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    22 Francis Street Stornoway •#    Insurance Services  RMk Isle of Lewis     HS1 2NB •#        Risk Management     t: 01851 704949 #    ADVICE • Health & Safety YOU CAN    www.rmkgroup.co.uk TRUST EVENTS SECTION ONE - Page 2 www.hebevents.com 05/10/17 - 01/11/17 Kiwi calls it a day after 50 years and closes Macleod's Garage By Eilidh Whiteford The Kiwis Garage then moved to Inaclete Road for a spell, before fi nding its current home in New Street, now owned and operated by fter more than 50 years fi xing and maintaining the motors Malcolm’s eldest son David. of island residents, Malcolm ‘Kiwi’ MacLeod started his A Malcolm opened the Motorists Centre on Bayhead, along with retirement in September with the closure of MacLeod's Garage Lewis Car Rentals, and also bought the garage along the road, on Bayhead, Stornoway. formerly Macrae & Dick, to open MacLeod's Garage. But he’s not hanging up the oil-stained overalls just yet as Turning 67 next year, the time has come now though for the well-known retirement will leave him plenty of time to work on restoring his own mechanic to start his ‘second life’ and enjoy the delights of retirement. fl eet of classic cars! “I want to spend some more time with the grandkids,” he said. “It’s been absolutely wonderful, I’ve enjoyed it so much, and it’s a “We’ve got seven grandkids to keep up with now. And I think we’ll thanks to customers and clients over the years. hard thing giving up what you enjoy,” said Malcolm, who admits he be going on some holidays, perhaps spend winter in warmer climates. “One of the best things of this work has been the people I’ve met,” attempted to retire last year but ‘it never happened’. “And of course I’ve also got a number of classic cars I want to he said. “So many wonderful people over the years. “It’s diffi cult to retire when you love your work!” he added. restore for myself. There’s about a year’s work sitting waiting there “A business is nothing without its customers, so I just want to stay Malcolm entered the motor trade aged 15, and fi rst established his already on those, so I’ll not be giving up that!” thank you for the kindness and support all our customers have given own garage – Kiwis Garage – at Bells Road, Stornoway. And after half a century in the local trade, Malcolm added his us over the years.” Lochs Gaelic Choir – 60th Anniversary

he Lochs Gaelic Choir was formed as a ladies choir in 1951 island. All have left their individual marks on the choir, in all sorts T– but it wasn’t until 1957 that it became a mixed choir…and of different ways, and helped extend the goodwill to Lochs and our the rest, as they say, is history! community here, far beyond our own borders. This means that, at the upcoming National Mod in Fort William, We would like to take an opportunity therefore to celebrate this the full choir will be, amazingly, celebrating its 60th Birthday. signifi cant milestone in the choir’s history, to look back, and to share Like every group that has been in existence for 60 years, it some time with the very people who made this all possible, and has seen much change: Perhaps there have been over 300 men helped get us to where we are now. and women whom the choir has brought together over the years, To this end, we are holding a special celebratory dinner in the through changing fashions and kilt lengths, and who have all had the Town Hall in Stornoway on Friday, the 10th of November (6:30 opportunity to be Sopranos, Altos, Tenors and Basses under a Lochie for 7pm), followed by a ceilidh dance, and a once-in-a lifetime banner…but in its essence, we would hope that much of the choirs opportunity to see and hear the biggest Lochs choir ever assembled. original purpose and outlook still remains today. While, sadly, not all our friends are still with us, and others will be Some of us now have the choir fi rmly in our DNA; others have unable to attend, we would like to encourage as many as possible come and gone more fl eetingly, have come to the island or moved of those people who have sung with the choir over those years (even away to far-fl ung corners of the world. Natural performers have for just a short time), or who have played such a signifi cant part in shared their rich talents. Many, perhaps more shy or reluctant stars, supporting us, to attend. have surprised themselves in what they have achieved, and what we Does this include you? can achieve together. We really hope that you can come along, and that it will be a Members have come to the choir from all over the parish and unique, poignant, but most of all enjoyable evening. beyond - from all walks of life; both young and old; partaking in the choirs successes and failures; the competitions, the travels and Unfortunately, spaces in the Town Hall are quite limited, so we the new places to visit and explore; the laughter and anecdotes; its would appreciate it if you could let us know by the 27th October hard work and play…but more than anything, in the close ties and at the latest if you wish to attend. Tickets will cost £30, and will be friendships that have grown over the years through the shared joy of allocated on a fi rst come, fi rst served basis. socialising together, of singing Gaelic song, and in preserving just a If you would like to come, please contact us on HOW TO CONTACT US little of a fast disappearing culture and way of life. [email protected] or by phone 07917 113039. All have contributed to the rich heritage of the choir and our We very much look forward to seeing you there! Editor: Fred Silver 01851 705743 [email protected] Design and layout: Andrew Jeffries [email protected] Advertising: Caroline Henderson 01851 705743 [email protected] Administration: Marie Anne Macdonald 01851 705743 Distribution - online and in-print: Judi Hayes 01851 705671 [email protected] Feature writers/reporters: Eilidh Whiteford, Elly Welch, Katie Macleod, Roz Skinner 01851 705671 [email protected] Additional design: Keith Stringer Event promotion in EVENTS and welovestornoway.com: NEXT EDITION: The deadline for information and advertising is Tuesday [email protected] October 24th. The newspaper will appear on Wednesday November 1st

EVENTS is published by Intermedia Services (Stornoway) Ltd, Offi ces 1-3, Clintonʼs Yard, Rigs Road, Stornoway, HS1 2RF Tel: 01851 705743 05/10/17 - 01/11/17 www.hebevents.com EVENTS SECTION ONE - Page 3

Family set to launch new dairy farm in Bragar

By Eilidh Whiteford From the Moo to You’ is the tagline for the Western Isles ‘newest dairy farm, getting set to deliver fresh milk and dairy produce right to islanders’ doorsteps. Ready to start milking later this month (October), Moorpark Dairy in South Bragar is the new undertaking of the Mackay family – with father Gordon leading the way and son Scott assisting. Previously working in the off-shore industry, Gordon is delighted with his latest career change: “The way the work in the North Sea was going you never knew really if your job was safe,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to start a dairy herd, so the way offshore went was the push I needed to get going with it!” Steadily preparing both the dairy buildings and livestock over the past few years, Moorpark Dairy is now getting ready to begin its fi rst milking this month – with the latest technology in the Manus milking parlour ensuring a premium product every time. “The new milk processing plant has been a large investment, with the bottling plant, pasteurizer, cream separator and homogenizer,” said Gordon. “The Manus milking parlour has the very latest technology for animal health essential for today. With individual cow monitoring, the herd has its own nutritionist from our feed supplier, so they are given the best feed rations available,” he continued. “The cows are also monitored with individual cow electronic collars and can be monitored from a mobile phone or offi ce computer. The computer system will also monitor the milking, so will pick up any problems that an individual cow may have.” As well as ensuring the best equipment, Gordon and Scott have also been keen to secure the best livestock and now boast a herd of pedigree Guernsey cows, originally from South Wales, as well as Ayrshire cows brought up from renowned farmers the Barr Family in Campbelltown. “We wanted something a bit more special for the island so Guernsey cattle was selected, with Ayrshire cattle, to give islanders a premium product at a price to match supermarkets, as much as we can delivered to their doorstep,” said Gordon. Gordon Mackay… “I’ve always wanted to start a dairy herd” He went on to explain that the Guernsey cows produce the healthy livestock. The cattle have loved it here – they’re a hardy “But it’s also really important to us to be able to offer some new healthier A2 milk (most UK milk sales at A1) which has a high breed so they’re fi tting in well to the island weather!” jobs locally, work can be hard to fi nd up here, so if we can provide content of beta carotene, a good source of Vitamin A, high butterfat With fresh milk and cream production to start fi rst, Gordon and some new opportunities through Moorpark Dairy, that’s all the and protein content, and is easier for those who are lactose Scott then aim to produce cheese, crowdie and Moorpark ice cream better,” he added. intolerant. as the Dairy develops. Aiming to be producing milk by the end of October, islanders “It’s not only a healthier milk they produce, but the Guernsey Already around four islanders have been trained to work in the keen to taste fresh milk – from the Moo to You – should contact cattle up here and in the Highlands are very healthy in themselves milking parlour – and once up and running to full capacity, Gordon Moorpark Dairy to arrange supply and delivery. compared to herds down in south England which often have anticipates around 10 local jobs secured by the new Dairy. Contact Gordon on 01851 710218, or email problems with TB,” said Gordon. “As a family-run business it’s important to have other people with [email protected] or fi nd out more about Moorpark Dairy “That’s a problem we don’t face here, so we’re keen to breed the knowledge of what to do just in case anything happens to me or and the work undertaken by Gordon and Scott via the Facebook the herd on the islands where it’s totally TB free and maintain the Scott,” Gordon said. page ‘Moorpark Dairy’.

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op-quality furniture designs upholstered in Harris Tweed are “I'm sure there will be many islanders who value that connection         Tnow available in Carpet World Warehouse on Inaclete Road, as well as the beautiful end products." Stornoway – with the tweed produced by the Harris Tweed The fi rst customers were Alistair and Shona Maclennan of the Vegetables and plants for sale Hebrides factory in Shawbost. Hal O' The Wynd Guesthouse on Newton Street, who are pictured with Brian Wilson, along with Scott Macleod, Dolan Morrison, Iain HTH chairman Brian Wilson said: "We are delighted that there is # #  Macleod and Louis Morrison from Carpet World Warehouse. now a local outlet for Tetrad furniture using Harris Tweed. # #  “That has been a missing link for some time while the popularity # # of Tetrad's products was spreading throughout the UK and beyond."    The long-established Preston-based furniture maker has seen a ' "( )   boom in sales since initiating its Harris Tweed range three years ago   and has become an important customer for the Shawbost mill         Mr Wilson said: "I have visited the Tetrad factory and it is an        extremely impressive set-up with real craftsmen and women building       each piece of furniture from scratch using, as far as possible, UK- OIL & GAS INSTALLATION & SERVICING          sourced materials. The care, skills and quality show in the fi nished      products.        "I applaud the initiative of Carpet World Warehouse in securing an e. [email protected] arrangement with Tetrad in order to bring Harris Tweed back home m. 07887 620 819 t. 01851 820 924     !"# $ !$%& " in furniture form.

