Local Headlines
Comhairle preparing to keep schools open
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is preparing for the possibility that Shelibost and Carloway Primaries and Lionel and Shawbost S1/2 units may have to remain open after the summer holidays.
RSPB ‘seriously alarmed’ by Eisgein wind farm plan
RSPB Scotland has reacted with alarm to proposals by wind farm developer Uisinis Power that could lead to the erection of an extra 30 wind turbines on the Eisgein estate on the Isle of Lewis.
1 commentAppeal for information - Sneak-in theft, Daliburgh, South Uist.
Western Isles Police are appealing to the public for information about a sneak-in theft, which took place at the construction site of the new Daliburgh Primary School, South Uist, between 6pm Saturday 19 May and 8am Sunday 20 May.
New schools in ‘Family of Schools’ exhibition video
Sgoiltean Ùra are delighted to announce that the four new Primary Schools at Point, West Side, Balivanich and Daliburgh – an integral part of the Western Isles Schools Project – were recently selected for inclusion in the Architecture + Design Scotland ‘Family of Schools’ Exhibition.
Scottish Apprenticeship Week paves the way for future talent
EVENTS to inspire pupils to choose a career in construction and show businesses the benefits of apprenticeships have been held throughout Scotland this week as part of Scottish Apprenticeship Week (May 21st to 25th).
Community renewable energy scheme
More than £20 million is set to be generated over the next two decades from the Storas Uibhist Trust, in the UK’s largest community wind farm project, according to those backing the scheme.
1 commentVoluntary groups may see return of cheap airfares
The Transport Minister, Keith Brown, has indicated to Western Isles MSP Alasdair Allan that he may consider the return of the Air Discount Scheme for voluntary organisations.
Allan welcomes progress on Barra aircraft procurement
Western Isles MSP, Alasdair Allan, has welcomed a response he has received from Transport Minister, Keith Brown, which confirms that the Government hopes to have an order placed with an aircraft manufacturer by the end of October 2012 to replace the aircraft currently serving the island. The intention is to have aircraft in place immediately following the expiration of the current contract at the end of March 2013.
Diamond Jubilee events in the Isles
Communities throughout the islands will be celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee next month with a series of Jubilee Beacons, Street Parties and community gatherings.
MSP meets with Comhairle and HIE over Uist builders
WESTERN Isles MSP, Alasdair Allan, yesterday (Monday) met with representatives of both the Comhairle and Highlands and Islands Enterprise about the future of jobs at Uist Builders Ltd, which recently went into administration.
Crackdown on unlicensed car sellers
Trading Standards and the Northern Constabulary have announced that they will be enforcing a crackdown on unlicensed car sellers in the Western Isles.
Free Church Moderator calls for unity
The Moderator of the Free Church General Assembly, meeting in Edinburgh this week, has issued a positive note to the denomination, reminding them of the unique bond (“the communion of the Saints”) that unites Christians within the Church.
TeachMeet success in Stornoway
Teachers from across Scotland converged on Stornoway last weekend for an innovative networking event, designed to share some of the best new ideas in education - and kick geographical isolation into touch in the process.
New electric car for Comhairle
A new Nissan Leaf Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) has been purchased by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar for use from its offices on Sandwick Road, Stornoway.
Stornoway RNLI shout to Badcall Bay
STORNOWAY RNLI are making their way home after launching at 1.10pm today (Monday, May 21st) to the aid of a fishing vessel near Badcall Bay on Scotland’s west coast.
High level of interest in Stornoway Media Centre
There has been a ‘a high level of interest’ from companies looking to use the new Creative Industries and Media Centre on Seaforth Road, writes Michelle Robson.
Treasury still investigating fuel prices
Despite a two month ‘investigation’ of why fuel prices rose the day before fuel duty discount scheme began in March, a Treasury spokesperson has said that they did not have any answers as yet.
Focus on Scottish apprentices
A POPULAR Benbecula hotel is counting the benefits of taking on enthusiastic Modern Apprentices, as Skills Development Scotland’s Scottish Apprenticeship Week (May 21 to 25) gets underway.
Maybury Gardens in full bloom at Creagorry Hotel
Maybury Gardens are on their travels this weekend and will be at the Creagorry Hotel, North Uist tomorrow (Friday, May 18th and Saturday) from 10am onwards.
HIAL airports report strong start to summer season
Scotland’s regional airport operator HIAL enjoyed a strong start to the summer season with passenger numbers up by more than 6,200 on last April.
