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A snow and ice warning has been issued for the Western Isles.
The Met Office have said: "Frequent showers will affect the northwest of Scotland during the rest of Monday, overnight and through to late Tuesday morning, falling as snow away from the western coastal fringes.
"Some spots may see accumulations of 1-3 cm below 150 m, with more widely 5-10 cm above 150 m.
"Strong winds may also bring temporary blizzard conditions in association with the showers at first, though winds will ease overnight.
"In addition, icy patches becoming widespread overnight away from western coasts."
A maritime heritage project officer has been employed as part of this year's Coasts and Waters 2020 initiative.
Shona Maclellan from South Uist is the 'Dualchas na Mara' Project Officer and her remit will be creating a programme of activities that are connected to the coasts and waters.
Shona is from South Uist with strong family connections to boat builders and fishermen, as well as being brought up by the sea on the island. As part of her degree with the University of the Highlands and Islands, Shona has been researching the history of pirates and Vikings in the Outer Hebrides.
Shona said: "There are so many Gaelic stories and songs about boats, seals and mermaids in Gaelic culture, much of it forgotten or locked away somewhere. This project is a great opportunity to unlock those stories but to also explore other maritime heritage such as lighthouses, ship wrecks, ferries and fishing.
"Through the activities programme, we will get to hear those stories again, re-learn old methods such as rope knots and record the placenames around our coastlines. Although the post is based in Stornoway, many of the activities will happen throughout the islands."
From the herring trade to the kelp industry, the islanders have always made a living from the sea, and although times have changed, many still rely on the sea for their livelihoods today.
Caitriona MacCuish, Museum nan Eilean Development officer stated: "This is a really interesting and important project for Museum nan Eilean. We are very grateful to the funders because it allows us to create a programme of activities about the heritage of the sea for this national Year of Coasts and Waters. The activities will not only be within our museum's walls but also outdoors and throughout the whole of the Outer Hebrides."
Museum nan Eilean and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar have received funding from Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Museums Galleries Scotland.
The year long project will focus on the maritime heritage of the islands and how important it was in history and still is for communities today.
Bòrd na Gàidhlig gave £25,000 support towards the project and another £4082 came from Museums Galleries Scotland. With this funding a programme of activities with the Gaelic language at the heart of them will be developed and will showcase the culture, language and heritage connected to the sea.
Fhuair Museum nan Eilean agus Comhairle nan Eilean Siar taic airgid bho Bhòrd an Gàidhlig agus Museums Galleries Scotland airson oifigear pròiseact Dualchas na Mara fhastadh mar phàirt den bhliadhna Cladaichean agus Uisgeachan 2020. Chaidh Shona Nic Illfhialain fhastadh mar an t-oifigear, agus mar phàirt den obair aice bidh Shona a' cur air dòigh seiseanan airson clann agus inbhich air na cuspairean a tha a' buintinn ris a' Mhuir agus Air a' Chuan. Maireadh a' phròiseact bliadhna agus `s ann a' coimhead air dualchais na Mara, a tha air leth chudromach dha na coimhearsnachdan sna h-eileanan a tha e. Thug Bòrd na Gàidhlig seachad maoineachadh de £25,000 agus thàinig £4082 bho Mhuseums Galleries Scotland. Leis an taic-airgid seo, thèid prògram de cur-seachadan is bùthan-obrach a chur air bhonn a tha a' leudachadh agus a' neartachadh Gàidhlig agus dualchas na mara. Le eachdraidh na h-eileanan gu dlùth teannaidh air a' mhuir gu h-àraidh, `s e cothrom air leth a tha seo airson a' phròiseact, an cultar, an cànan agus dualchais na mara a thaisbeanadh. `S ann à Uibhist a Deas a tha Shona, le ceanglaichean làidir san teaghlach ri luchd-togail bàtaichean agus iasgairean, a bharrachd air a bhith air a togail air an eilean faisg air a' mhuir. Tha i air a bhith a' rannsachadh eachdraidh spuinneadairean agus na Lochlannaich anns na h-Eileanan an Iar mar phàirt den chùrsa aice aig Oilthigh na Gàidhealtachd agus nan Eilean. Thuirt Shona: "Tha leithid de sgeulachdan is òrain Gàidhlig mu bhàtaichean, ròin, maighdeannan mara, is eile ann an cultar na Gàidhlig, gu leòr dheth air an dhìochuimhneachadh no glaiste suas an àiteigin. Tha an dualchas cuideachd a' toirt a-steach taighean-solais, bàtaichean a chaidh fodha, aiseagan, agus iasgach air a' mhuir is air na lochan. Leis an obair seo, bidh cothrom againn na sgeulachdan a chluinntinn a-rithist, dòighean-obrach ceangailte ris a' mhuir ath-ionnsachadh is ainmean-àite aig oir na cladaichean a chlàradh tro na h-eileanan." Bho ghnìomhachas an sgadain gu obair an fheamainn, tha a' mhòr-chuid do dh'eileanaich air an cuid beò-shlàint a dhèanamh bhon mhuir. Ged a tha gnothaichean air atharrachadh beagan bhon uairsin, tha gu leòr fhathast a' faighinn beò-shlaint às an-duigh ach ann an diofar dhòighean. Thuirt Caitriona NicCuthais, Oifigear Leasachaidh Taighean-tasgaidh aig Museum nan Eilean: "`S e pròiseact inntinneach agus cudromach a tha seo airson Museum nan Eilean. Tha e a toirt dhuinn an cothrom prògram ùr de chur-seachadan mu eachdraidh na mara a chur air dòigh air feadh na h-eileanan mar phàirt den phrògram nàiseanta airson Cladaichean agus Uisgeachan 2020."
There's yellow warning of snow and ice affecting the Highlands and thew Outer Hebrides from the UK Met Office for all tomorrow (Monday January 27).
Showers are expected to be turning increasingly wintry overnight on Sunday and continuing Monday.
Icy patches are also expected to bring some disruption on the roads.
Frequent showers will affect the northwest of Scotland overnight Sunday and through Monday.
Falling snow will reach low levels away from the western coastal fringes by dawn.
Some spots may see accumulations of 1-3 cm below 150 m, with more widely 5-10 cm above 150 m and 15 cm above 300 m.
Strong winds may also bring temporary blizzard conditions in association with the showers.
Also icy patches becoming widespread away from western coasts, bringing some travel disruption.
A storm of protest erupted yesterday (Thursday January 23) after Tories – fresh from their Westminster success in getting Brexit approved – went on the attack against the use of Gaelic as a language to teach pupils in primary schools.
Gaelic is listed alongside Welsh, Galician, Catalan and Basque as a semi-official European language, but this legal defence will vanish as the UK leaves the European Union.
In a war of words on Twitter and in the national media, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar hit back: "This statement suggests that education in any language, other than English, is detrimental to children's education. All reputable academic research and practice demonstrates that bilingual education has a hugely positive impact on cognitive development learning for all children."
Tory MSPs had earlier endorsed claims that the Gaelic language is "divisive", Gaelic "is not and never has been the language of Scotland", and that Gaelic road signs have "led to confusion amongst foreign drivers, and even some locals."
The row erupted over a new policy from CnES which will see Gaelic become the "default" language for pupils for the first time in island primary schools. This means that parents will have to actively opt for their offspring to be taught in English.
Liz Smith, MSP, Scottish Conservative shadow education spokeswoman, said this was "A deeply troubling step and one that could put children in the Western Isles at a distinct disadvantage to their peers."
She was also reported in the Scotsman newspaper as saying: "This worrying move will inevitably put pressure on primary children in the Western Isles to speak Gaelic for those first crucial years of school. That could have all sorts of consequences that have clearly not been considered fully."
Local MSP Alasdair Allan said: "The level of ignorance on display in Liz Smith's comments is staggering. Children educated in Gaelic, far from being 'disadvantaged', come out of school bilingual, and evidence points to them having higher attainment in all areas, including English.
"The Western Isles are the last place in Scotland were the majority of the population still speak the language. They do so despite ignorant remarks directed at Gaelic speakers down the ages.
"I had been under the impression that all parties in the parliament supported both Gaelic and Gaelic Medium Education (GME).
"I would ask Ms Smith to withdraw and apologise for these highly offensive remarks, which show a total lack of understanding of what Gaelic medium education is."
Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron has reiterated his longstanding support for the provision of Gaelic-medium education.
Mr Cameron said: "Personally, I support the decision of the Comhairle to change the default position to Gaelic at P1, not least because parents can still opt out and choose English medium education for their children if they so wish. Ultimately, this is a matter for the local authority taking into account the specific, indeed unique, circumstances in the Western Isles.
"Bilingualism is plainly beneficial. We are all aware of the mistakes of the last century, where one language was promoted at the total exclusion of the other. In terms of this policy, I am very confident that council officials will ensure that parents who do "opt out" are not marginalised in any way.
"It's also important the policy is deliverable across the Western Isles in light of the challenges we face in recruiting GME teachers on a national level.
"The Scottish Conservatives have long supported Gaelic for over 40 years both in government at UK level, and latterly in the Scottish Parliament, where MSPs such as Liz Smith, myself and others regularly promote the language.
"As the Vice-Convenor of the Cross-Party Group on Gaelic, I've frequently argued for the need to depoliticise the language, given the ongoing threat to the very existence of Gaelic itself."
Parents spokes out on the CnES Twitter feed.
"Ms Smith should come visit our son who is in GME - we never taught him to read, only did Gàidhlig practice and guess what, he could read English all on his own before P4 and our son is of average academic ability, nothing special - so the only explanation is the magic of GME!"
Another said: "I went through GME and have felt so strongly about Gaelic all my life (hereditary!). I can't believe I am lucky enough to be able to call what I do 'work' when it gives me so much joy to promote, use and develop our beautiful language every single day among people of all ages."
A further comment was: "My three kids are in GME, come from a family where both parents are fluent speakers in Gàidhlig. Son is on P3 has not had any English in school yet, but can fluently read and write in English, not quite sure what the "consequences" are that Liz Smith was on about today."
Another said: "English bird here and Gaelic Learner, both my kids in GME. Fabulous education and blown away by the quality of education. My dyslexic son is now in S1 and in the P7 test had a reading/comprehension age in English of 16+ years and Gàidhlig of 12+ years. We love Gàidhlig in our house."
One remembered: "My grandmother was the last surviving native speaker from the Braes of Glenlivet. She and her brothers and sisters were forced to speak English at school. However, my two youngest children were educated through GME and both are following great career paths. And I have learned it, too!"
Further comments included: "Great to see CnES normalise Gaelic Medium Education. Glasgow looking to open a 4th GME Primary School to meet demand. Always amazed to see how talented the young people of @SGGArdsgoil are. The question is why wouldn't you choose GME?."
And one commented: "Multilingualism is the norm in most parts of the world: stimulating thought, vocabulary and innovation from a diverse range of perspectives. Proud to be ann a' #Gàidhealtachd. You have our full support @cne_siar."
And various organisations pointed out that you can now learn Gaelic at N5 and Higher level anywhere in Scotland through e-sgoil organised from the Western Isles.
The Comhairle have launched a brand new Instagram page.
It is hoped the new account, which can be found here, will give the Comhairle another platform to communicate with members of the public.
A spokesperson for the Comhairle's Communication Team said, "It was important for us to establish the Comhairle on Instagram alongside other local authorities in Scotland.
"It gives us another platform to communicate with members of the public, staff and other stakeholders, and we recognise that many people are now spending a lot more time on Instagram.
"The Western Isles is a terrific place for people to visit and we would encourage members of the public to tag us in photos connected to the Western Isles using @cne_siar and #WIplace2b and we will be sharing as many of these as possible."
There is also a competition running in partnership with the Lewis Sports Centre for a year's free Slàinte Mhath Scheme membership worth £225. You will find details on how to enter on the Instagram page.
Stornoway is being hit by a power cut in some areas tonight (Wednesday January 22).
SSEN says: "Our engineers are on site working hard to get the power back on as quickly as they can. If you need more information, please call us on 105 or send us a message on Facebook or Twitter (@ssencommunity) and quote reference 'FY4782'
The postcode areas affected include a swathe of domestic properties around the Western Isles Hospital including areas like Torquil Terrace and Cross Street.
The power went off at 19:52 and SSEN are aiming to have your power restored by 23:00.
On Twitter SSEN stated: "Thankfully, we have been able to narrow it down to Laxdale, Marybank, Guershader and the surrounding areas. Our engineers are on route to begin their investigations."
Short power cuts affected other areas as far out of Stornoway as Aird, Point; Ranish; and Breasclete.
The aftermath of Storm Brendan has sparked plans for various beach cleanups.
Tessa Gehringer Monk is organising a cleanup effort on Cula Bay on Sunday 26. She said today (Tuesday 21 January): "I haven't heard or seen anything about any official cleanups from the council or any other organisation so I think it's something we're going to have to take on ourselves as island residents.
"I'm going out this Sunday to Cula Bay at low tide (1:30pm) to try to clear the plastic and fishing debris that have covered the beach in the storm.
"I hope that others will join me so we can make sure all of this trash doesn't end up back in our ocean or left in the dunes.
"It would be wonderful to see everyone coming together for this cause because, as islanders, protecting our coast is absolutely critical. Hopefully more cleanups will follow on our other beaches!"
HM Coastguard Benbecula stated: "We are aware that a number of beach cleanups are being planned throughout Uist following Storm Brendan.
"Please be aware that there is the potential for both Marine Pyrotechnics and Ordnance to have washed ashore.
"If you find something unusual, dial 999, and ask for the Coastguard."
Picture shows beach debris. Image taken by Tessa Gehringer Monk.
A new scheme to help trace vulnerable missing people has been launched.
Called the Herbert Protocol, the initiative helps police officers respond quickly if someone vulnerable goes missing.
The scheme has already had success throughout the UK prior to its launch in the Highlands and Islands.
It is made up of a detailed form, which can be pre-populated with vital information such as a photograph, contact details, medication required and significant locations.
This can be used by officers to save vital time in a missing person inquiry.
The scheme will be promoted with everyone registered with adult care services in the Highlands, including people living with dementia, a learning disability or experiencing mental ill health.
Sergeant David Campbell, missing person co-ordinator for Highland and Islands Division, said: "People go missing for a variety of reasons and unfortunately vulnerable people becoming lost, distressed or disorientated is something that we can be faced with.
"This not only puts the missing person at risk but it also causes considerable distress for their loved ones.
"In the Highlands alone, more than 40 people with dementia have been reported missing in the last year.
"Speed is of the essence in any missing person enquiry - the longer someone is missing, particularly if they are vulnerable, then the greater the risk to them.
"The Herbert Protocol enables people to be assured that all relevant information can be passed quickly to police, and will provide vital assistance to officers in their search efforts."
The Herbert Protocol originated in Norfolk and takes its name after Normandy landings veteran George Herbert, who lived with dementia and sadly died in 2011 after he went missing while looking for his childhood home.
If a family has a relative in a care home and wishes to complete the paperwork in their respect they would initially discuss that with the care home who would then include that in the individual's care plan.
For relatives at home the paperwork can be obtained through any police station.
New police training to detect and investigate instances of wildlife crime has been welcomed by Scottish Land & Estates.
Announced by Cabinet Secretary Roseanna Cunningham MSP, Police Scotland yesterday (Monday 20 January) launched a new wildlife crime investigators course to enhance capability in this complex area of local policing.
Sarah-Jane Laing, Chief Executive of Scottish Land & Estates said: "We are fully supportive of increased resources to tackle wildlife crime alongside tougher penalties for those who are convicted so this is a positive announcement by government.
"Equipping police officers with the specialist training and knowledge they need to investigate wildlife crime should aid detection rates and hopefully lead to more offenders being brought to justice. The government's wildlife crime report published last month highlights that despite a decrease in the level of wildlife crime in Scotland over the past five years there remains a clear need to maintain momentum on this issue.
"For those found guilty of such reckless acts, we continue to call for longer prison sentences and bigger maximum fines for the most serious wildlife crimes. We also believe that enabling police to use and manage surveillance cameras under strict RIPSA procedures (Regulation of Investigatory Powers Scotland Act 2000) where evidence suggests there could be acts of wildlife crime, could act as a real deterrent and could lead to more prosecutions. This would enable those police officers who are about to embark on their new training to work even more effectively in the future."
A trawler which had to be rescued from the middle of the Minch in high seas last night was safely tied up in Stornoway harbour and is now heading for the Goat Island slipway to undergo repairs later today (Monday January 20th).
The FV Ranger was escorted into the harbour by Stornoway lifeboat late last night after a dramatic rescue which involved two lifeboats, the Emergency Towing Vessel Ievoli Black and the Coastguard helicopter R948 from Stornoway.
The Ranger's three-man crew issued a Mayday appeal for help after finding they were taking on 'a significant amount' of water east of Tolsta Head soon after 1.20pm yesterday (Sunday).
Stornoway Coastguard operations centre co-ordinated a response during which two pumps were lowered onto the vessel in successive runs by the Coastguard helicopter. Lochinver RNLI lifeboat and Ievoli Black stood by, unable to attach a towline in heavy seas.
Stornoway RNLI Lifeboat later took over from Lochinver, and escorted the Ranger under her own power into the harbour, where she was met by members of Stornoway Coastguard Rescue Team.
The CRT carried out crew welfare checks and made sure the vessel was secured at the pier. Along with Scottish Fire & Rescue, the CRT then assisted with safety cover and the movement of pumps onto the vessel to stem the water ingress while she was alongside. All teams were stood down around 12.25am today (Monday).
Picture taken by RNLI Lochinver volunteer crew during yesterday's rescue of FV Ranger getting ready to go on the slip at Goat Island.
A crofter in North Tolsta has appealed to dog-owners to keep their dogs well under control, after three reported incidents in which sheep were attacked by dogs.
The latest incident saw a ewe grazing on the machair at Traigh Mhor so badly injured that she was put to sleep by a vet soon after the attack, which happened on Saturday (January 18). It follows two other reported incidents in recent weeks, one in the same area and one on the grazings near Garry beach.
Posting on the North Tolsta Community Noticeboard, the owner of the most recently injured sheep said: "Keeping livestock is hard work, but it's even harder when we have these incidents to contend with. Please can we work together to support our crofting community."
A spokesman for Police Scotland said they were aware of a report of sheep-worrying in the Tolsta area, and that all dog owners should be aware of their responsibility to keep dogs under control at all times.
Supply chain benefits from Offshore Wind in Scotland will be retained, according to a commitment by the Scottish Government and Crown Estate Scotland.
Historically, much of the primary supply chain content for Scottish Offshore Wind developments has come from overseas yards but this new commitment, enshrined in future seabed leases, should see more supply chain content retained in Scotland.
Commenting on this development, the Comhairle's Chair of Sustainable Development, Councillor Donald Crichton, said: "On the face of it, this is good news for Scotland and for our own Offshore Fabrication Yard at Arnish.
"For many years now, the Comhairle has been concerned about the procurement practices of Offshore Wind developers and for their part, Crown Estate Scotland appear to have been unable to demand economic opportunities for Scottish business in Offshore Wind procurement.
"That is one of the reasons why the Comhairle has sought more local control over seabed leasing by entering into a Local Asset Management Pilot Scheme with Crown Estate Scotland.
"Now it appears that Crown Estate Scotland's new leasing round for Offshore Wind, known as ScotWind, will require a tougher commitment to the Scottish Supply Chain by prospective developers and that can only be good news for Scottish Yards like Arnish.
"Through its new relationship with Crown Estate Scotland and Marine Scotland, the Comhairle will continue to press for the benefits of Offshore Wind to be retained in the Scottish economy."
A new language development programme has been created for young children in the Western Isles.
Named Get Me Talking, the development comes from Ashley Mackay (Speech and Language Therapist), Careen Laird (Occupational Therapist), Sally Kane (Education Psychologist) and Christina Stewart (Early Years Support Officer).
The programme has been designed to empower parents with skills to support their child's early language development through fun and easily accessible activities.
Get Me Talking has now been created into a package that any play leader/facilitator of a parent and toddler group can use. The programme can be run in any nursery with stay-and-play sessions or in parent and toddler groups. The three local authority parent and toddler groups in Lewis have trialled the programme already. It doesn't require training of staff or for the attendance of professionals from the services listed above - the package provides all of the information necessary for someone to run the programme successfully. Even parts of the programme could be used in nurseries to encourage parent/child interaction in the early years.
The development of this programme came about to address an increase in referrals to early nursery placements in the Western Isles, due to delayed language development. A team was established to develop ways to support language development for children up to the age of three.
The group of NHS and education professionals agreed that interventions needed to be carried out earlier in a child's life and that to improve language skills, interventions must be run in partnership with families. As the team explain in their package: "A baby learns about him or herself, other people and the world by being looked at and responded to, spoken to, sung to, read to and played with.
"A baby can learn by looking and playing on their own, but the learning is not as rich as when the child is looking at something or playing with something together with an adult. When a parent shares an experience with a baby or child, they give the experience meaning. They give the child a sense of what he or she should feel and they teach the child language that is associated with the experience."
The Get Me Talking programme focuses on promoting various key messages and Top Tips that parents and caregivers can use to encourage and promote meaningful and rich interaction and communication with their child.
The programme runs over five weeks and each weekly session lasts approximately 40 minutes. Every week parents/caregivers learn a new key message, such as Face Me, Talk to Me, Play and Explore with Me, and Top Tips for supporting their child's early language development, which is all carried out through fun activities.
Each week focuses on a different theme and a number of interactive stations are set up to demonstrate activities that can be easily replicated at home, but these can also be changed to suit individual settings. Parents are encouraged to practise the key message and 'top tips' at home.
At the end of the programme it is hoped that parents/caregivers will feel more confident when interacting with their child, will engage with their child more and will use more strategies to support their child's language development.
Attendees also learn about the importance of messy play, tummy time, reading aloud, as well as guidance on, and the benefits of, limiting screen time. Information sheets on these topics are included in the Get Me Talking package.
If you are interested in the programme please ask your child's nursery or local parent and toddler group whether they are or will be running the programme.
In the meantime, if you would like advice or support about your child's early language development, the AHP Advice Line, run by the Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy departments, is available every Wednesday from 2-3 pm.
Advice Line every Wednesday, 2-3pm
01851 708282 for Speech and Language Therapy advice or
01851 795685 for Occupational and Physio- Therapy advice
Over 3,000 people tuned in to a live-stream on Friday night (January 17) to watch island youngsters at the top of their game in their Celtic Connections debut in Glasgow.
Over 70 young people were on the stage at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall for Dìleab: Air 'a Chuan, a concert of music developed as part of the heritage legacy project Dìleab.
Dìleab: Air a' Chuan brought together school pupils and musicians from across the Western Isles to celebrate our rich connection with the waters which surround us through music and song, as part of the 2020 Year of Coasts and Waters.
