 |
News from Barra |
31/05/02
Queen’s Visit to Stornoway
Barra & Vatersay Community were well represented on the occasion of Her Majesty The Queen’s visit to Stornoway, as part of her Jubilee tour of Scotland.
Mairi Donachie, Carol MacNeil and Ellen Hargin, who had travelled to Stornoway for the occasion all met with Her Majesty and had the opportunity to speak with Her Majesty and She recollected fond memories of Her many visits to “Barra’s beautiful beaches” in the Royal Yacht Britannia.
Councillor Donald Manford and Betty McAtear were also in attendance in their official capacities.
Feis Bharraigh 2002
A new Feis Bharraigh committee has been charged with breathing new life into the Feis this year, in what is best described as an existing new format…..and yes, new volunteer helpers will be needed!
The new Committee is headed up by the Feis’s youngest ever Chairman, John Joe MacNeil who has stated that: “ My main aim is to ensure that we focus on providing those attending the week’s activities with an experience of our culture through the mediums of Gaelic, drama and music in the unique Barra style.”
The new format will ensure that students will have more time to spend on a preferred discipline and it will also allow a higher level of networking through group work. Students will be invited to attend 4 classes, two of which will be dedicated to the one discipline. They will also have the opportunity to attend group work sessions, which will integrate the Gaelic language with Music and Drama in preparation for the final show.
The new format will also stretch to evening activities and the new committee will need the feedback from the local community on the types of events that they would like to see in place. It is clear that a bank of volunteer helpers will need to be drawn up and the committee are confident of local support.
The new Feis booklet is currently being put together and as usual we would ask that all local businesses and groups who have advertised in the past continue to provide this support.
The Feis registration forms are currently being printed and will be available from the usual outlets from next week. Please note: This year the registration forms MUST be submitted by 5th July.
More information regarding this years Feis is available from: Voluntary Action Barra & Vatersay. Tel: 01871 810 401 or John Joe MacNeil. E-mail: feisbharraigh@yahoo.com.
The new Committee will be meeting next Wednesday at 7.30pm in the Dolphin and invite anyone who wishes to join, help, support or otherwise to attend.
24/05/02
Bishop Murray Visits for Confirmations
The smiling faces say it all! Above are some of the young people of the island community who received the Sacrament of Confirmation from Bishop Ian Murray recently at services which took place in the Castlebay and Northbay parishes. The Bishop praised the way in which the youngsters had prepared for the reception of the Sacrament and thanked the input of home, school and parish in the lead up to the day itself. After Mass, the confirmandi and their families retired to the new pre-school centre in Castlebay where they had the opportunity to meet with Bishop Ian and admire the new development at first hand. The young people and families of the Northbay parish also had an opportunity to have an informal chat with Bishop Ian as they celebrated the reception of the Sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation. A word of thanks to all those who worked behind the scenes to make the occasion such a happy and memorable event.
Barra & Vatersay Clean-Up 10am Saturday 1st June 2002
Bags are sponsored by CNES 50p per bag. Funds will go towards Castlebay Hall Renovation Fund. The Hall Committee is waiting for the result of their recent lottery application and hopes to have the go-ahead soon. They will need all the support that they can get.
Contact for Castlebay: Seamus Campbell, Tel: 810 909. Contact for Northbay: Katie & Roddy Nicholson, Tel: 890 213. All litter will be tackled as the island is in a mess not just from the winter gales but from all the cans, bottles and plastic bags that are just dumped everywhere. The clean up will start at 10am Saturday Morning. Bags, gloves and juice are provided and can be collected from Voluntary Action Barra Office or from area organisers. Volunteers wanted. All Ages.
17/05/02
Support mounts for Community Radio for Barra & Vatersay
Plans to establish a community radio on Barra were given a boost this week when the initial idea was given a cautious welcome by various funding agencies and bodies.
Donnie
MacNeil and Eoin MacNeil, who have established the Isle of Barra Community Radio
Group, are spearheading the idea. It is intended that the radio station will
have a wide community membership and it will offer an exciting and entertaining
schedule of programmes for young and old alike.
Group members will travel to Lewis over the next two weeks for talks with
Isles FM to establish links and obtain advice and information based on their
experiences.
A pilot project will be set up in the initial stages which will see the station being established on Barra, formulating its own identity and recruiting volunteers interested in taking the project further.
The radio group will spend this time developing ideas by consulting with the local community to ascertain the types of programmes they would like to see produced. The group will also investigate all the statutory and legal requirements that need to be in place before transmission can begin.
The
station will support the islands strong cultural identity including Gaelic and
it is hoped that our wealth of talent can be tapped into and promoted through
this innovative way.
Donnie and Eoin would be delighted to meet with anyone within the community who would be interested in becoming involved. The Isle of Barra Radio Group meetings are held in the Dolphin most Wednesday mornings at 8am or telephone 810259.
Comhairle Follows Up On Ryanair Pledge
The Chairman of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Transport Committee, Mr. Norman A. Macdonald, has said he’s very interested in statements made by the Chairman of Ryanair, Mr. Michael O’Leary, that his company would provide flights from the Western Isles to Glasgow with prices from £29 and that 70% of the seating capacity would be at that price.
Mr. Macdonald said: “It is obviously an extremely encouraging pledge from Ryanair and we will be interested to see how they and HIAL now take this matter forward. There are a lot of issues which would have to be discussed and it is very early days. The Comhairle’s priority is to achieve dependable, good quality services at a reasonable price that are scheduled to meet the demands of the customer. We would not be interested in a short term offer at the expense of lifeline services to all of our islands in the long term. However, Mr. O’Leary did say that his company would provide the service at these prices for ten years. That is a substantial length of time for an air service deal and we will be following this up with HIAL, Ryanair and other interested parties”.
