Welcome to the Islands of Barra & Vatersay
Welcome to the Islands of Barra & Vatersay
Constituency News
SNP Councillor Donald Manford
Barra, Vatersay, Eriskay & S.Uist
Hello and welcome to my webpage on the Isle of Barra website. I am grateful for the oppurtunity to be able to keep my constituents upto date on current issues and developments and welcome any feedback or questions you may have for me. My contact details are available at the foot of this page.
St Brendan’s – Burn’s Supper 2012.
Last night, 25th January, I had the pleasure of celebrating a Burn’s Supper with the residents and their friends, relatives and staff of St Brendan’s.
For the guests it began with a typically warm welcome followed by the conventional introduction to such feasts and an absolutely splendid meal. Though I have described the form as conventional I am pleased to report that the speeches were, in accepted Barra fashion, delightfully unconventional and entertaining.
There could be no more fitting place to hold a Burn’s celebration than St Brendan’s; a place that lives, care and goodwill to everyone there. Feelings which Burn’s himself is renowned for.
No meal of this kind would be complete without a short ceilidh with everyone from the oldest to the youngest participating, in a variety of music, dance and song. Interspersed of course with the odd rolaisd.
Of the many toasts performed, the warmest toast must be to the residents and staff who invited us to celebrate a wonderful evening in their home.
25/10/11
Ferries Review.
Towards the end of November the Scottish Government is expected to publish the Ferries Review. Though eagerly awaited, the great black cloud of financial cuts which has affected all of us, will also have overtaken this process. Despite these problems, hopes if not expectations remain high that our ferry services can be improved.
The success of Road Equivalent Tariff, in particular for business and the tourism industry requires us to rise to the challenge of meeting the demand. In Uist, Eriskay, Barra and Vatersay the needs range from additional frequency and onward public transport connections for Lochmaddy and Castlebay and the need for a much shorter sea crossing for Lochbosdale. Expectation is large.
Added to this, the review will address preparations for the next round of ferry tendering for the Hebrides. Will all the routes be one tender? Will some routes be tendered individually and if so which routes?
Whatever is contained in the review, the opportunity must be availed to have genuine consultations.
28th September 2011
The call by Na h'Eileanan an Iar MSP Alasdair Allan, for a fresh approach to overcoming the designation problem is to be commended.
When a government agency like Scottish Natural Heritage abuses and ultimately loses the trust of people, it is a matter of the utmost concern. That this is being acknowledged is a very significant step forward.
The emergence of correspondence from Joint Nature Conservation Committee, exposed SNH as being instrumental in having the Sound of Barra replace other preferred areas for eventual designation. While at the same time they were telling the public that they did not want the SoB designated. This duplicity has totally destroyed any credibility which may have existed.
SNH desperately sought to deny the JNCC communication was evidence of Sound of Barra replacing other areas. Their denials are now undermined by JNCC confirming that SoB was selected because is was "cheaper" to designate than the other areas.
Pressure continues to mount for there to be an investigation into the conduct of Scottish Natural Heritage.
19th September 2011.
Sound of Barra – SAC Consultation.
It was with more pomp than ceremony we received notification from Scottish Natural Heritage of the dreaded news, that they had embarked on a consultation to obtain the views of the local community prior to submitting the Sound of Barra for designation as a Special Area for Conservation.
It is becoming impossible to deny that this action is more about SNH spite and malice, against a community which refuses to submit to the economic sterilisation of the area’s most important and precious business lifeline. Despite SNH stonewalling release of information, evidence of their deceit and duplicity is emerging.
During a meeting with members of the community in 2008, SNH Chief Executive Ian Jardine (in presence of then minister, Roseanna Cunningham, MSP) insisted that the European Commission had directed this specific area for designation - that there was a designation “gap” in this specific area.
Not only has this assertion been proved false, I have been forwarded evidence which states that the “gap” in UK designation had already been filled, when Mr Jardine was making his untrue claim. The communication for the Joint Nature Conservation Committee dated January 2008, goes on to explain that, despite other areas having been prioritised; Scotland were offering to replace them!! “the gap be filled by Sound of Harris or Sound of Barra”. The communication goes on to state, as “Scotland are very likely to progress these areas as SACs; would we need to rethink our site progression priorities?”
If this evidence is confirmed to be true; the statement of the SNH Chief Executive in 2008, to this community, in the presence of the minister, must be blatantly untrue. As I am confident the minister at the time can confirm she was unaware of these actions, it falls to Ian Jardine to explain why he unnecessarily, offered-up the Sound of Barra for designation while he was insisting the opposite to the minister and the community.
