Isle of Barra news, archive

A recent issue of the Telegraph, the merchant navy newspaper, reported that Neil John McClements from Earsary was one of three crew members have been nominated for a bravery award for their efforts in the rescue of survivors from the timber carrier Pamela Dream. The Telegraph article stated that: "Crew members from the P&O cruiseship Aurora were involved in the dramatic rescue.

The UK-flagged cruiseship, which is on its maiden voyage, altered course after hearing that the 3,946gt timber carrier Pamela Dream had capsized in rough seas after a cargo shift. Coxswain Chris Hopley said, "As the sea state was 5m swells, and it was blowing a force 8, it was tricky to send out a 15ft inflatable...We knew there were 19 men in the water....Once we were away from the lee of the Aurora we realised how bad the sea really was, and when we got to the lifeboat there was no sign of any survivors. The ship had sighted two crew members in the water, and once we had ridden over a huge wave, there they were - clinging to each other. We picked them up, put them into thermo-protective aids and took them back to the ship. Our boat got swamped with water, the engine died, and we had to use the other FRC to go out again....Later we learned that 11 men had survived, three had died and five were missing. The Russian crew members recovered from their hypothermia and told us that their ship had gone down in 10 minutes. "Mr Hopley and the others in the Fast rescue craft, - coxswains Neil John McClements and Jimmy Hawkins have been nominated for a bravery award for their efforts.

A new tourist facility has just been provided in Castlebay with the opening of Dunard as an independent hostel. Katy (Prattis) and Chris Denahey have returned to Barra with their young family and have been carrying out extensive renovations to convert Katy's family home, Dunard, into an independent hostel for the island.The new hostel can accommodate up to 12 with two twin bunk rooms and a large family room. In addition to the hostel, Chris Denahey has used his own expertise to establish a Sea Kayaking business which will be attractive to holiday makers who are looking for activity holidays. He has a background in outdoor activities and has been involved in Sea Kayaking in Norway, Wales, Scotland, Canada and now the Outer Hebrides. The Sea Kayaking project will be an additional attraction and the hostel and kayaking business will extend the range of facilities available on the island.

Katie & Chris have returned to make their life on Barra and hope to develop both projects into a full time business. Chris can offer sea kayaking from individuals up to groups of eight for half days, full days and weeks and the hostel will be available all year round. For information contact 01871 810 443.

Ronan Rafferty, World famous Irish golfer visited Barra on Wednesday 13 June.While he was here Ronan played a round of golf with some of the local golfers on the 'Most Westerly', 9 hole, Barra Golf Course.

This new organisaton got off to a flying start this week with a ceilidh attended by many local people as well as Margaret Ross from Crossroads Care for Carers and Michael Taylor from Alzheimer's Scotland - Action on Dementia. These two organisations are affiliated with Cobhair Bharraigh and will provide expert help, guidance and training to staff and to the local management committee.

Cobhair Bharraigh is set up to provide respite care for people who look after relatives or friends at home so that they can get out for a few hours much-needed break.

The organisation is funded by the Social Work department of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and the Health Board. Maria MacKay, Senior Social Worker, who has helped with much of the preliminary red tape, also came to wish the project well, as did Jean Branigan, Western Isles Community Care forum, and Cathy MacKinnon of Tacsi Uist

For more information please contact:- Morag Robertson, Cobhair Bharraigh Co-Ordinator at The Dolphin. Tel: 810 906 from 2nd July onwards.

The Community of Barra & Vatersay have cause to celebrate this week with the excellent news that the Pre-school Association's application for funding from National Lottery Charities Board for a Children's Centre has been successful The award secures Ł200,000 towards the overall project costs with the balance being made up by a number of other agencies including Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Western Isles Enterprise. The Centre which will be based on a site opposite Castlebay Secondary School will accommodate the needs of the children of the island.The success of the application reflects the hard work and effort that has been put in by the Pre-school Association over a number of years. Their drive and determination through local fundraising which resulted in over Ł25,000 being raised. This provided the funding partners with the evidence of the Association's commitment to an idea that will now develop into a reality.The application was submitted with support and advice from the Working for Communities Pathfinder Project who assisted in developing a Business Plan which highlighted the need for the Centre, how it could be run viably and outlining its clear potential. The evidence used to support the application came from the recently published Western Isles Poverty Map and the Castlebay Enhancement Plan. It is hoped that the Project will start within the next six months and be completed within the year.An informal meeting will be held on Friday, 8th June, 8.00pm at the Dolphin. All welcome.

A calcium fosfide cylinder flare was found by Kim Clark, Cleat, on Cleat beach.Police were contacted and closed off the beach. The following day Naval E.O.D. attended from Faslane, and after inspection it was considered safer and appropriate to transfer the object to Traigh Mhor where it was disposed off by explosive charge. You are reminded of the danger of such objects - if handled can have serious consequences. Any items found and thought to be suspicious, please contact the police.

On Thursday morning a one vehicle road accident occurred at Liniclate, All the emergency services attended, one man was removed to hospital but the other man received fatal injuries. The man who died has has been named as Colin Johnson, 21 years, from South Uist. Sympathies are extended to his family on their sad loss.

Crofters are reminded that at this time of year all sheep should be on the common grazings or in stockproof land. There have been a number of complaints about the mess and damage caused by sheep wandering around.

C MacDonald	Labour	5,924	45%	-10.6%
A Nicholson	Scottish Nationalist Party	4,850	36.9%	+3.5%
D Taylor	Conservative	1,250	9.5%	+2.9%
J Horne	Liberal Democrat	849	6.5%	+3.4%
J Telfer	Scottish Socialist Party	286	2.2%
Labour majority 1,074. Calum MacDonald has been returned to Westminster as the Member of Parliament for the Western Isles but with a reduced majority. The turnout was 60%.

Development Services Committee of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, this week approved the planning application for the demolition of the old hall and the construction of a new community hall forCastlebay. Subject to a number of conditions the reccomendation from this committee to give approval now goes forward to the meeting of the full council which will be held on 20th June.

