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GUTH BHARRAIDH BARRA NEWS |
27/06/03
Award Winners
Karen and Gerry Porter of Hebridean Toffee were among the award winners at the prestigious Highlands and Islands Business Awards held in Eden Court, Inverness on 17th June. One of eleven businesses shortlisted for the finals, Hebridean Toffee won their award for marketing, a fair tribute to their design, packaging and internet marketing skills which have helped to make their Barra based business such a success. Hebridean Toffee was also runner up in the category for new business.
Congratulations and best wishes for the future.
One.Tel Hebridean Challenge 2003
The top Adventure Sport Race will end on Barra today Friday 27th June. The Barra race day starts at 9am and will finish at 4pm in Castlebay. Competitors will have to decide for themselves in what order to ‘bag’ a number of checkpoints scattered all over Barra
Road-users are requested to take special care, as Friday will see runners, bikers and paddlers active all over Barra. There will be lots to see, with bikes and runners racing on the roads and tracks. The final spectacle, dubbed ‘Storming the Castle’ is at 4pm when racers will be evident swimming out to Kisimul Castle, to ‘bag’ the final checkpoint. Around 100 runners, road and mountain bikers, sea kayakers and swimmers are involved in this Hebridean challenge from the Butt of Lewis to Barra.
There will be a final Ceilidh Prize-Giving at Tangasdale at 9pm where the major attraction will be “the Vatersay Boys” . This Ceilidh is mainly for event participants and representatives of the local community as a ‘thank you’ to those in Barra who have helped over the years. A few tickets may be available on the door, for a donation to charity, but numbers will be limited due to Fire Regulations.
Wheel of fortune - As an extra fundraiser local charities are invited to take part in a Wheel of Fortune, which will be organised at the evening Ceilidh. Proceeds will be shared between Care Groups and Youth & Sport groups. Prizes can be donated to Jessie at Voluntary Action, Morag at Cobhair Bharraigh, Clare at Barra Hospice, Katie at Tangusdale , Eachan at Junior Football, Katie or Chris at Dunard, or handed in at the door.
Barra Fishing Fleet
This weeks featured boat is MFV Prowess, which is the latest acquisition for the Northbay Fishing Company.
The Prowess, 51m in length, will now partner the Charisma and will be skippered by 24 year old Michael MacLeod (Mac John Archie Mhicheil) from Eoligarry.
The Della Strada and the Regina Caeli are now up for sale.
We would like to offer skipper and crew best wishes and success with the new vessel.
20/06/03
Estate of Barra
The Crofters Commission & Absentee Crofters
In the past few months the Estate of Barra reports that it has received from the Crofters Commission notices of proposed termination of several crofting tenancies for absenteeism. In each case the Commission has indicated that it has been unable to contact the crofter for lack of a current address. Each time the estate has succeeded in contacting the crofter and advising him or her of the Commission’s action and has also asked the Commission to hold its fire until the crofter has had time to respond.
From the foregoing it appears to be the course of wisdom for each absentee crofter to keep the Commission well advised of changes to the address of his or her home off the island. This is true even where the crofter maintains a seasonable residence in Barra and has informal arrangements for forwarding mail.
Jubilees
Three priests from the diocese of Argyll & the Isles are celebrating various jubilees within the next few weeks:
Mgr. Ewan MacInnes celebrated seventy years in the priesthood and the Bishop was the main concelebrant at a Mass of Thanksgiving held in Nazareth House on the 19th of June.
Fr. Calum MacLellan celebrates fifty years in the service of God’s people and a Mass of Thanksgiving and a ceilidh will take place in Eriskay on the 6th of July.
Fr. Michael MacDonald celebrates twenty five years as a priest and there will be a concelebrated Mass in Bornish, South Uist, on the 26th of June, 7pm, and an open air Mass in Ardkenneth, South Uist, on the 29th June, 3pm.
Congratulations To:
Fr. Donald MacKay and Mgr. Wynne who are to be installed as Canons in September.
Disability Sports
The Disability Sports group had an exciting and rewarding week when Sarah and Willie from Lewis Disability sports came down to visit, bringing more sports equipment and news of a curling tournament in Benbecula later on this summer. An incentive for our players to try and polish their act. Thanks to our Lewis friends, we now have a Curling, Boccia, Croquet, Skittles, Kwick cricket and short tennis set. Energetic days ahead!
Sarah and Willie, our very best wishes from Barra, looking forward to meeting up again in Benbecula.