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  #Cˆ€hSr†‚ˆ pr†         #Hh xr‡vtT‚pvhyHrqvh    Mop & Shop        Scan here #7ˆ†vr††6q‰v†‚ ’Tr ‰vpr† Our ‘Home Angels’ provide shopping, cleaning
  to visit our and laundry services, assistance       website #U hvvt9r‰ry‚ƒ€r‡ attending appointments and   ! light lunch preparation. "##$%&'(%% www.orbit.agency "#)"('$$&&' 01851 707219 #6q€vv†‡ h‡v‚Tˆƒƒ‚ ‡ Call: 0800 917 1971 or *+*  ,-*  [email protected] email: [email protected] EVENTS SECTION ONE - Page 8 www.hebevents.com 05/10/17 - 01/11/17 CalMac announces HebCelt, Harris new Community Distillery among Board members fi nalists erry operator Caledonian MacBrayne ore than 50 tourism businesses took a F(CalMac) has confi rmed membership of Mstep nearer being crowned the best in its new twelve member Community Board – the Highlands and Islands after being named ensuring every community CalMac serves is as fi nalists in the industry’s annual ‘Oscars’ on represented. Friday 29 September. It was announced recently that the chair of the Competition to win a coveted Highlands new board would be Lewis based businessman and Islands Tourism Awards (HITA) trophy has and ex-Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Angus reached an unprecedented level with entries and Campbell. nominations this year surpassing previous record- The creation of the independent Community breaking levels. Board was a key element of the company’s winning In the Outer Hebrides, fi nalists include bid for the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Service Hebridean Celtic Festival as Best Cultural Event or contract last year and will be a strong community Festival and Isle of Harris Distillers Ltd, Tarbert, as voice on strategic ferry issues. Best Visitor Attraction. Board members are geographically spread The total of 232 businesses and individuals to ensure every community CalMac serves is vying for honours was more than 14 per cent up represented. They are: Angus Campbell (Chairman), on last year’s fi gure. Judges had to narrow down Rob Ware, Jim Porteous, Iain MacFarlan, Eoin contenders to a 55-strong shortlist in 16 categories. MacNeil, Camille Dressler, Neal Goldsmith, Jane Tents all round for Cubs and Beavers Among those to be recognised will be the best Howard, Stewart MacLennan, Bill Calderwood, places to stay, eat, drink and enjoy the area’s Eddie MacKenzie and Angus Campbell. sporting and cultural events, as well as its wildlife The Board is completely independent from the axdale Cubs and Beavers are all set for generosity of the local community playpark and and scenery. A new category, Best Heritage Tourism company and no CalMac representative will sit on Lcamping next summer thanks to the Comhairle councillors. Experience, was introduced in 2017 to mark the it. And to ensure the input of the Board is fresh donation of eight brand new three-person On seeing the appeal, the Newmarket Playpark Year of Heritage History and Archaeology. and relevant membership will be for an 18 month tents. Committee decided to donate £100 – and then Ten of the fi nalists are from the Inverness area, period in the fi rst instance, with the option of an 1st Laxdale Scouts, Cubs and Beavers had made approached ward councillors Roddie MacKay, Iain with nine each from Argyll and Moray and six from extension for 18 months. an appeal on social media for unused tents as the MacAulay, Neil MacKay and Gordon Murray, to Strathspey, while Lochaber, Ross-shire, Sutherland, Commenting on the new Community Board, ones they were using were over 15 years old and match their funding. Skye, Orkney and Shetland all feature. Chairman Angus Campbell said: “I’m delighted to in a bad state of repair. And 1st Laxdale Cubs and Beavers were Craig Ewan, the HITA chairman, said: welcome my fellow board members; the hard work The groups also didn’t have enough suitable delighted on Thursday, September 14th, when they “Congratulations to everyone who has made the now begins. I’m sure we are all looking forward to tents to allow the Beavers and Cubs to enjoy were presented with their new tents by Murray shortlist which is a fantastic achievement given getting out and meeting our communities, hearing camps together. and Kenny from the Newmarket Playpark and the unprecedented number of quality entries more about what the real barriers to economic Councillor Roddie MacKay. That has all changed now however, thanks to the and nominations we received this year. The growth are and how we might be able to work with geographical spread of fi nalists demonstrates the CalMac to try and address.” strength of tourism facilities across the Highlands CalMac’s Director of Community and and Islands.” Stakeholder Engagement, Brian Fulton, said: “The HITA is regarded as one of the premier industry quality of candidates we received was outstanding hospitality awards programmes in Scotland, where and it was a diffi cult task to shortlist down to a the tourism sector is worth more than £4.5 billion fi nal 12. The knowledge this group brings will to the economy. add tremendous value to our long term strategic decision making process.” The awards scheme, which is held in association with SSE, is free and is open to people operating in the Highland, Moray, Orkney, Shetland, Comhairle Comhairle plea to nan Eilean Siar and Argyll & Bute (excluding G postcode areas) local authority areas. on fairer gas tariffs Winners will receive their trophies at a ceremony in the Drumossie Hotel, Inverness, on Friday, 3 ouncillor Donald Crichton has written November and (with the exception of the Highland Cto Mark Hodges, the Chief Executive of Rising Star and Highland Ambassador) go on to British Gas, asking the company to consider compete at the glittering Scottish Thistle Awards fairer energy prices for Stornoway mains-gas next year. customers that would give them the cheapest possible deal available to help alleviate high Harris distillery wins levels of fuel poverty. The Chairman of the Sustainable Development Committee told him: “The Comhairle would be bank’s backing happy to explore working with you on developing he Isle of Harris Distillers company has won a fuel poverty/social tariff for Stornoway." CalMac’s environmental manager Klare Chamberlain collects the award T£1.7m in backing from major investment In his letter Mr Crichton asked: “I would from comedian Marcus Brigstocke and Deputy First Minister, John Swinney bank HSBC to support its growth and to invest appreciate a breakdown of the Scottish/British Gas in its single malt whisky stock. tariffs that are currently available to the residents of Stornoway, including the proportion of the Wildlife watch wins prize Still less than two years old, the distillery already estimated 1,200 customers on each of these tariffs. employs 30 people and aims to create a number of “additional sustainable jobs” as the production of “Given that these customers cannot switch to fforts by CalMac to build better After further discussions the partnership whisky increases. any provider other than Scottish/British Gas, I Eenvironmental partnerships across the west developed into a citizen science project using would request that you consider whether there are coast have been recognised by the Scottish volunteers to gather data on-board. The fi rst batch of The Hearach whisky should be any steps you could proactively take to ensure that Council for Development and Industry. The aim of the project is to help the Scottish ready for bottling from late 2020. Government further understand the status of Stornoway customers are on the cheapest possible The trade body awarded the ‘Crown Estate Neal Tully, relationship director at HSBC, said: deal available to them. marine wildlife in Scottish seas. Scotland Award for Excellence in a Marine “The team at Harris Distillers instantly impressed ”Furthermore, I would like to hear your views on Business’ to the ferry operator for its work in And the project – which involved marine bird us with their innovative approach to creating spirits building up working relationships with wildlife whether the lack of competition in the local market and mammal surveys carried out from CalMac and social ethos. justifi es the introduction of a social gas tariff for groups. vessels – was backed by SNH, Marine Scotland, “We hope with the wider availability of the single Stornoway residents, particularly given the extreme CalMac approached Scottish Natural Heritage RSPB, British Trust for Ornithology, Argyll Bird levels of fuel poverty experienced in our community." (SNH) and Marine Scotland last year to see how Club, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, malt we’ll see the business grow and also attract even more tourists to the distillery and Harris.” Councillor Crichton concluded: “As you will the company could help capture a range of ORCA, Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, and be aware fuel poverty is endemic in the Outer environmental and scientifi c observational data. Whale and Dolphin Conservation. Simon Erlanger, managing director of Isle of Hebrides and we are seeking engagement with all “With set year round routes CalMac was “Our pilot was very successful with over 390 Harris Distillers, said: “HSBC recognised our fuel providers to explore opportunities to reduce ideally placed as a platform for the monitoring animals observed by ORCA staff from the bridges mission to be a catalyst for economic growth for these unacceptably high levels of fuel poverty. of the marine environment,” said the company’s of our vessels,” continued Klare. the island and to create even more sustainable jobs “As you will appreciate suppliers, such as environmental manager, Klare Chamberlain. “We are planning a full survey next year and for local people. Scottish/British Gas have a critical role in ensuring “We offered our vessels to help with wildlife also a pilot Marine Bird Survey later this year. I’m “We’re committed to Harris, whose water, fair and competitive energy prices that will help surveys and both organisations were keen to get delighted our initial success has been recognised weather and people are integral to the overall alleviate high levels of fuel poverty." involved.” by the SCDI.” production of our high quality spirits.” 05/10/17 - 01/11/17 www.hebevents.com EVENTS SECTION ONE - Page 9 Health, wellbeing & beauty Building active centre for all kinds of recreation

By Eilidh Whiteford hen Back Football and Recreation Club Sport and WCommunity Project Offi cer Terri Davies took up her new post a few years ago there was one main aim – put the recreation back into Back FRC. And along with the hard work and dedication of committee members and volunteers, there is now so much more on offer at the centre than its popular football activities. “When I started there was all the football that we still run, but we also had this big empty community centre and we knew we needed to get some other things up and running and get the community back in,” said Terri. The covered all-weather football pitch (‘the tent’) plays host to teams from Primary school age to Under 13s, 15s, 18s, as well as two adult Winter Leagues. Developing the Club further saw the installation of the Back FRC outside Golf Driving Range; and, most recently, the Committee has been delighted to open the centre’s new gym, complete with a range of weights and exercise machines donated from Ionad Spòrs Leòdhais. “The gym has been a fantastic and we’re seeing more and more people joining,” Terri said. “It has also brought a lot of different people into the centre which is what we want. “Back FRC is currently one of the local Co-op Community Charities and when that funding comes through we aim to install a swipe key- card access to the gym so people can come and go when they want, not just when the whole building is open. “We also want to develop a separate changing room and showers Church ‘Focus Friday’ Youth Club also using the main hall regularly. the support and use the community have been giving to the new for the gym, and purchase a few more machines,” she added. “We’re With a number of smaller meeting rooms and function areas, Back developments here,” said Terri. “There’s a really good committee on looking forward to watching it develop as more people join.” FRC is often used by outside groups and organisations such as the board and a core team of volunteers who we couldn’t move forward It is not just the gym bringing new people into the community centre local Alzheimer Scotland support group, which meets once a month without – from football coaching to helpers and people baking for however, but also an ever-growing list of clubs and organisations in the newly refurbished games room, sports massage therapist Dee events, everything is done by volunteers.” using the space, as well as Back FRC organised special community McAndrew, Back FRC monthly Book Club, and the local Rainbows. And you can experience just what the Back FRC Committee and events and classes. The hall and function rooms are also available for hire for Birthday volunteers enjoy providing for their local community this month at Back FRC’s Bike Club for toddlers (with cuppas for mums!) is a Parties and Stag and Hen dos as Back FRC work with Pursuit Hebrides the Family Fun Day on Tuesday, October 24th. Running from 11am popular addition over the winter months, allowing young ones to ride to set up activities like bouncy castles, bubble football, and discos. to 3pm there will be a bouncy castle, light lunches, face painting, free around the large hall dry and safely. And the venue has also recently been booked to accommodate its and lots of games and activities to keep all busy and smiling! Yoga, dance and keep fi t sessions are also held regularly in the hall, fi rst wedding next summer. To fi nd out more about Back FRC, the Golf Driving Range, gym, with Island Archers, Back Bowls Club, and, starting soon, the Back Free “We fi nd there’s always more stuff to do but we’re delighted with and activities and events on offer, visit www.backfrc.org.uk Refl exology, Indian Head Massage, and Reiki… By Eilidh Whiteford the couple are busy converting a room at the B&B and India for thousands of years and works by this energy through their hands to the client. to provide a dedicated treatment room for Jane to stimulating nerves in the body via the refl ex points This activates the body’s ability to heal itself and homely and comfortable bed and breakfast work from. on the soles of the feet. brings about balance within the individual. The isn’t all that’s available at Ravenstar A Treatments are available to all and can be “It is a therapy which has many benefi ts, energy goes to the root cause of the ‘dis-ease’ and B&B in Vatisker, Back, as owner and natural delivered at Ravenstar – although Jane does including improvement of the circulation, stress helps people to take responsibility for their lives, therapist Jane Eastwood offers treatments in highlight that there is no wheelchair access – or reduction, relaxation, cleansing the body of toxins health and well-being. The person receiving Reiki Refl exology, Indian Head Massage, and Reiki. she can come to treat clients in their own homes. and generally balancing and revitalising the becomes the healer for themselves.” Known as Natural or Complementary Therapies, Offering a ‘very relaxing’ treatment, Indian individual,” Jane explained. “Reiki encompasses all religions and may be the treatments all work holistically by treating the Head Massage has been practiced for hundreds of “Even if the person does not suffer from a used on all living things,” Jane added. “It is a individual as a whole entity – body, mind and spirit. years and is still a common part of the service in specifi c condition, a Refl exology treatment is a means of channelling love which is the greatest “When we are in a state of ‘dis-ease’ it is because Indian barber shops today. good way to relax, de-stress and re-balance. Think healer of all.” somehow we have lost the balance between body, “The Massage itself focuses on the head, of it as good maintenance.” And Jane also hopes in the near future to share mind, and spirit,” said Jane. “Natural therapies neck, shoulders and upper arms and is a very Literally meaning ‘Universal Life Force’, her Reiki experience and tutor others in the art of work by restoring the balance and bringing us relaxing therapy which helps to reduce stress Reiki natural therapy is of very ancient origin, this most ancient natural therapy. back into our true alignment.” and anxiety,” said Jane, adding that it can help rediscovered in the 1870s by Dr Mikao Usui in To book a Therapy Treatment with Jane, Jane has been practicing her Natural Therapies improve circulation, reduce muscle pain, increase Japan. Jane, a member of The Reiki Association, or fi nd out more information, contact her on for 12 years since she and husband Dave moved lymphatic drainage, and improve mobility. said: “The life force energy is found in all living 01851 820517, mobile 07940044757, or email to Lewis and established Ravenstar B&B. And now Refl exology has been practiced in China, Egypt things. Reiki practitioners learn how to channel [email protected]                !"!"#$ %            

 ))*%)              -  )))   ,3  ]     Pssr vt h vqr htr ‚s †ƒ‚ ‡†     shpvyv‡vr† pyˆi† hq pyh††r† s‚ hyy htr†                         !    
 