Performers included Sgoil Lionacleit Pipe Band, the Sir E Scott school choir and soloists, musicians and choral singers from the four secondary schools in the Outer Hebrides and professional musicians Willie Campbell, Ceitlin Lilidh and Padraig Morrison, together with other island musicians in an evening hosted by former Sgoil Lionacleit pupil Linda MacLeod.
The Dìleab project started in 2018, with pupils researching different subjects connected to the history of the islands. The schools were given themes related to the island – Barra and emigration, Uist remembering World War I, Harris with protest and politics and Lewis remembering the Iolaire Disaster.
The pupils worked with local musician Willie Campbell to produce five original compositions on these themes.
Friday night's performance was just the latest public outing for the results of the project, with the live stream bringing praise from watchers far and wide.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney tweeted after the concert: "An outstanding performance by the pupils of Sir E Scott School, Castlebay School, Sgoil Lionacleit and the Nicolson Institute. Beautiful tribute to our Gaelic culture and a fabulous illustration of the strength of Scottish education."
Also praising the young performers were the musicians who steered the project through to its triumphant performances. Project co-ordinator Rhona Johnstone said: "It's a privilege and an honour to have been involved in the Dìleab project from the outset. The talent on display from our young people is phenomenal and I had immense pride listening to and playing with them."
Leading musician Willie Campbell also said: "It's been an unforgettable few days for all the kids involved. They got a well earned standing ovation last night. The growing confidence, pride and ability is something really special and it's what Dìleab is all about. It makes you proud to be an islander. I love it. It's a joy to be a part of it."
And Sir E Scott choir conductor Iain Maciver said: "I've had many highlights with Sir E Scott choirs over the years but tonight ranks as one of my proudest moments as a conductor. I am so proud and humbled to have worked with the choir for Dìleab 2020 @ Celtic Connections. Thank you all, you are all stars."
An additional bonus for the Western Isles pupils was the chance to participate in the spectacular awakening of Storm – Celtic Connections giant animated sea goddess – as she made her impressive way through the streets of Glasgow on Saturday. The Sir E Scott choir was asked to take part in the sea goddess's journey, singing as the 10 metre high Storm was awakened and rose from the river Clyde.
As part of the same event, Castlebay Community School choir and Dìleab musicians performed for a second time on Saturday lunchtime, alongside Willie Campbell, at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. The full Friday night performance is available to watch here or vimeo.
Pictures show the performers on stage at Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, and the choir of Sir E Scott School, conducted by Iain Maciver, calming the Storm in Glasgow on Saturday.
The Uist dentistry situation will be the subject of a planned meeting between the Scottish Health Council and the Integration Joint Board (IJB).
The meeting has been called regarding the proposal to centralise dental services in Benbecula, after the decision was finally made by the Chief Executives of NHS Western Isles and the Comhairle in September last year.
Highlands and Islands Labour MSP, Rhoda Grant, has been told that the Scottish Government is sending the Chief Dental Officer (CDO) to visit with the IJB to discuss the outreach element of the proposal.
Mrs Grant said: "The Minister for Public Health, Joe FitzPatrick, has made it clear to me that he believes the existing service provision is not sustainable.
"I know many service users in Uist disagree wholeheartedly with this stance. However, what the Minister has said is that the effectiveness of the outreach element of the new proposals will be a key issue and that he feels the most appropriate intervention is to closely monitor the development of this element before any escalation is required.
"As such, he is sending the CDO to visit with the IJB and report back to him.
"The Scottish Health Council has advised me that they are not aware of this going through the NHS Board's governance structure, that it has been progressed through the IJB's governance structure, and as such they cannot consider calling the decision in.
"They advise however, that they are seeking a meeting with the IJB to understand more about the status of the decision and planned next steps."
A gritty and muddy battle between islanders on Saturday (January 18) saw Stornoway Rugby club seniors holding Shetland to a determined 10-10 draw.
Home advantage was not enough for the Stornoway side to get a win and, although they are disappointed, a team spokesman yesterday acknowledged that Shetland fully deserved to get something out of the match.
The spokesman said: "While Stornoway's play was full of effort and enthusiasm, with some great spells of play, Shetland's more experienced team was the better organised and fitter side, even though at least a man down for the full 80 minutes.
"Great to see so many of the Stornoway youngsters in action, if they can stay together and gain experience through committing to training and games the future looks bright."
Meanwhile Stornoway runners enjoyed the last cross-country race of the season nearby in the castle grounds. There was a good turnout for the race, sponsored by the Crown Hotel, KJ Macdonalds and Macleod & Macleod Butchers.
Stornoway Running and Athletics Club last week (Saturday January 11) took 11 athletes to represent North District in the British Cross-country challenge at Stirling. Six of these fought through to the top six Team North finishers, coming home with bronze medals.
They were Sarah Maciver and Kyla McMurdo in the U13 girls, Iain Matheson in the U13 boys, Francesca Greenstock and Rachel Murray in the U15 girls and U15 boy Charlie Morrison.
Pictures show Stornoway RFC in action against Shetland RFC and SRAC girls muddy but triumphant after last week's race in Stirling.
Women across the Western Isles are reminded that cervical screening saves livcommunityes.
NHS Western Isles have issued a reminder coinciding with Cervical Cancer Awareness Week (20th January – 26th January 2020) that the smear test saves around 5,000 lives each year in the UK.
Six women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every week in Scotland and the NHS have said it is important to attend your cervical screening appointment when invited.
Cervical cancer may not have symptoms in its early stages, but it can be prevented through regular cervical screening (smear test) which detects any early changes to the cells of the cervix. The earlier cervical cancer is found, the easier it is to treat and you're nine times more likely to survive cervical cancer when it's found at an early stage, compared to a late stage. The NHS Cervical Screening Programme invites all women from the age of 25 to 64 to attend cervical screening. Women who are 25 to 49 years of age are offered screening every three years, and those aged 50 to 64 are offered screening every five years. From 30 March 2020, cervical cytology (looking at cells under a microscope) will be replaced by human papillomavirus (HPV) testing as the primary (first) screening test in the Scottish cervical screening programme. This will be carried out using the same samples of cells taken during cervical screening so the cervical screening experience for women will remain unchanged. Further information is available at here. Sometimes there are no symptoms with early stage cervical cancer. However, if you notice any of the following, make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible: · Abnormal bleeding: during or after sexual intercourse, or between periods· Post-menopausal bleeding, if you are not on HRT or have stopped it for six weeks· Unusual and/or unpleasant vaginal discharge· Discomfort or pain during sex· Lower back pain.
There are many other conditions that could cause these symptoms so while it's probably nothing to worry about, you should see your GP. Whatever it is, the earlier it's found the easier it will be to treat.
If you are worried or late attending a cervical screening appointment or if it is your first time, find out more about cervical screening here: www.jostrust.org.uk/about-cervical-cancer/cervical-screening Cervical screening saves lives, contact your GP practice to make an appointment.
Two coastguard teams were called out on Sunday morning (January 19th) when a man-overboard beacon was discovered near Balmartin in North Uist.
A member of the public spotted the personal beacon and alerted Stornoway Coastguard operations centre, who tasked Griminish and Benbecula Coastguard Rescue Teams to investigate the site.
The beacon was found to be non-identifiable and the teams were stood down after checking the area.
The incident has been classified as a false alarm with good intent.
Stornoway Coastguard are tonight (Sunday January 19th) co-ordinating the rescue of a fishing vessel taking on water in heavy seas and strong winds.
The vessel, with three people aboard, called for help around 1.30pm today from their position about 12 miles off Tolsta Head in the Minch.
he casualty vessel is believed to be the UK-registered FV Ranger OB29 (pictured above).
The crew reported that their vessel was taking on a significant amount of water, sparking the emergency response.
Rescue helicopter R948 went to the scene and Lochinver RNLI lifeboat was also tasked and is still with the stricken vessel.
Water pumps were passed on to boat and have helped to get the water ingress under control, but it has not been possible to get a towline established in high swell and strong winds.
Stornoway RNLI Lifeboat was heading for the incident at about 6 pm on Sunday to relieve Lochinver Lifeboat.
Two pumps are now in place on board the FV Ranger and she is heading for Stornoway harbour under her own power, with Stornoway RNLI Lifeboat Tom Sanderson and the Coastguard tug Ievoli Black providing back-up support. RNLI Lochinver Lifeboat has been released from duty and is heading for her home berth. All crew aboard the casualty vessel are reportedly safe and well.
A further update from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency is expected later.
The following planning applications are pending consideration by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
All information and accompanying documents are publicly available on the CnES website.
New overhead line
SSE Networks has applied for planning permission to build an overhead line from Callanish to Gisla.
New wooden stable, Point
Alison Macdonald of 63 Garrabost has applied for planning permission to erect a wooden stable at 3B Garrabost, Point. The stable is to be 7.32 metres long, 2.43 metres tall and 3.66 metres deep. The stable is not for business use.
New housing development, Barvas
Hebridean Housing Partnership has applied for planning permission to build 12 new houses and create a new access in Barvas. Work is to include creating parking suitable for 24 cars.
New polycrub, Carloway
Ian Knight of Westview, James Street, Carloway, has applied for planning permission to erect a polycrub at Westview, James Street, Carloway. The polycrub is to be 12 metres long, 4 metres wide and 2.6 metres tall. It is to be made of clear polycarbonate sheets.
New agricultural building, Carloway
Iain Knight of Westview, James Street, Carloway, has applied for planning permission to erect an agricultural building at Westview, James Street, Carloway. The building is to be 18.2 metres long, 9.1 metres wide and 4.2 metres tall. It is to be constructed of steel and the external of the building is to be brown.
Site two modular units, Point
Charles Engebretsen of Macaulay Farm Lodge, Lochs Road, has applied for planning permission to site two modular units to be used as holiday lets at 26 Branahuie, Point. The units are to be 5 metres wide, 5.2 metres long and 3.1 metres tall, The roof is to be made of plastic-coated metal profile sheeting, the walls are to be clad in larch boards and plastic-coated metal profile sheeting.
Stornoway police are asking for help from the public after two galvanised gates were taken from the fank at Back.
The gates, measuring 4ft by 3ft, are of the kind used with the fank to enclose sheep.
They were taken from the fank some time between the evening of Wednesday January 8th and the morning of Saturday January 11th.
Anyone who has any information about the theft is asked to contact police on the non-emergency number 101, quoting incident number NH63/20.
A man was arrested on Point Street in Stornoway at 1.30am on Saturday (January 18th) and taken into custody at Stornoway police station.
The 18-year-old was charged with breach of the peace and issued with a fixed penalty, before being released once he was sober.
With news this week that Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has awarded a £10.1m contract to marine, civil engineering and building contractor, L&M Keating Ltd to carry out upgrade works at Lochmaddy Pier in North Uist, the cost to taxpayers of the new ferry for Uist-Skye-Harris triangle has finally become apparent.
The costs of the similar port works at Uig - where the port is owned by Highland Council - are expected to be £30m while back in September 2019 Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) awarded a £14.3 million contract to civil engineering and building contractor, RJ McLeod Limited to carry out upgrade works at Tarbert Ferry Terminal which is owned by CMAL.
That means a total of £55m for shore works – while the cost of the two ferries being slowly constructed in Glasgow is now expected to total at least the original £97m plus an additional £110m - meaning a cost for the Uist-Skye-Harris triangle of about £105m.
That means at least a £160m cost for a service from a ferry that's expected to be able to carry around 1000 passengers, 127 cars or 16 HGVs. The present Hebrides ferry can carry 612 passengers and 90 cars. The new ferry is expected to be delivered four years late. According to data available on line, the new design ferry will have a speed of 14.5 knots compared to the Hebrides speed of 16.5 knots.
The MV Loch Seaforth, the single ferry on the Stornoway to Ullapool route, came in at a cost of £42m from Germany. The boat was originally leased in 2014 by CMAL from banking giant Lloyds for a planned eight year lease costing around £36m, with another £31m spent on infrastructure upgrades to the harbours. However, last year, CMAL purchased the Loch Seaforth, the largest ferry in the fleet, costing the Scottish Government another £36 million.
In contrast, Pentland Ferries - which provides the hour-long short crossing to Orkney travelling across the Pentland Firth between St Margaret's Hope, Orkney, to Gills Bay, Caithness - has just taken delivery of the MV Alfred, which has been named after Pentland Ferries' owner and managing director, Andrew Banks' father.
MV Alfred has a carrying capacity for 430 passengers and 98 cars, or 54 cars and 12 articulated vehicles/coaches.
Facilities on board MV Alfred include two lounges with seating, two cafeteria lounges, a children's play area, an indoor sundeck lounge, outdoor seating area, cafeteria and wheelchair lift. It joins the MV Pentalina in the Pentland Ferries fleet and is being hailed as the most environmentally-friendly ferry service of its kind in Scotland, with a shore-based wind turbine providing power when the vessel is docked overnight and energy-efficient LED lighting onboard throughout.
The catamaran vessel was built in Vietnam for a reported cost of £14m. It has a top speed of 16 knots.
Looking at the cost and length of road tunnels in the Faroe Islands and Norway, the Faroes are building two road tunnels - length almost 18km - for £221m. The Little Minch at its narrowest is 23 km wide. The longest road tunnel in the world is the Laerdal Tunnel in Norway and is 24.5km long. It cost £95m to construct in 1995-2000.
The world's longest twin-tube tunnel is in China, the Zhongnanshan Tunnel passing through the Qinling mountains in Shaanxi province, at 18.02km long. It was opened in January 2007 after nearly five years of construction and at a cost of £315.7. Included in these costs are coloured and patterned lighting of artificial plants and pictures of clouds over the roof to keep drivers alert!
Back in Lochmaddy, Keating will be responsible for completing all civil engineering works for the harbour upgrade project, including pier strengthening and extension, upgraded fendering, land reclamation and seabed dredging. The work will commence in January 2020 and is expected to be completed in spring 2021.
CalMac will continue to operate ferry services during the works.
The infrastructure upgrade work at Lochmaddy is part of the Skye Triangle Infrastructure Project, which involves significant harbour upgrades at the three ports at Tarbert, Lochmaddy and Uig. The work is designed to improve and modernise harbour facilities and prepare the way for new vessels.
Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands Paul Wheelhouse said: "I am very pleased to see the planned upgrade of Lochmaddy Pier moving forward with the award of this contract, following the recent award of the contract for construction works at Tarbert on the Isle of Harris.
"Work can now begin on the construction phase of the project, which will deliver an improved experience for the passengers who use these important services.
"Transport Scotland continues to work with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, The Highland Council and CMAL in the delivery of our ambitious plans for the facilities at the three ports of Tarbert, Lochmaddy and Uig through the Skye Triangle Infrastructure Project. I look forward to seeing this project help to further improve connectivity from and to the Western Isles, with subsequent benefits for the local economy."
Councillor Uisdean Robertson, Chair of the Comhairle's Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said: "We are very pleased to have reached this very important milestone in the delivery of infrastructure improvements for the wider Skye Triangle route.
"We look forward to continuing to work with Transport Scotland, with CMAL and now with Keating in making significant improvements to the pier and marshalling areas at Lochmaddy.
"We are confident that the investment in port infrastructure across the Skye Triangle route will make a significant contribution to growing and sustaining efficient and effective transport links for the islands."
Looking back, CMAL placed orders for two new ferries with Ferguson Marine Engineering Ltd (FMEL) in October 2015. The ferries were to be delivered on a fixed-price basis under a design and build contract, with a combined fixed-price of £97m. The vessels are to be powered by hybrid marine gas oil/Liquid Natural Gas-powered engines, which are a world first for sea-going passenger and vehicle roll-on roll-off ferries.
The first ferry, MV Glen Sannox (vessel 801) was due to be delivered in summer 2018, with the second ferry (vessel 802) slightly later.
The Minister for Transport and the Islands wrote to the Committee on 9 November 2017, highlighting a delay in the delivery of the ferries with vessel 801 delayed until Winter 2018/19 and vessel 802 some time later.
The Cabinet Secretary wrote again to the Committee on 16 August 2018 to advise that "…the first vessel, the MV Glen Sannox, will be delivered during Summer 2019 and the second vessel in Spring 2020".
The Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands, wrote to the Committee on 25 April 2019 advising that he anticipated a further delay to the delivery of both vessels.
The directors of FMEL filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators on 8 August 2019, effectively starting the process which would place the business in administration.
On 2 December 2019, the Scottish Government confirmed that it had taken the Ferguson Marine shipyard into public ownership following the rejection by administrators of three commercial bids for the company.
On 18 December 2019, the Scottish Government published the Ferguson Marine Programme Review Board report, which indicated a delivery range for vessel 801 of October to December 2021 and a delivery range of July to October 2022 for vessel 802, with an estimated outstanding cost for delivery of the two ferries of £110.3m.
Mairi Campbell is back in Stornoway to celebrate Burns Night with her theatre show Auld Lang Syne, plus a Scots songs workshop earlier in the day.
Featuring live music, animation and movement, the show Auld Lang Syne sees Mairi tell stories of her adventures with Scotland's most famous song – singing for US President Bill Clinton, a starring role in Sex and the City and a reinterpretation of the Robert Burns classic that changed her life.
In the morning, Mairi will also be running a workshop for mixed voices at An Lanntair. Join her to learn Scots songs including songs by Robert Burns. Sheet music of the songs is available during the workshop and all voices welcome.
The show and the workshop will be delivered with Mairi's trademark wit, gentle charm and unparalleled musical ability. With Auld Lang Syne, the audience can expect a funny and heartfelt show resonates with universal truths.
Mairi said: "I'm looking forward to being back in Stornoway. I was over last month working on Soil and Soul the theatre production so it's great to back again and I'm so pleased to have this opportunity to bring the show here. I love playing it and I the audience responses have been fantastic.
"I'm also looking forward to sharing the Scots song workshop, focussing on Burns songs. The melodies Burns chose his lyrics for were often fiddle tunes or airs and could be hard to sing, but we'll be taking two or three of his 600 songs and going for it!"
Presented by Greengold Projects and the Authentic Artist Collective. Auld Lang Syne is co-devised and directed by Kath Burlinson of the Authentic Artist Collective.
Watch the Auld Lang Syne trailer https://youtu.be/Y9AgPPLeu8I
Mairi Campbell is a Scottish folk singer and musician from Edinburgh. . She has won many awards including Scots Singer of the Year, Female Musician of the Year, Neil Gow Composition of the Year, and Tutor of the Year. In 2015 Campbell created her first solo theatre show Pulse. Campbell is one half of the duo The Cast, whose version of the Robert Burns poem "Auld Lang Syne" featured in the movie Sex and the City. Campbell is also a member of the céilidh band The Occasionals, and is a guest musician with the baroque ensemble Concerto Caledonia.
Mairi Campbell: Auld Lang Syne
Date and time: Saturday 25 January 2020, 8pm
Location: An Lanntair, Kenneth St, Stornoway HS1 2DS
Tickets: http://lanntair.com/events/event/mairi-campbell-auld-lang-syne/ or call 01851 708 480
Scots song for mixed voices workshop with Mairi Campbell
Date and time: Saturday 25 January 2020, 10.30am–12pm
Tickets: http://lanntair.com/events/event/scots-songs-mixed-voices-workshop-mairi-campbell/ or call 01851 708 480
Members of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar staff in Sandwick Road were delighted to hand over a cheque for £1370 to Bethesda Hospice in Springfield Road, Stornoway.
The funds were raised through a Christmas Hamper Raffle.
Grateful thanks from the organisers to all those who supported this appeal.
An event in the Scottish Parliament aimed at helping MSPs protect their constituents from scams has recently been sponsored by Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP Alasdair Allan.
The islands' MSP hosted the reception on behalf of Advice Direct Scotland (ADS), which runs the www.consumeradvice.scot service. MSPs joined Trading Standards experts and ADS staff – including Sean Harrison, Manager of the ADS contact centre in Stornoway.
Common scams include bogus callers who are offering services such as landscape gardening or maintenance work in a bid to gain access to properties; online marketplace traders selling fake goods; and fake emails claiming to be from companies including Amazon, banks, or government departments.
Scams cost the UK economy up to £10billion a year, and 53% of people over 65 have been targeted by scams. However, only 5% of scams are reported. If more potential scams are reported to consumeradvice.scot, the organisation can work with Trading Standards and Police Scotland to raise awareness and prevent more people being scammed.
consumeradvice.scot was launched in April this year with financial support from the Scottish Government following the devolution of consumer powers, and is operated by the charity Advice Direct Scotland. It provides free, impartial and practical advice directly to consumers in Scotland.
Alasdair Allan MSP said: "Sadly, I know from my own caseload that a significant number of people in the islands fall victim to scams every year.
"Advice Direct Scotland has a significant presence in Stornoway and I was delighted to be able to sponsor this reception aiming to spread awareness of the problems and offer practical guidance to MSPs.
"By following advice from Scotland's new consumer advice service, people can spot the tell-tale signs and avoid being left out of pocket. But there is no shame in being conned as scammers use sophisticated techniques to trick people, so it's important to report any suspicions to consumeradvice.scot so that action can be taken."
Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of consumeradvice.scot, said: "Realising that you may have been the victim of a scam can be extremely upsetting and worrying.
"As Scotland's new consumer advice service, we are working hard to make people more aware of scams, and advise those who are scammed.
"It's very important that any potential scams are reported to us as soon as possible so that we can raise awareness with Trading Standards and the police."
Advice for residents in the Western Isles on how to avoid being scammed:
Stornoway-based Advice Direct Scotland Manager Sean Harrison with Alasdair Allan MSP.
The centralisation of Air Traffic Control (ATC) services is proceeding and Benbecula Airport is to be downgraded, Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd says.
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has hit out at HIAL's "lack of ambition" for the Islands displayed in their announcement .
It was announced yesterday (Thursday January 16th) that Benbecula will be downgraded to an Aerodrome Flight Information Service (AFIS) resulting in a loss of jobs and an inability to grow air services in Benbecula.
Together with a loss of jobs at Stornoway as a result of centralising ATC services in Inverness, including those for Sumburgh, Dundee, Inverness and Kirkwall, there could be a loss of up to 20 jobs in the Islands, a significant number of skilled jobs.
The Comhairle has called on Scottish Government to intervene. Comhairle Leader Roddie Mackay said: "This is not an attitude or approach we would expect from a Scottish Government owned company."
Councillor Uisdean Robertson, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar's Chair of Transportation and Infrastructure, said: "It seems to me that HIAL are looking at Stornoway and Benbecula Airports as burdens rather than assets. They are intent on running them down with the resultant loss of employment.
"This displays an incredible lack of ambition for the future of air services to and from the Islands. We should be looking at how these assets can be grown and developed to best serve the communities of the Islands. I will be writing to the Minister highlighting that is against the principles of Community empowerment and the Islands Act.