Barra Fishing Fleet
This weeks featured boat is MFV Marina, which Cailean MacNeil, Northbay, recently purchased from Cornwall . The Marina is a 15.47m wooden trawler that was built in 1964 John Watt Macduff.
We would like to offer skipper and crew best wishes and success with the new vessel.
13/06/03
Up Coming Events
Adventure Race: As part of Castlebay School Activity Week there will be a race from Eoligarry - Castlebay, leaving Eoligarry in the morning. The race will include a bit of cycling, canoeing, running, orienteering, sailing and swimming!
Foresters Big Toddle in Aid of Bernardo’s: Friday 20th June at 10.30am. The toddle will leave the Children’s Centre and toddle to the half mile stone on Bentangaval and return. Please sponsor a toddler near you!
Drivers please be careful next Friday as there will be toddlers, runners and riders on the road!
ONE:TEL Hebridean Challenge: 26th/27th June. On Thursday evening, June 26, a tidal wave of athletic talent from across the UK and beyond will hit Barra. For the first time ever a top Adventure Sport Race will end on the island. It will have its final Ceildh Prize-Giving in a marquee on the Barra Live site at Tangasdale. More info next week.
Barra Half Marathon & Fun Run: Saturday 5th July. Half Marathon starts at 10.30am from under Ciosmul Cottages. Fun Run starts at 10.40am from Castlebay School. Please register before the day! Contact: Katie MacNeil. Tel: 01871 810 262. Email: barrathon@yahoo.co.uk
Barra Music Festival: Saturday 12th July. The Festival will take place on Tangasdale Machair. Contact: Eoin MacNeil. Tel: 01871 810 579. Email: eoinmacneil@hotmail.com
Fisherman’s Mass: Sunday 13th July. More details soon.
Feis Bharraigh: Starts Friday 18th July. Feis Mhor, Mhor (18+) 18th - 20th July, Feis Mhor (8 - 18), Feis Mheadhan (5 - 7), Feis Bheag (2 - 4) 21st - 25th July. Contact: John Joe MacNeil. Tel:01871 810 756. Email: feisbharraigh@yahoo.co.uk
Barra Fishing Fleet Update
We would like photos (digital if possible) of all the new boats which have arrived in Barra over the past year for a full page article. Details of the boats and photos can be e-mailed to maggiedewar@aol.com
Sound of Barra Ferry
Figures for April & May 2003.
5,643 Passengers.
1926 Cars.
94 Commercial.
9 Coaches.
Loch Bhrusda started on Saturday with the Loch Linnhe heading of to Mull. The island is busy!!
Summer shopping Days
Bread Milk and Fresh Produce
Delivery to Barra Shopping day
Monday pm Tuesday
Thursday pm Thursday pm/Friday
Friday pm Saturday/Sunday
A Saturday evening delivery for Sunday/Monday shopping will be confirmed next week.
06/06/03
MV Loch Portain goes North, MV Bhrusda comes South
A series of events was held Thursday, June 5 to mark the introduction of MV Loch Portain into the Cal Mac Fleet for the route between Berneray and Leverburgh. In keeping with tradition MV Loch Portain is named after a loch in North Uist.
Once the new vessel has settled into her route MV Loch Bhrusda will be coming south and is expected to be operating on the Sound of Barra by the beginning of next week. MV Loch Portain, which cost nearly £5million, can carry 36 cars and 200 passengers and at 49 metres in length, she is considerably bigger than the Loch Bhrusda‘s 35.4 metres. The new ship was part of £12.6million order for two ferries the other is MV Coruisk which is due to take up the summer Mallaig/Armadale service shortly and will operate on the Clyde in the winter. The Loch Bhrusda is capable of carrying 18 cars and 150 passengers and will be the service vessel on the Sound of Barra from now on, a considerable improvement over last year’s provision. This route is already generating passenger and vehicle carrying figures well in excess of all estimates with the Loch Linnhe providing the service while awaiting the arrival of the Bhrusda.
At the Dark Island Hotel on Wednesday evening, following a Board meeting of Caledonian MacBrayne, Lawrie Sinclair, managing director of Cal Mac stated that he hoped that Barra and Vatersay would gain considerable benefits from the vehicular service across the Sound of Barra. An independent study estimated that the introduction of the vehicular ferry on the sound of Harris generated a additional £1.5 million in visitor expenditure which resulted in the creation of 44 equivalent full time jobs in the tourist sector. 32% of tourists to the Western Isles said that the existence of the inter island route was an important factor in their decision to visit the area.
