23/12/05

Nollaig Chridheil agus Bliadhna Math Ur Dhuibh Uile

The Nativity Scene in Castlebay Square is there for  all and we hope that you enjoy it, like it and respect it so that we will have it for years to come!

Many thanks for the voluntary effort that has gone into the scene and for the work in getting decorations up around the island.

Guth Bharraidh

Next Guth be Friday 6th January.

All items to be in by 9am Thursday.  Email: barranews@aol.com. Fax: 810 933.

VABV Office will be closed on Friday 23rd December, reopen 10am Wednesday 4th January. We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

The Future is Bright but is it Orange?

No closer than we were in 2002

The saga of the mobile phone coverage for Barra continues to drag on as there is, as yet, no sign of Orange progressing with their side of the legal agreements necessary to allow for the decrofting of the proposed sites in Bentangaval and Bruernish.

In a statement sent to all parties concerned, Macneil of Barra has outlined the position to date with a number of legal documents waiting to be signed by Orange or to be returned to the Macneil for approval.

The Youth Council have renewed their campaign for mobile phone coverage for the island and are writing to all concerned to put pressure on Orange to go ahead with the promised mobile masts. These two masts will give coverage to the rest of Barra and enable us all to have access to mobile phones.

The ongoing delay will also be affecting the Connecting Communities Broadband development as connected Communities intends to be onboard the mast in Bentangaval.

According to Macneil of Barra “ As we were even closer in the summer of 2002 than we are now to completing these transactions I am no longer making predictions about the time for their conclusion. I can only assure you that the Estate will continue – as it has for five years and more – to try to move things forward as fast as it can.”

16/12/05

Uist and Barra Active at the First Gathering of the Children's Parliament

19 children from North Uist to Barra aged 9 to 12 attended the first Children's   Parliament Gathering in Musselburgh near Edinburgh. They were joined by children from South Ayrshire and Midlothian at the beautiful Victorian mansion, Carberry Tower.  The venue proved ideal for a wide range of exciting activities to explore key themes drawn from the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Drama and choral speaking were used to voice ideas, the children made giant puppets, reflecting the identity of the Scottish Children’s Parliament, made up of all the different places in Scotland where they live.  Drums and percussion allowed the children to use samba music to explore health and happiness.  In the evenings, the music room witnessed not just children, but also the likes of Councillor Archie Campbell, ex-Councillor David Blaney and Clare Macleod, all Ambassadors to the Children's Parliament, play and step to the samba rhythms.

MSP Alasdair Morrison welcomed the children to the Scottish Parliament. They heard him speak in a debate on fisheries, and after a tour of the Parliament, completely filled his office.

Kathleen Marshall, the Scottish Commissioner for Children and Young People, came away impressed from her visit to the Gathering.  The children made clear to her that children of their age should have more say on issues that directly affect them.  "We know what it feels like", "we are the experts on our own lives", "we have strong views".  She told them that she would be listening to the Children’s Parliament in developing her work.

Getting to the Gathering would not have been possible without the generosity of Loganair and QinetiQ.  Loganair offered the Children's Parliament highly discounted tickets from Barra and Benbecula to Glasgow, while QinetiQ contributed £500 towards the travel costs.  Special thanks therefore go to Loganair CEO Jim Cameron and Qinetiq Area Manager Mick O'Connor.

Air  Ambulance Concerns Continue

At a meeting held in Stornoway on Wednesday evening, the Health Board admitted that there will be an ongoing problem with the proposed new Air Ambulance contract, due to start from next April. In response to questions from Barra councillor Donald Manford the Health Board representatives conceded that returning patients/escorts from hospital is an issue that they have no solution for at present.

The Health Board stated that “they say they will do their best", which in Donald Manford’s opinion is not good enough. He intends continue discussion with the Health Board to seek assurance on the issue and will be writing to the Health Minister to seek a further meeting about the Air Ambulance service.

09/12/05

Iomart aig an Oir - New Development Officer now in Post

Gerard MacDonald, the new development officer for Iomairt Aig an Oir in Barra, has taken up his post and is already working on the planned projects identified in the Iomart aig an Oir Development Plan. Gerard was appointed by the management board of Coimhearsnachd Bharraidh agus Bhatarsaidh (Barra and Vatersay Community) Limited, to the post of Local Development Officer for Barra and Vatersay.

The development officer post was created through the Iomart aig an Oir (Initiative at the Edge) programme, the role of the Local Development Officer is to assist community groups to achieve specific goals within their projects. Projects already receiving help from through the Iomairt Aig an Oir project include Northbay Community Initiative, Vatersay Community Initiative and Northbay Port Users Association.

