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Western Isles

The board have been asked to reconsider its policy

Health board expenses complaint is upheld

The scheme aims to curb bad behaviour

Curbing bad behaviour in island pubs

Going green on the Western Isles – one of the most experienced solar power teams begin renewable energy installations

Ad Feature Save the planet and money with renewable energy through solar panels

Tim Ingram resigned as vice-chair after it emerged he had little connection to the area.

NHS Western Isles vice-chair resigns amid controversy

Angus McCormack quit the Health Board over Ingram appointment.

Health Board vice-chair ‘twice’ in isles

Angus MacNeil said he spoke to deputy chief executive of the Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund and he told him: "that's it, we're coming to Scotland"

Abu Dhabi dosh for isles tunnels, says MP

The idea is the brainchild of Gaelic-speaking professional footballer, Calum Ferguson. Pic: Craig Watson.

The Gaelic-speaking football team that looks set to take on the world

There has been frustration that even lifeline, major connections like that provided by the Loch Seaforth have been cancelled due to even a single case of Covid among the crew.

CalMac explain Covid policy

Isi Oakley is the only suitably qualified guide in the Western Isles.

Climb Hebrides aims to grab ‘untapped’ potential

Environmental designations are hurting the isles fishing sector, according to industry representatives.

Environmental strictures are hurting the islands

Dr El Nahal says herbal medicine is complimentary and not meant as a complete alternative to traditional medicine.

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The Western Isles' first herbal medicine clinic has opened in North Uist - initially video-only but with plans to open a physical clinic soon.

Rachael in action at the Scotland camp with Abi Harrison

Scotland camp has been an eye-opener for Rachael

The council met on Tuesday to discuss a three per cent rise.

Council tax rise will limit service cuts

The cuts facing the council are "the worst of any in Scotland".

Council cuts threaten ‘irreversible’ damage

Committee members and volunteers from Eilean Siar Foodbank.

Eilean Siar Foodbank thanks island community

Council Leader Roddie MacKay called for the surcharge on customers in the north to be removed

Isles need an energy cost derogation

The comhairle said the Isles Forum represented an opportunity

Isles Forum is ‘direct route’ to government

It is feared the new licensing regime will damage tourism in the islands

Short-term lets license will add costs to tourism

Artists impression of the proposed skate park.

Community bid to build Lewis Skate Park

The fund "ticks a lot of boxes" for the islands' fleet.

Fisheries Fund offers opportunities for isles

The islands housing stock is harder to insulate which means Scotland-wide schemes are unsuitable and leads to increased electricity costs

Islands face growing fuel poverty crisis

GulfXStream vessels, operated by the firm of Calum Buchannan of Lewis, at work on offshore wind farms. Facilities for such work need to be developed in west Lewis, he says.

"Invest in the west", say Lewis marine businessmen

Just like the CalMac quangos, questions are being asked over the lack of local representation on the Western Isles Health Board

Absence of islanders on Western Isles Health Board

Loganair announced a reduction in the Stornoway-Glasgow timetable for next month due to fears over the Omicron spread

Public fears over Omicron leads to air service cut

Farmed salmon is Scotland's top food export and supports 550 full-time jobs in the Western Isles

Fish farms to face more sea lice control measures

Councillor Donald Crichton

Islands to suffer from broadband inequality

The Barra members share their work for the schools 1.5 climate summit

Isles climate ‘warriors’ say it’s time for proper action

Fishermen have warned that if the agreement on more marine protection by the SNP-Green Coalition goes through many will not be able to survive

Crisis point for the Isles fishing industry
The Western Isles fishing industry is facing its “biggest threat for 30 years” as a result of the policy agreement between the SNP and Scottish Green Party which brought two Green Ministers into the Scottish Government.

Archie Gillespie pictured in latter years

Archie Gillespie – a crofters’ champion

Study was the first of its kind

Fish farm study is evidence of inter-breeding

Official statistics now show the effect that the closure of European markets during lockdown had on the local fishing industry

Green pact points to ‘challenging times’

The report found that MG Alba creates high skilled employment opportunities across Scotland - both directly and through production companies

How MG Alba boosts the islands’ economy

Angus MacNeil: Wrong to leave so many families in financial stress

WICAS warns of a coming financial ‘perfect storm’

The croft tourism business in Northton is being marketed by CKD Galbraith's Inverness office for £1.5 million

Crofting law needs 'repeal not reform'

Preview of a draft map, seen by the Stornoway Gazette, showing all ScotWind North connections going to a regional hub at Dounreay.

SSE plan to bypass isles condemned

Glamping pods give comhairle planning problems

The Amhuinnsuidhe by-pass incident was symbolic of how landlords wielded power at local government level

By-passing local rights? It’s still a bad idea

The council have confirmed that discussions are underway to bring a high-level Forumla E event - the eco friendly version of Formula One - to Lewis

Isles ready to step in as location for ‘green-prix’

The Royal Mail service ensures people in the Highlands and Islands do not pay excessive fees for deliveries, but as this report highlights that practice is far from universal

Isanders pay £2.4m more for deliveries

There is no evidence that progress on the construction of two delayed ships at Ferguson Marine has not improved since the shipyard came into the ownership of the Scottish Government

The ferry fiasco needs a judge-led inquiry

James has switched from running the highly-successful Digby Chick restaurant in Stornoway to presiding over catering courses at the college

Shortage of hospitality staff offers local careers

Communities like Breasclete in Lewis are in danger of missing out on the offshore wind revolution. Pic: Robert Watson.

Offshore wind edges closer to reality

The housing needs of rural areas needs a diverse approach

No single answer for rural housing

Vaccination staff in the grounds of the Caberfeidh Hotel in Stornoway, one of the locations where mass clinics were held

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THE WAY AHEAD: Comhairle Leader Roddie MacKay and Alex MacLeod, chief executive of the port authority, show Michael Gove around the harbour. Pic: Fiona Rennie

Co-operation is key to Levelling-Up funds
Michael Gove created a double first this week. It was the first time (probably) that a Minister joined a Cabinet meeting from the Western Isles. And it was certainly the first time a plea to Downing Street had met with such a speedy response.

Think carefully about water usage

Bill Lucas with Malcolm MacDonald, Catherine Marion MacLeod, Ken Galloway and Anna Tucker from Stornoway Historical Society

Lucas archive gifted to Historical Society

Board chair Gill McGannon

‘Step forward’ for local MRI scanner

Ross Cowie was inspired to create Lucky2Bhere after his own heart attack

Defibrillators are a vital matter of life and death

Back U15s with the Kemnay Cup after the match

Back triumph in Kemnay Cup final

The lack of affordable housing in the more rural parts of the islands has been a major factor in the population decline

Grim statistics on island population

Bethesda care home

Two Covid-linked deaths in care homes, says Crown Office

Anchorage Restaurant, Leverburgh

Self-employed and small businesses need additional support

Isles vaccination programme success

Lach Maclean is looking forward to his new venture

Something new on restaurant scene