Mr Lawrie Sinclair stated: “Caledonian MacBrayne faces many important challenges in the coming months as we prepare our bid to win the competition to provide lifeline services to your islands. I am in no doubt that Caledonian MacBrayne is the company best placed and best equipped to win the contract and everyone in the company will do his and her best to ensure that we will win.”
Why not have a look at the ship of the CalMac fleet at http://www.shipsofcalmac.co.uk
30/05/03
Where are the BHOYS!!!
Will the last person leaving Castlebay put out the lights! That was the feeling last week with the exodus to Seville and to Edinburgh. The Vatersay boys must be the last people leaving Seville after the match last Wednesday. Enjoying their tour of Spain! We hear they are on their way home and are expected off the boat on Sunday! (Via a few gigs in Spain, Liverpool and Glasgow!).
Their trip has generated considerable publicity for the island and no doubt the documentary will follow!
Traigh Mhor Shellfish Classification now goes to “B”
The Traigh Mhor now reverts to a B Classification in June, July and August for the extraction of cockles for human consumption. From September through to May it will be given an A classification. It is important that samples continue to be provided regularly if we wish to see the Traigh being re-classified throughout the year at an A standard. B classification does mean that cockles should not be used for human consumption without depurification at a recognised site before selling on to the market.
Vatersay Bay has been given an A Classification for razor fish from May to September and a B Classification from October through to April inclusive. The sound of Eriskay has been completely declassified for cockles because of lack of samples.
To obtain an A classification all year round for the Traigh Mhor, regular samples must be submitted for testing. Keep sending the samples!!
It is not a Tardis - is it?
It is not a Tardis - is it? Recycling has been a long time coming but now we have two skips for recycling aluminium and steel cans, glass and plastic! This is a very welcome development and will be an incentive to deal with the ongoing litter problem that is very evident around Castlebay. Two of these skips will be based in Barra, one over at the school in Castlebay and the other at Northbay Bridge.
The compartmental skips, were purchased by the Comhairle as part of it’s recycling programme. These skips are divided up into three sections, allowing the acceptance of glass bottles, plastic bottles
The use and location of the re-cycling skips will be monitored and every effort should be made to ensure that there is no litter or broken glass accumulating on the ground around the skips.
Please Re-cycle and Please do it carefully!
For further information contact:
Annette Campbell, Landfill Manager/Recycling Officer, Market Stance, Benbecula. 01870 60 3402
23/05/03
Transportation Developments
A number of important transport developments just introduced will impact on Barra’s transportation planning over the next few years.
A Partnership for a Better Scotland: Partnership Agreement
A Partnership statement has been agreed by the new administration to the Scottish Parliament. On transport, the new parliament will work towards committing £1 billion per year for transport of which 70% will be targeted on public transport between now and 2006. For the Highlands and Islands, the partnership agreement focuses on “working to reduce the cost of lifeline air links within, to and from the Highlands and Islands by suitable use of Public Service Obligations to improve services, increase frequency and reduce the cost to individuals, business and public agencies.” This is encouraging news given our own recent experience of PSO’S over the past year and our Save our Air Service campaign. The partnership document also states that there will also be a full evaluation of the current HITRANS proposals for a Highlands and Islands air network. The Battle for the Barra Air Service now restarts!!
Chairman of Transportation for Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Members of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar have elected Barra Councillor Donald Manford as Chairman of Transportation. As vice-chair during the previous term, Donald spent a great deal of time working in partnership with the community to secure our air service, facilitating the introduction of the new Sound of Barra ferry service and developing the ferry links with Oban. There was further good news for the Southern Isles by the fact that Councillor Ronald J MacKinnon was elected as the vice-chair of transport. We wish both men good luck in their new roles. Our community’s transport plans now need to be discussed, developed, consulted upon and pulled together in a co-ordinated way in an effort to meet all our present and future needs. There should be some interesting discussions at the Transportation Committee in Stornoway in the next few months!
It is worth noting that the new Transport Minister in the Scottish Parliament is Nicol Stephen (Lib/ Dem). Lewis MacDonald is now Depute minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning.
Comhairle Elects Convener and Vice-Convener
On Wednesday 20th May Comhairle nan Eilean Siar unanimously elected Mr. Alex MacDonald as Convener for a second term of office. Mr. Angus Campbell was elected as Vice-Convener after a ballot involving two others, Mr. Norman A. Macdonald and Mr. Norman L Macdonald. In the first round of the ballot, Mr. Campbell secured 14 votes, Mr Norman A. Macdonald 13 and Mr. Norman L Macdonald 4. In the second round Mr. Campbell received 17 votes while Norman A Macdonald won 14.