Mairi Campbell, chairperson of the CBAB board of directors, welcomed Gerard to the company and to the Iomairt aig an Oir programme. “We hope that this post will help the local communities to achieve their potential and develop. The local groups are, I am sure, looking forward to working with Gerard and receiving his support”. Roddy MacLeod of Northbay Community Initiative, whose plans include a hall extension, all weather playing surface and renewable energy system for hall and church, commented that “having a paid person who can help with our project is a real boost. We have already achieved quite a lot but we are all volunteers and finding the time can be very difficult. Having someone who can research options and help find funding will help us achieve our targets that much quicker”.

For further information please contact:

Gerard MacDonald on 01871 810184 email: bvcltd@btconnect.com

or Mairi Campbell on 01871 810980 email: mairiphil@btinternet.com 

2,500 Year Old Bones

Further investigation was carried out last week in to the archaeological site at Allasdale when specialists from Historic Scotland arrived and spent most of the week excavating and charting the ancient burial ground. They opened two of the number of Kists that have been found, in one a full skeleton was found but this skeleton must have been disturbed at some time. In the other Kist however an intact skeleton was found, curled up in the fetal position.

The archaeologists have removed a number of bones for dating and further detailed examination. The skeletons are thought to be about 2,500 years old. The Kists at the site have been left open for people to see when visiting the site. Please do take care if you do take the opportunity to visit.

25/11/05

Crofters Commission Celebrate 50 Years

To commemorate 50 years of the Crofters Commission, they invited all primary schools within the crofting counties to take part in an arts competition.  The theme for the competition was “Crofting Today” and a drawing or painting showing a child’s view of what crofting means to them today.

The arts competition attracted over 1,000 entries, all of which were of a very high standard.  

The competition was judged by Sarah Allan, Board Member, Roddy Murray, Board Member and John Paul, local Inverness photographer.

On Friday 18th November, Robin Currie, Crofters Commission Board Member and Eoin MacNeill, Development Manager for Uists and Barra, visited Eriskay Primary School and met with Kyle MacKechnie who came second in the Western Isles and won £50 on behalf of the School.  Details of all the prize winners in the western isles are detailed below.

The Prize winners in the Western Isles were:

1st Corina MacInnes, Sir E Scott Harris

2nd Kyle MacKechnie, Sgoil Eriskay

3rd Claudia Tompkinson, Bayble Primary School, Lewis

The overall winner for all areas was Alice MacKenzie, Achiltibuie Primary School and her painting will be reproduced into the Commission’s Christmas card for 2005.

Barra and the BAFTA’s

The BAFTA Scotland Awards took place on November 13th 2005 at the Radisson SAS Hotel, Glasgow and covered film, television, interactive media and new talent.13th November in Glasgow. Congratulations to Seonaid MacLeod (Nighean Roddy and Cursty Peigi, Grean) on her major achievement in winning a BAFTA.

New Talent Awards - Best Interactive Media Award, Aig Cridhe Ar Ciùil – Created by Seonaid MacLeod, Donald I. MacDonald (http://www.bbc.co.uk/aigcridhearciuil)

Television Awards Also to Gaelic Language - Eorpa: Arandora Star

Check Out musicscotland.com

Top 50 Best sellers this month

In at number 16, yes, it’s the ever famous Vatersay Boys with their “Sands of Vatersay CD” and at number 23 is the “Back to Barra CD” in aid of Barra Hospice.

Sands of Vatersay was the first CD the Vatersay Boys produced and has been a big hit since day one.  Their follow up CD “An Rathad a’ Bhatarsaigh” is also available.

The “Back to Barra” Hospice CD is available in A & C MacLean, Co-Chomunn Bharraidh and Hebridean Toffee. Selling at £12.99 this is a very good showcase of Barra musical talent and makes a perfect Christmas Gift.

18/11/05

Met Office Gale Warning Friday 11 November 16.09 GMT

Violent Storm 11 now backed South-westerly,

increasing Hurricane Force 12 imminent.

By 2pm on Friday afternoon Castlebay was white with storm drift   and the shores being battered by the waves. The second major storm within the week, Friday's storm followed on from severe weather on Monday evening and left the islands battered by the high winds. Although there was no major structural damage to buildings, a number of fishing boats were damaged in the severe winds that hit the island on Monday and on Friday. Wind speeds of up to 80 knots (92mph) were recorded.

A Significant Find

This is the description given to a burial site discovered over three weeks ago on the machair at Allasdale. A number of human skeletons, adults and children, of considerable age had been exposed in the sand dunes by the winter winds. In addition to the exposed bones, there were a number of kists including one for a very small child.

The site was discovered by local artist Moira Baird, who, having the remains confirmed as human by a local doctor, notified the relevant people within the Comhairle, SNH etc then had to wait for some considerable time before anyone came down to investigate her discovery.  Possibly dating from about 300AD the site could be a Pictish Burial ground, but these details will require further investigation to confirm the age and time period for the site.

Considerable Interest in Cal Mac Routes

Press reports this week indicate that there has been considerable interest shown by shipping companies interested in the operation of the routes currently run by Caledonian MacBrayne.

