Welcome to the Islands of Barra & Vatersay
Welcome to the Islands of Barra & Vatersay
GUTH BHARRAIDH |
Last updated 05/03/10 |
I always thought that Dad would be remembered primarily for two things: the
unique relationship that he and the people of Barra jointly crafted over the past 40 years, and his development of the theory of relational contract law. The outpouring of support and affection that has taken place after his death –in Barra, throughout Scotland and from around the world -- has proved me wrong: both of these take a back seat to the myriad of personal relationships and interactions he had with so many people in so many places. In the conversations and reminiscences that have come forth since his death it is Dad’s interest in, respect for, and kindness to individuals which shine through most clearly. MORE>>
Allan Encourages Crofters To Respond To Pack Report Western Isles SNP MSP, Alasdair Allan, has encouraged crofters in the islands to give their views on a review of support for agriculture in Scotland. Brian Pack has published an interim report into the future of agricultural subsidies for the Scottish Government and crofters have until 5th March to write in with their views, although the date has been extended to the 19th March for crofters in the Western Isles. This was because public meetings in the islands could not be held until late on in the process. More>>
LEADER Innse Gall Assist Barra Water Sports Club The Outer Hebrides LEADER Innse Gall programme has just paid out its first full LEADER grant of £8,635 to a community project in Barra. Barra Watersports Club, managed by volunteers, provides water based activities to the communities of Barra and Vatersay. LEADER has contributed towards funding for a fleet of Royal Yachting Association (RYA) sailing boats, windsurfing and kayak equipment as well as RYA Sailing Instructor fees and Windsurfing Instructor fees. The boats and equipment have been a huge success in enabling the club to develop its existing water based activities offered in the local community. More>> Joe Quinn Retires after 50 years at Sea Joe Quinn joined P&O Scottish Ferries when the St Sunniva joined the P&O fleet, to combine with the St Clair to service Orkney and Shetland. Joe stayed with the St Sunniva throughout her 15 year period 1987-2002. When P&O lost the franchise for the Northern Isles routes, he was then appointed to the new Northlink vessel Hrossey where he remained until his recent retirement. More>> A new era in young people’s participation in the democratic process is underway with the first ever meeting of the Western Isles Young Persons’ Joint Liaison Committee. The Committee agreed that Catriona Stewart would be Chairman and James Buckley would be Vice-Chair. The Young Persons’ Joint Liaison Committee has sixteen members (eight young people and eight elected Members of the Comhairle). More>> It is with regret and sadness that this week, we, as a community, heard of the death of Ian Roderick Macneil of Barra, chief of the Clan MacNeil but also a well liked, respected and good friend to the people of Barra and Vatersay. He will be returning to his home in Barra on Sunday evening’s ferry, will be taken to Our lady Star of the Sea in Castlebay on Monday evening at 6pm and the funeral service will be held at 11am on Wednesday morning, afterwards to the graveyard at Cuithir. A bus will be laid on from Castlebay to and from the graveyard. Bus Bharraidh will also be available for any of our service users who wish to attend the funeral. More>>
Young people from Castlebay Secondary School have been finding out just what it’s like to be a member of the Fire Service. At a presentation ceremony held at Castlebay Fire Station on Wednesday, parents, carers, Fire Service members and teaching staff heard how they have learned just how members of the Fire Service operate and trained in teamwork skills including: hose drills; ladder drills; breathing apparatus and carrying out home fire safety checks. They have also benefited from non-fire related training including: Incident management at a road traffic collision. They also learned basic first aid skills, delivered by The Scottish Ambulance Service. More>>
Western Isles Liberal Democrat candidate Jean Davis has welcomed a parliamentary debate on fuel duty on petrol prices in remote and rural areas. The debate, secured by Alistair Carmichael, Liberal Democrat MP for Orkney and Shetland, is being held this week. Ms Davis said: “I hope that our own MP will be positively participating on behalf of Western Isles voters as I would if currently
sitting in Parliament.” More>>
Main measures in the Bill, which was passed by MSPs, include:
A National Marine Plan to give greater clarity to decision making in the marine environment and encourage investment, a simpler licensing system to cut bureaucracy and introduce efficiencies to encourage economic investment and growth, new powers to select and manage Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to enhance marine biodiversity and preserve historic assets, much improved protection for seals, including a comprehensive licence system and tougher penalties for those who harm seals, new responsibilities for safeguarding the health of all Scottish waters out to 200 nautical miles (nm) - in addition to responsibility for marine planning out to 200 nm.
Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "This is a momentous day for Scotland's marine environment. Scotland's history is closely connected to the sea and our spectacular resource rich waters have helped shape our nation. Our first Marine Bill marks the beginning of a new era for our seas.
A modern, streamlined bull stud facility will continue to be run by the Scottish Government to secure the quality of livestock in crofting areas. Roseanna Cunningham today agreed to upgrade the Government's bull stud farms at Inverness and maintain the Crofters' Bull Hire Scheme. However she emphasised that, in the long term, communities should keep and maintain their own bulls. The Environment Minister said: "The best way to ensure the continued quality of livestock in crofting areas is a reduced, streamlined stud base at Inverness. more>>
A new electronic ticket system for buses in the Western Isles will be introduced to main coaches from Monday the 15th of February 2010. In a new Government scheme all bus ticket machines on main coach services in Lewis and Harris are to be replaced with new electronic ticket machines, from which information can be downloaded; such as how many passengers were carried on each journey, how many were pensioners, where they got on and got off, and how many times a week a service was used. These main coach services will cover Point, Stornoway, Back, Tolsta, North Lochs, Ness, Westside and Harris spinal route. more>>
A positive approach was taken at the meeting in Northbay last Tuesday with regard to the potential influx of campervans this summer..
One commercial site has reached the planning stage and hopes, if successful, to be ready before Easter, There are opportunities for individual crofters to have up to 3 campervans/caravans on their crofts. more>>
When we met representatives of the local community in Barra last year we said we would keep people informed about any progress investigating new locations for salmon farm sites around Barra.
So far, we have undertaken the initial appraisal of the location in the Sound of Hellisay and are ready to embark on the first stage of a planning application – know as screening and scoping. All fish farm development proposals go through this part of the process which is designed to give feedback to developers so that any issues of concern are identified at an early stage. This is a normal part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process. more>>
Confident outlook for Highland Airways
Highland Airways has received a welcomed last minute reprieve as urgent talks with two investors move forward. A month's breathing space has been won for the airline which was existing almost hour-by-hour at crucial periods last week. It is now selling seats up to the end of February rather than limited to a maximum of four days in advance.
Eoligarry School is on the list of schools threatened with closure in Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s latest review of Educational Provision in the Western Isles.
Given that Eoligarry is a thriving School, with a role over 20 and rising over the next few years, providing an essential service to the north end of Barra, is in good condition and requiring very little investment in the fabric of the building, the news of the proposed closure has come as a major shock to the island. more>>
Benbecula / Stornoway Air Service is delivered by Highland Airways and there is growing concern about the future not only for this route but for the company themselves. The concern was brought to light when it became clear that they were, for the present, not taking any bookings on their web site. In a press statement made on 26th January, the company stated. more>>
Regulations on minimum size of cockles being harvested comes into effect on 25th January 2010. The Inshore Fishing (Prohibition of fishing for cockles Western Isles Scotland Order) was laid before Parliament by Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment. More>>
At the meeting held in December in Barra, Cal Mac officials have agreed that when the ferry is delayed in Oban due to adverse weather, as it is today, Thursday, passenger will be allowed on board in the evening to wait for the later departure of the vessel. Vehicles will be boarded prior to sailing but passengers can make use of the ferry lounges usually from 7.30pm onwards. This may not be a big concession but at least it does not leave passengers wandering round Oban like lost sheep until an 11.30pm departure. More>>
A consultation meeting was held in Castlebay Hall on Tuesday evening with Sam Kennedy and Jim Kerse from the Scottish Ambulance Service. Although not advertised in advance, the meeting managed to draw in a reasonable attendance and the Ambulance representatives were duly reprimanded for the failure to advertise the meeting. More>>
£2 million in Rural Priorities funding for 29 projects in the Western Isles, from the SRDP (Scottish Rural Development Programme) has been announced. Among the projects in the Western Isles to benefit include the Northton Common Grazings Committee who will use a grant of £102,059 over the next five years to continue to manage the habitats in the Northton Bay Site of Special Scientific Interest. Crofter and former restaurateur, Richard Leparoux, intends to create a four star guest house with restaurant in Uig using a grant of £165,600 which will incorporate on-site renewable energy generation and will create three full time jobs for the area. More>>
Care in the Community was demonstrated effectively by the home carers in Barra who, in spite of the treacherous state of the side roads, continued to deliver home support to frail and elderly in the community who were housebound by the ice and snow.
