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Aviation enthusiasts in the Western Isles had a big day for sightings yesterday (Thursday 6 August) and today, with unusual aircraft appearing in the skies over Lewis.
RAF Brize Norton gave early warning at 1pm that their C-17 Globemaster would be operating around Stornoway during essential training for 99 Squadron.
Mid-afternoon, the spectacular sight of the massive plane over Lewis drew all eyes to the skies as the aircraft made low passes over Stornoway and the surrounding area.
Today, RAF Brize Norton tweeted: "This afternoon, our C-17 Globemaster aircraft will also be operating in the vicinity of Dundee, Aberdeen and Stornoway, whilst engaged in essential training."
RAF Brize Norton is home to the RAF's Strategic and Tactical Air Transport (AT) and Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR) forces, with the Globemaster a long-range, heavy lift strategic transport aircraft used for combat, peace-keeping and humanitarian work worldwide.
The aircraft's design allows it to make steep approaches to small airfields at relatively slow speeds, and yesterday also gave sky-watchers a clear view of the detail as landing gear was deployed and re-stowed.
The Bell 505 JetRanger helicopter that flew in to land later in the afternoon made a complete contrast. With capacity for just a pilot plus up to four passengers, it's often used as a private or corporate travel option as well as for first-time pilot training.
Spotter Roy Macleod also clocked a US Air Force MC-130 Hercules transport plane over Carloway yesterday. The USAF 352nd Special Operations Group are currently in regular operations from their operational base at RAF Mildenhall.
Pictures are by Jason Spinks and Roy Macleod.
Following complaints about licensed premises in the Stornoway town area in recent days, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has made clear the need to maintain strict discipline in restaurants and pubs under Coronavirus regulations.
This morning, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has criticised the headline on this article, saying it "is a bit misleading. The Comhairle is reminding licensed premises of the existing SG regulations, not tightening up."
Establishments have been told:
CnES warns that if a group of people coming into restaurants and pubs and are all around the same age, it is highly unlikely that they will all be from the same household unless they are tourists up on holiday and living in the same self-catering accommodation or workers on a construction site who are also living in the same accommodation. Licence holders have a duty to ask them if they are, in fact, part of the same household.
And CnES warns: "The recent spikes of coronavirus cases seen on the mainland have been linked back to licensed premises and people not socially distancing and resulted in a localised lockdown in Aberdeen – we do not want to see the same happening in our islands."And the Council tells restaurants and pubs: "We all need to play our part in trying to minimise the risk to people. If customers are not obeying the premises rules, you are entitled to ask them to leave or refuse them entry. Customers want to go somewhere that they feel safe. If customers do not feel safe at your premises, they will think twice about going back."
[This article has been updated with a comment from CnES this morning (Friday)]
An Lanntair in Stornoway and Eden Court in Inverness are amongst 20 venues to have received support from the first strand of the Scottish Government's £12.5m Performing Arts Venues Relief Fund, through Creative Scotland. Designed to support performing arts venues that cannot yet re-open due to the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the fund is helping to:
Eden Court gets £750,000 and An Lanntair receives £100,000.
James Mackenzie-Blackman, Chief Executive, Eden Court, said: "This investment from the Scottish Government and Creative Scotland indicates the vital role Eden Court plays in the creative and cultural life of the Highlands. We are relieved and grateful. Over the coming weeks we will share more on how we will use the funds to stabilise the organisation, reimagine our business model and provide opportunities for freelance and independent artists."
Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: "Theatres and performing arts venues are vital to individuals, communities and our country. Our performing arts venues effectively had to close overnight, with an almost complete loss of income. There is no doubt that in doing so they saved lives, and for that I am extremely grateful.
"We know the impact of this crisis will be long-term so ambitious action to support the future of these organisations, as well as our wider cultural infrastructure, is key. This funding will be a vital lifeline to help performing arts venues continue to weather the storm."
Recipients of the second strand of the Performing Arts Venues Fund, an open fund of £5m, will be announced in due course.
Iain Munro, CEO, Creative Scotland said:"There are significant challenges facing Scotland's culture sector, due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. This funding for performing arts venues is much needed and will help organisations tackle these challenges but we are aware that budgets are finite and it is not possible to provide financial assistance to every organisation through this route at this time.
"The Covid-19 emergency funds announced for the culture sector so far are not, by any means, the end of the support to be offered and there will be more announcements to come, not least in terms of how the £97m Scotland has received for culture and heritage as a result of the UK Government's funding package is to be applied.
"The precise nature of this is still being determined and, beyond what has already been made available, Creative Scotland is working closely with the Scottish Government to actively discuss further support for the culture sector, including for those who may not have received funding previously."
There will be an opportunity tomorrow (Friday 7 August) for residents of Tarbert, Harris to pay tribute to an islander footballer from Scalpay described as 'one of the nicest people you'd ever meet,' 'always smiling' and 'a lovely guy'.
DJ 'Deej' Mackay, of Scalpay and Lagos, Portugal, passed away on Tuesday morning. His interment at Luskentyre cemetery tomorrow is to be preceded by a slow drive through Tarbert by the hearse carrying his remains, which will pass by at around 12.30pm.
Harris Football Club yesterday (Wednesday) posted a tribute to the former island player on their Facebook page, and numerous friends and former schoolmates added their own memories and tributes.
The club's statement said: "It is with tremendous sadness that we pass on the news here that DJ MacKay from Scalpay, known to everyone as Deej, passed away this week having lost his battle with cancer.
"Deej was known to many people due to his varied interests like sailing and biking, but also because he was a fantastic individual who it was always a pleasure to be in the company of. He was rarely seen without a smile on his face and brought laughter to any situation.
"Deej played full-back for Harris for many seasons, and when he moved to Glasgow also turned out for Glasgow Island where he was a much-loved and loyal team-mate. For his love of football, he also played a few games for the Harris Welfare team if he happened to be home.
"Everyone will have their favourite stories about Deej which undoubtedly will all be re-told this week and for many years to come. We will never forget the man who was quite simply one of the nicest people you'd ever meet."
Former team-mate MJ Graham added: "He was loved by his team-mates and he absolutely adored the craic that came with being in the squad. He contributed a brilliant sense of humour, an endless stamina to engage in all sorts of shenanigans and a fear of missing out that meant he never missed out!"
Another friend wrote: "One of the best friends we all had. Always kind, caring and willing to help us all at all sorts of levels. Even when he wasn't feeling great he reminded us of the good times. He wanted his memory to be of the good times we all had with him and so we should."
Deej was most recently resident in Lagos, Portugal, where he worked for the international shipping company Maersk.
The picture shows Deej enjoying a reunion of Scalpachs in Lagos, Portugal in 2018 (Alex Scotch Murray).
There will be an opportunity tomorrow (Friday 7 August) for residents of Tarbert to pay tribute to an islander footballer from Scalpay described as 'one of the nicest people you'd ever meet,' 'always smiling' and 'a lovely guy'.
DJ 'Deej' Mackay, of Scalpay and Lagos, Portugal, passed away on Tuesday morning. His interment at Luskentyre cemetery tomorrow is to be preceded by a slow drive through Tarbert by the hearse carrying his remains, which will pass by at 12.30pm.
(This article has been greatly updated since first being posted)
The Faroe Islands are facing a renewed Covid-19 crisis following the celebration of Ólavsøka (the Faroese National Day) which is held annually on July 29.
Ólavsøka literal meaning is "Saint Olav's Wake" and recalls the Norwegian King Olav II, also known as Saint Olav, died in battle on July 29, 1030. He played a pivotal role in bringing Christianity to the Faroes. On this day, for the past 900 years, the opening of parliament takes place.
Yesterday (Wednesday August 5) it was decided that visitors would no longer be allowed at the nursing and retirement homes after the Faroes confirmed 16 new cases of Covid-19 in just two days.
It looks like the current situation is just as dangerous as it was when we went into lock-down, Eyðun Christiansen, Director of the Association of Faroese Municipalities told local media.
Annika Olsen, Mayor of Tórshavn, advised parents in Tórshavn municipality to keep their children at home for the rest of the week to be on the safe side.
New control measures were announced. All travellers using public transport are required to wear a mask. Use of face masks is recommended when in crowded places. Bars and restaurants should close at 10pm. All events such as festivals, concerts or large parties should be postponed or cancelled.
At Wednesday's press conference, chief medical officer Lars Fodgaard Møller confirmed that most of the new cases were from the capital area.
The guidelines for travellers to the Faroe Islands remain the same. All people arriving in the Faroe Islands should continue to be tested up to and including 31 October. Everyone arriving in the Faroe Islands is advised to proceed directly into self-quarantine until test results are received. These will normally be communicated the same evening or at latest by midday the following day.
It was only on Tuesday that it was announced that two new cases of Covid-19 have been discovered in the Islands, and a Dane had tested positive at Copenhagen airport after returning from a trip to the Faroes.
According to Lars Fodgaard Møller, the only connection between these three people was that they attended ólavsøka last week. He hopes to stop the spread of the virus, but it is going to be difficult to trace this time, as the infected people all attended ólavsøka, he acknowledges. At such events, one comes into contact with many people.
The previous time that a person contracted the virus on Faroese soil was along ago as 6 April. The Faroe Islands have registered a total of 227 cases of Covid-19, of which 192 have recovered, meaning the number of active cases is currently 35 (most of whom are foreign sailors who've already left the country). The country has now conducted 40,837 tests, 60 people are currently quarantined, and one person is being treated in hospital.(Information mostly from the English language www.local.fo website)
All organisations are currently experiencing the cost of ensuring their facilities are COVID safe and the popular Newmarket Playgroup is no exception.
The park committee were recently dismayed to discover that their hand-sanitising units were maliciously emptied.
The Western Isles Lifestyle Lottery Team were equally as dismayed and stepped in with funding to ensure the park was maintained safe for everyone by replenishing their supplies.
Cally and Janet Paterson handed over a cheque for £250 to Committee members Murray and Louis of Newmarket Playpark Association.
The new stand delivered yesterday (Tuesday 4 August) to Point Football Club in Garrabost will have twice the number of seats as the old – and should last a lot longer.
Construction is due to start tomorrow (Thursday) after the 'meccano-like' kit was sent from Sussex to the Hebrides on a low-loader.
Point FC secretary Iain MacSween said the new stand has been tested for wind-strength and is built of galvanised steel to withstand Hebridean weather.
He said: "The stand was designed to our specification and made from galvanised steel, so it should last a lot longer than the last one, which was installed in 2007 when the pitch opened.
"We selected this design from Stadium Solutions because of the fact that it comes in pieces, like a giant Meccano set. We preferred that to a completed stand because it doesn't need to be installed by a crane, which would have ruined the pitch."
The 100-seater stand will have a specially-designed accessible area for wheelchairs, reached from the gate by a plastic webbing pathway which will make pushing chairs easier.
Iain said: "Work is to start when the construction crew arrive tomorrow and is expected to be finished by this time next week.
"We owe huge thanks to Point and Sandwick Trust, who have been behind us from the start, and to Third Sector Hebrides who have helped us through the Scottish Government's Landfill Communities Fund to the tune of £20,000."
The picture shows the components for the new stand as they were delivered to the site yesterday (Point FC).
A zero-tolerance approach to violence against police officers was confirmed at Stornoway Sheriff Court yesterday (Tuesday 4 August) when a man was sentenced to imprisonment for a number of offences.
38-year-old Douglas Murray of Marybank is to serve a total of 12 months in prison and has left the island for custody at Porterfield prison in Inverness this afternoon (Wednesday).
He was appearing in court on a range of complaints which covered a period of over three months, during which Stornoway police had cause to charge him numerous times.
The charges included assaults on police officers, threatening and abusive behaviour and road traffic offences including careless driving and driving without insurance.
Murray's sentence includes four months for breaches of bail conditions and he has also been disqualified from driving for 16 months after failing to provide a sample for analysis when suspected of drink-driving.
Education, Skills and Children's Services staff from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar will hold a live stream discussion forum for pupils, parents, staff and members of the wider community on Friday 7th August at 12pm.
Viewers can submit questions in advance by private messaging the Comhairle Facebook page or commenting on the live feed during the livestream.
The focus of discussion will be the measures that the Comhairle, with assistance from partner organisations, is taking to prepare for the safe return of employees and pupils across the Western Isles over the coming weeks.
The live stream will be chaired by Colin George Morrison, Media Co-ordinator, and will feature a panel – some of whom will be connecting remotely – including the Director of Education, Skills & Children's Services Bernard Chisholm, alongside service officers and headteachers.
The stream will be broadcast on the Comhairle's Facebook page and on the e-Sgoil website.
The UK government has recklessly declined the opportunity to extend the transition period and we now face leaving the EU with no deal or deals struck in desperation – not a negotiating position that inspires confidence.
That's view of Patrick Krause, chief executive of the Scottish Crofting Federation.
And he warns that the impact of the pandemic has left our economy in a very fragile state to cope with a new trading regime foisted upon us by a centralised government.
"The Scottish Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, Europe and External Affairs, Michael Russell MSP, had to write to Michael Gove MP, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, outlining grave concerns regarding Mr Gove's intention to enshrine in law the concept of 'UK internal market', which would in effect, take away some of Scotland's devolved powers.
"The gist of it is for an unelected body to be formed that would scrutinise legislation put before the Scottish Parliament and could halt it if it deemed the legislation would impact on the 'UK internal market'. This has potential for dire consequences in all fields, but our concern is food.
"UK government has made it clear, by not taking forward an amendment to the Agriculture Bill, that it is prepared to lower food standards should trade negotiations require it. Think USA, amongst other countries that we may trade with, that do not have the high standards we embraced being part of the EU. Indeed, UK has been a leader in developing high standards in food quality and traceability, environment and animal welfare, standards that Scotland as a devolved nation has exemplified.
"As the end of the transition to being fully out of the EU approaches, Scotland's high standards are something that we can trade on, both globally and within the UK market.
"If, however, this 'police' body deems Scottish high standards not compliant with lower standards adopted by the UK government, we could see our food, environment and animal welfare standards having to fall.
"Rather be it that Scotland maintains its devolved powers to enhance standards, to keep what we feel proud of for ourselves and that we can sell on and attract visitors for," he says.
Ferry services on the Uig triangle route were thrown into disarray yesterday (Monday 3 August) after an extra-wide delivery got stuck as it was leaving the ferry.
The MV Hebrides was due to leave Lochmaddy at 11.50am, but was held back as the crew tried to disembark a lorry carrying a static caravan from the vehicle deck.
By the time the load had been safely manoeuvred to land, the ferry was running almost three hours late and the 4pm departure from Tarbert to Uig yesterday did not sail until shortly after 7pm.
The picture shows the lorry during attempts to unload from the vehicle deck (Energee).
A man has died in hospital after being brought down from the Harris hills, where he was gathering sheep yesterday afternoon (Monday 3 August).
The crofter was missed by his group as they returned from the hills above Huisinis, where they had been gathering the hill sheep yesterday.
A concerned friend called Stornoway Coastguard and a full-scale emergency land-search was put in motion soon after 1.30pm. Police were kept informed of the search as it was in progress.
The man was found by searchers in a location at Cravadale which was inaccessible to vehicles.
He was airlifted from the hill by Stornoway Coastguard helicopter R948 and taken to Western Isles Hospital, but sadly died in hospital a short time later.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We received a concern for person call after a man failed to return from a trip on Harris. A search and rescue operation was launched and the man was located in the Hushinish area and taken to hospital where he died.
"The death is not suspicious and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal."
Involved in the search were members of Tarbert, Scalpay and Stornoway Coastguard Rescue Teams as well as two senior coastguard officers and the Bristows helicopter crew.
Most businesses across the Highlands and islands are remaining confident in the face of the coronavirus crisis. That's the conclusion of a Business Panel survey which was commissioned by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and carried out in June. This wave of the survey focused on impacts of and responses to the pandemic.Charlotte Wright, chief executive of HIE, said: "We particularly welcome the confidence that many firms have in their own future and that they expect to have the resources they need to get through the crisis. This is typical of the prevailing can-do optimistic attitude of so many in the region; qualities that will be vital in rebuilding the economy."Of those surveyed, 75% believed their businesses will still be viable in six months' time. More than two thirds (70%) had applied for support and 91% of those had received assistance.Most businesses (71%) said they were confident they can access the financial resources they need to get through the crisis and 87% were confident they'd be able to adhere to government guidelines when emerging from lockdown.At the time of the survey, 72% had already taken appropriate safety measures. Other measures taken included changes to workplace layout (38%), staff training (35%), reviewing staff requirements (31%) and enabling staff to work from home (37%).Disruption to trade, decline in sales, loss of income, and furloughed employees were reported as some of the main impacts of covid-19. Overall, 85% reported they had experienced a decline (61%) or no sales at all (24%), while a very small proportion (4%) reported an increase in trade.Nearly half (49%) of firms had been able to continue operating throughout the lockdown and a further 12% had reopened after closing initially.Businesses that continued trading did things differently in order to do so. Making processes more efficient (50%), exploring new domestic/UK markets (48%) and improving competitiveness (44%) were the most frequently reported actions taken.Others include collaboration, changing products or services and moving products and services online.Of those who continued or had restarted trading, 65% said business was below the pre-covid level, 26% much the same and 8% above.Looking ahead, firms reported both concerns and potential opportunities.The main concerns for the next six months were economic downturn (61%), future waves of coronavirus and lockdown (55%), and sustainability of the business (25%).Reported opportunities centred around adapting products or services (26%), changing customer behaviour or preferences (26%) and growing an online presence (26%). Others include targeting new markets (25%), using technology differently (22%), and repositioning the business (15%).HIE's Business Panel Survey reports are available online at hie.co.uk/research-and-reports. The next wave of the survey is due to take place in October.
A full-scale emergency land-search was put in motion this afternoon (Monday 3 August) when a crofter failed to reappear after setting out to gather sheep on a hillside in Harris.
Stornoway Coastguard operations centre received a call at 1.30pm from crofters concerned that one of their group, an elderly gentleman, had failed to return from the hillside at Cravadale, near Huisinis, following the gathering of sheep from the hill.
Tarbert, Scalpay and Stornoway Coastguard Rescue Teams were tasked to the scene, with the Coastguard all-terrain vehicle available and rescue helicopter R948 also tasked to help with the search.
Two senior coastal operations officers from the MCA also attended to help co-ordinate the search and Stornoway Police were kept informed of the activity.
The casualty was quickly located in a difficult location which could not be accessed by vehicle. He was lifted by helicopter from the site, to be transferred to Stornoway and onwards to Western Isles Hospital.
All teams were stood down and returned to base at 4pm.
The picture shows the terrain at Cravadale and is by Laurie Campbell (Isleofharris.com).
A man is to appear in court at Inverness by video-link from Stornoway police station today, after an incident in South Uist at the weekend.
Police were called to an address in Iochdar at 4am on Sunday morning (2 August), where the man was detained.
The 31-year-old was charged with assault and has been in custody in Stornoway awaiting his court appearance today.
An unusual amount of dolphin activity in the Minch has been giving ferry travellers – and CalMac crew members – a treat during the weekend's crossings.
Loch Seaforth skipper Lewis Mackenzie tweeted the view from the bridge yesterday morning (Saturday 1 August) as a super-pod of dolphins leapt from the sea in every direction ahead of the ferry.
He said: "Just amazing… this morning's entertainment in the north Minch. Never seen so many dolphins as this at one time before."