The hall committee are now progressing with this project and have submitted an application to the National Lottery Charities Board for funding towards the cost of the development.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar proposes changing its existing policy on the funding of play areas. The undernoted public meetings are open to anyone who has an interest in the Comhairle's contribution to the development of play areas. Copies of the Comhairle's recommendation will be available at the meetings.If you have any enquiries regarding this please contact: Mr Bill Houston at 01851 709 548.The meeting will be held on Thursday 7 June 2001. 7.30pm. Dining Hall, Castlebay School, Barra.

Although effective measures have been taken to prevent any occurrence of FMD in the Western Isles the Scottish Executive have recognised that businesses have been adversely affected throughout Scotland even in areas where the disease has not broken out. They have therefore introduced a scheme whereby they will increase their contribution to any hardship relief granted by Councils for the period 1 April to 30 June and in respect of premises with rateable values of less than Ł12,000 to assist businesses affected by the outbreak of Foot and mouth disease. Councils must ensure that any relief is directed to deserving cases suffering genuine hardship as a result of the foot and mouth outbreak.

Businesses in the agricultural, tourism and related sectors are likely to have been worst affected but there is no restriction on eligibility. The Finance sub-committee of the Comhairle has agreed that hardship relief should be granted for a period not exceeding 3 months from 1 April 2001 to businesses affected by the FMD outbreak where they occupy premises with a rateable value of Ł12,000 or less. An application form for relief is available from the Non-Domestic Rates Section of the Comhairle's Finance Department, Sandwick Road, Stornoway HS1 2BW (Phone 01851 709568)

Although the outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease is not yet over, the restrictions and disinfection procedures for people and vehicles coming into the islands have been eased. On behalf of the crofting community in Barra and Vatersay we would like to thank Iain MacNeil and Donnie MacNeil for their extremely thorough and painstaking work to ensure that the island stayed free of the disease.

The Western Isles Group at the World Festival For Island Cultures in Jeju, Korea, are turning into the stars of the festival and have received acclaim from all quarters for their participation in the event.They were chosen by the Korean Organising Committee to lead the Festival's opening parade last Friday, and, prior to the opening ceremony, they were invited by an admiral of the Korean Navy to take a tour of Jeju Bay in a Navy Destroyer. The entertainment provided by the Western Isles Group on board the destroyer was broadcast on Korean television.

The opening ceremony itself included a spectacular fireworks display and march past of all performers and artists from the 27 Islands who travelled to Jeju from accross the World, from as far as New Zealand and Easter Island and from Sakhalim, Russia. The pipers and drummers from the Western Isles proved to be extremely popular with the residents of Jeju and visitors at the Festival and were given a rapturous response. Following the march past, the evening concluded with the Western Isles and Vietnam sharing a platform, playing to an audience of over 3,000.

Five candidates have stood to contest the Parliamentary Election For the Western Isles Parliamentary Constituency.

Anyone requiring Postal or Proxy votes, application forms are available from the Council Offices, Castlebay. The deadline for receipt of these forms is 5pm Wednesday 30th May.

The new Youth Cafe set off to a flying start last Saturday when nearly thirty teenagers "dropped in" to visit the cafe in Castlebay School. The Cafe will run every Saturday evening from 7.30 to 10pm, for teenagers up to 17. Eligible youngsters are those who, from the beginning of June, will be in S1 to anyone under eighteen. Membership will cost Ł5.00 and can be paid up weekly. Volunteers willing to be part of a rota system should contact Carol MacNeil 810 671. There is a bus running for the cafe - please telephone Jessie on 810 401 on Friday or 890 348 by lunchtime on Saturday to give names for the bus.

The sailing from Ardveenish at 6.40am is a request service - Please book it by 5pm on the Thursday.

Benbecula and Barra Learning Centres have been awarded special status as learndirect scotland branded centres. A learndirect scotland plaque was presented to each centre by Scottish University for Industry (SUfI) chief executive, Frank Pignatelli. Recognising the success of the two centres in demolishing the contraints of peripherality and bringing learning opportunities to everyone, Frank Pignatelli said:"Centres such as those on Benbecula and Barra champion best practice and act as a blueprint for others. We are extremely encouraged by the high standards being set here and the quality that keeps learners coming back for more."It is vital in an increasingly competitive job market, that people in island communities as these have the same access to learning and skills training as people anywhere else in Scotland.

Lews Castle College Principal David Green said: "Lews Castle College's developments on Benbecula and Barra have been achieved by the combined efforts and shared vision of a number of local partners, and the use of new technologies to support communication and education. "We are very proud that Colaisde Bheinn na Faoghla and the Barra Learning Centre have been recognised in this way."

Irene Donnelly, co-ordinator, accepted the plaque on behalf of the Barra Learning Centre. She stated: "This award means a great deal for Barra, in particular to the staff and students of the Learning Centre and all of those who have shared an interest in the centre's progress. It recognises the effort and hard work of everyone connected with the centre over the past 6 years; the tutors, all the co-ordinators, and the determination and commitment from all the students. With the rapid advancement of ICT and Educational Technology who can tell what changes will occur in the educational provision for the people of Barra in the next generation or even in the next 6 years. The Barra Learning Centre hopes to be at the forefront of these changes."

On behalf of the Barra Learning Centre Irene presented Mr. Pignatelli with a copy of " The Book of Barra".

Irene would like to thank all those who attended the presentation and helped out on the day.

Barra is represented in the contingent of young people who are representing the Western Isles at the World Festival of Island Cultures which is taking place in South Korea this week. Marion MacNeil,Castlebay, Micheal Campbell, Vatersay and Paul MacGuire, Castlebay, are among a party of dancers singers and musicians who will be performing on a daily basis throughout their visit. Island products, crafts, culture and heritage will be promoted throughout the trip.