Winter Weather
 Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, like neighbouring authorities, is continuing to take all reasonable steps to keep roads ice-free but grit stocks are low. Priority gritting is taking place and efforts are being made to bring in more supplies of grit. Sand can be used as an alternative to grit and residents can use sand to assist icy drives etc. Meanwhile Emergency Services and the Comhairle would urge people to check on their neighbours, particularly elderly people and those with any mobility problems, or anyone they know who may be experiencing difficulties during the severe weather.
In 2001 the Labour Transport Minister for the Scottish Parliament, Lewis MacDonald, gave the Barra Air Service one year. In 2010 Barra is still waiting for a firm commitment from Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson, to ensure the long term future of the Barra Air Service; either by giving the go ahead to the construction of a hard air strip or by ordering two new Twin Otters to be operated on the route. more>>
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is encouraging people in the Western Isles to kick start 2010 with a new healthy and active lifestyle. January is the month often associated with a change in lifestyle and the Comhairle have chosen the month to launch their new scheme designed to encourage the use of Sports Centres from the Butt to Barra. more>>
Slàinte Mhath From Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar!
FilmG – Vote Now!
Imagine waking up in a totally Gaelic speaking world, or aliens invading your school... an internet date with a twist. This year FilmG received a total of 54 films, with 22 entries from schools. There’s something for everyone to enjoy from comedies to chilling ghost stories, action and adventure to animations, true stories to tall tales. We’ve got films from all over Scotland, Canada, the USA, even the Isle of Man and you can watch them all at www.filmg.co.uk and vote for your favourites until 15 January.
Make sure and support the local entry from Castlebay School. Just go to www.filmg.co.uk, click on view films, sort by all young people films and look for An Dealbh Mhor (the Big Picture) by Àrd Sgoil Bhagh a Chaisteil.