It is imperative the following questions are answered.
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Why did SNH put forward Sound of Harris and Sound of Barra to replace the Solan Bank?
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When, why and who, made the decision to select the Sound of Barra over the Sound of Harris?
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Why does SNH continue to misrepresent and mislead the public and the government by claiming it did not submit the Sound of Barra to replace the Flannan Ridge or the Solan Bank for designation?
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What action will the Scottish Government take where its agents mislead and misrepresent the public and the government?
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What steps will the Scottish Government take to seek to re-establish trust and credibility?
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When will the information currently withheld by SNH be released?
In light of this new evidence I call again on the Minister for Environment and Climate Change to suspend consultation while he thoroughly investigates these matters.
This is the JNCC email as refered to in my comments:
A N N A B E L L E .
A I S JNCCMAIL
PETERBOROUGH
RECIPIENTS/CN=NEIL.GOLDING82257177
N e i l G o l d i n g
JNCCMAIL
PETERBOROUGH
A n n a b e l l e A i s h ; M a r i n e S i t e s & S t r a t e g y R e e f R e p r e s e n t a t i v i t y o n S c o t t i s h C o n t i n e n t a l S h e l f
P a p a / O t t e r / T u r b o t
I d o n ' t h a v e t h e r e p r e s e n t a t i v i t y t a b l e t o h a n d - b u t I t h o u g h t t h a t O t t e r / T u r b o t / P a p a b a n k s c a m e u n d e r s t o n y r e e f . A l t h o u g h w e
a l r e a d y h a v e W T R t o c o v e r t h i s , W T R i s a p r e t t y u n i q u e h a b i t a t ,
s o w e w e r e s t i l l p r o g r e s s i n g w i t h O t t e r / T u r b o t / P a p a w i t h r e s p e c t t o S t o n y R e e f .
F l a n n a n & S o l a n
I w o u l d n e e d t o c h e c k w h e r e S o u n d o f B a r r a a n d S o u n d o f H a r r i s a r e g e o g r a p h i c a l l y . I w o u l d e x p e c t t h e s e t o h a v e s t r o n g c o a s t a l i n f l u e n c e- F l a n n a n a n d S o l a n h o w e v e r w e r e m u c h f u r t h e r a w a y f r o m
t h e c o a s t - a n d t h e r e f o r e l e s s s u b j e c t e d t o c o a s t a l i n f l u e n c e .
P r o b a b l y b e s t i f w e d i s c u s s t h i s o n M o n .
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S u b j e c t : R e e f R e p r e s e n t a t i v i t y o n S c o t t i s h C o n t i n e n t a l S h e l f
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d e e p c i r c a l i t t o r a l z o n e s u b j e c t t o i n t e r m e d i a t e c o a s t a l i n f l u e n c e ' .
W e h a d a g r e e d w i t h t h e A g e n c i e s t h a t t h i s r e p r e s e n t a t i v i t y g a p
c o u l d b e f i l l e d b y o n e o f t h e f o l l o w i n g o f f s h o r e A o S : i ) T h e
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e q u a l l y b e f i l l e d b y S o u n d o f B a r r a o r S o u n d o f H a r r i s .
A g a i n , t h i s m e a n s t h a t t h e d e c i s i o n o f w h i c h s i t e ( s ) t o p r o g r e s s i s l i k e l y t o d e p e n d o n o t h e r s e l e c t i o n c r i t e r i a a s w e l l a s i s s u e s o f
s u f f i c i e n c y ( d o w e h a v e e n o u g h r e e f w i t h i n t h e n e t w o r k o v e r a l l ) . B u t i f S c o t l a n d a r e v e r y l i k e l y t o p r o g r e s s t h e s e a r e a s a s S A C s
( w h i c h w e c a n a s c e r t a i n a t t h e P r o j e c t G r o u p m e e t i n g o n t h e
1 2 t h ) , w o u l d w e n e e d t o r e - t h i n k o u r s u r v e y a n d s i t e p r o g r e s s i o n p r i o r i t i e s ?