Women’s 10K
Best wishes to the ten ladies, travelling to Glasgow this weekend to take part in the Brittanic Asset Management Women’s 10K on Sunday 19th May at 11am. Five of the ten ladies from Barra are doing this for their first time. Good Luck to all those taking part!!
10/05/02
Cop Corner - Road Safety
Scotland’s roads are the most dangerous in the country and Northern Constabulary target certain areas of road safety to help educate road users and thus reduce injuries and deaths. The roads on Barra are, as we all know very poor, potholed and bumpy. If you were to drive to the shops and perhaps buy some eggs, how would you take them home? Would you remove them from the box and place them loose on the back seat, or would you leave them in their secure purpose made box and put them somewhere where they couldn’t get damaged?
What about children? How do you carry your child?
If you have a child under 3 years of age they must be secured in an appropriate child restraint.
If you have a child aged between 3 and 11 the appropriate child restraint should be worn,but if not fitted, then the normal seatbelt must be worn.
The two most dangerous ways to transport a child is on the lap of another personor being allowed to stand in the vehicle.
As for any one else then we are all aware that seatbelts must be worn no matter where you sit in a vehicle. Northern Constabulary have a seatbelt campaign starting next month when we will be expected to send returns as to how many people we find in breach of the seatbelt laws.
Don’t be a statistic.
Barra Company Moving Into Hi–Tech Design & Manufacture
The
Barra based business Soviet Bazaar is soon to start assembling some products
directly from Barra. Soviet Bazaar
is made up of a team of 4 and has been established for 2 years, importing and
retailing a wide range of observation devices. The business has grown rapidly
over the last 2 years and despite its rural location, Soviet Bazaar is now well
established in the market place and has a wide customer base within the UK,
Europe and Internationally.
Soviet
Bazaar is looking forward to developing a full-scale, environmentally friendly,
manufacturing house on Barra in the near future.
If the expansion is successful the business hopes to create 15-20 new
employment opportunities.
Soviet
Bazaar aims to create employment opportunities which
will attract skilled graduates back to the island and aims to offer
exciting career prospects to individuals living on the island. The business has
a substantial customer base for its products monocular, binoculars, scopes and
hi-tech night vision products, for both recreational and professional use.The
knowledge and experience gained from playing a key role within such a
competitive marketplace, good customer feedback and close relations with many
manufacturers; has led Soviet Bazaar to expand its operations, to design and
manufacture its own new innovative products.
Last October the business commissioned the manufacture of 2 laser target
designators, which now sell worldwide and this
has encouraged Soviet Bazaar to develop more new ground breaking products. In February 2002, 2 members of Soviet Bazaar’s team visited
their manufacturers in Russia and Belarus to undergo a weeks training course in
the manufacture and assembly of night vision equipment.
In June of this year Soviet Bazaar hope to start assembling their latest design innovation, the Night Queen, which is a compact modular day/night sight. The new product was displayed at the recent Shooting Sports 2002 exhibition in April and it generated a lot of interest. Latest tests on the Night Queen showed it had dominance over all currently available models on the market. Components for this system are supplied to Barra from four different manufactures in France, Russia, Belarus and UK. Soviet Bazaar is currently working together with W.I.E and with local council business development officers, in the hope that their efforts will lead the business a step closer to realising its full potential.
03/05/02
The One Tel Hebridean Challenge - Monday 6 to Friday 10 May
The Hebridean Challenge, a five day event involving hill runners, mountain bikers and canoeists, has become a major feature in the British Venture Racing Calendar. Over 100 competitors are expected to participate this year as individuals or part of the 22 teams entered in the race.
Monday, canoeists will cross from Eriskay to Crannag and at 1.45 will compete in a timed section from Crannag to Bruernish. At 2.50pm runners and cyclists will set off from Ardmhor terminal to Castlebay using both sides of the island and climbing various peaks en route. On arrival in Castlebay the teams will set off for Vatersay climbing Heisival Mhor and Bentangaval.
Tuesday 6am Cyclists and runners race from Castlebay to Ardmhor and at 6.30am canoeists set off from Crannag to race to Eriskay..
Drivers are asked to take note of the times and to drive with due consideration for the runners and cyclists on Monday and Tuesday.
Shellfish Samples Required
Samples of Cockles and Razor Fish are required on a regular basis if the areas of around Barra and Vatersay are to be reclassified to enable both Cockles and Razor Fish to be sold directly for human consumption. The current situation is that the Traigh Mhor and other areas are declassified and neither Cockles nor Razor Fish can be sold directly without purification.
Barratlantic have indicated that they are considering the purchase of a depurification machine but the ideal solution is to restore the classification at an “A” Grade.
Sound of Barra Ferry
The Ferry Service from Barra to Eriskay was disrupted again this week when the ferry The “Eilean Bernaraigh” broke down for the second time in as many weeks. The service resumed on Tuesday afternoon when the “Eilean na H-Oige” returned from dry dock and took over the run. The service continues to be extremely busy and there is the possibility that both the “Eilean Bernaraigh” and the “Eilean na H-Oige” will be on the run for the peak of the summer season. There continues to be a problem with no show - please cancel if you are not going to use your booking.
26/04/02
Fly-ing Success
Low lying mist and heavy rain on Saturday prevented many of the 43 planes scheduled for the fly-in from landing in Barra. The “early birds” who flew in on Friday enjoyed beautiful clear sunny weather and saw the West Cost of Scotland at its best. Among the 16 planes that made it, there were 5 Austers, 5 Pipers, 1 Piper Supercub, 1 Socata, Cessna, 1 Beachcraft and oldest of all (1944) a Broussard (above). They arrived from the Netherlands and from all over England and made an impressive display on the beach in spite of the weather.