Leaders calls for For Arctic Convoy Veterans to receive recognition
The Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Cllr Angus Campbell, has made a plea for the UK Government to formally recognise the veterans of the World War 2 Arctic convoys with a campaign medal.
New online landmark for Harris Tweed Authority
The Harris Tweed Authority, legal guardians of the Harris Tweed industry and the historic Orb Mark, this week marked a new online landmark in its 160 year history.
Fire at UBC yard in Marybank
Fire crews have been called out to a fire in Marybank at the UBC Group yard.
Lews Castle Project briefing
A supplier briefing for firms interested in opportunities arising from the Lews Castle Museum and Archive project has been arranged by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
Redundancy support in islands
PEOPLE recently made redundant, including those from construction company UBC Ltd, are being invited to events to help them back into employment.
Fifty years of the Reinigedal Crofter’s Hostel
For fifty years Rhenigidale youth hostel has been serving the community in North Harris.
UBC workers offered redundancy support
PEOPLE recently made redundant from construction company UBC are being invited to a series of events to help them back in to employment.
MSP backs Harris distillery plans
WESTERN Isles MSP Alasdair Allan, has given his support to the serious efforts now underway to create a malt whisky distillery in Tarbert, Harris.
Leader comments on UBC collapse
Responding to last week’s news that UBC Group has now ceased trading with the loss of 90 jobs in the Western Isles, Angus Campbell, Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar said:
First call for Leverburgh Lifeboat
A matter of hours after being officially made operational, Leverburgh RNLI Lifeboat volunteer crew have responded to their first call-out.
Theft on North Uist
Between 4pm on Thursday May 10 and10am on Friday May 11 a Yamaha outboard motor was removed without the owners permission from a boat at the Wee Pier Lochmaddy, North Uist.
NHS Western Isles provides a grant to support Western Isles Foyer services
The local health service is continuing to support Western Isles Foyer, recently providing a grant for £10,000 to help maintain the continued success of Foyer’s Homeless Drop-in Service, 12 week independent living skills Lifeshaper Programme and its accommodation services.
South Harris residents consider estate future
Over 60 residents of South Harris gathered in Leverburgh Hall on Thursday night (May 10th) to hear more about what a community buyout would mean for them.
Ninety UBC workers made redundant in islands
Ninety UBC Group workers in the Western Isles have been made redundant today (Friday) as administrators announce the cessation of trade.
Lochmaddy to manage coastline in pilot scheme
The Crown Estate has announced two pilot projects for a programme that will enable local councils, harbour bodies and community organisations to manage areas of foreshore and seabed.
Comhairle committee Chairs elected
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar elected Chair and Vice-Chair positions to committees yesterday and will continue that process this morning (Friday).
Leader and Convener appointed
Angus Campbell was voted as Leader of the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Norman Macdonald was voted as the Convener this afternoon.
Appointment of new Principal at Lews Castle College
The Board of Management of Lews Castle College UHI has appointed Mr Iain Macmillan as Principal and Chief Executive of Lews Castle College.
Fire Chiefs give reassurance over island stations
Highlands and Islands Fire Chiefs held a public meeting in Stornoway last night (Wednesday) and gave reassurance that there are no plans to close any island fire stations.
New Convener and Leader to be elected
The new Convener and Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar will be elected by councillors today (Thursday).
Lewis based Equateq sold to German company
HEbridean life sciences business Equateq, based at Breasclete on Lewis, has been acquired by German chemical company BASF.
Luskentyre Beach in top 100 travel experiences in world
Luskentyre Beach on Harris has been named as one of the top 100 travel experiences in the world.
Air ambulance grounded
The Air Ambulance helicopter which transports patients from the islands in emergencies has been grounded due to safety concerns.
Air Ambulance helicopter grounded
The Air Ambulance helicopter which transports patients from the islands in an emergency has been grounded due to safety concerns.
More money for Island homes
MORE than £2.5 million is to be spent in the Western Isles on increasing the supply of affordable housing, creating jobs and boosting the local economy.
Uist Builders goes into administration
UBC Group, formerly Uist Builders, have gone into administration.
Expensive electricity transmission charges remain
THE future of an offshore island wave farm appears stormy as energy-regulators OFGEM announced the intention to retain local transmission charges.
OHTG to seek meeting with new Comhairle
The Outer Hebrides Transport Group (OHTG) is seeking an early meeting with the newly elected Councillors on Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
Road works across Isles
The Comhairle’s 2012 roads surface dressing programme is starting today (Monday) with a week of work in Barra.
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Weather for Stornoway
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: North east