A n n a b e l l e
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A n n a b e l l e A i s h
M a r i n e C o n s e r v a t i o n O f f i c e r
M a r i n e S t r a t e g y a n d S i t e s T e a m
J o i n t N a t u r e C o n s e r v a t i o n C o m m i t t e e
M o n k s t o n e H o u s e
C i t y R o a d
P e t e r b o r o u g h
C a m b s P E 1 1 J Y
T e l : + 4 4 ( 0 ) 1 7 3 3 8 6 6 8 7 2 ( d i r e c t d i a l )
T e l : + 4 4 ( 0 ) 1 7 3 3 5 6 2 6 2 6 ( s w i t c h b o a r d )
F a x : + 4 4 ( 0 ) 1 7 3 3 5 5 5 9 4 8
E m a i l : a n n a b e l l e . a i s h @ j n c c . g o v . u k
W e b s i t e : w w w . j n c c . g o v . u k
14th September 2011.
Vatersay – Road.
Increased traffic over successive summer seasons, combined with the severe winters of the past 3 years has put the road infrastructure under considerable strain. The stretch of road south of Uidh in Vatersay is a road which is particularly narrow, poorly founded and is showing signs of increasingly rapid deterioration.
The condition of this stretch is of growing concern and I am pleased that urgent effort is being made to identify the necessary funds to repair and improve the road in the near future.
05/09/11
Ardveenish Pier.
The long awaited improvements for winter berthing at Ardveenish fishery pier took a significant step forward last Thursday, with the council agreeing to prepare detailed design proposals. Tenders will now be prepared, along with an invitation to contractors to submit alternative designs using their own experience and expertise.
Projected cost of the project is £1.681m, this includes a 30% contingency fund. Highlands and Islands Enterprise are considering allocating £125,000 which along with the council budget of £1.238m would bring the fund available to £1.363m. In addition to this Barratlantic are contributing (at no cost) the land required, adding very considerably to the value of the pier.
It is important that further meetings are held with the local fishing industry to discuss the current position and review all the cost saving options. Although there are still considerable obstacles to be overcome, I am confident where there is the will to deliver, this vital project will be secured.
05/09/11.
Fair Fuel Prices.
The exorbitant cost of fuel in the islands is one of the most damaging issues we are fighting. It hits every aspect of our lives. All our islands’ representatives are engaged in a relentless drive to have prices reduced, in the first instance, to that close to the price paid in the rest of the country.
It is in that context that I totally reject the unwarranted and baseless attack on the group driving the council’s campaign and by implication its chair, my highly respected colleague, Cllr John MacKay, who has worked tirelessly and effectively to press forward the work of the group. Sadly and most difficult to understand, is the actions of the councillor leading the attack, having been forced to admit that he has never attended a meeting of the working group or contributed in any way to its work. This is an issue which should unite us, and the infantile attack on chairman, John MacKay and the members and officers he leads, is needlessly (and probably thoughtlessly) damaging and divisive.
Of the many campaigns to highlight the distress caused by fuel costs (the western isles suffering the highest levels of fuel poverty), by far the most effective campaign is that of Uist community newspaper, Am Paipear. In 2008 they mounted a highly public and successful campaign to the Petitions Committee of the Scottish Parliament to formally lobby Westminster to recognise the problem. This work is accepted as the catalyst for the anticipated reduction in fuel duty, which the previous Labour Government rejected.
Prior to taking the campaign to Holyrood, the Uist delegation made a presentation to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar for support. Of the 2474 signatures on the petition, the names of the 2 most recent converts, does not appear. I trust they will be able to explain why they failed to support this important community led campaign.
31/08/11
Following a very welcome and successful tourist season, with the population of the island often quadrupled in size, it is not surprising that some of the island’s services have come under pressure.
One such service is the sewage infrastructure, Scottish Water have responded to several complaints in the Castlebay area over recent weeks and are currently investigating the cause. A progress report is expected shortly.
Further welcome news is that a rodent control programme is to start in the Castlebay area, the work will be carried out over the next six months by the local WIRO team.
Comment on mSAC announcement.
Saturday 20th August 2011.
The shocking announcement from the Minister for Environment and Climate Change is a bitter disappointment to the campaign group and the community which has to come to terms with the detrimental impact these designations inevitably have.
Following complaints to the minister regarding SNH and Marine Scotland failing to abide by due process, withholding information and failing to provide answers to questions, the minister indicated that he would meet with the campaign group to address our concerns. It is with a deep sense of betrayal that this information is received.
We are now to endure a further shameless sham of consultation on the determination to designate the Sound of Barra. This is an area which contains a large fishery, a major fishery harbour and processing plant, two ferry ports, the electricity link to Barra and Vatersay and the island’s airport, with the potential to ruthlessly cripple the island’s economy and community.
During a time when services are being cut through lack of resources, it is an enduring scandal that ever increasing resources are being directed to designations and organisations which inflict demands and requirements that destroys enterprise and jobs.
