Local residents in Barra will be up in arms when they hear that there are proposals to cut the number of vehicles in Barra for the local fire Brigade. The proposals to remove one of the Barra fire engines will be decided before the end of January. more>>
Scottish government Ferries Review Report is now published: The in depth review of all ferry services across Scotland is out for final consultation. This will be the blueprint for future ferry services up to 2022 and communities have until the end of March 2012 to comment on the plans.
Minister for Housing and Transport, Keith Brown said: “The future of our ferries is being shaped now” "The long term future of ferry services in Scotland is vital not only for Scotland's economic wellbeing but also for the people in our island and remote communities.” “ We believe the RET underpins the way forward for ferry fares and we plan to replace the current route specific nature of fare setting with RET as the basis for fares for passengers and cars.” more>>
The proposal to remove the provision of Pre School education in Castlebay from the Children’s Centre to Castlebay Primary School is to go out for statutory consultation.
The report that went to the Education Committee of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar stated that, following the initial meeting with parents in August 2011, Barra Pre-school put forward further solutions to try and address the issue. The report also stated that to date, the Children’s Centre and the Comhairle have not been able to move forward on a permanent solution. more>>
John MacLennan Contractors have recently completed construction of the Craigston Coastal Protection Works. The project was funded by the Scottish Government and supervised by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Technical Services in Benbecula. More>>
Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MP Angus MacNeil has written to Western Isles NHS Board and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar requesting that they attend a public meeting in Barra to update islanders on the progress being made in replacing St Brendan’s Hospital. More>>
Fire Brigade Called to Fishing Boat Fire
Barra Fire Brigade were called out last Wednesday to a fire on board the Mary Manson, a fishing vessel berthed at Ardveenish Pier. The accommodation block on board the Mary Manson suffered considerable damage from fire heat and smoke, but the Fire Brigade were able to bring the fire under control using hoses, pumps and breathing apparatus. The vessel has since left Ardveenish for repairs following the fire.
Prime Minister David Cameron has promised to examine the proposed cuts to the Coastguard Service in response to a question from Angus MacNeil MP, who raised the issue from the floor of the House of Commons following the cancellation of the planned debate into the future of the coastguard Service throughout the UK. More>>
A full Castlebay Hall greeted the ‘high heid yins’ from the Comhairle and CalMac on Monday night. It was an evening of consultation the Comhairle had agreed to undertake as part of the Scottish Government’s review of ferry Services. Options of services from Barra to Oban or Mallaig were considered with all those in the hall almost unanimously singing the same song - that the Castlebay to Oban service was the preferred route. More>>
The safeguarding of jobs was the focus of the meeting immediately following the Comhairle/CalMac Consultation. A hop, skip and a jump away it was held in Castlebay School under the auspices of the ‘Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers’ Trade Union (the RMT), to which most Calmac employees belong. More>>
Barra/ Benbecula air service has survived the Budget cuts exercise being carried out by the Comhairle, at least for the duration of the current contract. Savings were identified by Loganair in the contract for 2010/2011 and 2011/2012. Ongoing pressure from the Barra community and support from councillors across the all islands helped the sir service to survive until March 2012. More>>
Comhairle Sets 2011/12 Budget
Comhairle Leader, Councillor Angus Campbell, £5.1m of savings had to be found but the Comhairle managed to produce a budget that protects economic development, includes growth in community care and provides for investment in roads and buildings. More>>
Barra/ Benbecula air service has survived the Budget cuts exercise being carried out by the Comhairle, at least for the duration of the current contract. Savings were identified by Loganair in the contract for 2010/2011 and 2011/2012. Ongoing pressure from the Barra community and support from councillors across the all islands helped the sir service to survive until March 2012. More>>
Comhairle Sets 2011/12 Budget
Comhairle Leader, Councillor Angus Campbell, £5.1m of savings had to be found but the Comhairle managed to produce a budget that protects economic development, includes growth in community care and provides for investment in roads and buildings. More>>
A Big Welcome Home to Kirsty
A warm welcome was waiting for Kirsty MacInnes when she landed in Barra following her long months of hospital treatment in Glasgow. Kirsty and her mum Effie are glad to be back home to their family and can relax after Kirsty’s 18 months of extended treatment in Yorkhill Hospital. Kirsty is looking forward to being at home with her sister Laura and brothers Hugh and Christopher and to rejoining all her friends when she returns to Eoligarry School on Friday.
Best Wishes, Kirsty, from everyone in Barra!
Continuation of the Barra/ Benbecula Air Service for 5 days per week, was approved by the Comhairle Transportation Committee on Wednesday in Stornoway. This is just the first hurdle in the fight to save the air service, the decision of the Transportation Committee now has to be approved by the Policy and Resources Committee and by the full Council next week. It is, however, a major step forward and was achieved thanks to some considerable hard work on the part of Donald Manford, support from other councillors in at the Stornoway meeting, cost savings identified by Loganair and a very last minute report to the Transportation Committee.more>
Co–op in Barra Needs to Do Better
That is the outcome of an independent study carried out by HHP into Healthy eating on Barra.
The study states that Healthy Eating in Barra, whilst not impossible, is extremely difficult, and has not really been improved by the new Coop store to the extent that people had hoped. There are serious issues the Coop really needs to address: it needs to look at increasing the variety of fresh produce by better stock management or by increasing the number of deliveries; it needs to look at the floor plan to make better use of the available space; is the store is big enough for the community it serves?; there needs to be more community input into what the store stocks: the range of produce must reflect the customer base; the over stocking of unhealthy snacks and ready meals may be contributing to the lack of choice.