Committee Chairman and Vice-Chairmen were also elected. They are as follows:
Arts and Leisure:
Malcolm J Graham – Chairman, Iain Morrison - Vice-Chairman.
Housing :
Norman M Macleod – Chairman, George Lonie - Vice-Chairman.
Education and Children’s Services:
Norman L Macdonald - Chairman, Morag Munro - Vice-Chairman.
Environmental Services:
Angus Nicolson – Chairman, Ian M macleod - Vice-Chairman.
Transportation:
Donald Manford – Chairman, Ronald J Mackinnon - Vice-Chairman.
Sustainable Development:
Archie
Campbell - Chairman,
Annie Macdonald - Vice-Chairman.
Social Work:
Murdo Macleod – Chairman, Roddy Morrison - Vice-Chairman
16/05/03
The Bhoys are off to Spain!
The Vatersay Boys are on their way to Spain for the Final! The furthest flung Celtic supporters left Vatersay with an entourage of well wishers to see them off on The Lord of The Isles. Barra will be a very peaceful quiet island for the next few days as Celtic fans make their way by a wide variety of routes to Seville. Barra must be sending the highest number of fans per head of population in Scotland if the rush for passports has been anything to go by.
“It’s not about religion,
It’s not about race, nor creed
It’s all about football,
And
Celtic, Glasgow Celtic will succeed!!
Many thanks to the Barra and Vatersay community for all their help, support and encouragement. See you all in the Castlebay Bar on 1st June.
We’re off to chill in Seville.
The Vatersay Boys.
New Councillors Visit Barra
A deputation of Western Isles councillors visited Barra on Thursday to introduce the newly elected councillors to the island - an induction tour which makes them aware of the local issues in the area.The trip was also an opportunity to look at transport links, community & council facilities and meet with local business people throughout the island.
The councillors are: Donald Manford, Barra, Alec MacDonald, Carloway, Donald John MacSween, Tuimpan, Calum Iain Graham, Coll, Norman A Macdonald, Uig, Roddy Morrison, Shawbost, Iain Morrison, Barvas and Arnol, Murdo MacLeod, Manor Park, Anne MacDonald, Lochs, Alec MacKintosh, North Lochs, Archie Campbell, Paible, Angus Campbell, Newton, Angus McCormack, Plasterfield. Council officials: Bill Howat, Chief Executive, Alasdair MacEachan, Senior Officer Southern Isles, Iain MacAulay, Depute Director of Social work, Gordon Frith, Principal Admin Officer.
09/05/03
Isle of Barra Confirmations
The rain laiden clouds gave way to bright sunshine and blue skies as 51 young people from our island community gathered together with their sponsors, family and friends to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Star of the Sea on Tuesday evening.
The bishop of the Diocese, Bishop Murray, was the main concelebrant at the special Mass where the young people took the leading role in the celebration of the liturgy, their enthusiasm and vitality very much to the fore.
After Mass, family and friends were able to relax with the young people over a cup of tea, bringing to a close a most profound, enjoyable and lively celebration of faith.
‘Take The Floor’
Duncan
MacKinnon (Dunnachadh a’ welder) and band will
be taking part in a
radio broadcast on the Robbie Shepherd ‘Take The
Floor’ programme on Radio Scotland on Saturday 17th May
at 7.05pm.
Take the Floor is the longest running radio programme in Scotland. It began in the 1930’s on the Scottish Home Service under the title ‘Scottish Dance Music’ to be renamed ‘Take the Floor’ in 1978 when Radio Scotland came on air. Although the duration of the programme has varied over the years from 30 minutes to 55 minutes and now 90 minutes, the format has remained constant.
Scottish Dance Bands are specially recorded in session for the programme and once a month we go on the road for an Outside Broadcast to record a dance with an audience, at locations all over Scotland, giving a live sound heard nowhere else on radio. The last half hour of the session programmes is devoted to a special feature on an aspect of music making in Scotland.
Barra Airport Annual Emergency Exercise
HIAL are looking for willing volunteers to participate as either casualties or meeters and greeters at their emergency exercise on May 20th from 4.30pm for approximately 2 hrs. In order to keep our aerodrome license we have to conduct these annual exercises and it is very important to have the support of our community. If you wish to participate please contact the airport on 890 212 or speak to any of the airport staff.
02/05/03
The Cobhair Bharraigh Centre Is Now Open!