What is so distressing is the remorseless attacks which makes the very environment and wildlife which is so precious to us, the symbol of tyranny.
Donald Manford.
22/02/10
Donald Manford
Isle of Barra
HS9 5YD.
To:
Lynch Mob Mentality.
Following the initial political hysteria, generated for the worst reasons. It is important to look at the implications and legacy of this shameful episode.
What are generally described as “letters of support” are actually letters providing additional information to assist a court, tribunal, appeal panel, etc in reaching a fair decision having considered all the information given to it.
The practice of writing such letters is widespread. They are expected, not only of, MSPs but those described in the jargon as “persons of standing in the community” which includes, doctors, clergy, councillors, community councillors, teachers, JPs. Etc.
When I was first called on to provide such a letter (of which there have been many) I sought advice of how it should be done. I was told: Do not, question the decision (if there is any information on that, perhaps you should be a witness). You may provide information which may assist a court, tribunal, etc. make a fair and appropriate sentence. (If information which may assist were withheld for fear of being pilloried? Would that not be the reprehensible act?) The action should be motivated by the information to be provided not knee-jerk opinion on the individual involved.
These selfish politicians and journalists have taken on the disgusting mentality of the lynch-mob, in demanding that information should only be provided based on their opinion of the individual concerned, rather than any factual information which may available.
Irrespective of whether the Scottish Parliament in the days or weeks ahead set off a gross injustice or damp squib, the fear already created by the baying hounds, will require anyone, who may be asked to provide even a reference, to think deeply of the potential backlash. Everyone needs such things at one time or another in their lives. The Commission for Standards in Public Life must issue safeguard guidance as a matter of urgency.
18/02/10
Embracing the Comhairle's budget setting process and understanding the current financial difficulties imposed by the Westminster government the SNP group are able to accept the proposed budget subject to the acceptance of the attached amendment. We consider the Comhairle is able to operate efficiently reducing from 5 Directors to 3 and 20 Heads of Service to 12. This aims to protect frontline services, recognise the value of home carers and protect the services to the most vulnerable in our society by reducing the costs of senior management.
Additional funding is allocated to Social and Community Services as follows: £24k to retain home care charges at £13 per hour; £8k to reinstate the 3.3% reduction in voluntary sector funding; £284k as the Comhairle’s share of the costs of extending the mobile overnight support service to all areas not currently covered; £63k for the LAC service; £25k funding to retain day care services at the existing level.
That this additional funding of £404k is found in the first instance through a reduction of £155k in the Ward Priority Fund; a reduction of £100k in the contingency budget; a reduction of £60k in the budget for industrial promotion; a reduction of £50k in the budget for arts grants; and the deletion of the vacant post of Development officer (£40k).
That the Comhairle require the Chief Executive to report back to the first possible series of meetings following a review of the organisational structure with the aim of reducing the costs of senior management, including Directors and Heads of Service, to be achieved as far as possible without compulsory redundancy, which once fully implemented would be used to reinstate the above reductions.
That all home care workers have a contract of employment specifying a minimum number of hours by 30 September 2010 and that a Report be submitted not later than the June 2010 series of meetings proposing an appropriate level of hours for permanent, temporary and casual employees respectively.
16/02/10
Dear Chairman,
Thank you again for your email of 5th February. When I replied to it on the 8th February, it was in the context of only having received the paragraph referring to your change of email address.
I thank you also for your confirmation that you and the Health Board are actively pursuing with CnES the most efficient way to progress the "project".
I note you express surprise that your Vice-Chairman, Councillor MacCormack "would" say "there will be no new hospital in Barra" and understand, at the time of writing why you might be unable to comment on his statements.
Never-the-less, the date, time, place and people present when these statements were made are carefully recorded, as are the comments. Checked also with individuals present.
You may wish to investigate also or comment on the stated view of your Vice-Chairman that; it will require the Scottish Government be asked to intervene to make the Health Board work closer with the Comhairle.
I understand and appreciate your concern regarding my questioning if a "gross deceit" or "betrayal" has been perpetrated. I do accept your assurance in this regard. However, it is a legitimate and necessary question to put in light of the stated position of your Vice-Chairman, which I am grateful you have distanced yourself from.
Yours faithfully,
Donald Manford.
Please forward this to Gordon Jamieson, Chief Executive, WIHB, as I do not have his email address.
16/02/10
Dear Councillor Manford,
Could you please note that NHS Western Isles has moved to nhs.net e-mail addresses, and that my new address is jmackay1@nhs.net
No mail sent to the old address after the end of January is being received, and this is why I am only now responding to your e-mail of 2 February regarding a comment you attribute to Angus MacCormack about the future of St Brendan's.
