IT TOOK 70 years of pressure on the UK Government, but the brave men who served upon the Arctic Convoys during the Second World War have now been honoured with the ‘Arctic Star’ medal – with 39 convoy veterans presented their medals recently at Loch Ewe.

THERE will be an extra significance when the National Trust for Scotland anchor off the Isle of Rum on Thursday 23th May as part of their annual cruise.

Every week the Gazette invites readers to send in their photographs of the islands for the Beautiful Island section of the paper.

OVER the coming months, many motorcyclists take to the beautiful Highland and Islands roads to experience the open roads and stunning scenery.

ONE OF the most often talked about challenges for any band is that of the second album.

An airy, elegant home with decorative tiles and nature-inspired murals, where the outdoors blends seamlessly with the indoors, would be an enviable property by today’s standards.

AFTER the success of their highly acclaimed début album ‘High Bright Morning’, their atmospheric and evocative live performances, Edinburgh five-piece Bluflint’s much anticipated second album ‘Maudy Tree’ raised their profile even further, gaining the band plaudits throughout the music press.

IT’S fingers crossed for members of the Lewis Pipe Band who are busy practising in earnest in the hope that they will be crowned grade 4A European Champions when they compete at the European Pipe Band Championships in Forres, Moray in June.

A TOP international chef has praised Western Isles farmed salmon, describing it as fantastic, high quality product local people should be proud of.

Every week the Gazette invites readers to send in their photographs of the islands for the Beautiful Island section of the paper.

THE entertainment and live pub music, along with the rivalry of its quiz teams, can now be enjoyed from the comfort of your own sofa as BBC ALBA’s new Gun Sgot series comes to your screens next Thursday, (May 16th).

RSPB Scotland has launched its most ambitious programme of wildlife walks yet in the Western Isles.

There’s an almost tangible feeling of calm and comfort as you enter Alex Legendre’s house with its muted palette of earthy colours, lath and plaster walls, wide reclaimed floorboards and collection of quirky treasures.

One of the best ways to make your home more suited to your needs, especially if you have a growing family or want to work from home, is to add a bedroom.

CHILDREN in six areas of Scotland have been busy working together to explore how to make Scotland an inclusive nation – the best country to grow up in.

THE quality of life for four clients living across the Western Isles has been substantially improved by a pilot project which implemented specialist assisted living equipment.

THE volunteer arts promoters network Arts Nan Eilean will be bringing several events to the islands from June onwards.

A new television programme is set to shine a spotlight on some of Scotland’s amazing natural landscapes and wildlife in a new four part documentary Hebrides - Islands On The Edge

AN EXPLORER from Edinburgh is getting ready to spend two months living alone on the tiny island of Rockall.

THE heads of two Western Isles education institutions are to give a free talk on Gaelic in education.