Cobhair Bharraigh Care service moved into their new premises on Monday. Clients were welcomed by staff and volunteers and enjoyed the new facilites of a warm sunlit sitting room and open plan kitchen. There is also office space, a quiet room, rest room and fully accessible shower and toilet facilities. Funding for this project came from the Community Fund, Western Isles Enterprise and Help the Aged. Thanks to Technical Services Department of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar for their assistance.
The core services of Day Care and Home Support provided by Cobhair Bharraigh are funded by the Comhairle, Health Board with any shortfall being supported by local fundraising. The committee now hopes to seek funding to develop and expand the care service. As a registered charity the service will seek funding from Trusts, Donations and Fundraising to move forward with a full time service for the Community. This is “Care in the Community” and your support over the years has been much appreciated.
The next fund raiser is a Car Wash and other activities at Barra airport on 7th June!
Election Results for the Scottish Parliament
| Western Isles Constituency | 2003 | |
| Alasdair Angus Morrison | Labour | 5825 |
| Alasdair Nicholson | SNP | 5105 |
| Frank Innes Warren | Con | 612 |
| Conor Brian Snowden | LibDem | 498 |
| Joanne Lindsay Telfer | SSP | 347 |
Alasdair Morrison holds the seat for Labour with a majority of 720. This is down from the election in 1999 when his majority was 2,093.
Out of an electorate of 21,205 there was a turnout of 12,387 or 58.42%; higher than the Scottish average in this election which was less than 50%.
On the second vote for the list MSPs for the Highlands and Islands the following have been elected:
Jamie McGrigor (Con) Mary Scanlon (Con) Eleanor Scott(Green) Peter Peacock (Lab) Maureen MacMillan (Lab) Jim Mather (SNP)
Rob Gibson (SNP).
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar - Council Elections
| Barra and Vatersay ( Turnout 55.6%) | 2003 | |
| Allan F MacLeod | Ind | 181 |
| Donald Manford | SNP | 316 |
|
Total |
506 | |
|
Rejected |
9 | |
| Daliburgh and Eriskay | 2003 | |
| David Blaney | Ind | 163 |
| Angus MacLeod | Ind | 168 |
|
Total |
331 | |
|
Rejected |
0 | |
| Loch Eynort | 2003 | |
| Ronald J MacKinnon | Labour | 184 |
| Gerard T MacLeod | SNP | 153 |
| Total | 338 | |
| Rejected | 1 | |
For the rest of the results check out Comhairle nan Eilean Siar's website.
25/04/03
Madame Ecosse Steps Down
Tribute was paid to Winnie Ewing at a Ceilidh in the Heritage centre on Tuesday evening. Winnie is stepping down from the Scottish Parliament this year, bringing to an end a political career that has spanned the UK Parliament, The European Parliament and the new Scottish Parliament. Best known in the Western Isles for her continuous and active support for Scottish fishermen, Winnie gained the respect of many fishermen throughout the Highlands Islands and Grampian for her strong and vocal campaigns in Europe to protect Scottish interests. To mark the occasion and as a memento from Barra she was presented with a painting of Northbay by local artist Moira Baird.
Salmon Farming re -starts in Barra
A brood stock site for salmon has been established in Northbay with the arrival on Friday of a cage which will be used to on grow brood stock for West Minch Salmon. Angus MacMillan, who has a number of salmon farm sites in the Uists and in Harris, towed down a cage from Loch Carnan to Ardveenish on Friday evening and the cage was moored on site just off Ardveenish on Saturday ready for the arrival of the salmon stock earlier this week.
Eadar Sinn Fhein Agus Ar N-aran N Laitheil
‘S i an seinneadair ainmeil Flòraidh NicNèill a th’aig Màiri NicAonghais air aoigheachd anns an trìtheamh prògram de Eadar Sinn Fhèin. ‘S ann à Barraigh a tha Flòraidh ged a tha i air a bhi a’ fuireach ann an Glaschu bho chionn fhada. ‘Si te dhe na chiad seinneadairean a thug òrain traidiseanta Ghàidhlig gu aire a’ mhor-shluaigh. Anns a’ phrògram seo, tha i a’ bruidhinn mu a beatha fhèin agus am pàirt a tha creideamh a’ gabhail ann. Chaidh an trìtheamh prògram anns an t-sreath Ar n-Aran Laitheil a chlàradh ann an Eaglais Naomh Mhicheil, ann an Eirisgeidh. An ceann na seirbheis tha an Canan Iain Aonghas Mac a’ Bhreatannaich. Ghabh a h-uile sgoilear ann am Bun-sgoil Eirisgeidh pàirt anns an t-seirbheis le a bhi a’ dèanamh dealbhan agus ùrnaighean. Sheinn Michaela NicAonghais agus Sineag Nic an t-Saoir an laoidh bhreagha “Reul Alainn a’ Chuain”. Eadar Sinn Fhein is broadcast on Grampian and Scottish Television on Sunday 27 April at 11.30am, followed by Ar n-Aran Laitheil at 11.45am.