I cannot speak for Councillor McCormack nor comment on statements attributed to him which I have not heard directly, and would ask you to discuss the issue with him. Based on any discussion I have had with Councillor MacCormack on this topic, I would be very surprised if he said that there will be no new hospital on Barra. On the contrary, and with the backing of the Board, he is playing an active role in trying to make sure that the project goes ahead.
I can, however, confirm that the Health Board's position has not changed from that previously stated. Indeed we were in discussion with colleagues at CNES on Wednesday on a number of issues including how best to continue moving the project forward.
The Health Board has not,therefore, as you allege in your e-mail and letter, "...perpetrated a gross deceit and betrayal on the people of the Western Isle in general and the people of Barra and Vatersay in particular."
In the interests of all concerned, it would be helpful if you were to retract that statement as it is simply grossly unfair and based on a false premise.
Best Wishes
J.A. MacKayChair
John Angus MacKay
Chairman
NHS Western Isles
37 South Beach Street
Stornoway
Isle of Lewis HS1 2BB
2nd February 2010.
Dear Chairman.
I write to seek clarity on your own and the Health Board’s position in regard to the future of St Brendan’s hospital in Barra.
Vice Chairman of the Western Isles Health Board, and council representative to the Health Board, Councillor Angus MacCormack has informed a working group of the council that “there will be no new hospital in Barra”.
This position statement from the Western Isle Health Board raises serious questions about the credibility of the health board’s public consultation on its Clinical Strategy of which a new hospital and HUB initiative is an integral part. Mr MacCormack is also Chair of St Brendan’s Hospital Working Group and CHaSCP. How is it possible for the public to have any confidence or trust in the outcome of these processes?
It is difficult to conclude that the Western Isle Health Board has not perpetrated a gross deceit and betrayal on the people of the Western Isle in general and the people of Barra and Vatersay in particular.
I call on you to disassociate yourself and the Western Isles Health Board from these statements and support the promises and commitments given to the Cabinet Secretary of the Scottish Government and the people of this area.
Yours faithfully
Donald Manford
cc. Gordon Jamieson, Chief Exec, Health Board. Malcolm Burr, Chief Exec, CnES. Nicola Sturgeon, MSP, Cabinet Secretary.
Donald Manford
To Hebrides News: 28/01/10
The Labour Party candidate Donald John MacSween has made a considerable effort to smear Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil. Were he to put such effort into securing the future of the range, matters might not be as precarious they are. Despite the hype of so-called damning letters, he sadly flatters to deceive.
The letters contain exactly what we already know, which in fact support not only the MP but also the Comhairle, and disprove the over-the-top accusations.
As is clear in said letters, a review into the future of Hebrides Range in 2007 was started by the MOD, as required by the Labour Government. Letters further state; Comhairle nan Eilean, (which includes Cllr MacSween) was informed, as was MP and MSP. Despite numerous requests by all parties, further information was repeatedly refused.
In August 2008, Council Leader Angus Campbell and I met with Des Browne MP, Labour Government Defence Minister (recently seen giving evidence to the enquiry into the illegal war). He repeated again Labour’s constant line that, he had no information, that the enquiry was running and there was no information available until the review was concluded. We reported that disappointing reply to council, to which Cllr MacSween had no comment, and indeed no information was made available until the review concluded.
If Donald John genuinely believes that the MP had some inside knowledge! Does he then believe the Labour Defence Minister lied to us or, that the MP knew more about defence than the Defence Minister?
I am pleased he recognises the work of the council and indeed his own role in lobbying the Westminster Government. But if he truly believes he is more influential than the combined intervention of the shadow defence spokes-people for the 3 mayor political parties (which he has omitted to mention)? That’s surely carrying self-importance to unhealthy heights.
An attempted smear, however carefully obscured, is still a smear.
Donald Manford
Rocket Rage. 16/09/09
On Tuesday 15th September 2009, we were all informed of the wonderful news that the huge cloud which hung over the community for so long had been lifted away.
My colleagues and I warmly welcomed the decision as a triumph for the community, we hailed the decision by the Westminster Government and praised the Community, the Scottish Government, our Parliamentary Representatives, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and also opposition political parties, Conservative and Liberal Democrats.
Usually with praise of this nature, the danger is offending those inadvertently left out.
Not in this case, as it seems some labour politicians are outraged that we gave credit also to their political rivals. This selfish paranoia is truly sad; for them to argue that support from SNP, Conservative and Lib. Dems to retain the base, did not influence them is scarcely credible and displays extraordinary arrogance.