It's now be confirmed that the BBC plan to film a documentary series based on the religious life of South Uist and Barra. It will be made by the team behind the successful BBC 2 series AN ISLAND PARISH, (on Monday evenings at 7.30pm) about life on the Isles of Scilly off the western coast of Cornwall. more>>
A 24 year-old male is presently in police custody following reports by concerned members of the public of a man in possession of a firearm in Castlebay, on Barra, about 4.30 pm yesterday afternoon. more>>
As we move forward towards the Christmas festivities, the thoughts of the people of Barra are constantly with young Kirsty MacInnes from Eoligarry as she undergoes treatment in Yorkhill and other Glasgow hospitals. Following a major operation in October, Kirsty is now undergoing a major course of treatment which will keep her on the mainland until summer 2010. more>>
 Community of The Year Mosaic goes into place Following a week of activity around the island, artist Alan Potter completed his mosaic for Barra and saw it placed in its final position on the shore pathway. The mosaic will be the focal point of a feature which will include a drystone wall and bench created by Iain MacNeil. more>>
Work commenced this week on the redevelopment of Northbay Inner Harbour. The project, scheduled to be completed in March 2010, will see the existing berths enclosed providing greater shelter and significantly more space for berthing. In addition there will be a new 6m wide slip to enable launching, retrieval and servicing facilities for the community’s boat users including the local fishing fleet. more>>
The Barra & Uist Swimming Gala took place early (very early for most of the secondaries) on Saturday morning. Delighted to see all the swimmers at that early hour, we were even more pleased to see a great competition unfolding. After a number of really close races and some great swims in the individual events it was left to the relays before the results really went Barra’s way. more>>
On average the Air Ambulance takes 6.5hours to reach Barra from callout, was the statistic given at the well attended meeting on Tuesday which heard Barra’s concerns about the current operation of the Air Ambulance Service. Local GPs, Dr David Bickle and Dr Kara Ewing said, that from their records, 6.5 hours was the average which means that patients are taking over 8 hours to get to a mainland hospital from Barra. GP Dr Kara Ewing stressed her concerns over the lengthy wait for the helicopter in an urgent medical emergency. more>>
Coimhearsnachd Bharraidh agus Bhatarsaidh Ltd’s project to install and commission a 900kW community wind turbine at Gòb Sgùrabhal has taken an important step forward. Full planning permission for proposed development has been granted subject to compliance with conditions. The decision notice is available online at http://planning.cne-siar.gov.uk/PublicAccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_searchresults.aspx
(application reference no. 09/00268). (use tinyurl) - tinyurl.com/sgurabhal) more>>
SNP MSP for the Western Isles, Alasdair Allan, has obtained an assurance from the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs that he will legislate in the next few weeks to protect the future of cockle populations in the Western Isles. The move follows a complaint to Dr Allan that some cockle fishermen from outside the islands were lifting juvenile cockles in Harris and permanently threatening both the industry and the environment in the area. He commented that, on a visit to Harris, local fishermen were concerned that people from elsewhere were apparently lifting all cockles regardless of size. more>>
SNP MSP Alasdair Allan warmly welcomed a decision by the Minister for the Environment Roseanna Cunningham MSP, to carry out an economic impact study on the possible effect of an MSAC in Barra.
Dr Allan who asked the minister to undertake this study commented.
“I am pleased that the Scottish Government is showing its interested in the effects an SAC could have on Barra, even if the European commission does not. more>>
There have been several cases of suspected swine flu on the island in the last few days. Typical symptoms are cough, fever, sore throat and tiredness. People can also get aching limbs, vomiting and diarrhoea. Although it is very unpleasant in the majority of people it is not serious and the symptoms will settle on their own in 7 – 10 days. There is no good effective treatment for swine flu. Try over-the-counter remedies such as paracetamol and cough medicine, rest at home and drink plenty. Try to minimise spread by careful use of tissues and hand washing. If possible try to stay away from people in high risk groups such as pregnant women, small children and people with other illnesses such as bad asthma or cancer. more>>
Around 40 people turned out on a dreadful night on Monday 9th November to find out what progress was being made towards a new hospital for Barra. The meeting, called by Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil, heard from Gordon Jamieson, Chief Executive of NHS Western Isles, Malcolm Burr, Chief Executive Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, and Iain MacAulay, Head of Social Work and Children’s Services. Gordon Jamieson outlined the progress of the Health Board’s Clinical Strategy, in which a new hospital and Hub for Barra is clearly placed on the priority list, and he also stated that consultation on this strategy will be drawn to a close by the summer 2010. more>>
The decision to be made on the future designations of the Sound of Barra and the Mingulay Reefs is the decision that will be made by the Scottish Government, where the original proposal came from in the first place. In response to European Guidelines with regard to specific habitats, it was the Government that tasked SNH to look at the scientific evidence which would support or otherwise, the case for the Sound of Barra and The Mingulay Reefs to be designated as Marine Special Areas of Conservation (MSAC). more>>
Following an afternoon of tense and difficult debate, the four teams who will compete in the semi-finals of the BT Gaelic Debate 2009 have been announced. This year a different format was adopted by the organising committee which saw all ten teams in Round Two debate the same topic with the four highest scoring teams going through to the semi final stages which will be held in Edinburgh on Tuesday the 24th of November 2009. more>>
 Allan Welcomes Former Barra Priest To ParliamentOn Wednesday, SNP MSP for the Western Isles, Alasdair Allan, welcomed former Castlebay Priest, Father Michael Hutson, to the Scottish Parliament. Father Hutson was delivering the prestigious Time for Reflection slot to MSPs. more>>
Good News…..Dates are Confirmed!