Photographer and seafarer Chris Murray was also dolphin-watching this weekend, and snapped these Risso's dolphins slapping tails as the cetaceans enjoyed abundant supplies of food around Lewis.
The Whale and Dolphine Conservation Society says that western Scotland, and particularly the north Minch and the sea of the Hebrides, are important areas for common dolphins, with sightings occurring most often in the summer months.
Regular spotters from the Tiumpan Watchers group reported fin, minke and a humpback whale, common dolphins and two orca late last week.
The serious business of judging scarecrows has been under way this weekend, with winners selected for the annual Tong village scarecrow competition and in the new innovation from South Harris agricultural show.
Familiar themes such as Donald Trump's antics, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the occasional Peat & Diesel reference were much in evidence, but there was also plenty of fun had with Coronavirus and some distinctive Lewis and Harris themes.
Councillor Donald Crichton was out with his clipboard in Tong on Saturday evening, and declared the Macmillan family of Hillhead the winners with their thank you to the NHS. Ruby and Phoebe are pictured here and mum Yvonne also got a mention.
There were first, second and third prizes in South Harris, where (in traditional reverse order) Rebecca Macleod's tweed-weaving cailleach took a seat in third place, A J Mackenzie's drunken crofter carried home the second prize and Finlay and Isla Gillies came first with their peat-cutting crofter.
Meanwhile in Carloway, the village's new scarecrow competition is still under way, with surprising characters popping up on the verges and road ends. Pictured is a proud Carloway FC supporter who also seems to be a fan of Norrie Tago Maciver.
(Pictures are from Tong community hall committee, South Harris agricultural show and Carloway community association.)
Tributes have been paid to Western Isles surgeon and consultant Alaa El-Banna, who passed away suddenly on Thursday (30 July).
Patient and colleague Margaret O'Brien led the tributes with a sincere and heartfelt summary of his impact on saving her own life in April 2014.
She said: "Mr El-Banna was a colleague of mine when I worked in the management office in Western Isles Hospital. He is also the surgeon who saved my life on the 6th April 2014 when he performed a tracheostomy procedure.
"Every surgeon in intensive care in Glasgow and Edinburgh said that he did an outstanding job. They all said if Mr El-Banna had not been on call/on duty that might I would not be here today.
"The day I returned to our hospital he came to visit me, and I got the opportunity to say thank you to him for saving my life. He said: 'No, I didn't do anything, I did nothing, it's just my job". He wouldn't take the credit for it.
"He will be a great loss to our hospital. My family and I will always be very grateful to him. It's a strange feeling, the man that saved my life and many other people's lives has lost his own life."
Another patient said: "I owe him so much and didn't get the chance to thank him properly. We were truly blessed to have him in our lives when we needed him."
Colleagues at Western Isles Hospital and at his former workplaces in Ayr and Biggart described a unique, larger-than-life character, a fantastic surgeon, a true gentleman and a great personality who would be sadly missed.
In response to the tributes, a family member posted: "We, as his family El-Bannas, thank you for your sincere words. Dr El-Banna was indeed an exceptional man who performed his job as a doctor wholeheartedly. We are all so shocked by his abrupt departure."
In this week we have Raspberries, Blackcurrants, Redcurrants, Blueberries all from West Hardmuir Fruit Farm as well as Hispie/Sweetheart and Round green cabbage.
There is also Local Inverness Cauliflower and Broccoli along with Duke of York and Premier Potatoes from the Black Isle and, of course, Scottish Dirty Carrots.
Local produce from Lewis we have Sharpes Express from Point and Ranish, Mangetout, Kale and possibly local blackcurrants too, if I can get out to pick them and not be bitten by the vicious midges.
Or call 07771 645238 to place your order
Price Each
Cauliflower (Inverness)
Butternut Squash
Hispi Cabbage (Sweetheart)
From Nairn
Round Green Cabbage (Inverness)
Celeriac (UK)
Celery (UK)
Garlic (Large)
Local Bay leaves, Goathill Road
White Cabbage
Corn on Cob each
Price Per KG
New Season Scottish Dirty Carrots
Broccoli (Inverness))
Bunched Beetroot
Onions (Red)
Cyprus Potatoes
Black Isle New Season Premiere Potato
Black Isle New Season Duke of York Potato
Sharps Express, Aiginish Point
Swede (Scottish New Season)
Sweet Potato
Mange Tout, Ranish
Kale, Ranish
Little Gem (x2)
Cos Lettuce
Spring Onions
Peppers (Mixed Red, Green, and yellow)
Tomato (Cherry on Vine)
Plum Tomatoes
Scottish Tomatoes
Raspberries, Wester Hardmuir 200G
Blueberries 120G
Blackcurrant, Wester Hardmuir 230g
Redcurrants, Westerhardmuir, 400g
Other Fruit
Flat (Doughnut) Peaches
3 for £1.75
New Season Nectarines
3 for £1.95
Gala Apples
4 for £1.50
Red Delicious
Kiwi Fruit
Oranges Large
3 for £2.10
3 for £1.80
Yellow Melon
Water Melon
Price per Kg
Chillies Red
Green Jalapeños
Green Seedless Grapes
Red Seedless Grapes
Local Marmalade. 340grm
Three Fruit marmalade,
Orange and Lemon
Hint of Ginger
Mixed Berry
Rhubarb jam
Rhubarb and Strawberry
Strawberry Jam
Raspberry Jam
Per Packet
Hebridean Tablet
The Eilean Siar Area Support Team will be holding a Children's Panel Recruitment Information Evening on Tuesday 3 September 2019 in Committee 3, Council Offices, Stornoway from 6.00pm to 8.00pm (a drop in, informal session) which is open to employers and anyone interested in becoming a Panel Member.
Another truckload of gifts and aid was packed by Blythswood for the people of Moldova last night (Friday August 30th) in Stornoway.
A fund-raising concert of classical music will take place tomorrow evening (Saturday August 31st) in St Columba's Church hall in Stornoway at 7.30pm.
St Columba's is a Listed Building, built in 1794, and so requires all renovation work to be done according to Committee on Church Art and Architecture regulations.
Stornoway Ladies' Rugby team will make history tomorrow (Saturday August 31st) as they kick off their first league game.
The women's team will be playing at Bayhead against Huntly Ladies RFC in the Tennent's Women's League, with a kick-off time of 3pm and a huge surge of energy which has been building up all summer.
Young footballers will be kicking off a cup competition which pays tribute to one of the long-standing supporters of Point FC tomorrow (Saturday August 31st).
Under-13 teams will be at the astroturf pitch in Stornoway from 1pm for the qualifying rounds of the newly-christened Donnie Mata Graham cup.
A week-long celebration of heritage starts today (Friday August 30th), with the opening events in Galson Estate Trust's Dùthchas Week.
Officially billed for August 31st to September 7th, the events spill over with a wealth of history, culture, music, food and drink and traditional skills.
A watery view of the ancient history of the Western Isles is tucked away in the TV schedules over the next week, with the secrets of Lewis lochs to be shown to a world audience from tonight (Friday August 30th).
Scottish Housing day is a national event which is being held on 18th September.
The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of housing options in Scotland.
This year's theme focuses on Housing as a human right. Scottish Housing day brings the local housing sector together to showcase options available to the residents of the Outer Hebrides. Tighean Innse Gall (TIG) alongside partners Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar (CNES), Hebridean Housing Partnership (HHP) and Western Isles Foyer want to ensure residents of the Outer Hebrides understand their housing options and safeguard their rights as tenants.
Representatives from each organisation will be available at the Stornoway Library from 12pm to 3pm on the 18th of September. They will be able to answer questions and offer advice. It is hoped that the drop in session will improve understanding of the various housing services available.
Development Director Donna Smith of TIG said, "TIG are committed to providing a high quality service to its clients and work in partnership with agencies across the Outer Hebrides to ensure housing needs are met. As well as working alongside partners TIG is proud to have a diverse team of employees who are qualified energy advisors and can help residents manage costs of living in their own homes."
HHP comment –'Our vision is to "make our house your home" because we believe that it is only when a house is occupied that it can truly become a home. Our home should be a place of safety and give us all not just the best start in life but provide a solid foundation for our entire lives. We want to play our part in making a good, warm, safe & affordable home a reality for the people of the Outer Hebrides.'
The Comhairle works closely with HHP and other partners to deliver affordable homes throughout the Outer Hebrides to encourage population retention and the sustainability of our communities. Good quality housing and housing services play an essential role in the social, economic and physical well-being of Outer Hebrides residents. The Comhairle's Homelessness Service and Empty Homes Project will be represented on the day.
Western Isles Foyer's objective is to help young people to secure a safe place to live, that they can call home and aim to support them feel more socially included, valued, respected and access to opportunities to help them reach their potential. The Foyer work in close partnership with the Comhairle, HHP, TIG and other agencies to make sure young people can access housing services relevant to their needs and circumstances.
For more information contact- Holly Magee, Customer Service & Marketing Officer, TIG
follow @scothousingday on Twitter
Sailings of the MV Isle of Lewis tomorrow (Saturday August 31st) will be delayed due to livestock sales in Lochboisdale.
A revised timetable for MV Clasnman brings her to Lochboisdale for 6.30pm to return to Oban following the sale. To avoid a berthing clash at Oban, MV Isle of Lewis's timetable has been delayed and she will depart Castlebay at 6.45am.
Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron has praised the work of Ruth Davidson MSP who announced her resignation as leader of the Scottish Tories today (Thursday 29th August).
"Since taking over as leader of our party in 2011, Ruth has taken us from strength to strength.
Elections for each of the Community Councils in the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar area are underway.
Nomination papers are available on the Comhairle's website or from any of the main Council Offices and must be returned by 4.00pm on Tuesday 17 September 2019.
Women are being urged to stand up for politics at a unique event in Stornoway next month (Saturday September 7th).
Scotland's Women Stand is the latest initiative to address inequalities which keep women from being fully represented in the democratic process, especially at local level.
The Lewis football coach who led Lewis and Harris women to Highlands and Islands league cup glory last weekend (Saturday August 24th) has been named as the north region's nominee in the people's choice category of the Scottish FA's grassroots awards.
Coach Euan Macleod has been recognised for his positive contribution to developing enthusiasm for football among Western Isles women, his nomination coming before he led the women's team to cup success. He's one of four nominees for the award.
Livestock prices were better than expected at an extremely wet first sale of the season at Steinish yesterday (Wednesday August 28th).
The sale of lambs and sheep saw 3,900 animals pass through the pens at Lewis and Harris Auction Mart, to be sold under the direction of auctioneers from Dingwall and Highland Marts.
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Isles MP Angus B MacNeil has strongly criticised the decision to suspend sittings of the House of Commons during September and early October.
He said yesterday (Wednesday August 28th):
"The steps taken by Prime Minister Boris Johnson today to suspend Parliament is unbelievable and shocking. I have received calls from people in other countries asking what is going on in the circus of UK politics.
Police in Lewis and Harris are to be issued with new technology which allows them to record details of incidents without having to return to base.
Training in the use of the new hand-held mobile devices begins on Monday (September 2nd) and the island force is expected to be using the new system operationally by mid-September.
Stornoway police are appealing for public help after an assault was reported in public toilets in Stornoway yesterday (Tuesday August 27th).
At 3.30pm yesterday a woman called police to report an assault within the public toilet on Perceval Square in the town centre.
One of Luskentyre's famous white ponies is to appear as a calendar star in the BBC Countryfile calendar for 2020 – and she could even be on the front cover.
Visitor David Brown is one of hundreds of photographers, amateur and professional, who capture a picture of Eriskay pony Isla and her companion, Highland pony Toby, on the dunes at Luskentyre each summer.
Residents of Great Bernera are to be among the first in the UK who will be able to order installation of the fastest fibre broadband connections currently available, it was announced today (Wednesday August 28th).
A collaboration between BT Openreach and the £442 million Digital Scotland (DSSB) project means that 220 homes in Great Bernera should now be able to install 'full-fibre ultrafast broadband', with speeds of 30 megabytes per second (30Mbps+). Previous download speeds were around 2Mbps.
Two of the UK's most westerly small island communities - Great Bernera and Grimsay - are now the best-connected as well - as full fibre broadband networks go live in the Outer Hebrides, linking direct to each home.
Now, every single one of the 113 households on Grimsay is able to access reliable, ultrafast broadband, while on Great Bernera all 220 households can connect.
Police officers in the Highlands and Islands will start using mobile devices as part of their operational duties which will increase their visibility within local communities.
Officers will be able to access a wide range of police systems while out on duty without the requirement to return to a police station and log on to a computer.
Two nights of sophisticated pleasure are promised by Stornoway Singers on Friday 20th and Saturday 21st September, as they take their Night at the Opera to Stornoway and Harris.
The choir of talented singers and soloists will be accompanied by a small chamber group, including Neil Johnstone on cello and Andy Yearley on keyboards, as they present a delectable menu of opera classics.
The Loomshed Brewery near Tarbert was officially opened yesterday (Tuesday August 27th) by James Hepburn, MSP, Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills, who is on a visit to various parts of the Outer Hebrides.
As he declared the brewery open – it is in the former Essence of Harris unit in Urgha -he joked that he was grateful they had provided scissors…he had been at such events where the need for this vital component had been overlooked.
Improvements are being sought following a report issued to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar after the official Inspection and Review of Sgoil Bhàgh a' Chaisteil and Sgoil Àraich by Education Scotland.
It says a very positive start has been made by the headteacher which is improving the culture for change within the school.
She has recently established more effective systems and processes for monitoring and evaluating the work of the school.
The following planning applications are pending consideration by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
All information and accompanying documents are publicly available on the CnES website.
Change of top net design at fish farms at three locations, Tarbert
Mowi Scotland has applied for planning permission to change the existing top nets from a hamster-wheel design to a pole-supported top net design at the fish farm at Eilean Raineach, East Loch Tarbert; Scotasay, East Loch Tarbert; Loch Seaforth, Maraig.
New major housing development, Newmarket
Hebridean Housing Partnership has applied for planning permission to build general needs housing and associated external works at Blackwater, Newmarket. Approximately 74 houses are to be built.
The Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland will be visiting Stornoway between 23rd and 27th September.
Established to assume the traditional roles of the Bands of the Scottish Infantry Regiments, the Scots Band supports the British Army and the State at all ceremonial occasions that occur in Scotland, including Garden Parties, State Banquets and Guards of Honour at The Palace of Holyrood House, Edinburgh and Stirling Castles and Balmoral.
A series of images of life in Eriskay in the 1930s have been brought back into focus, thanks to work by a University of Aberdeen researcher.
Now curators at the museum which holds the collection are asking if anyone from the islands can add even more information to the photo records.
A digger being used during restoration work to the gardens of Lews Castle was vandalised overnight last night (Monday August 26th).
Police said the Volvo digger was parked overnight at the Sunken Gardens near to Lews Castle and that some time between 5pm yesterday and 7.55am today (Tuesday) windows were broken on the vehicle.
Anyone who knows anything about the damage is asked to contact Police Scotland on the non-emergency number, 101, quoting incident number NH1184/19.
A road safety course designed to safeguard motorcyclists if they have accidents on island roads is coming to Stornoway on Saturday (August 31st).
The free, three-hour Biker Down course is the first ever to be run in the north of Scotland and is based on the idea that bikers will have accidents, but their survival and injury chances can be improved by better awareness.
Course leader Gary Wood of Fire Scotland told welovestornoway.com today (Tuesday): "This is a UK-wide initiative which started at Kent Fire and Rescue Service, where they ran a number of initiatives trying to reduce the number of people killed or injured on the roads. They found that they couldn't make any headway with reducing accidents, so they decided to come at it from a different angle and try to ensure a better outcome if bikes do crash."
A call has been made for a comprehensive funding review of how rural housing is funded and delivered for the islands.
Councillor Donald Crichton, Chairman of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar's Joint Consultative Committee, on Crofting called for joined-up thinking from Ministers to tackle depopulation and utilise Croft land to encourage young people to live and work in rural communities.
The inaugural Award for Significant Contribution to Gaelic Development from the Donald Stewart Memorial Trust has been jointly won by Katie Gillies, of The Nicolson Institute and Uilleam MacDougall, Sgoil Bhàgh a' Chaisteil.
The Award has been established in recognition of Donald Stewart's work on, and support of, the Gaelic language whilst serving as MP for the Western Isles.
A healthy crowd flocked to Steinish last Friday (23rd August) as the Auction Mart played host to the Lewis and Harris Sheep Producers Association's (LHPSA) Autumn Event.
Following an introduction from LHSPA Chair Iain Maciver, Jane Thompson of Shearwell Data Ltd entered the auction Mart ring. Jane began by talking the crowd through correct tagging procedure before giving a demonstration of Shearwell's EID scanner. The scanner sends information read from a sheep's tags to your smartphone, giving better control over data management and record keeping.
Classic car owners from Lewis and Harris are being called out for a winter photoshoot as the UK's biggest selling classics magazine comes to the islands.
The Western Isles are the 'challenging' location chosen by Practical Classics magazine for an annual feature designed to show off both cars and scenery, in the hope of inspiring readers to get more of both.
The first Point Beavers and Cubs will be outside this evening (Monday August 26th), building shelters among the trees at their first meeting of the new term.
Eight drivers were warned by police over the weekend of August 23rd to 25th, in a series of incidents on the road.
Police detected offences including careless driving, anti-social driving, driving without correct documentation and speeding, with fines being issued to most of the drivers.
Music students from the Lews Castle College UHI courses based in Benbecula came together in Stornoway on Thursday and Friday last week to graduate in Stornoway.
Lewis and Harris women's football team ended a glorious phase of women's football in the islands with a cup triumph yesterday (Saturday August 24th).
A fault on the main power network has left customers in Lochs without electricity for much of the day today (Sunday August 25th) with some customers still in the dark this evening.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks said over 450 customers had been affected since 1.40pm in areas including Leurbost, Balallan, Grimshader and Ranish.
Highland dancers from Lewis and Harris were resting their feet today, after a busy and successful days yesterday (Saturday August 24th), with a dance festival and a cruise ship coinciding in a single day.
The Mackinnon Festival, hosted by Sharon Mackinnon School of Highland Dancing, saw dancers from across the Western Isles and from Skye, Gairloch, Stonehaven, Munlochy and Caithness competing for trophies.
Athlete Paul Finnegan says he's determined to swim the Minch, after his attempt last night (Saturday August 24th) ended 8.7 miles into the crossing.
The endurance athlete joined his team aboard the support boat Endeavour at 12.45 this morning (Sunday), admitting defeat when he became unable to keep down either food or water.
"Did one artist do all this?" Variations of this question were asked in An Lanntair's main gallery throughout yesterday (Friday August 24th) evening as the new show 'All That I Do' began to allow people to explore the work of locally-based artist Tom Hickman.
Working from his home in North Tolsta, whatever the material, Tom follows his impulse to create which he says has never wavered since his childhood in the Mull of Kintyre.
A Stornoway author and a Ness champion of Gaelic education have been awarded honorary fellowships by the University of the Highlands and Islands.
Malcolm Macdonald and Annie Macsween were presented with the awards at the Lews Castle College UHI graduation ceremony at Martin's Memorial Church, Stornoway, on Friday 23 August.