The Scottish Executive says that 10 companies have made a formal expression of interest in the Gourock / Dunoon route which is being tendered separately and 7 companies have expressed interest in  the remaining  network of 25 routes. It appears safe to assume that the 7 companies interested in the network of 25 routes are among the companies also interested in the Gourock / Dunoon route.

The 7 companies are thought to be CalMac itself, Western Ferries, V Ships, Serco Denholm, Red Funnel, the Irish Continental Group and the Isle of Man Steam Packet company. Both CalMac and Western Ferries yesterday confirmed their interest in both tenders. The successful bids will be announced next year. Cal Mac currently receives a subsidy of around £26m, but the successful tenderer for the Gourock-Dunoon route will not receive any subsidy for that route.

11/11/05

Barra Air Service Flies On!

Much to the relief of everyone in Barra, Tavish Scott announced this week that the air service from Glasgow to Barra will go out to tender for a further three years, from April 2006 to March 2009.

The future of the air service for the next three years was confirmed when Transport Minister Tavish Scott announced continued commitment by the government to support this route. Speaking at the Convention of the Highlands and Islands in Inverary, Mr Scott said: "Maintaining this vital link is important news for Barra. This devolved government's policy on aviation is to ensure that Scotland's rural island communities continue to prosper and grow. Access to affordable, regular transport services is essential for islanders and tourists alike. "The air service complements the enhanced ferry services and has proved crucial for island businesses."  He went on to say that careful consideration is being given to the technical and operational issues relating to Barra's unique beach runway.

In the wake of investment decisions which enhanced ferry services between Barra and the Uists, a review was undertaken on whether air service provision continued to provide value for money and meet the criteria for the imposition of an air service Public Service Obligation. The review was carried out in conjunction with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Highlands and Islands Airports and concluded that there was a case for the continuation of the air service. Further work is underway on the continuing viability of Traigh Mhor beach landing strip. This involves detailed consideration of technical and operational issues.

The positive approach to island air services being shown by the Transport Minister was welcomed by the Barra Joint Air Services Committee and that the ongoing review recognises that the changes to the ferry service have not removed the need for an air service. The Barra Air Service Committee looks forward to the outcome of the ongoing review of the viability of the Beach runway and will continue to work with the government and other statutory agencies to secure the long term future of the Barra Air Service.

Funding Push for Barra & Vatersay

A special meeting of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar was convened to discuss funding for storm damaged areas in South Uist, Benbecula, Barra and Vatersay.  The meeting on Storm Damage was of immense importance to South Uist, Benbecula, the outcome was also very important for Barra and Vatersay.

Chair of Transportation, Cllr Manford stated that, while the community is very grateful to the Executive, for the significant funds made available to date, there are still many areas that are in a very vulnerable state. There is no doubt that the Comhairle has to revise its programme with other areas being asked to make sacrifices to enable more expenditure on these fragile coastlines and roads. Specific funding bids were made for Craigston, Sloc a Churaich, Caragrich, Cliad, Coalas, Sloc mas Bhachd, Vatersay Causeway, Scurribhal, Bagh Siar/Bagh Vatersay, and Kentangaval, totalling £400k.

From the main meeting of the Comhairle, confirmation was given that, for the first time ever, long term core funding was to be made available to the Comunn Eachdraidh throughout the Western Isles, which will be of major importance to Comunn Eachdraidh Bharriadh agus Bhatarsaidh. Further funding was approved for two initiatives in Northbay: The Northbay Woodland Project has been granted £26k to develop the woodland, provide a pathway, parking and interpretation boards. The woodland scheme covers the area from Northbay Bridge to Loch a Duin. Northbay Community Initiative have been successful in their application for £12,000 towards the purchase of  portable building which will provide toilet, kitchen and office space for the OFTTI project.

28/10/05

Mod nan Eilean Siar 2005

Congratulations to all performers who attended this years Mod in Stornoway.  Competition was extremely difficult with up to 55 competitors in some of the groups.  However, the girls held their own, all achieving high marks, often within a couple of points of the winners.   Feedback from the Adjudicators was excellent. Well done to Michelle MacNeil taking 3rd for the Previous Prize Winners Competition and 1st for the Traditional 16-18 years and Claire Frances MacNeil for 1st in Conversation 5-6 years.   There was also success at the Mod Dancing Competition that saw all Trophies in the morning session go to Barra & Uist.  Four Dancers competed from Barra taking home 9 Gold, 10 Silver and 3 Bronze medals. Well done also to Alyson MacNeil who won the Overall Novice Trophy.   

The girls, and their parents, would like to thank all those who helped support them.  Particularly to Chrissie Mary and Mairi Denny, Flora Thomson, Sineag MacKinnon, Katag MacNeil and all those who assisted with tuition for individual competitors for Gaelic and Music.  Thanks are also due to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar for support and Awards for All for funding.