Two services were recorded last week for Grampian and STV. The mass from Our Lady Star of the Sea in Castlebay was filmed on Sunday and will be broadcast early in September.The production team also recorded an ecumenical service in Kisimul Castle later on sunday which will be broadcast some time in June.Details of the times and dates will be given closer to broadcasting for all those who like to tune in.

Two fishermen were involved in an accident last Sunday evening when returning to their boat which was berthed alongside other vessels at Ardveenish Pier. It appears that, on making their way across the other fishing boats to thier own vessel, the Minch Hunter, both men fell into the water. Crew of another boat berthed nearby heard the noise of the men falling into the sea and went to their assistance. Both men were recovered from the water. How ever one of the men failed to respond to medical treatment and subsequently died. The other man was admitted to St Brendans Hospital, and later transferred to Stornoway.

British Airways have recently written to regular customers outlining their policy of charging a surcharge of between Ł10 and Ł25 on the issue of "Tickets on Departure" at airports. They have stated that if an alternative e-ticket is available, a surcharge will be charged for "Tickets of Departure". Loganair have stated that on Loganair sold tickets, both coming to and going from Barra there will be no surcharge, but that a travel agent may place a surcharge on these tickets and that using the 0345 booking number may, at times, result in a surcharge on the fares. To be safe book with Loganair!!

Mr Murdo MacLeod, who has been acting Director of Education for the last two years has been appointed to the post of Education director of Comhairle nan Eilean on a permanent basis.Mr MacLeod stated that he looked forward to implementing a range of initiatives to enhance the quality of education throughout the region.

The West Navion is on a contract to drill two wells one West of Shetland and Scotland. The wells will be at depths of 1000 and 1920metres and drilling time is estimated to be between 120 to 160 days. At 1920metres this is the deepest ever in European waters. For information the internet site is www.smedvig.no/cgi-bin/utskrift.cgi

Next Tuesday, Mr Frank Pignatelli, Chief Executive of the Scottish University for Industry (SUfI) and the principal of Lewis Castle College, Mr David Green, will be in Barra. The purpose of their visit is to present a plaque in recognition of the Learning Centre gaining Flagship Status with the Scottish University for Industry. The presentation will take place on Tuesday morning and it is hoped that Learning Centre students and tutors will be able to attend the ceremony.

For the third time within in the past four years this island community mourns the loss of a young life. Donald MacNeil, Bogach, who was airlifted out from Barra following the car crash on 21 April, has lost his fight for life. A young life, lost, and mourned by his family, his school mates, friends and neighbours. His sister, Clare Anne, also lifted out to hospital by air ambulance, is still undergoing treatment in the Southern General hospital in Glasgow. Arrangements have been made for Donald's funeral to be held at 11am on Sunday, from St. Barr's Church, Northbay.

Last Sunday, 29 April, islanders living on the east side of Barra were puzzled when a drilling ship appeared to anchor off Barra and remained there for two days. Helicopter movement to and fro, fueled rumours that the ship was to carry out exploration drilling just off shore, in the Minch.The following information was obtained from the Coastguard:-The vessel is the Drillship WEST NAVION, a Norwegian owned vessel that arrived off Barra, from the Northwest coast of Ireland, to transfer personnel and supplies before heading out to her drill position, 63 nautical miles West Southwest of Barra. The West Navion is owned by Smedvig Offshore, Stavanger Norway, and is operated by Conoco (UK) Limited in Aberdeen. She has a crew of 115 persons but it is unknown how long the Drillship will be in position or what operations she is conducting.

Patients in Barra, and their carers, are expressing concern at the decision, not only to cut, but in some cases to finish providing any physiotherapy care to some patients in Barra. The decision not to provide cover for these patients appears to have been taken, from afar without any assessment, visit, or care for the wellbeing of the patients in question. Stroke victims, it is estimated will improve over a five year period if given appropriate physiotherapy. There is also the need for physiotherapy for patients to enable them to maintain their current level of mobility as well as look for improvements. Withdrawal or reduction of the physiotherapy service in Barra is not acceptable. An enhancement of the service is required.

Between 300 to 400 bin bags of rubbish were lifted from those areas around Barra and Vatersay that participated in last weeks clean up. Over thirty adults came forward to help and over one hundred children lifted and carried, cleaned ditches and paths playparks and shores. The Cleanup Kid, herself, would like to thank all the adults and children, and particularly the primary children who worked so hard on the day.

About 04:05hrs on Saturday 21/4/01 a one vehicle Road Accident occurred on the A888 main road at Northbay across from its junction with the Eoligarry road whereby the vehicle left the roadway and struck a rock face. The vehicle caught fire on impact leaving the 3 teenage occupants trapped inside.Witnesses nearby assisted the occupants from the burning vehicle. The casualties were then conveyed to local St. Brendans Hospital and thereafter air ambulance to the Glasgow Southern General Hospital where all three are recovering.

The local Police and Northern Constabulary wish to extend their appreciation to John Christie, of 21 St. Brendans Road, Donald MacNeil, Braeside Cottage, Criochan, Sean Prattis, Dunard, Castlebay, Daniel Gillies, Rhu Castlebay and Paul Manford, Borve and the many others including the emergency services who assisted in the rescue of the casualties from the vehicle. It is without doubt that their unselfish bravery has contributed greatly to the being of the casualties concerned.

The accident on Saturday follows on from a road accident that occurred on Sunday 1 April at Kentangaval where a vehicle left the road and came to rest on its roof. In that incident the vehicle was overloaded with passengers. Although all the casualties managed to escape from the vehicle in this incident it highlights what could have been very serious circumstances.

These two incidents highlight the need for young people to be very careful and to learn to make choices in their lives which put safety first. There are other issues which arise which will be the subject of debate.

The 18th Highlands and Islands Music and Dance Festival takes place in Oban from Friday 4 May to Sunday 6 May 2001. Highlights of the weekend is the Invitational Accordion and Fiddle competition,on Friday at 7pm in the Oban Distillery Visitor Centre and the Invitational Piobearachd Competition featuring some of the world's top pipers also takes place on Friday 4 May at 7pm in Lochnell Castle, Ledaig.Around 450 highland dancers will participate in the Festival, the Scottish Area Dancing Finals will be held on Friday 4 May at the Corran Halls, preceded by a Grand Parade starting at 6pm. For further information, please call Joy MacAllister on (01631) 710787 or Margaret Farmer on (01631) 770 242.