"Centralisation of services and jobs is entirely contrary to what Island authorities have been working towards over the past few years and indeed is completely at odds with the Islands Act. I will be calling for an Islands Impact Assessment, in line with Island proofing, to be carried out on the implications of these shortsighted measures for our communities.
"I will be calling upon Ministers to ensure that agencies like HIAL grow their staff headcount in our islands not remove valuable jobs and families from our communities."
Councillor Robertson also highlighted that safety and resilience were at risk of being comprised under the proposed measures for centralization. He said: "Anyone who has seen the weather this week in Benbecula and Stornoway will know that systems and technology could be at risk. I will be contacting the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity, Michael Matheson. I also propose to meet with my counterparts in Shetland and Orkney who share similar concerns.
"Our communities have extreme transport challenges ahead. Our ferry services have deteriorated because of ill-thought-through decision making made by mainland based management. It is sad that HIAL is making the same mistake.
"HIAL are putting their own priorities and dogma way above the needs of their customers and partners. Taxpayers money is being spent on a needless vanity project. It is utterly unacceptable in this day and age for a publicly funded body to behave in this high handed way."
Highlands and Islands Labour MSP, Rhoda Grant, has also condemned the announcement that plans to centralise ATC in the Highlands and Islands will go ahead, despite fierce opposition from local communities, from the Prospect Union and from a cross section of MSPs.
HIAL said the change will modernise air traffic control but the Prospect Union say the plan puts 60 jobs at risk and described it as "poorly thought through". It will rely on remote towers, which will not need to be staffed, feeding information to a new surveillance centre in Inverness.
Rhoda Grant said "From the day these proposals were first aired in 2017 I have received representation from local communities who are desperate to maintain the current system for safety reasons and to protect island jobs.
"The proposals to downgrade services at Wick and Benbecula are astounding given the localities have been earmarked as space ports. These decisions also fly in the face of the Scottish Government's own recently published Islands Plan which seeks to protect and improve services and employment in island communities.
"HIAL appears to be intent on pushing this through despite its own consultants identifying the 'remote tower' model as the most costly and risky option.
"While this decision fits with the Scottish Government's determination to centralise services out of local areas, it is an appalling decision and HIAL and the Scottish Government must stop these plans right now before remote air services are jeopardised and more local jobs are taken out of rural communities."
The Dìleab performance at Celtic Connections at 7:30pm this evening, Friday 17th January, will now be streamed live on the internet at www.dileabalegacy.com
Performances will include 70 island pupils from the Dìleab: Air a' Chuan project, Willie Campbell & Band, Ceitlin Lilidh and Pàdruig Morrison with the Sgoil Lionacleit Pipe Band, the Sir E Scott Choir from Harris, singers and musicians from Castlebay Community School in Barra and The Nicolson Institute in Lewis, as well as other island musicians including Iain 'Costello' MacIver and Neil Johnstone.
Those who cannot make the concert, which will take place in the New Auditorium of the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, will now be able to enjoy the performance online.
Tighean Innse Gall are teaming up with Western Isles Citizens Advice Service for a Big Energy Savings Week. They will be offering free information on ways to save energy, make your home more energy efficient, how to deal with fuel debt and see if you can save on your electricity bills.
They will be ready to help at Castlebay Co-op on Friday, 24th January, between 12 and 2pm.
They will be ready to help at Macaulay Road Co-op on Monday, 20th January, between 10am and 4pm, Stornoway Library on Tuesday, 21st January 12-2pm and Wednesday, 22nd January, all day.
24 tubular metal scaffold frames for sale.
Makes two towers approximately 12 foot high. One at four foot square and one at six foot square.
£100. Buyer collects.
The power of professional pantomime was on display again at An Lanntair last night (Thursday January 16th)
The classic tale of Sleeping Beauty was brought vividly to live on stage – and today (Friday 17) and tomorrow (Saturday 18) a total of three performances are being held each day, with the first one on Saturday as early as 11am. However, two of today's shows are already sold out.
Once again, the show proved that – despite the attractions of the on-line world - modern audiences still love to participate in the shows, with huge involvement in the ritual exchanges between cast and particularly – but not exclusively – the children in the audience.
The all-new set – plus loads of modern production techniques and a great selection of music – kept the great old story vivid and up-to-date.
And the local dancers – getting their annual chance to join professionals on a full-scale stage and in a professional show – were superb in the many scenes where they appeared, both as crowds and supporting performers, of course, as stylish dancers with great costumes.
Directed and produced by Stuart Morrison who hails from Ness, the pantomime stars Victoria Jane, David Rumelle, Steven Arnold and Linda Clark.
Stuart said earlier: "This year's pantomime is going to be one of the most extravagant of all, utilising the wonderful talent of the cast we have managed to get together - some of which are Lewis regulars - as well as introducing some great newcomers, not to mention our star this year, Steven Arnold, well known and much loved for his many, many years in Coronation Street."
David Rumelle, who plays Nurse Nancy Nettlerash, says: "This will be my fourth year in Stornoway. We always have a good time there. It's an absolute joy to do."
The role of the villain, bad fairy Carabosse, is played by Linda Clark. Linda, who also appeared in an episode of David Tennant's Doctor Who, says: "The baddies are so much more fun to play – and you get used to being booed!"
Linda has been to Stornoway three times in the past. "I first came 25 years ago, when we performed in the Town Hall," she relates. "The biggest memory for me was calling my husband from a phone box after a performance in June at 10:40pm and marvelling at how light it was even at that hour!
There were public thanks to the main sponsors and supporters - the Scottish Co-op; Cala Hotels; CalMac and EVENTS newspaper.
You can book here
The families of women prisoners in the Highlands and islands are having to travel long distances to see their relatives.
Highlands and Islands Labour MSP, David Stewart, questioned the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Humza Yousaf, in Parliament this week about facilities for women prisoners from the Highlands and Islands and Moray.
Mr Stewart asked the Cabinet Secretary what plans the Scottish Government has for a new women's community integration unit in the Highlands and Islands.
The Cabinet Secretary replied that in 2015 the Scottish Government announced plans for a new 80-place national women's facility at Cornton Vale and up to five new community based custodial units (CCUs) which would each accommodate around 20 women at locations across Scotland.
He said the national facility and the first two CCUs in Glasgow and Dundee were due to be operational by the end of 2021. The Cabinet Secretary said the decision on the next phase of CCUs will depend on risk profile, community locations of women in custody and on lessons learned from bringing the first phase of CCUs into operation.
Mr Stewart said that in 2019 there were 24 women in custody from the Highlands and Islands and Moray who were serving their sentences in HMP Grampian or Cornton Vale. The MSP said that distance from families affects relationships at home and behaviour within the prison environment.
He asked if the Cabinet Secretary will consider a Community Integration Unit within the Highlands and Islands for women who are serving short sentences, on remand, on community integration or are at the end of their sentence.
The Cabinet Secretary said there were no longer facilities for women prisoners in Inverness because of the low numbers of women prisoners in the area but said Mr Stewart made the important point that locations for the other custody units have not yet been decided upon and that Mr Stewart should make representation to the Scottish Prison Service if he thinks there is a justifiable case for a Community Custody Unit in the Highlands and Islands.
David Stewart said "Together with my colleague, Rhoda Grant, I will indeed make representation to the Scottish Prison Service on this. The new Community Custody Units are being designed to accommodate twenty women. In 2019 there were 16 women from the Highlands in custody with the other eight being from island communities or Moray.
"Distances within the Highlands and Islands and Moray are already vast and to ask family members to travel further into Grampian or the Central Belt to visit female relatives is completely unjust. We will be making the case for facilities to be made available within the Highlands and Islands."
Labour MSP Rhoda Grant, who has also campaigned for local facilities said "Prison sentences not only impact on the prisoner but on their families too and we must ensure families, particularly children, can easily visit a loved one whilst they are serving their sentence. This is even more important where that access is to their mother.
Road policing officers in the Highland and Islands area are urging motorists to be aware of the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs following a recent road safety campaign over the festive season.
Inspector Donnie Mackinnon, from the Road Policing Unit said: "Across Scotland, 580 offences were detected in relation to drink/drug driving and an additional 185 cases are being investigated for drivers being over the drug drive limit over the festive period.
"Following the introduction of new legislation which introduced drug limits, we are testing drivers for drugs at the roadside and it should be noted that the Highlands and Islands are not immune to this issue."Road and divisional policing officers across the Highlands and Islands stopped a number of people who were suspected of being over the drink and drug drive limit. Reports have been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal and some investigations are still ongoing.
"Unfortunately we often get called to collisions in which drivers are under the influence of alcohol or drugs and the impact this has on family, friends and communities is devastating. We all have a role to play in keeping our roads safe and drivers must be aware of the dangers they place themselves, and others in, when driving under the influence. It is wholly unacceptable and simply isn't worth the risk.
"Road safety is a priority in all communities and we are committed to improving driver behaviour and reducing injuries on our road network.
"I would also encourage colleagues, friends or family members to continue to report drink or drug drivers to us so we can take appropriate action."
Disruption to the Castlebay-Oban service was discussed at a meeting in the Scottish Parliament yesterday (Wednesday 15 January).
Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP, Alasdair Allan, hosted the meeting between representatives of the community in Barra and Vatersay and Islands Minister Paul Wheelhouse MSP.
The MSP requested the meeting with the Islands Minister, who is the Scottish Government Minister with responsibility for ferries, to discuss the disruptions to the Castlebay-Oban service and the alternative arrangements made.
Alasdair Allan MSP commented: "This was a really useful opportunity for community representatives from Barra to engage with the Minister directly on the unacceptably frequent periods of disruption the island has suffered in recent months.
"I am grateful for the Minister's attention to this issue. We discussed the need for CalMac to take a much more pro-active approach when bad weather or technical issues arise, the total unsuitability of using a vessel like MV Isle of Arran to replace MV Isle of Lewis on any route as long as that between Oban and Castlebay, and the need for more opportunities for community engagement with Transport Scotland.
"Barra's lifeline ferry service is the longest and most challenging in CalMac's network. Ultimately, there needs to be much wider recognition of that fact, and Barra needs to be treated on a much more equitable basis when it comes to future vessel re-deployment decisions."
Councillor Donald Manford commented: "I was very pleased with the tenor or our discussions and the understanding for our concerns. I look forward with confidence to exploring new innovative ways of delivering the service."
Photograph shows (L-R): Councillor Donald Manford, Brian Currie, Theresa Irving, Alasdair Allan MSP, Paul Wheelhouse MSP, Donald Joseph Maclean and Eoin MacNeil.
The Castlebay-Oban route is one of four CalMac services to be updated.
Work is to be carried out at Oban Harbour as part of a planned maintenance programme.
Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) will replace the lifting cylinders on linkspan number two at Oban Harbour, with a planned start date of 23 January 2020.
The linkspan will be out of service for 10 days while work takes place.
During this time vessels will use the linkspan at berth number one, which was replaced earlier this year.
Minimal disruption to services is expected, as the work will coincide with the annual dry-docking of MV Isle of Lewis, which is the only vessel used for Oban Harbour which is unable to use Linkspan number one.
CalMac's Director of Operations, Robert Morrison said: "We are pleased to say that we have been able to amend the timetable so that there is no reduction in overall sailings while this work is carried out.
"However, operating from one linkspan means that our turnaround for sailings is much tighter, so I would urge all passengers to pay particular attention to the vehicle and passenger check-in times for their sailing and to arrive in plenty of time. Once service changes are finalised these will be published on our website."
Ramsay Muirhead, Director of Port Infrastructure and Planning at CMAL said: "This project is part of our ongoing programme of harbour upgrades and modifications across our network to provide safe and efficient lifeline ferry services to communities around Scotland.
"We have worked closely with the contractor and CalMac to ensure there is as little disruption to services as possible while we replace the lifting cylinder at linkspan number two.
"Throughout the duration of the project, services will run from berth number one, however we would advise passengers to check CalMac's website for any adjustments."
The routes affected are:
Oban - CraignureOban - Coll/Tiree Oban - CastlebayOban - Colonsay
Public meetings are to be held next week, as the potential community buyout of the Bays of Harris Estate takes an important step forward.
Funding has been awarded from the Scottish Land Fund to update a 2016 feasibility study, giving the Bays of Harris Steering Group (BOHSG) the funds to appoint Duncan MacPherson and Faye MacLeod to conduct the new study.
Duncan is a community development consultant based in Harris and Faye a chartered accountant, partner at Campbell Stewart MacLennan & Co in Skye. They'll be looking into the viability of the community taking over ownership of the estate and benefits such as affordable housing, community enterprise and crofting assistance which could result.
The Bays of Harris Estate covers the whole east side of the Isle of Harris, as well as Northton and the Isle of Berneray. It currently generates a healthy income with an annual surplus running to tens of thousands of pounds.
To see whether community ownership of that asset is feasible, the steering group will hold three public meetings – in the Bays, Leverburgh and Berneray – before the end of January.
The majority of the Outer Hebrides is already owned and run by community landlords, and about 94% of all community landownership in Scotland is in the islands.
John Maher, chair of BOHSG, said: "Community ownership of the Bays of Harris estate offers a potentially vital opportunity to safeguard the future of our community. The updated feasibility report will provide a rigorous assessment of the viability of the estate under community ownership and enable the community to make an informed decision about the merits of a buyout.
"It's really important that as many residents as possible come along to the public meetings, so that their views can help inform how a buyout of the estate could help deliver the types of developments that will benefit the entire community."
The meetings will be held at the Bays Centre on Monday January 20th, at Leverburgh Community Hall on Tuesday January 21st and at Berneray Community Hall on Tuesday January 28th. All meetings start at 7.30pm.
There will be a brief presentation from the steering group highlighting key events in the buyout process to date and outlining how discussions with the current landlord have progressed. Duncan MacPherson will explain his role in updating the 2016 feasibility study and give more detail on the estate's current income generation and how that income could be used to benefit the resident community.
Attendees at each meeting will have an opportunity to make comments and suggestions and to ask questions about the community buyout process and related issues. Representatives from other community landowners will also be at the meetings to share their experiences of community ownership elsewhere.
The discussion will help inform the final report of the Feasibility Study update, the findings of which will be presented at another series of public meetings in March or April 2020, ahead of a community ballot on whether to proceed with a community buyout of the estate.
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has awarded a £10.1m contract to marine, civil engineering and building contractor, L&M Keating Ltd to carry out upgrade works at Lochmaddy Pier.
Keating will be responsible for completing all civil engineering works for the harbour upgrade project, including pier strengthening and extension, upgraded fendering, land reclamation and seabed dredging.
The work starts this month and is expected to be completed in spring 2021. CalMac will continue to operate ferry services during the works.
The infrastructure upgrade work at Lochmaddy is part of the Skye Triangle Infrastructure Project, which involves significant harbour upgrades at the three ports at Tarbert, Lochmaddy and Uig. The work is designed to improve and modernise harbour facilities and prepare the way for new vessels.
"Transport Scotland continues to work with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, The Highland Council and CMAL in the delivery of our ambitious plans for the facilities at the three ports of Tarbert, Lochmaddy and Uig through the Skye Triangle Infrastructure Project.
"I look forward to seeing this project help to further improve connectivity from and to the Western Isles, with subsequent benefits for the local economy."
The new ferry for this route is being built at the Ferguson's shipyard in Glasgow, now owned by the Scottish Government.
Looking back, CMAL (Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd) placed orders for two new ferries with Ferguson Marine Engineering Ltd (FMEL) in October 2015. The ferries were to be delivered on a fixed-price basis under a design and build contract, with a combined fixed-price of £97m.
The Minister for Transport and the Islands wrote to the Committee on 9 November 2017, highlighting a delay in the delivery of the ferries with vessel 801 delayed until Winter 2018/19 and vessel 802 some time later.
On 18 December 2019, the Scottish Government published the Ferguson Marine Programme Review Board report, which indicated a delivery range for vessel 801 of October to December 2021 and a delivery range of July to October 2022 for vessel 802, with an estimated outstanding additional cost for delivery of the two ferries of £110.3m, more than double the contracted price.
Western Isles-based internet company Voove, based in Benbecula, has stepped in to the void being left by the closure of (Hebnet) Connected Communities.
Voove was founded in 2004 and originally based in Bristol, England prior to relocating to the former RAF Benbecula Military base in 2008. The company is run by Angus Doyle, an IT director within the Media and Events Industry.
Voove has live installations on St Kilda, as well as installations across the UK's onshore and offshore wind farms. Voove has adapted its bespoke rural communication solutions for the Festival and Event industries, providing secure, compliant back-haul internet delivered across the UK's largest music festivals and events.
Angus Doyle said: "Since the announcement of the (Hebnet) Connected Communities being disbanded, we have been inundated with calls and emails. We have reviewed the options available, and for those not able to take advantage of the Voove 4G Unlimited or BT Unlimited Options, we have negotiated a special deal for those Hebnet customers that do not have a suitable alternative.
"Introducing Hebsat - Unlimited Satellite Internet from £44.99 per month, no kit costs, no activation fees, voove have waived their costs to enable installation for only £49.99.
"Voove are BigBlu Internets' exclusive partners for the Western Isles and will be phasing in the take over of the installation, maintenance, and repairs of all direct and indirect BigBlu customers in the HS1 to HS9 postcodes from our offices in Stornoway and Benbecula.
"We are pleased to be able to offer this alternative to the local community. We will be taking on additional local engineers to manage our SKY contract alongside the Hebsat offering. Later this year voove will also be introducing the first Cyber Security Apprenticeship programme in both our Uist and Stornoway offices.
"With the purchase of the old Uist Laundry Building and surrounding land, we will be converting this 800sqm building into a technology hub to provide hands-on access and training for all generations, whether this is to teach the parents, learn the basics, more advanced tasks, or those wishing to start a podcast or streaming video channel.
"Being able to provide the Studio space, the equipment as well as the training to everyone we hope to help as many people as possible understand not only the risks, but also the benefits technology has to offer.
Ferries throughout Outer Hebrides continue to be under warning of disruption - and some services have been reorganised or cancelled.
Thursday 16th January - Castlebay-Oban
Due to adverse weather conditions over the last few days, there will be an additional sailing operating the following timetable:
Thursday 16th January -Stornoway-Ullapool
Due to adverse weather, the 10:30 sailing from Ullapool and the 14:00 sailing from Stornoway are cancelled.
The 07:00 sailing from Stornoway and the 17:30 sailing from Ullapool will operate
Youngsters from Barra and Uist are just (11am Wednesday January 15th) landing in Glasgow ahead of their date with fame at Celtic Connections.
They're set to make a splash at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, where tomorrow is rehearsal day for Dìleab: Air a' Chuan. The concert brings together school pupils and musicians from across the Western Isles to celebrate their rich connection with the waters which surround the islands.
Performers from Barra joined members of Sgoil Lionacleit pipe band after travelling across the Sound of Barra this morning. The flight from Benbecula landed in Glasgow shortly after 11am.
A second flight is bringing Lewis and Harris pupils including the Sir E Scott senior choir and soloists and musicians and choral singers from across Lewis. They will be joined by Willie Campbell of Tolsta, Ceitlin Lilidh of Ness and Padraig Morrison in the special one-off performance, hosted by former Sgoil Lionacleit pupil and Gaelic singer Linda MacLeod.
Travel plans for the party of 80 musicians, tutors and supporters were thrown into disarray when Storm Brendan and a series of further weather fronts made ferry transport impossible for some of the performers.
But Loganair came to the rescue laying on two charter flights to make sure that everyone made it to Glasgow in time for rehearsal day tomorrow.
Tickets for the performance, on Friday night, are still available via https://www.celticconnections.com/event/1/dleab-air-a-chuan
While the Western Isles have been dealing with high winds, high tides and winter disruption, the thoughts of some have turned to the other side of the world, where a stifling hot summer and raging bushfires are creating a desperate situation.
This year has been designated the Year of Scotland in Australia and two island organisations are putting their strength behind fundraising for the victims of Australia's devastating bushfires – whether the victims are humans or animals.
Hebrides Dance and Wellbeing Studio plans a fundraising Zumbathon on Saturday January 25th at the Caberfeidh Hotel, where people of all ages are encouraged to get together, have some fun and raise money to help.
And Hebridean Celtic Festival has donated two weekend tickets for this summer's festival, along with accommodation for the festival weekend, towards a creative Scottish drive to support Australian charities.
Zumbathon organiser Kirstie Anderson said: "Hearing and seeing images of the Australian bushfire crisis is devastating. People and animals are dying, thousands are losing their homes. Money is needed to help this dire situation. Let's not look away. Let's get together and move for a cause."
HebCelt organisers have made their donation as part of a national Year of Scotland in Australia campaign. The tickets for the 25th HebCelt Festival join tickets for dozens of events including Belladrum, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Skerryvore's performance at Inverary Castle in June. The draw for all those prizes will be live-streamed on Saturday February 1st.
Tickets cost £20 each and can be bought online at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/year-of-scotland-australia-2020-australian-fires-appeal-tickets-88522119041, where you can also see the full list of prizes.
All proceeds from online ticket sales will be split equally between the Australian Red Cross and World Wildlife Federation, to assist with supporting those affected by the fires.
Stornoway's Zumbathon party, which runs from 11am to 12.30pm on Saturday January 25th at the Caberfeidh Hotel, will feature big party tunes to dance along to, a raffle, home baking and some special guests yet to be announced. Entry is by donation and help would be appreciated with the raffle and on the door.
Do you have vintage photographs with a North Lochs connection?
Perhaps you've got a box full of old documents, including marriage certificates, wage slips or letters?
If so, the North Lochs Historical Society wants to hear from you!
The Society's first event of 2020 will be a photo scanning day – a chance for everyone to include their old photographs and documents into the archive collection, while still keeping the originals.
The idea came from the Society's Chairman, John Macdonald, who told welovestornoway.com: "Everything we get will be returned on the day. It takes less than two minutes to complete a scan, so nothing will get lost.
"We won't just be scanning – we will also be recording information about the photographs.
"Individuals in the community have photographs and documents lying around in the houses and no one sees them."
A selection will appear in the Society's quarterly magazine, Dusgadh. However, the long-term plan will see the Historical Society host exhibitions and publish various themed booklets based on the community's photographs.
"It will take a few years to do what we want to do," explains John. "But we are planning a transport exhibition and booklet first."
The Photo Scanning Day will be held on Saturday 25 January from 10am until 5pm at Leurbost Hall. John concluded: "We want absolutely anything – photographs about families, crofting, landscapes, buildings, transport, fishing – anything and everything. It's best to collect it now, while people still have the information, and we can record it all."
A brief but intense lightning storm cut power to everyone in Lewis and Harris for a short period this morning.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks local staff said that lightning strikes led to the cut, a few minutes long, at around 8.30am today.
