105 423.
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www.greentrax.com
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island news & ADVERTISER - September 2012 Issue 7
Gàidhlig/Gaelic Gaidhlig/Gaelic
Eairisdh Mor/ Big Archie Oide Gàidhlig Eairdsidh Caimbeul, a’ sgrìobhadh le meas, mu sheanair, Eairdsidh Mòr Hoghagearraidh. Bha mi a’ cnuasachd ann an dràthair an-diugh ‘s fhuair mi leabhar an ‘discharge’a fhuair mo sheanair, Eairdsidh Mac IllFhialain, no Eairdsidh Mòr Hougheagearraidh, mar a b’ fheàrr a b’aithnichear e, an Grapa Mòr mar a b’aithne dhòmhs’ e. Bha e san Arm eadar 1941 ‘s 1947. Rugadh Eairdsidh ann an 1903, mar sin bha e na bu shine na a’ mhòrchuid san Arm aig an àm. Codhiù fhuair e deagh theisteanas : ‘a
diligent and conscientious worker who has carried out his duties most satisfactorily....... Highly recommended for civil employment’. Bha e ann an seirbhis slàinte an Airm. Cha robh mi buileach cinnteach carson, ach cleas gu leòr eile à Uibhist, chuir e seachad ùine ag obair ann an ospadal -eanachainn, Dykebar ann am Pàislig, cho fad ‘s as fhiosrach dhomh, agus ‘s dòcha air sàilleabh aois cuideachd.Gu dearbh chùm
iad deagh ghreis e, ‘s teaghlach òg gun mhàthair aig an taigh, chaochail mo sheanmhair ann an 1942. Bha piuthar aige, Magaidh, a bha ga cosnadh ann an Sasainn, ‘s thill i dhachaigh a ghabhail cùram na cloinne. Co-dhiù, ‘s e duine mòr còir a bh’ ann. Chaochail m’ athair nuair a bha sinne ‘s gu dearbh esan gu math òg, ‘s bha mi fhìn ‘s mo mhàthair ‘s mo bhràithrean ‘s an Grapa Mòr ‘s an Grapa Beag (Dòmhnall Chaluim Bhig) ‘s
Eairdsidh Mòr Ho ugheagearraidh/ Archie MacLellan, Houghharry.
Flòrag , piuthar m’ athar ‘s an duine aice Bob à Morningside ann an Dùn Èideann a’ fuireach san taigh, ged a bha Bob ‘s Flòrag air falbh greisean leis gun robh Bob san RAF. Bha an dithis bhodach gu math èibhinn còmhladh, cha robh iad ag aontachadh ri chèile air mòran. Bha Eairdsidh gu math mòr ma Chassius Clay no Muhammed Ali mar a b’ fheàrr a b’ aithnichear e, ach cha robh an dòigh a bhiodh e a’ dannsa mun cuairt a’ còrdadh le
Dòmhnall, fear a bha math le dhùirn na latha. Bidh cuimhn’ am gu sìorraidh an latha a bha iad a’ coimhead air an ‘Grand Prix’ air an tele. Bha na càraichean a dol mun cuairt aig astar, ach co-dhiù chaidh an ceòl air feadh na fìdhle le càraichean a’ bualadh ri chèile ‘s a dol nan teine. ‘ S ann a thuirt Eairdsidh Mòr ‘ ah uill uill, an sealladh tu air sin, nach eil sin fhèin maslach, nan gabhadh iad air an socair cha bhiodh sgiorragan aca!