Castlebay Hall Packed for Marine SAC Meeting
Castlebay Hall was packed out with concerned locals and the national media, on Wednesday evening, as Scottish Natural Heritage and Marine Scotland hosted a public consultation on the proposal to designate a special area of conservation on the East Mingulay Reefs. more>
Western Isles Opposition to Coastguard Cuts
Western Isles SNP MSP, Alasdair Allan met with First Minister, Alex Salmond, to raise his concerns about the future of Stornoway Coastguard Station. At a joint meeting with the First Minister, with Shetland MSP, Tavish Scott, who faces similar doubts about the future of the Coastguard Station in Shetland, they raised concerns about the proposed closure of Stornoway and Shetland coastguard stations. more>
Budget Consultation Meeting - Castlebay School Monday 24th January 7.30pm
As part of its 2011/12 Budget Setting process, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is holding a further series of meetings to discuss service choices to enable it to set a balanced budget. Meetings are scheduled for the dates below and the consultation document will also be available on the Comhairle’s website www.cne-siar.gov.uk.
Malcom Burr, The Chief Executive, CNES, has stated that “the Comhairle is committed to delivering services as efficiently as possible and minimising the impact of any funding reductions on service users. However, the anticipated budget reductions are such that there will inevitably be impact on some services.” more>
An Island Parish - Starts Tonight, Friday 21st 7.30pm on BBC2
 The first episode (of twelve) in a new series following a year in the life of Fr. John Paul MacKinnon, Fr. Roddy MacAuley, Fr. Calum MacLellan and many characters from Barra & Uist as they go about their daily lives in one of Britain’s most remote communities.
Repeated on Monday 24th January at 11.20pm.
The invaluable support provided by individuals in Barra to help ensure that NHS Western Isles could continue to deliver a high standard of healthcare to the local community during severe weather has been acknowledged by the Health Board’s Chief Executive. more>
Western Isles SNP MSP, Alasdair Allan, responded to the consultation on the possible marine Special Area of Conservation for East Mingulay on Wednesday 5th January 2011.
In his response Dr Allan commented:
“I took this opportunity, from the outset, to restate my opposition to the Marine SAC proposed for East Mingulay. more>
Mayday Message Sparks Sea Search
A Mayday radio alert sparked an urgent search for a feared ship wreck off the Western Isles on Sunday 2nd January. Stornoway coastguards picked up a voice briefly reporting the maritime distress accident message from a VHF transmitter relay on Barra around 2.20pm.
Barra RNLI lifeboat launched and carried out an extensive search off the South Uist and Barra coastline. The Stornoway coastguard helicopter spent nearly three hours searching a wide sea area where coastguards had narrowed down the location of the transmission. Visibility was good with only a slight sea state giving excellent conditions for an overhead search. However, there were no visible signs of any ship in trouble.
A Stornoway Coastguard spokesman said: “Whether it was a hoax or someone fooling around. We don’t know.
“We heard a verbal Mayday alert. We searched the area the message was sent from and but nothing has been found.”
The VAT Increase Means More Expensive Fuel for Island Motorists
The price of fuel has risen even higher in the islands after the new VAT rate was introduced on Tuesday. The standard rate of VAT has gone up from 17.5% to 20% meaning prices in remote areas will be among the most expensive with fuel now costing £1.45 a litre or more in some parts.
Stornoway: 139.9p (unleaded) and 141.9p (diesel)
Benbecula: 143.9p (unleaded) and 149.9p (diesel)
Castlebay: 142.6p (unleaded) and 144.6p (diesel)
Western Isles MP Angus Macneil is urging Chancellor George Osborne to implement a fuel duty regulator.
Mr MacNeil said: “Just when we need action to bring down fuel prices, the Treasury is driving up duty and causing real pain for Scottish motorists and businesses.
“It’s a national scandal that, in an oil rich country like Scotland, we are paying among the highest fuel prices in Europe.”
Western Isles SNP MSP, Alasdair Allan met with First Minister, Alex Salmond, to raise his concerns about the future of Stornoway Coastguard Station. At a joint meeting with the First Minister, with Shetland MSP, Tavish Scott, who faces similar doubts about the future of the Coastguard Station in Shetland, they raised concerns about the proposed closure of Stornoway and Shetland coastguard stations. more>
Isle of Barra Transportation Committee, Castlebay Community Council, Northbay Community Council and Barra Locality Planning Group have written to John Swinney, Finance Minister, Keith Brown, Transport Minister, asking that the Scottish Government consider how it could directly provide the air service which it already pays for through the Comhairle. more>
Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MP, Angus MacNeil, has received confirmation from SNH that they intend to hold a public meeting in Barra to discuss the proposed East Mingulay SAC. Mr Ian Jardine, Chief Executive, SNH, has confirmed that a public meeting will be arranged in Barra in January 2011. more>
Loganair Ltd operates two Twin Otter aircraft to service the air routes linking Barra with Glasgow and Benbecula. At a time when one of the aircraft was undergoing its routine annual overhaul, the other aircraft has been hit by a de-icing vehicle whilst parked at Glasgow Airport this evening, and has consequently had to be removed from service for the damage to be assessed and repaired. The damage is still being assessed by Loganair’s Engineering team and we do not yet have an estimated timescale for the repairs to be completed. more>
Lochboisdale wants our Ferry, the Council want our Air Service
Ever feel that Barra should go Elsewhere?