The power outage left its mark on businesses and households, with internet and other electrical systems tripped by the interruption.Meanwhile 102 customers in properties on the Lewis and Harris border, between Ardvourlie and Arivruaich have been without power since the strikes, with engineers now on their way to find and repair the fault. Power is expected to be restored by 5pm.
The Braighe has now fully re-opened after a closure and a period on a convoy system this morning as waves flung debris over the carriageway.
High winds and high tides have once again led to the closure of te Braighe causeway this monring at about 8.50am
Seven cars were reported to be waiting on the Point side at 8.55am
Western Isles Police tweeted at 8.52 - "Western Isles Police would like to advise Braighe now closed. Updates to follow. Please continue to drive safely on all Island roads, there is still surface water on some roads."
A few minutes earlier the Western Isles Coastguard Facebook Page stated: "We are on scene at the Braighe with Highland & Islands Police Division and the Braighe will shut shortly. If crossing before the closure is in place please exercise caution as it is being affected by waves and debris overtopping the sea wall."
Coastguard teams across the Western Isles - both paid and volunteers - were at the centre of the battle to cope with the impact of Storm Brendan on Monday and Tuesday (January 13 and 14)
And this won open praise and admiration from members of the public…including one person who personally delivered a pizza to the team dealing with the crisis on the Braighe crossing.
The photograph shows the impact of the storm on the Seilibost causeway on the road between Tarbert and Leverburgh where Coastguard were also involved in a closure and clearance operation.
Meanwhile stormy conditions are continuing to affect ferry services across the Islands with sailings from Castlebay and Lochboisdale already cancelled.
Coastguard Rescue Teams on the Isle of Lewis were called out to ensure care workers were able to reach vulnerable and elderly people during the stormy weather on Monday (January 13).
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar requested the assistance of the Tarbert, Benbecula and Bragar Coastguard Rescue Teams and two Stornoway-based senior coastal operations officers.
Using their 4X4 vehicles and knowledge of driving in severe weather and high tide conditions they were able to transport care workers around the area to reach those people who are among the most vulnerable in the community.
HM Coastguard's Coastal Operations Area Commander with responsibility for the Western Isles, Skye and Lochaber, Murdo Macaulay said: "The Western Isles were hit by gale force winds and heavy rain coinciding with high spring tides which made driving conditions extremely difficult.
"Our Officers, both volunteer and full time, are trained to drive in these conditions and are happy to be called upon by the other emergency services and the local authorities to assist delivery of essential services.
"With the assistance of our teams more than a dozen people were visited yesterday that may have otherwise been left isolated and vulnerable in the severe weather conditions brought about by Storm Brendan."
Stornoway Coastguard Rescue Team said on Facebook: "Hi folks, on behalf of the Coastguard teams, the Area team (the full time troops), the CGOC, CnES cleansing staff, Donal with Peels' digger and Highlands & Islands Police Division, a huge thank you for all the kind messages, soups and sandwiches, teas, coffees and to the lovely member of the public who went back to town and came back with a pizza for us. Most of all, thanks to the residents of Point for being patient and understanding during the last 48 hours."
Murdo Macaulay outlined some of the workload on Monday 13th January:
0649 GMT: Stornoway Coastguard Rescue Team together with Duty Officers S18E, S18D and AC18, tasked at the request of Police Scotland to close and man the Braighe Causeway, Stornoway, during adverse weather conditions and high tide. All parties released when causeway deemed safe for public use.
0915 GMT: Portree and Duntulm Coastguard Rescue Teams and Scottish Fire & Rescue were tasked to a vessel taking water at Uig Harbour, Isle of Skye. The vessel was pumped out and secured on the shore.
1058 GMT: RNLI Kyle of Lochalsh ILB, and Kyle and Dunvegan Coastguard Rescue Teams were dispatched to assist the single occupant of an open fishing vessel who, although on a mooring, was unable to get ashore as conditions were too difficult to safely use his tender. The lifeboat rescued the casualty and brought him safe and well to the shore.
1509 GMT: Benbecula, Lochboisdale and Griminish Coastguard Rescue Teams tasked at the request of Police Scotland to assist with patrols of causeways and welfare checks on vulnerable persons. All parties released when the causeways deemed safe for public use.
1537 GMT: Tarbert, Benbecula & Bragar Coastguard Rescue Teams together with Duty Officers S18E, S18D and AC18, tasked at the request of Police Scotland to assist local council carers in undertaking welfare checks on vulnerable persons at multiple locations. All parties released when checks complete.
1830 GMT: Stornoway Coastguard Rescue Team together with Duty Officer AC18, tasked at the request of Police Scotland to close and man the Braighe Causeway, Stornoway, during adverse weather conditions and high tide. All parties released when causeway deemed safe for public use.
2133 GMT: Salen and Lochaline Coastguard Rescue Teams together with Duty Officer SCOO S18A, tasked at the request of Police Scotland to assist motorists stuck in vehicles at Corran Glen at A861 Ardgower. Due to falling tides and improving conditions, vehicles cleared flooded area and teams thereafter stood down.
Island politicians are calling for caution over proposed air traffic control changes.
Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron is supporting calls for a debate in Parliament on plans to centralise air traffic control in the region, which would lead to air traffic controllers removed from airports and replaced with a single 'remote' tower in Inverness.
Mr Cameron has supported a motion by Shetland MSP Beatrice Wishart which aims to hold a Member's Business debate on the changes which are being proposed by Highlands and Islands Airport Limited (HIAL).
The Scottish Conservative MSP, a regular user of HIAL services in the region, said: "Airports like Barra, Benbecula and Stornoway in the Western Isles, and Campbeltown, Islay and Tiree in Argyll and Bute, are crucial parts of our transport infrastructure.
"As HIAL is wholly owned by the Scottish Government, I wish to hear a justification directly from the minister for these proposals which have caused so much concern, not least from HIAL employees.
"It is vitally important that changes of this nature are subject to thorough scrutiny. The focus should be on providing a better service rather than just saving money.
"The Scottish Government's track record on our ferry service has left much to be desired and I wish to ensure that they don't make a hash of our air links as well."
And Isles MP Angus MacNeil is also expressing concerns about proposed changes to air traffic control (ATC) in the Islands. HIAL propose to centralise air traffic control services in Inverness by using 'remote towers'.
Angus MacNeil MP said: "HIAL have named this high risk and costly option as 'remote towers' when in actual fact it is the centralisation of air traffic control meaning high-value island jobs going to Inverness.
"The Scottish Government and the Scottish Parliament committees, particularly the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee should be scrutinising this proposal line-by-line because it has huge implications not only for transport but for the community in the Western Isles.
"We know that air traffic control has a difficulty with recruitment and retention, but this is not the case in the island areas – when they recruit locally, they do retain locally.
"There is a huge risk that if air traffic control is centralised in Inverness that all air traffic controllers could be lost from Inverness as they are in demand globally and we would find ourselves without air traffic control anywhere in the HIAL network.
"This is an ill-conceived proposal which HIAL has somehow taken regardless of the warning voices from everyone else."
A request for a second referendum on Scottish independence has been refused.
Boris Johnson issued his statement earlier today (Tuesday 14th January) in which he refused to grant a Section 30 order to the Scottish Government.
His decision was backed by Highlands and Islands MSP Conservative MSP Donald Cameron. Mr Cameron said: "In less than 18 months' time we will be holding the next Scottish Parliamentary elections. "Between now and then we should be debating peoples' priorities and the issues that affect their everyday lives, such as our vital public services of education, health and our transport infrastructure. "After all, that's what devolution and the Scottish Government is supposed to be for. Mr Cameron, who is the Scottish Conservatives' policy co-ordinator responsible for drawing up the party's manifesto, added: "We will be offering a comprehensive range of proposals in our manifesto focused on restoring our public services, creating jobs, and making Scotland a better place to bring up our children. "I am delighted that the prime minister has ruled out another divisive referendum so that we can concentrate on those matters, rather than going round and round in circles in pursuit of the SNP's obsession with the constitution."
A further push for Outer Hebridean athletes to take advantage of a travel scheme has been issued by Comhairle anan Eilean Siar.
The scheme has been available for applications for the 2020-21 financial year since Monday 9 December 2019.
However, islanders are receiving further encouragement to take advantage of the scheme. A spokesperson for CNES told welovestornoway.com today (Tuesday 14 January): "This fantastic opportunity for up and coming athletes is fast approaching its closing date."
The Islands Athlete Travel Award Scheme allows up to eight elite athletes from the Outer Hebrides the opportunity to benefit from the program designed to support travel costs in the islands.
The aim of this scheme is to help the athletes to gain better access to competitive and developmental opportunities available on the mainland. Eight individuals in the Outer Hebrides will receive £1,500 per person. Awards will be allocated through an application process, with athletes required to evidence how the grant will improve their performance, provide them access to quality training opportunities and improve their sports or club environment sportscotland has allocated each of the three local authorities £10k, with the Councils then required to top this up with £2k of their own funding plus the equivalent of £3k of management and administrative time.
Following an application and selection process, athletes will be identified for support by each local authority. Application forms have been available since Monday 9th December 2019 on the CNES website. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 14th February.
To find out more about the scheme contact the Community Sports Hub Officer for your area: -
A special flight has been arranged to take 70 island pupils to Celtic Connections on Friday, following fears that the ferries might not run.
Flight operator, Loganair, came to the rescue following a plea by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar's Chairman of Transportation and Infrastructure, Councillor Uisdean Robertson. Performances will include 70 island pupils from the Dìleab: Air a' Chuan project, Willie Campbell & Band, Ceitlin Lilidh and Pàdruig Morrison with the Sgoil Lionacleit Pipe Band, the Sir E Scott Choir from Harris, singers and musicians from Castlebay Community School in Barra and The Nicolson Institute in Lewis, as well as other island musicians including Iain 'Costello' MacIver and Neil Johnstone. Councillor Robertson said: "It is a fantastic honour for the Island pupils to be playing at such a prestigious event and when we heard that ferries were likely to be cancelled during the week due to the high winds, it was feared that they might not make it to Glasgow for rehearsals and the concert itself. We have a very good working relationship with Loganair and when they heard of the dilemma facing our pupils they readily offered to provide a plane. We are very grateful to Loganair for their support." The chartered flight will make two trips to Glasgow on Wednesday, via Stornoway and Benbecula. Kay Ryan, Chief Commercial Officer at Loganair, said: "We are delighted we've been able to help the children get to Glasgow. We know how important this event is for them after all the hard work they have put in and we hope they have an amazing time at Celtic Connections." Dìleab Project Director, Rhona Johnstone, said: "We are delighted that the young people from our Western Isles schools have been invited to perform at this year's Celtic Connections festival at the Dileab: Air a' Chuain concert on Friday night to celebrate Scotland's Year of Coasts and Waters 2020 and explore the rich connection we have to the waters and coasts surrounding our own islands. In addition to the main concert, our pupils from Castlebay Community School, along with Willie Campbell, have been asked to perform in the Coastal Connections Festival in a Day event taking place in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on Saturday, 18th January." "Playing at a world renowned festival such as Celtic Connections is a tremendous opportunity for the pupils to showcase their talents and we have immense pride in all our young people taking part." "Getting 80 pupils and staff to Glasgow in January was always going to be risky given the weather we so often get this time of year. We are extremely grateful to Loganair for their assistance to make sure that everyone gets down in time to meet up and rehearse together. We would also like to acknowledge the support received from ferry company Caledonian MacBrayne, who are one of the partners of the Celtic Connections festival. Calmac very generously sponsored our ferry travel, which we will still be using on the return journey, but have also been very helpful in providing assistance and advice with regards to our travel position and who have done all possible to help our situation during the stormy conditions" The concert follows on from the success of the previous Dìleab events of 2018, the recording and subsequent launch of the EP of 5 songs which Willie Campbell was commissioned to write and the hugely successful concert in November 2019 in Ionad Spòrs Leòdhais where 60 young musicians from Lewis & Harris performed alongside Face the West, The Tumbling Souls & Skipinnish. The concert will take place in the New Auditorium of the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall at 7:30pm on Friday 17th January 2020. There are a few remaining tickets which can be purchased for the event at Celtic Connections here.
Engineers from Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) were out through the night into this morning (Tuesday January 14th) battling horrendous conditions to get power back on around Lewis and Harris.Storm Brendan brought less power disruption than previous gales to the Western Isles, but where electricity was lost, engineers faced a struggle to solve the problem.Two teams of engineers made a series of attempts late into the night to reach a fault close to Eilean Glas lighthouse in Scalpay, which had led to 67 customers on the island losing their supply.It proved impossible to get to the location of the fault in extremely strong winds and icy rain. Engineers identified a new supply route to turn power back on to most customers, but a total of 18 customers on the Isle of Scalpay will be without power until 2pm today as two separate faults are rectified.Some of the same engineers had already completed a long job at Leverburgh, where a power pole on the pier had caught fire, cutting the supply to 162 households. That job was completed around 7pm, by which time the team already knew they would be heading for Scalpay.Customers in Balallan were the first of about 500 in the Laxay and South Lochs district to lose their electricity late yesterday evening. That issue was identified by a team close to midnight last night and all customers were switched back on around 4am.Significant damage to the power lines at Cross Skigersta, Ness, has led to seven households finding themselves still without power after it went off at 8pm yesterday. The damage includes broken poles and a broken conductor.Several teams of engineers are at the site now but a local SSEN spokesperson said there was "a lot of work" to be done replacing fallen poles and other damaged equipment. Power is expected to be restored by 4pm after another full day's work by engineers.The SSEN spokesperson said they were hoping for less disruption today, but would be using daylight hours to make visual checks on any areas of concern and also expected that some reports may come in from the public as they noticed damaged power equipment.The advice from SSEN remains that members of the public should not approach any damaged power equipment, but should report it, or any power loss, by using the telephone number 105 or the SSEN PowerTrack app or webpage at https://www.ssen.co.uk/PowerTrack/Pictures show a fallen power pole in North Uist yesterday (Jade Mannix), and Sir E Scott Tarbert pupil Rachael Johnstone carrying on her revision by candlelight in Balallan last night (Rhona Johnstone).
Storm Brendan was expected to continue bringing high winds with gusts of 70mph for the Western Isles today (Tuesday 14th January.)
The Bràighe causeway was closed around high tide this morning at 09:08 due to high waves and strong southerly to southwesterly winds. It is now open again. The Eriskay Causeway is closed.
The Braighe causeway was closed yesterday (Monday) until after midnight. HM Coastguard - Western Isles, Skye and Lochaber reported then:"Braighe is now fully open. Drive subject to conditions please. Thanks to the kind people who dropped food off for our teams that have been committed nearly continuously since 0700 Monday – massively appreciated."
Scalpay Bridge and the Uist causeways are also likely to be impacted today.
0750 Uist Coastguard teams have recommenced patrols assisting Police Scotland monitoring causeways and coastal routes. Currently the A865 North Ford Causeway, A865 South Ford Causeway and B892 Strome Cottages are passable. But B892 at Poll Na Crann (Stinky Bay) in Benbecula remains CLOSED and IMPASSABLE.
Further updates will be provided via CnES and Western Isles Police on Twitter. There is also the Facebook Page of the Western Isles Coastguard.
0755 Western Isles Police - Roads update - Uist - Eriskay Causeway and Stinky Bay road currently closed, North causeway under review. Lewis - Braighe currently open, this is likely to close as High Tide approaches. All road users are advised to drive with caution due to standing water.
Ferry services are very badly disrupted today (Tuesday 14th January). All early ferries are cancelled. All ferries to Harris and Norrth Uist are cancelled for the whole day. For further details https://www.calmac.co.uk/
SSE is on alert and is acting on contingency plans to deal with any damage the storm may cause to the electricity network. Any customers who lose their electricity supply are urged to contact SSE on 105 to report damage or highlight neighbours or friends who may need extra help. Power cuts have been reported overnight in North Uist and Benbecula and SSE is aiming to restore power by 10am.
A yellow warning for wind was issued late yesterday evening by the Met Office extending for the whole of today. "The very strong southwesterly winds will continue at times through Tuesday with gusts of 60-70 mph. Although winds are generally less strong than during Monday, some further disruption is likely especially around coasts. Although the frequency and strength of gusts will probably diminish through Tuesday afternoon and evening, some further strengthening is possible again later."
A Flood Alert has been issued for Western Isles. "There is a risk of significant coastal flooding on Tuesday due to higher than usual tides and large waves. This will increase the risk of flooding to low lying land and roads and could affect exposed coastal properties. There could also be wave over-topping of coastal defences and causeways. The periods of greatest risk are around the high tide which occurs in Stornoway around 2100 on Monday and 0900 on Tuesday."
All schools in the Uist and Barra are closed today (Tuesday 14th January) as bus operators have cancelled all their services. Schools are open for staff and they are expected to attend when they deem it safe to do so.
As of midnight, CnES said it was anticipated that schools in Lewis and Harris will be open today, subject to final checks on bus services and causeways. Decisions will be taken at a local level.
There may be adjustments made to today's homecare service and all those affected will be contacted directly regarding alternative arrangements.
The Comhairle offices will be open as normal and staff are expected to attend when they deem it safe to do so.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is reminding members of the public to take extra care if using candles during any power cuts which occur due to winter storms. In the event of a loss of 999 services, all fire stations will be manned by emergency services.
Volunteer crew members of Stornoway RNLI were awarded Letters of Thanks from the Institution - the first in 27 years - for a service which saw two lives saved amid 60 knots gusts and seven metre seas from a vessel disabled within the confides of Loch Shell, off Lemreway, Isle of Lewis.
Crew members Martin Murray (mechanic), John MacLeod, Ross Hall, Gavin Maciver, Norman Matheson and Ruaraidh Ferguson were presented Letters of Thanks from RNLI Chief Executive Mark Dowie; and Coxswain on the shout, David Mackinnon, a framed Letter of Thanks from the Council of the RNLI Chair, Stuart Popham.
Mr Popham wrote: "Throughout the service you and your crew exhibited first class seamanship and teamwork, while operating in appalling weather conditions and in the extremely confined waters of the loch. Please access my sincere thanks and appreciated for a superb service, in the very best traditions of the RNLI."
Stornoway RNLI volunteer crew launched under the command of Coxswain David Mackinnon at 0005hrs on 3 November 2018, in response to a distress call received from a fish farm service vessel, Nitrox, with two persons on board.
The vessel was disabled due to a fouled propeller and in danger of being driven ashore in winds gusting to 60 knots, within the confines of Loch Shell.
During the 14mile transit south to the scene, conditions for the lifeboat were so severe, with 50 knot gusts, seven metre seas and driving rain with poor visibility, that speed was reduced to nine knots at times.
The Nitrox skipper had managed to make fast to another smaller vessel, attached to a mooring, which could have been insufficient to hold both vessels. Lying broadside to the full force of the weather, the situation was perilous when Stornoway RNLI lifeboat arrived on scene at 0210hrs.
With numerous hazards, confined manoeuvring room and danger of a nearby lee shore, the recovery of the Nitrox crew was extremely challenging.
However, after repeated approaches, Coxswain David Mackinnon skilfully manoeuvred the lifeboat close enough for Stornoway RNLI's volunteer crew to assist the two casualties safely aboard, thereby saving their lives.
The 'Tom Sanderson' RNLI all-weather Severn class lifeboat returned to Stornoway, arriving at 0340hrs, landing the casualties ashore into the care of the local Coastguard Team.
The Stornoway RNLI crew were presented their Letters of Thanks by Stornoway RNLI Branch Chair John. J. MacLennan on Friday, 10 January, 2020.
Speaking of the crew awards, the first Letters of Thanks for a Stornoway RNLI service since 1993, Stornoway RNLI LOM (Launch Operations Manager) John MacDonald said: "Letters of Thanks from the Institution don't come readily or easily and I am exceptionally proud of the service undertaken by our crew that night.
"We don't shout about it; it's a job and we go out and do it to the best of our ability. Thanks costs nothing, but it means everything, particularly when it's recorded, and I'm delighted that the crew that night have been awarded Letters of Thanks from the Institution for such a tough shout."
Coxswain David Mackinnon said: "It is thanks to the crew, this is all down to you guys and everybody working together. It's testament to the training we do. It is fantastic for Stornoway RNLI crew to receive such an award, the first in 27 years."
Photograph: Centre with Letter of Thanks, Coxswain David Mackinnon; (l-r) crew Ruaraidh Ferguson, Martin Murray (mechanic), Ross Hall, John MacLeod, Norman Matheson, Gavin Maciver.
From tomorrow, it's non-stop panto fun once again at An Lanntair!
So it's time for all those late-booking fiends to check out what seats are left still for the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty as it comes alive on stage, where the cast will perform on Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16. On Friday 17 and Saturday 18, three performances will be held each day, with the first one Saturday at 11am.
Directed and produced by Stuart Morrison, the pantomime stars Victoria Jane, David Rumelle, Steven Arnold and Linda Clark. Stuart says: "This year's pantomime is going to be one of the most extravagant of all, utilising the wonderful talent of the cast we have managed to get together - some of which are Lewis regulars - as well as introducing some great newcomers, not to mention our star this year, Steven Arnold, well known and much loved for his many, many years in Coronation Street.
"Steven is a regular to pantomime and has worked with me many times in the past and is a wonderful cast member.
"Sleeping Beauty is a time-loved classic and we are presenting it in our typical way of taking the original story and giving it a 2020 twist…"
David, who first started working in pantomime 30 years ago, has been playing pantomime dames since 1995. "It became a sort of passion," he explains. "I started off playing the villain and then I was offered Mother Goose, which is the main panto which revolves around a dame. My producer at the time gave me guidelines which helped me develop the character and within a very short space of time I knew where I was going with it.
"You need to be totally focussed and organised, especially playing the dame. Sometimes there are up to 14 costume changes in a performance, so you need to be very disciplined and physically fit. It really is an art, and that's why I enjoy it so much."
David now designs his own costumes, which, although they won't be making it up to Stornoway with him, are normally used in his performances. He reveals: "It's quite standard for dames to come supplied with their own costumes so they know what fits and how to get into them quickly.
"I have had some wonderful designers make costumes for me over the years and then I started designing and had other dressmakers adapt the costumes. It's my passion and I strive to make it the best I possibly can."
The role of the villain, bad fairy Carabosse, will be played by Linda Clark. Linda, who also appeared in an episode of David Tennant's Doctor Who, says: "The baddies are so much more fun to play – and you get to used to being booed!"
"I always say to people it's very thrilling to do something that was my childhood dream. I'm so lucky to do what I do and I'm very excited to come back to Stornoway!"
You can book here - three performances are already totally sold out.
A report published by local government body COSLA has stated that local government in Scotland will require £1bn of investment from the Scottish Government in order to protect vital and essential services.
COSLA stated that this investment must be contained in the forthcoming Scottish budget produced by Finance Secretary Derek Mackay and reach councils "before it is too late".