The restored Fyfie, the Swan gave local school children a taste of their heritage when she arrived in Castlebay for the weekend.

The 95 year old, Shetland built fishing boat was restored in Lerwick and has spent the last few weeks around the Western Isles.

Arriving in the bay on Saturday, the Swan had a trip down to Mingulay on Sunday. Schoolchildren from Castlebay and Eoligarry had the opportunity, on Monday and Tuesday, to join her and experience the sailing abilities of such a vessel.

Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (A888 Castlebay, Isle of Barra) (20mph speed limit) Order 2001.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar propose to make The Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (A888 Castlebay, Isle of Barra) (20mph Speed Limit) Order 2001 under section 84(1) and (2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. The effect of the Order will be to prohibit any person from driving or causing or permitting to be driven, any vehicle on that length of road known as the A888 Castlebay, Isle of Barra adjacent to Castlebay School from a point of 50m west of the access to the rear of Castlebay School to a point 20m west of the access to Sgor-nan-Druidean, an overall distance of 200m or thereby at a speed exceeding 20mph.Full details of these proposals are in the draft Order which, together with a map showing the lengths of the road affected may be examined during normal office hours, Monday to Friday, inclusive at the Council Offices, Sandwick Road, Stornoway and Castlebay.

Any person wishing to question the proposed Order should send details of the grounds for objection in writing to the Director of Corporate Services, Council Offices, Sandwick Road, Stornoway within 28 days of the date of this Notice. Objections should state the name and address of the objector, matters to which they relate and the grounds on which they are made.

Water flows once again between Eriskay and South Uist with the opening of the bridge in the Eriskay Causeway. The protective wall round the new bridge has been removed and the sea is now pouring through the opening. The area is still being cleared of submerged rocks and fishing vessels are warned to stay clear of the channel at present.Work on the new ferry terminal at Ceann a Gharraidh in Eriskay is also making good progress with 45 metres of the concrete berthing wall cast to date, and progress with the pilings for the foundations well under way. This ferry terminal will be due for completion in July by which time it is hoped to have all the funding for the construction of the Ardmhor ferry terminal in place.

On Tuesday morning Barra and Vatersay Housing Association were handed the keys of their new housing project at Cuithir. The keys of the eight houses were immediately handed on to the prospective tenants and already the lights are shining, brightening up that corner of the island as the new tenants move in. The Housing Association extend best wishes to their new tenants in their new homes.

Proposed relaxations of livestock movement restrictions have been put on hold in the wake of recent foot and mouth outbreaks near Jedburgh and Wigtown. The Scottish Executive announced that (subject to containment of the disease) the revised timescale for relaxing movement controls will be as follows:Movements of animals on to the Islands 1 May has now been set as the likely date from which animals, including the Crofters' Commission supply bulls, will be allowed to move back on to the Islands.Relaxation of controls in the Provisionally Free Areas (PFA's) Subject to there being no further concerns over the spread of the disease, 1 May has been set as the point at which movements in the PFAs will be subject to a General Licence as opposed to individual licences.Relax movement controls in ARAs - There will be no relaxation until 1 May.

The Scottish Executive is reminding farmers, crofters and gamekeepers that the season for making muirburn, which includes setting fire to or burning any heath or muir, ends generally on April 15, 2000. Any person who makes muirburn outwith this lawful season is guilty of an offence.

Visitors are reminded to ensure that they disinfect boots and shoes on arrival before heading to the hills and beaches!Disinfection points are at the pier in Castlebay, Ardveenish, The Airport and Eoligarry Jetty.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has welcomed the decision by the Minister For Environment and Rural Affairs, Ross Finnie, that there will be a relaxation on livestock movements in island areas.Vice-Convenor of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Mr Roddy Murray said: "The Comhairle has been campaigning hard for a relaxation on livestock movements in the islands and today's announcement is the news we have been looking for. This change in the rules governing animal movements will help to ease the extreme hardships of the crofting community". Movement restrictions on all the islands and directly between the islands in the provisionally free areas will be realxed from midnight on Friday 6 April.

This will be implemented by issuing a general license for the whole of the Western Isles as opposed to individual licenses as at present. At this stage, it is understood that the existing licensing regime for movements to slaughter remain as before.

The Western Isles Foot and Mouth Incident Control Team will be discussing the full implications for the Western Isles as fuller information is received from SERAD. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar's Foot and Mouth Information Centre is open to provide the latest information on issues relating to Foot and Mouth and livestock movements. Enquiries should be directed to: 01851 706 224 (9am - 5pm).

More than 50 new jobs in the Western Isles could result from the implementation of the McCrone Report, the Government proposals aimed at modernising the education system. The vacancies will be for additional teaching staff and for bursar, administrative and ICT support employees.

Chairman of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar's Education Committee, Norman L. MacDonald, said: "The increase in skilled employment opportunities across a wide range of professions within the Education sector in the islands is very much to be welcomed, particularly given the fragile nature of the economy. The islands have an enviable record in educational achievement and these opportunities will enable more people to find employment in their chosen profession without leaving the Western Isles".

Road Traffic Accident- Police are currently carrying out an investigation into a road traffic accident which occurred in Castlebay last Sunday.

Cal Mac skipper retires - When the mv Clansman sailed out from Castlebay last Friday she could be heard far and wide as she gave a loud blast to mark the last sailing of Captain Iain Dewar who was retiring from the service on his arrival into Oban. Best wishes to Captain Dewar on his retirement.

Golden Wedding -Congratulations to Ann and John Grant who celebrate their Golden Wedding this week.

Vet - The vet will be in Barra on Thursday 12 April. He will hold a surgery in the workshop at 12 noon. For visits or medicines telephone 01870 60 2262.