Gaelic tutor Archie Campbell writes fondly of his grandfather,Archie MacLellan of Houghharry. I was rummaging around in a drawer today and found my grandfather’s ‘Discharge Book’. My grandfather was Archie MacLellan ‘Eairdsidh Mòr Hogheagearraidh’ as he was better known , I knew him as ‘Grapa Mòr’. He served in the Army between 1941 and 1947. He was born in 1903. So he was a bit older than the majority of those serving at the time. Anyway, he was given a good testimonial : ‘a diligent and conscientious worker who has carried out his duties most satisfactorily..... Highly
recommended for civil employment’. He served as an orderly in the Royal Army Medical Corps. I’m not quite sure why, but in common with others from Uist, he worked in a psychiatric hospital, Dykebar in Paisley, as far as I know. His age may have been a factor as well. He wasn’t discharged until 1947, even though my grandmother died while he was abroad in 1942, leaving a young family. His sister, Margaret (Magaidh) was in service in England, and came home to look after the family. He was a big, kindly man. My
Campaichean Sradagan / Sradagan Camps 2012 O chionn ghoirid chruinnich buidhnean òigridh aig dà champa Sradagan aig Ionad Sgaladail sna Hearadh. Abair gun robh deagh spòrs aca le iomadh cur-seachad; coiseachd ‘gorge’, boghadaireachd, cèilidh dannsa, snàmh, farpais cheist is mòran eile. Chaidh iad cuideachd a dh’fhaicinn Dùn Chàrlabhaigh agus Taigh-dubh Àrnoil agus bha cothrom gu leòr aca eòlas a chuir air caraidean ùra. Bha na campaichean air fad tro mheadhain na Gàidhlig agus bha sinn air leth toilichte le na fàilte a fhuair sinn bho na Hearaich, an dà chuid na fheadhainn a chuidich sinn le còcaireachd aig an ionad agus an coimhearsnachd san fharsaingeachd. Taing mhòr cuideachd do Alasdair à Sgalpaigh a tha ruith an ionad cho sgiobalta agus le eòlas ionadail sònraichte.
father died when we were very young, he was very young himself, and my mother, brothers and I and both grandfathers, Grapa Mòr and Grapa Beag (Dòmhnall Chaluim Bhig) and our aunt Flora and her husband Bob, from Morningside in Edinburgh, lived together. Bob and Flora would be away from time to time, as Bob was in the RAF. The two elderly men were very funny together, and didn’t agree on much. Archie was a big fan of Cassius Clay, or Muhammed Ali, as he came to be known.
Donald, who was a bit handy with his fists in his day, couldn’t be doing with him, too much dancing around, Donald would have gone about things in a more direct manner! I’ll always remember the day they were watching the Grand Prix on the television. The cars were flying around at speed and then a number of them went out of control, colliding with each other and bursting into flames. Archie’s comment was ‘oh well, isn’t that just a disgrace, if they would stop speeding they wouldn’t have these crashes!’
READEROFFER Cicerone are specialist publishers of over 290 award-winning guidebooks for walking, trekking, climbing and mountaineering, cycle touring and hill and mountain skills. Cicerone have over 40 guides to Scotland in their range providing inspiration, and excellent information for you to enjoy your next adventure. Groups of young people recently came together at two Sradagan camps at the Scaladale Centre on the Isle of Harris. They had a great time with lots of activities such as gorge walking, archery, a cèilidh, swimming, a quiz and much more besides. They also went to see the Carloway Broch, Arnol Black House and had plenty of time to get to know new friends. The camps were run entirely through the medium of Gaelic. The welcome and hospitality from the Hearaich was great, both those who came to help us with cooking at the centre as well as the wider community. Thanks also are deserved by Alasdair from Scalpay who runs the centre so well and with his extensive local knowledge.
Cicerone has teamed up with Island News & Advertiser to offer you a whopping 25% discount and free UK postage on all orders placed on their website. Buy online from www.cicerone.co.uk and simply add the voucher code INA on the shopping basket page.
September 2012 Issue 7 - island news & ADVERTISER
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Sport
Uist & Barra JFC GALWAY CUP RUNNERS UP Reporter: Alasdair MacDonald
UIST & BARRA
Custom Prints League Reporter: Archie MacCorquodale Uist & Barra League Table P
W
D
L
F
A GD PTS
Saints
16 14 1 1 73 16 57 43
Eriskay
16 10 2 4 62 35 27 32
Barra
17 8 2 7 67 48 19 26
Benbecula 16 8 2 6 48 31 17 26 Southend 17 3 0 14 29 88 -59 9
The Uist and Barra Junior Football Club recently returned home from Ireland as runners up of the 2012 Umbro Galway Cup. The team, made up of 24 players and 6 adults, kicked off their competition on Wednesday August 8 against pretournament favourites Mervue United. An impressive display from the classy Irish outfit resulted in a comfortable 5-0 win over the islanders. In true Uist and Barra style the team responded with a dominant 5-0 win over South Cavan on Day 2 of the competition. First half goals from Neil Sinclair and Ally Downie gave the islanders a much needed confidence boost going into the break. Second half goals from Ali MacDonald and
Calum Murray added to Ally Downie’s second of the game to give the islanders an impressive victory. Day 3 began with a morning kick off against local side Salthill Devon. The islanders started slowly and fell 1-0 down in the first half. A few assertive words at half time from manager Iain ‘Donyards’ MacDonald shook the side into life and they came out fighting in the second half. After a well worked team move ‘Deege’ Wilson was brought down in the box and Ally Downie calmly stepped up to bury the penalty. Two late goals from Neil Sinclair and Joseph MacInnes ensured the islanders got all three points.