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Health, Day-long course &##5'1 00'1 wellbeing "-+#,_1 ,!#0 & beauty packed with therapies 3..-020-3. and advice sessions     delivered by local, trained therapists. By Eilidh Whiteford Advice regarding nutrition and exercise will or island women ready to ‘Move Forward’     also be given by NHS Western Isles professionals after cancer treatment, the Lewis & F during the day.      Harris Women’s Cancer Support Group is on hand with just the ticket. Founded in 1998, originally as a specifi c   !"#"$% breast cancer support group, the Lewis & Harris The Moving Forward course, organised by the Women’s Cancer Support Group broadened in local Support Group, takes place on Tuesday, 2015 to reach women affected by any cancer.  & ' & ( )& *   '+ ) November 14th, in the Caladh Inn and is open Offering emotional support and information, to all island women who have recently, in the giving each other time and space to talk ,&+  ) -. / +   ( + '+'0 past two or three years, been treated for cancer. about fears and grief, Lewis members meet The day-long course is packed with therapies in Stornoway every week (Thursdays, 2-4pm,   ' *&)) '+& ( and advice sessions; all geared towards helping Lewis Retirement Centre, Bayhead), as well as ladies take back their lives and move forward joining with their Harris neighbours regularly. 1)+   1 !&+ 020 from cancer. As well as supporting one another through “People fi nd the course very benefi cial,” said the weekly meetings, the Group also undertakes 3  4 !5&+  #)6 &+ 2 4 & Lewis & Harris Women’s Cancer Support Group hospital and home visits; and during the summer trustee Mary Macleod. months organises trips around the islands. &+2 )) )&  &+ 1& 0 Classes with something for all ages and abilities to enjoy “For many people just fi nishing treatment is a And throughout October – Breast Cancer very anxious time, but the course offers a day to Awareness month – Lewis & Harris Women’s )5 4 &' + + & &+ 4 6'& *&))  be able to relax a little and also hear good talks Cancer Support Group members run Breast mature, over-50s dancers,” said Hebrides Dance & very effective – you really feel the whole body is By Eilidh Whiteford on the importance of eating well and exercise.” Cancer Awareness workshops. 2&+  ! $ + ) (&+)0 Wellbeing instructor Kirstie Anderson. being worked and stretched, and I always come out ith more than 30 classes on offer every Taking place from 10am to 4pm, with teas, To fi nd out more about the Lewis & Harris “The great thing is that all our classes are fun and of the class feeling an inch taller.” week there is something for all ages coffees, and lunch included, the ‘Moving Women’s Cancer Support Group, and for further Learning how to use the new gym equipment, W effective. We’re a wee community and everybody Urh†p‚ssrr† yˆpuvyyirƒ ‚‰vqrq She continued: “I’d never done Pilates before, Forward’ course has complementary therapy information about the ‘Moving Forward’ course from L-R, John Burgis, DR MacLeod, Alasdair Dunlop (spòrsnis), and abilities to enjoy at Hebrides Dance & is welcome to come join in!” but I can honestly say I feel the benefi ts of the class. Peadar Smith and Euan MacLeod (Ionad Spòrs Leòdhais) Wellbeing Studio at Stornoway Golf Club in sessions such as Beauty and Skin Care; in November, call Mary on 01851 704138; Joan Zumba Fitness, Zumba Toning and Zumba It’s a great deal of core work, but you learn to think Lews Castle Grounds. Relaxation; Massage and Hair Dressing, all on 01851 850296, or Euna on 01851 705321.         Gold sessions prove popular at Hebrides Dance & of the body as a whole unit and Kirstie explains 10 pin bowling alley And as upping your physical activity can be a Wellbeing Studio, along with a range of classes in movements really well so you understand what     !" great way to beat the winter blues, the time is right Classical Pilates, Yoga, and Barre exercises. you’re trying to achieve. AUTISM EILEANAN SIAR in Ness sports centre to get set and get moving – no matter your age! “I joined the yoga classes as I feel as you get “The Barre toning and the Zumba classes are  # $%&'  $ &  “Our classes range from children’s classes older joints can stiffen up if not being used,” said great all round workouts, really energetic, good for little ones aged three and above to our more one class participant. “Kirstie’s class is gentle but fun, and you don’t have to be a dancer to take utism Eileanan Siar aims to support often of average or above average intelligence. porsnis, the leisure centre at the northwest tip of Lewis part – all different levels come.” Aanyone living and working in the They have fewer problems with speech but may caters for all ages and abilities. In addition to a two- Western Isles who is affected by, or has an still have diffi culties with understanding and S For those enjoying their later years, Hebrides lane 10 pin bowling alley, soft play and sports hall there is interest in the autism spectrum condition. processing language. += 7 Dance & Wellbeing Studio also has plenty to offer an impressive fi tness suite and sauna with nearby weight – of particular interest to older islands residents are We aim to support and help anyone affected WHAT IS MEANT BY training room. Chair Yoga and Groovy Movers dance classes. by Autism locally so that they can reach their SPECTRUM DISORDER? maximum potential, raise awareness of Autism Membership of the fi tness suite is free to anyone over the age of 3H >Y  Kirstie continued: “Chair Yoga doesn’t necessarily Spectrum Disorder is the term used when 65 or anyone with a disability. Experienced staff are on hand to help in the Western Isles, champion full and inclusive an individual has any of the conditions on the mean you can’t stand, but rather that it enables us new members and devise targeted training plans if required – age is lives for people with Autism, help support their spectrum, this could be Asperger Syndrome, to lengthen through the spine, to breathe fully, and not a barrier! families. We are pursuing a collective voice Autism and autistic spectrum conditions. to move the body without the stress of getting up on autism issues and service gaps, to connect Regular gym membership is priced at £12 per month or £11 if paid and down off the fl oor. Autism Eileanan Siar has a group meeting by direct debit. For more information please contact 01851 810039 with the local community and break down their monthly on the second Monday of each month “Everyone has different challenges – bad knees, barriers, use feedback to help improve local between 12pm-2.00pm in the Newton Ward replaced hips, weak wrists, sore backs – but I tend services, learn from one another and exchange Community Association, located at Seaforth to fi nd that everyone can sit on a chair with a long experiences through social events. Road, Stornoway. Come along and support one spine. WHAT IS AUTISM? another in a confi dential and safe group setting        ,) )  /0 “From there the options are endless but if we get Autism is a life long development disability and access group facilities for all children and    back to why we’re doing it – to create space in our that affects how a person communicates with adults with additional support needs. body, create ease of movement, a little less stiffness and relates to other people. and a little more fl exibility – then the chair doesn’t %$ƒ€ '()* +  %ƒ€ 9(/ // ,"   #/0 It also affects how they

 really matter; it’s just a way that we get there and make sense of the world ,"  - . &/ #/(*0 enables people of all abilities to join in on the around them. & $ƒ€ 1  23 ("h€ & / / ,!5 670 journey.” It is a spectrum condition Raising Autism Awareness in the Western Isles '$ƒ€ 3  4 %)5 / h€/    ,!5 670 For those who prefer a bit of a boogie to a stretch which means that while all (Support Group) and relax, Groovy Movers is the class of choice for people with autism share " # 4 & / 23 ,!5 670  many aged 50 years and over. certain diffi culties, their %$ƒ€ '()* +  Local Autism and Additional  condition will affect them ("h€ '()*   3 “I’m really excited that we’re able to offer a ,"  - . &/ #/(*0 Tuesday morning Groovy Movers again and hoping in different ways. "h€&5 $5 ,!5 670 Support Needs support group & ƒ€ $8 9*/ 23 to reconnect with some of our old participants Some people with    Open to anyone who’s life is affected by %ƒ€% ) /  as well as some new people,” said Kirstie of the autism are able to live &ƒ€ $8 9*/ 23 popular dance class. relatively independent Autism Spectrum Conditions.        lives but others may have ("h€Hv‘rq6ivyv‡’Qvyh‡r† “This group has been going since 2009 and accompanying learning We welcome parents and carers of children and Adults we’ve had people come and go over that time, "h€aˆ€ihB‚yqP‰r $† disabilities and need with other Additional Support Needs.    we’ve had large groups and small groups, but nd a lifetime of specialist Meets every 2 Monday of," the            always fun groups. ##21#4#07:  support. • SUPPORT month at 12pm - 2pm         “This term we’re going to be doing tunes from & SHARE -," 7-$2&#+-,2& People with autism may EXPERIENCES Strictly Come Dancing, so if you’re a Strictly fan       [  also experience over or • DISCUSS ISSUES OF 29:.+V:.+ then it’s the perfect time to join in. Coordination under sensitivity to sounds, COMMON CONCERN #52-, 0"-++3,'2711-!' 2'-,         doesn’t matter; it’s all about having some fun and touch, tastes, smells, light • LEARN WHAT # $-02&-31#Q  !"# #!$% & !! moving!” or colour. RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE =<# $-02&"- "Q2-0,-5 7            To fi nd out more about the range of classes and WHAT IS ASPERGER #1*#-$%#5'19: activities offered at Hebrides Dance & Wellbeing SYNDROME? [  M    Studio – including booking classes – check out the Asperger syndrome is a T: 0744 442 5322 E: [email protected] Facebook page at www.facebook.com/hebdance, form of autism. People with Autism Eileanan Siar       !"  or contact Kirstie at [email protected] or Aspergers syndrome are Reg. Charity Number SCO 45632 07715 499552 (text message only). EVENTS SECTION ONE - Page 12 www.hebevents.com 05/10/17 - 01/11/17 Health, wellbeing & beauty