Scottish Labour Finance, Jobs and Fair Work Spokesperson, Rhoda Grant, who is a Labour MSP for the Highlands and Islands, said:"It is absolutely vital that local government is fully equipped to deliver essential services to the community and able to protect schools, care for the elderly, libraries and sports facilities from government austerity.
"The SNP government has taken Tory austerity, turbo-charged it, and passed it on to Scotland's councils. Across Scotland local authorities are struggling to deliver lifeline services and are being forced to make more and deeper cuts to services due to government austerity, leaving communities suffering.
"If the SNP government persists in creating new commitments for local authorities then it must listen to COSLA and ensure that local authorities receive the funding they need to meet the commitments. Any failure to do this only drives down funds for vital services.
"We call on the SNP to listen to COSLA, councils and Scottish Labour to ensure our communities are not made to pay for government austerity and that their vital services are protected."
Scottish Labour Spokesperson for Local Government, Sarah Boyack, added:" This is a wake-up call from COSLA. Year-on-year chronic underfunding is seeing more and more people being pushed into poverty by Tory welfare cuts, with local services under unprecedented pressures."The COSLA report highlights the stark realities of increased centralisation and the real impact of cuts the SNP have imposed on local government. Councils are left with fewer choices to provide crucial services at a time when there are increased strains on budgets."
Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron has warned residents of the Western Isles that their services are at further risk following the refusal of the SNP Government to pass on sufficient funding to the council.
Mr Cameron issued his warning after the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla) warned that communities were suffering from cuts to council budgets. A Cosla report revealed that the Scottish Government had slashed its contribution to councils by 7% between 2013/14 and 2019/20 - a far deeper cut than any reduction made to its own income.
The Scottish Conservative MSP said: "SNP ministers are failing to pass on funding which should have gone to the Comhairle.
"In the last six years alone, while the SNP has been in power, the council has had its general revenue funding slashed by 14% - which now equates to a reduction of nearly £15m per annum.
"Instead of thanking council employees for their efforts, all Nicola Sturgeon has done is pile on more responsibilities to councils, while diverting spending to the SNP's political priorities which all too often are located in the Central Belt.
"It's not surprising that local people are experiencing a toxic combination of rising costs for those services which are retained, while others are cut entirely, as the Council struggles to make ends meet.
"This is grossly unfair and it's about time the people of the Western Isles received a fair deal from the SNP."
The article has been updated with additional material since first being posted
A view of some of the roads in Paiblesgarry/Bayhead area of North Uist tonight
Harris is set to bear the brunt of Storm Brendan as it approaches its peak tonight (Monday January 13th) with conditions for Tuesday worsening by the minute as forecasters are being proved wrong about the duration of the storm.
Sustained windspeeds around 56mph and gusts of up to 97mph are forecast between 9pm and midnight at Huisinis, with Tarbert seeing gusts up to 89mph around the same times.
Highest recorded wind speeds during Storm Brendan are so far:
Ferries are being cancelled throughout tomorrow. Already cancelled are all sailings to Harris and North Uist. Early sailings between Eriskay and Barra have been cancelled.
CalMac's Stornoway port manager Iain Don Maciver: "We are going to attempt to make a sailing from Ullapool at 10.30am tomorrow, but all services are currently on yellow alert for possible cancellation or disruption. The weather is proving both longer-lasting and more severe than we had at first expected, but we will do our best to provide a service."
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks said that an additional nine engineers with vehicles and equipment had been brought to Stornoway ahead of the storm to respond to any sudden power loss, with a further three in Uist and one in Barra.
The Western Isles emergency planning group met this afternoon to discuss planning for the next phases of Storm Brendan.
Barra faces second storm dayThe Isle of Barra is heading for a second day of storm conditions tomorrow (Tuesday) with some of the strongest gusts of wind forecast for later tonight. Between 9pm and midnight wind speeds around 52mph and gusts up to 92mph are likely.Ferries are cancelled between Oban and Castlebay tomorrow, while early morning sailings across the Sound of Barra are also cancelled and disruption later in the day continues to be likely.MacNeil Coaches has made the decision that, in the interests of public safety, all public service bus and West Side school runs have been cancelled tomorrow. This is in response to forecast gusts in excess of 55mph and to the potential forecast of overnight snow until 11am.The public service runs at 10.18am and 1.20pm be will be kept under review in the event of an improvement in weather conditions. Any enquiries can be made by phoning 075060 72309.
All waste transfer stations and recycling sites are now closed for the remainder of the day. Bin collections were cancelled for the day in Barra and will be rescheduled for Wednesday, January 15th. In other parts of the islands bin lorries have returned to base having completed today's collections.It is anticipated that all schools in the Western Isles will be open tomorrow, Tuesday 14th January, subject to final checks on bus services and causeways. Decisions will be taken at a local level.Engineers from SSEN have restored power to most of the households in South Harris who were off earlier today, but approximately 25 customers in the area of Leverburgh pier will not see power restored until about 7.30pm.A pole and wires blew down in the Clachan area of North Uist, cutting power to 155 customers. Most have now been reconnected with just six customers due to be reconnected shortly.SSEN engineers are carrying out safety checks in the Ness area in response to reports of possible damage to power lines, but no customers are reported to be without power. If you experience power loss, phone 105 to report the problem and do not approach any broken or damaged power equipment.
The Western Isles remains under a yellow warning for strong winds until midnight tonight, with forecasts showing continuing gusty winds and rain, sometimes turning to snow, through Tuesday and into Wednesday.
The Scottish Environment and Protection Agency (SEPA) has warned that Storm Brendan will bring strong winds, creating storm surges and high waves over the next two days.
Head of flooding Vincent Fitzsimons said: "The combination of high spring tides and sustained winds will create an unusual and dangerous combination of tide, storm surge and inshore waves. There is a risk of coastal flooding of routes in all Scotland's coastal areas, with particular focus on communities around … the Western Isles."
Meanwhile flights between Stornoway and Benbecula were also cancelled.
The Irish Times reports that more than 48,000 homes and businesses across the Irish Republic are without power on Monday as powerful winds from Storm Brendan sweep eastward. Power outages have been reported in counties Mayo, Roscommon, Kerry, Cork, Waterford, Laois, Kilkenny, Meath and Monaghan. Winds are now starting to ease along the west coast although a second belt of strong winds is forecast in the west this evening. Storm Brendan made landfall on Monday morning bringing gusts of almost 100km/h over northeast counties and more than 140km/h off the coast of west Cork.
A 25-year-old man appeared at Stornoway Sheriff Court this morning (Monday January 13th) on a charge of breaching bail conditions already set.
The man had been arrested by police after returning to the Isle of Lewis, in contravention of a condition set following an earlier offence. He appeared in court today from police custody.
He's now been sentenced to a period of imprisonment and is once again in police custody, awaiting the resumption of transport from Stornoway before he can be accompanied away from the islands.
Drink-driver for court
A driver who was stopped by Police in Newmarket on Friday night was found to be driving with an excess amount of alcohol in his system.
The 72-year-old man was kept in custody overnight into Saturday and released in an undertaking to appear in court at a later date.
The SNP has challenged the UK Tory government to confirm future investment in Scotland's Islands Growth Deal and commit to 50:50 funding, as previously promised.
The UK government was criticised last year after short changing the Tay Cities Deal to the tune of £50 million.
SNP representatives for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Alasdair Allan MSP and Angus MacNeil MP, have now demanded that Scottish Secretary Alister Jack comes clean and confirms whether or not the Tories will match funding from the Scottish Government.
While Westminster appears to have stalled on the issue since last July, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Orkney and Shetland Councils have been working together to develop a framework of how the funding would be spent.
Alasdair Allan MSP said: "Since the Islands Growth Deal was officially announced last summer the Tory government have been giving us the silent treatment – no commitment, no timescale and no cash offer.
"The UK government previously said they'd match funding for Scotland's regions on a 50:50 basis – but we don't want to end up in the same boat as Tayside, which was diddled out of £50 million from Westminster.
"It's time for a bit of honesty from the Tories. Have they simply given up on Scotland and abandoned their promises to match investment?"
Angus MacNeil MP added: "The economic prosperity and jobs of islanders is on the line here. This growth deal could help create hundreds of jobs so it's time that we were given a straight answer.
"Will the Tories put their money where their mouth is and match every single penny that comes from the Scottish Government?
"If not, it will send a clear message to people in the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland that the UK Tory government simply doesn't care about them."
Colour coding: Sunday updates Monday update
Very strong winds and severe gales will impact the UK and Ireland through tomorrow (Monday January 13) as Storm Brendan brings forecast wind gusts of up to 80mph to the west of Britain.
Almost all ferry services throughout the Hebrides have already been cancelled completely.
Significant disruption is expected across the Western Isles on Monday and Tuesday (January 13th and 14th) including school closures and bus service shutdowns.
According to MacNeil Coaches in Barra on Twitter: "Given the forecast storm conditions for tomorrow, Monday, 13th January 2020 ALL Public Service Bus and School runs have been cancelled. Similarly no buses services will be operated in Uist by DA Travel, and in Lochs, Harris and Ness areas operated by Lochs Motor Transport, MacDonald Coaches, South Harris Coaches and Hebridean Minibus Services. It is anticipated all bus services in the Western Isles will be cancelled."
All schools and nurseries in the Western Isles will be closed tomorrow (Monday). For full details on disruption to CnES services see:
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar say it is anticipated that the Bràighe causeway between Point and Sandwick will be shut around tomorrow's high tides at 08.23hrs and at 21.00hrs due to high waves and strong southerly to southwesterly winds.
"Please take care and drive to the conditions. Further updates will be provided," they say.
Eddy "Weather" Graham has warned about the storm on Twitter. "With a +5.00m astronomical tide on next Tuesday, plus up to another +80cm from the extreme low (regardless of wind), one would continue to hope this 937mb monster stays well offshore."
CnESsaid in mid-afternoon that all bus services in the Western Isles are likely to be cancelled on Monday 13th January. There may be adjustments made to Monday's homecare service and all those affected will be contacted directly regarding alternative arrangements.
A large Atlantic low pressure system, named Storm Brendan by the Irish meteorological service Met Éireann, will sweep eastwards across Ireland early on Monday, bringing very strong winds to many parts of the UK.
The following CalMac ferry services for Monday have been CANCELLED:
The Met Office has issued a yellow wind warning extending from 10am on Monday and right through the evening, this covering Northern Ireland and much of the western half of the UK, as well as northeast Scotland.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) say they are prepared for wet and windy conditions which could impact the electricity network across the north of Scotland on Monday and Tuesday. They say that Storm Brendan has the potential to bring gusts of up to 80mph across the Western Isles, North West Highlands and Skye.But, they add: "SSEN would like to reassure its customers it is well prepared to respond and has enacted its established resilience plans, increasing standby resources in anticipation of any potential network damage and moving teams and equipment where necessary. We continue to urge people not to approach any damage to the network and instead, report it to SSEN directly by calling 105 or via the Power Track app and engineers will safely investigate as soon as possible."
Galson Estate Trust says: Due to the strong winds which are forecast for tomorrow, the amenity site at Habost will be closed tomorrow and reopen again on Wednesday morning as usual.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Frank Saunders, said: "The UK and Ireland will turn increasingly windy on Monday, as Storm Brendan approaches, and there'll also be some heavy rain. It's going to be particularly windy across the western half of the UK, with gusts reaching 60-70 mph along Irish Sea coastlines, the west of Scotland and perhaps some English Channel coasts - maybe even 80 mph in a few exposed places. This is likely to cause some disruption to sea, road and air travel.
"As Storm Brendan moves eastwards, strong winds will also develop across eastern parts of the UK, particularly northeast Scotland where there is also a wind warning in place."
"As well as strong winds, there will be large coastal waves in western areas, so bear this in mind before heading out in these regions."
The Comhairle offices will be open as normal and staff are expected to attend when they deem it safe to do so.The public are advised to collect and secure bins, to secure any loose debris and the construction industry is advised to secure scaffolding and any loose items on building sites.The Comhairle ask family, neighbours and friends living nearby to assist and support elderly and vulnerable people.
Commenting on the forecast for the rest of the week, Frank said: "It looks like it's going to stay very unsettled, with the potential for further disruptive weather in places."
The strongest winds are expected around exposed coasts and hills. Here gusts of 60-70 mph are likely, with a few sites perhaps seeing gusts to 80 mph - especially around Irish Sea coasts and around the west coast of Scotland where the strongest winds are most likely. Gusts will be lower inland with 45-55 mph likely.
A narrow band of squally heavy rain moving east, accompanying the strongest winds, may be an additional hazard.
Loganair has once again offered the opportunity to change flights to passengers booked to fly during Storm Brendan.A statement said: "In view of the high winds forecast and potential for travel disruption, we are offering customers travelling on flights to and from Benbecula… Barra ….(and) Stornoway the opportunity to adjust travel plans without charge.
Hebridean Tea Store on Twitter, Sunday January 12th: With regards to the weather update and warnings, we have decided not to open the shop tomorrow."If you are booked to travel on 13th January, you can choose to re-book on an alternative flight between now and 20th thJanuary. There will be no change fee or difference in fare payable - if there is a seat available on an earlier or later flight, you can transfer your booking to that flight without charge on a first-come, first-served basis."The easiest way to change your flight is to access https://www.loganair.co.uk/managemybooking/ If you cannot find a suitable alternative there, please call on 0344 800 2855 with your booking reference handy and we'll do our best to help."If you choose to remain with your original travel plans, please rest assured that we will do everything that we safely can to fly you to your intended destination as close to the scheduled time as possible."Please note, if you are already checked-in, you will be required to contact our call centre to change, on 0344 800 2855."
The wind-modelling website windy.com shows the peak impact of the storm moving across the Western Isles late tomorrow evening. The images below show predicted winds at 9pm, with average wind speeds of about 45mph and gusts up to 81mph in Stornoway.
The Irish Times reports: Atlantic Storm Brendan arrived over Ireland on Monday morning bringing gusts of almost 100km/h over counties in the northeast.
A status orange weather alert is in place for the entire country as high winds and heavy rain are forecast on Monday.
Met Éireann said a gust of 96km/h have already been recorded at Belmullet, Co Mayo by 7am on Monday morning.
A pilot customer-care project which brought six jobs for Gaelic speakers to Stornoway has been described as 'a permanent fixture' by CalMac, in an announcement today (Sunday January 12th).
The UK's largest ferry and harbour operator created a new bilingual Gaelic and English customer care centre in Stornoway last summer, bringing six new jobs to the town.
Previously assistance from a Gaelic speaker was only available to customers from port offices in Gaelic-speaking areas, but now anyone who would like to make an enquiry in Gaelic can be transferred to a native speaker to deal with their booking.
The Stornoway team will also be steadily making CalMac's social media channels bi-lingual. CalMac's social media channels were particularly praised when the company's customer service team achieved the highest level of accreditation from the Contact Centre Association last year.
CalMac managing director Robbie Drummond said: "Our social media platforms have a large and loyal following which continues to grow as passenger numbers increase. Being able to offer bi-lingual messages allows us to focus even more closely on how we speak to customers in a way that suits them best."
Of the jobs in Stornoway, Robbie said: "We are committed to looking at ways of spreading jobs more evenly across our area of operations and I'm delighted to confirm that the summer pilot we ran in Stornoway will now be a permanent fixture in the town.
"Given the prevalence of the Gaelic language in the Western Isles it was a natural step to make this the centre of our new bi-lingual customer service offering."
More than 20 local businesspeople gathered at the Harris & Lewis Smokehouse for the Outer Hebrides Chamber of Commerce's first networking event of the new decade!
It was held on Friday 10th January, 12:30pm to 2:00pm as part a series of Chamber
Events. They say: "Our networking events are a great opportunity to raise the profile of your business and make new connections."
They told both members and non-members: "Bring along your business cards and join like-minded business owners for a relaxed lunch at Harris & Lewis Smokehouse where you can share knowledge and broaden your contacts.
The event had been planned for around 15 people but far more turned up and the Smokehouse reorganised the seating to accommodate them.
They were welcome by Gerry Corish, general manager. He explained how the 44-seat Smokehouse restaurant opened just over a year ago. He said companies were welcome to book it for lunchtime events of this type. "We are delighted to host the Chamber of Commerce here," he said.
The tickets cost £16 for Chamber members and £22 for non-members.
An award-winning national dance organisation is looking for children and young people to join in the Project Y Performance Course 2020.
YDance (Scottish Youth Dance) is seeking talented dancers aged 16 to 25 for the dance performance training programme which offers the experience of creating, rehearsing and performing as part of a touring contemporary dance company.
For four weeks this coming summer dancers will work with four choreographers to create and rehearse four new dance works before performing in venues across Scotland in the annual Project Y Tour.
The four choreographers confirmed to work with the young dancers this year are Anna Kenrick, Sandrine Monin, Emma Jayne Park and Jessie Roberts-Smith.
Anna Kenrick is the Artistic Director of YDance. She said: "Working with the Project Y dancers is a highlight of my year. It's a real pleasure working with such talented, motivated and unique dancers who bring such a richness to the work we create. It's always such an exciting process where everyone gets the chance to shine and show their incredible skills!"
The Project Y Performance Course 2020 will run for four weeks starting on Monday 6th July. The first three weeks will be based in Glasgow and during the fourth week the company will tour and perform in venues across Scotland.
Dancers must be aged between 16 and 25 on the first day of the course and be able to commit to all rehearsal and performance dates. Applications are now open, and anyone interested in applying should visit www.ydance.org for more information. Applications close on Sunday 1st March 2020.
The Project Y Performance Course is supported by the Leverhulme Trust.
Change of use of common grazing, Ness
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has applied for planning permission to change the use of the land at the Butt of Lewis, Ness, from common grazing to a car park, turning point and picnic area.
New agricultural building, Stornoway
Ian Murray of 5a Perceval Road North has applied for planning permission to erect an agricultural building at 5a Perceval Road, within 3km of the aerodrome. The building is to be 18 metres long, 9 metres wide and 5.1 metres tall.
Hatchery works, Arnol
Scottish Salmon Company has applied for planning permission to make alterations and additions to the hatchery at Arnol. Work is to include the replacement of the buffer tank (1.8 metres high) and removal of three existing buffer tanks (each 1.6 metres high).
House extension, Vatisker
Kirsty Limburn has applied for planning permission to extend the house at 5 School Road, Vatisker.
Change of use of house, Carloway
Freshvistas Developments Ltd, Somerset, has applied for planning permission to change the use of the house at 8 Gearranan, Carloway, from 'house' to 'house with gallery'.
Rear extension, Stornoway
David Campbell of 9 Leverhulme Drive has applied for planning permission to build a rear extension on the property at 9 Leverhulme Drive.
Following the first House of Commons Scottish Questions of the New Year, Angus MacNeil MP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, has called on Douglas Ross MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Scottish Office, to bring forward details of a pilot scheme to allow non-EEA fisherman to crew boats in West of Scotland waters and ease crew shortages.
Mr MacNeil believes that the Outer Hebrides would be the ideal place for the pilot and after speaking with Mr Ross commented: 'I can assure Mr Ross a pilot scheme allowing non-EEA fishermen into waters West of Scotland would be most welcome.
"Indeed, fishing interests in the Outer Hebrides, the West Coast and probably Northern Ireland would all welcome such a scheme.
"I am confident that any such trial would be a great success.
'I have written to Mr Ross and look forward to getting more information from Mr Ross and hope he will consider using the Outer Hebrides for this trial. '
The Braighe causeway has now fully reopened (Friday 10 January at 9pm.)
The closure was announced earlier this evening at the request of Police Scotland.
Stornoway Coastguard Rescue Team stated on their Facebook Page: "At the request of Police Scotland, The Braighe causeway, Isle of Lewis is now closed to all vehicles. Updates regarding this closure will be posted on this page in due course."
The Coastguard Team further posted around 8pm: "Clearing of debris on the Braighe causeway, Isle of Lewis is commencing. Once complete, Police Scotland will assess conditions and make a decision on whether the road can open. An update will be posted once any information is received."
The Met Office has this morning (Friday January 10th) issued a new weather warning for Monday, with the Western Isles one of the areas they urge to be aware of possible storm impacts.The warning covers the period from 12noon to midnight on Monday, and warns of a very windy period with some disruption to travel likely.It says: "An area of very strong winds will move eastwards across the UK through Monday afternoon and evening, clearing eastwards overnight. The strongest winds are expected around exposed coasts and hills in the west of the UK."Here gusts of 60-70mph are likely, with a few sites perhaps seeing gusts to 80mph. A narrow band of squally heavy rain moving east, accompanying the strongest winds, may be an additional hazard."
The Isle of Barra faces another weekend of disruption as winds again build to storm force today (Friday January 10th).Winds are expected to peak from 7pm tonight, gusts of 60mph expected by midnight, according to the Met Office. The forecast shows high winds continuing through the weekend, and a new weather warning is now in place for Monday, forecasting a spell of very windy weather on Monday afternoon and evening.Loganair has offered refunds to passengers who intended to fly to or from the island today, although the single flight of the day has now taken off from Glasgow (10.23am)Ferries are running to an amended timetable, with the return sailing from Oban already heading for Castlebay and expected to arrive around 1.15pm, to tie up ahead of the storm.Meanwhile the 15:40 sailing from Ardmhor will depart early at 1.40pm and the 4.30pm from Eriskay at 2.30pm. Sailings at 5.20pm from Ardmhor and 6.15pm from Eriskay have been cancelled.There'll be no fish suppers at Barra airport café tonight, with staff and customers alike staying tucked up safe at home.The picture was taken by skipper Lewis Mackenzie from the Isle of Lewis during Wednesday's crossing.
Loganair has reacted to the weather forecast for tomorrow (Saturday January 11) in Barra by offering free rebooking to other flights.
Gales with gusts of more than 60mph are forecast for tonight, and for Monday afternoon.
Loganair says: "In view of the high winds forecast and potential for travel disruption, we are offering customers travelling on flights to and from Barra and Tiree the opportunity to adjust travel plans without charge.
"If you are booked to travel on 11th January, you can choose to re-book on an alternative flight between now and Saturday 18th January. There will be no change fee or difference in fare payable - if there is a seat available on an earlier or later flight, you can transfer your booking to that flight without charge on a first-come, first-served basis.
The easiest way to change your flight is to access https://www.loganair.co.uk/managemybooking/ If you cannot find a suitable alternative there, please call on 0344 800 2855 with your booking reference handy and we'll do our best to help.
If you choose to remain with your original travel plans, please rest assured that we will do everything that we safely can to fly you to your intended destination as close to the scheduled time as possible. Please Note, if you are already checked-in, you will be required to contact our call centre to change, on 0344 800 2855.
Ferries between Barra and Eriskay this afternoon have been retimed or cancelled, with the last ferry north now scheduled to be at 13.40.
