Butt to Barra District News

Church Service – On the evening of Friday, June 15, a service which in earlier years was carried out at meetings of Presbytery, was held in Cross Free Church when Alasdair Macaulay of 6 South Dell, a former member of the congregation, who, after completing studies in the Free Church College, was present along with members of Lewis Presbytery to be finally licenced as a minister of the Free Church of Scotland.

The service was conducted by the Rev Ruaridh Maclean, Leverburgh, Moderator of Presbytery, who took his text from the Acts of the Apostles chapter six, and an address suited to the occasion, with emphasis on verse four, and the importance of preaching accompanied by prayer.

Following the Licencing proceedings the Rev Macaulay was addressed by the minister of the congregation, the Rev Kenneth M Ferguson, who again gave a most suited and affectionate exhortation related to the solemnity of the occasion, with emphasis on the last verses in the fourth chapter of the First Epistle of Paul to Timothy.

Singing of praise during the service, one of which was in Gaelic, was led by Donald Macleod, elder, Knock Free Church, and Murdo Macdonald, elder, Shawbost Free Church.

After the service in the church all present were invited to Comunn Eachdraidh Nis where refreshments had been prepared by the ladies of the congregation.

Our good wishes and prayer follow the Rev Macaulay, his wife Mairi and family, as he now goes on to labour in the work of his calling in the fields of His Master’s vineyard.

Ness Nurse Honoured – This week we send our congratulations from Ness to Mrs Peggy Macleod (Peagaidh Dhomhnuill Chalum), formerly from 13 Cross, who was made an MBE in the recent Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Peggy, who is the local consultant for diabetes, was honoured for her services to nursing and to people with motor neurone disease.

Young Ness Pipers – In the recent junior chanter competitions held by the Lewis and Harris Piping Society, we note with interest and congratulate two young boys with Ness connections. Calum Mackinnon, Stornoway, whose mother, Margaret, is from 10 Lionel, was awarded 1st prize in the 4-part march competition, and Norman James Campbell, 122 Cross Skigersta, was awarded 1st prize in the 2-part march competition.

CARLOWAY

Congratulations - To Alex MacDonald, former convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, after receiving an OBE for services to local government and the community, as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Although Alex was born in Patagonia, Argentina, the former councillor of the Uig and North Lochs ward hails from Knock Carloway, where Alex and his family moved to when he was five years old. Earlier this year, Alex retired as councillor for the Carloway area after serving an incredible 28 years at Western Isles Council, where he also became Convenor back in 1999. Meal-do-naidheachd, Alex!

Carloway School - The Scottish Government have recently launched an appeal against a judicial review, favouring of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s decision to close four schools including Carloway Primary School.

A fortnight ago, the Comhairle won a judicial review against the Scottish Government, which gives them the right to continue with the final process of closing Carloway, as well as Sheilbost primary and both Shawbost and Lionel secondaries.

Meanwhile, an emergency meeting was held in the Carloway Community Centre last week, where over 60 people attended and voiced their concerns in relation to the impact the school closure WILL have on the community. Keep believing.

Carloway Football Club - The ‘Way travelled to Fivepenny last Monday evening, where they took on Ness in the semi-final of the Jock Stein Cup.

Unfortunately, in what was a game Carloway did not turn up, Ness came on top as the 2-1 victors, thanks to goals from Craig Harris and a Jack Dunlop drive which sealed a place in the final for the Niseachs. Kenny ‘Dokus’ MacDonald scored a consolation for Carloway in the 95th minute.

Remarkably, Carloway had maintained an impressive seven year unbeaten run against Ness until last Monday’s defeat, dating back to Friday 27th May 2005 when Carloway lost 1-0 at Fivepenny in the 2nd round of the Jock Stein Cup.

The match report for this match can be read on the club’s website - www.carlowayfc.co.uk. We wish Ness all the best in the final, where they’ll face Back at Goathill Park, Stornoway, on Friday 29th June, after the champions beat Stornoway Athletic 1-0 in the other semi-final.

Fixtures - Carloway’s next fixture takes place on Monday 25th June at Cameron Terrace, Leurbost, where they will face Lochs in the League. Following this Monday’s fixture, Carloway face Ness in the League at Cnoc a’ Choilich, on Friday 29th June. Kick off for both matches is at 7pm respectively.

Come out and support your team as they bid to bounce back from defeat and stay in the race for the league title. C’mon the ‘Way!

SCALPAY

SASRA Meeting – On Tuesday, June 12, the Scottish area representative for SASRA, Major Iain Alistair Macdonald (Rtd) conducted the midweek service in Scalpay Free Church and we pray for him and the Society he represents as they seek to spread God’s Word among the armed forces.

Olympic Torch – Scalpay Primary, accompanied by parents Roddy Mackenzie and Kenny Morrison, teacher Morag Macpherson and Head Teacher Aileen Macsween, attended the Olympic Torch celebrations in Stornoway on Monday 17, and all thoroughly enjoyed this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Mod Na Hearadh – All pupils in Scalpay School participated in the local Mod recently, for the last time, and put a tremendous amount of work into preparing for this event.

The choral group consisting of Andrew and Seumas Morrison, Peter Mackenzie, Daniel Macleod, Gillian Macsween and Jade O’Hara, won the competition for the tenth year in succession.

Well done Mrs Macpherson and pupils on this magnificent achievement.

The Folk Group were placed second, and in the secondary sector Rona Morrison was placed first for fluent poetry recitation and Rebekah Macleod for fluent and traditional solo singing. Rinn sibh uile glè mhath!

Harris Sports Day – On Tuesday 12 the Harris Primary Sports Day was held at Sir E Scott School. All the children thoroughly enjoyed a day of athletic events and thanks are due to PE teacher Adam Johnson, John who provided transport, and everyone who helped in any way to ensure the success of the day.

In Hospital – In our recent hospital news the name of John Angus Macleod, Tidal Waves, was somehow omitted. John Angus spent some days in Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, but we are glad to report he is home and on the move again and we send him best wishes for continued good health.

End of Term Service and Prizegiving – The last ever Scalpay School end of term service and prizegiving will be held next Tuesday at 1.45pm and a cordial invitation to attend is extended to everyone in the community, not just parents or present pupils.