The group 'Ceol Eilean Bharraidh' are already looking at attending the Mod next year in Dunoon.  A meeting will be held in the near future to discuss support for tutors and to encourage more children to participate.

Participants and Supporters who attended the Mod from Barra: Michelle MacNeil, Sarah Louise MacNeil, Michelle Taylor, Karen Elder, Aileen Elder, Alasdair Elder, Amy Dempster, Alyson MacNeil, Shian MacNeil, Claire Frances MacNeil, Marsaili MacNeil, Sorcha MacIntyre, Annie Theresa MacNeil,

Congratulations are also due to Stephanie and Catherine Tinney, (John Campbell's granddaughters), Andrew Robertson (Mac Morag a’ Drell) and Ruairaidh Morrison (grandson of Iain and Mary Sinclair) who did  extremely well in their competitions.

Misprint in last week’s Guth - Apology to Alyson MacDonald.

Please note

Cal Mac Winter Timetable

As the timetable is scheduled for the Lord of the Isles, while the Clansman is on the run she arrives into Castlebay up to 30 minutes early.

Concern about Christmas Timetable

Contact Isle of Barra Transportation Committee - Chairman, Peter Brown, Tel: 810 243.

REMEMBER….The clocks go back one hour at 0100am Sunday 30 October 2005.

21/10/05

The Royal National Mod 2005 – Barra Results..so far…

Day three of this years Mod in Stornoway brought a Gold Badge (1st place) for Claire Frances MacNeil, Castlebay School, in Conversation (5-6yrs).

Michelle MacNeil, Northbay came first on Tuesday in the Girls Traditional (16-18yrs) Singing competition to take home the Gold Badge and The Hugh and Rachel Morrison Taylor Trophy and £20.  Michelle, who came first in the 15 – 18 Traditional competition in Oban in 2003 where she won the Ann Kelly Memorial trophy, also received a 3rd in the Under 18 Solo Singing competition.

Well done to all those who have taken part in this years Mod and congratulations to all who came home with medals!  Let us know of any more results.

Golden Celebrations!

Two Barra couples have recently celebrated their Golden weddings in Barra. Flora (MacNeil) and Alasdair MacInnes were joined by family and friends to mark the occasion in Castlebay Hotel on 24th September, and Mairi (Lysie) and Angus MacLean (Ang) on 4th October who celebrated their Golden anniversary in the Isle of Barra Hotel.

Alasdair and Flora are extremely grateful to all the friends, family and The Vatersay Boys, who came to the party and helped to make it a very special and happy occasion.

They would also like to thank George and Maureen MacLeod and all the staff at the Castlebay Hotel for hosting the evening so wonderfully.

Family and friends gathered together in the Isle of Barra Hotel to congratulate Ang and Mairi Lysie on the occasion of their Golden Wedding. The couple were joined by their two bridesmaids and best man completing the wedding party 50 years on.

The Barra Hospice Committee is extremely grateful to the guests at both weddings as Angus and Mairi, & Alasdair and Flora asked for donations to the Barra Hospice Fund rather than gifts. Donations to the Hospice Fund are well in excess of £1000 and a full total will be given at a later date.

07/10/05

HRH The Princess Royal Presents Awards For Skill and Gallantry

HRH The Princess Royal as Patron of the Shipwrecked Fishermen and Mariners’ Royal Benevolent Society attended the Annual General Meeting at Fishmongers’ Hall, London Bridge, on Tuesday, 4th October.  Her Royal Highness presented awards to the heroes of three sea rescues, and to those who have given distinguished service to the Society.  Among those receiving an award was Mr Ronald Boyd (Ronnie a’ Dookie) of Glen, Barra.

Mr Boyd received The Lord Lewin Award for an outstanding contribution to the work of the Society.  A retired Merchant Navy officer, Ronald, only took over the Castlebay & Northbay  agency in August 2000.  Castlebay & Northbay incorporates what were previously three separate agencies and pays out almost £20,000 annually to around 35 beneficiaries.

Mr Boyd does an extremely good job; he finds those people who need help and writes comprehensive reports.  Despite periods of ill health that have required hospitalisation Mr Boyd is always enthusiastic; he knows his beneficiaries well and it is a measure of his worth that the Shipwrecked Fishermen and Mariners’ Royal Benevolent Society have received a number of unsolicited complimentary comments from some of them about the support he has given.

Castlebay School Hits the Headlines

It was reported in the national press earlier this week that a teenager is suing Castlebay Community School where his father, David Bowman, is headmaster. The pupil passed his Standard Grade exams at the school and is staying on to sit his Highers but he claims he was not given the proper support to help him reach his full potential.

Nigel Scott, Western Isles Council, said: “We are gathering information in advance of any legal action in what is an admittedly, somewhat peculiar case”.