Mr Macdonald, who grew up in Stornoway, co-authored The Darkest Dawn with the late Donald John MacLeod. Published in 2018, the book details the tragedy of the Iolaire, a ship which sank near Stornoway harbour in January 1919 causing the loss of many Royal Navy reservists returning home at the end of the First World War.
The annual Lews Castle College UHI graduation and prize giving ceremony took place this afternoon (Friday August 23) at Martin's Memorial Church in Stornoway.
Lews Castle College Principal Iain Macmillan welcomed the graduates, students, families and UHI guests to the graduation before introducing guest speaker, Professor Alasdair Smith.
The date has been set for the second of this summer's Big Minch Swims, with swimmer Paul Finnegan set to embark on his attempt tomorrow evening (Saturday August 24th).
Harris councillor Paul, who works for Harris Voluntary Service, was due to be swimming alongside Minch king Colin Macleod in June, but a bad chest infection set back his training and he was then due in Gibraltar, where he was one of the coaches for the NatWest Island Games Team.
Stornoway police are looking for a cyclist who was involved in an altercation with a driver in Stornoway on Wednesday evening (August 21st). They have made the appeal after a car driver reported an assault in Perceval Square shortly after 7.25pm.
The final resting place of the HMY Iolaire is to be recognized as an official war grave by the Ministry of Defence.
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has warmly welcomed this news. This comes after a long campaign led by the Comhairle, with support from the community and the local MSP Dr. Alasdair Allan, to have the site recognized and protected.
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Lews Castle College UHI's graduation ceremony at Martin's Memorial Church tomorrow (Friday August 23rd) will offer students an opportunity to celebrate both what they have achieved and who they have become, according to the keynote speaker.
Professor Alasdair Smith is returning home to Lewis to deliver the graduation address. One of an accomplished and well-respected family, he grew up in Ness and Sandwick, where his Breasclete-born father was headteacher first of Lionel School and later of Sandwick School. His mother was from Newvalley.
Members of uniformed services and supporters of military charities are among the visits on a whistle-stop tour of Stornoway by a parliamentary spokesman on military affairs today (Thursday August 22nd).
Scottish Conservative MSP for West Scotland Maurice Corry is convener of the Scottish Parliament's cross-party group on armed forces and the veterans' community. He's also a former territorial army officer and army reservist, his last posting serving with 7 Scots.
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The Western Isles MP is encouraging constituents to check their domestic white-goods appliances.
"With 47 fires caused by tumble dryers in Scottish homes last year and a major, ongoing tumble dryer recall, all of us need to check and use them safely", explains Na h-Eileanan an Iar MP, Angus MacNeil.
Grinneabhat Community Project is offering a chance to remember loved ones and to support the development.
Urras Coimhearsnachd Bhràdhagair agus Àrnoil (UCBA), the Bragar and Arnol Community Trust, on the West Side of Lewis has introduced a fundraising initiative which will also ensure a lasting memorial to people with a connection to the area.
Andrew Macdonald, originally from Upper Bayble, plans to row 100km on an indoor rowing machine within 12 hours to raise funds for the Maggie's Centre charity, with the intention of raising at least £1,200.
On October 4, the policeman who lives in Edinburgh is set to face the challenge of rowing approximately 12km further than the Stornoway-Ullapool ferry route.
The son of the late Iain C Macdonald and Alice Macdonald, Andrew has been inspired to raise money for Maggie's, a cancer-support charity, after his wife, Louise, was diagnosed with breast cancer in summer 2018, aged just 35.
Stag Bakeries announced a 'breakthrough' in the saga of the broken oven today (Wednesday August 21st), with a temporary fix that puts their iconic plain loaf back on local shelves.
The Stornoway-baked bread, officially named best bread in Scotland earlier this year, has been missing from island tables for over five weeks, after a pump broke in the specialist deck-oven which is needed to bake the plain loaf.
Barra RNLI Lifeboat was launched yesterday afternoon (Tuesday August 20th) to the assistance of a small leisure vessel which had run out of fuel and was drifting, six miles south-east of Barra.
Stornoway Coastguard operations centre tasked the lifeboat after receiving a call at 2.30pm, saying that the 70-year-old man, who was alone in the vessel, was in need of assistance.
Emergency teams were called to Eriskay yesterday afternoon (Tuesday August 20th) when a 37-year-old man was reported to be in the water off Bun a Mhullin.
Stornoway Coastguard operations centre received a call from the Scottish Ambulance service at 1.40pm, saying they had had a report of a man in the water.
Two men in a small boat found themselves drifting in Broad Bay without engine power yesterday afternoon (Tuesday 20th August).
Stornoway Coastguard operations centre received a call saying the men were in difficulty off Portnaguran at 3.27pm, and tasked Stornoway RNLI Lifeboat and Stornoway Coastguard Rescue Team to attend.
A media broadcaster who grew up near Stornoway has been named as the University of the Highlands and Islands Alumnus of the Year.
Anne Lundon, a BBC broadcaster who studied at Lews Castle College UHI, will be presented with the award at their graduation ceremony on 23 August at Martin's Memorial Church of Scotland.
The award is presented to a former student in celebration of their services to the community, achievements in arts or sciences, business or in public or academic life.
Bàtaichean agus Eile (Boats etc), the latest exhibition at Comann Eachdraidh An Rubha, showcases the talent of local craftsmen whose interest in the sea and boats has inspired them to construct impressive models of a variety of types of boat.
The exhibition opened in the Comann Eachdraidh's area in the Old Knock School – now home to Buth an Rubha, Café Roo and Point and Sandwick Trust – in June and will run for the foreseeable future. It is supported by Point and Sandwick Trust.
The idea for the exhibition came about when John Campbell (Iain Nommie) of Portvoller – the maker of the famous Iolaire model – donated some of his other models of boats to the Comann Eachdraidh.
The Hebrides International Film Festival will take place at venues throughout the Outer Hebrides – from the Butt to Barra – from September 12 to 14.
There will around 78 screenings at 12 venues over the three days, from Thursday through to Saturday, with final arrangements now being made for the event.
The number of police officers serving in the Highlands and Islands divisional area has fallen in recent months.
Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron has expressed concern after the publication of a report which shows that the numbers serving in the region had gone down by 13.
Competing statements were issued during this afternoon (Tuesday August 20th) by the Bethesda Trustees and the Integration Joint Board which links Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and NHS Western Isles.
This exchange follows the rejection by the Bethesda Trustees last week of a new deal from the IJB and is part of a dispute over funding going back several years.
The Bethesda Trustees said they "were unable to accept the offer proposed by the IJB as it is putting the organisation at risk and jeopardising the service."
The IJB replied by saying: "Despite public claims to the contrary, no evidence has been presented that Bethesda is currently an organisation in financial distress."
Extension to house, Northbay
Michael Cox of Santa Maria, Ardmhor, has applied for planning permission to build an extension onto the house at Santa Maria, Ardmhor. The extension is to be a small, single-storey, flat-roofed, lean-to type extension on the gable end adjacent to the kitchen for use as a utility room.
Tonight's concert (Tuesday August 20th) due to be played in Castlebay by the Nevis Ensemble has been cancelled, because of a technical issue affecting the ferry.
MV Isle of Lewis is delayed from her 1.30pm run, which would have brought the 40 orchestral musicians and their tour managers to Castlebay in time for tonight's performance at Castlebay Community Hall.
Shepherd's hut for holiday let, Maraig
David Phillips of 7 Maaruig has applied for planning permission to erect a shepherd's hut to be used as a holiday let, at 3 Eileanabuich, Maraig. The building will be 5.1 metres long, 2.4 metres wide and 3 metres tall. The walls are to be clad in larch and painted blue.
New pipe bridge, Newvalley
Scottish Water has applied for planning permission to install a pipe bridge in Newvalley. (see below images)
Veterans of the armed forces are being invited to a meeting tomorrow evening (Wednesday August 21st) with the Scottish Parliament's shadow spokesman for veteran affairs.
The Scottish Conservative MSP for West Scotland, Maurice Corry MSP, is also convener of the cross-party group on armed forces and veterans community, and he's in Stornoway on a fact-finding visit to see what concerns veterans the most.
Scotland's only Street Orchestra is heading for the Outer Hebrides, with a full bill of events in Lewis on Monday August 26th.
The Nevis Ensemble has as its vision 'music for everyone, everywhere', and they are set to prove it with a series of concerts in community halls, schools and much less traditional venues – such as beaches and airports.
Scotland's only Street Orchestra is heading for the Outer Hebrides, reaching the Isle of Harris on Friday (August 23rd).
The Nevis Ensemble has as its vision 'music for everyone, everywhere', and they are set to prove it with a series of concerts in community halls, schools and much less traditional venues – such as the beaches at Seilebost and Luskentyre.
Scotland's only Street Orchestra is heading for the Outer Hebrides, making its first stop in Castlebay today. The Nevis Ensemble has as its vision 'music for everyone, everywhere', and they are set to prove it with a series of concerts in community halls, schools and much less traditional venues – such as the beach at Vatersay and the airport at Traigh Mhor.
Na h-Eileanan an Iar MP Angus MacNeil is reiterating his call to island parents to ensure their children receive lifesaving vaccinations.
This comes following recent media reports that the UK has lost its World Health Organization 'measles-free' status.
A 20-year-old woman is to appear in court after an incident yesterday morning (Monday August 19th) at an address in Laxdale.
Police were called to the address at 6.50am and the woman was arrested and later charged with police assault and resisting arrest.
She was taken to Stornoway police station, where she was charged and released when sober, on an undertaking to appear at Stornoway Sheriff Court on Tuesday September 3rd.
The Western Isles need better basic facilities if visitors are to get the best out of their holiday, according to one of the Lewis's regular tour guides.
Guide Maggie Smith of Lochs has made the call after leading a party of American tourists through a number of disappointments on Sunday (August 18th) during a tour to the Butt of Lewis. Her experiences were, she said, all too common.
Posting on Facebook after the tour, she showed one of the reasons for her concern. She said: "This picture was taken from the 'car park' at the Butt of Lewis, which was empty due to the huge puddle bang in the middle of the access. Another two coach companies decided not to brave the puddle – they parked on the road and their passengers walked up to the Butt.
Gaelic writers at any level have a chance to improve their skills during a Lewis-based development week.
Applications for the event close tomorrow (Wednesday 21 August) at 5pm.
Ten writers will have the chance to take part in the development of a new Gaelic drama work.
The event will be held from 29 September to 4 October.
Two places are reserved for under-30's and two places are reserved for those from the Western Isles and Skye.
An event involving "Concerned Christians Meeting for Prayer" has taken place again in Stornoway and a further such event is now planned.
On Friday August 16th a number of Christians came together for the second such meeting in the APC church in Keith Street, Stornoway.
A broken-down refuse truck is to be recovered by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar on the road from Tarbert to Scalpay this morning (Tuesday August 20th).
The work to move the truck means the road will be closed for an indefinite period from 10am, while cranes are brought in to lift the vehicle from the verge where it is currently stuck.
The Castlebay offices of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar are without email or telephone services today (Monday August 19th).
A public notice from CnES states that engineers are expected on site in Barra at 6pm tonight.
Meanwhile the main contact number has been redirected to customer services in Stornoway.
All emails will be queued until communications have been restored.
Fire stations throughout Lewis and Harris will be open for all on Saturday (August 24th), as Fire Scotland makes a bid for new recruits to the service.
Fire stations in Stornoway, Ness, Shawbost, Great Bernera, South Lochs, Tarbert, Scalpay and Benbecula will all have their doors wide open between noon and 4pm with a host of come-and-try opportunities for young and old.
Concerns have been reported across the Outer Hebrides and the Isle of Skye as well as other island groups about the installation of home energy products.
Now Trading Standards teams across the North of Scotland are reminding householders to be on their guard if they are approached by individuals offering to install home energy products.
An improved offer of support for Bethesda Hospice in Stornoway has been made by Western Isles Integration Joint Board (IJB), which is responsible for funding health and social care services in the community.
The IJB is a partnership between NHS Western Isles and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, which manages funding agreements for the hospice and other care services including community nursing, social care and GP services.
An expected early start from Stornoway harbour tomorrow morning (Monday August 19th) is due to mark the start of this year's guga hunt.
A moment of history was marked in St Kilda last night (Saturday August 17th) as the island's seasonal workers and visitors lifted their last toast at the Puff Inn.
The iconic watering hole has closed after over 50 years providing the only social gathering place for MoD personnel. By invitation, it also offered a sociable shelter for the conservation workers and working volunteers who make up the summer population.
A man was airlifted from St Kilda on Saturday (August 17th) after falling suddenly ill while he was there.
The man complained of severed stomach pains and Coastguard helicopter R948 was sent to bring him to Stornoway for medical examination.
He was landed at Stornoway airport and taken onward to Western Isles Hospital in the care of a Scottish Ambulance crew.
Stornoway police are asking for witnesses to an apparent assault which happened in the early hours of this morning (Sunday August 18th) outside licensed premises on North Beach Street in Stornoway.
Two men were reportedly fighting when a woman intervened and was assaulted in the street around 12.45am today.
Police are asking for witnesses to the incident so that it can be determined whether any charges are to be made. They're asking witnesses to quote incident no NH 1137/19.
A 43-year-old man was found injured in the street by police at 4.25am today (Sunday August 18th) and was taken to Western Isles Hospital.
A programme of events entitled 'Community and Dementia: Creating Better Lives' is coming to the Western Isles on the 16th 17th and 18th of September to find out what people living with dementia and their carers say really matters to them.
The three days will include storytelling sessions, a garden party, art therapy sessions, and finishing with a full 'Creating Better Lives' conference.
A pioneering new play, written by Ness resident Ron Coleman, who lives with early-onset dementia, is in rehearsal at An Lanntair.
Creating has become a way of life for self-taught artist Tom Hickman – from wool-work pictures to dry-stone walls and everything in between.
Signs encouraging road users to 'let cars behind past' are needed on single track roads, says MP Angus MacNeil.
The Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MP has written to Transport Minister Michael Matheson MSP to suggest that more signage is needed to raise awareness about the use of passing places on single track roads.
Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP Alasdair Allan has welcomed today's (Friday August 16th) announcement by the Scottish Government that it has taken the Ferguson Marine shipyard in Port Glasgow under public ownership.
Today's agreement will enable completion of the two dual-fuel ferries under construction for CalMac.
A road in the Castle Grounds has been closed today (Friday August 16th) as Stornoway Trust workers begin felling a large tree affected by recent heavy rains.
A branch from the mature beech tree fell overnight. The tree is now to be completely felled to prevent any danger to walkers and customers of the castle, museum and college staff and students.
Stornoway muscle-man Stuart Macdonald is coming home from the Bahamas on a high, after being officially honoured as one of the world's top five fitness models.
Stuart was placed fourth on his first attempt at the World Beauty Fitness and Fashion championships, held in the Bahamas on Friday and Saturday last week (August 9th and 10th).
Engineers from Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks acted quickly this morning (Friday August 16th) to avert a possible major power outage in Harris and Scalpay.
Two teams of engineers from SSEN were hard at work in 'unpleasant conditions' between 1am and 4am today, after routine inspections revealed a power pole which was severely bowed under strain and likely to snap.
Outer Hebrides Tourism has appointed a new marketing co-ordinator to make the most of the numerous stories the islands have to tell.
Christina Morrison (28) has come to the post after studying and working in events and marketing in Glasgow and in the islands. She'll be working from home in South Uist, with a remit to support tourism businesses with marketing that works for everyone.
The Samaritans of the Western Isles have received help from some Samaritans of their own – in the form of community wind farm charity Point and Sandwick Trust.
The Trust have donated £3,000 to the local charity to help with the costs of upgrading their base in Stornoway in order to help them help people in their hour of need.
Those old spectacles, those neglected and forgotten glasses…there's a chance to put them to good use.
Search 'em out, and on 22nd October, between 7-9pm, get round to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Newton Street, Stornoway, and drop them off to bring hope to others throughout the world.
The glasses collections are organised by the Lions Clubs International, which is an international non-political service organization.
Extension of Mosque, Stornoway
Stornoway Masjid has applied for planning permission to extend the mosque at 14A James Street.
Scottish Rugby today (Thursday August 15th) announced Walker Slater, in conjunction with Harris Tweed Hebrides, will be the Official Formalwear Partner for the next two seasons.
The historic fabric has been applied to a bespoke tweed in keeping with the rich rugby heritage and colours associated with the national team and governing body.
Replacement of existing antenna and addition of antenna, Northbay
Arqiva has applied for planning permission to replace the existing antenna and add a new antenna at the telecommunications mast at Bruernish, Northbay.
Lewis and Harris Auction Mart has seen an unprecedented surge in bookings for early sales this season, with Brexit uncertainty fuelling some of the rush to sale.
The first sale of the season, of lambs and sheep on Wednesday August 28th, closed to bookings more than two weeks before its expected close date of August 21st, having reached sale capacity of 4,000, mostly lambs.
Stornoway model
A Dundee University student has recreated the face of a Stornoway woman – 2,000 years after she was last seen alive.
Edinburgh student Karen Fleming has created the three-dimensional model of the Iron Age woman from wax as part of her Master of Science (MSc) degree in forensic art and facial identification. She's been named 'Hilda' and she's to go on display from Friday as part of the University of Dundee's Masters Show, which showcases the work of 80 students studying for masters' degrees.
A 20-year-old man was stopped by police in Willowglen, Stornoway yesterday (Tuesday August 13th) because of the way he was driving.
He was taken to Stornoway police station, where he was charged with careless driving and police assault, and was released later on an undertaking to appear at Stornoway Sheriff Court on September 3rd.
A rapt Edinburgh audience listened attentively to every word of a presentation last night (Tuesday August 13th) on the tragedy of the Iolaire.
Author Malcolm Macdonald and a supporting panel were in the Speigeltent in Charlotte Square as part of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, to discuss The Darkest Dawn, the book about the disaster which was published last year by Stornoway publishers Acair.
The best bread in Scotland has temporarily disappeared from island tables, after a 'catalogue of disasters' with one of the ovens at Stag Bakeries.
A broken pump has brought production of the Stag plain loaf to a halt, with no guarantee when baking can start again on the islands' favourite bread.
A new book of musical legend Pipe Major Donald Macleod's piobaireachd was launched yesterday (Tuesday August 14th) in Glasgow in the National Piping Centre.
Donald Macleod's Collection of Piobaireachd, launched as part of the Piping Live festival, is the first time all Donald Macleod's piobaireachd have been brought together inside one cover and the project received funding from community wind farm Point and Sandwick Trust and the Lewis and Harris Piping Society.
Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP Alasdair Allan this week accompanied police officers in Stornoway as part of the national 'Give a Day to Policing' scheme.
As part of the scheme, Members of the Scottish Parliament across the country have been invited to spend a day with Police Scotland during the summer parliamentary recess to see first-hand the work undertaken in their constituencies.
The great island tradition of neighbours getting together to extract someone's car from a roadside ditch acquired another episode to its long-running serial this week.
Clinton White is up the Isle of Lewis on holiday with his family and he went out for a drive around the island with his father-in-law James Mackenzie.
The first chance to see inside the nerve centre of search and rescue in the Western Isles will be on Saturday (August 17th).
Stornoway Coastguard operations room will be opening its doors to the public for the first time since the major refit of the station three years ago, and all the island emergency services will be gathering to show off the technology and teamwork that keeps the islands safe.