Across all departments Comhairle nan Eilean Siar was looking to implement savings of 4%. Was this really their thinking with regard to transport? “ Look no further, lets not bother cutting anything else, Barra does not really need the link to Benbecula to get patients to and from hospital in Stornoway, or for Council and Health Board staff to come to and from Barra, let’s just cut Barra off at the pass and axe the air service. And we can then do most of our savings in one fell swoop with little impact on Lewis!” more>
Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant has criticised the Scottish Government for failing to provide a subsidy for inter-island ferry services. She was speaking after her colleague Peter Peacock wrote to Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson expressing concern about Western Isles Council's withdrawal of the subsidy it gives to local hauliers that use the inter-island ferry services. more>
Workshop Sessions for SRDP Biodiversity Applications
The Conserving Scottish Machair LIFE+ Project will be running a workshop session in January on the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP) application process. The Workshop session is open to crofters and independent agents in Barra who would like to learn more about how to progress an application for SRDP funding for Scottish Rural Priorities for Biodiversity. more>
Highlands and Islands Enterprise has approved grants totalling more than £13m to develop three major projects. One of these projects is in South Uist, where community landowner Sealladh na Beinne Moire will receive £5m of HIE investment towards a £9.9m project to create new marine leisure and fisheries facilities, and provide access to land for community and commercial development. more>
Barra Airport named one of world’s most scenic
Barra has hit new heights after its airport was named as having one of the most stunning and inspirational approaches in the world. Barra Airport, one of the only airports in the world where scheduled aircraft land on the beach, had a starring role earlier this year in VisitScotland’s Perfect Day big-screen advertising campaign, helmed by Girl With a Pearl Earring director Peter Webber.
According to private jet booking network PrivateFly.com, the airport in Barra, has the tenth most spectacular approach anywhere in the world. Sion Airport, which is nestled in the heart of the Alps, tops the list, while the Caribbean island of St Barts and the stunning approach to Las Vegas also feature.
Adam Twidell, the company’s Chief Executive and a former RAF pilot, took regular family holidays to the isles as a child, “Barra's airport is a great example of using the efficiency of its natural landscape to dramatically stunning effect. On a private charter approach to Barra, passengers can connect with the crew, the island and the view for a unique beach landing.”
Barra Water Sports Award Ceremony 2010
A wealth of awards was handed out to many young people at the Barra Watersports Award Ceremony.
A total of 105 certificates were handed out to all the participants involved with either windsurfing, sailing and kayaking. There are also a further 40 members of the Watersports club who are half way through their stages in sailing and windsurfing who will gain their certificates next year. It is great to see so many young people taking part in these activities and gaining confidence in the water and also learning all the safety aspects of the sea.
This year, the club has also seen many keen, enthusiastic members who have been awarded the Assistant Instructors cert for their hard work and effort in either sailing or windsurfing.
We would like to thank the parents for their ongoing support and we encourage families to be involved in all our future activities.
The first stage of the HEET project, undertaking Home Insulation Scheme (HIS) surveys, has now been completed. Of the 527 scheduled home visits, 467 householders, 97 % of the total, chose to participate. This level of uptake is considerably higher than the national average at 51.4% and we believe will be the highest level of participation anywhere in the HIS areas across Scotland. It is to the credit of Ruairidh and Anthony, the HEET officer, but also for everyone who took time to take part in the survey, that such a fantastic response has been achieved. more>
Barra Lifeboat Callouts
On October 25th, Stornoway Coastguard requested the help of the Barra Lifeboat at 1.15pm when the main engine on the fishing trawler Nordic Way with four men on board failed. The trawler was 27 miles away from the station. The weather was squally, the wind was at gale force at the scene of the fishing trawler and the sea state was moderate. The RNLI towed the trawler in to Barra. It took them 1hr 10mins to reach the trawler, and four hours towing it back.
On November 1st, the RNLI was alerted about 12.25pm after the fishing vessel Green Isle from Ireland had engine failure when she was 14 miles off Barra Head. The crew had spent about 12 hours trying to fix the engine problem without any success, so the Barra lifeboat was launched and towed them in to Castlebay. This was a long service and the incident did not finish until about 10pm. Then the following day, November 2nd, Barra Lifeboat were again asked to help the Green Isle. The boat's anchor was not holding at Castlebay, the boat was shifting and there was concern it could be in the way of the Oban - Castlebay ferry. The Lifeboat towed them to Ardveenish, Northbay where they were tied up in safety.
Local Response To Budget Cuts Consultation
In addition to the considerable number of people who attended the public consultation event held in Barra at the beginning of October, the response to the consultation page in the Guth has been impressive. As we all wait for the proposed budget cuts to be announced, Councillor Donald Manford would like to thank all those who made the effort to respond to the consultation document and who attended the public meeting.
The turnout in Barra and the level of responses was about the highest in the Western Isles.
Conserving Scottish Machair LIFE+ Project
The Conserving Machair LIFE+ Project will be attending the October Local Produce Sale. We may not have anything tasty to sell on the day but we will have information about the project and we will be on hand to meet and talk with people about how this project may support crofting on the island. If you are crofting within the Eoligarry, Barra SPA and would like to know more about Machair LIFE+ and how you can engage with the project, we would be very happy to meet with you.
The project, is being supported by the European Union LIFE+ scheme, The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (CnES) and the Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF).
International Year of Biodiversity
2010 has been declared International Year of Biodiversity by the United Nations and in Scotland everyone is encouraged to do one thing to support biodiversity in 2010. Anne MacLellan, the Comhairle's Biodiversity Officer will be attending to promote actions that can be taken locally such as buying seasonal food grown locally, getting outdoors and experiencing nature on your doorstep and planting wildlife friendly flowers in your garden.