The weather did cause difficulties on Sunday when a Piper Cub (right) was attempting to take off from the beach, the aircraft was caught by a gust of wind and overturned sustaining damage to its tailfin, propeller, windscreen and wings. The pilot sustained a slight injury to his leg. All emergency services attended the incident. The Fly-In was an outstanding success and all the pilots are threatening to return next year.
New Hospital Opening
The Rt Hon Jack McConnell, MSP, opened Ospadal Uibhist agus Bharraigh this week. The £7 million hospital development provides medical, surgical, maternity and long–stay care services to the communities of North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist and Barra.
Chairman of Western Isles NHS Board, David Currie, said, “ The opening of the new hospital is a significant step forward for health care provision in the Western Isles, and today is an important day for our staff and for the community as a whole.”
Childrens Centre
This week saw the opening of the Childrens Centre when Croileagan, Playgroup and Parent & Toddlers groups started their new term in the new Centre. The groups have access to classrooms, their own w.c.’s and patio area, all contained by a security entrance system to prevent any public access. This is to comply with the new child security legislation – nothing in comparison to the dilapidated port-a-cabins they were accustomed to! It is hoped to have the café opening soon, and an open day will be organised for the community.
19/04/02
Future of the Airport Under Discussion
Eoligarry Township met this week with Highland Airways Commercial Director Basil O’Fee and Eoin MacNeil, Chairman of Barra Transportation Committee. Highland Airways presented a position statement to the township, which highlighted that they had been exploring ways in which they could facilitate the establishment of a fixed runway on Barra. Both the local councillor and the local transportation committee stated that the first stage of negotiations would have to be with the Eoligarry Township. Highland Airways proposal is for them to prepare a 650 metre grass strip, landside of the existing Air Terminal. In doing so they would seek the co-operation of HIAL for the use of the existing terminal and their aviation support services. The precise nature of any agreement has still to be discussed and this initial meeting was just to provide the township with the fullest information to allow them to consider their options. A small number of the shareholders expressed their lack of support to the proposal and their views were quite rightly fully noted. The majority of the Township shareholders at the meeting welcomed the proposal and agreed that a wider township consultation should take place with a decision being made as soon as possible.
Mr O’Fee then met with the Isle of Barra Transportation committee who, following the meeting stated “The statement of principles outlined in Highland Airways’ document is broadly welcomed in that it can be considered as an essential first step to securing the long term viability of our air services here on Barra. We would be keen to work in partnership with any service providers, the Comhairle and other Government Agencies to develop these principles further in the Community interest where we would have a key role in developing the Community’s opinion, taking forward their views and protecting their interests.” “We recognise the difficulties and challenges that will emerge over the coming months but we are confident that by working with all interested parties, we can examine all possibilities and reach a point where a viable secure air service can continue to be provided here on Barra.”
The Transportation Committee will invite the Comhairle officials to attend their next meeting over the next week to discuss the project further and look forward to a speedy outcome from the Eoligarry Township consultations in order that a full community consultation meeting can then take place.
12/04/02
Total Ban on Sale of Cockles
The Food Standards Agency has announced a total ban on the sale of cockles and razor fish for human consumption from all previously classified areas in Barra & Vatersay. Failure to provide the Food Standards Agency with an adequate number of samples for testing on a regular basis is the reason given for the declassification of these areas. This means that no cockles or razor fish from the Traigh Mhor and other areas around the islands can be sold on for human consumption.
A new production area in Ardmhor has been given a provisional B classification. This B Classification, however, still means that cockles from this area cannot be sold directly for human consumption without depuration or heat treatment at approved premises. Efforts are being made to arrange a meeting with the Food Standards Agency about the classification to the areas affected.
New Pier For Old
Donarm Construction Ltd are currently working at Castlebay Pier to construct a new pier on top of the old pier. The decision to go ahead with the construction work was made following surveys which revealed that the old pier had an estimated life span of 10-15 years.
The design for the construction work is such that a new pier is effectively being built on top of the old pier with new supports drilled down to the seabed through the old pier. When the old pier comes to the end of it’s lifespan it is designed to collapse to the seabed leaving the new pier still standing in its place. The cost of the project is in the region of £450,000.00 and 1,700 tonnes of concrete have been used in its construction.
05/04/02
Road Accident
A family of five was air lifted to hospital on Monday evening following an accident near the old ferry slipway in Vatersay. The vehicle apparently went out of control and left the road coming to rest of rocks below the road.
The occupants of the car, 2 adults and three children were airlifted to the Southern General Hospital by helicopter for treatment for their injuries. Three members of the family were able to leave hospital on Tuesday after overnight treatment. One adult has undergone surgery and is still in hospital while one child sustained head injuries and is under observation in hospital in Glasgow.
‘No Shows’ Block Ferry
An unacceptable level of “no show” is becoming evident on the Sound of Barra Car Ferry. The ferry, which can only carry 4 vehicles per run, on one day this week had two sailings where not one of the booked vehicles turned up for the sailing.
On average the vessel is having 25% of pre booked vehicles not showing up – this prevents other people who may wish to travel from booking onto the service. There is a need for a pre-payment procedure to ensure that only people who seriously intend to travel will use the booking system.
Spotless! Cleaning is LiveWIRE Young Runner Up
ReefNet, a web design and development company, has won the £1000 first prize at the Regional Final of the 2002 Shell LiveWIRE Young Business Start Up Awards. ReefNet is a partnership company owned by Alex Tearse (29) and Anne Buchanan (28) based in Aignish, Point, Isle of Lewis. Councillor Donald MacLean, Chairman of the Comhairle’s Development Services Committee. said, The calibre of all this years’ finalists was excellent and this made our task as a Panel especially difficult. At the end of the day that has to be good news for the Western Isles.”