The ferry to Oban was running this amended timetable today:
Staff at Sgoil a' Bhac were this week presented with a Gold Award following a successful Gold assessment under the Healthy Working Lives programme, which is delivered by NHS Health Scotland, a national NHS Board in collaboration with Scotland's 14 local NHS Boards.
The Healthy Working Lives programme helps workplaces identify issues and improve health, safety and wellbeing in their organisations in a structured and productive way.
By Achieving the Healthy Working Lives award, workplaces
Staff at Sgoil a' Bhac set out on their Healthy Working Lives journey in 2011 when the school was working on a large project related to Health and Wellbeing. At that time it was considered important to also look at how best to improve the health and wellbeing of staff within the workplace. Despite a number of changes in the senior management team within the school since 2011, Healthy Working Lives has remained a priority and the current Healthy Working Lives Steering Group includes employees from all staff teams across the School and Sgoil Àraich. In the years since 2011, staff have worked through and have been successful in obtaining and then maintaining awards at Bronze, Silver and Silver Plus. In Session 2018-19 it was decided to actively work towards the Gold Award and this was achieved following a successful assessment in December 2019.
School staff have participated in a wide range of physical activities which the steering group have organised for them to join in with including step count challenges, rowing activities, yoga, games nights and other fitness challenges. In addition a number of campaigns have been run across the school which have highlighted a variety of cancers, diabetes awareness and World Down Syndrome Day. Work has also been done to focus on healthy eating, promote alcohol awareness and in taking positive action to reduce accidents, incidents and work related ill health.
The NHS's Assessor Jenny Hill stated that "The assessment gave me a great insight into the work of Sgoil a' Bhac and allowed the opportunity to see the clear and continual commitment of the school to a healthy, safer workplace." She added "This is a great achievement for the school as other than NHS Western Isles, there are currently no other Gold Award holders in Lewis and Harris and only one other in Uist. As recipients of the Gold Award the staff have demonstrated a clear commitment to promoting and developing Healthy Working Lives as an integral part of Sgoil a' Bhac. This has been further evidenced by their written health, safety and wellbeing strategy that addresses all aspects of Healthy Working Lives."
Head Teacher Kirsteen J. Maclean commented "This is a wonderful achievement for the school and we are hugely indebted to Norma Macleod, HWL Adviser for NHS Western Isles who encouraged us and supported us so well, as we worked our way through the award criteria. We were aware that no other school in the Local Authority held this award but did not know, until we achieved the award that only one other workplace in the Western Isles, apart from the NHS themselves had achieved this standard.
"The importance of mental health has also been acknowledged in Sgoil a' Bhac with approximately a third of our staff having undertaken Mental Health training for the Workplace. Mental Health continues to be a priority for us going forward and we will continue to ensure opportunities are focused on the mental health and wellbeing of our pupils and our employees and that a good work-life balance is achieved. The next challenge for us is to maintain this award annually and to ensure that the work of Healthy Working Lives in Sgoil a' Bhac goes from strength to strength.
Photograph shows the school staff receiving their award.
An extra livestock sale has been put into the calendar at Steinish, with the intention of continuing a fundraising campaign to support bereaved parents of stillborn or newborn babies.The show's being organised by Stacy Easton and Murdo Maciver, who are already active fundraisers, raising £6,850 in 2018 for stillbirth support charity SiMBA, following the loss of their son James.Stacy said: "Our last auction mart event was such a great success, we are planning on hosting another charity sheep show and auction, with a raffle, on Saturday the 7th March in memory of our baby boy, James Murdo Maciver who sadly passed away in November 2017."SiMBA is a charity which supports the needs of those affected by the loss of a baby during pregnancy or close to the time of birth; and sadly Stacy and Murdo first became aware of SiMBA's services following the stillbirth of baby James."For us, it was about more than just raising money for SiMBA, it was also about telling people about the charity, how it works and just how much it helped us," said Murdo.Helping SiMBA to continue their work, Stacy and Murdo set about raising funds for SiMBA through a Charity Auction Show, held in Lewis and Harris Auction Mart, Steinish, and a Charity Winter Ball in the Caberfeidh Hotel both held in 2018.This year's show will be at the Steinish Mart of Lewis and Harris Auction Marts and Stacy said: "Everyone is welcome to bring along livestock for the show. Please message myself or Murdie if you're taking livestock along so we have a rough idea of numbers for each class."The full event details are at https://www.facebook.com/events/474695656787146/
A yellow warning of strong winds is no longer in force for the Western Isles, after the Met Office updated warnings nationally this morning (Thursday January 9th).
But with wind speeds remaining brisk, there is still a chance of some disruption on ferries on Friday and Saturday.
CalMac says there is a heightened possibility of disruption to the 14:00 from Stornoway and 17:30 from Ullapool tomorrow, while an amended timetable is in place for services between Uig, Tarbert and Lochmaddy.Reviews of services for Saturday will take place later on Friday afternoon.
Marine electronics are essential for fishermen and other mariners, but getting a chance to see what's new on the market isn't so easy for islanders.So it will be a relief to some that Echomaster Marine are bringing their skipper expo to Stornoway next week, with a range of demonstrations on market-leading equipment.Andrew Masson of the company's sales team said: "We understand that it can be difficult for some of our rural customers to attend the expo's... so we're packing up the van and heading out to the County Hotel in Stornoway".Andrew will be joined by his colleague Arlene Hardacre from Echomaster and Struan Eaglesham from Watt Marine.
They'll be at the County between Wednesday 15th and Friday 17th of January to talk about the newest developments in marine electronics. Mariners can find out all about technology such as autopilots, chartplotters, on-board safety equipment and radars. Products will be on display and there'll be demonstrations of equipment from SIMRAD, Olex, Hondex, Lowrance, Xinuo and many more.The expo will be open on Wednesday from 4pm till 9pm, Thursday 9am – 9pm and Friday 9am until 12 noon. Attendees will get a free goodie bag and access to exclusive special offers. Find out more by phone on 01261 831644 or visit https://www.facebook.com/echomastermarine
A mood-boosting get-together dubbed 'Brew Monday', organised by Samaritans nationally, is traditionally held on the third Monday of January, when the dark and wet of winter is getting us all down.But in Stornoway this year Brew Monday is going to be on a Thursday because, as local organisers explain: "That's the way we do it in the Western Isles!"Samaritans of the Western Isles plan to host their Brew on Thursday January 23rd, between 11am and 5pm, at The Space in Stornoway Library.Tea and cake, friendly chat and plenty of information about the work Samaritans do locally will be available – plus a drop-in visit from Peat & Diesel drummer Uilleam Macleod.Uilly is grabbing the chance to support the charity before heading for Glasgow and the first gig in the band's sell-out winter tour. He'll be having a brew and welcoming visitors in from the cold for what he describes as "a really important organisation for the islands."A Samaritans spokesman told welovestornoway.com: "This is really just a chance to get together for a cuppa and share the warmth of good company – whatever the weather is doing outside."We welcome everyone to drop in any time they like between 11am and 5pm, and we guarantee a warm welcome and perhaps even a selfie with a local legend!"
Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP Alasdair Allan has raised the issue of the upcoming closure of Connected Communities (Hebnet). The publicly-funded wireless network, which has operated in the Western Isles since 2005, is set to shut down in March 2020.
Since the roll-out of superfast broadband across the islands began in 2015, more and more households and businesses have been transferring to mainstream broadband services. HIE have indicated that the high fixed costs of the Connected Communities network mean it is no longer viable to continue the service for a declining number of customers.
There are around 500 remaining Connected Communities users and the local MSP has received a number of enquiries from them about how they continue to access broadband after March. While fibre, 4G or satellite services may be an option for some, a number of people will be left without any broadband after March.
Alasdair Allan MSP said:"The Scottish Government's rollout of superfast broadband across the Western Isles has made huge strides over the last few years with more than 80% of island households now having access to superfast broadband. This means there are now significantly fewer people using the Connected Communities service than in the past.
"However, many of the remaining customers are in areas where fibre has not yet reached and the 4G reception is poor. I have raised this situation with HIE. It is disappointing that the company operating Hebnet does not seem to have given its customers more notice. I would urge people still using this service to get in touch with HIE and find out what alternative broadband options are available in their area.
"I have also written to the Scottish Government Minister for Connectivity, Paul Wheelhouse MSP, regarding this situation and have asked what can be done to ensure that those customers affected by the Hebnet switch off are at the front of the queue when it comes to the next stage of fibre broadband roll out."
Star piper Glenn Brown, who is coming to Stornoway next week for the Lewis and Harris Piping Society's second winter recital and workshop, has said he is "very much looking forward" to it and spoken about the "great work" the piping society is doing in keeping the music alive.
Glenn, a Canadian who won the piobaireachd competition at the prestigious Glenfiddich competition in October, will be playing in the Caladh Inn in Stornoway on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at 7.30pm, with tickets available on the door.
He will be taking workshops during the day and is the second piper to be giving a combined workshop and recital this season, following Callum Beaumont on November 9.
Glenn, a native of Ontario who now lives in Scotland, has played in Stornoway before – having taken part in the invitational Pipe Major Donald Macleod Memorial Competition twice.
He said: "I am very much looking forward to coming up to Stornoway for the recital/workshop on the 18th as it's such a beautiful part of the world with the friendliest of people. Part of what we as pipers look forward to about competing at the Donald MacLeod Memorial is the people and their appreciation for the music. The love of the instrument. And the love for the man himself. How much he contributed to piping throughout the world is just unbelievable."
Glenn would have qualified for this year's Donald Macleod competition by virtue of his win at the Glenfiddich but would be unable to make it as he is a groomsman at fellow piper Callum Beaumont's wedding in Melbourne on the same day – April 3.
Glenn said: "The work that the Lewis and Harris Piping Society is doing is just so great for piping in that part of the world and beyond. These workshops/recitals will hopefully continue on in future. Unfortunately I'm unable to compete there this year as I'll be a groomsman at Callum Beaumont's wedding. Hopefully I'll be asked to take part in future years, but I'm thankful to have been asked to take part in the workshop/recital."
Growing up in Canada, Glenn said he had heard "many great things" about Donald Macleod – the renowned piper, composer, piping tutor and Stornoway son whose legacy is remembered in the annual piping competition.
"But it wasn't until my adult life that I fully appreciated just how much Donald did for pipers and piping in general," he said. "He is without doubt my favourite composer. Some of the greatest tunes ever written are found in his collections of music."
He recalled: "Before I first competed at the Donald Macleod Memorial, I had only played one of Donald's piobaireachd – MacMurich's Salute which I had learned from Willie McCallum. When I was teaching at a summer school in Canada in 2008, there was a student there who had attended summer schools with Donald back in the 60s or 70s. And he had these wonderful recordings of Donald playing tunes after a ceilidh one night. One of them was MacMurich's Salute. And the feeling that he gave in the first variation was just incredible.
"Since competing up in Stornoway, I have probably played a couple handfuls of Donald's piobaireachd and they're all great. Like big slow airs, full of melody and meaning."
Glenn said the principle of combining a workshop and recital was "very good" – "it's great to be able to hopefully show some people some new things or different ideas and then combine it with a bit of playing" – while the founder of the Lewis and Harris Youth Pipe Band hailed it as "a wonderful opportunity" to inspire young players.
Anna Murray, also senior piping tutor for Comhairle nan Eilean Siar for the Loch a Tuath area and The Nicolson Institute, said: "There's so much interest in piping with the young players today – it's really essential that they get to hear these top class players. They were so inspired at the last recital, meeting Callum. The workshop was fantastic and he was so lovely to them but their reaction in the evening when they watched him play and heard what he could do with a set of bagpipes… their jaws hit the floor; they couldn't believe their ears.
"When you're teaching, you can say to the children, 'go and listen to this person or that person' but it's no substitute for them actually being in the same room and hearing the top grade pipers. After they've heard such amazing playing, they don't need to be asked twice to practice when they get home, which is great. They're just so enthused. They are really looking forward to the next recital. It's fantastic that the recitals are happening again and that it's a series of recitals."
A programme of recitals was a regular feature on The Lewis and Harris Piping Society's calendar from the time it was formed in the 1970s until about a decade ago, with anything up to six recitals in each series, and the best pipers in Scotland were invited then too. Then, recitals were held in the Royal Hotel and latterly the Royal British Legion Club but it had been "a bit beyond their means" to bring in star pipers in recent times, due to resources.
However, Piping Society chairman Dr Smith said "a very generous donation from a private individual" had made it possible for them to organise a winter recital programme for 2019/2020 and they hoped to hold four recitals in the series. Tickets for the recital will be £10, £8 concession, and under 16s get in free.
Picture: Glenn Brown with the piobaireachd trophy at the 2019 Glenfiddich competition.
A series of consultation 'cèilidhs' will take place throughout the Outer Hebrides in January to provide communities a further chance to contribute to the development of Pròiseact an Fhìor Àite (the Great Place project).
The purpose of the Pròiseact an Fhìor-Àite (Great Place Project) is to develop a heritage and cultural asset strategy for the Outer Hebrides and to identify strategic approaches to support and deliver appropriate heritage-led economic development, identifying infrastructure requirements and priorities.
The two year project is led by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and partners include Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Outer Hebrides Heritage Forum, Scottish Natural Heritage, Outer Hebrides Tourism, An Lanntair, Taigh Chearsbhagh, Urras Nan Tursachan and Historic Environment Scotland.
The project is overseen by a steering group with representative from each partner organisation. The project is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The 'cèilidhs' are part of a further round of community consultations where cutting-edge strategic logic will combine with cultural traditions to bring together the strategy and action plan for the project.
Working with the Great Place project is international, Highlands and Islands based consultancy, StrategyStory, which has an office base in Stornoway and has been co-founded by Professor of Strategy Donald MacLean and former BBC Senior Producer, Kate Hooper.
The 'cèilidhs' will bring together people from the heritage, tourism and creative industries sectors.
Catherine MacLean, Great Place Project Manager said: "Following the Heritage for People Symposium held in May last year and the extensive meetings held across the islands over the last period, we have now appointed external consultants to begin to draw the strategy and action plan together. I hope as many people as possible are able to attend our consultation ceilidhs."
Chairman of the Comhairle's Sustainable Development Committee, Councillor Donald Crichton said, "Heritage is inherent in all that we do across our key sectors in the Outer Hebrides and holds untapped potential. We want to not only consolidate and conserve what we have, but to put culture and heritage at the heart of our vision and aspirations for the future and to innovate and promote it in new ways. By doing so we can unlock the potential for the Outer Hebrides to be a really 'Great Place' so that everyone - locals and visitors alike- can benefit whilst drawing in more visitors, developing businesses and attracting significant inward investment throughout the whole of the Outer Hebrides.
"It is of utmost importance that this strategy and vision is informed by the people of the Hebrides themselves so we're asking people to join us and contribute to the process."
Date and times of cèilidhs
Leading figures in salmon conservation will meet key politicians at the Scottish Parliament today (Tuesday, January 7) to address a looming crisis in wild stocks.
Environmental change, and a range of human impacts across the Northern Hemisphere are placing salmon at risk across their natural range. Today's event will explore what can be done to reverse this trend and ensure a healthy future for Scotland's iconic salmon.
Dr Alan Wells, Chief Executive of Fisheries Management Scotland said, "Salmon catches in Scotland have reached the lowest levels ever recorded, and nature is sending us some urgent signals about what could happen next. Official catch figures for recent years, confirm this iconic species is now approaching crisis point.
"Some of the factors impacting on wild salmon stocks may be beyond human control. But Scotland's Government and regulatory authorities now have a historic opportunity to do everything in their power to safeguard the species in those areas where they can make a difference.
"Put simply, salmon conservation must become a national priority. Our leaders will be judged by their actions in meeting that challenge."
Karen Ramoo, Policy Adviser at Scottish Land & Estates said, "Scotland has world renowned fishing which significantly contributes environmentally, socially and economically. The environment and the rural economy are at risk if we do not act now to tackle declining salmon numbers. We must aspire to maintain and improve our rivers and lochs to provide good breeding stock whilst a sustainable harvest can be made. Mechanisms to conserve these vulnerable stocks and encourage sustainable economic growth must be encouraged and it is imperative that the right balance is struck between conservation and the interests of those whose livelihood relies on fishing for salmon.
"It is important that we recognise current positive management already taking place and seek to build on this while allowing reasonable steps to be taken where stocks are considered unsustainable."
Michelle Ballantyne MSP said, "As LINK species champion for the Atlantic salmon, I am honoured to be able to sponsor this event in Parliament in the hope of contributing to the conversation on solutions to the threats facing Scotland's most iconic fish.
"With wild salmon stocks approaching crisis point it is now more crucial than ever that we, as politicians, listen to the experts and have a constructive conversation about what can be done to protect and replenish stocks.
"Much work is still needed, but by raising awareness of the scale of the challenge, and by bringing together organisations and stakeholders from across the country for this round-table meeting, we are turning our attention to what can be done legislatively to support wild salmon."
Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said, "It is fitting that today's round table about the future of our iconic wild salmon is taking place at the beginning of Scotland's Year of Coasts and Waters. I am pleased also to announce £750,000 of funding for an innovative project between the Scottish Government, Atlantic Salmon Trust and Fisheries Management Scotland to work in partnership to track smolt migration on the west coast of Scotland and thereby seek to improve our understanding of this important fish.
"The decline in the numbers of wild salmon returning to Scottish rivers is of great concern, and caused by a range of complex factors. That is why the Scottish Government has committed, in its latest Programme for Government, to develop a Wild Salmon Strategy by September 2020.
"We will continue to work with key stakeholders such as Fisheries Management Scotland, the Atlantic Salmon Trust, District Salmon Fishery Boards and Fishery Trusts to do everything possible to safeguard the future of Scotland's wild salmon."
The first phase of a £1million project to develop a 40km coastal path from Stornoway all round the Point peninsula has received a stamp of approval from local walking groups.
Groups such as the Women For Mission walking group from Garrabost Free Church are now choosing to walk circular routes taking in the Braighe, the historic Eaglais Na h-Aoidh (Ui Church) and the village of Aignish thanks to the project which shored up the coastline and built a new path.
Work on the first phase of the Point and Sandwick Coastal Community Path was carried out in November and December 2018. Development of the coastal path is likely to be split into five phases, with fundraising for the second phase at an advanced stage.
The £114,000 first phase – funded by £57,000 from LEADER with the remainder coming from the profits from Point and Sandwick's Beinn Ghrideag wind farm – secured 100 metres of coastline and also the Ui Church's graveyard wall, which was under extreme threat of erosion. It also repaired a damaged culvert near the Aignish grazings, so the route is now totally dry.
Catriona Dunn of the Garrabost Women For Mission group said the new coastal path had made a big difference to their experience of walking in the area. "It's pleasant underfoot. It's easy to walk on and parts of it weren't before. It was grassy and muddy in parts, especially where the culvert was. You wouldn't even attempt it in winter."
It was a different story now, she said, with the group walking it regularly, all year round – most recently on the Saturday before Christmas.
"I think it's really pleasant because you're walking along the coastline and you're seeing the views and the seals – there was a heron as well – and what's been done to the church."
The Women For Mission group usually meets to go walking together once a week and agreed the group gave them all a physical, social and psychological boost. The physical exercise improves their health and sense of wellbeing, while the group aspect helps them get to know each other.
Having an improved infrastructure helps them plan their routes and explore their local area more.
Another member of the group, Chrisann Mackenzie, said people from outwith the area might not think of coming to Aignish for a walk but it had a lot going for it. As well as the Ui Church and the Braighe coastline, it was a circular route, which always appeals, and route-finding was easy.
Donald John MacSween, general manager of Point and Sandwick Trust, said the wind farm charity was pleased to have played a part in creating such valuable infrastructure. He said: "Getting out and about for an easy stroll in our area is now much easier along this completed part of the coastal path. It is good to see more and more people locally out walking – the easiest and cheapest exercise available all year round, if suitably clad."
For those unfamiliar with the area, the route which has been made accessible by completion of the first phase of the coastal path is on OS Explorer Map 459, Central Lewis and Stornoway.
It begins at Grid Reference 483 321 (the parking area at the Point end of the Braighe, near the Aignis Farm Raiders Monument) or from GR 492 320 (the Old Knock School, now home to Buth an Rubha, Cafe Roo and the Point and Sandwick Trust offices).
If starting from the Old School / Café Roo, walk westwards down the A866 main road towards the Braighe, until you come to the parking area that is the alternative start point, just under 1km away.
Next, take the party northwards across the Braighe isthmus, going through a kissing gate and passing the raiders monument. Eaglais Na h-Aoidh and the coastal path will become obvious on your right-hand side. Follow the path round as it skirts the outside of the church and its graveyard, following the very edge of the coastline and then crossing grazings.
Conditions are excellent underfoot and the sea views very enjoyable.
About 250 metres past the church, there will be a road off to your right. Ignore it and keep on the path. Shortly afterwards, you will pass a small beach to your left – there are often many seals to be seen here – and very soon the path will end and become a road. Follow this road uphill for about 200 metres until you see another road off to the right. Turn right here and follow it all the way along until you meet the main A866 road again.
Turn right downhill and you will arrive back at the Old School / Cafe Roo after about 200 metres – highly recommended for hot drinks and cakes or cooked breakfasts or lunch.
The walk described is 3 km but can be extended slightly by continuing on the road uphill after the path has finished, instead of turning right after 200 metres.
This would take you all the way uphill and out onto the main road near the houses at Seaview. To complete the walk, as before, turn right downhill and return to the Old School / Café Roo.
Picture of the Women For Mission group and friends on their circular walk with a section along the completed first phase of the coastal path by Sandie Maciver of SandiePhotos
New figures released after a Freedom of Information (FoI) request have shown that the number of recorded physical assaults on NHS staff in the Western Isles has hit an all-time high.
The FoI response, which was initiated by the Scottish Conservatives, show that there were 60 recorded physical assaults on staff in NHS Western Isles in 2018/19, almost double the number recorded in 2017/18.
The previous record stood at 58 recorded physical assaults in 2015/16.
There was also an increase in recorded verbal incidents between 2017/18 and 2018/19, going from 40 to 49.
Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron has called for more protection for local NHS workers. Donald Cameron MSP said: "These figures are deeply worrying, and it is of particular concern that the number of physical incidents has increased so dramatically. Hospitals can be stressful places, and sometimes people can lash out through no fault of their own. But it is clear that our hardworking NHS staff need better support and protection from such incidents, and I call on the SNP Government to work with NHS Western Isles to make sure that happens."
Car Hire Business Opportunity @ Stornoway Airport
An opportunity has arisen to provide car hire services at Stornoway Airport.
Interest is invited from parties wishing to apply for a contract.
Closing date 31 January 2020
Full details including an application form are available from:
Jeff Collins, HIAL Head Office, Inverness Airport, Inverness, IV2 7JB,
Stornoway's RNLI Coastguard crew had their first shout of 2020 last night (Saturday January 4th), working through the night on recovery of a fish-farm vessel drifting off the west coast of Lewis.