Tai Chi for carers and families of people with Therapist Hereward Proops in the therapy room dementia Talking is the best medicine, lzheimer Scotland Western Isles (supported by the Lewis Aand Harris Branch) and Tai Chi teacher (Sifu) Alex Catteral have been running a pilot session of Tai Chi for carers and families of people with dementia in September and October in says therapist the Hebrides Dance and Wellbeing Studio. “Tai chi is an excellent way to relieve stress and promote relaxation. It can help to improve balance, circulation and fl exibility, Comfortable chairs and couch create a relaxing environment, a By Eilidh Whiteford and physical and mental resilience," says Alex Catteral. stove brings a cosy familiarity and the muted, subtle décor delivers a We’re at the stage now in society where people are very, very gentle and open atmosphere. The sessions are free and available to anyone supporting or caring “happy talking about their personal trainer; but we still won’t A Member of the British Association for Counselling and for someone living with dementia. talk about going to see a personal counsellor,” said therapist Psychotherapy (MBACP), Hereward also volunteers with the Ellen Donnelly, Dementia Advisor, hopes that people will get in Hereward Proops, author of the www.welovestornoway.com Counselling and Family Mediation Centre in Stornoway. touch to attend even one session to try it out and see if it is something ‘Mind Matters’ column. Through his private counselling services – each session priced that will benefi t them. There are also arrangements in place to have “We are fi ne discussing our physical health openly, but mental £35 – he uses a number of different approaches, including Cognitive refreshments and a chat afterwards. There are still two sessions planned for October with plenty of spaces for people to attend. health is still a bit hushed – that’s what the Mind Matters column Behavioural Therapy (CBT), person-centred approach, and eco- is about, I wanted to get that dialogue going, to give easy access to therapy. Marion MacInnes, Service Manager for Alzheimer Scotland information and get people talking about it.” Hereward also welcomes teenagers and young children in need of Western Isles, says: "It is evident that for many people caring for counselling or therapy. others can be very stressful. Stress can make it hard to cope with the Hereward, who gained a Masters in Counselling Psychology from demands of caring. People can become more and more exhausted, “CBT is about exploring our thoughts, feelings and behaviours, and Keele University in 2014, has been helping island residents to get talking tense and sometimes this can put a strain on relationships. through his private counselling services for the past year and a half. also understanding how they can infl uence one another,” Hereward explained. “It's a more directive therapy and can be useful as a “This is very natural but can make people feel that they are losing Arriving on Lewis with his wife in 2009, he took up a post of means to give the client strategies for managing challenges, such as control over their life. We are trying to work with feedback from support worker with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, before a brief return dealing with anxiety-inducing situations. carers and families to offer different choices and ways to support to city life to complete his studies then back to the islands to set up “The person-centred approach goes a lot deeper and is best seen them to have some time to relax. their family home in Bayble, Point. as a therapeutic approach led by the client. We explore what they “We appreciate the practicalities of attending such events are And with a therapy room extension completed at the house – with choose to bring to the sessions; this might be their past, their current diffi cult around their caring roles and responsibilities and would ask separate exterior access to enable clients’ privacy and stunning views situation or their plans for the future. individuals to get in touch with us to discuss any issues to see if we across Bayble beach to Bayble island – Hereward welcomes clients “I enjoy working in a person-centred way as I’m certainly not the can help with arrangements." to the new safe, confi dential, and serene base. expert on the client – the client is the expert on themselves – and Carer Sue Wilson supports her mother who has a diagnosis of “I’m delighted with the new space,” he said. “The outside access we work within that framework, we work together, it’s not about me dementia attended a recent session and Sue says: "I really enjoyed means that people don’t have to go through the house and it’s situated imposing what I think in any way.” the Tai Chi session…it was very relaxing and at the same time quite at the back of the property, so offers that degree of privacy.” Most recently, Hereward has also established an encounter group absorbing and challenging. It was good to be completely focussed on for individuals who suffer from anxiety: “This is a fortnightly meeting one thing…quite cathartic." With outside decking and furniture to take in the inspiring views, where individuals can communicate openly and honestly about their If you are interested and want to fi nd out more about these Hereward’s therapy room offers a very calming space both inside experiences with problem anxiety and support one another in an and out. sessions please contact Ellen Donnelly on 01851 702123 or email environment of acceptance and understanding,” he said. [email protected] Hereward added: “Counselling is an effective treatment for people suffering from grief, anxiety, depression and other mental health    diffi culties.  “However, some people chose to come for counselling as a means       to explore themselves further and gain deeper understanding of their    lives. Counselling does promote a health personal growth, and I do # 0'"#1 ,!##** #',%23"'-Q 22&# -*$3 believe that everyone can benefi t from it.” &301W2& !2SSTVW +2-STTVW.+      If you are interested in fi nding out more about the private counselling (0'"SU2& !2ST,--,2-S.+       services offered by Hereward, or in joining the anxiety encounter "+'11'-,  group, please contact him at 01851 871094 / 07815662208 or email      (-0+-0#',$-0+ 2'-, --)',%1.*# 1#!-,2 !2 [email protected]     ! "  **'#-,,#**7#+#,2' "4'1-0 And you can also fi nd out more about a range of mental health #*SRYWRRVYXTVRVS RSZWSVYRTSTU #$%&'%(&)%$*+,  $)&%'--..$& issues and news through Hereward’s column ‘Mind Matters’ at + '*S -,,#**7 *81!-2T-0% www.welovestornoway.com 05/10/17 - 01/11/17 www.hebevents.com EVENTS SECTION ONE - Page 13 Dance for all ages Lynda creates a haven for laire Wilson School of Dance offers dance tuition - both Crecreational and competitive - to pupils aged 3+ in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Highland and National on the Isles of Lewis and Harris. The school promotes dance to all ages and abilities and the alternative therapies benefi ts of attending are more than what meets the eye. Children learn patience and self discipline, they develop their confi dence, learn how their body works, improve their social skills, develop life By Elly Welch treatments, lash & brow treatments including tinting, waxing, and long friendships, enhance their fi tness and develop strategies to cope spray tanning. with lifes trials and tribulations both physically and mentally. he Western Isles might be as far from the “Rat-Race” as you Lynda is now looking to take her work out into the community Classes encourage a taste for physical activity that pupils carry with Tcould hope to get, but life, wherever you are, can be stressful them into later life, developing a healthy body and mindset for the and those mental and physical batteries need recharging. with special group sessions “I'm currently looking into starting some community acupuncture sessions where I could treat small groups of future. The school positively celebrates the local culture with pupils Luckily for Western Isles there’s a perfect solution – a quiet haven taking part in local and national displays and allows everyone, young of alternative therapy and beauty treatment designed to help you clients at the same time, making it more affordable for them,” she said.“ and old, to achieve their personal best in dance. tackle the world feeling fresh and re-set. Anyone wishing to visit Bliss is advised to make an appointment For more information about classes, Claire can be contacted at [email protected] Bliss Therapy, tucked just behind Cromwell Street, has evolved over well in advance to avoid disappointment. the last 10 years in the careful hands of islander Lynda MacDonald, who swapped a career in Gaelic teaching and TV for a life in complementary therapies. " # $% “Life often doesn’t allow time to stop and look after yourself – you &'% have to make that time,” said Lynda, who is originally from Melbost, '  Borve in West Lewis. “Hopefully people who visit Bliss Therapy will feel the benefi t of looking out for yourself a bit and taking some time      out for yourself.”                  R        Lynda began her training in Windsor before spending time at a         .   large spa in Glasgow which gave her the confi dence to strike out on           1   her own. She has now has now built up a long list of qualifi cations          2)          %[      in many well – and lesser - known therapies.           \   She also now offers also a lesser known but ancient treatment #     "#    \   known as Cupping Therapy which she’s keen to promote following # $  %   %    4          excellent feedback. Dating back thousands of years to Chinese # &  M($ and Egyptian times, Cupping sees therapists placing special glass,        wooden or earthenware cups on the skin for several minutes to create #       M)*  suction. It serves many purposes, proving particularly helpful with  )+$ \  chronic pain, infl ammation, circulatory conditions, relaxation and # ) M   -  well-being, and as a type of deep-tissue massage. ..      . “It’s basically the reverse of traditional massage,” said Lynda. # /    “Instead of applying deep pressure into the skin it stretches the tissues # $.    M0 up and out. People have reported amazing results.”              Lynda also practises acupuncture, another ancient technique     involving the careful insertion of fi ne needles in pressure points that is believed to infl uence the fl ow of energy in the body promoting  ! healing. Bliss Therapy also offers beauty therapies including facial           

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                                           N                                     ! "        Website: www.harristweedclock.co.uk Email: [email protected] Phone: 01851 705054 05/10/17 - 01/11/17 www.hebevents.com EVENTS SECTION ONE - Page 15

Left to right are George Smith, Stephen Martin, Margaret Macmillan and Robert Sinclair Hebrides Alpha celebrates 10 years of serving the community