Anne MacLennan and Julia Gallagher of CNES and RSPB will be in attendance at the Halloween Produce Sale on Saturday 30th October at 2pm in Castlebay School to let everyone know about the projects above. They will also be giving away native saplings.
Royal National Mod in Caithness 2010 - Barra Results
Well done to Annie MacNeil who was second in story and third in conversation age 5-6 fluent, Claire Frances MacNeil who was second in ancient folk tale and third in poetry age 9-10 fluent and to Marsaili MacNeil won two seconds and two thirds in the dancing competition. The three girls were very busy, each competing in song, poetry, story and conversation and were all placed in the highland dancing. Claire Frances also competed against stiff competition in the under 13yrs fiddle.
Thank you for the hard work from tutors Roddy Campbell and Duncan Johnstone.
Well done also to Alison Buchanan who was second in the ladies traditional medal and to Meg Buchanan who was third in conversation fluent 13-15yrs, third in reading prose fluent 13-15yrs and second in clarsach self accompaniment. Meg with partner Kristina Macdonald also won first in duet fluent 13-15yrs.
Loganair pilot Alex Holmes officially marked his retirement on Sunday 27 June when he celebrated his 65th birthday, bringing to an end a distinguished 23-year flying career with Scotland’s airline. As one of Loganair’s longest-serving pilots, Captain Holmes has flown more than 28,000 air ambulance and scheduled service flights – over 14,000 hours – across the airline’s Highlands and Islands route network since joining the company in 1987. more>
The Scottish Ferries Review examines current provision of ferry services. It invites respondents to consider a range of changes and improvements suggested by people and communities across Scotland that could be made to meet future customer needs. This includes how ferries should be funded and procured; the setting of fares; what kind of services should be supported with public money and who should be responsible for providing these services. more>
Na H-Eileanan An Iar First To Volunteer For Rural Fuel Derogation
On Tuesday, SNP MP, Angus MacNeil, raised the value to the wider economy of a Rural Fuel Derogation in Island areas during Treasury Questions and made Na h-Eileanan an Iar the first place to put its enthusiasm on record in Parliament for involvement in an RFD pilot.
Angus MacNeil said:
“High fuel prices continue to be the legacy Labour left our islands and people are justly concerned as to what the new government might do to make the issue fairer and more equitable. Today I took the opportunity to ask for a Rural Fuel Derogation for the Highlands but particularly for the Islands of Scotland.
“The UK government agreed a few years ago that Rural Fuel Derogations could happen in other European countries but the then Labour government turned cartwheels to avoid sensible implementation in Scotland.
“The sensible response by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander MP, also noting the interest of the Western Isles in a Rural Fuel Derogation pilot gives me hope that we may see action on rural fuel prices. Moving towards a stage when Hebrideans are not paying more tax than anyone else in the UK on a litre of fuel.”
Not the Spanish Armada!
But Barra and Vatersay are to be invaded by yachts this summer!
Round Britain & Ireland Yacht Race
At 4 year intervals a small armada of highly competitive sailors depart Plymouth for the clockwise Round Britain and Ireland two-handed yacht race. The second of their compulsory 24 hour stopovers is in Castlebay. In June 2002 and 2006 these sailors had to endure severe southerly gales during their Castlebay stopover. Donald MacLeod and his crew on the Barra lifeboat have lasting memories of their outstanding service to the disabled yacht Vijaya on 21 June 2006. This resulted in Donald receiving the RNLI Bronze Medal for Gallantry and his crew receiving Medal Service Certificates. We hope these sailors bring better weather with them this June!
The 12th running of the Shetland Round Britain & Ireland 2010 race departs Plymouth on Sunday 6th June. Race entry now exceeds 50 boats and includes several boats and crews who have taken part in previous Round Britain races. First boat could be in Barra by Thursday or Friday. One of the International classics of short-handed sailing which has attracted great names over the years, the course is around all of Great Britain & Ireland, and there are compulsory stops of 48 hours at Kinsale, Barra, Lerwick and Lowestoft
Clyde Cruising Club Centenary Cruise
In late July a less competitive bunch of sailors celebrate the centenary of the Clyde Cruising Club with a 2 week cruise on the west of Scotland. 200 yachts are expected to participate in this Centenary Cruise and the yachts are due into Barra and Vatersay about the 25th July as one of the ports of call on the cruise.
RNLI Gold Medal Award
Still on the maritime theme, Dr David Bickle was, last week down to the Barbican Centre in London to receive his Gold Medal for 25 years of service to the Barra Lifeboat as medical officer. His own prospective retirement project, “Calagorm”, is now anchored in Castlebay following a long staged trip from Thailand, where she was built.
Swimming Problem Now Resolved
Following discussions with the Comhairle’s Education and Legal Department related to the interpretation of Comhairle swimming policy the following is now confirmed;
The policy does not limit access to swimming, to the period guaranteed in the policy. The policy provides a guaranteed minimum (not a maximum).
Where a school has facilities or is otherwise benefited by its location, it would be surprising if the Head Teacher did not seek to maximise its use for the educational benefit of their students.
Donald Manford.
The resolution of the swimming problem comes just a day after the Barra Watersports Club sent a letter to all the Councillors in the Western Isles highlighting the issue of the swimming and raising concern as to the devastating affect this policy could have had for all the children of Barra and Vatersay.
It was pointed out that young people on Barra and Vatersay have limited access to any other facilities ie; athletics field, tennis, climbing wall, judo, cubs, scouts, guides etc. One thing the young people do have however is the chance to participate in watersports while using their natural environment around them.