Labour is not in government in Scotland and political analysts (including opinion polls) seem certain they will not be in power in Westminster beyond June next year. To continue the long term economic health of and goodwill towards the Hebrides we will always give credit where it is due, I include particularly the Sunday Herald scoop dramatically exposing the contradiction in defence planning.
COMHAIRLE SNP GROUP RESPONDS TO ROCKET RANGE REPRIEVE.
Comhairle SNP Councillors have hailed the U-Turn on plans to downgrade operations at the Hebrides Range on the Uists and Benbecula as a triumph for the community. This climb-down is a huge relief for the workers and their families who have endured months of fear and uncertainty.
The decision to maintain operations at the range follows an intense community campaign supported by the Scottish Government, the SNP at parliamentary and council level, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and HIE.
A crucial factor in the about turn must be the extension to the consultation period obtained by Alasdair Allan and the cross-party support for retaining the operation in the Uists, which Angus MacNeil brokered.
To ensure this is not a short term fix till after the general election and that the base is not only retained but developed to its full potential, we request our MP and MSP use their good offices to invite the shadow defence spokespersons for the main political parties to meet with us to map out the future.
Ferry Fares. 09/09/09.
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is to be congratulated for reconsidering its recommendation to axe the inter-island ferry fares scheme which offers 40% reduction to island businesses across the Sound of Barra and Sound of Harris.
It has long been argued by the council that the cost of travel is the single biggest inhibitor of economic development in the islands. Added to that, commercial fares on the Sound of Barra and Harris are mile for mile the dearest of any of the Calmac routes, and by a considerable margin.
It should be inconceivable that any organisation with an economic development remit should remove assistance for what is considered the biggest barrier to economic development.
On Friday 4th of September Cllr Donald John MacSween, introduced as Labour candidate on Radio nan Gaidheal, commented on what he considered, “an absurd situation that it was cheaper to travel to the mainland than between the islands”. I’m sure he agrees the imperative is that the R.E.T. pilot is successfully completed and manifesto commitments are given by all the parties to continue the scheme.
We must conclude that he has so far been unsuccessful in obtaining any commitment from Iain Gray, the Labour Leader in Scotland, to continue the scheme. A stark contrast to the success achieved by Angus MacNeil to deliver the scheme in the first place.
Ardveenish Pier – Major Improvements.
The campaign to extend Ardveenish pier to safely accommodate the fishing fleet has made significant progress with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar approving £1.25 Million to improve the facility.
This pier is of enormous importance to the fishing industry and much credit is due to Northbay Port Users Association who have been working and campaigning to improve the facilities at Northbay and Ardveenish for the safety of the vessels that use the harbour.
08/09/09 - Loganair Concerns
Responding to the dramatic news that Loganair may reduce the number of Benbecula/Glasgow flights if Range Hebrides implement their proposals to slash jobs in Uist. Uist SNP councillors Gerry MacLeod and Donald Manford supported by Angus MacNeil MP and Alasdair Allan MSP have asked the Transport Minister to investigate the introduction of a P. S. O. on this route.
Cllr Manford said; I have consistently believed that the appropriate service provision for Benbecula can best be provided by a P.S.O. which secures by contract the number of daily flights to be provided at affordable prices importantly in both directions.
Cllr Macleod said; A P.S.O. on this route is unquestionably the best solution. I recognised it is not something which can be introduced overnight with the process requiring it to go to Europe through the Westminster Government before it can be tendered for contract.
Fuel Costs.
Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy, considers the Western Isles “needed to raise their game”!! This was his answer when challenged about the exorbitant fuel costs inflicted on the Western Isles, which suffers the highest level of fuel poverty in the country.
This wasn’t simply a display of ignorance, it was a gross insult to everyone who has been engaged in the campaign against crippling fuel prices for many years. In particular Am Paipear, the excellent community newspaper which has been spear-heading the campaign to stop this longstanding injustice.
Mr Murphy appears to have little regard, or is in total ignorance of the huge number of signatures to Am Paipear’s petition; the hearings at the Scottish Government, Petition’s Committee and letters to his own government in London. He makes no mention of Alasdair Darling’s views that such a tax levelling would be a “perverse incentive”; that motorists would drive to the islands to fuel-up. It is probably understandable why he would not comment on that.
He must also be oblivious to a Rural Fuel Derogation raised with the UK Treasury by our M.P. Angus MacNeil some 3 years ago. Also that Comhairle nan Eilean Siar along with HITRANs have been engaged in the campaign.