UIST HILL RACES
North Uist 16 2 1 13 21 82 -61 7
The final group game against Foyle Harps saw the Derry side open the scoring early in the second half. A number of other chances fell their way but they were unable to convert. The islanders punished them for this when, in injury time, Ally Downie coolly finished a one on one to send his team into the final. The final pitted Uist and Barra against old foes Mervue United. Despite the gallant efforts of the islanders they were eventually beaten 4-1 by the deserved champions. Centre back Carl ‘Dodos’ MacPhee had equalised in the first half to give Uist and Barra a glimmer of hope but they were outclassed in the second half by the talents of Mervue.
R J MacLeod Summer Cup Winners
Uist’s famous August hill races attracted strong fields, with many runners from the mainland coming to make a weekend of the Beinn Lee race in North Uist, followed by Ben Kenneth in South Uist. Craig Mattocks from Edinburgh’s Hunter Bog Trotters (HBT) won both races, Beinn Lee in 46.01, and Ben Kenneth in 35.52. First lady in Beinn Lee was Kate Jenkins, HBT, in 52.48. Charlotte Wild also from
Edinburgh was first lady in Ben Kenneth with 43.20. Ben Kenneth ladies winner Charlotte Wild.
ERISKAY 3 IOCHAR SAINTS 2 Eriskay lifted their first piece of silverware in 12 years after a nail-biting final at Sgoil Lionacleit.
FIXTURES:
Custom Prints Uist & Barra League North Uist v Southend, Barra v Eriskay, Saints v Benbecula
UIST & BARRA League North Uist Utd 0 Barra 8
Kate Jenkins, first lady in the Beinn Lee hill race.
Winner of both races Craig Mattocks.
Barra returned from Paible with all three points and a hat full of goals too boot, Craig Ferguson with a hat trick and strike partner James Davidson with a brace along with a double by “Zander” Davidson followed the opening goal by Stephen “Screech” Davidson made the long journey worthwhile.
Iochar Saints look to have secured their second successive league title following a month where they took maximum points from all their matches. Saints defeated nearest rivals Eriskay by the odd goal in five when the sides met over in Eriskay, with comfortable victories over North Uist by 8 - 0 and Southend by the 6 - 0 and a 5 - 0 victory against Benbecula. Only Barra provided any real stiff opposition to the champions elect but they also succumbed to the Iochar side losing by 3 - 1. Eriskay have been on the tails of Saints since the start of the season but the defeat at home to Saints and following a rather surprising 5 - 2 away defeat to Benbecula their title chances are all but disappeared. But Eriskay did have some joy with wins over Southend by 5 - 2 and North Uist 6 - 1 and another home win over Barra in a high scoring encounter which saw Eriskay win 6 - 4. Benbecula and Barra have consolidated mid-table positions with both sides having a very inconsistent season especially Benbecula who on their day can beat anybody but then they can also be on the receiving end of some surprising defeats. Benbecula defeated both North Uist and Southend comfortably by 8 - 0 and 5 - 2 but suffered defeat at the hands of Saints 5 - 0 and Barra 4 - 1 and a close encounter in Eriskay ended in a 4 - 4 draw. Barra meanwhile have kept up a solid home form with high scoring wins over North Uist 6 - 1 and Southend by 8 - 2 but once more their away form has dipped with defeat in Eriskay and also to Saints but they did muster up a win over Benbecula. Southend and North Uist are fighting it out for the wooden spoon with both sides well adrift of the fourth placed side having cancelled themselves out with victories against each other. It’s North Uist who find themselves at the basement with only four matches remaining of the season.
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island news & ADVERTISER - September 2012 Issue 7
Paw Prints
Welcome to Paw Prints, where your animals get their chance to shine.
k in shades on a hillwal Haribo looks cool in John Walsh in Scalpay. th Harris. He lives wi
A rare moment of Paddy sitting still, a loveable wee rogue. He lives in Carnan, South Uist with Neil and Mary MacDonald.
odle. ar old apricot toy po Poppy is a three ye an le ie and Allan Mac She lives with Melan ula. ec in Balivanich, Benb
Freddie Dougal aka Squeaky lives with Jenny Taylor and four fellow Westies in Ard Heiskgeir, North Uist.