appy 10th Birthday, Hebrides Alpha! cleaning, gutter cleaning, power washing, bouncy Risk Assessments and Method Statements are every week. There are three full-time staff in HLooking back, manager Robert Sinclair castle hire, kerbside recycling as well as a car in place for every job which the staff undertake the project (Robert Sinclair, George Smith and wash in the Council car park on Sandwick Road says that: “It’s hard to believe that it has been and they are signed off by staff and service users Stephen Martin) and a part-time admin worker on a Saturday. to ensure that they understand how to do each 10 years since Hebrides Alpha started trading. (Margaret Macmillan). job safely. Heb Alpha provide all the Personal “Hebrides Alpha came into being as an idea Over the years, Hebrides Alpha has changed Protective Equipment required to do the jobs back in 2005 when Shona Macleod [formerly of the some of the services offered – for instance, they including steel toe cap boots, waterproofs, gloves, Lifestyle Centre] had a vision to create somewhere no longer do car washing, kerbside recycling or Some quotes from hard hats and safety goggles. They can also that individuals with addiction problems could get bouncy castle hire. As well as window cleaning, provide work clothes if required. access to help locally, without having to leave the gutter cleaning and power washing they now also service users island, family, home and friends.” provide a cardboard collection service for local It is mostly men that get involved with the businesses and they make Harris Tweed clocks. project, but there have been around 15 women Shona sought out various other people in the who have got involved over the years and they can ‘The staff have brought laughter local community to assist her in making this vision Everything that comes onto the island comes in undertake all of the jobs that the men do. a reality and they formed two separate boards - a cardboard box or on a pallet. Robert says: ‘We back in to my life – better than Hebrides Alpha Project (which is a registered started recycling cardboard in 2011, as the only People can be referred by their GP, Alcohol any medication’. charity and runs a supported accommodation unit other option for local businesses at that time was or Drugs Counsellor, Social Worker, Job Centre, down in Coll) and Hebrides Alpha Trading (which to send it to landfi ll. We currently have 30 local a family member, a friend or they can refer ‘I would recommend Heb is a social enterprise, fully owned by HAP). businesses that we provide this service to and it themselves. Once referred, they come down to Alpha to other people who have keeps us busy for one day a week. We then came the yard for an informal chat and they fi nd out Social Enterprise Scotland defi ne a social up with the idea of making clocks from recycled more about getting involved and about the jobs addiction problems because being enterprise as ‘a dynamic, ethical and more pallets and Harris Tweed, and we have been Hebrides Alpha do. They will usually start a week sustainable way of doing business. Social out and about amongst good making these for about three years now.’ The or two later. enterprises are innovative, independent clocks are unique and have been sent all over the people doing physical work makes It costs around £170,000 per year to run the businesses. They exist to deliver a specifi c social world, with the most famous recipient being Her trading company. (It costs a similar amount of you feel good’. or environmental mission.’ The social aim of Majesty The Queen. Hebrides Alpha Trading is to provide therapeutic money to run the supported accommodation Over the years, Hebrides Alpha has worked ‘Before I started I was beginning employment to individuals with addiction down in Coll, but that is another story for another with more than 100 service users, supporting them to feel worthless after a year of problems and to help to integrate them back into day, says Robert) in getting themselves back in to work and into a the community through work, training and team Once a business has an annual sales turnover of being unemployed. I rarely went routine. A large number of their previous service building. more than £85,000 it must become VAT registered, users have gone on to full-time employment and out or mingled with other people, so they need to take in around £200,000 per year In August 2007, Hebrides Alpha Trading took on one or two are now self-employed. but now I believe there is hope for its fi rst member of staff - this was Robert Sinclair, including VAT to cover all of their running costs. Work starts in the yard on Rigs Road [almost as Project Manager - to develop the work and to the future’. opposite the EVENTS offi ce] at 8am and fi nishes In the fi rst few years the social enterprise set up the business. at 4.30pm, from Monday to Friday, with staff and was very reliant on grants and is grateful to the ‘Hebrides Alpha helped me get The fi rst few weeks involved networking with service users coming back to the yard for morning Outer Hebrides Alcohol and Drug Partnership, a lovely new house, furniture for local and national agencies, making contact with tea break and lunch if they are working in town, or Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and The Robertson Trust potential service users, purchasing equipment they take fl asks and sandwiches away with them in for fi nancial assistance. the house and a new tv’. in order to provide a variety of services in the van if they are out in the countryside. Over the past few years this grant aid has been ‘I really love it, it is absolutely the community and writing up all of the Risk gradually reduced and now Hebrides Alpha As well as working on the various jobs, the fantastic being out and about. The Assessments and Method Statements required to service users also participate in a range of Trading is self-suffi cient in raising all of these keep in line with Health & Safety regulations. certifi cated training courses to enhance their CV funds through the jobs that they do in the local day passes far too quickly and I The business started trading on 19th November and to help them get back in to work. These community, which is an amazing achievement, can’t believe how soon half past 4 2007, when the fi rst batch of customers had their courses include First Aid, CSCS card (required to says Robert. windows cleaned around the Stornoway area. At work on a building site), Manual Handling, Forklift There are currently eight service users on comes round. I just love it.’ that time the services offered included window and Cherry Picker. the project and they each attend for two days EVENTS SECTION ONE - Page 16 www.hebevents.com 05/10/17 - 01/11/17 West Coast Fishing How Donald Mackenzie of crew crisis plea by Aird became a professor Isles MP estern Isles MP Angus B MacNeil is Wdisappointed with the response received in Princeton, USA from the Minister of State for Immigration, Brandon Lewis MP, regarding the crew shortage crisis in the West Coast fi shing industry. he power of an intellectually-talented “somewhat inauspicious and slightly mysterious Tindividual to overcome any social start in life.” A member of a Garrabost family “I invited Mr Lewis to meet with representatives challenges was highlighted in a major talk on recalls hearing the story of Donald in the 1940s of the West Coast of Scotland fi shing industry so as he could see the damage the UK Government’s Friday September 29. in which Donald’s mother was referred to as “Seonaid Bochd” or “poor Janet.” His mother was rules on migrant workers is having on fi shing The sixth annual Colm Cille Lecture took place communities,” said Mr MacNeil. in a crowded Ionad Stoodie at Seaview, Knock – later described as having been someone who was “The response from the Minister of State for with sponsorship for the third year running from ‘mentally handicapped’. However, this was likely Immigration shows a clear lack of understanding Point and Sandwick Trust. to have been a moral judgment, as no medical Chrisella Ross tools existed in the late 19th Century for such an about the crisis in the West Coast of Scotland The lecture, arranged by Urras Eaglais na analysis. fi shing industry.” h-Aoidhe (The Ui Church Trust) was delivered by In March, Mr MacNeil hit out at the Home Offi ce educationist Iain Smith, and the topic was Donald In the 1890s, Donald was being looked after by remembered for failing to consider reintroducing a scheme Mackenzie of Aird, ‘Domhnall Seonaid’. both his mother and grandmother and attending Aird School. He won a bursary to attend the which would allow non-European Economic Area Born on May 13, 1882, Donald remains well- Nicolson School as it was then called, starting workers to work in the industry. raditional storyteller and Gaelic TV known on Point and in the questions and answers in either 1894 or 1895. He attended Aberdeen And in July he wrote to Brandon Lewis MP after the talk, several family members came Tscriptwriter Chrisella Ross, from Upper University from 1901-5 after coming third in calling on him to visit the West Coast of Scotland forward with additional stories about his family Bayble on Point, has died at the age of 55. competition for bursaries across Ross-shire. to meet with representatives of the fi shing industry life. Most recently, Chrisella was a scriptwriter for the Iain said Donald Mackenzie’s story was atypical as they struggle with a shortage of crew. Domhnall Seonaid was one of the 10 characters Gaelic drama Bannan, produced by Young Films in – the idea of “poor rural boys of talent” attaining Mr MacNeil continued: “The Minister has featured in Saints and Sinners (Tales of Lewis success in Scotland was largely mythical. informed me that in April his offi cials met with the the Isle of Skye. Earlier this year producer Chris Lives), the book co-authored by Iain and wife Scottish White Fish Producers Association and the Young said of her: “Chrisella is one of my favourite Joan Forrest and published by Acair. The book Donald Mackenzie was married in 1910 – and Anglo-Northern Irish Fish Producers Organisation scriptwriters. Her writing – a unique and powerful focuses on atypical stories of islanders from the his marriage certifi cate records his parentage who were invited to work up some further mix of originality and authenticity infused with her late 19th and early 20th Century and shows how under the names of his grandparents – Donald, a proposals as to what sort of arrangements might own rich sense of humour – creates characters with educational opportunity affected their lives. builder, and Janet Mackenzie (neé Campbell). The assist in meeting its needs while not undermining a depth of emotion and humanity that makes for builder died before his grandson was born while Domhnall Seonaid was the son of a single the Government’s policy of restricting the use of his wife died in 1894. Donald's wife Alice Annand great drama.” mother – Janet Mackenzie, an illiterate domestic non-EEA labour to fi ll less skilled vacancies in the was also a graduate of the University of Aberdeen, The idea at the heart of the drama – a high- servant, who never married and who was – UK - anyone who is, or has been, fi shing would and had been born in the New Hebrides – now powered lawyer returning to her home island – was unusually – aged 39 when her only child was born. never describe this work as ‘less skilled’. Vanuatu – because her father was a missionary. Donald went on to win assorted educational hers. She came up with the idea while studying on Their fi rst daughter, Alice Mackenzie Swaim, “The Minister has indicated to me that he thinks bursaries, to be dux of what is now The Nicolson Glasgow Caledonian’s Master of Arts in TV fi ction who became an internationally renowned poet, it would be best to see what emerges from these Institute, a fi rst class honours graduate and course. was born on June 5, 1911. They had two other proposals before committing to my suggestion of a member of staff at Aberdeen University, a church daughters, Elizabeth and Janet and a son, Donald. visit to the West Coast of Scotland. Earlier, with the former national Gaelic arts minister in various places in Scotland, and fi nally “Many fear that this is a case of ‘kicking it into agency, Pròiseact nan Ealan, she created and led a professor of theology at Princeton. He also During the First World War, Donald’s knowledge the long grass’ – I sincerely hope that this is not the a national Gaelic storytelling project for more than spent time studying at two universities in Germany of German meant he was sent to France to assist case and I will be writing again to the Minister and seven years. After that, she moved into telling where he became fl uent in a third language. He with interviews of captured German soldiers reminding him of the damage being infl icted on the stories herself and then began writing for theatre. died in 1941, aged just 59. between 1916 and 1919. West Coast fi shing industry.” She said in an interview with the West Highland Since writing the book, Iain Smith, who now In 1927 he was invited to give a series of Free Press earlier this year: “In terms of my CV, I lives in Glasgow and was Dean of Education at lectures on Christian belief and Christian practice have done loads of jobs! I’ve been a barmaid. I had the University of Strathclyde before he retired, has in the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in the USA Factory to be rebuilt a stint in Inverness College as a secretary, which I done more research on Domhnall Seonaid and the – which was a great success as his audiences grew knew by day three was never going to happen! In lecture included that new material. with each talk. He returned again the following he Scalpay factory which was destroyed by year, along with his whole family as Professor of Edinburgh, I was the caretaker of a DSS property, Iain was introduced by former procurator fi scal fi re earlier this year looks set to be rebuilt. Systematic Theology at the seminary. He moved T I stripped furniture and I drove a library van. I and sheriff Colin Scott Mackenzie who reminded Planners at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar have again to Princeton Seminary in 1935. studied Business Studies at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig the audience that Donald’s bother Malcolm, who approved the application to reconstruct the Net when it fi rst opened, and then I worked in the was present, had become director of social work at An endowment was given to The Nicolson Drying facility at Bayhead on Scalpay which burnt Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. Colin Scott explained museum in Lewis.” With Museum nan Eilean, she Institute, from Donald’s family, to create prizes in down on April 29th. that like Donald Mackenzie, Iain had been a dux his memory — prizes that were given right up until was involved in creating an event in the Town Hall Works will include the construction of net drying of The Nicolson and later taught at the school 2012 when the money fi nally ran out. Iain said to commemorate the passing of the Crofting Act in facilities together with offi ces and associated in the early 1970s before going on to a series it would be great if someone could organize the ancillary accommodation. The value of the work is 1886. of academic roles. Iain describes himself as a replacement of this prize. put at £450,000. ‘quarter Rudhach’ and was brought up in Lionel She then spent about ten years in Edinburgh and A collection of papers relating to Donald was Schoolhouse, where his father was headmaster, got a post in the military museum in Edinburgh recently lodged with the new Museum nan Eilean before moving to Sandwick Castle. She got involved with creating a CD Rom by a surviving granddaughter, retired Professor Gaelic placenames on-line for schools about the history of Gaelic Scotland Iain started by paying tribute to the late Chrissie Kathleen Mackenzie Swaim, who lives in from 300AD to 1951 based on the collections of Lawson, and her husband Bill. He said that Massachusetts. They include a lot of pictures from he new website for Ainmean-Àite na h-Alba the National Museum and the School of Scottish Chrissie had always been immensely supportive childhood into adulthood plus a 60-page memoir T(AÀA) – the national advisory partnership Studies at the University of Edinburgh. and helpful. of Domhnall Seonaid, written by his wife shortly for Gaelic place-names in Scotland – has been Comann Eachdraidh an Rubha (The Point Iain went on to describe how Donald had a after his death. launched. Historical Society) said on Monday October 2 that Following support of £7,100 from the Scottish it was "with immense sadness that we record the Government, the new website includes AÀA’s passing of Chrisella Ross, a long-time key member database of Gaelic place-names which may be of Comann Eachdraidh an Rubha. accessed free of charge. The database offers defi nitive forms which can "Chrisella served on the committee and be used by local authorities, the media, researchers, previously as treasurer, and has been curator of local communities, walkers and climbers or anyone valuable parts of our collection. Her passing is a with an interest in place-names. grievous loss to her family and to us as a group. The database includes historical information, She was zealous for her language, culture and local sources and sound fi les to help with heritage and knowledgeable about all three. pronunciation. "Despite her illness she remained positive in Roy Pedersen, Chair of AÀA said: "AÀA’s two outlook and continued to be involved in as many members of staff, Eilidh Scammell and Jake King, activities as possible. A month ago she was and Vanessa Lopez and Chris Mitchell from involved in planning the next exhibition. Lumberjack Digital have put in a power of work to "We extend heartfelt sympathy to her husband create this ingenious on-line lexicon." Donald, to daughter Mairi and son DJ, to her Visit www.ainmean-aite.scot for more mother Mairi, and her sisters Etta and Marisa and information or to consult the online database, the their families in their immeasurable loss." Colin Scott Mackenzie with Educationist Iain Smith pictured right National Gazetteer of Gaelic Place-names. 05/10/17 - 01/11/17 www.hebevents.com EVENTS SECTION ONE - Page 17 UK Minister in pledges on Brexit and power links

cotland Offi ce Brexit Minister Lord Duncan Sfl ew out of Stornoway on Friday September 29, pledging to return whenever he could, after a series of meetings across Lewis and Harris aimed at building links between the Western Isles and those involved in organising the UK exit from the European Union. The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State also pledged that the Conservative Government was committed to its 2017 Election Manifesto promise to bring about some form of interconnection with the national electricity grid, with a target of 2019 for getting proposals organised. Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MP Angus MacNeil welcomed confi rmation from Lord Duncan that the Contract for Difference (CfD) auction will take place in the fi rst quarter of 2019. In July Mr MacNeil At the proposed site for the St Kilda Centre, met Richard Harrington MP, Parliamentary under Lord Duncan is pictured with At CnES…Calum Iain Maciver, Director of Development; Councillor Roddie Mackay, Secretary of State at the Department for Business, Brian Wilson and Joni Buchanan Council Leader; Lord Duncan; and Chef Executive Malcolm Burr. Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), who at that time expressed his determination to progress island particularly in agriculture and tourism. It was After the meeting with Lord Duncan, the Leader on Lord Duncan’s advice, the Comhairle will Contracts for Difference (CfD) and his view that necessary to fi nd a solution that worked for the of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Councillor Roddie continue to engage with Government, regulators auctions would take place in the fi rst quarter of 2019. whole of the UK. Mackay said, “The meeting with Lord Duncan and the developer community to ensure that the Lord Duncan said that it was not a question of “We are in this awkward situation now of was very positive. We discussed the future of recent positive progress is maintained. whether there should be a link, it was a question island renewables and I was heartened by the needing to make sure we can confi gure a migration Lord Duncan was elected to the European of fi nding the best way to develop it. “It’s a policy and a residency policy that works because Government’s clear commitment to support the Parliament in 2014, and resigned upon his manifesto commitment, it is going to happen, we we have been dependent on migrant labour.” Scottish Islands. Lord Duncan outlined a timetable will be connecting the islands up, it’s a question that should allow island projects to compete appointment to the House of Lords. In 1999 He pledged to make sure he maintained close he became the Deputy Chief Executive, and of which sequence, of who is fi rst, what type of contact with the Islands – the Outer Hebrides, in a Contracts for Difference Auction in early Secretary for the Scottish Fishermen's Federation. interconnector.” Orkney and Shetland – as the months of debates 2019 as well as confi rming that the Government He said he had enjoyed a series of meetings in Parliament develop after the end of the was committed to supporting and funding the From 2004-2005 he acted as the Head of Policy with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, the Stornoway Parliamentary recess. interconnector. & Communication for the Scottish Refugee Council. Before becoming an MEP, Duncan Trust, Western Isles Fisherman’s Association, Harris “There’s an open door for all discussions on “Lord Duncan was clear that the Comhairle’s Tweed Hebrides, the Isle of Harris Distillery, at the Brexit, to make sure the Islands are absolutely approach to achieving the interconnector was the worked as Head of the EU Offi ce for the Scottish proposed site for Ionad Hiort, and at MG ALBA. part of those discussions, because they have had correct one and he advised that we keep working Parliament, a position he held between 2005 and Lord Duncan acknowledged that there was a unique relationship with Europe.” There should with the Government and with the Department 2011, at which time he was appointed Clerk to the a Brexit challenge for the Islands in relation to be no part of Scotland left out of this discussion, for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to Parliament's European Committee and EU Advisor migrants forming a major part of some workforces, he said. reinforce the positive case we were making. Based to the Parliament. Oh My Country! from Rosie, 15 gets national Morris Dancing to Morrissey music tour chance omedy performer Shappi Khorsandi is By Eilidh Whiteford Ccelebrating the fortieth anniversary of her arrival in Britain. She's reclaiming patriotism, ewis songstress Rosie Sullivan is hitting sending a love letter to her adopted land. Lthe road this month as one of three music makers selected from across Scotland to take Following a sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe part in the National Youth Music touring Festival and 2016-2017 UK tour, star of Live At The project ‘Hit The Road’. Apollo, Have I Got News for You and Q.I. Shappi Khorsandi is back on the road on a mini-tour of The prestigious slot will see multi-instrumentalist the Scottish Highlands this October – including on Rosie perform in The Old Hairdressers venue in Thursday, 26th October a show at The Woodlands Glasgow and Edinburgh’s The Mash House, as well Centre, Stornoway. Tickets for ‘Oh My Country!’ as a home show in Artizan in Stornoway. From Morris Dancing To Morrissey’ are on sale now Speaking of the upcoming tour, Rosie said: “This (these dates have been rescheduled from April 2017.) is going to be such a super experience and it is Shappi is the best-selling author of ‘A Beginners great we fi nish up in Stornoway for the fi nal night. Guide to Acting English’, released in 2009, and her “To be part of the Hit The Road tour is like a dream Thornhill Music Festival. The singer-songwriter, debut novel ‘Nina Is Not OK’ was published by and I am so excited about playing in Glasgow and guitar and fi ddle player also busked her way Ebury in July 2016 to much critical acclaim and Edinburgh with two other great artists.” around Scotland, performed live on STV, and won a was released in paperback on 9th February 2017. Run by the Scottish Music Centre, the touring UK-wide song-writing competition which saw her Shappi has notched up numerous high profi le project aims to provide young musicians the record at EMI Studios. television appearances including; Live At The opportunity to learn about the live industry before “It has been an incredible year and there’s still so Apollo (BBC ONE), Channel 4’s Comedy Gala embarking on a professionally managed tour much to look forward too,” said Rosie. At The O2 (Channel 4, 2010 - 2016), Michael by equipping young artists with the knowledge, “The local music scene is not only amazing, but McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow (BBC ONE), The contacts and tools required to build a career within incredibly supportive and it’s great to be getting a Graham Norton Show (BBC ONE), Have I Got www.shappi.co.uk / @shappikhorsandi / the live music industry. chance to play on the mainland as well.” News For You (BBC ONE) and her own Comedy www.offthekerb.co.uk / @OffTheKerb Supporting aspiring young performers at an early Joining Rosie on the ‘Hit The Road’ tour will be Store Special for Comedy Central. Tuesday, 24th October Skye, age through a series of workshops and masterclasses 15-year-old Glaswegian singer-songwriter Age- She had the honour of being nominated at SEALL at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig 01471 844 207, with music industry professionals, the project also Otori, who recently spent fi ve weeks studying at the prestigious British Comedy Awards in the www.beyondhighlands.com/listings provides opportunities for young people to gain the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, Best Female Comic category up against fellow Wednesday, 25th October Ullapool, hands-on-experience in the live music sector. USA; and 17-year-old songstress Millie from nominee’s Jo Brand and Sarah Millican. Shappi The Cèilidh Place 08444 999 990, Funded by Creative Scotland’s Youth Music Edinburgh, who has previously supported well- has also appeared as a panelist on ITV1's Loose www.beyondhighlands.com/listings Initiative (YMI) and PRS for Music Foundation, the known artists such as Dougie MacLean and Karine Women and BBC ONE’s Question Time. Thursday, 26th October Stornoway, ‘Hit The Road’ project has acted as a key stepping- Polwart. In December 2015, Shappi was elected president Woodlands Centre 08444 999 990, stone in the development of some of Scotland’s The trio of talents take to the stage in Glasgow of Humanists UK (previously the British Humanists www.beyondhighlands.com/listings most promising acts, including Be Charlotte, Model on October 19th, Edinburgh on October 20th; and Association). Monday, 30th October Inverness, Aeroplanes, Indigo Velvet, and Man of Moon. then the National youth Music ‘Hit The Road’ tour Shappi is performing her newest Edinburgh Eden Court 01463 234 234, Fifteen-year-old Lewis lass Rosie is already will hit the Western Isles on Saturday, October 21st, Fringe show ‘Mistress and Misfi t’ on very limited www.beyondhighlands.com/listings getting known across Scotland with appearances with the fi nal performance in Artizan Café, Church dates this autumn. See www.shappi.co.uk for dates. this year at the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival and Street, Stornoway. EVENTS SECTION ONE - Page 18 www.hebevents.com 05/10/17 - 01/11/17 Community groups join contest to cut costs with solar panels