Barra's Amanda Anderson will be judging at the Scottish Oyster Shucking Championships next month.
Amanda, from Barra Oysters, will be joined by Clare MacDougall from Seafood Scotland at the ShuckOff competition.
Bethesda hospice in Stornoway was the big winner after a football game between Back FC and a Ross County XI at the iconic Upper Coll football complex on July 26th.
It's time to create a new mainland consumer market for goose-meat to help with bird population control on the Islands and permit crofting to flourish.
That's the view of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, following the announcement that the sale of resident Greylag Goose meat from Orkney will be available for sale Scotland-wide.
A new local travel voucher scheme to assist individuals using recovery services is being piloted by the Outer Hebrides Alcohol & Drug Partnership (OHADP).
The concessionary scheme has been launched for individuals who live in the Western Isles.
A special housewarming party will help the community of Pairc to celebrate Community Land Week on Wednesday (14thAugust).
The event will also create a welcome for the two families who are to become tenants in the new community-owned houses at Cearn Aonghais, which have been converted from disused buildings over the past few months.
The projects for Lionel School's new football pitch and the Comunn Eachdraidh Nis expansion both received a welcome boost to their fundraising campaigns with the news that Charles Young of 7 Fivepenny will compete in the Great Scottish Run Half Marathon in Glasgow on the 29 September to raise funds on their behalf.
The funds raised will be divided equally between the two Ness projects.
Essence of Harris, based in Tarbert, has opened a new outlet in Aberdeen airport…following the success of its Inverness Airport store.
They say: "We are thrilled to be opening our latest Essence of Harris store, located in the Departures Lounge at Aberdeen Airport today (Monday 12th of August)
Western Isles Labour candidate, Alison MacCorquodale, has called for immediate action by the Scottish Government to ensure completion of two CalMac ferries if the Ferguson shipyard goes into administration today (Monday August 12th).
She also demanded a full public inquiry into the scandal and a statement from the First Minister who announced the contract on an impromptu visit to the Ferguson yard during the 2015 election campaign.
Merlins have been reappearing on Barra in the past few days, says Bruce Taylor.
"Through the autumn they are often our most frequently seen bird of prey on the island," said the Barra-based 'birder' on Twitter at the weekend.
Members of Stornoway Rowing Club will be among the supporters lining up in the early hours of tomorrow morning (Monday August 12th) to send off a team planning to row the Minch.
The five rowers from Ullapool Coastal Rowing Club arrived today (Sundat August 11th) from Ullapool aboard the Loch Seaforth and plan to put out the oars from their 22ft St Ayles skiff, Cul Mor, in Stornoway at 4am tomorrow on the 50-mile crossing to Ullapool.
A 35-year-old woman is in a stable condition in Western Isles Hospital, after suffering a cardiac arrest during yesterday's (Saturday August 10th) Marathon Hebrides in Harris.
Emergency services were called after the woman collapsed at the 15.5mile mark of the race, which was run in heavy rain with strong winds.
Hebrides Mountain Rescue Team and several teams of first responders from around Lewis and Harris were helping to marshal the race and were on hand to respond to the emergency immediately, with a local doctor and paramedics treating the woman at Leverburgh.
Three romances this weekend proved that music really is the food of love, with one wedding and two engagements blossoming alongside Lewis's thriving musical scene.
Drummer D C Macmillan started the trend with his marriage last week to artist Alice Macleod.
Police are appealing for information after a car was vandalised in Stornoway on the night of Thursday August 8th.
The Vauxhall Corsa was parked at pier no. 1 at Stornoway harbour between 10.30pm and 11.50pm on Thursday when both wing mirrors were broken off the car.
Rural organisations have appealed to politicians to recognise the value of grouse shooting for what is described as one of the most important seasons in generations.
Ahead of the start of the season tomorrow (Monday August 12th) The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), the Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA), Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) and the Scottish Association for Country Sports (SACS) have together issued a joint statement asking for the social, economic and environmental contribution of moorland management to be appreciated.
On Friday August 9th Scottish Salmon Company staff presented the Western Isles Islands Games Association with £1500 raised during the Lewis Carnival food and drink festival on Saturday August 3rd which was sponsored by the company.
Faclan: the Hebridean Book Festival will support the development of a theatre adaptation of Lewis writer Alastair McIntosh's book Soil and Soul, it was announced recently.
Alan Bissett, the award-winning playwright, novelist and creator of The Moira Monologues, is adapting Alastair's acclaimed work which describes how McIntosh's upbringing on the Isle of Lewis shaped his life's work as a prominent environmental and land rights activist. The project is being produced by new Lewis-based arts organisation sruth-mara.
The crisis over ferry services to the Outer Hebrides deepened last night (Friday August 9th) as it became clear that Ferguson's Shipyard in Glasgow was on the brink of going into administration for the second time in five years.
Another improved pay and conditions offer has been made by Highlands and Islands Airports in a bid to end the long-running and increasingly rancorous dispute with Air Traffic Controllers throughout HIAL's network of airports.
Following talks with the Prospect union on Tuesday 6 August, HIAL submitted a further offer that augmented their previous proposal.
Blue-green algae is present in Loch Eirearaigh, Brue, according to recent samples.
The Comhairle warn that swallowing the water or algal scum can cause stomach upsets or more serious health effects.
Contact with the water or algal scum can also cause skin problems.
This Saturday's Tong Motor Show is cancelled.
This is because of expected poor weather conditions and a waterlogged site.
On Wednesday (7th August) crowds flocked to Carloway as 2019's busy Agricultural Show calendar came to a close.
The Show was this year opened by Lord Lieutenant Donald Martin who set the tone for the day with a light hearted and humorous speech.
There's only a few days left to claim the Utilita Warm Home Discount, says Tighean Innse Gall.
This deal lets some consumers get £140 off their electricity bills through the wider Warm Home Discount scheme (WHD).
One of Stornoway's best-loved characters, the town's last blacksmith, Calum 'Stealag' Macleod, has passed away at the age of 84.
His funeral is today (Friday August 9th) at the High Church of Scotland at 2pm.
The Western Isles and Skye are some of the first places in Great Britain being used to test what will be the biggest change in how electricity is distributed in over 100 years.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) plans to use local generators on the islands as key parts of the modern electricity grid of the future.
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has has launched a new programme aimed at making the lives of all people with additional support needs attending the Lewis Sports Centre more comfortable and clearer.
The new pilot scheme, in partnership with the Comhairle's Multimedia Unit, will allow Sports Centre staff, partners, carers and other support staff to use brand-new 2D graphics of the Sports Centre layout and a physical 3D model, in order to familiarise people with additional support needs with all areas of the building.
Monitoring work undertaken on behalf of Food Standards Scotland has identified that the high levels of shellfish toxins identified in West Loch Roag - Miavaig and Eilean Tenish, and East Loch Roag in Lewis on 8th July have returned to safe levels. The warning against eating shellfish from these areas has now been lifted.
The best of produce from near and far 09/08/2019
Broad Beans (local)
Bunched Carrots
Sugar snap Peas (local)
Donut Peaches
Satsuma's (Ortanique"s)
A Coastguard Rescue Officer will be heading to Nepal for a 10-week stint of volunteering.
Kayleigh Smith, who works with the Ness Coastguard Rescue Team, will be volunteering for development charity, Raleigh International.
Kayleigh stated on her Just Giving page: "During my time there I will be living with a host family and working with the community on two different projects.
Lewis Pipe Band are hoping the sun shines on them for their last competition of the season – the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow on Friday/Saturday, August 16-17 – after a weather washout at the European Championships in Inverness contributed to disappointing results.
A major power outage hit the whole of the Isles of Lewis and Harris at around 4.45pm today (Wednesday August 7).
According to the statement from Scottish and Southern, it involved a "major system fault."
A training scheme to help reduce the number of collisions involving motorcyclists is to be run for the first time in the Western Isles.
The Rider Refinement North course will take place in Stornoway on Friday, August 30 and is part funded by Transport Scotland's Road Safety Framework Fund.
The initiative was first held during 2018 with courses in Tayside, Aberdeenshire, Moray and the Highlands. It was first held off the Scottish mainland in July this year with a course in Orkney.
The University of the Highlands and Islands has introduced a bursary to support care-experienced students to participate in graduation ceremonies.
The bursary, available from this summer, will provide assistance for costs such as gown hire, photography, travel and accommodation.
Research shows that care experienced students, those who spent time in care as a child, often experience financial difficulties during their studies as they are unable to rely on additional support from family.
The Lewis Carnival committee is calling for all collection tins from the parade to be dropped off at the Intermedia Services offices (Sign Print entrance) in Church House. Anyone still with a collection can, please return it as soon as possible.
Cyclist Iain Macleod, originally of Stornoway, is now on the 4th day of his charity cycle around Scotland in aid of mental health charity SAMH.
SAMH carry out vital work in communities across Scotland in areas such as suicide prevention with the aim of influencing positive social change.
There are still places available for the Cleasachd air a' Bhlàr a-Muigh/Outdoor Activities sessions this week – starting from tomorrow (Thursday August 8th) - and next week.
These sessions are aimed at improving the confidence of Gaelic Medium pupils who haven't had a chance to use Gaelic at home and provide a fun activity for those who have.
The use of Gaelic will be adjusted to the skills of those involved.
The following planning applications are pending consideration by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
New house, Back
Nichola Lockerby of 25B Newmarket has applied for planning permission to build a house at 30A Back.
Pictured: Lochs Show Committee Members Ken Mackay, Peter Maclennan (Chair), Norman Mackay and Hilda Maclachlan (Secretary), with David Campbell of SERA and raffle winner, Fiona Howat.
Lochs Show Car Raffle winner, Fiona Howat from Timsgarry, Uig was today (Tuesday August 6th) presented with the keys to her new Dacia Sandero.
With a high number of tickets sold, the lucky winner was announced to an expectant crowd at the end of the Lochs Show on Saturday July 27th .
Two major events in South Harris this weekend will mean congestion on the roads as well as boosted visitor numbers.
The Harris Open Golf tournament is taking place at Scarista on the afternoon of Friday August 9th and all day Saturday 10th, with a considerable number of parked cars expected through the village.
Northton's Temple Café is enjoying a successful season under new management this summer.
New owner Amanda Saurin has now permanently relocated to Harris with her husband Julian, after 'impulse-buying' the café and the croft across the road while they were looking for land to build a new eco-house.
Amanda told welovestornoway.com: "I have been working with the Isle of Harris Distillery as part of my apothecary business for several years and we kept coming up and down to Harris. Early this year we decided to make the move here permanently and came up in February to look for somewhere to build.
Butterflies 2019
Sightings of a long-distance migrant butterfly have been recorded the length and breadth of Lewis and Harris, during a mass-migration which has blanketed Britain.
A call from the Butterfly Conservation Society for sightings of the Painted Lady butterfly has brought in records from locations as far apart as Strond in Harris, Barvas, Shawbost and Laxdale, with a noticeable cluster of sightings around Ness.
Stornoway cyclist Christina Mackenzie has vowed to complete her latest challenge, despite accepting that she can't beat the record she was chasing.
Endurance athlete Christina was hoping to beat the fastest woman's time for the epic cycle from Land's End to John o' Groats – a journey of 839 miles to be completed in less than 52 hours, 45 minutes and 11 seconds.
Stornoway airport café is expected to re-open under new management on Friday this week (August 9th).
The café has been closed since April after the retirement of the former manager, leaving airport staff having to deal with disgruntled passengers unable to get a cup of tea while waiting for flights.
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar 2019 SQA exam data, released today (Tuesday August 6th) indicates a positive outcome for the young people of the Western Isles.
Pass rates for those achieving National 5 in S4 have increased by 1.2% to 87.8%. Passes at Higher for S5 and S6 pupils in Western Isles schools increased significantly by 2.4% in 2019 to 78.6%.
Advanced Higher results show a small decrease in the number of presentations and passes compared to a peak in 2018 but remains higher than in previous years.
Final preparations are underway for Stramash this weekend (August 9 and 10), now based in Willowglen after it became clear the festival could not use the Castle Green as usual this year because of the condition of the Castle Green.
The ground on Castle Green was saturated before the Hebridean Celtic Festival after heavy rainfall which also caused a massive overflow of water from ancient storm drains deep in the foundations under Lews Castle. This led to extensive surface damage before, during and after Hebcelt.
Stramash organisers are now all set for two days of free music and family fun, including another likely episode of 'Peatlemania' as local music phenomenon Peat and Diesel are on stage on the Saturday afternoon.
This Saturday at 1pm the Tong Motor Show returns for another year at the Tong Show Ground.
The annual event is organised by the Western Isles Transport Preservation Group with funds raised on the day helping with the running costs of the voluntary organisation.
A postcard which went missing 59 years ago finally reached its destination last week.
The postcard was sent in 1960 from Inverness by Lilly Campbell but was lost in transit before finally making its way to Nellie Mackenzie.
Nellie told welovestornoway.com: "My maiden name was Nellie Gillies and we lived at 1 Bells Road. The postcard should have been delivered there 59 years ago!"
Although there is no longer a house on that site in Bells Road, the local post office workers were able to track Nellie down and deliver the postcard.
A 37-year-old man was due to appear in court today (Monday August 5th) charged with failing to give a sample for testing after a road accident.
The man was involved in a minor road accident at Marybank at 1.35am on Saturday (August 3rd). Police attended and arrested him for drink-driving, but he refused to give a sample at the police station and was charged with that and with other road traffic offences.
Parts of Lewis and all of Harris are under a Met Office warning for thunder, lightning, heavy rain and hail on Tuesday (August 6th).
The Met Office yellow warning issued this morning at 9.30am includes Harris, South Lochs and Uig district in an impact map for severe weather between 11am and 10pm tomorrow.
Local fire officers have renewed warnings about the importance of properly-installed and fully-working smoke alarms, after two people narrowly escaped injury in a serious house fire last night (Sunday August 4th).
Four fire appliances with over 20 retained firefighters from Stornoway, Shawbost and Ness were called to the Hebridean Housing Partnership property at Hillhead in Tong at 11.45pm last night. Two elderly people inside the house had been evacuated after the smoke alarm gave warning of the fire, which had started in the kitchen. Both were uninjured.
Members of the Clan MacQuarrie community centre committee gathered for a commemorative photograph during the family ceilidh and barbecue held to celebrate the centre's tenth anniversary on Saturday July 27th.
Urras Oighreachd Chàrlabhaigh celebrates Community Land Week on 16thAugust
DATE: Friday 16thAugustTIME: 5pm to 8pm
VENUE: Breasclete Community CentreEVENT: From Our Land & Sea showcase event
Friday 2ndAugust saw the official opening of Bernera's new community garden.
With a grant from the Postcode Lottery Trust, the area behind the Bernera Community Centre has been transformed in to a lovely green space, to be enjoyed by the whole community.
Tweed for Tattoo
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo now has its own unique design of Harris Tweed – with the inspiration coming from the event's Producer and Chief Executive, Brigadier David Allfrey.
As a new Tattoo Tweed – named Midnight Blue – was launched today (Monday August 5th), Brigadier Allfrey recalled that when he took up the post, he anticipated the need for "a proper Producer's coat" to protect him from the August chill and "be smart enough to wear in the Royal Gallery".
Arnish despatch
The uplift of the first batch of completed Moray East turbine piles from Arnish yard yesterday (Monday August 5th) was temporarily halted by a minor technical issue with the heavy lifting crane.
Service vessel Normand Service docked yesterday to start on the 12-hour loading of six 120-tonne steel piles which finally began later in the day.
A wedding ring lost on the sands of a beach in Ness is to return to its owner in Glasgow this week (Monday August 5th) after a 'miracle' discovery by an island visitor.
Lewis Carnival Day 2019
[There are loads of really great Lewis Carnival 2019 photographs by Sandie Maciver on
Several thousand people had fun in the sun at the Lewis Carnival yesterday (Saturday August 4th) as the sunny warm weather brought huge crowds out on to the streets - and gave what many described as a Mediterranean-feel to the centre of town.
This years Stramash Festival has moved location - but not far!
The two-day music festival on Friday 9th and Saturday 10th August will now be held at the Old Willowglen Pitch by The Hub.
Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron has called on the Scottish Government to resolve the closure of the Dun Carloway broch.
Mr Cameron has acted as public concern continues to grow at the impact the prolonged closure is having on the island's tourist industry.
Food Festival
Crowds were gathering in Stornoway from midday today (Friday August 2nd) as the first Lewis Carnival Food and Drink festival got under way, featuring a host of Island producers, from sponsors Scottish Salmon, to Stag Bakeries and a wide variety of smaller producers.
Perceval Square car park will be closed from 6pm on Friday 2nd August until 6pm on Saturday 3rd August to make way for the Lewis Carnival.
The Lewis Carnival Committee asks that ALL vehicles be removed before this time.
Hebridean Harmony will hold two come-and-try sessions on Tuesday 6th August and Wednesday 7th August at the new Western Isles Cancer Care Initiative Centre on Cromwell Street, Stornoway.
Hebridean Harmony is a choir group aimed at people who have had an experience with cancer and is inspired by Welsh charity Tenovus and its Sing with Us campaign.
The Scottish Government is making a mistake by failing to prepare Scotland's agriculture sector for Brexit, says Highlands and Islands Tory MSP Donald Cameron.
He spoke after the publication at the House of Commons of the Scottish Affairs Committee report on post-Brexit support for Scottish agriculture.
Former Point FC Youngster fires Britain's Worst Team to first win in four years
Before last night's 5-2 victory over Nairn County, Fort William FC had not win a game in 72 attempts a run spanning 840 days.
In the shadow of Ben Nevis, with the score delicately poised at 3 – 2 in Fort William's favour, 18 year old Donald Morrison fired his side into an unassailable lead and put the game beyond Nairn.
New caravan park, Castlebay
Calum Macdonald of 20B Glen, Castlebay, has applied for planning permission to use the land at 20B Castlebay for a caravan site comprising three pods and a service unit. Work is also to include creating access and parking suitable for eight cars.
New Grandstand, Knock, Point
Point Sport and Recreation Association has applied for planning permission to replace the current 50-seat grandstand in New Garrabost with a 100-seat grandstand.
The best of produce from near and far 02/08/2019
Ayrshire Potatoes
Raspberries (Gleneagles)
Blueberries (West Hardmuir)
Cherries (West Hardmuir)
Kidney patients, hospital staff, NHS officials and relatives gathered yesterday (Wednesday July 31st) in the Renal Unit at Western Isles Hospital to welcome the presentation of two cheques for money to buy two additional dialysis machines for the unit.
Speciality food businesses from the Western Isles are among hundreds displaying their products at the Speciality Fine Food Fair in London 2-4 September.
Taking place at the Olympia Exhibition Centre during Scotland Food and Drink Fortnight, the trade show will see 700 exhibitors showing their latest offerings to trade buyers from the UK and overseas among the 10,000 visitors to the fair.
Exhibitors from the Highlands and islands will be displaying their products at the Scotland Food and Drink Pavilion.
It's time to get those DIY and maintenance projects done before the summer ends and with a good forecast (mostly dry and just enough wind to keep the midges at bay) for the next week there's no better time!
The Fisherman's Co-op can help with tools or supplies you may need to do 'that' job on the boat, around the house or garden, see below for some examples of what you can find in-store:
[gallery ID=72]
Two St Kilda mailboats have been discovered washed up on the shores of Orkney, within days of the 88th anniversary of the island's evacuation.