The 2nd prize of £800 went to Seumas Campbell, Castlebay, Barra (Spotless Cleaning) who returned to the island and has worked hard to establish his own business. The 3rd prize of £500 was awarded to Thistle Spa. Three additional merit prizes of £400 were presented to Lochside Salon, Croft Recordings and Merlin Welding. The awards were presented by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Convener, Alex A Macdonald.
If anyone in the Western Isles, aged between 16 & 30, would like to find out how to turn their business idea into reality, contact Jane Campbell, Shell LiveWIRE Co-ordinator, Business Advantage, Department for Sustainable Communities, Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar, Sandwick Road, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis on (01851)-709271 for further information.
29/03/02
Sound of Barra SAC on Hold
In September 2000 the Sound of Barra was put forward for consideration as a possible Special Area of Conservation for common seals and subtidal sandbanks. Following consultation meetings held by SNH in October 2000 and a joint meeting held by Castlebay Community Council, Northbay Community council and the Fishermen’s Association it was decided objections should be lodged against this proposal. Since then the Western Isles Fishermen’s Association has called for a cull of seals around the islands concerned at the increasing damage to fish stocks. In addition, representatives from Barra, Councillor Donald Manford and Mary Bell Galbraith along with representatives from other areas and islands gave evidence to the Scottish Parliament Petitions committee early in March.
This week SNH have indicated that the Scottish Ministers have delayed any decision on the following grounds: “The number of seals counted in the year 2000, during construction of the Eriskay causeway, shows a significant drop within the Sound of Barra SAC. This was expected as a result of short-term disturbance, and it is predicted that numbers within the area will return to previous levels. Further survey, however, will be required to confirm this.” A letter circulated this week states” In light of the recent decline in seal numbers, the Scottish Ministers have decided to defer a decision on whether the Sound of Barra possible SAC should be proposed to the European Commission as a candidate Special Area of Conservation, until such time as the results of the proposed survey work are known.” The evidence given to the Petitions committee is available on the Internet www.scottish.parliament.uk , the Petitions Committee 4th March.
Barra Now the Only Licensed Slaughterhouse in the Western Isles
Environmental Services committee heard this week that from April 2002, due to European regulations, the home-kill of livestock will be illegal. All sheep and cattle that are to be eaten, whether by crofters themselves, or members of their immediate family, or for sale, must be killed in a licensed slaughterhouse. There is now only one licensed slaughterhouse in the Western Isles, in Barra, and it was made clear that once these new regulations are introduced in April, any form of home-kill, including that carried out by licensed itinerant slaughterers, will not be permitted. The regulations are intended to remove the possibility of CJD spreading into humans from retail sales of meat or from home-kill. Commenting on the report and the views expressed by members of the Committee, Cllr. Angus Nicolson, Chairman of the Environmental Services Committee, said “These new regulations will put an end to home kill which is an outdated practice. The Environmental Services Committee made it clear that it expects these new regulations to be rigorously enforced.
STOP PRESS!!
The Transportation Committee of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar this week recommended that all vehicles under 5 metres will be charged as non commercial vehicles on the Sound of Barra Ferry
22/03/02
Barra Pre-School
The
completion of the Children’s Centre in Castlebay marks a very significant
development for the island. The new Centre incorporates two large classrooms
with partitions to extend into one large room, Parent & Toddler room, Soft
Play, Café area and additional office space. Initially, the Centre will house
both Playgroups and Croileagan, Parent & Toddler groups.
However, over the next few months, the facilities will be available for
weekend and holiday activities with the café area and soft play area becoming
available for wider community use. It is anticipated to have the official
opening in the near future, but an open day for the public will be arranged
shortly. Barra Pre-School Committee are grateful for the considerable support
and positive feedback received from the Community over the last few years.
Our last words…… who said we’d never do it…!!
Transportation Developments
It is understood that an air service provider has requested exploratory discussions with Eoligarry Township in the near future. Any initiatives, which may lead to a more secure air service on Barra are very welcome and we anxiously await the outcome of their meeting. We wish the township well with their discussions. It will also be important that the community has the fullest opportunity of contributing to the discussions in due course.
Councillor Manford reported this week that the Comhairle has agreed that a child concession ticket will be introduced on the Sound of Barra Ferry priced at £1.25!
15/03/02
Thanks to Cal Mac Crew for Care and Attention
Neach-deasachaidh choir,
I am writing to thank the numerous individuals who have taken the time and trouble to endeavour to set the record straight regarding circumstances on MV Lord of the Isles at the beginning of the week.
The “story” which appeared in the Daily Record of Monday, March 11, was no more than a dreadful calumny and an outrageous slur, not only on the Master of the vessel and the crew, but also on the passengers who had, quite obviously, no complaint about the way they were treated.
Weather conditions were atrocious and in the circumstances, I believe that there is very little else anyone could have done to make circumstances more comfortable for passengers. It is simply appalling that this kind of outrageous assault is allowed to go unchecked.
I know that many people from Barra who were on board have taken steps to have the wholly inaccurate picture of events corrected and CalMac is grateful to you all for that.
While we may not agree on everything all of the time, and will no doubt have our mystic differences in the future, this is most certainly one occasion on which we are happy to be pulling on the same oar. Apart from quite obviously, someone who does not have either the company or the community’s best interests at heart.
Leis gach deagh dhurachd, Hugh Dan MacLennan, Public Affairs Manager, CalMac.
Thanks to the Cal Mac crew and skipper were received from many of the passengers who travelled on Sunday and who were on board on Sunday when in sudden severe weather the vessel had to take shelter in Armadale in Skye. Donald Currie, Mairi Ishabel and Morris Hatcher, Angela and Margaret MacLeod, Kirsty Gillies and Angie Foster were among many who personally expressed their thanks for the care and attention given by the crew and whole heartedly supported the decision of the skipper to make for shelter.