People In Western Isles Given Direct Line To Government
Ground-breaking website gives public their say on key education issues
Young people, teachers, parents and others in the Western Isles have been given the chance to engage directly with Government and share their views on Scottish education.
Engage for Education (www.engageforeducation.org) is an innovative website for teachers, young people, parents, school staff and others across the wider education community. Participants will have the opportunity to influence government policy by providing feedback on the key issues facing Scottish education. The process will be two-way, with quick responses from the Scottish Government - including direct input from Education Ministers. 'Workshops' on hot education topics will help facilitate discussions and encourage feedback, while all three Education Ministers will share their own views through regular blogs.
Provision of Facilities for Touring Caravans and Campervans
To date, the uptake of interest in providing facilities for visitors on local crofts has been encouraging and the local Tourist Office hold contact numbers for a number of locations throughout the island. However, it is important to adhere to the ruling that applies to the planning exemption limiting the number of units on each holding at any one time.
If more than three units are sited on any one holding at one time, this constitutes a breach of planning legislation unless the occupier has obtained planning permission and a licence to operate a caravan site.
Round Britain and Ireland Yacht Race 2010
Castlebay has been filled with yachts over the past week as over 40 contestants in the Round Britain and Ireland two handed race have been arriving and departing throughout the week. More>>
On Tuesday, SNP MP, Angus MacNeil, raised the value to the wider economy of a Rural Fuel Derogation in Island areas during Treasury Questions and made Na h-Eileanan an Iar the first place to put its enthusiasm on record in Parliament for involvement in an RFD pilot. More>>
Not the Spanish Armada!
But Barra and Vatersay are to be invaded by yachts this summer! Round Britain & Ireland Yacht Race At 4 year intervals a small armada of highly competitive sailors depart Plymouth for the clockwise Round Britain and Ireland two-handed yacht race. More>>
The Comhairle’s recent decision to cut back on swimming lessons for all primary pupils in the Western Isles is absolutely appalling. In a community surrounded by water, where many recreational and employment opportunities are linked to the sea, that our councillors are cutting back on teaching children to swim is a total disgrace. Safety factors alone should ensure that swimming, among all other activities taught in schools is given the HIGHEST priority.
Not just the parents but the whole community turned out for the “so called conversation” about Eoligarry School on Monday evening. In attendance was Malcolm Chisholm from the Comhairle, who presented the Council’s position with regard to the current Review of Education to those present.
No Case for closure was the response from all those present.
Barra has already had more than it’s fair share of school closures, We have lost Brevig, Vatersay and Craigston over the years and are left with only two primary schools to serve Barra and Vatersay. There are very few areas in Lewis which have lost 60% of their primary school provision. A full page report of the meeting is enclosed. more>>
Economic Impact Assessment
Halcrow has been commissioned by the Scottish Government to investigate the potential impacts of the designation of two proposed Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) at the Sound of Barra and East Mingulay.
They anticipate considerable local interest in this study and recognise the importance of undertaking a wide-ranging consultation to help us to understand and assimilate the views, issues and concerns of the local community into the study. more>>
Congratulations to Barra Dancers
To the three dancers from Eileen O’Carroll School of dancing who returned home with a number of awards following their attendance at the Highlands and Islands Music & Dance Festival 2 weeks ago.
Margaret Douglas - 3rd & 4th. Collette Douglas - 2nd & 5th. Shannon MacLean 3rd.
Well done girls!
Congratulations to the team from the Jane Douglas School of Dance who were runners up at the Scottish Choreography Challenge in Oban at the weekend in the set theme, New York Tartan day.
In the words of the festival organisers - the Scottish Choreography Challenge is a most spectacular team event with the highest standard of highland dancing, tremendous music and fantastic costumes being enjoyed by a capacity audience at the Corran Halls. more>>
Measures to minimise disruption to lifeline island air services in Scotland have been agreed by NATS and airline operators as the volcanic ash continued to drift over the Western Isles and West coast of Scotland with the recent strong Northerly winds. New arrangements have been put in place to minimise delays caused by the increased volume of international flights using Scottish airspace to avoid volcanic ash clouds in the North Atlantic. Island flights will now be able to operate at lower levels giving operators more options to provide vital services. more>>
Millions of pounds of much needed cash will be lost to communities in the Western Isles if Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) doesn’t act immediately to connect their projects to the electricity grid. Community Energy Scotland has written to SSE’s boss, Ian Marchant, urging him to move immediately to confirm 2011 connection offers to seven community windfarms and hydro projects in the Western Isles. According to David Cameron, chairman of Community Energy Scotland: “We have an extraordinary position in the Western Isles where, despite all the great words, there is only a total of 7MW installed capacity. more>>
Serious Concerns About Survey Ship Around Barra
Angus MacNeil SNP Na h-Eileanan an Iar has been in touch with the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Richard Lochhead MSP, and the Minister for Rural Affairs and the Environment, Roseanna Cunningham MSP regarding the Barra SAC.
He was specifically asking what the survey vessel Alba Na Mara was doing round the coast of Barra this week. He stated that "This issue has caused anger in the community, as no one locally was told that this vessel was going to be here. It would have done a lot of good for community relations if civil servants had made it known locally what the vessel was doing. I have also asked the Minister to meet with the fishermen who are opposed to Barra being designated an SAC."
Electrical Equipment Checks
Several businesses have been in touch with Trading Standards regarding cold calling from a mainland company who are offering to carry out electrical safety checks. Comhairle Officers are advising businesses in the Western Isles that electrical equipment checks can be carried out by any competent person, usually an electrician, and do not necessarily require specialist safety testing practitioners.