A well attended meeting on Monday evening held a wide ranging discussion on the current situation with regard to the Foot and Mouth epidemic. Representatives from crofting townships, local residents and local tourist businesses were brought up to date with regard to regulations on movement of livestock, the current steps being taken to keep the virus out of the islands and the implications for employment and the tourist industry if all access to the islands were banned.

Barra codeIt was agreed by all present that a local Barra code be drawn up, Disinfectant points be established at the four access points into the island, Castlebay pier, Ardveenish Pier, Barra airport and Eoligarry Jetty. All visitors will be asked to ensure that for all footwear, particularly walking boots and wellingtons are scrubbed and disinfected at these points. All vehicles and visitors shoes are already being disinfected on arrival off the boats and the plane If these additional steps are taken by visitors for their walking gear then no further restrictions would be placed on walking around the islands unless individual crofters wished to prohibit access. Leaflets and posters will be printed and distributed. The Code will be printed on the Barra Web page and can be downloaded from there or leaflets collected from Voluntary Action Barra Office. Any tourist business wishing to provide their own disinfection point can obtain disinfectant from Iain MacNeil.

Steps are to be taken to ensure that Hay and Feed lorries were thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.Movement licences are now available from the Council Offices and can be faxed to SERAD.All crofters are advised to apply for Occupational licences. In relation to livestock movements, movement within a holding as long as this does not involve a journey across or along a public road does not require a licence. Therefore movement of stock from the common grazing back to the croft does not require a licence, provided it does not involve a journey along or across a public road. Any other movement requires to be licensed.

The organisers of the Barrathon, the Half Marathon to raise funds for MacMillan Cancer Relief, have expressed their disappointment at the Education Committee's refusal (by six votes to five) to allow a licence to be granted for the fund raising ceilidh due to be held in Castlebay School following this year's Barrathon. The Barrathon, held for the first time last year, requires a large venue this function and Castlebay Community School is the only venue large enough. The School board have already written in support of the application and it is felt that there is far better control of alcohol at such events if there is a licence to sell alcohol rather than allowing alcohol to be brought in or dispersed free of charge. This decision can now only be reversed by the meeting of the full Council in two weeks time.

Childrens cycles are disappearing and being found in bits stripped and dumped in the shore. Watch out for the cycle thiefs!

Following a Health and Safety investigation into a recent incident at Castlebay School new safety measures are being put in place throughout Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. A Health and Safety Prohibition notice has placed an immediate ban on using powdered plaster with water to make moulds or sculptures of body parts on Comhairle premises. The Health and Safety investigation was carried out following the incident which left 15 year old Alistair Galbraith with serious injuries to his hand, when an attempt to make a cast of his hand went badly wrong. Alistair is now back in school, but is having to learn to write with his left hand and is due to go away to the mainland soon for further treatment.

A 103 year old ship's bell, salvaged from the 19th century SS Hebrides, will be reunited later this week with the third Caledonian MacBrayne vessel to bear the name. The brass bell will be delivered to the new Hebrides by a restored David MacBrayne bus, in service at Lochmaddy during the era of the first Hebrides. MV Hebrides is CalMac's newest vessel and will operate in the Skye-Harris-North Uist routes. The 15.5m vessel was constructed at Fergusons of Port Glasgow. She bade farewell to the Clyde this week when she sailed north and VIP sailing on Friday before officially entering service on Saturday 24 March. The latest MV Hebrides, with a crew of 28, will be one of the biggest passenger and vehicle ferries in the CalMac fleet. She will service the Skye to Harris and North Uist routes and will have a capacity of almost 600 passengers and 90 cars.The ship's bell has a long nautical history. It first sailed on the SS Hebrides of 1897 and when the vessel was decommissioned in 1956 it was presented to Lord Strathcona of Colonsay. When the 2nd Hebrides, the first car ferry to the Western Isles, came into service almost 10 years later the bell was returned to CalMac and placed in the vessel's observation lounge. The captain of the second Hebrides, James Hodson, was presented with the bell when he retired in 1985, on the same day the vessel was decommissioned. The bell has now been handed over to the third Hebrides by John Murdo Morrison the owner of the Harris Hotel, where the bell was on display, who said that he was delighted that the bell will be returned to the sea on board CalMac's newest Hebrides.

A meeting will be held in Castlebay School on Monday evening at 7.30pm to discuss steps that can be taken locally to ensure that the Foot and Mouth outbreak does not totally destroy the islands economy.

All township clerks are asked to attend to discuss disinfection points, access, movement licences and other legal issues arising from the current legislation. David Buckland, Vet, will be present. The meeting is an open meeting but township clerks and grazings committees are urged to attend.

The 30m German Side Trawler ‘Hansa’ -with 16 people on board; one German and 15 Spanish Nationals, tragically sank approximately 240 miles west of Tiree earlier this week.

John Griffiths, District Controller at Clyde Coastguard said: “We are very sad that six fishermen should lose their lives in such appalling circumstances and we send every sympathy to their families and friends.

Late Monday evening a Canadian aircraft initially reported sighting a flare and a strobe light in the area.

When the Nimrod aircraft arrived on scene they immediately reported seeing two ljferafts in the water, and the coastguard helicopter was directed straight to the scene and winched the 9 men to safety as soon as they arrived in the area.”After an extensive search of the area another man was found alive after surviving for over 12 hours in the freezing waters. The bodies of the remaining 6 crew members have also been recovered.