Please Note: There will be NO Guth Bharraidh next week, Friday 14th October.

The next issue will be on Friday 21st October.

The deadline for that issue will be 12 noon on Wednesday 19th October.

30/09/05

Barra Plane Passenger Figures Keep on Climbing

Barra Airport continues to show considerable growth as recent passenger figures reflect the continuing demand for seats. In August 2005 1,335 passengers used the service, compared to 1,130 in August 2004.  The running total for the year 05/06 was 4,843 passengers; this compared with the similar period in 04/05 of 4,656 passengers gives an overall increase for the comparable period of 18.1%

Two studies are currently ongoing into the future of the Barra air service; one by Burks Green into the feasibility and infrastructure required for a hard runway, and a study by Halcrow, into the Social and Economic case for the Barra air service. The preliminary outcome of these studies will be submitted to the Transport Minister, Tavish Scott and will assist him in determining the future of the Air Service to Barra. The initial decision that has to be made in the very near future is that the air service has a future which will allow the service to go to tender for April 2006. An announcement from the Transport Minister is expected within the next few weeks to allow the tender to go ahead.

Demand on the air service to Barra has resulted in two flights per day now being scheduled into next year's timetable on a number of days in the week. The demand is undoubtedly being helped by the reduction in Air Fares following the Scottish Executive assisting the areas in the Highlands and Islands with Public Service Orders to cut the cost of flights.

Passenger figures went up across the HIAL area showing a considerable increase in demand for air services throughout the Highlands and Islands. Across the ten HIAL airports 116,662 passengers were carried in August compared to 97,660.

From the Grand Banks to Barra

A Message in a Bottle was found by Claire Francis MacNeil, Tangasdale on the beach at North Allasdale.  Claire Francis and her sister Marsaili were playing on the beach and picked up the bottle to find that it had been send on 15th December 2004 from N 46 44 9254; W 48 45 1660. The sender, Brendan Browne from Placentia in, Newfoundland, Canada was working as chief cook on an oil tanker, Vinland.

Brendan Browne has since been in touch with Claire Francis and Marsaili  and has extended an invitation for the family to visit his family if they are ever in Canada. He lives in a small community of 400 people on Point Verde, Newfoundland. The bottle had travelled 1860 miles from the Hibernia oilfield East of the Grand Banks.

23/09/05

Sea Kayaks and Sea Creatures

Clearwater Paddling has just come to the end of its fifth summer (was that a summer?) on Barra, with well over 120 people joining their sea kayaking tours this year. Since May they have run 12 weeks of kayaking tours around the islands, as well as camping tours and many other day trips.

People have booked on Clearwater Paddling holidays from Germany, Spain and Austria and even as far away as Australia and America.  Almost every one, come wind and rain, has loved visiting these island shores. Sea kayaks are an amazing way of exploring the islands, and getting close to the wildlife.

Clearwater Paddling  Castlebay, Isle of Barra. Telephone (00 44) 01871 810 443

An Traigh Mhòr (The Beach Airport on the Isle of Barra)

Thursday 29 September 2005, 6.45pm, BBC2

When Northern and Scottish Airways at Renfrew Airport, and their Chief Pilot David Barclay began a scheduled airline service to the Isle of Barra in 1936, their first passenger landed on the island with a copy of that day’s “Bulletin” newspaper in his hand. He was met by Northbay Postmaster John MacPherson (the Coddy), who had recommended the ‘Tràigh Mhòr’ beach runway to the airline entrepreneurs. “Ach well,” he observed in amazement, “Next the moon”.

An Tràigh Mhòr documents the story of an airport whose runways disappear under the sea twice every day; the people who made it what it is; those who work there for example as firemen, and those who have made use of it in emergency.  It is the only beach airport in the world to handle scheduled airline services.

Despite the romantic connotations, this precious airline connection that Barra has with the mainland has been threatened by a Government response to the phasing out of the Twin Otter aircraft – the only aircraft suitable for a beach landing. In March 2003, following a campaign that grew in strength from protest to a petition drawing support from around the world, it was decided that the service would be allowed to continue – but only until 2006.

Taking part in the programme are the airport staff, former British Airways Senior Pilot Bill Innes, Local Councillor Donald Manford, Hector MacNeil, John Campbell, Hugh Sinclair, Michael Buchanan and Tilly MacMillan.

Music for “An Tràigh Mhòr” was specially arranged by well-known traditional musician Maggie MacInnes, daughter of Barra singer Flora MacNeil. The programme was directed by Allan MacDonald whose (MacKinnon) grandparents came from the village of Brevig on the island.

An Tràigh Mhòr was produced for MnE Television, by Morag Stewart and Alasdair MacKinnon and funded by Seirbheis nam Meadhanan Gàidhlig.