The prospective labour candidate Donald John MacSween must also feel he has been slapped in the face by his would-be colleague Jim Murphy as the Comhairle campaign supported by HITRANs, has been led by the Transportation Committee of which he has been Vice-chair. While it is true that there was opposition in council to the campaign being taken to Westminster, genuine independent councillors did not oppose it.
What is particularly offensive is the nasty attempt to pitch the people of the Western Isles against Argyll and Bute. This cynical attempt to deflect attention from the MoD job cuts won’t work.
We have had enough talk from Jim Murphy; let’s see him implement the plan in Argyll and Bute - and in all the islands which have higher taxes as a result of high delivery costs.
KINSHIP CARERS DESERVE FAIR BENEFIT SUPPORT.
Currently UK benefit rules do not properly recognise Kinship carers and payments made to them can be deducted from benefits. The new Secretary of State Yvette Cooper is asked to support kinship carers and to ensure that the support now available from the Scottish Government and Councils for kinship carers gets to kinship carers.
The article in the Herald reports “Even the recommendation that there should be minimum allowance paid throughout Scotland causes problems. The chief obstacle is such payments reduce other benefits. For that reason, Glasgow City Council has taken a policy decision not to make payments that reduce entitlement to state benefits. When it was introduced kinship care payments at the beginning of this year they were limited to £40 a week.
Even that, however, has negative consequences for carers, who find they have to pay fees for nursery school or after-school care, from which they were previously exempt.
The anomalies are recognised by the Scottish Government. Research for the previous Executive recommended there should be a separate official category of children looked after through kinship care, and they should be entitled to a welfare benefit through the Department of Works and Pensions.”
It is ridiculous that efforts to help and support Kinship carers are damaged by UK benefit rules. The prospect of payments for care being docked because of out of date benefit rules is pathetic. Despite this issue being raised with the UK government the Department of Works and Pensions have failed to take any action.
John Angus MacKay
Chairman
NHS Western Isles
37 South Beach Street
Stornoway
Isle of Lewis HS1 2BB
2nd February 2010.
Dear Chairman.
I write to seek clarity on your own and the Health Board’s position in regard to the future of St Brendan’s hospital in Barra.
Vice Chairman of the Western Isles Health Board, and council representative to the Health Board, Councillor Angus MacCormack has informed a working group of the council that “there will be no new hospital in Barra”.
This position statement from the Western Isle Health Board raises serious questions about the credibility of the health board’s public consultation on its Clinical Strategy of which a new hospital and HUB initiative is an integral part. Mr MacCormack is also Chair of St Brendan’s Hospital Working Group and CHaSCP. How is it possible for the public to have any confidence or trust in the outcome of these processes?
It is difficult to conclude that the Western Isle Health Board has not perpetrated a gross deceit and betrayal on the people of the Western Isle in general and the people of Barra and Vatersay in particular.
I call on you to disassociate yourself and the Western Isles Health Board from these statements and support the promises and commitments given to the Cabinet Secretary of the Scottish Government and the people of this area.
Yours faithfully
Donald Manford
cc. Gordon Jamieson, Chief Exec, Health Board. Malcolm Burr, Chief Exec, CnES. Nicola Sturgeon, MSP, Cabinet Secretary.
Donald Manford
To Hebrides News: 28/01/10
The Labour Party candidate Donald John MacSween has made a considerable effort to smear Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil. Were he to put such effort into securing the future of the range, matters might not be as precarious they are. Despite the hype of so-called damning letters, he sadly flatters to deceive.
The letters contain exactly what we already know, which in fact support not only the MP but also the Comhairle, and disprove the over-the-top accusations.
As is clear in said letters, a review into the future of Hebrides Range in 2007 was started by the MOD, as required by the Labour Government. Letters further state; Comhairle nan Eilean, (which includes Cllr MacSween) was informed, as was MP and MSP. Despite numerous requests by all parties, further information was repeatedly refused.
In August 2008, Council Leader Angus Campbell and I met with Des Browne MP, Labour Government Defence Minister (recently seen giving evidence to the enquiry into the illegal war). He repeated again Labour’s constant line that, he had no information, that the enquiry was running and there was no information available until the review was concluded. We reported that disappointing reply to council, to which Cllr MacSween had no comment, and indeed no information was made available until the review concluded.
If Donald John genuinely believes that the MP had some inside knowledge! Does he then believe the Labour Defence Minister lied to us or, that the MP knew more about defence than the Defence Minister?