wo Lewis community groups are in the Trunning to scoop a share of £300,000 Successful LHHP funding – and are looking for islanders’ votes to help them win. Open Day Back Football and Recreation Club and Taigh he Lewis & Harris Horticultural Producers Dhonnchaidh in Ness are two of six Scottish held their fi rst ever Open Day on August 26. organisations shortlisted in the M&S Community T The main aim was to show off what is being Energy Fund competition, aimed to support Stella Frampton community renewable energy projects and and Iain MacIver produced by hobby gardeners on the allotments technologies across the UK. and polytunnels in the Castle Grounds. If either is successful, an award of £12,000 will The weekly market stall – normally at Perceval be presented which both Back FRC and Taigh Square – moved to the allotments for this day, Dhonnchaidh wish to use for solar panels. and various produce such as potatoes, beetroot, Isles FM…bouncing blackcurrants, cabbage, fl owers and eggs was sold. “We are committed to introducing a whole range of energy effi ciency measures and reducing our The turnout was very good, with families and environmental impact at the club,” said Back FRC people showing interest in having an allotment to grow their own vegetables and fruit. Committee member James Macarthur. back to life! People learnt about how to compost, what In a bid to become more sustainable and eco- grows well outside, and how you make the best of friendly, Back FRC previously installed ceiling fans n January 2017 it looked like Isles FM might shut for good when storms took out vital aerial polytunnels and raised beds – and how to deal with to improve the effectiveness of heating in the large Iequipment, forcing it off air. Fast forward nine months and the community-run station is not those pesky weeds and rushes. community hall by reducing heat loss through the just back on its feet, it’s leaping for joy as listener fi gures soar higher than ever. roof, and is also in the process of getting its 6KVA EVENTS reporter Elly Welch headed down to the station on Seaforth Road to meet the larger-than-life There was a keen interest by some to take on wind turbine up and running. team behind one of Isles FM’s most popular weekly shows... some plots themselves. If you don't have the space to grow your own vegetables, fruits, herbs and “The solar panels are an important addition Fond descriptions include “double trouble” and vision and commitment of the Isles FM team as a fl owers, but you would like to, there are still plenty which will complement both these installations by “that pair of loons.” And there are probably some whole. To come back from the brink of closure is of plots left. Just contact us on Facebook (search for meeting our demands for hot water and removing cheekier labels too for Isles FM’s lovable Saturday night no mean feat, and to come back winning is an even “Lewis & Harris Horticultural Producers”). the need for the current outdated oil fi red boiler,” “Drivetime” duo Stella Frampton and Iain MacIver. meaner one. In the afternoon a purple birch tree was planted James continued. However, you choose to describe them, it seems The station, set up in the living room of in memory of Robbie Mowat, who sadly passed “They will also reduce running costs and this pair’s witty weekly blend of music and madness Stornoway’s Reverend Stanley Bennie in 1994, has away earlier this year. He had plots at the allotments free up funds for other aspects of the club like is a winning formula with more people than ever always relied on donations and fundraising drives and is being greatly missed by all. sports equipment, maintenance, group leaders now tuning into the prime-time 7-10pm mid- to keep afl oat. But when the cost of replacing The area where it was planted will eventually and improving our facilities by providing better weekend slot. its destroyed transmitter at Achmore was put be turned into a communal area with benches and hot water provision for showers, toilets, and the at £8,000 it looked like the end of the road. A And it’s not just local audiences that they tables and plenty of room for regular barbecues. kitchen.” reaching. Iain and Stella, who met through former Crowdfunder appeal was set up as a last resort and We're all looking forward to the next Open Day day jobs at Stornoway airport, are now attracting the public’s response was phenomenal. The cost In Ness, arts and music centre Taigh next summer – there may even be a barbecue for listeners from across the UK and further afi eld, of the replacement equipment was covered and the Dhonnchaidh – Gaelic for ‘Duncan’s House’ – has everyone to enjoy! also been shortlisted for a chance to win £12,000 including Australia and America. station was able to go back on air two months later. in the M&S Community Energy Fund competition. “We can see through our social media and our “We have been through many ups and downs One of the fi rst ‘white houses’ built in Ness, popular Isles FM smart phone app that people over the years but when we lost the equipment Taigh Dhonnchaidh dates back to the end of the are tuning in from all over the world – that’s an last winter we really thought that was it,” said Iain. 19th century and was bequeathed to Comunn amazing feeling and not bad when you think how “It was only because of listeners’ generosity and Eachdraidh Nis by the late Duncan Morison, a we are competing with the likes of Strictly and support that we are back on air - the public saved us and we will be forever grateful.” much loved music teacher and accomplished the X-factor!” said Iain, who at, 37, is among the pianist. station’s longest serving volunteers, part of the team And so its onwards and upwards for the station since 1994. from here on in. New ideas are always on the boil In 1999/2000 the building was renovated and to keep the shows fresh – from music and talk shows converted into a Gaelic arts and music centre, “I think I’ve probably DJ’d on every slot of every day at some point but the Saturday night show to daily news and cultural programming - and new offering traditional tuition in a range of musical has to be my very favourite - we just have fun and faces, or voices, are always welcomed. instruments, as well as Gaelic singing, drama and we don’t take ourselves too seriously!” said the art. For Iain and Stella their aim is to get more people talented, self-confessed radio geek whose idols coming in and taking part on the show, sending in If successful in the funding competition, Taigh include Bruno Brooks, Mark Goodier, Scott Mills their ideas, ringing in to chat or just to ask for tunes. Protest over call for Dhonnchaidh hopes to install 15 solar panels, and Johnny Walker. “I think that’s why it works so “Its all about interaction – that’s what we love and as well as upgrade the current heating system to well – we just spark off each other.” what keeps us going and sparking off one another,” quantum electric radiators – a move that could motorhome ‘levy’ The left of fi eld and often outrageous live show said Iain. work out to be nearly 50% cheaper than regular blends self-deprecating banter and improvised chat storage heaters. And fi nally, it wouldn’t be an article about a uter Hebrides Tourism, the destination with music, news, phone ins, impromptu guests, radio show without a few special mentions to close, The Taigh Dhonnchaidh team said: “The biggest organisation for the Outer Hebrides, said gossip, silly accents and song. It even boasts a and Stella and Iain have some. Top of their list sits O expense Taigh Dhonnchaidh have to cover is a call by Dr Alasdair Allan, MSP for a tax or smooth talking LA correspondent who joins them Norrie the taxi driver – he knows who he is. “Norrie electricity and heating bills. This often results in levy on motorhome visitors was “misguided, for weekly showbiz chat from across the pond. pops by on a Saturday night with coffee and cakes us not being able to heat the house suffi ciently, ill-informed and damaging to the tourism Stella, 35, juggles Disc Jockeying with child- for us,” said Stella. “Actually, I think he brings them economy.” particularly during the winter months when it is raising and a job on the tills at Tesco. She was for me really because he thinks I’m the funniest,” needed the most – not only to keep us all warm, but urged by Iain to test out the airwaves three years she joked, making a grab for her coat. Others Tourism contributes over £50m to the economy to prevent any damage to equipment and artefacts.” ago after chats during airport coffee breaks revealed include Lochs-based Britain’s Got Talent duo and of the Outer Hebrides annually and sustains well They continued: “This issue needs to be her passion for music – and sense of humour. occasional guests, Acqua Jane and Dolores, the over 1000 tourism-related businesses. tackled in order to continue providing learning “I’m just the baby at this compared to him,” she brilliant Alex from Bayble and stalwarts Richard and MSP Alasdair Allan had earlier written to the opportunities for Taigh Dhonnchaidh users and the said, immediately sparking some friendly sparring Janet Bond, from Godalming, Surrey, who tune in Minister for Transport and the Islands, Humza wider community.“ over age, wisdom and gender. “I’m much shyer faithfully every week via the App. Yousaf, to ask what consideration could be given to Island residents can cast their votes online – to too” she added, to guffaws from her co-presenter. “It’s a sign of the times that you can be a “motorhome levy”, the proceeds of which could vote for Back FRC visit www.mandsenergyfund. “Put that woman behind a mic and you can’t shut appreciated by such a diverse range of people in be used to improve local infrastructure according com/projects/back-football-recreation-club her up!” said Iain. He’s right. The mum of three many different places,” said Iain. “I think it really to local priorities. and to vote for Taigh Dhonnchaidh visit from Coupar Angus is fabulous, unstoppable and, to proves the unique appeal of local radio and I’d like Alasdair Allan MSP said: “The numbers of www.mandsenergyfund.com/projects/taigh- cap it all, a fi ne singer too, ending each of the live to say and big thanks and well done for everyone motorhomes using island ferry routes has shot dhonnchaidh shows a rendition or two of her own. who has helped keep this amazing station going.” up nearly tenfold over the last decade and issues Voting closes on 20 October and the winner is The success of Stella and Iain’s show is not just a For more information on Isles FM’s schedule visit associated with motorhomes have been repeatedly announced in the week starting 6 November. refl ection of their combined appeal, but also of the its website www.isles.fm brought up.” 05/10/17 - 01/11/17 www.hebevents.com EVENTS SECTION ONE - Page 19 INTERESTED IN EXCHANGING INNOVATE YOUR BUSINESS CLINIC EXPERIENCES FROM GROUPS With support from Business Gateway, Highlands and Islands Enterprise has organised an "Innovate IN OTHER PARTS OF SCOTLAND your Business" clinic in Stornoway on 30 October 2017. Innovate your Business is a support OR OTHER COUNTRIES? programme established to help small and medium The Outer Hebrides LEADER 2014-2020 sized businesses in the Highlands and Islands Programme can provide substantial grant funding develop new ideas into commercially viable to support groups who would like to network and opportunities. To book an appointment at the Outer Hebrides Business Gateway and the Prince’s Trust are delivered develop projects and ideas with other similar clinic please contact Naomi on 03000 135 041. OUTER HEBRIDES BUSINESS GATEWAY is a Comhairle based service groups or organisation in Scotland, UK or further locally through Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Economic Development afi eld with the aim of exchanging ideas and BUSINESS GATEWAY service.offering Wea range offer aof range support of support and advice and advice to individuals to individuals setting setting up upor learning new skills from each other. WORKSHOPS developing business enterprises across the islands. To further discuss Co-operation projects aim to encourage or developing business enterprises across the islands. To discuss your innovation and collaboration between groups and Why not come and join us on the new season of ideasyour ideasand requirements and requirements further and and to to ndfi nd out out your your eligibility eligibility for for additional fi nancial countries. LEADER aims to support projects which Business Gateway Masterclasses and workshops? assistance please call our local of ce and we will be pleased to direct demonstrate innovative solutions to community Our Masterclasses are designed to help anyone assistance, please call our local offi ce on 01851 822775 and we will be and economic development in the Outer Hebrides. involved in business, whatever stage they are at. pleasedyou to one to directof our youadvisers to one - 01851of our 822 advisers. 775. Projects must not have started, show that they From the fi rst spark of a business idea, through to will benefi t the local community, be completely those who have previously attended courses, there different to activities already in existence and not is something for everyone. They are a great way to displace other existing businesses or groups. learn new skills, brush up on all your current business INVESTMENT HELPS FILMMAKER All projects must fi t with the Outer Hebrides development ideas and meet some great people. LEADER Local Development Strategy and show OUR UPCOMING TOPICS INCLUDE: BUILD FUTURE FOR HER BUSINESS benefi ts to the wider community through learning Press Releases and Website Brief Writing – new skills, knowledge or developing new products Wednesday 11 October and services by learning from other groups in other Business Bookkeeping – Wednesday 1 November areas who are offering similar activities. Completing your Online Tax Self Assessment – More information can be found at Tuesday 14 November www.outerhebridesleader.co.uk where prospective applicants can also submit an expression of Branding and Packaging for Island Businesses – interest and a LEADER offi cer will then contact Wednesday 22 November them to discuss the proposal, its eligibility and the For details on our DigitalBoost workshops next steps. planned for the next few weeks, please see the The Outer Hebrides LEADER Local Action advert on the back page. Group is being part-fi nanced by the Scottish For more information, and to book your place Government and the European Community on any of the sessions, please contact us on 01851 LEADER 2014-2020 Programme. 822775 or [email protected]