STOP PRESS - Bin Lorry
Due to vehicle breakdown the collection from Borve onwards will now take place on Friday when a replacement vehicle will be available. Apologies for any inconvenience!
18/04/03
Mobile Car Baler Visits Barra
The Comhairle’s mobile car baler has been in action in Barra for the first time and has so far dealt with over 80 end of life vehicles. The car crusher is the only one of its type in the UK and was specifically designed to deal with end-of life vehicles in remote areas as part of the Comhairle’s ongoing programme of recycling improvements. The Comhairle uplifts around 600 end of life vehicles per year, the third highest number for local authorities in Scotland.
The vehicle has a self-powered car baler with an integral tank to collect any fluids from the vehicles during the crushing operation. The unit is mounted onto an 8-wheeler lorry chassis and comes complete with hydraulic stabilising legs and its own loading grab. It can be ready to start work within half an hour of arriving on site.
The unit cost £110k, with 40% of the funding coming from the European HISTP programme.
Feis Bharraigh 2003
The Feis Bharraigh AGM was held in the Childrens Centre on Tuesday night. There was a favourable turnout and a successful and informative meeting ensued.
With the election of new committee members we are confident that this will continue to bring new ideas and enthusiasm to Feis Bharraigh.
It is anticipated that a development plan will be produced shortly which will safeguard the aims of the Feis - to promote and encourage use of the Gaelic language through music and dance.
For further information on the Feis please contact: John Joe MacNeil on 01871 810 756 or e-mail: feisbharraigh@yahoo.co.uk.
Invitation to Candidates
We would like to extend an invitation to the candidates for the Western Isles Constituancy and Parliamentary election and candidates for Western Isles Council election to provide us with a statement for publication in the Guth Bharraidh next week.
The statement should be no more than 100 words and must be submitted for publication by the morning of Wednesday 23rd April to barranews@aol.com. Tel 810401. Fax: 810933.
Reminder
Postal & Proxy Votes - Applications to vote by post or by proxy must reach Electoral Registration Officer, 42 Point Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis by 5pm on Wednesday 23rd April 2003. These application forms are available in the Council Offices, Castlebay Tel: 810 431.
11/04/03
Out With The Old - In With The New
Memories of nights (and early mornings) in Castlebay Hall have been brought back as MacInnes Brothers move in to demolish the old hall. Many a good ceilidh and fast and furious dances were held in Castlebay Hall and many couples have fond memories of their wedding dances going on to all hours of the morning!
The demolition and site clearance of the old hall will be ongoing until 21 April and during this time, to comply with Health and Safety legislation access to the square will be restricted. The committee apologise for any inconvenience caused but have been informed that, once the demolition is complete, the contractors will not require so much of the square to be cordoned off! The work on the new hall is scheduled to be ongoing until the end of the year. Plans for the new hall are available for viewing at the offices of Voluntary Action Barra. Two contracts are currently working in tandem with the rubble from the old hall going in to form the base of the access road into the new development area across from the school in Castlebay
Success for Barra at Expo 2003
A new Barra initiative promoting the island as a holiday destination for 2004 linking tourism, economic development and community capacity building, got off to a flying start at the SECC Glasgow this week. A partnership of Barra organisations, led by Eoin MacNeil, launched a promotional stand at the main Scottish tourism event VisitScotland Expo 2003 which welcomes over 1,000 trade companies from 28 different countries around the world.
The stand has been overwhelmed by the interest from travel companies all over the world who seem keen to target Barra for next year. If these enquiries pay off then the investment in the Exhibition will be well worth while and generate new visitors to Barra for the future. Full report next week.
Guth Bharraidh
Because of the Holiday Weekend the deadline for next weeks Guth (18th April edition) will be Tuesday (15th April) afternoon, or else we cannot guarantee that it will appear in that weeks issue.
04/04/03
Calmac Take Over Ferry Service
From today, Friday 4th April Caledonian MacBrayne take over the vehicle ferry service accross the Sound of Barra.