The last inhabitants of St Kilda, or Hirta, were taken off by boat on August 29th 1930. They included 15 children, the last of whom, Rachel Johnson (née Gillies) died in 2016.
Since 1930, tourists, researchers, National Trust for Scotland (NTS) volunteers and Ministry of Defence staff have been the main visitors to the island, with day-trips run from Harris and small cruise ships making the island a stopping point. Launching a 'St Kilda mailboat' – a floating container containing postcards or messages – is a regular ritual for visitors.
The marine biology research vessel Silurian is due into Stornoway on Sunday (September 2nd), bringing a 'floating classroom' to be enjoyed by primary school pupils next week.
Stornoway Coastguard were called this morning (Friday August 31st) at 5.45am to help with the medical evacuation of a passenger on a cruise ship coming into Stornoway harbour.
A new musical piece of work showcasing ancient Gaelic poetry with a modern twist will be debuted by Mischa Macpherson from Sandwick at next month's Blas Festival.
Mischa's commission, 'Bho Èirigh gu Laighe na Grèine – Sun, Moon, Land, Life, Sea' is a suite of new Gaelic songs, incorporating ancient Gaelic poetry, photography and short films.
Scalafest, the end-of-season bash at the Scaladale centre due to be held tomorrow (Friday 31 August) has been postponed.
The Scaladale Centre said: "Our sympathy goes out to everyone attending the funeral tomorrow.
Stornoway Lifeboat station is the first Western Isles stop for a fundraising challenge team which will be hard to miss on Saturday (September 1st).A lifeboat-orange Porsche 911 driven by Londoners Belinda and James Richardson is aiming to visit all 238 RNLI stations in the British Isles within 911 hours – and they're heading here from Kyle of Localsh and Skye on Saturday night.
Children from a small housing scheme in North Lochs need help with a simple problem. They're asking 'please can we have a place to play?'
All the houses at Druim an Aoil, off School Hill in Ranish, are homes to families with children of primary age or under, the oldest 10 and the youngest just a one-year-old.
But the scheme of mixed privately-owned and Hebridean Housing Partnership houses has no special place to play and parents are now getting together to see whether they can change all that.
An Achmore man who reunited a lost cat with its owners after it had lived rough for over a year is refusing credit for the rescue, insisting that he just did 'what anybody with humanity should do'.
Weaver Billy Matheson spotted the scrawny, tick-ridden ginger tomcat on Monday evening (August 27th), wandering the moor near Achmore, and immediately recognised that it was a lost pet.
The first riders will step out this morning (Thursday August 30th) from Traigh Mhor Pony Trekking, a new company in Tolsta.
Run by biology teacher Leigh Minion with help of her husband Gavin and daughter Kirsty Hart, the riding and trekking centre has been a dream for many years.
A 29-year-old man appeared at Stornoway Sheriff Court this morning (Wednesday August 29th) following a domestic incident in Point on Friday night (August 24th).The man was arrested yesterday (Tuesday August 28th) after police completed enquiries about the incident, which reportedly took place at 7.40pm on Friday.He remained in custody until his court appearance this morning and has now been released on bail.
The theft of over 1,000 Hebridean black bees from a garden in Scalpay was reported to police late on Monday night (August 27th).The incident is the second in the area in less than 18 months, with two hives stolen from Manish in Harris in April 2017.
The funeral of Gravir teenager Hannah Mackenzie will be a colourful occasion – by special request of her family.Hannah's funeral will take place this Friday (August 31st) at Martin's Memorial Church in Stornoway and will be followed by a private interment.
There's another big weekend for Barra and Vatersay with the annual Island Produce Show this Saturday (September 1st) at Vatersay Community Hall.
Stornoway Coastguard rescue helicopter R948 was in action east of Barra last night (Tuesday August 28th) to evacuate a sick passenger.
The cruise ship Magellan had called for assistance just before 11pm, saying that a 73-year-old passenger needed immediate medical evacuation.
The man was airlifted from the cruise ship and flown to Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
His condition is not known.
A Scalpay resident called 999 at 7.55am on Tuesday morning (August 28th) when she saw a man apparently fall from a yacht in East Loch Tarbert.
The man went into the water from the yacht without any evident safety equipment, and Stornoway Coastguard immediately tasked the Coastguard helicopter and volunteer Coastguard teams from Scalpay and Tarbert to head to the scene.
Before another summer of island football comes to a close, the best of the East and best of the West will face off in a charity football match on Friday 7thSeptember.
Community landowner The Stornoway Trust and community wind farm charity Point and Sandwick Trust have come together to form an Interim Joint Committee to make grant awards to projects using money generated by Beinn Ghrideag Wind Farm.
The fund, which is derived from the wind farm's Community Benefit Agreement with the Stornoway Trust, will be administered by a Joint Committee with representatives from both community trusts and will focus on creating and supporting projects across the Stornoway Trust Estate.
A new book on the history of a landmark Lewis business is being launched by Acair Books in Stornoway on Monday, September 3 – and everyone is welcome to attend.
Mitchell's – The Story of a Stornoway Family's Garage and Bus Business – has been written by Colin Tucker, who was engaged to write the book shortly before the sudden death of Ian Mitchell in December 2016.
Commenting following the visit to Barra of the Economic Secretary to HM Treasury, John Glen MP, Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MP Angus Brendan MacNeil said:
"I was very glad that John Glen MP took the time to come and visit the Hebrides today in his role as Economic Secretary to the Treasury, particularly in regard to the Royal Bank of Scotland branch in Castlebay.
Western Isles Transport Preservation Group is celebrating a major landmark in their transformation of the old fish factory at Marybank – having been awarded a certificate from building control for the first phase of the work, with the help of Point and Sandwick Trust.
The building, formerly owned by McConnells, was bought by the Transport Preservation Group in 2010 and they ultimately hope to turn it into a Transport Heritage Centre for the Western Isles.
A name synonymous with all things related to piping will be centre of attraction on the first day of Blas festival next week.
The music of the late great piper, Pipe Major Donald Macleod MBE, will be showcased in Crossing the Minch.
This is a project dreamt up by The Big Music Society, led by world class pipers Calum MacCrimmon (Breabach and Tryst) and John Mulhearn (Tryst).
There's still at least two years to go until the Triangle route – Tarbert-Uig-Lochmaddy – gets its promised new ferry
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar today (Monday August 27th) expressed its frustration at the recent announcement that the new ferry to be allocated on the Uig-Lochmaddy-Tarbert route will not now be entering service until at least summer 2020.
And CnES suggests adequate resources should be made available to ensure the timetable slips no further.
Charity fundraiser Charles Young has set himself a marathon target over the next month, bringing the benefits back home to Ness.
Charles, of 7 Fivepenny, has entered both the Great North Run and the Great Scottish Run, aiming to complete a half-marathon at each in aid of Ness landmark projects.
Point and Sandwick Trust (PST) have added to their growing list of accolades with a place in the shortlist of the UK Social Enterprise of the Year awards.It was announced last week (August 23rd) that the community-owned power company is one of nine shortlisted for the NatWest Bank-sponsored award, the top category in an awards list which includes categories for new start-ups and awards in health, education and technology categories.
Entries are about to close for the popular annual Scalpay 10k road race, set for this Saturday (September 1st). The Scalpay to Tarbert 10K road race has a limit on places and is not open for on-the-day entrants, so if you intend to run the race you need to enter online by Thursday (August 30th).
Carloway Football Club were saddened on Friday (August 24th) at news of the death of one of their most devoted supporters.
And they have taken the opportunity of mourning his passing to also pay tribute to another hardy follower who passed away earlier this year.
A family of four hardy Stornoway women were feeling high on Saturday (August 25th) after successfully conquering Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK.Not only that, but their fundraising attempt beat its target today (Sunday August 26th), with £400 donated via JustGiving.
The four, mum Eilidh Thompson and her daughters Alanna and Carissa McCuaig and Bethany Macleod, had set out on the challenge to raise money for cats and dogs in need of rescue and care in both Lewis and Cyprus.
A man bringing his boat up from the shore at the Braighe on Friday (August 24th) had a lucky escape as the routine manoeuvre went drastically wrong.
He was using a tractor to tow his rowing boat up the slipway from the Braighe, when the tractor slid and fell into the boat, damaging it badly.
The 12th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Hebridean Housing Partnership Limited (HHP) will be held in the Town Hall, Stornoway, on Thursday 30 August beginning at 12.15pm.
HHP strongly encourages tenants and members of the public to attend the AGM. It is a great chance to meet other tenants and the HHP Team.
"You will get the opportunity to have your say about the housing service and ask any questions, receive an overview of projects from the past year and future developments - whilst enjoying the refreshments provided.
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The annual Lews Castle College UHI graduation and prizegiving ceremony took place this afternoon (Friday August 24)-Graduates assembled in the Martins Memorial hall before being piped down Francis Street to be seated in the church building.
Lews Castle College Principal Iain Macmillan welcomed the graduates, students, families and UHI guests to the graduation, before introducing guest speaker, Don Mackay.
Don Mackay, who is originally from Ballantrushal, is UK Operations Director for EDF. Don began by telling the students of his own experience with further education. He explained how having not achieved his desired grades at school he had to work hard to achieve the success he now enjoys. He also explained how through this success he hopes to give opportunities to others on the island.
All of Barra's registered solo fishermen have now been provided with Personal Locator Beacons to help keep them safe at sea, thanks to a Western Isles based fundraising group, Motivated by Mervyn.
The Motivated by Mervyn group was set up in memory of Iain Mervyn Macleod, who was lost at sea off Great Bernera in 2013. Since 2015 his family have been raising funds for safety equipment for solo fishermen, working closely with the Western Isles Fishermen's Association, the UK Coastguard and Lews Castle College.
A new wave of fundraising for protecting fishermen at sea kicks off with tomorrow's (Saturday August 25th) 999 charity football match at Smith Avenue.
Scottish Fire and Rescue will be going toe-to-toe with Police Scotland in the tenth anniversary match between the emergency services, and they've chosen to support local charities including Motivated by Mervyn.
A painting that shows a vanishing world has won an award for Stornoway artist Eilidh Smith.Eilidh, who is the daughter of the well-known artist GP Margaret Ferguson, entered her painting 'Ready for a Ceilidh' into an open festival at Patchings Art Centre in Nottinghamshire. The festival was open from July 12th to 15th and winners were voted for by visitors as well as artist judges.She was delighted to learn that the picture, painted from the heart after a visit to family friends in Harris, won the Daler Rowney Award in the artist category at this year's exhibition.
A brand-new hybrid bike, still in its box, has been taken from a shed in Uig.Police are appealing for information after hearing that the Ridgeback Nova hybrid bike had been taken, some time after being delivered to an address at Timsgarry.The silver-coloured bike, similar to the one pictured, had been delivered and left in a shed on July 30th, but when the owners came to look for it on August 11th it had disappeared.Police are asking anyone with any information about the theft to call them on the non-emergency number, 101.
A road race due to be run on Saturday (August 25th) has been cancelled while a community grieves.
The Calbost Classic Road Race in South Lochs was due to be run tomorrow, but the race organisers have taken the decision to cancel in the light of recent tragic events.
A 57-year-old man is to appear in court in Stornoway after he was stopped and found to be driving while over the alcohol limit.The man was stopped on Thursday (August 23rd) at 8.30pm in Lochs and arrested. He was taken to Stornoway police station where he was charged with drink driving.He was released and is to be reported to the Procurator Fiscal, with a court date yet to be set.
Numerous organisations are offering support for those facing the risk of being overwhelmed by the challenges of life.
This comes in the wake of concerns created by recent events and by the local upsurge around #LetsChalkAboutMentalHealth.
They agree that supporting and acting to keep each other safe is our collective responsibility.
Wether you like your fish fresh off the boat, traditionally smoked or salted Harbour Seafood's have a great selection. Pop down and see what tickles your taste buds!
The Morven Gallery in Barvas will be closed tomorrow, Friday 24 August.
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Following the tragic events of last weekend the island community has responded with the adoption of the Let's Chalk about Mental Health awareness campaign.
On pavements, walls and in shop windows, all across Stornoway messages of positivity and support, written in chalk, have been seen.
The first baby to be born in a Coastguard helicopter has stepped forward to claim her place in history, after worldwide media coverage of a new baby born on board a helicopter in Cornwall.
Baby Torran Macdonald was born on Saturday night (18th August) to an Inverness couple on holiday in the Isles of Scilly.
He was said to have been the second helicopter baby delivered with the help of Coastguard staff, but media coverage left out the trailblazer - a baby girl born in 1989 in the skies over Stornoway.
A proposal to harvest wild kelp from the waters of the Minch using a mechanised dredger is causing increasing concern among island seafood businesses.
Southampton-based Marine Biopolymers Ltd (MBL) have submitted a preliminary marine licence request to the Licensing Operations Team (LOT) of Marine Scotland, the Scottish Government agency responsible for the management of Scotland's seas.
Marine Scotland has asked for responses from interested parties by this Saturday (August 25th), but are promising further consultation when a marine licence application and supporting environmental report are submitted.
Western Isles Lifestyle Lottery (WILL) has postponed the coming weekend's planned Disney-themed events as a mark of respect for the family of Hannah Mackenzie.
The WILL team planned a Disney Ball on Friday (August 24th) and a day of family activities on Saturday (August 25th) to celebrate their first anniversary.
They say: "With the amazing support of the many local businessesand organisations involved, we have been very quicklyable to reschedule the Disney themed weekend to Saturday 1st September. We will keep you updated with some of the necessary amendments to the original programme. What a community!
The RBS Screen Machine is heading towards Castlebay, with a two day programme of big films, family entertainment and a close-up look at marine conservation.
The 80-seater mobile cinema is scheduled to arrive in Castlebay on Friday September 7th and will open its programme at 5.30pm with Incredibles 2, pitting the incredible Parr family against a new super-villain.
The parents who successfully campaigned against the reorganisation of junior Gaelic Medium classes at Stornoway Primary have thanked everyone who helped their cause.
The protest focused on the class going into GM2 (primary 2). This class, of 22 children, had been hailed as a great result for Gaelic Medium Education as it was the first GME intake for Stornoway Primary that was big enough to stand alone, without being combined with the class above.
The new intake, for the 2018/19 session, was also big enough to run as a straight P1 year group.
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Lews Castle College UHI today (Tuesday 21st August) launched a new Innovation Centre.
The innovation centre offers training, advice and development facilities for the use of modern high technology and for people who would like to start their own business.
The centre is free at the point of use offering not just college students but all members of the public an opportunity to develop these skills.
An amnesty for seafarers wanting to dispose of marine pyrotechnics offers a way to protect everyone against dangerous incidents in the future, according to Stornoway Coastguard officers.
The pyrotechnic store at Stornoway Coastguard station will be open on Saturday 1st September, so that people can hand in time-expired tor unwanted marine pyrotechnics including out-of-date flares.
The Screen Machine is due in Tarbert next week, bringing blockbuster movies and family-friendly showings to Harris from Tuesday August 28th to Thursday August 30th.
The scheduled showings of Mamma Mia (Here We Go Again) are already selling fast, with the first showing on Tuesday evening (August 28th) at 8.30pm almost sold out.
New dates for the next free Befriender training sessions, learn how you can become a Befriender and help some-one by simply spending an hour a week chatting over a cuppa, going for a walk, to the gym or whatever you can offer. Befriending Lewis need volunteers across the island to match with people of all ages (18-100), suffering from loneliness and isolation.
Befriending aims to provide supportive, reliable relationships through volunteer befrienders, to people who would otherwise be socially isolated.
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Island weatherman Eddie Graham set out on a 500-mile cycling challenge from the Butt of Lewis on Wednesday July 4th, and is now looking back at the venture and hoping to raise awareness of the BEAT (Beating Eating Disorders) charity still more.
A well-known weather commentator and Lews Castle College lecturer with a huge student following at the University of the Highlands and Islands, he says: "Anorexia and related eating disorders are powerful, insidious and highly destructive illnesses, with death rates equivalent with those of childhood cancers.
Community-based sport and physical activity projects in the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar area have until Tuesday evening to stake their claim for a share of a £1million fund aimed at changing lives and creating a more inclusive and healthier nation.
The Changing Lives Through Sport and Physical Activity (CLTSPA) Fund was launched in June in partnership between the Scottish Government, sportscotland, the Robertson Trust and Spirit of 2012, and will support organisations across the country to deliver positive change in communities across the country.
At 15.53 today (August 20th) Comhairle nan Eilean Siar sent out the following media release.
Statement from Rector of The Nicolson Institute
The Nicolson Institute is in mourning today over the tragic loss of our S6 pupil, Hannah MacKenzie.
We wanted to start this week with a BANG! We have new eligibility criteria for our insulation, its FREE! GET IN TOUCH NOW!
*please note, Council tax bands A,B and C restriction still applies
Some of Stornoway's top junior athletes were in competition at the weekend as Stornoway Running and Athletics Club took a strong contingent to Aberdeen for the Scottish Athletics Under-13, Under-15 and Under-20 Championships.
There's disappointment for ship-spotters and tourism businesses alike this week, as the largest cruise visitor of the season has called off her planned visit to the port of Stornoway
Cunard's newest fleet flagship Queen Elizabeth was due to spend a day anchored off Stornoway on Tuesday (August 21st) as the last call on a 14-day cruise from Southampton to the fjords of Iceland.
A 100-year-old three-masted sailing ship will become a familiar sight around the islands over the next week, as the Dutch schooner Oosterschelde makes her return visit to Stornoway and around the Western Isles.
Lewis Pipe Band are at Glasgow Green were today (Saturday August 18th) competing in the World Pipe Band Championships.
The biggest event in the piping calendar this year sees over 8,000 pipers and drummers from 214 bands and 13 countries, including Canada, New Zealand, Oman and Zimbabwe, competing at all levels.
With Point Football Club poised to top the Lewis and Harris league this year, they've also had good news about a former player.
Donald Alex Morrison has signed a professional contract with Inverness Caledonian Thistle after pre-season friendlies which saw him both play and score for the club.
All pupils of the Nicolson Institute were being offered support today (Saturday August 18th) after the news last night that a body had been found in the search for a missing teenager.
17-year-old Hannah Mackenzie had been missing since 4pm on Thursday (August 16th), the first day of the new school year at the Nicolson Institute.
A major search through the day yesterday (Friday August 17th) was led by Police Scotland and involved Stornoway, Tarbert, Breasclete, Ness, Scalpay, South Lochs, Miavaig and Bragar Coastguard rescue teams, duty officers, Stornoway RNLI lifeboat, Coastguard helicopter R948 and Hebrides mountain rescue team.
Careers advisers from Stornoway with part of a team from across the North of Scotland providing support to young Scots at the start of August after the exam results came out.
Almost 1500 young Scots received direct expert advice and support following their exam results .
More than 50 Skills Development Scotland (SDS) careers advisers worked on the annual Exam Results Helpline for eight days, offering expert advice on everything from resits to Clearing and college to apprenticeships.
With over £45,000 raised for community projects and more than £17,000 handed out in prize money, it's a 1st year worth celebrating for the Western Isles Lifestyle Lottery (WILL).
And celebrate they will with a jam packed weekend of Disney themed events in Stornoway on August 24th and 25th.
A number of organisations and businesses have partnered with the Lottery Team to host events.