Construction to Begin on New CalMac Ships
Caledonian MacBrayne has confirmed that work is due to begin shortly on the construction of two new ships for the fleet. The two successful yards are Appledore Shipbuilders of Devon and McTay Marine of Bromborough in the Wirral, near Liverpool. The new sheltered water ferry will be commissioned for use on the Mallaig to Armadale service in the summer. The second vessel is a new, larger ferry for the Sound of Harris, to replace the Loch Bhrusda, and will enable the current ferry to be re-deployed between Barra and Eriskay.
Confirming that the letters of intent had been issued prior to signing contracts for the construction of the new ships, CalMac Managing Director Lawrie Sinclair said: “ This is a very significant enhancement to our operation across the network and one which CalMac greatly appreciates. We look forwards to having the ships in service in the late Spring of 2003.”
08/03/02
Eilean na H- Oighe takes up her station in Barra
Barra crew man Willie Douglas is all smiles as the Eilean na H-Oige lands her first car at the new terminal at Ardmhor.
In the background is the fishing boat belonging to former ferryman Donald Campbell whose family served the island so well over a number of years.
Eoligarry School Children Welcome the First Passengers
The delegation of distinguished visitors who came ashore on Monday were met by the children of Eoligarry School. Norman MacDonald, chairman of the Comhairle Transportation Committee cut the tartan ribbon being held by Andrew Henderson and Michael MacKinnon from Eoligarry. The first female passengers to come ashore were handed a bunch of flowers by Anne Marie MacNeil from Ardveenish and Eleanor MacKinnon from Eoligarry.
Alex MacDonald, Roddy Murray, Convenor and Vice Convenor of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. Calum MacDonald and Alasdair Morrison, Isabel MacDonald, WIE were met by Councillor Donald Manford and a large crowd assembled in Ardmhor for this historic occasion. The visitors were joined by the Rt Rev Ian Murray, Bishop of Argyll and the Isles and local clergy in St Barrs Hall Northbay to enjoy a beautiful buffet in the company of the local Ardmhor crofters, representatives from Northbay and Castlebay Community Councils, Barra Transportation committee who had helped in the campaign.
01/03/02
Fishing Boat Aground
The fishing vessel Fidelity contacted Stornoway coastguard on Thursday 21st February at 8.30pm and reported she had gone aground in the approaches to Northbay. The vessel had a crew of 4 and the wind was westerly gale force. The Barra lifeboat was launched and the Barra coastguard rescue team were tasked. The lifeboat arrived on scene at 9.06pm and the vessel was refloated and escorted to Northbay harbour by the lifeboat arriving safely at 10.39pm. Concern has been expressed that, in spite of a number of reports, the green navigational buoy at the entrance to Ardveenish has been out of action for some time. In addition, it appears that the red buoy may have moved out of position in during the severe weather resulting in added confusion for boats making for shelter at Ardveenish pier.
Lightning Strikes Again
Communication was completely disrupted last week when lightning struck an underground telephone cable in Castlebay in the early hours of Wednesday morning (20th February). Considerable damage was caused to phone systems, computer modems and fax machines along with about 80 telephone faults. BT Engineers have been busy all week to restore service to their customers. This is the second time within a month that lightning has struck underground cables in the island. At the end of January lightning struck the underground electricity cable between the Airport and Eoligarry school. Hydro engineers were able to switch to the emergency generators to supply the whole island from Ardmhor south while Eoligarry remained on mains power. The generators coped with the demand for power from the Friday evening to the Monday morning while Hydro engineers worked throughout the weekend until mains power was restored.
SCIAF Visit to Barra During Fair Trade Fortnight
Fair Trade Fortnight will run from 4th to 17th March. Jaqueline Arreaza from the Scottish Catholic Aid Fund (SCIAF) will be on Barra on the 7th & 8th of March. SCIAF works amongst some of the poorest people in the developing world, enabling them to build a sustainable future for themselves and their communities. Jaqueline will describe the work of SCIAF as part of a Fairtrade evening and tasting session in Castlebay School at 7.30pm on Thursday 7th. Scottish Co-op are leading the campaign for fair trade and will be running promotions during this period.
Car Ferry Service begins on Monday
The inaugural service across the Sound of Barra is due to leave Eriskay at 12.30 on Monday. Delegates from Comhairle nan Eilean and the MP and MSP will be in the contingent on board to welcome the introduction of this vital service to the island.
22/02/02
Comhairle Confirm Barra Base for Sound of Barra Ferry
In spite of a last ditch attempt by Eriskay to have the Sound of Barra Ferry based in Eriskay, the full council meeting of the Comhairle this week confirmed that the ferry is to be based in Barra.
CalMac’s M V Loch Tarbert has been on charter all this week to convey vehicles transporting tar for the new ferry terminal at Ardmhor and has been able to operate in all weather conditions across the Sound - a good indication the the Loch Bhrusda will be able to provide an excellent service from summer 2003. The car ferry service to be operated by the Council will begin in March 2002 and will sail from Ardmore to Eriskay using MV Eilean Na h-oige with M V Eilean Bhearnaraigh as relief.
It is now time that all the political arguments stopped and that every effort is made by all concerned to provide Barra with as reliable a ferry service as possible for the next year within the limitations that the MCA will place on the two Comhairle ferries.
Congratulations to Barra Fishermen who Gain Inshore Skippers Tickets:
John L. MacNeil, Alistair MacNeil, Colin MacNeil, Angus J MacNeil,
Neil P MacLean, Antony Gillies, Archie MacNeil, William A Douglas,
Iain Dewar (not pictured), Michael J MacNeil and to tutors Donald B MacLeod and Donald W MacLeod on the successful outcome of the course.
The first 20 fishermen in the Western Isles to complete their Inshore Skippers Fishing Livel 3 Qualification were presented with their Certificates in Barra by Irene Williamson, Project Co-ordinator, Shetland Fisheries Training Association and in Stornoway by Alasdair Morrison, MSP.