The vessel, the Loch Linnhe which has been on charter in the Sound for the past two weeks now takes over and provides the vehicular service until the Loch Bhrusda comes South later on in the summer.The Loch Linnhe can carry 12 vehicles and up to 200 passengers.
Ardmhor Road Improvements
The upgrading of the Ardmhor road and the junction with the main road has been completed just in time for the start of the new ferry service.
The contract for the road improvements was carried out for the Comhairle by Seonaidh MacLennan, contractor, Craigston, Barra and by Agregate Industries. In addition to the improvements in Ardmhor work has also been carried out to improve lay-by’s, corners and road surfaces between Northbay and the Ardmhor road junction. Work is also underway in Eriskay to improve the access road.
Air Contracts Awarded
Following confirmation by the Depute Minister of Transport Lewis MacDonald on 20 March 2003 that the Barra - Glasgow air service will be secured until March 2006 the Comhairle has been able to award the Inter Island Air Service contracts. The Benbecula - Barra contract has been awarded until March 2004 at a price of £144,910.00 to Loganair Ltd. A report will be considered by the first Transportation Committee of the new Comhairle with respect to the tendering of the Benbecula - Barra service until March 2006. A three year contract has also been awarded for the Stornoway – Benbecula route to Highland Airways in the sum of £172,000 for the first year.
Chairman of the Comhairle’s Transportation Committee Norman A MacDonald said “We are pleased to have reached a satisfactory resolution of the Barra air services with the Scottish Executive which has enabled the award of the Stornoway - Benbecula and the Benbecula - Barra contracts. The next Transportation Committee will be looking at the continued operation of the Benbecula - Barra operation up until March 2006 in line with Glasgow – Barra service.”
ex-RNLB Lloyds Update
Hi there,
I
don’t know if anyone’s interested (apologies if not!)
but here’s a picture of ex-RNLB Lloyds - the lifeboat
that served at Barra Island from the 1930s through the war
years and beyond. You may know she was converted for
leisure use around 1970 - and renamed Jersey(later
Causeway) Gleaner. She’s been laid up ashore for the
last six years in N. Ireland.
Launched
again in Coleraine last week, if all goes to plan she’ll
head South soon for a much-needed refit at Poole Harbour.
Cheers, Chris Rosamond.
Thanks for the photo and information Chris!
28/03/03
Youth Club Talent Show
The 2003 Youth Club talent show once again highlights the commitment, style, enthusiasm and originality that the young people of Barra possess. 20 acts and over 50 performers provided an outstanding show, which ranged from dancing and singing to acting and playing music. It even had a live dancing and singing meatball of all things! The event raised over £200 for The Sight Savers Charity.
Our fine body of judges comprising of Pip Anderson, Ray Robertson, Father Roddy and Christine Campbell were hard pushed to pick a winner from such a talented bunch. In the end the excellent piping of Angus John MacLeod won the secondary prize, whilst the outstanding Solo Peace Song of Robert Sircus was a very popular primary winner. The standard of all the performances was fantastic and provided a great night out for all who attended. The success of the night was all down to the young people who organised, managed and performed. Thank you to every one who came along and to all the young people for helping to run the great event. Youth Club on 28th March is on and the buses will be running.
Elections Looming
Elections for the Scottish Parliament and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar are scheduled to take place on Thursday 1st May 2003. The end of March brings the first Scottish Parilament to a close, where we have seen a proportional representation voting system in action for the first time. On 1st May we will be voting for one member of the Scottish Parliament for the Western Isles constituancy, we will also be electing seven list members of the Scottish Parliament who will represent the Highlands and Islands and we will be electing a local councillor to represent the Barra ward in Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
Postal & Proxy Votes - With so many of our young people off the island or away at sea it is important if they wish to apply for absentee or proxy votes that they do so in good time. Applications to vote by post or by proxy must reach Electoral Registration Officer, 42 Point Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis by 5pm on Wednesday 23rd April 2003. These application forms are available in the Council Offices, Castlebay Tel: 810 431 or from the Electoral Registration Office, Stornoway, Tel: 01851 706 262.
Use your vote - don’t lose it!
Air Service Campaign Continues
After last week’s announcement that the contract for the Air Service will continue until 2006, the Air Service Action Group met to celebrate this initial success ,but are determined to keep going full speed ahead to secure the long term future of the Air Service. Meetings are being planned with HIAL and with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to ensure that this community is directly involved in the review of the viability of the Air Service.