Beatrix on site New studio taking shape MEET THE ADVISER SESSIONS rixPix Ltd is a production company based on TrixPix is currently making four documentary Business Gateway has organised Meet the Adviser Tthe Isle of South Uist. Led by fi lm-maker and fi lms for BBC Alba, a feature-length documentary, sessions over the coming weeks. They are an artist Beatrix A. Wood, TrixPix makes creative and 10 online fi lms for the University of the BUSINESS SURVEY opportunity to have a confi dential, one-hour 1-1 Highlands and Islands acclaimed Applied Music appointment with an experienced adviser to gain documentaries, visual art and on-line content for course. It has produced digital content for Stòras The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is seeking hands-on and tailored support with various aspects local and international audiences. Uibhist Estates and Hebridean Housing Partnership, the views of local small businesses on the Islands of business. Advisers will be based in the Business The company is currently building a multimedia curated an exhibition for the Harvest:Toradh festival, Bill currently being considered by MSPs. The FSB Gateway offi ce in Stornoway and appointments studio on its croft with an edit suite, a studio for and is involved in many co-productions with the is surveying small island businesses to ensure they are also available by Skype and phone for those unable to attend in person. painting and fi lming, and an archiving/storage area. Nordic countries. understand the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities It is also implementing an international marketing The business employs two full-time members of and threats associated with doing business on a Wednesday 8 November – HR and branding campaign to promote its productions staff and a team of freelancers. Once the studio is Scottish island. They would be very grateful if you Thursday 16 November – Tendering and secure new customers and sales. complete in January 2018, TrixPix Ltd aim to employ could take fi ve minutes to complete their survey: To book an appointment with an adviser, The idea to build the studio arose after Beatrix a third person full-time. TrixPix has also offered http://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/FSBIslandsBill/ The work opportunities to young people and students, please contact us on 01851 822775 or moved to the Western Isles seven years ago and survey is open to all small businesses operating on enabling them to progress their careers. [email protected]. These sessions couldn’t fi nd a suitable space to rent. Scottish islands so please feel free to circulate the are fully funded by Business Gateway and are She said: “Not having a dedicated work space Beatrix said: “My passion is sculpting stories link to other business owners. therefore free of charge to clients. through fi lming, writing and painting. Last year we has been a huge challenge and restricted business undertook a digital innovation project with HIE and growth. It has taken a long time to get to this stage SnBM. Using new technology, I have re-invented but now that the studio is wind and water tight it how I make fi lms, creating a personal style that looks stunning. It's in a great spot and gives us an brings the different medium I work with together.  inspiring space to expand into.” The studio will enable us to develop this work and TrixPix secured match funding for the studio the marketing campaign will enable us to take these and marketing campaign from LEADER Innse Gall, stories to audiences using different distribution Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE), Sealladh na platforms.” Outer Hebrides Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme Beinne Mòire Community Fund (SnBM), and a Beatrix previously ran production company business loan from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. Aurora Films Ltd in England for 20 years, making Beatrix said: “When I fi rst moved to the islands award-winning international documentary fi lms and I went to Business Gateway Outer Hebrides to leading cultural projects across Europe. “OHYES”BUSINESS IDEA discuss my plans for TrixPix. My adviser’s advice Alongside her creative work, Beatrix is also and knowledge really supported the business to a seasoned farmer. She jointly ran a Duchy of knit the match funding together for this project last Cornwall farm with her husband before they were COMPETITION! year. Business Gateway workshops have also proved inspired to move their work and family to South extremely useful.” Uist. Beatrix breeds Traditional Hereford and White Galloway cattle on the croft and will direct market Lynne MacMillan, Adviser, Business Gateway the fi nished beef. Outer Hebrides, said: “The studio project and Package of prizes marketing campaign have benefi tted from the “There’s a lot of crossover between the croft and close working relationship that exists between the creative work. They inform each other. Tending Business Gateway, Highlands & Islands Enterprise the animals gives a contrast to working on the include an iPad Pro! (HIE), and the funding partners. By working computer. The physical work often opens the mind, together we’ve been able to support a creative and giving me new ideas to take forward.” Your idea can be for a new business or social enterprise. innovative project located in a rural area. TrixPix Follow TrixPix’s progress on Facebook, Twitter, has progressed to become account managed by HIE. Instagram and Vimeo: @trixpixmedia. You must be aged 18 to 40 and resident in the Outer Hebrides. This provides the business further access to specialist To fi nd out how Business Gateway Outer support that, coupled with the new build and Hebrides can help your business visit: It‛s easy to enter! marketing campaign, will enable TrixPix to achieve www.bgateway.com/western-isles or call No business plan required; just answer 4 simple questions their medium term business goals.” 01851 808240. by Friday 20th October 2017. Contact us at Business Gateway for an application form and further details: Online Local Business Directory – go to: www.businesshebrides.co.uk [email protected] or phone us on 01851 822775 Please get in touch if you would like to chat through your plans before entering. Find us on Facebook – search for Business Gateway Outer Hebrides A package of business support will also be available to help turn your business idea into a reality. EVENTS SECTION ONE - Page 20 www.hebevents.com 05/10/17 - 01/11/17

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EVENTS is published by Intermedia Services (Stornoway) Ltd, Offi ce 3, Clinton’s Yard, Rigs Road, Stornoway Tel: 01851 705743 EVENTS SECTION THREE - Page C8 www.hebevents.com 05/10/17 - 01/11/17 www.hebevents.com EVENTS SECTION THREE- Page C9

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Some of our recent customers’ DREAM KITCHENS “ We are delighted with our new kitchen, from the design, quality and installation. The upheaval was well worth it, everybody loves Perla it. Thanks to Kitchen Centre for a great job. Wall mounted furniture Mrs Macleod ” # ( ) )# ,/1234 569:;/1<2623/=6 EXCLUSIVE OFFER FREE Teka dishwasher* - LTK7008 - with every Virtu kitchen FREE 33 South Beach Street, HS1 2BN order when you present this Ad at The Kitchen Centre. Tel: 01851 704068 Fax: 01851 704468 Email: [email protected] F"#GEFL web:www.thekitchencentre.uk.com Finlay Macleod, of Adabrock and Shawbost at the age of 80 By Fred Silver hasms and bridges. That’s what Daoine Nan Àite: People in Place Faclan CDr Finlay Macleod and I talked about when we met on Wednesday 13 Wed 25 October 7:30pm at An Lanntair September at his home in Shawbost. 2017 Pages B9-B12 Finlay Macleod and Guardian photographer Murdo Macleod Chasms and bridges. I don’t think the discuss the place of photography in Acair’s publishing programme FèisLitreachas Innse Gall words were actually spoken. But looking The Hebridean Book Festival back over his 80 years, it was both the over the last 40 years. Particularly the work of Dan Morrison, huge changes and the surviving links in James McGeoch and Robert Adam and how each chose to depict An Dàmhair 25-28 October time, place, tradition and society which the faces of Hebridean culture. dominated our conversation. Chasms that exist between his childhood in Adabrock, and the social-media driven demonstrated only a few days before our Michael because of a scholarly paper on brought back in person by the local people world of today’s youngsters; the vast gap meeting at a Blas Festival event in An the birds of Rona. They then met in the travelling the world with the Merchant that exists between his early decades in Lanntair Arts Centre in Stornoway on Friday early 1970s – and Michael was intrigued Navy and also in the armed forces. a sophisticated, largely oral culture and September 8th. Then Finlay literally took by Finlay’s family connections with Rona, “The place has always had to be outward centre-stage before a packed house amid themselves a subject which Finlay has today’s fl ippant 140-character summations looking.” The news from outside came an array of singers, musicians and poets pursued. of global policy; and the huge difference back with people who were working away for an event to commemorate his 80th which he recalls between his Gaelic Before our interview, Finlay had insisted “and because of that, it was much more birthday. childhood outside the school walls, and this article should not be about him – but real, more personal.” There seemed to be a the rigid, authoritarian English-language And back in June, at the memorial event the event at An Lanntair showed this was huge gap between this and the knowledge structure that existed in the classroom. for his friend Michael Robson, Finlay another potential chasm for me to bridge: being imparted at the school. praised Michael’s many achievements, while the audience had obviously stood But great links survive. People’s Crucial was the importance of the family appreciation for Finlay was vividly explaining the past to the present. Finlay to applaud his lifelong commitment to recalled how he had fi rst come across his causes, they were surely there in in local communities and also of institutions admiration of the man himself, of a Gael that came to the Islands in the 19th Century and a polymath who still stands clear- – the State schools and the Church as eyed analysing the world around him and we understand it today. Looking back linking it back to decades long past. he recalls “the school…it’s strangeness, it being so very different from the life of And, of course, there is the well-known Walking a less the community and the lives of children chasm that has existed between Finlay and the dominant Church-controlled culture growing up.” This was an institution that that suffused the island of his childhood paid no heed to the community in which and still exerts a lesser infl uence today. it was situated and which was dominated trodden path… by a few textbooks from faraway publishers. But where did it all start for him? Finlay By Fred Silver recalls his childhood in a very different Finlay said you would expect that schools world, with almost no telephones in would build on the experience of their orn in Ness in May 1937, more than 80 years ago, Finlay has family the village and very few radios too. His pupils, enrich their existing knowledge, Bconnections with the Isle of Rona. He joined the Merchant Navy when he childhood was dominated by the Second but instead they created an alternative was 17; and also did National Service, mostly at Aird Uig, before working for World War and there was still constant reality and their strong mechanism was the fi re service in London and attending the Culham College of Education near news from the world beyond but it was Continued on B10 Abingdon in Oxfordshire to train as a teacher. He later went to Aberdeen University where he studied psychology for ten years, getting a fi rst-class honours degree and a doctorate, and researched into bilingualism in the Islands, and the impact of school in the community. What's in Section Two He worked as a primary school adviser for the newly established local authority in the Western Isles, rising to become depute director of education. Later he was RNLI News ...... B2 a freelance journalist and commentator, particularly on the development and EVENTS Cinema Focus ...... B2 evaluation of bilingual education in the Islands. Food for Free by John Dory ...... B3 A director of publishers Acair in 1980s, he was later involved in Eòlas Media in Comunn Eachdraidh Nis ...... B3 Stornoway, ran the locally-based TV production company Fianais and he was also on Martin drives MGF to success in mainland events ...... B4 the founding board of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Lewis Car Club ...... B4 Acair’s origins lie in the Bilingual Education Project, set up in the Western Isles in 1975 which aimed to create bilingual primary schools throughout the islands. With Bicentenary Celebration of the birth of Bahaʼuʼllah ...... B4 it came the stark realisation that there were hardly any Gaelic books. Stornoway Primary Newsdesk ...... B5 Writer John Murray was in post as director of the bilingual project, having previously Artists focus on fi nding a home for bird thoughts and images ...... B5 been editor of the Gaelic Books Council, and worked with Finlay to remedy this. Building our communities ...... B6-B7 Finlay also played a major role in the Western Isles Community Education Project Scottish Housing Day 2017 ...... B8 – funded by the van Leer Foundation - which established preschools and community Norman to chair homes group HHP ...... B8 training projects that stimulated the coordinated development of preschool and Faclan 2017: Ultima Thule ...... B9-B12 related community education training structures. Survival in the mountains with Doug Scott ...... B9 Among Finlay’s many works in Gaelic and English, fi ction and non-fi ction, are publications on the Norse mills, healing-wells and historic chapels of Lewis, on Seabirdsʼ fate gives clue to global catastrophe ...... B9 the notorious Mac an t-Srònaich; and several collaborative projects including 'The First solo exhibition for Catriona Black ...... B9 Hebrideans' with Gus Wylie. October at An Lanntair ...... B10 He was instrumental in developing modern interest in, and understanding of the The erotic and explicit side of Gaelic writing…with Peter Mackay ...... B10 ‘Norse’ mills of Lewis, leading to major exhibition at An Lanntair and the restoration Prepare to be scared and enthused in equal measure ...... B11 of a mill complex near Shawbost,. Finlay Macleod, at home in Shawbost ...... B12 Finlay lives in Shawbost with his wife Norma, herself a Gaelic novelist. They have New books at Western Isles Libraries ...... B13 two of a family; Ceit Anna, an advocate in Edinburgh, and Rachel, a counselling psychologist in Glasgow. Naidheachdan Gàidhlig ...... B14-B15 Finlay appears on Wednesday 25 October at 7:30pm in An Lanntair as part of the Polycrub grant success! ...... B17 Hebridean Book Festival, Faclan, and he is described on their website as follows: The crofting road ahead ...... B17 "Finlay Macleod is an authority on Gaelic and Gaelic culture. He is a renowned NHS Update ...... B18-B19 scholar, writer, cultural historian, commentator, educator, mentor and collaborator (notably with Robert Macfarlane, Tim Robinson and photographer, Gus Wylie)." or at www.welovestornoway.com