Flora Gillies, of “Smart Books”, 14 Ciosmul Cottages, Castlebay, was recently awarded a start-up grant of Ł1,000 and a low interest loan of~1,500 by the Barra Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT) panel. This enabled her to purchase the necessary computer hardware & software to enable her to provide a computerised bock-keeping and desk-top publishing service and to deal with some of the enquiries that have been coming her way since the beginning of the year. Flora was also recently awarded a Practising Certificate for her book-keeping service.The business specialises in the provision of a free-lance, high quality, confidential book-keeping as well as a high-quality desk-top publishing service to locally-based private and commercial clients with new or existing small businesses, as well as to fishermen, or operators in the aqua-culture industry.Commenting on the PSYBT assistance she received, Flora said “I was delighted when the PSYBT stepped in with a grant and loan, which will help me to purchase the equipment needed to provide a quality service to professional standards”..“I can undertake all book-keeping, invoicing, PAYE & wages, as well as VAT & Tax Returns. The publishing service will include producing business cards, leaflets, brochures & posters and photo enlargements from the original photo, not negatives.”Smart Books can be contacted at. (01871)-810-894.

The aim of the PSYBT is to to proyide seedcorn finance and professional support to young people in Scotland aged 18-25, whoever they are and wherever they come from, so that they can set up and continue to run their own businesses. The Trust has particular concern for the disadvantaged.PSYBT is managed by European & Development Services, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. For further information contact: Domhnall MacDonald, PSYBT Manager (01851)-810-876

Following a week of continuous power problems and severe weather, Hydro- Electric imported an additional generator into the island to ensure that both Barra and Vatersay had sufficient generating capacity to cope with the load for all areas.

Problems this week began with a fault at the marine cable at Kilbride in South Uist and then continued as loading problems round the island continued to escalate the faults. After being on duty for 28 hours, a break of three hours, and then back out to work for the local engineer, Hydro Electric flew in three additional staff from Oban to help to deal with the emergency. The severe weather conditions prevailing all week added urgency to the need to get all consumers back on supply.

The new one rnega watt generator doubles the current generating capacity and will be left on the island into the summer - certainly until after R J MacLeod complete their work on the Eriskay Causeway!

Two pilots were killed when their aircraft crashed into the Firth of Forth on Tuesday. The Shorts 360 was on a Royal Mail run from Edinburgh to Belfast. The aircraft in question was the Shorts 360 that provides the early morning Royal Mail charter into Benbecula and Stornoway and then provides the nter island Stornoway / Benbecula service. [his was the second incident this week involving a 60 as the Loganair flight to Islay on Monday was braced to make an emergency landing after smoke appeared in the passenger cabin. Sympathies are :extended to the families of the pilots.

On behalf of Barra & Vatersay Housing Association, Tighean Innes Gall expect to be in a position to allocate the houses at Cuither early next week.

The eight houses are due to have a final tidy up and inspection this weekend before the prospective new tenants are given the green light to take up residence.

Originally due for completion last July the project encountered problems when on of the blocks had to be relocated due to deep peat on site.

A meeting will be held in Castlebay School on Wednesday 7 March at 8pm to discuss steps that can be taken at a local level to prevent the import of Foot And Mouth Disease. Here is obvious concern at the risks of bringing hay and feedstuffs from farms and of other transport coming in from areas that may already have the infection. An island community surely has a better chance of preventing the disease if precautions are taken. Cornhairle Nan Eilean have written to the Scottish Executive asking for compulsory disinfection of all vehicles travelling to the islands.

is important to note that all fangs and gatherings are prohibited under the livestock movement ban.

BT Cellnet have notified the Planning Department of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar of their intention to erect a 12 metre wooden mast with 2No Omni Antennae. Under current planning legislation planning permission is not required as the proposed mast is under 15 metres high. However the Planning Department have responded to the applicants expressing a concern at such a development. In response to the notification they have expressed concern that the development would be at the heart of the built up area in Castlebay close to where people live and work, and secondly, that the mast would be detrimental to the townscape of Castlebay. Mr Joe MacDougall, chairman, Castlebay Community Council, has expressed considerable concern at the proposed development given the possible health risks connected with such masts.A proposal by Vodaphone to erect a mast in Ardveenish close to Barratlantic was withdrawn before it was considered by the Development Services Committee. As this proposed development was 18 metres high it did require planning. Two further masts in Bentangaval and in Bruernish are also proposed. These however are further from existing houses and not giving rise to such serious concern.

In an innovative, attractive and environmentally friendly initiative, clam shells are being used in a drainage and roads project at Tangusdale. Shells from Barratlantic have been recycled and put to good use. Gabion baskets full of clam shells have been used as a buffer between the machair and the burn in repair work and road widening at the bridge at Tangusdale.This could be the latest export from the island!

Local members of the Scottish Co-op met, this week, with Ken MacKenzie, Chief Executive of Scottish Co-op, and expressed their frustration at the long wait for improvements to the local co-op shop. Grossly overcrowded, lack of space, lack of storage were all highlighted as problems for the retail outlet. Mr MacKenzie gave assurances that considerable efforts were being made to identify a site for a new building and that progress was being made.

The full council meeting of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar supported the recommendation of the Transportation Committee to base the Sound of Barra Ferry in Barra. By 18 votes to 5 the Comhairle awarded the contract for the ferry service to the DSO who will take up the run from the 1st of March. Commenting on the decision Councillor Donald Mandford stated that it was council policy for vessels to be based on the islands they serve. This decision will result in 3 new posts for Barra. Timetables for the new service will be discussed at the Northbay Community Council meeting next Tuesday.

The Stornoway Coastguard helicopter airlifted nine French fishermen to safety after their fishing vessel ran aground in the Western Isles. The fishing vessel the "Jacques Abry" was damaged when it ran aground on Floddabeg near Loch Eport on the east coast of North Uist in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Both the coastguarcl helicopter and the Barra Lifeboat were called to the scene and the Emergency tug, the "Ańglhn Prince" was also asked to standby. Five of the crew were airlifted to Benbecula initially as the vessel began taking in water. The remaining crew members were airlifted to safety when weather conditions deteriorated. None of the crew members were injured in the accident.

Pollution control measures were put in place to contain the risk of spillage from the 83,000 tons of fuel aboard the fishing boat. Engineers are working to remove 83,000 liters of red diesel fuel from the hold to prevent it spilling into the Water. Coastguard watch manager Angus Murray said: "All nine crewmen are now safe and well. Our future intentions are to bring them back to Stornoway and continue anti-pollution operations on scene.