The pan HIE project has been running for the last 2 years and has resulted in 20 assessors being training throughout the Highlands and Islands area. These assessors are all MCA approved skippers whose skills and expertise are used in their own locality to provide underpinning knowledge and ensuring that fishermen are occupationally competent, prior to being assessed in the range of 13 units required for the Level 3 Qualification.
Irene Williamson said “this Project has enabled remote areas, of the Highlands and Islands, that do not have access to nautical colleges to set up the local infrastructure to deliver nationally recognised qualifications to fishermen. The training is flexible and is done during periods of bad weather, weekends etc., and favours of working practices of fishermen, rather that the traditional route which meant fishermen have to spend lengthy periods in College, which proved expensive as fishermen did not earn any money during their study time”.
Alasdair Morrison, MSP, said, “I am delighted at the high success rate achieved by Western Isles fishermen, with fishing being one of the most dangerous occupations it is vital that we have a highly qualified workforce who are able to cope professionally with any emergency that rises within the workplace”.
Duncan MacInnes, Co-ordinator Western Isles Fisheries Training Association, said “this project has clearly shown that distance is no longer a barrier to fishermen gaining access to training. Having used the services of Mr. Donald MacKenzie, Lecturer Lweis Castle College, to assist Donald B MacLeod and Donald W MacLeod the Barra assessors and Colin MacKenzie, Stornoway assessor, we have developed a new partnership with the college. We intend to target resources at the other outlying areas of the Western Isles to ensure that all fishermen will have access to their Level 3 Qualification in their own locality. The units for the Level 4 Limited Area are currently being developed and we intend to develop the infrastructure to pilot that qualification for some fishermen who have completed their Level 3 Inshore Ticket”.
Barra fishermen are grateful to both Barratlantic and the Fire Service for offering them accommodation for studying throughout the length of the project.
For further information contact Duncan MacInness on 01851 702 385.
15/02/02
Uist
Vet Appointed To SNH Board
Veterinary
Surgeon for the Uists and Barra, David Buckland, has been
appointed to the North Areas Board of Scottish Natural
Heritage. David lives in South Uist with his wife and
family and has worked in the Islands for the past 20
years. In
addition to being the local vet, he is also a crofter and
plays an active role as such in his local community.
He is currently also a member of the local school
board and was previously on the board of Western Isles
Enterprise. He
has additional experience in wildlife research and before
moving to the Uists, took part in a year long project on
feral goats on the Isle of Rum.
Commenting
on his new role with SNH, Mr Buckland said:
“I hope that my close working contact with the
crofters of the Southern Isles will help me to forge
closer links between the local community and SNH. These
Islands are of huge environmental importance because of
the way in which they have been crofted in the past.
I think it is increasingly important that crofting
communities are given a more active role in future
environmental and land management issues and I look
forward to promoting this within my role on the North
Areas Board.
Car
Ferry on Target for March
The
car ferry service across the Sound of Barra is expected to
start on Monday 4th March and will be provided initially
by Eilean Na H-oige which previously served Eriskay. Prior
to that date the CalMac ferry the Loch Bhrusda will
undertake a trial sailing across the sound and the Loch
Tarbert will be coming in under contract for a week to R
& J MacLeod to bring hot tar across from Uist for the
road surfacing out to Ardmhor point. Caledonian MacBrayne
have undertaken a site visit to the project and have
indicated their complete satisfaction with the facilities
in Ardmhor for the overnight berthing of the Loch Bhrusda
when she takes over the route in March 2003.
The Eriskay and the Sound of Barra projects have come in well under budget and a saving of £80,000 has been identified in the overall project costs. Given the appalling state of the roads in the Southern Isles there are strong feelings that this funding should be spent to improve the roads in Barra, Eriskay and South Uist, the communities directly linked the Sound of Barra project.
Barra
Pre-School - 4
Weeks to Go
Week 22 and external works are almost complete. The fencing and paving around the building is ongoing with the landscaping commencing next week. Internally, paintworks are 80% complete, the hard-wood flooring has been installed and the additional floor coverings will commence in week 24. The building is looking very attractive and will be of major benefit to the community. The works are on schedule and only 4 weeks until the building is completed. The Playgroup and the Croileagan can hardly wait. They can’t get out of their portacabins quickly enough!
08/02/02
Vatersay
Aircraft Wreckage
On
May 12th 1944 a Catalina flying boat JX272 took off from
302 Flying Training Unit at Oban for a night flight
exercise. The
pilot was Flight Sgt. J R Clyned and his co-pilot Sgt. E A
Kilshaw with 7 members of crew. It left Oban and the next turning point was to be Barra Head,
but the navigator became worried that they were well off
their intended course.
On re-checking his compass the navigator found that
they were indeed off course. He then checked with the pilot’s compass and found that
this was giving the wrong reading.
The pilot began to climb immediately to a safe
altitude but when they reached 700ft the aircraft crashed
into the hillside on Heishavel Beag on Vatersay.
Three members of the crew were killed and the other
six injured. The
RAF took away the engines, weapons, radio and radar.
The rest of the aircraft was broken up and dumped
at the bottom of the hill where parts of it can still be
seen today. The lifeboat brought the three bodies and six injured crew
off Vatersay to Barra.
One
of the survivors from that crash, Sgt. Calder returned to
Barra on holiday about 3 years ago and was very moved to
see the wreckage of the Catalina in Vatersay.
During his visit to the Heritage Centre he was
informed that the lady who attended his injuries on the
night of the crash in Vatersay was still alive and in St.
Brendan’s home and he was able to visit her.
Since then he has provided more details and a
photograph of the crew of the Catalina.
A
letter received this week expresses concern that the
wreckage is still there: “I write regarding parts from
the above aircraft having noted same laying by the
roadside on the Isle of Vatersay on August 6th 2001.