A bank account has been opened with the Royal Bank of Scotland, Castlebay.
The account name is Barra air Service: Sort Code 83:17:03 : Account No 00130662. Donations to the cause are welcome and can be sent to the Treasurer: David Savory, Northbay House, Barra HS9 5 UU.
21/03/03
Air Service Contract Secure to 2006
In response to a question from Alisdair Morrison, Western Isles Labour MSP, asking the Scottish Executive when they intended to announce their decision on whether to extend its proposed review of the Barra Air Transport Provision Lewis Macdonald, Depute Minister for Transport for the Scottish Parliament stated:
“I have listened to the representations of the Barra Community and its elected representatives. I fully appreciate their concerns that a review completed by 30th September 2003 will not be able to assess fully, and in depth, all issues relating to Air Transport provision, including its impact on other transport modes. I have decided, therefore, that the contract for the Barra to Glasgow Air Service should be brought into line with the Scottish Executive’s other supported air services, and that the service will be secured until 31st March 2006. The review will be undertaken in conjunction with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Highlands & Islands Airports Ltd. There will be a new contract from 1st April 2004 - 31st March 2006 and this will be the subject of a further tendering exercise.”
Karen MacLean, Chairperson, Barra Save our Service Action Group said: The Barra air service action group welcomes the announcement by Lewis Macdonald that the tender for the Glasgow-Barra air service will be extended to the normal three years, but stated that the Action Group and the Community will continue to fight for direct and open two-way consultation between the local community and the Ministry of Transport as to the best way of securing the long term future of the air service, which is essential for the island.
Highlands and Islands Airports Limited welcomed the decision and said it looked forward to working with stakeholders on a comprehensive review of the island’s air services. HIAL will work in conjunction with the Scottish Executive and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) on the review of air transport, including the future viability of the airport’s Traigh Mhor beach landing strip.
Barra responds to Air Service Statement
Jessie MacNeil, who led the delegation representing Barra before the Scottish Parliament Petition Committee last month, said:“The Barra community will continue working to secure the air service beyond the period of the extended contract. We welcome the cross party support that we have had so far and we hope that there will be commitment from all parties to work with us to secure the long term future of the air service as a lifeline for Barra.”
Barra Councillor Donald Manford said: “The announcement to extend the contract for three years is very welcome, and a huge relief. The short term future is secured. I am, however, immensely disappointed that the case made by the community for the long term provision of the service has not been accepted, as evidenced by the insistence on a further review on whether the service should exist at all. We will continue to fight until our case for the lifeline nature of the service has been accepted.”
Duncan Hamilton, MSP, SNP spokesman for the Highlands and Islands, who has led the fight in the Scottish Parliament for the air service, said: “This is a step in the right direction but is essentially no more than a stay of execution for the service. The two year extension is a vital first step but the campaign to get a cast iron long term guarantee for this vital service will go on.
The Executive must listen to the community when the community demands such a pledge - removal of this service in 2006 is not an option.”
All Credit to the Action Group!
All the members of the Air Service Action Group who worked so hard to take this campaign to the Scottish Parliament must take credit for achieving this decision. This is only the first step down the long road towards securing the future of the Air Service and there will be a considerable amount of effort required over the next three years. We have a stay of execution today and breathing space to ensure that the needs of the community are reflected in the consultation that is to take place.
There will be an action group meeting in Castlebay School on Monday evening at 6pm. All members are asked to attend to plan for the future!
Castlebay Community Hall
Well at long last we are pleased to announce that Castlebay will have a new community hall. The match funding has been secured and the contractor will move onto the site on the 26/3/2003 with completion expected around Christmas. The building will consist of a community hall on the ground floor with catering facilities etc. and the top floor will accommodate a youth café plus meeting rooms which will be available for both day and night meetings. Plans are available for viewing at the Voluntary Action Office.
There will be some disruption around the square during this building project but bearing in mind it is for a limited time and the end result will be well worth it we hope the community will not be inconvenienced too much.
14/03/03
Silence of the Future of The Air Service
To date Lewis MacDonald has not responded to the letter from John McAllion, Chairman of the Petitions Committee of the Scottish Parliament, requesting an early announcement of the future of the Barra Air Service. Silence Prevails!!!
There
is concern that the Depute Transport Minister will ignore
all the requests for an early announcement and make a
statement on the 31st March, the last day of the Scottish
Parliament before the elections. This
will not allow all the MSP’s, who have been
working on our behalf, to question him about his decision.
Transport Project Funding Secure
Voluntary Acti