Businesses are reminded that they have a duty to ensure that their wiring and electrical equipment are properly maintained and checked regularly.
For further advice or assistance please contact 01851 709577.
Further information on electrical safety is available from:
General Election - Polling Stations
On Thursday 6th May the polling stations will be in
St. Barr’s Hall, Northbay and the Tigh Ceilidh, Castlebay.
Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm
The count will begin in Stornoway at 10pm.
The UK Government has confirmed an unelected member of the House of Lords will represent Scotland at next month's Fisheries Council. Scotland's Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead had requested to attend the talks in Vigo, Spain, which deal with the future of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), but this has been refused in a letter from UK Secretary of State Hilary Benn. more>>
Western Isles Swimming Gala
 Congratulations to all those who took part in the swimming gala on Saturday in Uist.
Despite being swimmers short the team did very well coming in a close 3rd behind Harris and in front of Uist. Well done to you all and especially Jake Denehy and Liam Davidson who won gold medals for their individual races.
TESCO TOKENS Just a reminder that these tokens can be handed in to the School, Surgery, Guth Office
Election Candidates
There will be five candidates in the Na H-Eileanan An Iar constituency parliamentary election. Nominations closed on Tuesday 20th at 4pm. The candidates are;
Jean Davis, Scottish Liberal Democrats; Angus Brendan MacNeil, Scottish National Party; Donald John Macsween, Scottish Labour Party; Murdo A Murray, Independent; Sheena Louise Norquay, Scottish Conservative and Unionist. The election will be held on 6th May 2010.
A meeting was due to be held in Eoligarry school yesterday as part of the ongoing “Conversation” into Educational provision in the Western Isles. more>>
All flights within and to and from the Western Isles have been cancelled as a result of result of the cloud of volcanic ash drifting across the UK from Iceland. Across Scotland airports have been closed because of the danger that the cloud of dust and particles would choke plane engines. Emergency service and Rescue helicopters operated by the Coastguards and the military will still be able to operate. more>>
Premieres on Wednesday 21st April at 9.00pm on BBC 2 Marine biologist and professional diver Monty Halls and his trusted dog Reuben return to the west coast of Scotland in the new series of Monty Halls’ Great Hebridean Escape. more>>
Anyone willing to have Campervans on their land please contact the Tourist Office 810336 in Castlebay and www.isleofbarra.com, 810401 even if you’ve been in touch. We wish to put forward a complete list of areas that campervans would be welcome.
Na h-Eileanan an Iar Parliamentary Constituency Elections for the UK Parliament take place every five years. There are 646 parliamentary constituencies in the UK, 59 of which are in Scotland and Na h-Eileanan an Iar constituency has the smallest electorate in the UK and will elect one MP (Member of Parliament) to sit in the House of Commons. more>>
A new online resource exploring the rich historic and cultural links between Scotland and Canada has gone live. The Scots and Canada website, launched by Education Secretary Michael Russell in Toronto, provides a wealth of information to pupils and teachers on both sides of the Atlantic. With almost five million Canadians claiming Scots ancestry, the site is also a treasure trove for amateur historians. more>>
The Director of Education and Children’s Services, Joan MacKinnon, and Chair of the Education Committee, Morag Munro, met with Castlebay School Parent Council at a well attended meeting on Wednesday evening. A joint press statement from CnES and the Parent Council states ‘Following a constructive and forward thinking meeting between the Director of Education and Children’s Services and Castlebay School Parent Council, a number of avenues are being pursued to resolve issues at Castlebay School following the recent HMIe follow-through report’. more>>
Barra and Vatersay Community Ltd has successfully bid for £139,000 funding from the Climate Challenge Fund (CCF). The award to the Household Energy Efficiency Taskforce (HEET) programme, will be used to provide a service providing energy audits, advice and some energy monitoring equipment for all householders on the Islands. audits and provide guidance and assistance to enable householders to access funding or low cost insulation. more>>
Barra and Vatersay Community Account Management (CAM)
In addition to the fantastic CCF award, Barra and Vatersay Community Ltd have also been chosen to implement the first Community Account Management (CAM) programme in the Western Isles. CAM is a programme aimed at meeting HIE’s aspiration to enable “Growth at the Edge”, promoting innovative community development with a strong emphasis on using social enterprise to achieve sustainable development.
Directors of Inverness-based Highland Airways called in administrators on Wednesday night. All flights have been cancelled with immediate effect. The company employs around 100 people but said it was too early to say how many redundancies there would be. Highland Airways Administrators will be working with contracted customers to ensure an orderly handover of services to new operators wherever feasible. more>>
Stop Press Loganair Take Over Highland Airways Inter-Island Route
Chair of Transportation Committee, Councillor Donald Manford said: “I am delighted that a speedy resolution has been agreed following the announcement that Highland Airways had gone into administration. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has terminated their contract with Highland Airways. Loganair have been awarded an interim contract and a new service will commence on Monday 29th March 2010 with minor alterations to the timetable”. I would like to acknowledge the hard work of council officers including officers of the Scottish Government and Loganair which allowed a speedy resolution to a difficult situation with minimum disruption.