My interest arises as not only being a former Royal
Air Force and career civil air pilot but also as possessed
of a wide knowledge of aviation history together with
prolonged active participation in historic aircraft
ownership, restoration and preservation.
Given such background it will be clear why I prefer
not to see the remains of a fatal aircraft accident left
neglected by the road-side some 57 years after the tragic
mishap.” The
writer may not be aware that the Catalina is regarded
locally as a
memorial to those who lost their lives that night and that
action to provide an information plaque on the site is
being considered.
Barra
Takes A Battering
Barra
took a battering from gales that swept through
the island last weekend.
Damage was reported to the main road on the west
side of the island, boulders and pebbles blocked off the
road at the Mhol in Eoligarry and partially blocked the
road at the corner at Craigston.
The combination of high tides and southerly winds
also caused flooding at Earsary and Loch Na Obbe.
A clean up operation has been underway all week.
Transportation
Committee Meeting
Monday 11th February at 7pm in the Dolphin to discuss ferry and bus timetables.
01/02/02
New Premises for Cobhair Bharraigh
Cobhair Bharraigh (Alzheimers Scotland and Crossroads Care for the Carers) are pleased to announce that they have procured funding from the Community Fund (Lottery) for the purchase and refurbishment of the house known as Montefracclma in Kentangaval.
This will enable the organisation to provide more flexible day care for a greater number of people in comfortable surroundings, with proper disabled access and facilities.
Office space will be provided on site as well as a small bedroom where carers can go for a break. We are very grateful to the family of the late Gerard Campbell for their patience and goodwill toward the project and to the local community of Barra for their continuing support.
Sound of Barra Car Ferry Service
Following Community representations to the Comhairle’s Transportation Committee we are very pleased that subject to the ratification of the full Council, the proposed fare structure of £15:00 single for a car and £5:00 single per passenger will be reduced to the more realistic price £10:00 and £2:50 respectively. This price is now consistent mile for mile with the Sound of Harris service.
Some hae meat….if the ferry comes!
Although we do not always realise it, our whole lives seem to be dominated by timetables. The time of the plane equals the time we get our mail or newspapers, the time of the ferry dictates when and whether we can eat meat or bread or have to tell the kids, sorry its beans again! Well, its time that the bureaucrats who draw together these plans of how we should run our lives realised that this community must have a say in it.
The Isle of Barra Transportation Committee was formed to consider all matters relating to transport and the community and they must now consider an integrated timetable system to suit the whole community, whether it is those catching a ferry, attending school, work, education, or evening clubs. All needs must be taken into account.
Is a site aimed at all kids between the ages of 5 and 11 in the Western Isles. The sole aim of the site is to provide young people with a “one stop” information service on issues such as: health; education; community safety; etc.
This website has been created by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar as part of the Working for Communities Pathfinder Project, funded by the Scottish Executive.
More Gales Forecast
Forecasters are predicting gusts of more than 80 m.p.h. across parts of north-west Scotland today (Friday).
If you want to keep up to date with the latest weather news, why not have a look at:
www.ndbc.noaa.gov/Maps/England.shtml
25/01/02
Ferry
Disruption
It
was extremely disappointing that despite representations
to Calmac by our Local Councillor, the Community Councils
and the Barra Transportation Committee, no back up service
was provided following the cancellation of Tuesday’s
Oban ferry service.
Calmac
stated that on the Tuesday a gale force 10 had been
predicted while on the Wednesday a force 9 was due to
arrive. At the time of writing we are unsure what Met
Centre Calmac were relying on, maybe Mystic Meg, because
as we know, while the winds were indeed strong, they did
not manifest themselves as Calmac predicted and there was
numerous opportunities for a ferry crossing to be made.
The real costs of all of this of course is to our community who had to make sure that their provisions stretched from Monday to Friday and to the businesses who will be unable to replace any revenue lost.
New
Gym Facilities!
It is interesting to note that the council have announced this week that a much needed new £255,000 gym facility development will be completed in the Southern Isles by this Summer…Where?…Sgoil Lionacleit!
Sunday
Swimming
The
Sunday Swimming has seen large numbers supporting and
taking part in Fun Swimming, Serious Swimming and
Sauna’s. The Games Hall has also been put to great use
with Football and Basketball activities.
Over
the past two Sunday’s, 136 kids and 22 adults have
enjoyed access to the only community facilities that are
available on the island.
Despite
its success, the association is still faced with the large
costs attached to the hire of these facilities. The focus
must now be placed on convincing the powers that be within
the Council that our facilities must be made available on
the same basis as is enjoyed in the Uists at present, on
an entrance fee basis only.
Well
down everyone and keep up the support. Lets see more of
you this Sunday!
Worldwide
Gathering of the Clan MacNeil 2003
I,
Ian Roderick MacNeil of Barra, hereby call to a worldwide
Gathering all members of the great Clan, wherever they may
live, to be held on the Isle of Barra from 31st July to
7th August 2003.
For
the first time, a Worldwide MacNeil Gathering is being
organised and administered entirely by those living in the
Clan’s historic home, the Isle of Barra.
Inquiries
concerning the Gathering, including all inquiries about
accommodation, should be addressed to:
Marion
MacNeil, The Dolphin, Castlebay, Isle of Barra, HS9 5XD.
E-mail:mmacneil@cne-siar.gov.uk
.
Tel/Fax: 01871 810 302.
18/01/02
Sound of Barra Ferry Terminal - Progress Report
The new ferry terminal at Ardmhor is coming up to completion and work has begun on some of the final touches. The breakwater is now complete, work has started to reinstate and restore the area used as a rock source, and the slipway concreting is complete.The road surfacing will be carried out at the end of February, when a ferry will be chartered to bring the materials over from Eriskay.