16/09/05

Scottish Parliament Vote for Cal Mac Services to Go to Tender

Yesterday members of the Scottish Parliament debated the motion “That the Parliament welcomes the Scottish Executive's further detailed consideration of the EU requirements relating to the Clyde and Hebrides lifeline ferry services; notes the serious consequences of these services not being compatible with the regulations; recognises the executive's commitment to secure the continued employment of the Caledonian MacBrayne workforce and the protection of their terms, conditions and pension rights, and acknowledges that the tendering of the Clyde and Hebrides lifeline ferry services is required to protect these vital services.” After a long and, at times, very heated debate, the votes were cast with 63 in favour of going to tender, 53 against and one abstention.

Assurances were also given during the debate that the tendering process would protect the employment and pension rights of Cal Mac Employees as far as possible within the current legislation.

Prior to the debate an information pack was produced and references to other documents made available which summarise the papers and letters on which the Transport minister based his decision. These are available as follows:

Information Pack: www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2005/09/09104007/40085

Disposal and Storage of Nuclear Waste

This week, Voluntary Action Barra received a briefing paper from an action group in Lincolnshire who campaigned against the storage of Nuclear Waste in their area.

Information from that paper raises concerns on an issue that we may need to take urgent action on.

Nirex (Nuclear Industry Radioactive Waste Executive) is responsible for providing the UK with options for the long-term management of radioactive materials and in 1987 began a search for a location for a deep disposal facility for low level and intermediate waste.  From a choice of 537 possible sites identified a short list of 12 was selected.  Until 2005 Nirex refused to release the list of potential sites, but after a campaign and an appeal to the Information Commissioner, the list of 537 sites was released along with information on their site selection policy. 

What has this to do with Barra? Of major concern is that of the twelve shortlisted sites two are islands off Barra, Sandray and Fuday.

In 2003 the Committee on Radioactive Waste Management (CoRWM) was established to oversee a national consultation on Waste Management and has to report back to the Government on the best options for storage of nuclear waste by July 2006.

Currently 10,000 tons of radioactive waste is currently stored in the UK. Decommissioning of Nuclear Power stations will increase this figure by more than 200%.

Anyone wishing a copy of  this paper can contact Voluntary Action Barra and Vatersay on 810 401 or call into the office.

09/09/05

Food Preparation Now Clearly Defined as Personal Care

Donald Manford, Barra councillor, spearheaded the campaign to clarify the definition of Free Personal Care following the row when the Social work Dept of CNES introduced charges for food preparation for the home Care clients across the Western Isles. The Western Isles Carers and Users Association, Jinty Morrison and Mary B Galbraith raised the issue with Mr Manford following a meeting in Barra with Cobhair Bharraigh committee at which concerns about the impact of these charges would have on elderly people in Barra who needed assistance  to prepare meals at home.

Barra councillor Donald Manford has saved Western Isles pensioners £85,000 this year.  Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar caused distress to 120 elderly people, on Barra and across the islands, by wrongly implementing a ban on carers officially undertaking tasks like peeling vegetables or cooking meals without payment.  Mr Manford was furious that they were needlessly hit with the unexpected charges and confronted the council over the issue. He insisted that it should be free personal care according to the legislation. His stance led to intervention by the Scottish Executive and Audit Scotland. They concurred with Mr Manford and it resulted in the council being forced into an embarrassing U-turn. It will now refund the money paid by pensioners and the service should re-commence to those in need of it.

The controversy centres on the Community Care Act which introduced free personal care for elderly people in 2002. Crucially the legislation states that there must not be any charge for “assisting with the preparation of food.”  Social work director Malcolm Smith referred councillors to outdated wrong guidance when the charges were voted through earlier this year.  But the Executive pointed out that correct advice was sent last September.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is not the only local authority to have introduced these charges and this clarification of the issue of charges for preparation of food will now help old age pensioners throughout Scotland who are unable to prepare their own meals.

A Scottish Executive spokeswoman said the legislation "makes explicit that assistance with the preparation of food should not be charged for and the terms of the Act must be observed.  We are pleased that Western Isles is refunding any charges it was making for the preparation of food and we would urge any other local authorities in the same position to follow their example”.

Ambulance Service Concerns

Northbay Community Council have raised the issue of single manning of ambulances in Barra, considering this issue to be of major importance for the island if we are to have an effective responsive ambulance service.

In recent years, without any consultation, the ambulance service has reduced the number of personnel on the local ambulance from two to one so that in effect we have a driver and no other ambulance technician on board. The community council have serious concerns about this issue especially if this, the only ambulance in Barra is called to respond to an emergency.

Concerns are also expressed about the ambulance carrying patients without any escort in the rear of the vehicle to look after patients and, following a patient transfer last weekend, the transfer of patients between Barra and Uist hospitals without so much as an escort or a vehicle being sent over and the patient being left, unescorted on the ferry until arrival in Eriskay.