This incident is followed by the news that Emergency tugs will be stationed in the Minches and the Pentland Firth all year round from this October. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Calum MacDonald Ml' have welcomed the news as they have been campaigning for the retention of these tugs for some time.

Two areas to the West of Scotland are to close until the end of April in an effort to protect cod stocks and to give them a chance to re generate. The proposed closures are complementary to the North Sea closures and will run for the same period of time. An area off the North West of Scotland and an area in the Firth of Clyde have been identified and will close as early as possible in March. Commenting month agreement reached in Brusselss this week, Rhona Brankin stated the plan was a sensible and successful deal With the aim to deliver effective cod recovery measures which balanced long term goals with short term needs, The closures are emergency measures following on from the projected collapse of the cod stocks.

Cats and dogs.Control and breeding of cats and dogs have hit the news this week. The Scottish Executive are to consult on proposals for a dog identification scheme which will work towards dealing with the increasing problem of stray dogs around Scotland. Identification through the use of number tattoos or by the use of microchips will be considered. Cats are the issue with the RSPCA who have been expressing concern that cats are breeding "like rabbits" and the numbers of stray cats are increasing out of control. There are proposals for a nationwide neutering scheme to solve this ever-increasing problem. The increasing numbers of stray cats on the island are of concern locally.

Comhairle nan Eilean at full council meeting on Tuesday 20 February will have to decide on the contract for the Sound of Barra passenger ferry. The question of the location of the Barra ferry has been looming now for a number of months as the Eriskay Causeway nears completion and there is no longer a need for the Barra ferry to provide a service for Eriskay as well. The recommendation from the transportation committee of the Comhairle is that the ferry be based in Barra and that the contract be awarded to the DSO. This will create 3 posts for the island as well as providing an earlier service out of Barra to Uist and a later service into Barra. The decision with regard to the location of the ferry serving Barra, whether passenger or car ferry, has to be taken sooner or later and it may as well be taken now rather than letting the row between Eriskay and Barra simmer on to the detriment of both islands. Following media reports this week the Comhairle have issued the following statement with regard to the Sound of Barra Passenger Service "No contract has been awarded in respect of this service. The transportation committee has RECOMMENDED acceptance of the inhouse offer but the decision will be taken by the full Comhaire on the 20th February 2001.

The Coastguard tug, the Anglian Prince is due to visit Barra early on Saturday morning. The tug is taking part in a communication exercise and testing all the coastguard communication sites. Co-incidentally on Saturday morning there will also be a local coastguard exercise and presentation. The Anglian Prince is based in the Minches on contract to the Coastguard and as well as being on standby to deal with any emergencies is also carrying out monitoring and surveillance of all large vessels going through the Minches.

Western Isles SNP have launched a petition calling for the Scottish government to promote a Road Equivalent Tariff trial in the Western Isles. Initiated by Alasdair Nicholson, prospective parliamentary candidate for the Western Isles and the Western Isles SNP councillors, the campaign is aimed at regenerating the Western Isles economy and as a counter measure to overcome the disadvantage of high transport and fuel costs to the islands. The information sheet accompanying the petition the SNP state that consultants have estimated RET for a car at 32p per mile and at 90p per mile for a commercial vehicle. With mileage for Oban to Castlebay and Lochboisdale being estimated at 80 miles this would give an RET rate for a car on this route at Ł25.60 - a considerable saving on current costs.

DSO Win Sound of Barra Ferry Contract The Transportation Committee of Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar, this week, has recommended that the contract for the Sound Of Barra Passenger Ferry from 1 March be awarded to the Comhairle DSO (subject to approval of the Full Council Meeting of the Comhairle due to be held in two weeks time). The Comhairle have stated that although no final decision has been or can be taken prior to full council's approval, the vessel is likely to be based in Barra and they will be advertising for staff in the near future (again subject to the approval of full council). There is a provisional agreement to lease a vessel but again no final decision has yet been taken as the DSO are investigating the available options for both the main vessel and relief vessel for the service. The news about the contract is welcome in that there appears to be recognition of the need the base the ferry service in Barra, to improve access to the other islands. This is particularly important with the opening of the new hospital. The likelihood of a non-tidal service will also give a regular timetable for other island services. It is important however that the standard of service continues on this vital transport link.

Todday Publications Todday Publications is a new IT company which has produced a CD-ROM which is in effect an encyclopaedia of shipping in a multimedia format. The two partners in the business are Iain & Alasdair MacNeil from Criochan in Barra (Mac Iain Ailig a'Domhaidh) and they have retained their links with the island in the name of the company. Iain is a Master Mariner and Alasdair a computer Software Engineer and between them they have produced a modern teaching aid which covers all aspects of training for the Merchant Navy up to a Master Mariner. The CD-ROM is interactive and includes a over 10,000 question and answer exercises at levels demanded by different sea faring certificates. The other advantage of the CD rom is that any potential students can be studying at sea without the need to carry a reference library with them! Now doing business with considerable number of shipping companies around the world Toddy Publications is currently developing another project for yachts and smaller boats.

Pilot Heart Research Project For Western Isles TeenagersThe Education committee of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar was this week asked to approve a pilot project involving ECG testing of 15-18 year olds in the Western Isles Schools. The purpose of the project is to diagnose hidden heart conditions and is being conducted in memory of Joanne Fotheringham. Joanne was a former teacher at Bayble School, whose parents have been fund raising with the aim of holding a screening programme in their community. The project is to be conducted by CRY (Cardiac Risk to the Young) which aims to support medical research into sudden death syndrome.

