Butt to Barra District News 3.12.15

Christmas Fayre - Saturday 5th December at Balallan Hall from 2 till 4pm. Santa will arrive at 2.30pm. There will be stalls, tea, mince pies and shortbread for sale. To reserve a sales table ring 07760348748.Come along and support your local crafts people.

Dusgadh - The 80th edition of the North Lochs Historical Society’s newsletter is now in the shops. Dusgadh began in 1995 and has been faithfully published four times a year ever since. With pictures and articles of historical interest for families originating from the North Lochs villages of Achmore, Crossbost, Grimshader, Leurbost,Lochganvich and Ranish. This 80th edition has images taken by William Macleod a photographer in Stornoway in the late nineteenth century, an account of Halloween customs and a tribute to the late John Murdo Macleod (Boididh) from Grimshader a regular attender of Historical Society events. Dusgadh is available in shops locally or an electronic copy is available from Donna Fairbairn [email protected].

Lochs News - The first issue of Lochs News the community newsletter was launched in November.

The intention of the production committee is that Lochs News will be a contemporary newsletter informing members of the community about current activities happening throughout Lochs.

It is hoped that members of the public will provide feedback on the publication.

Only by getting feedback can we improve the newsletter and make it relevant to the requirements of the Lochs community.

The current issue contains news, features, details of arts projects and sport. The £2 magazine is available in shops in Lochs and Stornoway. Enquiries and contributions for the next edition due early in the New Year, can be sent to [email protected]

Arnol and Bragar

Redevelopment plans - Plans are now available to view at Grinneabhat (former Bragar School) for the proposed redevelopment of the building for community use and also including an accommodation unit to bring in income and provide employment. The project began in 2012 after the closure of the school and other services. A community trust, Urras Coimhearsnachd Bhradhagair agus Arnoil, was set up to buy the school building for the community in order to provide local facilities and employment. You are invited to view the proposed plans and voice your opinion, by contacting Euan MacLeod on 710 210, or [email protected] to arrange a suitable time and date. Or come along to our Thursday coffee morning between 11am and 12 noonfor a chat.

Events - The Urras regularly run events, and in December we are hosting a Consairt Nollaig on Friday 11th December at 7.00pm, with local singers and musicians. We are also opening a new exhibition on the same evening, just before the concert, so you can combine both events.

The opening of the ‘Òrain Ar Sgìre’ exhibition, on the songs of Bragar and Arnol, will take place at 6.30pm. We are also hoping to get a pop-up fair trade shop and a Christmas card stall in that evening and for Saturday 12 December - watch our Facebook page for updated information!

Doors at Grinneabhat will open at 6pm on the 11th. Tea, coffee and homebaking will be served. All welcome.

Shawbost

Christmas Market - Horshader Community Development is getting into the festive spirit this weekend. Everyone is welcome to join us from 11am- 3 pm for a Christmas Market at Ionad na Seann Sgoil, Shawbost, with a variety of local craft and food stalls, and light refreshments served by Clann an Latha an De.

Then from 6pm-8pm we will be having the switching on of the Christmas lights at Raebhat House with carol singing and a visit from Santa! A shuttle service will run from the Free Church Car Park to Raebhat House.

Laxdale

Christmas Dinner - The Laxdale Community Association are delighted to announce that the annual Laxdale Senior Citizens’ Christmas Dinner will be held on Saturday 5th December in the Laxdale School canteen, commencing at 2pm. A most cordial welcome will be extended to all the senior citizens in the district. Being young at heart is the only ticket required for entry! The customary musical entertainment and raffle will add further enjoyment to the occasion. Renewing old acqaintances is one very happy aspect of the afternoon.

Should you require transport to the Dinner, in addition to any carer and dietary requirements, call DS Macleod at 01851 704168 or Chrissie Macdonald at 01851 704550.

Great Bernera

Great Bernera Estate Buyout - The Trust group held a meeting on Wednesday 25th to inform the Community of developments regarding the purchase of the Bernera Estate Crofting Lands. The Executory did not agree with the valuation set by the District Valuer and as we have therefore been unable to reach an amicable agreement on a price for the Crofting Lands of Bernera it has been decided therefore to progress with Part 2 of the Community Right to Buy.

Congratulations - Graham McCulloch and Leanne Macdonald celebrated their wedding on Friday 27th with an evening meal and dance in the Bernera Community Centre.

The wedding was prepared and served by members of the community and the family were very grateful and send sincere thanks.

Graham’s mother Jessie is from 13 Tobson. We send many congratulations to the happy couple.

The family had a double celebration on Friday as Fraser Macdonald passed his driving test. Fraser’s father Peter is also from 13 Tobson. Well done Fraser!

Congratulations also go to Cam at 4 Earshader who passed his driving test last week.

Ness

Launch event - Comunn Eachdraich Nis museum and art gallery in Cross will be holding a launch event for two new Acair books on Saturday, December 5th from 3 to 5pm.

The books being featured are ‘The Archaeology of Ness’ by Chris Barrowman and ‘Dùn Èistean, Ness’ by Rachel Barrowman. There will be a short presentation on each book and light refreshments will be served.

Tong

Family Quiz and New Year Dance. - Start your first footing at Tong Hall! The Family quiz night will be on January 1st, 6pm to 8pm, teams of up to 6 people, all ages welcome, teas, coffees and tuck shop available, £5 entry per team. Call Donna Murray on 07496584938 to register your team. At the dance: The Links are playing on the 1st 8pm till late. £10 for 18+, limited free children’s tickets available. Under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets at Tong shop or call Eilidh Smith on 0794622503.

Western Isles

Properties for lease - Comhairle properties available for lease: Unit 1, Barvas Industrial Estate - 50m2; Unit 5, 7 James Street, Stornoway - 45m2; Unit 7A, 7 James Street, Stornoway - 65m2; Unit 7B, 7 James Street, Stornoway - 66m2

Ardmhor Waiting Room Servery, Barra - 10m2

Closing date for expressions of interest is December 7. For any further details contact: Business Gateway on 01851 822775 or [email protected]

Pictured is the Nicolson Institute’s S6 pupils who raised a fantastic £1967.47 for Children in Need this year.