Jig loves a cuddle. Sh working dog and liv e is training to be a es and Andrew Brown with Marion Ferguson in Balivanich, Benb ecula.
Ruby and Sooty rela xing at home in Dal ib South Uist. They liv e with Flora MacD urgh, ougall.
Email your hi-res photos to pawprints @islandnewsandadvertiser.com with your name and address, your pet’s name and anything you’d like to say about them. Then look out for your photo on IN&A’s Paw Print page over the coming months!
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NAME THE
Carnan STORES CAT!
COMPETITION
This pretty kitty turned up at Carnan Stores, South Uist as a stray and liked it so much she decided to take up residence. She quickly endeared herself to staff and customers - and within weeks produced four adorable kittens. The kittens have got homes to go to, but Mum will stay put in the shop. The only thing is - she hasn’t got a name. So Carnan Stores is offering £15 voucher to spend in the shop for the person who thinks up the best name for their new mascot. She is sweet-natured, playful, a great mum and a good hunter. Send your suggestions to: managercarnanstores@aol.com by September 21 2012, and you could be the lucky winner!
North Uist
BOARDING KENNELS Bayhead, North Uist Open all hours We are a small family run Boarding Kennels who want to look after your pets as you would. Individual needs catered for including; ● Medication given ● Daily beach walks for dogs ● Heated beds for cats ● Large outside exercise pens for dogs. ● Collection and delivery service across the Islands Please call Gillian to inspect our facilities or to discuss individual requirements on:
01876 510223 or 07922 178880
SOLUTIONS: ACROSS: 7) Moor, 8) Dictator, 9) Immortal, 10) Daft, 11) Vinyl, 13) Pontoon, 15) Head man, 17) State, 20) Play, 21) Unevenly, 23) Assorted, 24) Dome. DOWN: 1) Doom, 2) Priory, 3) Edits, 4) Icy look, 5) Bandit, 6) Confront, 12) Idealist, 14) Faculty, 16) Dry rot, 18) Trendy, 19) Needy, 22) Lime.
A Taste of Scottish Goodness
September 2012 Issue 7 - island news & ADVERTISER
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CLUES ACROSS 7) Othello and a barren waste (4) 8) Imperious leader with no royal connection (8) 9) One of those on Olympus (8) 10) Almost totally lacking in intelligence (4) 11) Man-made material for covering chairs (5) 13) Gambler’s game takes him across the river (7) 15) Tribal chief, always a bloke at the top (4, 3) 17) In which we all live under its government (5) 20) If you want to know the state of this, join the game (4) 21) Distributed unfairly so one gets more than another (8) 23) Composed of a variety of types, sizes or sorts (8) 24) Concave folly for the millennium (4) CLUES DOWN 1) Swings of mood changed bygloom sums up bad news (4)
2) For monks in a sacred place, the prior consideration (6) 3) Bits and pieces thrown on the cutting room floor (5) 4) Frozen water in her eyes as she regards me (3, 4) 5) The single armed type can be very expensive to run (6) 6) Take the problem to its souce and face the fraud (8) 12) One who can only see the perfect way to perform (8) 14) Group of related, learned departments within the university (7) 16) Fungal affliction that thrives in damp, unventilated areas (3, 3) 18) With it, way out and right up to the minute (6) 19) Another name for the condition of the poor (5) 22) Good for gin, gardens and disposing of bodies (4)
CLUES ACROSS 7) Grassland (4) 8) Ruler (8) 9) Eternal (8) 10) Foolish (4) 11) Disc (5) 13) Flat-bottomed boat (7) 15) The boss (4, 3) 17) Utter (5) 20) Participate (4) 21) Not uniformly (8) 23) Various (8) 24) Hemispherical roof (4) CLUES DOWN 1) Grim fate (4) 2) Monastery (6) 3) Amends text (5) 4) Cold glance (3, 4) 5) Outlaw (6) 6) Challenge (8) 12) Perfectionist (8) 14) Facility (7) 16) Fungal infection (3, 3) 18) Stylish (6) 19) Deprived (5) 22) Citrus fruit (4)
At the heart of the Community ●
Wide selection
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Local meat, fish, eggs and seasonal veg
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Fresh baking
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Fuel
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Friendly service Daily papers
Open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm
Telephone: 01876 510257 Bayhead, North Uist
Combinedcrossword CRYPTIC AND COFFEE TIME Solutions on page 14