At 9pm tonight (Friday August 17th) Police Scotland confirmed that a body has been found in the Castle Grounds, Stornoway.
Police, Coastguard staff and volunteers, as well as members of the public had been involved in a massive search of the Grounds during the day. This followed a missing person alert overnight.
At 13.40 today, Friday August 17th Police Scotland say: Police enquiries are continuing to trace Hannah Mackenzie who has been reported missing in the Stornoway area on the Isle of Lewis.
The 17-year-old from Gravir was last seen at about 4pm on Thursday, August 16 outside the Nicolson Institute in Stornoway and was reported missing later that evening.
Hannah is described as being 5ft 5in tall, slim build, with dark hair worn in a ponytail.
She was last seen a dark blue Nicolson Institute sweater, wearing black skinny jeans and a black waist length jacket with white lining and white furry strip on the hood.
Searches are ongoing with particular focus on the Castle Grounds in Stornoway. Police Scotland have been supported by Hebrides Search and Rescue and HM Coastguard, who tasked all volunteer coastguard teams from around Lewis and Harris and the Coastguard helicopter to participate in the search.
This follows a potential sighting in the area on Thursday evening.
Inspector Jane Nicolson said: "We are grateful to everyone who has been in contact so far with information and encourage anyone else who can help to get in touch.
"If Hannah herself is reading this then please get in touch and let us and your family know you are safe and well.
"You can call Stornoway Police Station with information by calling 101, quoting reference NH1731/18."
Picture shows Rosie Wiscombe in her Stornoway workshop
Tweed designer and business owner Rosie Wiscombe is opening her doors on Saturday August 25th for a day-long party to say her final bye-bye to Stornoway.
Pictured with Stewart Wilson are Minister Kevin Stewart and Alasdair Allan MSP
Stewart Wilson, Tighean Innse Gall CEO was delighted to meet with Kevin Stewart, Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning this week to feed into the Government's strategy for tackling Fuel Poverty.
Missing girl update 11.00 Friday August 17th:
The search for missing 17-year-old Hannah Mackenzie remains focused on the town of Stornoway and the Castle grounds this morning.Police have called for assistance from the Maritime Coastguard Agency and all volunteer coastguard teams from around Lewis and Harris have been tasked to participate in the search.
Officers from Police Scotland are seeking the assistance of the public in an effort to trace a 17-year-old missing from the Stornoway area. The appeal was issued at 01.07 today (Friday August 17th). Hannah Mackenzie from Gravir was last seen about 4:00pm on Thursday 16th August 2018 outside The Nicolson Institute in Stornoway.
She was intending to walk to the Western Isles Hospital.
Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP Alasdair Allan yesterday visited Trust Housing's Lewis Street complex in Stornoway to see the installation of a new Wi-Fi system designed to get older people online.
He is pictured above with David Paterson and Trust Housing Association Chief Executive Rhona McLeod.
On Tuesday 21st August 18 Stephen Palmer, Visual Arts Officer, Creative Scotland, will introduce the Visual Artist and Craft Maker Awards scheme and will also speak about Creative Scotland and its funding more generally.
Scalpay's North Harbour Bistro is in the running for a national newspaper food award, after being put forward by members of the public. The eatery's been named as one of 10 finalists in the 'hidden gem' category of the Scotsman's Food and Drink Awards. All 10 are described as among 'Scotland's best surprises' and are now open once again to public online voting.
Wearing a life jacket or buoyancy aid is a must when out on the water, especially for children. Even on a calm sunny day you can end up falling in.
The Fisherman's Co-op has a full range of foam filled children's buoyancy aids and life jackets in bright colours - perfect for paddling at the beach, kayaking or out on a boat. These are designed to keep the child afloat without them having to do anything to activate it, no chords to pull, and they can be dried off and used again and again.
There is also a wide selection for adults with fully automatic life jackets (which automatically inflate when hit the water and have the back up pull chord), perfect for safety out on a boat and comfortable to wear, or foam lifejackets and buoyancy aids for kayaking or other water sports - these can go in the water again and again without servicing.
What is the difference between a life jacket and a buoyancy aid?
There can be some confusion on the difference between a life jacket and a buoyancy aid because both are designed to help you float, however most buoyancy aids are literally an aid to keep you buoyant or afloat in the water. Buoyancy aids cannot be guaranteed to turn an unconscious body over and it will not support your body in the water. Buoyancy aids are perfect for coastal or inland waters when going water skiing, kayaking, tubing or other water sports, when the wearer is in sight of the shoreline and will be continuously in and out of the water.
Life jackets are literally life saving devices which fully support you in the water. Lifejackets, if properly fitted and in good condition, are designed to keep you afloat face up and your airways clear of water, even if you are unconscious or injured. Foam life jackets have to have 150 Newtons of buoyancy and a full collar to support your head and neck, they should be able to right a unconscious casualty if they are face down in the water. A Lifejacket is needed if going off-shore or a distance from the coastline, perfect for boats when your not expecting to go in the sea.
To find the right product for you just ask in store.
Power network maintenance through the day today (Thursday August 16th) means there is no power on the west side of Harris between Horgabost and Borve.
SSE said 22 properties, including holiday properties and other businesses, would be affected today, as power was switched off at 9.30am.
Gaelic writer, singer, actress, broadcaster and political campaigner, Dolina Maclennan aims to celebrate her 80th birthday with musical friends at a concert in the Woodlands Centre, Stornoway on 15th September during Blas Festival.
Brought up in Marvig, Dolina was introduced to drama and the great Gaelic bards at Nicolson Institute and the rest, they say, is history!
Stornoway Airport is central to the UK Government vision of how transport links will develop in Scotland over the next 30 years.
That's the view of UK Government Aviation Minister Liz Sugg who has been visiting a series of Scottish airports.
At 6.10pm tonight (Wednesday 15th August) Comhairle nan Eilean Siar put out the following information about classes at Stornoway Primary School and Gaelic Medium Education on its Twitter feed.
The council stated: "The Comhairle has closely examined the circumstances around the provision of Gaelic Medium at Stornoway Primary School and has listened carefully to the views of parents. This letter is being sent to parents by the H(ead) T(eacher).
The vital role of good air and sea links for the Islands was a focus for meetings between UK Transport Minister Liz Sugg with local council and business leaders yesterday and today (Tuesday-Wednesday August 14-15th).
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar also used the first meeting which was held at Stornoway Airport to raise concerns regarding air traffic management under Highland and Islands Airports Ltd proposals for centralisation.
Entry forms are now available for the next fundraising event for Macmillan Cancer Support's Isle of Lewis committee.
The 5k run and walk sets out at 12 noon on Saturday September 1st from Tong Hall.
To take part and raise sponsorship, you can pick up a form at Lewis Sports Centre or at Stitch in the Ditch in Tong.
Lews Castle College UHI is looking to strengthen and expand its Board of Management.
The college is an academic partner of the University of the Highlands and Islands, which is the United Kingdom's leading integrated university encompassing both further and higher education.
The College provides a diverse range of courses to students from bases in Lewis, North Uist, Benbecula and Barra.
There are three free Business Gateway workshops coming up in Stornoway:Business Planning and Market ResearchWednesday 22 August from 1.30pm to 4.30pm, Comhairle OfficesLearn the links between business planning & success and how to avoid failures. Understand what the market is and learn how to relate market research findings to setting sales targets.Doing your Tax Return OnlineTuesday 28 August from 9.30am to 12.30pm, Comhairle OfficesLearn the key dates and deadlines for self-assessment, understand how to register for a personal tax account and learn how to complete your tax return.
Plans for a future of exporting huge levels of 'green' electricity from the Western Isles got another glimmer of hope for eventual success today.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN), operating as Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission under licence, has today (Tuesday August 14th) submitted to the energy regulator, Ofgem, a Strategic Wider Works (SWW) 'Final Needs Case' for a subsea cable transmission link from Western Isles to the Scottish mainland.
The network reinforcement is required to enable access to the GB market for renewable generation seeking to connect on Western Isles.
A Lewis publisher is seeing their latest children's fiction title touring Scotland's bookshops, after attracting attention at the Edinburgh book festival last week (Saturday August 11th).
North Galson-based Cranachan Publishing produces historical fiction for children, set in Scotland, but their latest title is an eco-thriller set in the Hebrides. Inverness author Barbara Henderson has previous titles published with Cranachan, Fir For Luck and Punch, both already used in Scottish schools.
The doorstep collectors of Cancer Research UK's Isle of Lewis committee will be out in force from Monday August 20th for two weeks, as the big annual fundraiser gets underway.
Fundraising to buy the older part of Leverhulme Memorial School has passed the halfway point, with over £5,000 raised from donations and events.
The plan to turn the old school, built in 1924/5 by Lord Leverhulme, into a bustling community hub is undergoing constant development, with ideas for a laundrette, gym and café among the plans to bring the community together.
Cruise ships which land visitors to Castlebay on the wrong slipway are violating international security arrangements designed to protect the UK's security interests, according to harbour owners Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL).
A notice to mariners was issued last week (Friday August 10th) by CMAL, the statutory harbour authority for Castlebay Ferry Terminal. The notice reminds cruise operators of the security plan in place at Castlebay. By landing passengers using tenders on the inner slipway, cruise ships are by-passing arrangements to pass non-EU passengers through a temporary restricted area. The security plan ensures that the port complies with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code.
There was drama for a group out on a sea trip with Stornoway Seafari on Monday (August 13th) afternoon, when the boat on which they were wildlife-spotting suffered fuel problems.
MV Azula was on a five-hour seabird spotting trip to the Shiant islands when she called for Coastguard assistance at 3.55pm on Monday, reporting that she was without power with seven people aboard.
Stornoway butchers Charles Macleod are heading for London after news of awards for their haggis and for their black and white puddings.
The iconic branded Stornoway Black Pudding produced by Charlie Barleys is through to the UK final of Delicious magazine's 2018 produce awards.
It was named among Scotland's 10 best products at the Perth Show on Friday August 3rd and will be up against the best in Britain at the finals in London.
Booking for the first livestock sale of the season at Lewis and Harris Auction Mart has closed early for the first time ever, due to exceptionally high demand for the sale.Mart spokesman Kenny Macleod said the August sale, held this year on Wednesday August 22nd, usually attracted up to 3,500 beasts, but with numbers already at the capacity level of 4,000, bookings have closed ahead of the Wednesday (August 15th) deadline.
CalMac has published a revised timetable for services between Oban and Castlebay on Saturday September 1st, to take account of livestock movements during the Lochboisdale lamb sale.
To avoid a clash of berthing times at Oban between MV Coruisk and MV Isle of Lewis, departure from Castlebay will be delayed.
People living with cancer are being invited to an action planning day in Harris, where issues causing concern to patients and their families will be discussed.The 'Cancer Care Discussion' has been planned by Western Isles Cancer Care Initiative (WICCI) and Macmillan cancer support engagement team, and is to be held at Talla na Mara on Saturday September 1st from 10am to 2pm.On the agenda are some of the most pressing topics affecting people living with cancer in the islands, including the current issue of patient and escort travel, as well as off-island treatment developments.
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More than 150 people packed into Ionad Stoodie at Knock on Point on Friday evening (10th August) as the 'Flesherin Bard' Willie John Campbell saw a book of his work launch by Stornoway publishers Acair.
Earlier the company said it was "delighted to publish 'Bàrdachd Uilleam Iain Caimbeul / Poems of Willie John Campbell (Willie Teddy)'.
"This is not just a book for the people of Point, it is one that will inspire all of us who feel a strong sense of loyalty to our language, our culture and our roots," states retired educationist Matthew MacIver from Portnaguran in his introduction.
The Western Isles Branch of Alzheimers Scotland is holding a Disney-themed Quiz Night on Friday 24th August at 7:30pm at the Cabarfeidh Hotel, Stornoway.
The group said that some time ago they had to cancel their Disney Ball planned for that night as there was too little support.
The funds raised from the quiz will go to the Solas Day Centre to support people with Dementia and their families.
Runrig enthusiasts who missed the chance for tickets to the band's final gig at Stirling next week are being given one last chance to get to the last dance – and to raise funds for Bethesda Hospice.
A good friend of the Hospice has donated two standing tickets for the Last Dance Tour at Stirling Castle for Saturday 18th August, with the proceeds going to the Hospice.
A dog barking on a cliff ledge in Swordale caused an emergency response on Saturday evening (August 11th).
Stornoway Coastguard were called when passers-by heard continuous barking from the cliff, raising fears that someone may have fallen or become trapped.
A Swedish couple who have been sailing around the world since 2005 were towed into Stornoway harbour on Sunday morning (August 12th) by the RNLI lifeboat Tom Sanderson.
Sixty years on…it was in 1958 at the age of 15, that 16 pupils enrolled in the first pre-nursing class taught at The Nicolson Institute. After two years study they all went their separate ways to train at different hospitals on the mainland.
The Stornoway Singers concert at Stornoway Town Hall on Saturday 18th August has been cancelled.
This is understood to be as a mark of respect following a bereavement.
As the process of recovery continues following the "power outage" on mv Loch Seaforth, CalMac Ferries published the full timetable details for today's service (Saturday 11th August) on the Stornoway - Ullapool service.
"We apologise for any inconvenience the timetable changes may cause and would like to thank our customers for their patience during this time."
On the rescheduled freight service, the ferry left Ullapool 37 minutes earlier than expected this morning (Saturday)as it continues its non-stop effort to make up the time lost on Wednesday. Meanwhile the Coastguard rescue tug or ETV, Ievoli Black remains on station outside Stornoway Harbour.
This week at HarbourSeafoods: Skate!
Skate wings are a delicious delicate tasting fish and are easy to cook! A simple method is to coat the skate wings in flour which has been seasoned with salt, pepper and dill (dried or fresh). Then just gently shallow fry them in butter or oil until golden brown, turn over so cooked on both sides. Serve with a wedge of lemon.
There are many other recipes to try such as roasted Skate Wing with Leeks and Samphire or Skate with Chorizo, olive and onion Sauce or just simply battered Skate - why not give it a try.
Looking for a new jacket for your child as they head back to school? The Fisherman's Co-op has a selection of boys and girls jackets suitable for the playground or when out and about come rain or shine, choose from a variety of warm wind and waterproof coats for all ages.
They also have waterproof trousers and wellies for those rainy days.
Stornoway Port Authority is seeking bids to design one of the biggest construction projects ever undertaken in the Hebrides.
The Authority has ambitious plans to develop a deep-water port as part of its 20-year Master Plan aimed at creating significant economic growth for the islands.
Two new boats will be fishing out of Stornoway next week, as fishermen expand their businesses and upgrade their vessels.Skipper Calum Maciver has brought the 12-metre multi-purpose vessel Gratitude K from Land's End in Cornwall, from a skipper who was scaling back to a smaller vessel. He will have her in the water on Monday (August 13th), when she'll get a new coat of signal red paint. She's able to work as a trawler or scalloper, extending the potential for the business.
A Stornoway family have decided to climb Ben Nevis to raise money for some of the unsung heroes of animal rescue.
Artist and care-worker Eilidh Thompson and her daughters Bethany Macleod (23) who works at the Foyer youth project, Carissa McCuaig (25) who works at Blackhouse Bakery and musician Alanna McCuaig (27), now based in Glasgow, have set Saturday August 25th for their challenge.
Eilidh picked the task as her celebration of her 50th birthday, after a parachute jump celebrated her 40th. She's a dedicated fundraiser, with the Samaritans and Cancer Research among the groups who've benefited from her efforts.
A 77-year-old woman has been charged with careless driving after a single-vehicle accident in Newlands, Shulishader yesterday morning (Thursday August 9th).
The accident happened at 9.25am in heavy rain. The woman was treated at the scene by paramedics after sustaining slight impact injuries from the deployment of the airbag and seat-belt but declined hospital treatment.
The communities of the Westside will come together to clean up their beaches on Saturday August 18th.
Meeting at Grinnebhat (Bragar old school) at 10am for a briefing, volunteers from Barvas and Brue Community Centre, Horshader Community Development and Bragar and Arnol Community Trust will be dispatched across the coastline of the Westside.
All volunteers are asked to bring gloves and wear warm clothes and sturdy shoes. All children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult and parents are responsible for their children
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The connection between Uig on Lewis and Iceland and Greenland in the Viking Age was celebrated on Wednesday with the unveiling and dedication of a bust of Leif Erikson.
Vikings first reached our shores in the late 8th century and their presence as raiders, settlers and traders is evidenced through archaeological finds, including the Norse-made chesspieces found two centuries ago in the Uig Sands.
The first lecture of this year's Spioradalachd nam Bard (Spirituality of the Bards) was held on Thursday 2 August at Laxdale Hall, Stornoway.
Rev Prof Donald MacLeod, Emeritus Professor of Systematic Theology, gave what members of the large audience felt was a very personal and moving bilingual lecture entitled Bardachd mo Mhathair about his late mother, Alice MacLeod's poetry.
Police in the Western Isles are urging drivers to make sure their vehicle is fit for the road following a series of safety operations based around summer festivals.
Officers working at HebCelt in Stornoway and the Eilean Dorcha Festival on Benbecula in the last month detected a number of offences related to MOT, insurance and construction & use.
With the Coastguard rescue Ievoli Black still stationed outside Stornoway Harbour, the Loch Seaforth ferry is embarked on a series of constant criss-crossing of the Minch as it tries to catch up the time lost by its "power outage" yesterday (Wednesday August 8th)
The delayed 10:30 Ullapool – Stornoway departed from Ullapool at 17.15. It was due to arrive Stornoway 19:45. Then Loch Seaforth departed (pictured above) Stornoway at 20:45 with the delayed 14:00 Stornoway – Ullapool service.
Karen Boyd returned home to Barra to set up Hebridean Revival Retreats which presents an escape from the pressures and stresses of modern life.
It offers participants the opportunity to relax, recharge and return home feeling physically and emotionally rejuvenated.
"Our ethos here is very much that self-care is paramount to a healthy, happy, balanced life," said Karen. "If we do not take care of ourselves then we cannot give the best of ourselves to others.
The ferry service between Ullapool and Stornoway resumed at about 10.15pm last night (Wednesday August 8th) with an overnight return voyage to Ullapool and back.
The ferry left again at 6am today (Thursday) with a rainbow overhead (pictured above).
The Coastguard emergency tug Ievoli Black remained offshore from Stornoway, as visible on the horizon below.
In Stornoway, the check in for the retimed 1pm sailing (formerly 7am) will begin at 0930 and close at 1100. "Please ensure to arrive in this timeframe to secure passage," CalMac says. "All confirmed bookings will be honoured, however spaces for foot passengers will be limited and allocated on a first come first served basis. Unfortunately, passage for foot passengers cannot be guaranteed on freight sailings."
The mv Loch Seaforth limping into port in Stornoway at around 3.45pm, escorted by two lifeboats.
Passengers and vehicles are stranded at the Stornoway ferry terminal after sailings of the Loch Seaforth were suspended today (1pm Wednesday 8th August)
As of 3.52pm today CalMac was predicting a repair review update at 6pm. This was later postponed to 8pm.
The ferry left Ullapool on time this morning but lost power on one engine on leaving Loch Broom and later suffered a total loss of power which lasted around an hour.
An RNLI lifeboat from Stornoway headed for the scene at 1pm and returned to Stornoway with the ferry. The lifeboat from Lochinver was also alerted and accompanied the ferry.