02/09/05

There have been a number of concerns expressed about the new postal service for Barra. To ensure that everyone is aware of how the new service works the details are as follows:

Incoming mail  -  A mail charter flight leaves Inverness for Stornoway and Benbecula arriving in Benbecula at 8am. The mail for Barra which arrives in Benbecula in separate bags is collected by the Eriskay post van and delivered to the Sound of Barra ferry for the 10.10am departure from Eriskay, is collected in Ardmhor and taken to Castlebay. This allows mail to be distributed around the island at the same time each day and means no late deliveries for the postmen as was the case summer and winter when we had afternoon flights.

Outgoing Mail  -  Early morning collections from the boxes round the island, the last collection being at 8am from the mailbox at Castlebay Post Office. The mail is then delivered to the ferry for 9.20 sailing, collected in Eriskay by the Post Bus which then collects from all the boxes from Eriskay to Balivanich, the mail being delivered to Balivanich for 2.30pm.

The chartered mail plane leaves Benbecula at 3.15, leaves Stornoway at 4.15 arrives in Inverness at 4.45. First class mail is then sorted and leaves Inverness by plane for Edinburgh and Heathrow about 8pm that night for next day delivery.

There are now separate bags for interisland mail ie Stornoway and Benbecula mail to and from Barra, which should improve the interisland mail service considerably.

Eddie MacKenzie, Royal Mail, Stornoway, states that he sees this service as being a major improvement on the Mail service for the islands, and, in the event of bad weather etc he will have more control over the mail and will be in a better position to re route it if necessary.

Anyone with any concerns should, in the first instance, take their concerns up with Royal Mail - contact: Greg Donaldson, Area Collection Manager, on Tel: 01463 256 225. If not satisfied with their response they can then take their problem up with Postwatch Scotland, www.postwatch.co.uk, Tel: 08456 013265.

26/08/05

75 Years on - St Kilda Service

On Monday 29th August there will be a service on St Kilda to mark the day that the people of St Kilda bade farewell to their island, and to a way of life that had been there for 2000 years. Jack McConnell, First Minister, will be attending the service. On Sunday 28th Countryfile on BBC1 will follow Norman Gillies, now 80, back to the island he left at the age of five.

Fr Roddy MacNeil, Castlebay, hopes to travel to St Kilda on Monday, taking with him the St Kilda Chalice which was commissioned by the Marquis of Bute to commemorate the first Mass celebrated in St Kilda after the Reformation. The Chalice is kept in Our Lady Star of the Sea, Castlebay.  The inscription of the Chalice is:

Do'n T-Athair Urramach Iain bho Iain (Uachdaran Hiort)

And round the base:  Le cuimhine ghradhach thaingeil air a' cheud Aifrionn air Hoirt, o am ath-leasachaidh, mar is ainmichte e, air a dara la fichead de mhios Dheireannaich an t-samhraidh, an am bliadhna naoi ceud deug agus sia deug air fhichead.

BARRAIGH A' BOPADAICH'S SUMMER FUN ENDS

 At the end of a summer programme of activities, Barraigh a' Bopadaich unveiled their arts mosaic paving slabs in Northbay on Wednesday. Comunn na Gàidhlig's Chief Executive Donald Martin and Student Placement Ishbel Maclean from Craigston along with 16 adults and 30 children, reviewed the Summer’s Gaelic Projects.  Donald explained  that the project had developed, following a letter sent to him by Ishbel MacLean from Aberdeen University. " I was so impressed with the enthusiasm and commitment demonstrated by Ishbel that I had no hesitation in agreeing to take her on for twelve weeks Placement.” Ishbel set up two Gaelic Summer Play schemes, Barraigh a’ Bopadaich and a Young Enterprise Group who will be undertaking a business project through the medium of Gaelic. She also took a group of teenagers to Fort William on a CnaG Eurosgoil Camp.

Children prepared five mosaics depicting Barra life and island features such as Heaval and Kismul Castle.  The mosaics were placed in the Youth Garden in Northbay. Paying tribute to Ishbel for her tremendous hard work Donald Martin said that CnaG would be using the positive outcome of this pilot project to undertake similar initiatives next year.  "This project has shown that children enjoy doing a range of outdoor activities through Gaelic, when they are given the opportunity.

We need a few people to keep the Sradagan and Teenagers’ clubs going and anyone who can help in any way should get in touch with Ishbel at the Barra Learning Centre, Tel: 01851 770 603.

19/08/05

Learning is For Life!