Other progress in recent weeks, include:
·The filling of the embankments on the approach road, BT cable, water pipe, and high voltage cable being laid in services trench in the south verge.
·Six of fourteen concrete bases have been poured and six out of fourteen piles are in place.
· A mobile concrete pump and a 35-tonne crawler crane arrived for the construction of the offshore part of the Alignment / Berthing Structure. One of the tracked excavators went home leaving three tracked excavators on site and one of the dump trucks is offhire leaving only one being used.
The first sailing from Ardmhor to Eriskay, using the current Sound of Barra Ferry - the Fencer, will be on March 1st. For further information and to see pictures of the progress, both in Barra and Eriskay have a look at the special section on the project on www.cne-siar.gov.uk .
Barra Pre-School - Update
Week 18, and most of the work is now inside the building. All partitions are completed and 50% of the taping and filling has been done. The underfloor heating is also now switched on to heat the building.
All finishes (doors, facings) will begin next week. External works have begun again to include the rough casting and pathways. Painting works will commence week 20.
Meeting
There will be a Pre-School meeting at Castlebay School on Wednesday 23rd January at 7.00pm. (to include a site visit).
Sunday Swimming Sessions
There was a fantastic response to the opening of the Sunday swimming pool sessions last Sunday. Over 60 kids and 10 adults enjoyed a range of fun sessions, sauna and serious swimming.
Calling all adults & kids, get behind this Sunday swim thing, come along and enjoy the fun. Entrance this week will be by the side door. (Primary school end.)
Castlebay Swimming Pool
As from 7th January children under the age of 7 years must be accompanied by a responsible person, aged at least 16 years, in the water at all times.
11/01/02
BARRA LIFESTYLE SURVEY REPORTS IN NATIONAL PRESS
There has been some confusion in national press and Radio Nan Gaidheal reporting about a survey undertaken in 1993. At the Western Isles NHS Board meeting in December an Epidemiological Report was presented. Part of this report included a section on a lifestyle survey undertaken in 1993. The data was used to show new Board members the type of information that has been collected in the past and to explain our programme for the following year in new data collection and analysis. The Director of Public Health highlighted the problems with small numbers as follows “Throughout this report care must be taken in interpreting data because of the small numbers involved where minor variations can appear more dramatic than they are in reality”. Unfortunately, this data was then misreported (eg. All Barra residents interviewed) by several outlets that were not present at the meeting, without checking with the Western Isles NHS Board.
The lifestyle survey was completed in 1993, when 4% of adults (over 16) were sent a questionnaire, with over 50% responding from Barra (i.e. Around 2% of adults responded in 1993).The island comparisons in the epidemiological report were taken from the raw data and not from the final published Lifestyle Survey, and with the small numbers involved will vary considerably from year to year. A new survey is planned for 2002 along the lines of the 1993 survey. To avoid confusion we will only compare the Western Isles with Scotland for data relating to smoking and alcohol. New data just completed (will be included in the 2002 epidemiological report) shows that island populations are broadly in line with Scottish profiles of alcohol consumption. If anyone would like further information, then please contact Mr Lachlan Mac Pherson, at Western Isles NHS Board 01851 702997 or lachlan.macpherson@wihb.scot.nhs.uk
Calling all Sunday Swimmers!!
Although the Western Isles Council granted permission for swimmers to use the Castlebay pool on Sundays, the request came from a voluntary group in Barra who will have to meet the costs of this which are considerable! The Castlebay pool and games hall will now be open from this Sunday from 1.30 pm-4.30pm. The let will be reviewed after three months.
Membership/Admission Costs
Swimming Pool - (Fun Session for the first 45mins!) 1.30 pm-4.30pm, £2 Per Adult, £1 Per Child.
Adult Book or 12 tickets - £20. Free Sauna with book of adult tickets.
Children book of 12 tickets - £10. These books will be Sunday use only.
Games Hall - £1 admission. No concessions.
Support it from this Sunday or we will lose it!!
For further information regarding the Castlebay Swimming Association contact:Eoin at the Dolphin, Tel:810259.
04/01/02
Children's Centre Goes Worldwide!!!!!
As of today, people from all corners of the globe will be able to monitor the progress of Barra & Vatersay’s exciting new development with the launch of a website dedicated to the Children's Centre.
This site will include fortnightly updates and pictures of the construction works and information on planned fundraising activities and future developments. However, one of the most appealing features will be the children’s own page which includes personal contributions from the island’s young, in which they express their thoughts and feelings about the developments taking place.
The success of the project has already been noted outwith the island. A group of parents from Laxdale in Lewis have made contact with a view to initiating their own bid to construct a Children’s Centre. The website will be particularly beneficial to such groups, providing them with some insight as to the demands of a venture of this size, while allowing the Barra Pre-School group to share their experiences -good and bad – and hopefully lead the way to many more successful community initiatives.
Take a look on http://www.isleofbarra.com/pre-school.htm . Any comments or contributions, particularly from young people are more than welcome.
Barra Fly-In
Bookings for the fly-in have exceeded expectations, with more than twelve private planes already confirmed. Interest has been from as far away as the Netherlands, and even a couple of vintage aircraft are expected. Final numbers could be in excess of 20-25 aircraft, each carrying 2-4 people.
The planes will arrive on Saturday 20th April 2002, and most are expected to depart the following day. Cobhair Bharraigh are organising a Buffet Dance on Saturday night, at Northbay Hall. HIAL will be running the airport open day on the Saturday afternoon, and Loganair have offered to leave the Twin Otter on the beach for the Open Day.
Overnight Accommodation
Most of the crews will be requiring accommodation on the Saturday night, either in hotels or B & Bs. If you are an accommodation provider with availability on Saturday 20th April could you please contact Peter Brown (810 243) ASAP to have your name added to the accommodation list which is being sent to participants.
Happy New Year to All Our Readers!!