Don't open it - that's the warning this morning (Wednesday August 8th) from solicitors and estate agents Macdonald Maciver and Co of Francis Street, Stornoway, after a very realistic looking email appeared in inboxes across the region.
The e-mail purports to be from the Macdonald Maciver email address and offers the recipient the chance to open a link - but the company is warning people not to do so.
This Saturday (11th August) the Hebrides Dance studio will host auditions for January's pantomime, Robin Hood. (excerpt above from 2011 programme)
The pantomime is again being brought to Stornoway by director and producer Stuart Morrison.
Stuart was born in Newcastle but has strong Lewis connections. His father's family are from Borve while his mother is originally from Carloway.
A 'test-walk' across some of the West Side's beautiful moorland will be one of the opening events of Scotland's first Community Land Week on Saturday (August 11th).
The Bonnet Laird Walk has been planned and laid out by Urras Oighreachd Charlabhaigh (Carloway Estate Trust), with a number of local young people involved in creating waymarkers, stiles and other landmarks to help people find their way along the 3.3 mile route.
A unique insight into hydro and wind power projects in West Harris will be one of the fascinating events of Scotland's first Community Land Week.
West Harris Trust will be hosting a guided visit to their renewables projects on Tuesday August 14th.
The visit includes a visit to the 100kW hydro scheme and 100kW Xant wind turbine.
The Scottish Gaelic Awards, now in their sixth year and supported once again by Bòrd na Gàidhlig as the main sponsor, are now open for nominations.
A bust of the Viking believed to have been the first European to "discover" America is to be unveiled in Uig tomorrow (Wednesday) at the instigation of the Seattle-based society which keeps his memory alive.
Four Western Isles fishing boats are to begin gathering vital data on by-catch of spiny dogfish from Monday (August 13th), in a new bid to allow targeted fishing of the protected species.
Spiny dogfish, a small shark species which is sold as huss in chip shops in England, is a seasonal visitor to the Minches, often accidentally caught as by-catch and discarded by island fishermen.
It's also known as spurdog or picked dogfish. Under EU legislation it has been illegal to land the fish for over 20 years under what's known as the Spurdog bycatch avoidance programme.
Four Western Isles fishing boats - including two from Barra - are to begin gathering vital data on by-catch of spiny dogfish from Monday (August 13th), in a new bid to allow targeted fishing of the protected species.
[gallery ID=54]It was another successful Fèis an Rubha this year, with 56 children from near and far attending the event on Point held last week in the local school from Monday to Friday (July 30 to August 3).
Community wind farm charity Point and Sandwick Trust donated £500 to the Gaelic youth arts event, to cover the costs of taking part for children from low-income families.
As the pictures above by Sandie Maciver of SandiePhotos show, the youngsters enjoyed learning a range of instruments – from guitar and fiddle to clarsach, melodeon and drums – as well as singing and drama workshops, all led by experienced and talented tutors.
2018 Scottish Qualifications Authority data, released today (Tuesday August 7) indicates that percentages of pupils in Eilean Siar achieving National 5 are higher than the national figure.
Overall 83.39% of those involved achieved National 5 in Eilean Siar, whereas the national pass rate was 77.40%. This also represents an improvement of 1% in pass rates in Eilean Siar compared to 2017.
Percentage passes at Higher are in line with the national pass rate. 76.23% in Eilean Siar achieved an A-C pass, compared with 76.80% nationally. However there are still a number of results to be confirmed and an accurate pass rate will be published in due course, says Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
Would-be students have a chance to drop by Lews Castle College college on Wednesday 8th August between 4.30pm and 6pm to explore your options once your exam results are out.
For more information go to
Purvai 2018 gets underway this month in An Lanntair Arts Centre with a host of internationally acclaimed artists, including Deepa Nair Rasiya, Gupreet Singh Notta, Kaviraj Singh Dhadyalla and Dalbir Singh Rattan and Kathak dancer, Kanchan Maradan.
The festival brings South Asian dance, music, writing, textiles and food to the Outer Hebrides celebrating Scotland's diversity of connections with India.
The headline event will be a 'Summer Evening of Indian Raag' on Friday 17th August, featuring one of the most highly acclaimed female Indian vocalists in the UK today, Deepa Nair Rasiya.
A week-long programme of events across Scotland is being coordinated by Community Land Scotland (CLS) in partnership with the Scottish Government.
There are activities and events running across the country from Saturday 11th August – Sunday 19th August 2018.
Community landowners Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn, Urras Oighreachd Chàrlabhaigh, and West Harris Trust are hosting a variety of tourism and heritage events and renewable energy project visits which will allow people to see more of what happens on community-owned land.
West Harris Trust is joining in with a week-long programme of events across Scotland being coordinated by Community Land Scotland (CLS) in partnership with the Scottish Government.
Lewis community landowners Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn and Urras Oighreachd Chàrlabhaigh, are also hosting a variety of tourism and heritage events and renewable energy project visits which will allow people to see more of what happens on community-owned land.
Plans for changes to the ferry terminal and harbour at Tarbert are to be shown in their revised form at consultation events from Monday September 10th onwards.
The changes are needed to create expanded facilities in time for the delivery of the new hybrid ferry, expected to serve the Uig triangle – routes between Uig in Skye, Lochmaddy in North Uist and Tarbert in Harris. It's currently listed for delivery by the end of 2019.
Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL), who operate the harbours from which CalMac ferry services run, are working on changes which include deepening the harbour at Tarbert and construction of a new terminal.
A caravan on the Golden Sands caravan park at Coll has been vandalised and police are asking for anyone with information to come forward.
The caravan's door was damaged, with evidence that someone had attempted to break into it, at some time between July 21st and July 30th.
Anyone who can provide any information is asked to contact police on the non-emergency number 101, quoting the incident number NH162118.
A man reported missing on Sunday night (August 5th) in Stornoway was quickly located.
Police had called for Coastguard help at 8.55pm when the man was reported missing, and deployed the Stornoway Coastguard volunteer team and Stornoway RNLI lifeboat.
But by the time volunteers had assembled they were notified that the man had been found safe and well at his home address.
The emergency units were stood down and had returned to base by 9.30pm
Drop by Lews Castle College on Wednesday (8th August) between 4.30pm and 6pm to explore your options once your exam results are out.
Not received the results you expected?
Not sure what path to take?
Don't worry we can help!
When: 8th August 2018
from 4.30pm to 6pm
Where: Lews Castle College UHI
Contact phone: 01851 770000
[gallery ID=52]
The winners have been announced in the first annual Tong Village Scarecrow competition, with the new event declared an outstanding success after 22 households scared away the crows with imaginative creations in their gardens and crofts.
Stornoway police have asked for anyone who was around town over Saturday night and into Sunday morning to get in touch with them if they saw an incident of vandalism to a vehicle parked on Bayhead.
The VW Transporter campervan was parked between 10.30pm on Saturday (August 4th) and 10am on Sunday August 5th and during that time had scratches made to two panels of its body work.
No-one was in the van at the time.
If anyone knows anything about how the damage happened, they should contact police on the non-emergency number 101
[gallery ID=51]
Stornoway's centre was jammed with people today (Saturday August 4th) as the Lewis Carnival hit new heights of popularity.
There were inevitable flurries of rain in mid afternoon…but the festival atmosphere was set early on as the crowds turned out in force to welcome the parade as it progressed into town from the Manor roundabout, generating traffic jams which served to remind everyone how much traffic there now is on the roads in Stornoway.
If you love baking there's still time to bake for Carnival Cakes for a chance to win a £50 voucher for The Good Food Boutique, says the Lewis Carnival Committee.
Drop off your creation to the marquee in Perceval Square by 11am tomorrow (Saturday 4th) if you'd like to enter competition - but they'd love baking all day too!
Leading Scottish fundraiser Bruce Tait is swapping his business suit for motorcycle leathers next month and taking fundraising training around the North of Scotland by bike.
The BTA Fundraising Essentials tour will see Bruce deliver a full day's training in fundraising aimed specifically at charities north of Scotland's Central Belt.
He'll present eight sessions in communities where people would normally have to travel for training to places like Edinburgh or Glasgow.
Two junior island footballers have been selected to take part in Scottish football national training camps this summer.
A new observatory giving 360 degree views of hills, lochs and wildlife is being proposed by the North Harris Trust.
First proposed designs for the woodland viewpoint were published yesterday (Thursday August 2nd) on the trust's Facebook page.
Martin MacSween from Ness is 'on cloud nine' after his all-time hero shook his hand, gave him a hug and posed for a portrait of the two together.Martin idolises the actor Christopher Eccleston, who he reveres as the Ninth Doctor Who, and carries his picture on his iPad and phone.
There's a rare chance to see on board one of the heavy workhorses of the Coastguard service tomorrow (Saturday August 4th) as the Coastguard tug Ievoli Black comes alongside pier no. 3 in Stornoway and invites the public on board.
The captain and crew of the salvage vessel - 'ETV' or Emergency Towing Vessel - will be on hand to show visitors the array of equipment available to recover a stricken ship.
Police have confirmed the timings of road closures in Stornoway town centre, as the annual Carnival parade and float competition take place tomorrow (Saturday August 4th).
The fishermen's car park adjoining Perceval Square is already closed and will remain closed until late on Saturday. Perceval Square itself closes tonight (Friday August 3rd) at 6pm and will remain closed until 6pm tomorrow.
Two men were charged with theft yesterday (Thursday August 2nd) after they broke the trust of farmers selling their own produce.
Stornoway police had a report on Tuesday (August 1st) that money had been stolen from an honesty box at the gate of Macaulay Farm, at the junction of the Arnish Road near Stornoway.
The battle between four crofting townships wishing to develop community-owned wind farms near Stornoway and Lewis Wind Power, made up of French multinational EDF in partnership with Wood Group, is hotting up still further.
The four townships intend to bid in the Contract for Differences auction in May 2019 competing directly with LWP to put wind turbines on the same sites.
Their announcement comes a week after Energy Minister Claire Perry confirmed when the next round of renewables subsidy applications would open, slightly later than expected.
The cruise liner Balmoral brought around 1,250 guests and more than 500 crew to the islands during Thursday August 2nd berthing in the outer anchorage out towards Arnish and spending ashore a constant stream of tenders carrying visitors through sometimes rather brisk waves.
Stornoway-based HiScot Credit Union has put the last piece in its map of the Highlands and Islands, completing all arrangements for a merger with Shetland Credit Union.
HiScot received Highlands and Islands Enterprise support of £82,500 towards the costs of the merger, which will be formalised later this year with a launch event in Shetland.
It means HiScot now covers a geographical area one-and-a-half times the size of Belgium, a population of one-third of a million people and four local authority areas – something which director David Mackay says makes the saving and borrowing organisation even more robust and stable.
Groups representing patients with long-term and life-changing health conditions in the Western Isles say they are prepared to protest and petition if NHS Western Isles won't change the way it applies rules on travel costs for patient escorts.
NHS Western Isles has been more rigorous in recent months when faced with applications for travel costs for patient escorts – family or friends who travel with patients when they go to the mainland for hospital appointments and treatments.
Now patient support groups throughout the Western Isles have banded together to focus a campaign demanding a more sympathetic approach to individual cases. They are demanding a round-table discussion with the medical director and chief executive of NHS Western Isles.
A posse of vintage tractors from Aberdeenshire are turning heads in the isles, piling onto the Sound of Harris ferry yesterday (Tuesday July 31st) during an 800-mile tractor-thon.
Walkers and cyclists are being urged to pay close attention to new signs in Lews Castle Grounds.
Thigh-high wooden marker posts have been installed to rule out confusion – and collisions – on new bike and dual-use tracks developed as part of the ongoing Mountain-bike Trail Project.
The Stornoway Trust, which is overseeing the £300,000 scheme, is now keen for all track users take a moment to read the signs to ensure everyone uses the new routes safely.
Walkers and cyclists are being urged to pay close attention to new path signs in Lews Castle Grounds.
Police are keen to trace the driver of a car involved in a collision with a motorcycle on the Lochs road last week that left an island man injured.
The collision took place between 8pm and 9pm on Friday, August 25th, on the road between the Halfway Garage and Cameron Terrace. Both vehicles were travelling in the direction of Lochs.
The motorcyclist was hurt in the collision, but his injuries are not life-threatening.
Police are keen to trace the car driver and to speak to anyone who witnessed the collision or who were at the scene.
Anyone with any information is asked to call Police on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Walkers should watch their step today on a Castle Grounds Bridge that has lost some of its planks.
The gaping hole in the footbridge at the Willowglen entrance to the Castle Grounds, just up from the Porter's Lodge, has appeared overnight and there is now only chickenwire covering the gap.
Certainly one of our office dogs here at Intermedia Services (pictured) was taking no risks on his morning walk today...
The Stornoway Trust has been informed.
Urras Eaglais na h-Aoidhe has been using a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to carry out research this summer to understand more about the archaeology of Eaglais na h-Aoidhe and its Graveyard.
'Understanding Our Community's Past' is one part of a wider project called 'Building a Future from the Past', which the Urras is developing. The aim of this initiative is to develop an iconic tourist amenity to attract more visitors to Point. The development is based around Eaglais na h-Aoidhe (St Columba's Ui Church and Graveyard).
An important stage in the project ends with an Evening Lecture at 7.30pm tomorrow night (Friday 1 September} in Ionad Stoodie, Seaview, Point. The project archaeologists will talk about their research and present their preliminary findings – come along and be the first to find out what has been learnt and celebrate the results.
Only days after the runaway success of Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn's visit to the Isle of Lewis, it was a buoyant and cheerful group of Labour party members who thronged to the official opening of a modern office in Stornoway for their regional MSPs, David Stewart and Rhoda Grant.
And keynote speaker at the event this afternoon (Wednesday August 30th) was one of the party's rising stars in Scotland, the Shadow Scottish Secretary Lesley Laird. In June's General Election, Lesley Laird was elected to represent Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath. Ms Laird was born in Greenock and is a former deputy leader of Fife Council. She worked in human resources before being elected as a councillor in 2012.
Lews Castle College is having another Open Day on Friday September 1st from 9-5pm. The event at its Stornoway campus aims to provide people with the opportunity to find out more about the college, UHI and the many opportunities on offer locally.
"We are conscious that the college and UHI's main priority is provide people in our community with the opportunity to improve their skills and knowledge locally, and by doing this we can support local businesses and the local economy with an improved skills base," said Mr Iain Macmillan, Principal Lews Castle College UHI.
YouTube film of Glasgow schoolchildren nears 2.2 million views – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKHF7PTPp_w
A group of primary school children from the east end of Glasgow have become internet sensations after their Gaelic musical version of 'Going on a Bear Hunt' went viral on YouTube.
Views of the film, which features youngsters from Caledonia Primary enacting the story in their school grounds in Baillieston, have climbed dramatically to nearly 2.2 million by August 29th .
The film, made with the help of the Grounds for Learning charity, is just under five minutes long and shows the pupils from P1 and 2 'hunting' for a bear. Dressed in oilskins and wellies, they go splashing through the mud and creeping through concrete tunnels, while they sing the words to Tha Sinn a' Dol a Shireadh Mathan, a Gaelic version of the kids classic story by Michael Rosen.
Western Isles MSP Alasdair Allan is urging island crofters to respond to a consultation on the priorities for future crofting law.The public consultation seeks opinions on the form of new legislation and priorities for legislative change to ensure crofting law is fit for the 21st century. Dr Allan commented: "The prospect of another crofting bill provides an opportunity to simplify and improve crofting legislation. More importantly though, it gives us a chance to consider what we want for crofting in the future.
Modelling the LNF 10K T-shirts, Lorna Norgrove (right) with event organisers Rhona, Tony, and Kirsty. Photo: Linda Norgrove Foundation
It may take place around the Valtos Peninsula in Uig, Lewis, but the annual Linda Norgrove Foundation 10K is a global event, with runners taking part around the world.And it looks set to be the same again this year when the 2017 Linda Norgrove Foundation 10K runs on Saturday, September 30th."The main event will be on the Isle of Lewis on the Bhaltos Peninsula, Uig," said Lorna Norgrove. "We will set off from Reef Beach at 12 noon and there will be food to revive you at the end – or midway if you need an energy boost!
The Rotary Club of Stornoway is delighted to announce the launch of a new trust fund to assist Nicolson Institute pupils with mainland travel expenses.The new Trust fund will be launched at The Nicolson Institute on Thursday, August 31st, at 4pm, and all are invited to attend.The Friends of The Nicolson Trust (FOTN) will support pupils attending events or training on the mainland by providing some financial assistance towards travel costs – ensuring island students are not disadvantaged by their location in competition or advancing their skills or knowledge.
A six-hour shout was the order of yesterday (Monday, August 28th) for the volunteer lifesavers of Stornoway RNLI who launched to the aid of a disabled yacht with two persons on board.The 'Tom Sanderson' RNLI lifeboat launched at 2.10pm yesterday to the yacht which had suffered a fouled propeller and was drifting near Scalpay.
The sailing vessel 'Spirit of Falmouth' has been alongside in Stornoway over the weekend, the crew were awaiting break in the weather before continuing their circumnavigation of Britain. 'Spirit of Falmouth', operated by the charity Turn to Starboard, set off from Falmouth in Cornwall on 5th August to sail around Britain in a clockwise direction, the gaff-rigged schooner has become home to a crew of 17 veterans and led by two former Royal Marines who have retrained as Yachtmasters.
The crew gave a warm friendly welcome aboard and a tour of the beautiful old ship and fairly basic but pratical crew quarters and galley. The group had clearly become a close team with everyone having their role but also working together and looking out for each other, this was put to the test on the voyage to Oban where the weather suddenly deteriorated and high winds caused several sails to rip, everyone had to be on deck and clipped to help get the vessel under control. The sail to Stornoway was less dramatic and has given a chance to get everything ship shape before they set off for Orkney.
Three more island winners were announced on Saturday (August 26th) as the second ever Western Isles Lifestyle Lottery draw was held –with over £1,000 already raised for improvements to local communities.Congratulations go to Miss Joan Irvin (Barra) who scooped first prize; Mrs Louise Henderson (Stornoway) who took the second lottery prize; and Mrs Victoria Macinnes (South Dell) who took the third prize.Supported ticket sales for the new island based lottery have risen from the previous week with a total of £427 shared in Prize Money. In addition, Western Isles Lifestyle Lottery organisers have now banked almost £1,300 for Community Improvements from the first two draws.
Direct public access to the Register of Crofts is available for the first time today (Monday, August 28th) as the Crofting Commission launches its Register of Crofts (ROC) online – and island crofters are urged to check their details are correct."This is a major step forward for the Commission," said Chief Executive Bill Barron."The Register of Crofts contains thousands of entries, detailing such things as the name, location, and extent of each individual croft. Every year, we receive thousands of enquiries for information held in the Register, so public access to the information will greatly improve our service to customers."
Within days of Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn hearing about the Brexit fears of businessmen in the Isle of Lewis, it is claimed today (Sunday August 27th) in the UK national media that the Labour Party is to announce a dramatic Brexit policy shift by backing continued membership of the EU single market beyond March 2019, when Britain leaves the EU, establishing a clear dividing line with the Conservative Government of Theresa May on Brexit for the first time.
In a move that would position it decisively as the party of "soft Brexit", Labour will support full participation in the single market and customs union during a lengthy "transitional period" that it believes could last between two and four years after the day of departure.