I am pleased he recognises the work of the council and indeed his own role in lobbying the Westminster Government. But if he truly believes he is more influential than the combined intervention of the shadow defence spokes-people for the 3 mayor political parties (which he has omitted to mention)? That’s surely carrying self-importance to unhealthy heights.
An attempted smear, however carefully obscured, is still a smear.
Donald Manford
Rocket Rage. 16/09/09
On Tuesday 15th September 2009, we were all informed of the wonderful news that the huge cloud which hung over the community for so long had been lifted away.
My colleagues and I warmly welcomed the decision as a triumph for the community, we hailed the decision by the Westminster Government and praised the Community, the Scottish Government, our Parliamentary Representatives, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and also opposition political parties, Conservative and Liberal Democrats.
Usually with praise of this nature, the danger is offending those inadvertently left out.
Not in this case, as it seems some labour politicians are outraged that we gave credit also to their political rivals. This selfish paranoia is truly sad; for them to argue that support from SNP, Conservative and Lib. Dems to retain the base, did not influence them is scarcely credible and displays extraordinary arrogance.
Labour is not in government in Scotland and political analysts (including opinion polls) seem certain they will not be in power in Westminster beyond June next year. To continue the long term economic health of and goodwill towards the Hebrides we will always give credit where it is due, I include particularly the Sunday Herald scoop dramatically exposing the contradiction in defence planning.
COMHAIRLE SNP GROUP RESPONDS TO ROCKET RANGE REPRIEVE.
Comhairle SNP Councillors have hailed the U-Turn on plans to downgrade operations at the Hebrides Range on the Uists and Benbecula as a triumph for the community. This climb-down is a huge relief for the workers and their families who have endured months of fear and uncertainty.
The decision to maintain operations at the range follows an intense community campaign supported by the Scottish Government, the SNP at parliamentary and council level, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and HIE.
A crucial factor in the about turn must be the extension to the consultation period obtained by Alasdair Allan and the cross-party support for retaining the operation in the Uists, which Angus MacNeil brokered.
To ensure this is not a short term fix till after the general election and that the base is not only retained but developed to its full potential, we request our MP and MSP use their good offices to invite the shadow defence spokespersons for the main political parties to meet with us to map out the future.
Ferry Fares. 09/09/09.
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is to be congratulated for reconsidering its recommendation to axe the inter-island ferry fares scheme which offers 40% reduction to island businesses across the Sound of Barra and Sound of Harris.
It has long been argued by the council that the cost of travel is the single biggest inhibitor of economic development in the islands. Added to that, commercial fares on the Sound of Barra and Harris are mile for mile the dearest of any of the Calmac routes, and by a considerable margin.
It should be inconceivable that any organisation with an economic development remit should remove assistance for what is considered the biggest barrier to economic development.
On Friday 4th of September Cllr Donald John MacSween, introduced as Labour candidate on Radio nan Gaidheal, commented on what he considered, “an absurd situation that it was cheaper to travel to the mainland than between the islands”. I’m sure he agrees the imperative is that the R.E.T. pilot is successfully completed and manifesto commitments are given by all the parties to continue the scheme.
We must conclude that he has so far been unsuccessful in obtaining any commitment from Iain Gray, the Labour Leader in Scotland, to continue the scheme. A stark contrast to the success achieved by Angus MacNeil to deliver the scheme in the first place.
Ardveenish Pier – Major Improvements.
The campaign to extend Ardveenish pier to safely accommodate the fishing fleet has made significant progress with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar approving £1.25 Million to improve the facility.
This pier is of enormous importance to the fishing industry and much credit is due to Northbay Port Users Association who have been working and campaigning to improve the facilities at Northbay and Ardveenish for the safety of the vessels that use the harbour.
08/09/09 - Loganair Concerns
Responding to the dramatic news that Loganair may reduce the number of Benbecula/Glasgow flights if Range Hebrides implement their proposals to slash jobs in Uist. Uist SNP councillors Gerry MacLeod and Donald Manford supported by Angus MacNeil MP and Alasdair Allan MSP have asked the Transport Minister to investigate the introduction of a P. S. O. on this route.
Cllr Manford said; I have consistently believed that the appropriate service provision for Benbecula can best be provided by a P.S.O. which secures by contract the number of daily flights to be provided at affordable prices importantly in both directions.
Cllr Macleod said; A P.S.O. on this route is unquestionably the best solution. I recognised it is not something which can be introduced overnight with the process requiring it to go to Europe through the Westminster Government before it can be tendered for contract.
Fuel Costs.