Berneray Community Centre on the Isle of Berneray was the location for the Outer Hebrides Rural Network Event, organised by the Scottish National Rural Network, Organisations and individuals from across the Western Isles had the opportunity to hear about some of the projects and activities taking place not only in the Western Isles but elsewhere in rural Scotland; get an update on the Scottish Rural Development Programme and learn about funding opportunities available to them through programmes such as LEADER Innse Gall. more>>
Castlebay School Row Goes On
Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar’s Education and Children’s services personnel were kept busy on Wednesday with three meetings in a row in Barra to try to deal with the ongoing parental and pupil concerns following from the recent Her Majesty’s Inspectorate Education (HMIE) report for Castlebay School. More>>
The Parent Council of Castlebay Community School is extremely disappointed to note that the HMIe has for the third time identified issues with the quality of learning at the school, stating in its latest report that pupils "still experience too much variability". An identified strength of the school is the "achievements beyond the classroom" but within the classroom "standards of reading, writing and mathematics" have fallen. More>>
Barra & Vatersay, Common Periwinkles, Barra & Vatersay coastline,
2010 = A - April to June, B - July to December, 2011 = B - January to MarchArea bounded by lines drawn between points NF6450 0501, NF6939 0970, NF7035 0970, NF 7175 0800, NF 7380 0063, NL 6589 9402, NL6250 9298, NL 6039 9637. Change in Classification – Unfavourable More>>
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>>
Having Their Say
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>>
Ian Roderick
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. More>>
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.
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.
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.
 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
 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.
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.
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.
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)!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
 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
Barra and Vatersay Community Radio is to receive £23,400 from Western Isles Council to develop a broadcast and video service. Voluntary Action Barra and Vatersay (VABV) is promoting the project and will provide a share of the funding. The project is seeking finance from the Council’s Creative Hebrides scheme and it is hoped that more finance will come from the Leader project.
Barra and Vatersay Island Produce Show and Sale
Saturday 5th September,Castlebay Community Hall. Enter your items on Friday between 6:30pm and 8:30pm or on Saturday between 8:30am and 10:00am Doors open 1:30pm Teas, coffee and homebaking
Raffle Donations for Teas and Raffle would be most welcome
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - Call 810634
5-4 on penalties after a 4-4 score-line at the end of extra-time!
‘Firhill for Thrills!’ My backside! Castlebay Football Park is the only place to be for all fitba fans who like their football ‘in the raw’ and who wish to experience the whole gamut of emotions that Scotland’s national game can still generate.
Barra’s epic triumph in last Saturday’s Billy MacNeil Cup quarter final over the valiant Iochdar Saints will live forever in the hearts of all those who played in it and in the memories of the many fans who were there to see it! more>>
The 2008 potato standards seemed impossible to better, but in 2009 Records were smashed as the annual potato festival simmered then boiled before leaving the competitors completely drained. The competition opened with the best dressed tattie event. The ladies swept all before them. Ishie’s “Hot Potatoes” presented dressed in swimwear on a sandy beach came a close second to Eilidh Paterson’s tattie man resplendent in his dungarees and tattie hat. Seumas the Vatersay (Maris) Piper led in the first batch of tatties to the accompaniment of Julia (Vatersay Girl) on drums and cymbal. The serious work of the day began as the judges tucked into the first 5 plates of prime tatties.
Despite arrangements being put in place for two additional afternoon sessions and the removal of a sliding wall in increase room area and capacity; the demand for a Croileagan place has outstripped capacity. It appears that there are 18 children seeking in the Croileagan afternoon session and only 10 places available. The majority of these places apparently relate to the provision of a childcare place for 2½ year olds. Parents had been assured that the issue was being addressed but with term starting this week a number of parents are concerned that this issue was not dealt with earlier.
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.
On 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.
.jpg) Well Done Girls!
Here is a photo of 3 Barra girls who went to the South Uist Agricultural Show on 29 July 2009 with their Eriskay Ponies.
Between them they brought back an assortment of rosettes (1st's, 2nd's and 3rd's) and a trophy. Well done to Caitlin Logan with Canna, Skye Brannigan with Suibhal and Jayde Brannigan with Sobhrag.
Barra Phoney Book 2009
Very last chance for entries for the new phoney book!! Deadline 11th August.
Changed / New Number, New Name, New Address, New Business?? or Would you like to advertise in the Phoney book??
Then make sure and get your details to us by Tuesday 11th August for inclusion in this years Phoney Book.
Tel: 01871 810 401.
Email: barra.news@vabv.org.uk
 Barra Fest - Live @ the Edge is an exciting music festival on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean - next stop Canada!
The festival which is hosted by Fèis Bharraigh, a well known and established traditional music tuition festival on the island, will take place in a marquee right on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean on Tangasdale Machair. The band line up features a celebration of modern traditional music with some fresh new sounds. more>>
MP Calls For Meeting Re future of St Brendan’s
Angus MacNeil, MP, has written to Gordon Jamieson, Chief Executive of the Western Isles Health Board calling for a public meeting in Barra to discuss the future development of St Brendan’s Hospital. As the development is also linked to the future development of St Brendan’s Home he as also invited representatives for Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to be present at the meeting. more>>
Barra Head Islands Could Be home for St Kilda Sheep
Following the visit of the National Trust to Barra and discussions with Angus MacNeil MP, the possibility of the Barra Head islands being used to support a satellite flock of the St Kilda sheep (Soay Sheep) was discussed. more>>
Barra Girls Meet ‘The Boss’
 Barra girls Linda and Angie MacLean recently caught up with their hero – “The Boss”, Bruce Springsteen!
The girls have followed their idol all around the world and have seen him play live a combined total of 27 times and finally caught up with him in Glasgow earlier this month when he took time out to pose for photos and to chat with fans who were “boss watching” at his hotel.