The Worldwide Gathering of the Clan MacNeil will be 2 - 5 August 2010, Isle of Barra. The Programme is being worked on at present and more information will come out soon. Please keep your eye on the Clan MacNeil website www.the-macneils.org.uk which will be up-dated this week. For further information, please contact: Sarah, info@the-macneils.org.uk.
The campaign against the designation of the Sound of Barra and the Mingulay reefs as Marine Special Areas of Conservation is proceeding across all fronts on the day that Andrew Thin, chairperson of Scottish Natural Heritage arrives in Barra for one of his regular meetings around Scotland. more>>
From one campaign to another— when can we expect our new hospital?
A public meeting will be held on Monday 9th of November in Castlebay Community School to discuss the progress (or lack of progress) towards a new hospital to replace the St Brendan's Hospital in Barra which has been deemed not fit for purpose! Malcolm Burr, Chief Executive of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Gordon Jamieson of the NHS Western Isles will be attending this meeting which members of the public are urged to attend.
Ferry Stands By Dismasted Yacht
 The Clansman stopped during its run from Oban to Castlebay on Wednesday to be on standby to assist a distressed yacht off the Sound of Mull, towards Barra. The yacht’s main mast was badly broken and it was listing dangerously even in the calm seas with several crew clinging on board. The RNLI came to their rescue, very speedily, once they had been notified by the ferry.40 Jobs could be created, 7 of the 12 potential sites are off Barra, Massive Investment for Barra if sites go ahead
Marine Harvest are now in discussion with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and the Crown Estate with regard to the development of 4 major new salmon farming, deep water sites in the Minch. The new system of “Open Sea” farming will see crews of up to six living on site on residential barges, each site will be three times the size of a typical existing site. more>>
 Alan Potter, the artist who is commissioned to design and construct the Calor mosaic will start work on site on Wednesday 11th November The mosaic is to be a large ground mosaic, and will be inside a semi circular drystone wall on the shore pathway in Castlebay. The mosaic will be surrounded by 16 community border panels designed by community groups, school pupils or anyone who wishes to be involved in the process. Workshops will be held from Thursday 12th to design these community tiles, lasting approx 2 hours. more>>
Ferry customers visiting the Mod in Oban next week will have the opportunity to quiz senior CalMac staff at a daily “Meet the Managers” session within the town’s ferry terminal at 11am each morning. The session is one of a series of special events organised by CalMac as part of its support for the Mod which takes place in Oban from October 9 – 17. more>>
The Mod will be held this year in Oban; the birthplace of the Festival and it is appropriate that the Mod is returning back to Oban in 2009, the Homecoming Year. Friday will mark the official opening of the Mod and competitions will run for the entire week culminating with the prestigious Lovat and Tullibardine choral competition on Friday the 16th of October. more>>
Tuesday, 6th October saw the opening of the much awaited new £1 million showpiece Co-operative food store in Castlebay. Children from Castlebay Community School and Eoligarry Primary School performed the ribbon cutting ceremony and were presented with donations of £250 for each school’s funds by store manager Janet Jevons to mark the occasion. more>>
The Scottish Co-operative will open its new £1 million showpiece store on Barra at 10am on Tuesday, 6 October, bringing a new era in food shopping to the island. The eagerly-awaited bigger and better store in Castlebay replaces the existing Co-op store and has created five new jobs. more>>
The Scottish Co-operative will open its new £1 million showpiece store on Barra on Tuesday (6 October). The new 2,000 sq ft Castlebay store will be opened by local school children at 10am on Tuesday, 6 October, while the existing store will remain open until 1pm the day before (Monday, 5 October). more>>
Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MP Angus MacNeil has written to the Managing Director of Caledonian MacBrayne, Mr Phil Preston regarding the breakdown of the Oban to Castlebay ferry on Sunday 13th September, when, due to a problem with the one of the engines, the ferry turned back to Oban and passengers were left without a service until Monday afternoon. more>>
Last weekend celebrated the 60th anniversary of the making of Whisky Galore and the first showing of Whisky Galore in Barra. A successful application to Homecoming Scotland resulted in a wide programme of events and activities the highlight of which was definitely the Reiteach and the Wedding ably performed by the Barra Rolling Players (rolling they were definitely by the end of the Whisky Tasting)! more>>
The Hebrides Range Taskforce welcomed the Secretary of State for Scotland’s announcement that the MOD has rejected QinetiQ’s proposals to rationalise Command and Control functions at Hebrides Range on Benbecula. The proposal would have led to the loss of 125 jobs and associated impacts on the local economy. more>>
Four Bruernish crofters were among the successful applicants in this round of the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP) which supports rural development throughout Scotland. Twenty projects in the Western Isles will receive a share of £326,437 out of a total of £37 million from Rural Priorities, part of the SRDP. more>>
Sarah Morrison, founder of Rock N Retro on the Isle of Lewis was announced as regional winner and was presented with a £1000 cash prize by the award sponsors, Lloyds TSB Scotland. more>>
On the 5th September the rain was pouring down outside Castlebay Community Hall but inside there was a buzz of excitement as exhibitors prepared their items for the show. Seventy-two people of all ages took part in the open sections (Garden, Industrial, Fishing and Crofting) and 82 children took part in the children’s section. more>>
Flags at RNLI lifeboat stations around Scotland were lowered on Thursday as HRH The Duke of Kent unveiled a national memorial dedicated to those lost whilst saving lives at sea. The 778 people commemorated on the RNLI Memorial come from all corners of the UK and Republic of Ireland, 81 from Scotland including a man from Barra. more>>
Funding of £1.25 million has been approved for improvements to berthing facilities in Ardveenish. The capital investment has been approved by CNES Sustainable Development committee under the Major Harbour Development budget which supports fishing and other marine development in the Western Isles. more>>
 In recognition of her Achievement in winning a Charles De Gaulle bursary, Castlebay School pupil Eilidh Henderson was presented with the Donald Stewart Memorial Award at a ceremony in Castlebay School last week. The award was given to her by Angus MacNeil MP during a ceremony to mark the Recognition of Pupil Achievements for 2008/2009 more>>“Mallaig Option is Still on the Table”With all the publicity focusing on the success of the RET pilot for the Western Isles, Coll and Tiree ferry services, we have been inclined to forget that the Scottish Government Consultation into the long term future of Scottish ferry services is still ongoing. In addition there is also the Business study into the impact of RET which is online on the Highlands and Islands Enterprise web site; http://www.hie.co.uk. Businesses are encouraged to go online and respond to this consultation. more>>
Local Fire Service to the RescueOn Monday 3rd August the local Police and Fire Service were called out to deal with a blaze which had been discovered about 4.40pm at an address at St. Michael’s Cottages in the Castlebay area. On police arrival, a 42 year old man was assisted from the house. Fortunately he was uninjured in the fire. more>>
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Barra Fest - Live @ the Edge is an exciting music festival on the edge of the 
Barra girls Linda and Angie MacLean recently caught up with their hero – “The Boss”, Bruce Springsteen!
On Thursday 30th of April pupils from Castlebay Secondary School got out of the classroom to pick up litter! Following a visit from the Councils Waste Aware Team, children from S1 to S3 collected and recycled litter from around the School, the play park and the football pitch. A massive amount of litter was collected, as well as many other items including an old bike, scooters and paint pots!
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