Stornoway Coastguard operations centre took a call for assistance at 3.58pm yesterday from the 50-metre fish-farm support vessel Hydro Pioneer, which had lost power, with an alarm sounding on an engine, off the coast near Barvas.
The RNLI crew of lifeboat Tom Sanderson was immediately tasked and launched at 4pm, while Coastguards also issued a 'pan pan' general call for help to all shipping.
Coastguard Rescue Teams from Bragar and Ness were sent to the land overlooking the site in case they were able to provide any assistance. The lifeboat was on-scene by 6.30pm, quickly followed by a fellow fish-farm workboat from East Loch Roag, the Helen Mary.
Her crew had responded to the emergency call and were able to take the casualty vessel, with five crew aboard, under tow. The lifeboat stood by to provide safety cover as the tow continued towards the Butt of Lewis and Stornoway harbour.
In rough seas and with winds blowing force 5-7, reaching force 8 south-westerlies later in the night, the tow parted frequently, so Stornoway Coastguard officers took the decision to task the Coastguard tug Ievoli Black, which was on patrol in the seas near Shetland.
Ievoli Black met the fish-farm vessels close to Ness around 2am today (Sunday) and attempted to take over the tow, but the weather was against the crews and in the end both rescuer and casualty vessel sought shelter in Broad Bay.
Stornoway RNLI crew were stood down soon after 6am as the crew of Ievoli Black worked to re-establish the tow. Once secure, the rescuing vessel Helen Mary headed for Stornoway harbour while Ievoli Black followed more slowly with the casualty in tow.
The Coastguard tug is too large to enter the inner harbour, so the Helen Mary came out to meet the casualty and take the tow over once again at 4.30pm today.
Both vessels came alongside around 5pm with all on board safe and well.
A coastguard spokesman said: "This was a long stint for the RNLI crew, who were at sea for more than 14 hours. The weather made the task more complex and we are pleased at the outcome."
(RNLI photo of Tom Sanderson from 2019)
A man is to appear at Stornoway Sheriff Court tomorrow (Monday January 6th) after police were called to an address in Stornoway in the early hours of Saturday January 4th.
The 44-year-old man has been charged with assault and with offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act, and has been in custody since his arrest.
Three drivers were issued with fixed penalties for offences under the Road Traffic Act over the weekend of January 3rd to 5th.
The drivers were stopped as part of proactive road safety policing under Operation Cedar, at locations in Stornoway and at Outend Coll.
They were penalised for offences including driving without insurance, using a mobile phone while driving and driving a vehicle without a valid test certificate.
Clan Macquarrie Community Centre in north Lewis is celebrating the success of a programme to make it less expensive to heat – and save energy.
In the spring of 2019, the Centre in Borve was awarded funding of £32,731 from the Scottish Government's Climate Challenge Fund.
The award was intended to deliver a number of different outcomes – with one of the primary objectives being to achieve improved energy efficiency at the Centre (and, therefore, savings in carbon emissions).
The energy efficiency measures planned included installing LED lighting throughout the building, fitting two new insulated ceilings (Green Room and Meeting Room), fitting thermal curtains to all the windows in the Centre and also installing insulation to two existing ceilings (Garden Room and office) and to some of the steel beams in these rooms.
The CMCC committee is delighted to announce that all these works have now been completed and would like to thank all the contractors involved for the efficiency shown in delivering that vital part of the overall project.
Even at this early stage following completion of the work, there are positive signs of improvement – a building that is using less energy to achieve previous levels of comfort and warmth for users.
Donald "Ba" Macdonald from CMCC expanded on the project detail: "In tandem with planning and seeing to completion of the capital works outlined above, our Committee has been busy delivering energy efficiency workshops throughout the wider community – with particularly sustained and welcome assistance from: Community Energy Scotland; Tighean Innse Gall; Home Energy Scotland, Urras Oighreachd Charlabhaigh; and Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn.
"To date workshops have been delivered to the local Young At Heart Group; Sgoil An Taobh Siar pupils and teachers; Sgoil Lional pupils and teachers; various other community organisations throughout Lewis and Harris. The final workshop is scheduled for those in our community who might be interested in setting up a growing/horticulture group – that will be on 25th February at CMCC".
In addition to the building improvements, the workshops and the course provision, Clan Macquarrie has also embarked on an energy efficiency advice blog (see ccfenergyefficiency.wordpress.com) and have added a host of updates and photos of the various project strands via their social media sites (@clanmacq via Twitter and Facebook).
Ba concluded "Clan Macquarrie Community Centre would like to gratefully acknowledge the support received from Keep Scotland Beautiful/CCF and from the individuals, schools and other organisations who have supported our workshops locally.
"We are also very pleased with the contractors selected for the various works and thank them sincerely for carrying out the work in such a timely and co-ordinated manner".
The CCF is administered on behalf of Scot Gov by the Keep Scotland Beautiful organisation.
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Earlier estimates of winds of up to 80mph expected on Tuesday (January 7th) across the Outer Hebrides have been scaled back, according to the UK Met Office (today Sunday January 5th).
A smaller overall area is expected to be affected - excluding Shetland, Orkney and Caithness – and the maximum expected gusts are now 75mph in some coastal areas, and 50-60 mph elsewhere.
On the Tarbert-Uig- Lochmaddy services, an amended timetable is running in the morning today with warnings of further disruption to come.
The Lewis freight service is running this timetable today -
and tomorrow (Monday 6th January)
The passenger and vehicle services on Monday morning are cancelled.
Earlier report - posted yesterday afternoon…
Its overall forecast states: "A windy period is expected for parts of Scotland and northern England on Tuesday. The most likely scenario is for the strong or very strong winds to develop across coastal parts of northern and western Scotland, with strong gusts across parts of northern England, central and eastern Scotland.
"Gusts of 60-70 mph are possible, with potentially 70-80 mph gusts around some of the most exposed coastal sites."
The Met Office warns; "There is a small chance that injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties
"There is a small chance that injuries and danger to life could occur from flying debris as well as some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs."
Meanwhile ferry cancellations, rescheduling and delays were taking place across the Islands…with warnings of more to come.
Between Castlebay and Oban today (Saturday 4th January) because of cancellations on Friday 3rd, an additional sailing was operating, weather permitting, as follows:
Depart Castlebay: 06:00; arrive Oban: 10:40; depart Oban: 11:00; arrive Castlebay: 15:40
But tomorrow (Sunday 5th January) due to adverse weather and expected swell conditions the service between Barra and Oban is cancelled.
On the Uig-Tarbert (Harris) run today (Saturday 4th January) in order to allow the vessel to take bunkers ahead of adverse weather, the 18:15 sailing will be delayed by one hour. The vessel will depart Uig at 19:15, traffic is to check-in at Uig by 18:30.
On the freight and passenger services between Ullapool - Stornoway, CalMac warn that because of the adverse weather forecast, the 0700 & 1030 sailings on Monday and all sailings on Tuesday may be disrupted or cancelled at short notice.
Meanwhile regarding the Mallaig/Oban-Lochboisdale service tomorrow (Sunday 5th January) because of the high wind forecast all sailings have been cancelled.
The pay dispute that led to crippling strike action across the airport network of Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd during 2019 has been brought to a conclusion.
Mr Inglis Lyon, HIAL's Managing Director said today (Friday 3rd January): "I'm pleased to advise that the ATC pay dispute has now been resolved. Prospect has confirmed today that, following a ballot of their membership, there was an overwhelming acceptance of our revised pay offer.
"Acceptance of this offer sees air traffic controllers receiving the 2019/20 pay increase already awarded to other HIAL staff, along with a commitment to a similar award in 2020/21, assuming that Scottish Government's pay policy remains broadly the same. In addition, they will receive a retention payment for a three-year period.
"This now draws the ATC industrial action to a close and we look forward to working with our air traffic control staff as we strive to maintain and develop sustainable airport services for the future."
David Avery, Prospect Negotiations Officer said: "We are pleased that our members have accepted this new deal and that this long-running dispute can now be brought to an end.
"Air traffic controllers provide a vital service for the Highlands and Islands and deserve to have their work and skills properly compensated and we are pleased that this deal represents real progress.
"The deal has required compromise on both sides and I would like to thank Scottish Ministers for giving HIAL the authority to reach a deal, and we look forward to working constructively with HIAL in the future."
Union members worked to rule between April and November last year and staged a series of strikes that affected thousands of passengers at six of the company's 11 regional airports.The offer covers the period from April 2018 to April next year and is reportedly worth at least nine per cent over the three years, with an additional £9,000 over the period of the deal for a fully qualified controller.
Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant, who's been campaigning on behalf of air traffic controllers, said today: "I am glad the dispute has been resolved. This will come as welcome news to both the air traffic controllers and the communities they serve
"I also welcome the promise from Inglis Lyon that he will now work with air traffic controllers regarding a sustainable solution for the future of service."
(This report has been updated with additional references since first being posted.)
2020 started with double the joy at Western Isles Hospital yesterday (Wednesday January 1st), as the maternity department welcomed the arrival of two new baby girls for families from Stornoway and Ness.
Charlotte Elizabeth Salter made her arrival a week earlier than expected at 12.51pm, weighing 6lbs 4oz.
Mum Zara Macarthur of Stornoway said she was feeling good after the delivery of her "absolutely perfect, really gorgeous" baby girl, a first daughter for dad Darren Slater, sister for Kai, aged 11, and the third grandchild for Wilma and Peter Macarthur.
And Ruth and Leo Rees-Evans were similarly delighted to greet baby Beulah Ealasaid, born just six weeks after the family moved to Lewis and to their new home in Ness.
Brother Moses, 16 months old, has greeted his new sister with 'lots of kisses' according to mum Ruth, who said Beulah was born with lots of hair, weighing 8lbs 5oz, and was "happy, content and very beautiful."
The pictures show baby Charlotte Salter with dad Darren, mum Zara and brother Kai, and Beulah Rees-Evans with mum Ruth, dad Leo and brother Moses.
Refurbishment work is due to start work at the Butt of Lewis lighthouse on Monday (January 6th) after Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) awarded a £225,000 upgrade contract to Aberdeen-based TRAC international.
The works include replacement of the lighthouse optic and refurbishment and redecoration of the tower and mess facilities in the adjoining building. The contractor is a leading supplier of infrastructure engineering services, with a reputation for working in challenging environments.
Alongside the technical work to be carried out at Ness is the external redecoration of the ex-keeper's buildings, control block, engine room, tower light-room and dome. There will also be internal redecoration of the tower, watch-room and light-room. Broken glazing panels in the light-room will be replaced and an extension to the balcony walkway, installed for the old foghorn, will be removed.
Ahead of the work beginning, NLB have notified mariners that the existing light at the station has been withdrawn and replaced by a temporary light, with the flash characteristics as before – once every five seconds. The nominal range of the temporary light is 12 miles, by contrast to the 25 nautical miles of the permanent light.
Works are expected to be completed by 31st March 2020 and a further notice to mariners will be issued before the re-establishment of a permanent light in 2020.
The Butt of Lewis lighthouse was built in 1862, by engineer David Stevenson of the famous lighthouse Stevenson family. A tower 37 metres high, accessed by 168 steps to the top, is positioned at what's widely recognised as the windiest spot in Britain. The lighthouse has been category A listed as a historic building since 1971.
NLB's latest refurbishment project follows the completion of work at Eilean Glas lighthouse in Scalpay, which was recently refurbished at a cost of £282,000 by Orkney contractors R S Merriman Ltd.
Also a category A listed building, the lighthouse complex is described by Historic Scotland as: "a classic example of a lighthouse complex which encompasses the lighthouse, accommodation for the keepers and their families, means of transport with the jetty and a means of subsistence with fields and walled garden."
The lamp was first lit on October 16th 1789 and the Egyptian style of the keepers' cottage is also considered to be of architectural interest.
Eilean Glas lighthouse featured as a location in the Christmas day episode of Call the Midwife, which showed the arrival of a new baby in the lighthouse keeper's home.
The picture shows the newly refurbished Eilean Glas lighthouse (NLB) and Butt of Lewis lighthouse tower at night (John Maher).
Stornoway police have been alerted to two incidents of vehicles leaving the road in the past 24 hours.
At 8.45pm yesterday (Wednesday January 1st) a driver reported a car which had left the road at Sheshader road end in Point.
Police attended and later traced the registered keeper, confirming that there had been no injury and that all was in order.
The vehicle is still at the roadside but has been marked with police aware notices.
Police this morning (Thursday January 2nd) attended an unrelated incident where a van was found on its roof, close to the Oiseval gift shop and gallery at Brue in Lewis.
The vehicle, which was without registration plates, has been removed by police and further enquiries into the incident are under way.
'Tweedo' swimming trunks were in evidence at Bosta beach yesterday (Wednesday January 1st) as a small but determined group braved the waves for the first open water swim of the New Year.
Hebridean Sea Swimmers joined Lewis Pugh (United Nations Patron of the Oceans) on his latest training swim alongside training partner Max Holloway, Scottish outdoor swimmer Calum Maclean and a number of others who just couldn't stay out of the water.
Minch swimmer Colin Macleod said afterwards: "That's the way we do it in the Western Isles! Wind and waves a-biting on the Tweedos."
Storm winds blew in the New Year, and the Isle of Barra is still feeling the effects today (Thursday January 2nd) as ferries are once again cancelled.
The Sound of Barra service (Ardmhor to Eriskay) is cancelled for the day and the Castlebay-Oban service has also been suspended, with a likelihood of further disruption on that route tomorrow.
South-westerly winds are forecast to continue strong until around 5pm today, when they will become north-westerly but continue strong. A further period of high west winds is expected tomorrow.
A longer-term forecast is for gales from Sunday onwards, with the Met Office predicting gusts up to 60mph for Monday and Tuesday.
Storm winds blew in the New Year, and the Isle of Harris is still feeling the effects today (Thursday January 2nd) as ferries face disruption.
The Sound of Harris service (Berneray to Leverburgh) is cancelled for the day and the Uig-Tarbert service is subject to disruption throughout the day, with delays and cancellations possible at short notice.
South-westerly winds are forecast to continue strong until around 5pm today, when they will become north-westerly but continue strong. A further period of high west winds is expected tomorrow afternoon.
Ferry disruption for Barra
The short service which was scheduled to take place at the Iolaire Memorial at 2.00pm today (Wednesday January 1st 2020) has been cancelled due to the weather conditions, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar announced this morning.
Those who had intended to lay wreaths may do so at a time of their own choosing when weather permits, a CnES spokesman said on Twitter.
The memorial service had been planned by CnES as a continuation of memorial events surrounding the centenary of the Iolaire disaster, which took place in the early hours of January 1st 1919.
Rev James Maciver of Stornoway Free Church was to conduct the memorial service, predominantly in English, with one Gaelic psalm to be sung.
Rev Maciver earlier told welovestornoway.com: "We would be very happy if this could become an annual commemoration, especially because of the benefits to the community which we saw arising from the events last year.
"A lot of younger people came to understand and appreciate the importance of the anniversary and the meaning of the tragedy to our community. There were also people who discovered that they had relatives who were involved in the disaster, and there are still some older people left in the villages who had direct contact with families affected a century ago.
"Those people found the commemorations very helpful. It helped them to come to terms with what happened and involvement with the events offered a way to express their sense of loss."
CnES Trading Standards have received complaints regarding cold callers claiming to be contacting consumers from BT.
The caller states that the consumer's phone or internet service is about to be disconnected due to a missed payment on their account.
Households in Aird Tong have found themselves without water today (Thursday January 31st) as mains pipes froze in the unusually cold conditions.
Scottish Water is in the process of upgrading work including laying new mains, with contractors CalMax undertaking the work, which includes a process known as 'pipe-splitting'. This requires new pipes to be run through the old mains, with new connections then created to each customer.
While this work is happening, a temporary supply pipe is laid overland to keep the regular water supply running while the main pipe is being worked on.
Lewis footballer Rachael Johnstone impressed selectors so much at last weekend's development training that she's been selected for the Scotland squad – for the third consecutive time!
14-year-old Rachael, who lives in Balallan and goes to Sir E Scott school in Tarbert, was in Aberdeen from Friday (January 25th) to Sunday alongside players from women's U16 development squads at Celtic, Rangers, Hibs and Manchester United, among others, for an arduous weekend of training.
The UK Meteorological Office has this morning (Thursday January 31st) updated a weather warning for snow and ice.
The update now means that only Lewis falls into the extensive warning area, with the rest of the Western Isles, south of the Clisham, outwith the area of concern.
Police in the Western Isles have acted on community concerns and have been carrying proactive road safety patrols in the Stornoway area.
Since mid-December two motorists have been charged with dangerous driving and a further three in relation to careless or inconsiderate driving.
In addition, three have been charged with driving without the necessary MOT, one with driving with an obscured windscreen and three with lighting defects on their vehicle.
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Pupils from schools across the Outer Hebrides gathered at Sir E Scott in Harris yesterday (Wed, Jan 30) to take part in an international competition about building and programming Lego robots.
It was the first time the Outer Hebrides had taken part in the First Lego League tournament and Sgoil Lionacleit, Castlebay and Sir E Scott battled it out with their robot designs, while a group from the Nicolson observed the day, to get ideas for next time. A team from the Isle of Arran had hoped to participate remotely via video link but had technical issues at their end.
A total of 59 island employees of the broadband services provider TalkTalk have today (Wednesday January 30th) been given notice of redundancy.
Staff received the shock news that the Stornoway call centre is to close at the end of July, with all jobs moving to the mainland.
It's reported that the jobs will be relocated to Manchester and staff have been offered a relocation package or enhanced redundancy.
An Lanntair arts centre has announced the ten photographers whose work will be showcased in a Hebridean Dark Skies Festival exhibition to be launched on the festival's opening night, Friday 8 February.
The ten photographers – all from the Hebrides – were all shortlisted in the first Hebridean Dark Skies Festival photography competition. The competition winner, already announced, was Casey McIntyre, whose striking image of an atmospheric phenomenon called 'Steve' (Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement) was chosen for the cover of the new festival's first print programme – 'Steve' has also become a social media hit, the image shared thousands of times.
Ice and snow will continue to affect the Western Isles through the rest of this week, with Lewis and Harris under two new weather warnings issued this morning (Wednesday January 30th) by the Met Office.
A yellow 'be aware' warning of ice comes into force from 5pm today, covering the period until 11am tomorrow (Thursday) with the risk of injuries from slips and falls on icy pavements and untreated surfaces.
Western Isles cyclist Kerry MacPhee is flying home to Stornoway today (Wednesday January 30th) after finishing yesterday on the podium at the end of a gruelling four-stage mountain bike challenge in Lanzarote.
South Uist athlete Kerry was placed second overall in a field of 22 elite female cyclists, at the Club La Santa 4-Stage Mountain Bike Race Lanzarote, where amateur and elite riders challenge themselves on varied terrain of tarmac roads, sand, lava fields and dirt track. About 90% of the course is off-road.
CalMac is putting in place temporary timetable arrangements in Oban, while the harbour owner replaces one of the port's linkspans.
Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) will be shutting Berth No.1 to replace the linkspan from February 1st to 28th. During the work, all services will continue from Berth No.2.
The Stornoway Trust has rejected outright the suggestion that Mr Norman Maciver, who chairs the Trust, has a conflict of interest because he is also exploring the development of a windfarm near Barvas.
The Trust, which met last night (Monday January 28th), was reacting to a letter from four local grazings committees.
Following the meeting, Mr Iain Maciver, the estate's Factor, issued a statement saying:
Outer Hebrides businesses will have the opportunity to develop their brand to help them stand out against the competition at a brand development workshop this March.
Organised by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), as part of its Entrepreneurial Academy, the brand development workshop will be delivered by experts in the field and will be free to attend. The workshop takes place in Stornoway on 14th March 2019.
A film investigating the problem of plastic has earned Castlebay School pupils three finalist nominations in the youth category of the 2019 FilmG competition.
Today (Tuesday January 29th) is the closing date for contractors bidding to win a major contract from Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB), for the upgrading and modernising of Eilean Glas lighthouse in Scalpay.
Would-be contractors travelled to Scalpay on 15th January on a site visit hosted by NLB, to view the buildings and get the measure of the work involved.
Pupils from the four secondary schools across the Outer Hebrides will be gathering at Sir E Scott in Harris tomorrow (Wednesday, January 30) to take part in an international competition about building and programming Lego robots.
A fifth school, from the Isle of Arran, will also be taking part remotely.
The Outer Hebrides STEM competition day is part of this year's 'First Lego League' tournament and the islands' participation has been made possible by a grant of £2,000 from community wind farm charity Point and Sandwick Trust.
In court after domestic incident
A man appeared in court in Stornoway yesterday (Monday January 28th) after spending a night in custody at Stornoway police station.
The 37-year-old man was arrested at a residential address in the town on Sunday at 5.15pm after police were called to a disturbance at the address.
A 'Yellow' weather alert for snow and ice across the Western Isles has been issued by the UK Meteorological Office this morning (Tuesday January 29th).
The forecast snow has led Loganair to repeat their weather-change offer, allowing people who were planning to fly today or tomorrow the opportunity to make new arrangements.
Two minor faults in Stornoway town centre are under repair by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks this afternoon (Monday January 28th), with some businesses affected by loss of power.
A blown fuse in the sub-station in Perceval Square meant loss of power to 30 properties, mainly shops, in the town centre.
The fault was reported at 3.45pm and it is hoped that repairs will be complete by 5pm.
The four crofting townships seeking to develop community-owned wind farms on their common grazings near Stornoway are calling on the Stornoway Trust chairman, Norman Maciver, to step down after it was revealed that he is planning to develop a private wind farm in Lewis.
Pre-application screening plans for the development at Tol Mor, north-west of Upper Barvas, have been submitted to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
The proposed wind turbine development consists of a minimum of six wind turbines with proposed tower height of 92m and rotor diameter of 115m. The proposed tip height is approximately 150m. The proposed capacity is 24MW (4MW per turbine).
Charity walker Chris Lewis will be back in Lewis tomorrow (Tuesday January 29th), on one of the longest and most arduous stretches of his epic coastline challenge.
Lecturers at Lews Castle College could hold further strike action on Tuesday February 5th, despite some progress during talks with employers last week (Thursday January 24th).Representatives of the Further Education Lecturers Association (EIS-FELA), an autonomous organisation within the Educational Institute of Scotland, came away from last Thursday's meeting with agreement on a single issue, but other pay issues unresolved.
Police in the Western Isles are appealing for information following a break-in at a fishing lodge in the Grimersta area on the west side of Lewis.
Entry was forced to the property and a number of outboard motors stolen.
