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Local News for Thursday 10th April 2019

STORNOWAY PIPING EVENT ATTRACTS GLOBAL LIVE AUDIENCE

The first live streaming of the Pipe Major Donald Macleod MBE Memorial Competition has been hailed a great success, with 1,800 viewers tuning into the piping event from around the world.

Viewers of last Friday’s competition, held in Stornoway and sponsored by Point and Sandwick Trust, came from as far afield as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Singapore, the Netherlands, Germany and Spain.

Organisers The Lewis and Harris Piping Society believe the live audience in the Caladh Hotel was also bigger this year, particularly for the ‘light music’ in the afternoon.

Dr John Smith, chairman of the piping society and competition Fear an Tighe, said “the standard of piping was excellent” and they were “very pleased with the way the live stream went”.
He added: “I think it will generate more support for what we consider to be one of the most important competitions in the piping circuit.”

The competition commemorates the musical legacy of piper and composer Donald Macleod, from Stornoway, and was won this year by Finlay Johnston, with Stuart Liddell the runner-up.

Three competitors – Stuart Liddell, Callum Beaumont and Roddy Macleod MBE – held workshops with local pipe band players on Saturday, as part of the competition weekend.

Read more: Local News for Thursday 10th April 2019

Local News for Tuesday 9th April 2019

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS 2019

An Election for two Directors from Barra and one Director from Uist to serve on the Western Isles Development Trust is being undertaken on behalf of the Trust by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Election Team. Nomination Forms are available from the Western Isles Development Trust website or obtained by request by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or from these offices:-
Barra Council Offices, Castlebay, Isle of Barra, HS9 5XD Telephone number 01871 810431 and Balivanich Council Offices, Balivanich, Isle of Benbecula, HS7 5LA, Telephone number 01870 602425
To be eligible to serve as a Director an individual must be ordinarily resident in the area to which they are seeking election.
The deadline for receipt of nominations is 2.00pm on Thursday 25 April 2019

Read more: Local News for Tuesday 9th April 2019

Local News for Monday 8th April 2019

ISLAND BUSINESSES, GROUPS, INDIVIDUALS & ORGANISATIONS ASSIST IN RAISING £5,000 FOR THE LEANNE FUND

A huge community effort for The Leanne Fund has raised £5,000 which will directly support those affected by Cystic Fibrosis.
Workplaces, schools and groups across the area held Rainbow Raiser events in aid of the charity which works to support young people and their families who are affected by the chronic lifelong condition through a range of services.
The Stornoway Co-op store fundraised for the charity for the month raising £1514.56 through their efforts.
A Co-op spokesperson said: “We had buckets at the checkouts and a bookstall for the month, we also sold a Rainbow themed quiz sheet to the amazing Rainbow Hamper. We had a staff bag packing day on the Rainbow fundraiser day too. We had a fun month and hope that what we raised makes a few people’s lives a bit easier.”
Chrisetta Mitchell, Development Manager for The Leanne Fund said: “We are so grateful to the Co-op for their fantastic efforts and all the other workplaces and groups who held Rainbow Raiser events.
“Our charity relies on our amazing volunteers and particular mention must go to our volunteer Event Co-ordinator Fiona Murray for her wonderful work in engaging so many local organisations.
The current total for the fundraising will be matched by further support from the Bank of Scotland.

Read more: Local News for Monday 8th April 2019

Local News for Friday 5th April 2019

WESTERN ISLES COUNCIL HIGHLIGHT URGENT NEED FOR FERRIES INVESTMENT

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has written to Minister for Energy and Islands, Paul Wheelhouse MSP to underline the urgent need for investment in new ferries for the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Service network over and above the commitment to build the two ferries at Ferguson Marine Engineering that are now set to be at least 2 years late before they enter service.
The letter underlined that the primary purpose for Government investment in ferry services must be to secure the sustainability of the island communities they serve.
Comhairle Chair of Transportation and Infrastructure Cllr. Uisdean Robertson recently met representatives of Strategic Marine, that recently completed the new ferry for Pentland Ferries, to understand the service they could offer.
Cllr Robertson said “Comhairle nan Eilean Siar have had very positive discussions with Ministers and we know they understand the damage technical difficulties with aging ferries can have on fragile island economies. We want to work constructively with Government to overcome this threat and believe the proposal we outlined on the Strategic Marine design is worthy of serious consideration.
“This could deliver the badly needed new ferries in as little as 18 months from an order being placed at a cost that is likely to be significantly lower than the £40-50Million CMAL have quoted as the cost of building a single new ferry for Islay to operate alongside MV Finnlaggan. We must not lose sight of the fact that the purpose of these ferries is to serve lifeline routes to islands as well as being an enabler for economic development for which I know Scottish Government shares our enthusiasm.

Read more: Local News for Friday 5th April 2019