According to the Guardian/Observer newspapers and other on-line media, this will mean that under a Labour government the UK would continue to abide by the EU's free movement rules, accept the jurisdiction of the European court of justice on trade and economic issues, and pay into the EU budget for a period of years after Brexit, to lessen the shock of leaving to the UK economy. This would also leave the situation in relation to the border across the island of Ireland as it is now.
A long-range rescue over the Atlantic Ocean was carried out to fly a crewman to hospital after he suffered an injury on board a fishing vessel more than 230 nautical miles from Stornoway.
A call came into the UK Coastguard just after 10am yesterday ( Saturday 26th August) reporting that the crew member had suffered a serious injury to his hand and needed hospital treatment.
Success for John Hughson of Harris Gun Club, based at Aline Forest. He is pictured last night with his trophy as Junior High Gun for Scotland. He was representing Scotland at the ICTSC National Skeet Home Countries International Tournament this weekend in Aughnacloy, County Tyrone.
Harris Gun Club member John Hughson is representing Scotland at the ICTSC National Skeet Home Countries International Tournament this weekend in Aughnacloy, County Tyrone, and the photographs show some scenes from today's events.
Earlier the club announced how proud it was that John, aged 16, was on the 2017 Scottish Shooting Team.
There's an Open Day at Eaglais na h-Aoidhe from 10.00am to 4.00pm today (Saturday-26th August).
It is in the middle of the two archaeological surveys which are being done now. You can meet the archaeologists and find out what they are doing. Everyone is welcome.
Urras Eaglais na h-Aoidhe is using a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to carry out research this summer to understand more about the archaeology of Eaglais na h-Aoidhe and its Graveyard.
College Principal and chief executive, Iain Macmillan..."It's great to have a feeling of confidence in the middle of Stornoway"
Summer sunshine and warmth returned to add to the sense of celebration in central Stornoway today (Fri August 25th) as Lews Castle College degree and higher education students gathered for their annual graduation ceremony.
A total of 58 graduates and their families filled Martin's Memorial church for an uplifting event to mark the completion of their successful studies through the campus in Stornoway and the University of the Highlands and Islands.
A visual impression of the proposed builders yard
Plans to construct a new builders yard and offices on land at Steinish have attracted over eighty objections from local residents.Today (Friday, August 25th), a total of 84 objections have been submitted to the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar's planning department in relation to a planning application made on behalf of OMac Construction Ltd for the creation of a builders yard, with associated offices and workshop/store building, on a site next-door to Lewis and Harris Auction Mart.Thirty new car parking spaces are included in the planning application, which details the total area of the new builders yard would be 5,850 square metres, and that new road access would be required also.
Stornoway firefighters demonstrate how to deal with car accident as part of station's opening event.
The newly-refurbished Stornoway fire station and community room was opened yesterday (Thursday August 25th).
The station on Robertson Road, off Matheson Road, which was originally opened in 1953, has undergone a 12-month renovation and development programme. This represents a near £3 million investment in the Western Isles.
As well as being a fully operational station, the new building now boasts modern training facilities, including lecture rooms, as well as district management offices. A Community Room will also be available for use by local residents.
Merchant Navy Day will commence this year with a simple flag-raising ceremony at 7pm on Friday the 1st of September at Perceval Square, Stornoway.
On Saturday the 2nd, there will be a short service at 11am at the MN Memorial, ferry terminal. The first British losses of World War II were suffered by the Merchant Navy on the very first day that war was declared (3rd of September 1939), when the SS Athenia was sunk by U-30 south of Rockall, with the loss of 19 crew (mostly engine crew) and 98 passengers (including 28 neutral Americans). The ship was carrying over 500 Jews trying to escape Europe and Hitler.
The internationally-acclaimed Hebridean Celtic Festival has been shortlisted for two national awards to mark its significant cultural and economic impact on its host islands.HebCelt has been confirmed as a finalist in both the 'Festival of the Year' and 'Cultural Event of the Year' categories in the annual Scottish Event Awards, which celebrate a range of events that took place in Scotland between May 20th 2016 and June 23rd 2017.HebCelt director, Caroline Maclennan, said: "Being shortlisted in two categories is a huge honour. Coming soon after another highly successful festival, and our triumphant contribution at Lorient, is a great reward for everyone involved in organising these events."
UK Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn met local businessmen, industry leaders and councillors at a special event in the County Hotel, Stornoway, yesterday (Wednesday 23rd August)
Sitting at a table flanked by former Labour candidate Ealasaid Macdonald, former councillor Alistair Maclennan and local MSP Rhoda Grant, Mr Corbyn listened intently as local problems were outlined by different members of the audience.
Concerns were expressed about the impact of Brexit – different speakers outlined the impact of immigration controls on the fishing industry, the impact of ending European freedom of movement on the hospitality industry; and the looming crisis of funding if losses in central government funding over the past five years were followed by the ending of European grants.
A 'fantastic and informative day' was how Jeremy Corbyn described his time in the Western Isles on Wednesday August 23rd.
In the evening, from young to old, hundreds of island residents gathered in Ionad Spòrs Leòdhais to hear from the UK Labour Party Leader.
The rally was opened by former Western Isles MP (1987-2005) Calum MacDonald who spoke of his time on the backbenches at Parliament alongside Mr Corbyn, applauding the Labour Party Leader's 'calm and rational' persona, saying he was a man who was 'reasoned and polite in debates and discussions'.
A relaxed looking Jeremy Corbyn arrived at Stornoway Airport today, chatting to fellow passengers and taking part in selfies with some as he disembarked from the Glasgow flight just after midday.
Travellers are being given early warning of potential disruption on the North Uist - Skye ferry route later this year.
Essential repairs to the council-owned linkspan in Lochmaddy could see services to and from it closed or limited from Monday 13th to Sunday 19th November 2017.
Cllr Uisdean Robertson, Chairman of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar's Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said that the local community has been consulted and hauliers in particular would be kept updated in order to minimise the impact locally.
Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron is criticising Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn who is visiting the Isle of Lewis today as part of a five-day tour of Scottish constituencies.
The Labour leader is travelling around Scottish constituencies which Labour believes to be future target seats against incumbent SNP MPs and is expected to be in Shawbost this afternoon and Stornoway tonight (Wednesday August 23). Tory Donald Cameron said that in the recent General Election, Labour only gained 446 extra votes in comparison to 2015 while the Scottish Conservatives picked up 1226 extra votes; a record number of votes in the Western Isles since the 1970 General Election.
An Island cat rescue centre is within a whisker of closing unless more volunteers can be found.
The Cats Protection League Lewis and Harris Branch rescues and rehomes hundreds of cats each year.
But organisers fear it is now in danger of shutting down unless more moggy-minded helpers come forward.
Minister for Employability and Training, MSP Jamie Hepburn spoke at e-Sgoil today
The success of Western Isles' young people and apprentices was highlighted today (Tuesday, August 22nd) as Jamie Hepburn MSP, Minister for Employability and Training, visited e-Sgoil as part of a Developing the Outer Hebrides Young Workforce (DYW) event.Mr Hepburn said: "It was fantastic to visit e-Sgoil and see how this new group is helping to bring employers and schools closer together, providing young people with greater opportunities to learn more about the world of work."Started in 2014, Developing the Young Workforce is a seven year Scottish Government programme to prepare children and young people for the world of work; its aim to reduce youth unemployment by 40% by 2021.
Crofters have submitted hundreds of objections against the EDF wind farm proposal to build 36 turbines on crofting land in Lewis without the crofters' consent.
Plans for the Stornoway Wind Farm scheme have been submitted to the Scottish Land Court by multinational engineering firm EDF and their current partners in the scheme, Amec-Foster-Wheeler, under Section 19 of the Crofters Act.
A Section 19 application is the request for permission to go ahead with development on crofting ground regardless of whether the crofters in the townships affected would be in favour of the development or not.
Seasonal Staff Required – Stag Bakeries
A number of temporary positions will be available from August to December 2017.
Tasks will include the manufacturing, packing and wrapping of baked goods and cleaning.
Shifts will be between 6am and 5pm, up to a maximum of 8 hours per day, Monday to Friday and will vary depending on production requirements with the possibility of up to 39 hours per week.
Applicants must be available to work from August until December.
Hourly rates would be within the range £5.68 - £7.60, depending on experience.
Fixed-term contracts only, up to a maximum of six months.
Closing date for applications is Saturday 30th September.
Na h-Eileanan an Iar's MP Angus B MacNeil (SNP) extends a warm welcome to Jeremy Corbyn as he visits Stornoway this week but challenges him to explain why he favours the Tories' plan for a hard Brexit – for the UK to leave the Single Market and Customs Union.Despite the majority of businesses in the Highlands and Islands believing this would be a negative move for the Scottish economy, Mr Corbyn supports the Tories' plan to leave the Single Market and Customs Union and Mr MacNeil is urging him to explain why he and Theresa May think they know better. Angus MacNeil MP said: "The view of Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour Party is the same as Theresa May and the Tories, that the UK should leave the Single Market and pursue a Brexit deal without membership – a view contrary to the majority of businesses asked in a recent HIE commissioned survey.
Island charities and community groups have until Monday, August 28th, to apply for a share of over £4 million before the closing deadline of the latest round of People's Postcode Lottery funding/Local MP Angus MacNeil is urging local charities and community groups to consider applying for a share of the £4 million pot raised by players of the People's Postcode Lottery.Both charities and community groups are eligible to apply for the grants of between £500 and £20,000.
The Western Isles Company, 1st Battalion the Highlanders, Army Cadet Force is organising information and recruiting evenings for prospective cadets and adult volunteers as well as interested parents and carers on the following dates:
Back Detachment Tuesday 22 August at 7.30 pm – Back Community Hut , Broadbay View
Stornoway Detachment Monday 28 August at 7.30 pm – Stornoway Army Reserve Centre, Church Street
The first Western Isles Lifestyle Lottery draw was held on Saturday (August 19th) with the first three winners who reside in areas across the Western Isles:
1st Prize - Mrs Mairead MacDonald of Lingerbay, Isle of Harris
2nd Prize - Mrs Margaret Campbell from Ormiclate, South Uist
3rd Prize - Mrs Louise Harrison of Coll, Isle of Lewis
The Second Western Isles Lifestyle Lottery draw was held on Saturday (August 26th) with this week's three winners being:
Prize 1: Miss I (ISLE OF BARRA) won £136.44
Prize 2: Mrs H (STORNOWAY) won £56.85
Prize 3: Mrs M (ISLE OF LEWIS) won £34.11
All Winners and Supporters will see 60p from their purchased tickets be distributed in bulk sums to the partner groups in their respective areas.
Tickets can be purchased at any time online on the Western Isles Lottery website https://www.westernisleslottery.co.uk or during office hours by telephone on 0300 30 20 444.
You can receive all updates by following on https://www.facebook.com/wicommunitysociety/
Western Isles MP, Angus MacNeil, has been nominated for the 2017 MP of the Year Award.
The awards are hosted by The Patchwork Foundation and sponsored by KPMG; and Mr MacNeil's nomination follows his work on rural issues and his "commitment to raising constituent issues on fishing and coastguards," said the Foundation. Speaking of his nomination, Angus said: "It is a great honour to be nominated for this award especially in relation to campaigns for fishing and coastguards which are so vital for my constituents.
Businesses in the Western Isles are being invited to a free workshop on the benefits of innovation.The workshop takes place at Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) office in Stornoway at 10.00am on Wednesday, August 30th.The workshop has been organised by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Business Gateway ahead of the launch next month of Co-Innovate, a new innovation support programme covering Northern Ireland, the Irish Border region and Western Scotland.
Organisers of Rally Hebrides 2017 have publicly thanked all those volunteers who helped make this year's rally another success.
Chief Marshal Donald Flagg - pictured above at the Creed Park track on Saturday - said on the rally's Facebook page:
"I should by now have sent all the marshals a message of thanks but I want to also do it here publicly in case there is anyone I have missed.
A former Labour MP for the Western Isles has warned island crofters that they will lose key rights over their common grazings to EDF, the giant multinational utility that is behind the planned Lewis Wind Power wind farm on the Point and Sandwick Common Grazings, if it is successful with its present Section 19 application to the Scottish Land Court.
Calum MacDonald, who now develops community-owned wind farms including the award-winning Beinn Ghrideag belonging to Point and Sandwick Trust, has urged crofting shareholders to register objections with the Scottish Land Court by this Thursday, August 24, or risk losing their development rights over the grazings.
Mr MacDonald said: "Crofters in the Point and Sandwick area of Lewis should be aware that EDF's Section 19 application currently before the Land Court will remove any and all development rights they have over the Common Grazings for at least the next 70 years.
Rally Hebrides 2017 benefitted from a generally sunny day yesterday (Saturday August 19th) - although showers affected some of the stages, particularly the early-morning one at Melbost Farm and spectators donned a variety of clothing to cope with the conditions as the event progressed.
Here's some spectator information for Rally Hebrides today (Saturday August 19th), a layout for the new Quarry Stage and some photographs from last night's Airport Stage.
SS2&3 Melbost farm -0 car due 0800hrs. Park and Ride depart Creed Park 0730hrs. Best Spectating access from North Street to the left and top of hill.
Offices to let
Front office - modern decor.
Rear office - with toilets.
Bayhead area, personal parking available.
Tel: 01851 70 1155 or 07714 495 951
Rally Hebrides 2017 hit town today (Friday August 19th) with scrutineering at the Stornoway Ferry Terminal. The first stage of the event is out at Stornoway airport - with buses for spectators leaving from The Nicolson Institute Car park/Smith Avenue - there is no car parking for spectators at the stage - all the space is taken up by the rally cars!! The Airport Stage - a new part of the event - is starting from around 7.30pm.
A £7m plan for a Gaelic arts centre in South Uist has won £1m in support from the Scottish Government, it was formally announced yesterday (August 17th). Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP Alasdair Allan welcomed the announcement from Deputy First Minister John Swinney MSP during a visit to the Uists about the Cnoc Soilleir project in Daliburgh. The investment will come from the Scottish Government's Gaelic Capital Plan. The project is being done in collaboration with Lews Castle College UHI and will establish a multi-functioning Gaelic education and arts centre in Uist. It is hoped to create up to 40 jobs, the MSP said.
One of Scotland's most successful green energy entrepreneurs has backed community ownership as the way forward for wind developments, as four island crofting townships prepare for a court battle with Stornoway Trust and Lewis Wind Power.
Steve McDonald, who co-founded Sgurr Energy which he then sold to Wood Group, has been involved in technical advice to companies all over the world in how to develop and build wind farms.
His company's past projects include Whitelee, the UK's largest onshore wind farm on Eaglesham Moor, and Salkhit, the first wind farm that was ever built in Mongolia.
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has warmly welcomed the ongoing collaboration work between Flybe/Eastern Airways and Loganair following a meeting of the Outer Hebrides Airport Consultative Committee held at the Comhairle offices this morning (Thursday). Representatives from Flybe, Eastern Airways and Loganair attended the meeting and delivered presentations on their aims and vision for the future of inter-island air services.
Members of the public came to the aid of an injured cyclist in Stornoway yesterday afternoon.
A male cyclist was hurt after being involved in a collision with a van, near the Matheson Road-Goathill Road-Church Street junction, at around 4.40pm.
In torrential rain, several people came forward to help, and workers employed by G&A Barnie Group got out of their van to help divert traffic.
Nearly 90 adults and children attended the recent family activity event run by the NHS Western Isles' Maternal and Infant Nutrition (MIN) group, in partnership with Pursuit Hebrides, to promote healthy lifestyle and diet information for families with young children. The event, held at Stornoway Golf Club, featured staff from a range of NHS Western Isles services including health promotion, dietetics and nutrition, health visiting and Childsmile, and included a variety of specially designed games using fruit and vegetables where children could challenge their parents, grandparents or carers to a fun game or play against each other.
Torrential rain and driving wind failed to deter people from turning out last night (Wednesday August 16th) for a major presentation by top Flybe management about their new service from Stornoway from September 1.
This is part of a new series of Scottish services operated by and for Flybe, the UK's largest regional airline, and will be followed by a franchise deal with Eastern Airlines that sees Eastern's network operating under Flybe's colours across the UK and abroad.
Mathew Herzberg, head of Commercial for Eastern Airways , explained that the airline had been operating into Stornoway on the Aberdeen route for 11 years, and operated more than 100 flights a day across the UK. The new services to Glasgow – and the existing service to Aberdeen – would all benefit from seamless connections through to other services on the Flybe network.
With the recent media coverage surrounding historic sexual abuse of children in youth football, groups in the Western Isles are being reminded of the need to have Child Protection policies and procedures in place.
The responsibility to develop such policies sits with the individual groups, clubs or associations themselves. This is required to ensure that children participating in youth groups across the Outer Hebrides can do so in a safe, protected environment.
It's an exciting time for local outlets Underground and Influence, as both shops prepare for a massive expansion in Stornoway town centre.
Influence is moving from its Francis Street premises to the former Hydro Shop building on Cromwell Street – allowing the space it leaves to accommodate more stock for menswear in Underground.
Underground is run by Iain Don Murray, while Influence is run by his wife Catriona and her sister Ann.
Underground initially started out as a branded menswear store which opened on Bayhead in 1998 .
It moved to Cromwell Street in the early 2000s, before shifting once again to its current location next-door to the former Gazette office.
"We hope to have both new shops up and running by the end of September," Iain Don said.
"The move allows us to considerably expand our ranges in both shops.
"In Underground, we will be bringing in some smart-wear – shirts, trousers, ties, etc.
"We'll also be selling suits, offering customers a 'mix and match' style service.
"And we will be bringing in an extensive range of mens, womens and kids footwear. Also we will be able to expand our school wear lines. We will try to deliver a full range of men's clothing at competitive prices."
Underground will also revamp 'Go fish' for next season and will add to its expansive selection of fishing equipment.
Having a new building for itself, the new arrangement will also see Influence completely revamp its stock, offering island females a better range of clothing at the very best prices – again catering for all ages.
Influence will also have a massive range of new home and gift ware products.
So keep your eyes peeled for the latest exciting development in town shopping!
Local teacher Claire Wilson has been selected to join the fifty-strong international championship highland dance team which will perform at the 10th Anniversary of the Spasskaya Tower Tattoo - the Kremlin Military Tattoo in Moscow.
The Spasskaya Tower Tattoo will take place from 26th August to 3rd September and is staged with the backdrop of the monumental walls of the Kremlin.
The first Western Isles Lifestyle Lottery draw will take place this Saturday (August 19th).
Following a successful Fireworks Launch last Saturday at Tong Motor Show & Fun Day, the first three Cash Prize winners of the Western Isles Lifestyle Lottery will be announced on the Lottery website moments after the 1st Draw this Saturday at 8pm.
The winner of the Lottery's first Bolt-on Prize of a £250 Holiday Voucher, generously donated by Hebrides Travel, will also be announced.
Rally Hebrides is dropping the planned 'turbine road' stages (seen above in 2015) from this year's event, it was announced tonight (Tuesday August 15).
But local quarry and construction firm I A & C Maciver has stepped in to help the fund-raising event, being held on Friday August 18th and Saturday August 19th.
Organisers Lewis Car Club said tonight:"Due to unforeseen construction delays on the Pentland Road Windfarm site we are unfortunately no longer able to run this stage of the rally.