Four years ago today, on January 28th2015, Angus Morrison of Balallan suffered a heart attack. More fortunate than some, he survived the traumatic experience and started thinking what could be done to get help quickly to people in a similar situation.
A PPI Refund scam is currently circulating in the islands - which also involves a Google Gift card, warns the trading standards department at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
An initial cold call claims that you are due a PPI refund for over £4000 and asks for some personal detail including your name, address and how long you have been living at your address.
The new vice-chair of the Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has promised to put the needs of crofters right onto the agenda of decision-makers at every level.
Donald Mackinnon of Arnol was appointed vice-chair of the SCF at a board meeting in Inverness on Friday 18thJanuary.
Coastguard Rescue Teams from across the isle of Skye were in the midst of training on Saturday (January 26th) when a real emergency began to unfold in Uig harbour.
The team had just completed training scenarios with the area commander and senior ops officer, including rescuing a person from the water and a person with a serious head injury on a stairwell, with a subsequent fire, at the new fish feed plant at Kyle.
Stornoway Coastguard's operations centre were working at the extreme edge of their huge district on Friday (January 25th) as they co-ordinated the rescue of an injured fisherman from his ship.
The 43-year-old man had an open fracture to his right arm when the skipper of his vessel, the Faeroese Katrin Johanna, called Tórshavn Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre just after 10am on Friday.
There was sporting success for three of Lewis's young athletes over the weekend, in athletics and swimming championships held on the mainland.
Connor Maclean earned himself a bronze medal in the 1500 metres at the Scottish Senior Indoor Championships at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow on Saturday (January 26th).
Urras Coimhearsnachd Bhràdhagair agus Àrnoil (Bragar and Arnol Community Trust) on the West Side of Lewis has announced the appointment of Murdo Morrison to the post of Development Officer.
The post has been funded by the Aspiring Communities Fund supported by The European Social Fund and will see Mr Morrison based at Grinneabhat, the old Bragar school in North Bragar.
Hebrides Energy, the local Community Interest Company set up to secure cheaper electricity for island consumers, is reassuring island customers of the 'Hebrides Energy' tariff following the announcement that its supply partner, Our Power, has ceased to trade.
Our Power, a not-for-profit energy supplier with 38,000 domestic customers, has been unable to continue trading due to a sharp increase in the wholesale price of electricity over recent months.
Under the OFGEM 'Safety Net', which is funded by a levy spread across all energy suppliers, the Energy Regulator will immediately appoint a replacement supplier to continue providing service to Our Power customers.
Strong winds forecast over the weekend mean like cancellations on the Stornoway Ullapool route tomorrow (Saturday January 26th).
CalMac have placed the ferry on a yellow alert, with the 2.30pm sailing from Stornoway and the 6.30pm from Ullapool described as 'extremely doubtful' in a strong north-north-easterly wind, with wave heights forecast up to five metres.
Leverburgh lifeboat launched yesterday (Thursday January 24th) to reports of a speedboat which had run aground on a sandbar off Benbecula.
Stornoway Coastguard received the report at noon that the leisure craft, with one person aboard, was aground and had lost engine power just north of Benbecula airport.
The lifeboat was en route to the scene when it was reported that the fire and rescue boat from Benbecula airport had reached the casualty and that the person aboard was safe and well.
Police in Motherwell have issued an appeal to trace relatives of a man who passed away in Airdrie on January 11th.
The man, 78-year-old John Bruce is believed to have originated in Lewis and may have some relatives still in the islands.
CalMac Ferries is facing new clamour from the Islands to relocate its management from the Central Belt – and to drop its ideas of increasing ferry fares to choke off summer demands on island routes.
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has called on the Scottish Government and Cal-Mac to take forward the issue of locating management jobs in the Outer Hebrides.
The call comes following reports yesterday (Wednesday January 23rd) that Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is considering moving its National HQ to Fort George, near Inverness.
In response to public demand, Stornoway Port Authority is to seek permission to extend the lifespan of a powerful art installation commemorating the Iolaire disaster.
'Sheòl an Iolaire/The Iolaire Sailed' was installed on the town's South Beach in December, ahead of the centenary commemorations on 1 January and has since been visited by thousands of people.
A talk by author
Liz Macrae Shaw about Màiri Mhòr nan Òran will be held at Museum Nan Eilean
by Lews Castle on Wednesday 30th January at 7pm.
Liz Macrae Shaw will share her experience of researching the life and works of Mary MacDonald of Skye (born in 1821 in Skeabost not far from Portree) who is better known as Màiri Mhòr nan Òran, one of the 19th century's most outstanding Gaelic bards.
Leaving the Common Agricultural Policy as part of Brexit presents a positive opportunity to revitalise Scottish farming, Scottish Land & Estates said today (Wednesday January 23).
The rural business organisation made the comments within its response to the Scottish Affairs Committee's consultation, the Future of Scottish Agriculture post-Brexit.
The organisation said the priorities for any future agricultural support must focus on:
A further warning of ice for Lewis and Harris has been issued by the Met Office this morning (Wednesday January 23rd).
Issued at 10.15am, the warning covers the period between 6pm tonight and 11am on Thursday, and urges people to be aware of the risk of slips and falls with possible injuries and of icy roads making driving conditions hazardous.
National recognition has come for the senior Gaelic medium class (Primary 4-7) at Sgoil nan Loch who signed up to take part in last year's Wee Sleep Out to raise funds and awareness for the Scottish homelessness charity Social Bite.
The Sgoil nan Loch was placed 10th in the Wee Sleep Out fundraising league. As they were in the top 11 fundraisers, parent/organiser Mairi Mackenzie and two pupils from the class were invited to attend Social Bite's Thank You dinner in Edinburgh.
A young woman has received a recorded police warning following an incident in Stornoway yesterday afternoon (Tuesday 22nd January).
The 17-year-old was not arrested, but her behaviour at a public building in the town caused police to be called at 1.30pm, and she was subsequently charged with a breach of the peace.
A recorded warning stays on police record for two years, and can be taken into account if another crime is committed within that time.
Rhoda Grant Scottish Labour MSP for the Highlands and Islands region will be holding public advice surgery in Stornoway on Friday 25th January from 3pm - 4pm, no appointments are required if you wish to drop in and speak to Ms. Grant.
Yvonne White, a crofter from Kingsburgh on the Isle of Skye, has been appointed to lead the Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF).
At a board and council meeting held in Inverness last Friday, two new vice-chairs were also nominated and approved.
Na h-Eileanan an Iar MP Angus MacNeil says Scotland has the option to escape the chaos of Brexit through independence.
Mr MacNeil says that he and his SNP colleagues at Westminster have fought hard to ensure Scotland's voice is heard in the Brexit process but the UK Tory Government has refused to move on extending Article 50; have refused to rule out a devastating No Deal scenario; and have refused to hold another EU referendum.
Port operators CMAL say that because of findings during routine inspection of the Tarbert linkspan, issues have been identified which require the lifting ropes to be replaced.
The linkspan at Tarbert will be closed after the 16.00 ferry service on Wednesday 27 February departs, and will reopen for the arrival of the 11.20 sailing on Tuesday 5 March.
This will allow both sets of rope replacements to be carried out during a single closure period, CMAL say.
Broadband speeds in the Western Isles are slow, but they are not the slowest in Britain, a survey released today (Tuesday January 22nd) has found.
The consumer organisation Which? Carried out more than 277,000 broadband speed tests across the UK in the year to 30th September 2018, and found na h-Eileanan an Iar towards the bottom end of the scale, with an average speed of 11.5 megabytes per second (Mbps).
A new warning of icy conditions has been issued by the Met Office, with the whole of the Western Isles falling under the yellow 'be aware' notice.
Issued at 10am today (Tuesday January 22nd) the warning covers the period from 4pm this afternoon until 11am tomorrow, Wednesday.
Stornoway lifeboat RNLB Tom Sanderson launched at lunchtime today (Tuesday 12.45pm) to meet a French fishing vessel in Stornoway harbour, and to take on board a crew member needing medical attention.
The French trawler FV Sandettie called the French Coastguard when a 48-year-old crewman fell ill with stomach pains, while they were fishing north of the Butt of Lewis this morning.
Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MP Angus Brendan MacNeil and MSP Alasdair have slammed the Tory government in London for 'sneaking out' changes to state pensions which could affect older couples to the tune of £7,000 per year.
Changes to benefits for mixed-age couples – which will be introduced from 15 May 2019 - were quietly released by Tory ministers on the evening of Theresa May's humiliating Brexit-deal defeat.
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Welcome for Chris
Charity walker Chris Lewis is continuing his love affair with the Isle of Harris and its people – despite the weather throwing everything it's got at him while he's been on the island.
Former paratrooper Chris reached Tarbert on January 10th, with his dog Jet, after trekking round the coast from Uig as part of his epic round-UK walk. He's been walking since summer 2017 and aims to cover every inch of the British coastline, raising funds for the armed forces charity SSAFA as he goes.
A broken power line at Bernera road end was responsible for putting nearly 400 Uig homes in the dark just before 2pm today (Monday January 21st).
A spokesperson for Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) said the line was to be replaced, with engineering teams already on site now (3.20pm) and working to fix the problem.
On the 30th of November 2018, Castlebay Community School held a concert on the theme of emigration as part of the Dìleab (Legacy) project which also formed part of the Comhairle's engagement in Year of the Young Person.
Lewis stargazers were lucky to have intermittent clear skies during a spectacular lunar event in the early hours of this morning (Monday January 21st).
Emergency crews in Stornoway were called into action in the early hours of this morning (Monday January 21st) when a fishing vessel called for help with a sick crewman.
The expected strong winds and high sea swell have brought cancellations to ferries in Lewis and Harris.
As CalMac warned yesterday, today's (Monday January 21st) 10.30am sailing from Ullapool and 2pm from Stornoway have now been cancelled.
The 5.30pm from Ullapool is expected to operate as scheduled.
CalMac has warned of a possible three days of disruption to the ferry service between Barra and the mainland, with today's (Monday Januray 21st) services cancelled and later sailings also under threat.
Two young drivers attracted police attention over separate driving incidents in Stornoway at the weekend.
A 20-year-old man had his vehicle seized under section 126 of the Anti-social Behaviour Order 2004.
Leverburgh's new lifeboat RNLB Stella and Humfrey Berkeley was called to St Kilda on Thursday afternoon (January 17th) after Stornoway Coastguard answered a call for assistance from the passenger vessel Enchanted Isle at 2.22pm.
High tides and strong winds have led to warnings of coastal flooding and travel disruption around the Western Isles tomorrow (Monday January 21st) and on Tuesday (22nd).
Ferries between Castlebay and Oban have been cancelled, with an amended timetable operating between Tarbert and Uig and other services on alert.
An up-and-coming force in pipe music is growing in Lewis and Harris schools, with the formation of a new pipe band – and now their sights are set on the Scottish Schools' Pipe Band Championships, due to be held in Livingston on March 10th.
It's forecast to get cold and icy again this weekend after the snow that surprised us and is only just disappearing from earlier in the week.
So...Get prepared! Head down to Stornoway Fisherman's Co-op where you will find de-icer, screen ice-scrapers and screen wash for the car and snow shovels and salt for pavements.
And if it really snows they have sledges for kids and overshoe non-slip ice treads - very useful when you end up dragging the sledge up the hill for your child to then whizz back down it!
With the largest number of films ever submitted to this year's FilmG competition, organisers of Scotland's Gaelic short film competition are delighted to announce this year's shortlisted films.
In the youth category, films from the Highlands and Islands have made the most impact on the shortlists.
The Nicolson Institute has two films shortlisted for the 'Best Film'.
Proposals for surge pricing of ferry fares over the summer to curb traffic have received a bad response on the Islands.
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar today (Friday January 18th) expressed concern over Scottish Government's announcement that it is considering an option which would increase peak time fares on west coast ferry routes.
Councillor Uisdean Robertson, Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee: "This is very concerning indeed and shows a lack of understanding for the needs and aspirations of our island communities.
A new film about the Iolaire is now being screened as part of the exhibition in the Sandwick Hall – and the public are being reminded that the exhibition will remain open three days a week throughout January and February.
The film, entitled So Close To Home, has been produced by Alyth McCormack and runs for just over half an hour.
Plans have been revealed for a new attempt on the Big Minch Swim, set to take place in June this year.
Paul Finnegan of Harris and Stornoway's Colin Macleod will attempt to swim the 25 miles between Gairloch and Lemreway in Lochs, to raise funds for Western Isles Community Care Forum and Cancer Research UK.
An open day on Tuesday January 29th at Trust Housing on Matheson Road will give job-seekers the chance to find out more about working with the supported accommodation provider.
The open day will offer a chance to look round and to meet staff, and will give an idea of work available as support workers, domestic, cleaning and catering staff, with bank and contracted posts currently available.
A man who refused to turn down loud music and was abusive to police found himself in custody this morning (Friday January 18th).
Police were called to an address in Stornoway at 5.25 this morning, to reports that loud music was being played and was annoying other residents.
More cold temperatures are forecast tonight and tomorrow (Saturday January 19th), following the snow earlier in the week.
Police Scotland have advised drivers to plan their journeys, have a scraper ready for clearing windows and to drive with care.
The unexpected sudden fall of snow on Wednesday morning(January 16th) hit drivers with challenging conditions, especially on the stretch of road between Stornoway and Leurbost.
Former Sheriff Colin Scott Mackenzie will be heading to Buckingham Palace next month (February) to receive his OBE.
Colin Scott got the award in the Queen's New Year's Honours list for services to the community in the Western and Northern Isles.
Kinloch Historical Society is pleased to announce the launch of the Community Inclusion Project.
This 15-month project, led by the newly appointed Community Inclusion Project Officer, Gemma Malcolm, is funded by the Aspiring Communities Fund, which is supported by the European Social Fund (ESF) and Scottish Government.
The project seeks to engage with the Kinloch community in new and innovative ways, for the purpose of identifying and addressing the most prominent social challenges affecting the area.
Point and Sandwick Trust will be giving £5,000 a year for the next five years to Lewis and Harris Auction Mart in Steinish – a donation which should help the cash-strapped mart carry out much-needed repairs and help offset its costs of bringing in the professional buyers for the sales.
Point and Sandwick Trust representatives Donald John MacSween and Gordon Mackay joined Kenny Macleod and Donald MacBain for a photograph, above, on the day the deal was announced.
PST board member Gordon Mackay was particularly pleased with the Point and Sandwick Trust sponsorship deal because he knows – being a crofter himself, as well as a local postie – how much the help is needed.
College employers have hit back at lecturers who were on strike at Lews Castle College and other colleges yesterday (Wednesday January 16th), claiming some staff have already been awarded pay rises totalling almost £20,000.
The protest is one of a series being organised by the Educational Institute of Scotland Further Education Lecturers' Association (EIS-FELA).
The chance to chat with professionals about your child's development is on offer as the NHSWI Allied Health Professional (AHP) team invite all to a series of free and informal Child Development Drop-In sessions.
The service has been created for parents and carers who wish to seek advice regarding their child's development, and has been set up to give parents improved access to professional advice and early intervention.
A sudden snowfall – the first of the winter in many areas - brought about rush-hour traffic chaos for Lewis travellers today.
The Scottish Affairs Committee is planning to visit the Isle of Lewis on Monday 18th February to meet local crofters and learn about the issues facing remote island communities.
The Scottish Affairs Committee is holding an inquiry into the future of Scottish agricultural policy after Brexit. It says:
As lecturing staff at Lews Castle College, Shetland, Moray, Inverness, Perth and North Highland Colleges go on strike today (Wednesday 16th January) the President of the Highlands and Islands Students Association Alan Simpson has released this statement on the impact it will have on students.
"Responsibility for solving this situation lies with the Scottish Government.
Two short films by pupils of Sir E Scott school in Tarbert have reached the top 10 in the People's Choice Awards in Scotland's Gaelic Film Competition, FilmG Alba.
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has received assurances from the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy, Fergus Ewing, that he is absolutely committed to maintaining Less Favoured Area Support at 80% of the 2018 funding level for the next financial years 2019 and 2020.
"Less Favoured Area payments (LFASS) are vital for those of us in the Highlands & Islands who face natural constraints," said Russell Smith, Chair of the Scottish Crofting Federation, "so the prospect of this support being cut to 80% in 2019 and then to only 40% in 2020 was unthinkable.
Shares have gone on offer for a new distillery project, planned to benefit the Isle of Barra at the same time as bringing genuine island whisky to a very exclusive market.
Uisge Beatha nan Eilean (Isle of Barra Distillery), a community benefit society, had a 'soft launch' in Castlebay on 19th December, with islanders learning of the project first-hand from directors Peter Brown, Malcolm Fraser (architect) and engineer Neil Mackinnon.
Now the company is looking for £1.5 million in share investment through a crowd-funding page, which offers 'a rare opportunity to be part of a quality distillery project in an evocative island location with unique characteristics for Scotch whisky production.'
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Sgoil nan Loch's senior Gaelic medium class (Primary 4-7) signed up to take part in last year's Wee Sleep Out to raise funds and awareness for the Scottish homelessness charity Social Bite.
Aided by a handful of parents the children slept on the floor of the large agricultural shed at Laxay Showground on Friday 16th November.
More concerns have been highlighted about driver behaviour at traffic lights in Stornoway.
On welovestornoway.com's Facebook Page, Beth Morrison told how only a few days ago, there was an incident at the crossing lights by Canada Crescent/Macaulay Road.
"Three of us waiting to cross and some eejit went right through the red – after appearing to look/check. 'Oh it's red, I'm fine then'?!"
Scotland's colleges have hit hit out at lecturer employees due to go out on strike tomorrow (Wednesday 16 January 2019) – claiming the offer on the table is the best overall pay rise for public sector workers anywhere in the UK.
Colleges and the Educational Institute of Scotland Further Education Lecturers' Association (EIS-FELA) are in a pay dispute regarding an additional cost of living pay offer covering the 2017-20 three-year period and four strike days are scheduled.
A salary harmonisation 'same-pay' deal from National Bargaining negotiations to rectify pay disparities across the country over this three-year period was agreed in May 2017 which increases lecturers' pay by a national average of 9% and safeguards or improves lecturers' terms and conditions.
The first single for 15 years has been unofficially released today (Monday January 14th) by Lewis-based indie-pop band Astrid.
Poison Reaction is the lead track on the new album Fall, Stand, Dance, due to be released on April 12th via Collins' AED Records.
A meeting to be held at Kinloch Historical Society tomorrow (Tuesday January 15th) to update residents of Balallan on plans for changes to the overhead line and switching station.
It's the latest stage in project planning for Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) as they plan upgrades to the electricity transmission network to support the development of island renewables.
Lochs footballer Rachael Johnstone has started 2019 in perfect form, learning that she has been selected for Scotland's national women's U16 training camp in February.
Ceilidh-goers in Harris will be treated to a champion performance next month, as the six-times world champion Highland dancer Marielle Lesperance joins the line-up for a community ceilidh.
The weather did all it could to dampen spirits, but nothing could beat the determination of Stornoway Rugby Club seniors team as they pulled off a hard-fought win yesterday (Saturday January 12th)
A date was announced yesterday (Saturday January 12th) for the first March for Scottish Independence to be held in the Western Isles, with a route and other details set to be publicised shortly.
The march and rally will be on Saturday 27th April in Stornoway and organisers promise it will be a family-friendly affair, with a 'proper Hebridean Ceilidh' in the evening after the main event.
A police dog who has swapped the beat for Barra's beaches has been celebrated over the weekend, after Police Scotland announced his retirement to the island yesterday (Saturday January 12th).
PD Slaine, an eight-year-old German Shepherd, started working for the force when he was just three months old, training with his career-long handler PC Phil Farndell.
Protests have erupted from walkers in Stornoway faced with regular peril from drivers ignoring red lights at road junctions and pedestrian crossings.
This came out on the welovestornoway.com Facebook Page after editor Fred Silver shared his experience at the Matheson Road/Goathill Road/ Church Street junction last Tuesday (January 8th).
This was the latest in a series of near-misses at different crossings over recent several years – which also include being distracted by a mobile phone message and thereby saved from injury because he failed to step off the pavement when the pedestrian phase began, and thus avoided being hit by a car going through on red at full speed.
MSPs from across Scotland have teamed up to highlight their concerns over the impact that ending Freedom of Movement through Brexit at the end of March will have on the local areas they represent.
This comes as a series of businesses across the Western Isles - particularly in the hospitality and tourism sectors - report ever-growing problems attracting vital staff in the aftermath of the Brexit vote.
Meanwhile, the Whitehall Government is planning both to end freedom of movement, possibly from March 29 if there is a "no-deal" Brexit, and to limit all immigration to people earning over £30,000 a year and using strict quotas to limit the total to the tens of thousands, perhaps a fifth of what it is at the moment. Meanwhile the value of the £ has slumped in recent years, making the present pay levels far less attractive.
A war of words broke out on Twitter yesterday (Friday January 11th) between Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and the Daily Record newspaper over schooling in the Western Isles, particularly in relation to The Nicolson Institute in Stornoway.
This followed yet another article in the newspaper strongly critical of the school.
On Twitter the Council said "@Daily_Record and the journalist involved, should be ashamed of themselves.
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Coastline walker Chris Lewis experienced a real Harris welcome as he approached Tarbert yesterday (Thursday January 10th) with people from across the island gathering to offer him help on his marathon walk.
Chris, a former paratrooper, is walking the entire coastline of the UK to raise funds for SSAFA, the armed forces charity. After being in Stornoway for the Iolaire commemorations over New Year, he set out to tackle the hills from Uig to Huisinis.
On Wednesday he faced one of his most testing days of walking, as he reported on social media: "I was already tired out before walking yesterday. We stayed by the coast, avoiding the easier route through the mountains, and boy did it make us work for it! Every peak we climbed I looked down and there was another and bigger than the last! We managed to make our last climb only 20 minutes before sunset."
A golden performance in December has earned the Lewis and Harris Youth Concert Band a performance spot at the Scottish Concert Band Festival 10th anniversary concert in March.
The youth band, under the direction of Nicolson Institute music teacher Gavin Woods, is classified as a developing youth band by the SCBF organisation.
The New Year is always a popular time to try to eat healthier, especially after all the over indulgence of Christmas and New Year. We all feel we should cut back on the rich fatty and sugar laden food we've recently eaten too much of and aim to eat food thats good for us, low in fat, fresh and full of goodness.
Well seafood is the perfect answer! And even better Harbour Seafood's fresh fish and shellfish are caught locally in Scottish waters - so good for you, good for local fishermen and low food miles!
Veterans of all services are invited to get together tomorrow (Saturday January 12th) in Stornoway, for a free breakfast and a chance to exchange news.
The annual Veterans' Breakfast is at the Drill Hall on Church Street in Stornoway, between 10am and 12noon.
All veterans, from military services, the Merchant Navy and from emergency services of all descriptions, are invited to come in for a warm welcome.