TEST AND PROTECT FOR ISLES
The UK Government Testing Scheme, is now available in the Western Isles.
Eligible Western Isles residents, can currently access the national system online, through NHSInform, and by a system of postal self tests.
To ensure full access to the scheme, NHS Western Isles, will be launching an enhancement next week, whereby those with COVID-19 symptoms, can go online or telephone, to book a test locally.
These tests will be carried out by healthcare staff in the Western Isles and will be processed on the mainland. Results will be returned to NHS Western Isles, who will contact patients individually, once results are received.
Different arrangements are required for the Western Isles, due to regional drive through and mobile testing units, not being available to residents.
Read more: Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News - Monday 1st June 2020
FERRY TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS UNCHANGED
As Scotland enters phase one of the lockdown transition, the Scottish Government announced that ferry capacity, remains restricted. Non-essential ferry travel, continues to be discouraged, to prevent spreading the virus to island communities
There are no changes to the current ferry timetables as yet, but an update will be announced in two weeks. While encouraging people to follow the new advice for emerging from lockdown, Nicola Sturgeon said “The route forward will be slow, careful and cautious. Where a visit by ferry, to a family member is essential, people should limit the number of trips to the absolute minimum”
Ideas being looked at, for island sea links, include reserving ferries for island residents, with tourists continuing to stay away for longer.
Read more: Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News - Friday 29th May 2020
MSP ALLAN RAISES TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS IN HOLYROOD
Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP, Alasdair Allan raised the issue of travel restrictions to and from the Western Isles, in the Scottish Parliament this week.
The islands MSP, attending remotely from his home in Lewis, asked how the travel restrictions to the Western Isles, fit in with the publication of the Scottish Government’s route map, for moving out of lockdown.
Alasdair Allan MSP commented:
“The travel restrictions on Western Isles ferries continues to play, an important part in containing the spread of the virus in the islands.
“As we chart a route out of lockdown, it is important that any changes to the restrictions are handled with extreme care and done with the broad consent of communities.
“I was pleased to receive an assurance that, before any changes are made, there will be engagement with the island authorities, to look at these issues and to ensure that any changes are introduced appropriately. The need for physical distancing on ferries, will reduce capacity, this will have a serious impact on who is able to travel and means that access to the islands, will have to be carefully managed for some time.”
Read more: Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News - Thursday 28th May 2020
ADDITIONAL ALLOCATION FOR FOUNDATION APPRENTICESHIPS
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, has made additional allocation, within the Foundation Apprenticeship Programme, to meet the changing demand COVID-19, has brought within Education.
Foundation Apprenticeships provide appropriate underpinning knowledge, which will enable young people to progress, to modern and graduate apprenticeship programme, giving employment opportunities, within the local economy and nationally.
Additional spaces have been made available, on seven Foundation Apprenticeships. The apprenticeships are available to pupils entering S4 and S5 in 2020 - in Castlebay School, Sgoil Lionacleit, Sir E Scott School and The Nicolson Institute.
Opportunities are available in Foundation Business Skills, Creative & Digital Media, Engineering, Food and Drink Technologies, Social Services, HealthCare and Gaelic
Cllr Angus McCormack, Chairman of Education, Skills and Children’s Services commented “
For each of the past five years, young people have left Western Isles schools, with SQA vocational qualifications at SCQF5. This is three times the national average. Foundation Apprenticeships are closing the gap, between the classroom and the workplace, with pupils realising the benefits of work-based learning. The apprenticeships also provide a new and innovative career pathway, which encourages more young people to stay on the islands, with the offer of a job closer to home.
Read more: Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News - Wednesday 27th May 2020
