Nurturing new development for Uig

The remaining £10,000 will be allocated for a project to be suggested and managed by the Aird community. Letters have been delivered to residents who are asked to return them by September 30th.

For the new Development Officer role the Trust is seeking a dynamic, committed and experienced person who can work closely with the Board, to raise funding for and develop a range of achievable projects, some small, some larger.

The overall aim being to improve the environment of Aird Uig, bring sustainable employment to the area and stabilise and develop this small and fragile community. The deadline for applications for the post (advertised in this week’s Stornoway Gazette) is October 14th.

Since acquiring the land previously known as RAF Aird Uig in late January of this year, the Trust have already achieved several initial objectives.

The land was cleared of hazards, old cabling removed and the high MoD fence replaced by normal stock fencing, and the Trust members have been delighted to see many visitors, both tourists and local, exploring the old MoD site and the stunning landscape which lies beyond it, which had not been accessible for more than 60 years.

One Aird resident, Fiona L’Estrange has successfully run a cafe – The Edge – in the house Gallan Beag, which the Trust also purchased and are in the process of turning into a small visitor/learning centre. After a short break in October, the cafe will remain open two days a week over the winter and at other times when bookings are received.

Gallan Beag also has a small gallery and craft shop, selling work by local artists.

The Trust also recently enjoyed a visit by Angus Aitken of SA Instrumentation, who is formulating with them a plan to install a hydrophone for the purpose of listening to and recording the sounds of Cetaceans and other marine life. This will be the beginning of the Cetus project.