The new digital exchange for Castlebay was switched-on on Tuesday by local primary school pupil Liam Campbell, son of Barra-based part-time BT Scotland engineer Donald "Lye" Campbell. Liam performed a ceremony called "pulling the wedges", which switched off the old exchange and brought the new one into service. Castlebay exchange was nearing capacity and has been replaced by a Ł125,000 state-of-the-art exchange which came into service on Tuesday. The former exchange held around 600 customer lines but the new one offers a three-fold increase in the number of lines it can handle. Customers served by Castlebay exchange are now able to access the full range of BT's select services including: Ringback When Free, Reminder Call, Call Sign, Homemover, Enhanced Call Return and Choose To Refuse. The new exchange, which serves most of Barra, also provides access to Call Minder and Home Highway. Call Minder answers calls and records messages on no reply or engaged. It can answer up to two calls at once and take messages even when the customer is on the phone. Home Highway, which delivers fast internet access, converts a customer's line so that they have two available channels allowing two simultaneous voice or data calls to be in operation at the same time.

Comhairle nan Eilean will benefit by Ł1.35 million pounds over the next three years under a new initiative announced by the Scottish Executive this week. The Better Neighbourhood Services Fund was launched by Social Justice Minister Jackie Baillie and by Finance minister Angus MacKay. Twelve local authority areas were selected throughout Scotland to benefit from the fund, which, according to Ms Baillie, is targeted at improving the quality of neighbourhood services such as better jobs access, improved health, housing and education, cutting crime whatever is most important locally. The local authority areas were selected for the project funding because they have a high proportion of population in receipt of income support. Argyll and Bute, Dumfries and Galloway and Comhairle nan Eilean were included because in addition to high levels of population on income support, these areas have a high level of population dispersal.

Last weeks edition of Guth Bharraidh was delayed due to the power problems that affected the whole island last Thursday. The fault was apparently in Eriskay but full power was not restored to the island until the early hours of Friday morning. The emergency generators were in action but even so the Horve area was without power until 11pm.

The Aird Mhor Car Ferry In response to an article in the Stornoway gazette in which there is the assumption that the new car ferry will be based in Eriskay when it eventually becomes a reality! Dear Sir,Sound of Barra FerryI refer to Mrs. Seonag Campbell's letter in last week's Gazette concerning the Sound of Barra Ferry. Mrs Campbell is right to highlight the likelihood of an increase in tourism which Eriskay and indeed Barra will benefit from as a result of the causeway. Tourism is only one factor, albeit an important one that contributes to the Western Isles economy. The Eriskay causeway was not built for reasons of tourism but to try and reverse the trend of a dying population, a dying community. The Community of Barra is best placed to recognise this in terms of the island of Vatersay. The Eriskay causeway should now allow more families to return to Eriskay and also provide its community with a much-improved access to education, training, job opportunities, health care and some of the other things that people living on the mainland take for granted. The Community of Barra & Vatersay also require the same access. We can certainly lay claim to many achievements, but one thing we have failed to master so far is the art of walking on water. It is for this reason and the absence of our own causeway that we need and will get our own Aird Mhor Ferry to cross the Sound. I agree with Mrs Campbell that a ferry operator will be appointed and a vessel will be identified. As for her comments relating to sensitive negotiations taking place as to where best to berth the vessel, I would seriously question, what is there to negotiate? Negotiate with the members of our Community who require the vessel to be berthed on Barra to access any posts which will hopefully be decentralised to the Uists from HIE and others; Negotiate with the members of our Community who are sick and frail and require the vessel to be berthed on Barra to access our new Uist and Barra Hospital based in Uist; Negotiate with our fishermen, those with commercial interests and our road hauliers who require the vessel to be based on Barra on the basis of improved access to markets; Negotiate with the members of our community who require the vessel to be berthed on Barra to access an improved transportation service by plane and ferry. Most of all negotiate on the same basis and with the same arguments that ensured that the vessel serving the Isle of Lewis was quite rightly berthed on Lewis. The Community of Barra and Vatersay is looking forward to closer and stronger links with its neighbouring islands and we look forward to many taking the trip from the Uists and Eriskay to Barra.They will find a Community warm with friendship and hospitality. They will find very little in terms of services and jobs. Yours faithfully Mr. Eoin MacNeil Chairman Barra Transportation Committee

On 11th January 2001 at 11am at Ospadal Uibhist agus Bharraigh in Balivanich, Mr Donald MacKenzie, Director of R J McLeod Contractors Ltd and Neil Wilson, Project Manager, will officially be handing over the new Ospadal Uibhist agus Bharraigh to Western Isles Health Board Chairman, Sandy Matheson and Chief Executive, Murdo MacLennan. The event marks the end of R J McLeod's 16 months develop and construct programme. The Health Board will now use the next two months to ensure that the commissioning phase of the hospital development runs smoothly. The 7 million hospital development is the second largest investment in health care services in the Western Isles and is to be opened in March.A public information campaign on the new hospital is targeted at providing clear information to residents of the Southern Isles on the services and facilities the new hospital will provide. A bilingual leaflet drop across the islands will be followed by a series of public exhibitions where health professionals will be available answer any questions. Marion Smith, hospital manager, Ospadal Uibhist agus Bharraigh (Uist and Barra Hospital) commented, "With the hospital construction phase now nearing completion we are experiencing a lot of interest from local residents wanting to know more. The hospital exists to serve our local community and it was felt important to keep local people informed and involved in the development of their hospital. The exhibition is due to be in Barra from 2.30 to 9pm on 24 January.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar have issued the following statement with regard to the possible location of the proposed Sound Of Barra Car Ferry. Chairman of Transportation, Cllr. Norman A. MacDonald, said: "Let me be quite clear. No decision has been taken about the operating base for the proposed Sound Of Barra car ferry. Indeed, at the moment there is no financial package in place for a ferry although the Comhairle is determined to achieve such a service. However, as and when the ferry is secured, a decision will be taken in consultation with the successful operator and other relevant organisations. In the meantime it does no good whatsoever for communities to set themselves against one another when what is required is for communities to work together to ensure that the funding is secured". This statement refers to the ongoing debate between Eriskay and Barra re the operational base for the proposed car ferry and the fact that the successful operator will be involved in the final decision making process is of major importance to Barra.