The bad weather which had been forecast passed, the sun shone, the crowds gathered, the fishing boats arrived with their flags flying, and the Annual Fishermen’s Mass and Blessing of the Boats went ahead as planned. more>>
Open Meeting in Cobhair Bharraigh at 4pm on Monday 27th July, All welcome to attend
An overnight support service for people who need care to allow them to remain in their own homes has been available in parts of the Western Isles for 10 years. more>>
With regret, the management committee of Barra Community Co-op have announced that the Co-Chomunn shop will close at 5pm this Saturday, 18th July. We would like to thank all customers and shareholders for their support over the years and especially all the members of staff who have worked with us in the past 28 years. more>>
Who would have believed, seeing the weather forecast throughout the week, that we would actually hold the Heaval race in blazing sunshine on Saturday as planned?
The number of competitors was up again on last year almost double on the year before. Congratulations to all 40 runners who ran so well. Despite the heat the race was very competitive with 24 runners having times under 50 mins. No records were broken but lots of runners chopped minutes off their personal best times. We would like to say a big thank you to all, no matter what your time, for ‘having a go’ and taking part. more>>
On Tuesday 2nd June Ray Mears, survival expert and TV personality fulfilled his promise to spend the day with pupils from Castlebay School. In the past few years, Ordnance Survey has provided every Primary 7 pupil in the UK with a map of their local area. As part of this Free Maps for Schools scheme and to encourage their map skills, Castlebay School pupils entered a competition last year where they were to outline how they would like to spend the day with Ray Mears.
Western Isles MP, Angus MacNeil, and MSP, Alasdair Allan, this week hailed a “massive victory" for the SNP in the islands, following Monday’s announcement of the results of the European election. The island results, which were the last in Scotland to be declared, showed the SNP on 43% of the vote locally, with Labour second on 18%. This means the SNP are up 14 percentage points locally compared to the last Euro election in 2004. Labour’s standing fell by 5 points.
Ideal Location in Centre of Castlebay, Close to Tourist Office and Pier. more>>
Never has so much chaos been caused by the breakdown of one ferry.The MV Clansman broke down last Friday, there was a knock on effect on every ferry service sailing out of Oban because of the amount of work that vessel is being asked to do, the number of islands she has to serve and the complex timetable she operates.
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Trading Standards Officers at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar have repeated warnings about worthless guarantees following several enquiries about the issue this week.
Consumers in the Western Isles have been approached by sales representatives offering contracts for house maintenance services such as painting and roof preparations. more>>
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and the Scottish Government have this week launched an online business survey as part of the Scottish Ferries Review.
The Scottish Government are carrying out this review across all Scottish ferry routes including all domestic and private services. The review will consider current provision of ferry services and what improvements should be made to meet future needs. This review meets the Government's commitment set out in the 2006 National Transport Strategy (NTS) to "develop a long-term strategy for lifeline services to 2025". more>>
Castlebay School Cleanup
 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!
Well done to all the children who took part!
Launched by The Scottish Government
Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham says that the Crofting Reform Bill will set communities on course for a 'stronger, brighter future'. Launching a consultation into the draft bill, Ms Cunningham demanded an end to the 'corrosive effect of absenteeism, neglect and speculation' and the development of a system which allowed crofters to shape their own destiny. more>>
Barra Community Wind Turbine goes to planning
Coimhearsnachd Bharraidh agus Bhatarsaidh have this week lodged a planning application, with CnES, for a 900KW wind turbine to be located at Scùrabhal point in Eoligarry. The application is a hefty document including an environmental statement and 12 supplementary reports to support the planning document.
A new study has been commissioned to evaluate the viability of a sub-sea cable linking the Western Isles to Ireland and north England. This proposal could open huge opportunities for the Southern Isles to take advantage of developing marine renewable technologies and is a significant improvement on all prior proposals, which have offered no significant prospect for development out with Lewis. more>>
Future of Cockle Stocks Under Debate
At a well attended meeting in Northbay Hall, there was considerable discussion about the future of the cockle stocks on the Traigh Mhor, following the stock appraisal report carried out in March which put the biomass on the beach at just over 200 tonnes . At the present time there are upwards of 40 tonnes of cockles exported from the island on an annual basis. The question being debated was; Can the Traigh continue to sustain this level of fishery annually given the current depleted level of the biomass of cockles on the beach? more>>
Island Politicians Seek Information On Future Of Barra Air Services
Western Isles SNP MSP, Alasdair Allan, MP, Angus MacNeil, and Barra councillor, Donald Manford, have today approached Minister for Transport, Stewart Stevenson, to ask when a clear timetable is expected to be in place for the replacement of aircraft serving Barra. Dr Allan commented: “The air routes to Barra are a lifeline service for the island and are crucial for tourism. They are vitally important connections to the mainland and to Uist for the many islanders who use the service. more>>
Seafarers Uk Chief Executive Officially Opens Cobhair Bharraidh
Commodore Barry Bryant, from Seafarers Uk cuts the ribbon to mark the official opening of Cobhair Bharraidh after the extensive renovation work that has been carried on over the past 18months. Seafarers UK and Merchant Navy Welfare board have been very supportive of Cobhair Bharraidh. more>>
Girl Power Takes to the Air!
Captain Annag MacLeod, from Eoligarry Barra and Co Pilot Mairi Nicholson from Grimsay Island North Uist, last Wednesday, were in charge of the Flybe flight into Barra operated by Loganair. So a why a double first?
The first time that the flight has been operated by two female pilots and the fact that both these pilots were Gaelic speakers. Congratulations to Annag and Mairi on their achievements in the aviation world. more>>
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