Nowhere is this better illustrated than in the Learning Centre in Barra! Over 15 years ago the then CSS (now Voluntary Action Barra)  obtained funding  for computer equipment and were able to offer places in computer training courses through ACE HI. A partnership with Lews Castle College developed with the College employing a co-ordinator for the Learning Centre and extending the range of courses available to students. The uptake for the wide range of courses and evening classes that subsequently developed was considerable and over the years, the Learning Centre just grew and grew, greatly out stripping the available accommodation. The need for a new building for the Learning Centre had been recognised for many years and it is with great pleasure that now, 15 years on, Voluntary Action Barra will see the Learning Centre opening for the coming session in brand new purpose built accommodation that will enable staff and students to work (in peace!), with space to study and undertake courses with vastly improved facilities.

The new Learning Centre was officially opened by Angus Brendan MacNeil MP for na h'Eileanan an Iar, along with the youngest student, Sarah Ferguson and the oldest student Clare Elizabeth MacNeil (Angus's mum). David Green, Principal of Lews Castle College spoke of the development of the learning Centre and Councillor Donald Manford  represented Comhairle nan Eilean Siar who sponsored the Learning Centre project. Graduating from Lews Castle College through the Learning Centre: Christina MacNeil, Cert. Ed. Child and Youth Studies: Peigi Maclean and Ishbel MacLennan, Cert. Ed. Rural Health Studies: Annag MacLean, HNC Administration and Information Management: Fiona MacLeod, BA Child and Youth studies: Flora Thomson, Post Graduate diploma in Education. A further 27 students have successfully completed modules or courses in 2004-2005. The Learning Centre owes much of its success to the calibre of the local co-ordinators over the years and to the wide range of local tutors who provided the expertise for the courses being run through the centre.

New Oban Ferry Terminal

The official opening of the new ferry terminal in Oban took place on Tuesday. Transport minister Tavish Scott and Cal Mac’s managing director Lawrie Sinclair are pictured unveiling a plaque to commemorate the event.

12/08/05

Our Lady Star of the Sea Renovation

Successful application for grant assistance for Star of the Sea, under the Listed Places of Worship scheme run by Historic Scotland and the Heritage Lottery Fund, was confirmed last year.   A generous 76% grant was offered, with the remainder to be funded by the Church with the cost of the project sitting at £260 000.

The proposals were intended primarily to remedy long-term problems of water penetration and put right other defects in the external fabric, which if left would progressively become more acute and give rise to greater consequential damage and expense. A thorough and detailed study of the building, suggested that the Tower may have let in water from the date of its construction.

The Tower walls, and the more exposed walls of the Nave are being repointed using a lime mortar to match the mortar colour when the  building was first built.  This is lighter than the present cement-based mortar, although it will tone down again after a few years.  Specialist repair work to the leaded windows cannot unfortunately be included because of cost limitations.

The parish has gratefully received various donation to help offset the costs of the work of renovation, safeguarding the use of the church for generations to come. Should anyone wish to contribute to the ongoing work then please make a cheque payable to ‘Star of the Sea Renovation’ and hand in/post it to Fr. Roddy MacNeil, Our Lady Star of the Sea, Castlebay, Isle of Barra.

Barra Air Service Review

The presentation and meeting re the Burk’s Green report into a hard air strip for Barra which was due to be held on Tuesday 9th August was cancelled due to the adverse weather conditions.  The low lying mist and cloud that day affected all flights into the Western Isles and prevented those travelling to Barra for the meeting to arrive on time.

The presentation and meeting will now be rescheduled for two to three weeks time.  Watch the Guth for details.

Lost Property

Found in November ’04. Wedding ring with the inscription C.M.C.L. to R.G. 3/11/90.  Please email barraweb@aol.com.

05/08/05

Funding Awards for New Playpark in Castlebay

Barra and Vatersay Residents' Association are delighted to have been awarded a total of £45,000 from two major grant funders.  Forward Scotland, through the Community Environmental Renewal Scheme (quarrying grant) announced their grant of £25,000 to develop and enhance the land in the centre of Castlebay into a new play area.  BBC Children in Need also awarded the group £20,000. The park will provide facilities for tots to teens, including a specially adapted unit for children with physical disabilities.

Welcoming the two awards, Flora Gillies, Secretary of Barra & Vatersay Residents Association said: “The group, and the children on Barra and Vatersay, are absolutely delighted with the news that they've been awarded a total of £45,000 from Forward Scotland and BBC Children in Need.  The grant will help provide our children with a safe recreational play facility - a necessity and priority for our community.  We are very appreciative and grateful to Grant Officers at Forward Scotland and Children in Need for their generous grants.  Also to the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar local  Community Coordinator for the ongoing support and assistance in ensuring the success of this project.”

The group have already secured £55,000 for the park project and anticipate that works will commence in the near future.

Musical Ferries

MV Clansman was unable to perform her scheduled sailings on Wednesday due to mechanical problems with the rudder and spent the day lying at Oban Railway Pier.   As a result there were significant changes to the timetables, involving Hebridean Isles performing an Oban - Coll - Tiree - Barra - Oban sailing following her arrival in Oban from Islay and Colonsay.

The Lord of the Isles m