EVENTS is published by Intermedia Services (Stornoway) Ltd, Offi ces 1-3, Clintonʼs Yard, Rigs Road, Stornoway, HS1 2RF Tel: 01851 705743 EVENTS SECTION TWO - Page B2 www.hebevents.com 05/10/17 - 01/11/17 -02�, /3'27 #*# 1# #04'!#1 -,#7 $0-+ .0-.#027 V ]VH1:C1 _%1 7 VCV: V R01 V` !-3*" '2 # 0'%&2 $-0 7-3[                                              ! "         1118JQ` .V`JV_%1 78HQ8%@ #          !  $  !&'(# ) )      !-22'1& /3'27 #*# 1# -+. ,7  #                     ! "   #$%  &   

The celebration Afternoon Tea takes place on Saturday, October 28th, from 2pm to 4pm, in the Retirement Centre, Bayhead, Stornoway. All are invited to join for a chat, a cuppa, and some delicious home baking. News Ready to host your an Lanntair RNLI Fish Supper? The Emoji Movie Final Portrait The RNLI Fish Supper is an annual charity event to help raise funds Hidden inside a smartphone, the bustling city Starring Geoffrey Rush, Armie Hammer, Tony for the lifesaving 24/7 work of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. of Textopolis is home to all emojis. Each emoji Shalhoub, Sylvie Testud and Clémence Poésy, has only one facial expression, except for Gene, the fi lm depicts the making of Giacomettiʼs fi nal It’s simple, it’s fun, and it saves lives! an exuberant emoji with multiple expressions. portrait, a painting of American writer and art Held over the weekend of October 13th to 15th across the UK and Determined to become “normal” like the other lover James Lord. Giacometti had asked Lord to sit Ireland, all are invited to take part by hosting a delicious Fish Supper emojis, Gene enlists the help of his best friend for this portrait while he was in Paris on a short Hi-5 and a notorious code breaker called trip, and assured him that the process would take to friends or family and collect donations for the RNLI. Jailbreak. During their travels through the other only a few days. So began not only the story of Volunteer RNLI crews are ready to drop everything – even their apps, the three emojis discover a great danger a touching and offbeat friendship but a revealing supper – at a moment’s notice to go to the rescue of people in trouble insight into the beauty, frustration, profundity and, that could threaten their phoneʼs very existence. on the water. at times, downright chaos of the artistic process. Wed 4 Oct 6pm Fri 6 Oct 3pm Wed 4 Oct 9pm Events like the annual Fish Supper raise vital funds, which last year Wed 11 Oct 5:30pm Fri 6 Oct 5.30pm alone ensured the RNLI crews helped over 29,181 people. Tue 10 Oct 6pm In 2016 a total of 8,643 people were rescued by RNLI lifeboats, an IT average 23 people save each day. A total of 20,538 beachgoers were Seven young outcasts in Derry, Maine, are The Odyssey helped by RNLI lifeguards last year, and 558 lives were saved by RNLI about to face their worst nightmare — an Highly infl uential and a fearlessly ambitious lifeboat crews and lifeguards in 2016. ancient, shape-shifting evil that emerges pioneer, innovator, fi lmmaker, researcher and from the sewer every 27 years to prey on the conservationist, Jacques-Yves Cousteauʼs aquatic The money you raise when you host a Fish Supper goes to support townʼs children. Banding together over the adventure covers roughly thirty years of an all aspects of the RNLI lifesaving work – from buying kit for the course of one horrifying summer, the friends inarguably rich in achievements life. French with volunteer crew members to fuel for one of the charity’s lifeboats. must overcome their own personal fears to English subtitles. To fi nd out more, including fi sh dish recipes and a handy battle the murderous, bloodthirsty clown Tue 10 Oct 8.30pm known as Pennywise. fundraising pack, visit www.rnli.org.uk /fi sh-supper Fri 6 Oct 8pm The Nut Job 2: Mon 9 Oct 2pm & 7pm Wed 11 Oct 8pm Nutty by Nature When the evil mayor of Oakton decides to tear Thomas & Friends: down Liberty Park and build an amusement park in its place, Surly, Buddy, Andie and the rest of the Journey Beyond Sodor animals are suddenly homeless! Determined to prove his importance on Sodor, Surly tries to fi ght back, but realizes itʼs not going to Thomas takes Jamesʼ trucks and sets off on a big be easy. The mayor has got an animal control squad adventure to the Mainland. On the way he makes patrolling the park… Precious has been dognapped friends with the cheerful and helpful “Experimental by the mayorʼs hyperactive daughter… And Surly Engines” but, after a wrong turn, fi nds himself lost has offended Mr. Feng, an adorable city mouse with in the steelworks. There, Thomas encounters two deadly kung-fu skills. Surly realizes that he has to mysterious engines who instantly make him feel put aside his differences with the animals and get Stornoway Shouts welcome but who arenʼt what they fi rst seem… everybody to work together in order to defeat the After Thomas fails to return, James sets off to mayor, rescue Precious, and save Liberty Park… eptember proved a quiet month for the local lifesavers of the Mainland but runs into trouble himself and Before itʼs too late! SStornoway RNLI with just one shout – to a boat berthed in it is up to Thomas and the Experimental Engines Friday 13th 6pm the town harbour. to save the day. Join Thomas in a tale of daring Saturday 14th 5pm The volunteer crew were out on Thursday, September 14th, escapes, heroic rescues and discover that true Saturday 21st 3pm friendship comes in all shapes and sizes. Monday 23rd 6pm launching about 11.30pm to join with fellow emergency service Fri 13th Oct 3pm Tuesday 24th 2pm members of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Coastguard, Police, Sat 14th Oct 2pm Tuesday 24th 5pm along with Stornoway Port Authority staff, to assist a fi shing vessel Isles cycle challenge for Tue 17th Oct 3pm which was taking on water in Stornoway harbour. Rough Night The emergency services and Stornoway RNLI crew helped pump Logan Lucky Five friends from college plan the reunion of the out the vessel and the lifeboat returned to berth. Tobermory RNLI’s Rose West Virginia family man Jimmy Logan teams up year – or rather, the decade. The bachelorette Swapping the Island of Mull for the Outer Hebrides in September was with his one-armed brother Clyde and sister Mellie party to end all parties. However, theyʼre about Tobermory RNLI crewmember Rose Skelton who cycled the 200 mile to steal money from the Charlotte Motor Speedway to get more than they bargained for when the One Million Pennies in North Carolina. drinks start to fl ow. route from the Butt of Lewis to Barra last month to raise over £2,000 for the RNLI. Jimmy also recruits demolition expert Joe Bang The setting for their blowout is a beach house Appeal Smashed! to help them break into the trackʼs underground in sunny Miami – the ideal place for drinking, Rose embarked upon her cycle challenge on Saturday, September system. Complications arise when a mix-up forces dancing and reminiscing. As predicted, the party Five years ago, as Stornoway RNLI marked its 125th anniversary, the 16th, leaving from Stornoway RNLI Station before arriving in Barra the crew to pull off the heist during a popular is raving… Even more so when a male stripper fundraisers of Stornoway Lifeboat Ladies Guild set the One Million four days later on Wednesday, September 20th. NASCAR race while also trying to dodge a relentless Pennies Appeal – asking island residents to donate their spare pennies FBI agent. turns up. Speaking after her Hebridean adventure, Rose said: “I’m knackered to raise a total of £10,000. Friday 13th 9pm However, things are about to take one heck of a but it was such a nice ride. Love these islands and met many great Monday 16th 6pm turn for the worse when the stripper dies – and And the target has not only been reached, but smashed as the and supportive people!” Thursday 19th 9pm itʼs their fault… Ladies invite all to a special Afternoon Tea this month to celebrate the Saturday 14th 8pm collection of £11,381.05p! How to Help The Jungle Bunch Monday 16th 9pm “It’s a fantastic amount to have raised and we’re so thankful to In their fi rst big screen adventure, the Jungle Bunchʼs Thursday 19th 6pm everyone who donated and have given us their pennies over the last To donate to the local lifesavers of Stornoway RNLI, or help raise tiger striped Kung Fu penguin leader Maurice and fi ve years,” said Guild Chair Ellen MacDonald. funds through an event, contact Stornoway Lifeboat Ladies Guild his comrades – a goldfi sh, tarsier and gorilla – fi ght Mother! Chair Ellen MacDonald on 01851 702154, or Guild Treasurer Maggie to protect the jungle from a gang of silly baboons “The island schools were all great in supporting us, and the A couple's relationship is tested when uninvited community as well – it averages out around £2,000 a year in MacLeod on 01851 705407. lead by Igor the evil Koala. guests arrive at their home, disrupting their Tuesday 17th 6pm tranquil existence. fundraising which we wouldn’t have had otherwise. You can keep up to date with the RNLI charity at www.rnli. Thursday 19th 3pm Wednesday 18th – 8pm “A big Thank You to everyone who helped – and just because the org.uk – or why not ‘Like’ the Stornoway RNLI Facebook page to Saturday 21st 6pm appeal is over, it doesn’t mean little bags of pennies aren’t always keep up with the local lifeboat boys at www.facebook.com, search Monday 23rd – 8:30pm welcomed by us,” she added. ‘Stornoway RNLI’. 05/10/17 - 01/11/17 www.hebevents.com EVENTS SECTION TWO - Page B3

Food for Free By John Dory

utumn, " the season of mists and mellow or drizzled over ice cream. Whilst living on Afruitfulness," so beloved of romantic the mainland over 40 years ago, I became Blackberry and apple crumble poets and ravenous foragers is upon us once acquainted with a rural minister who enjoyed more. making home-made wine. His speciality was a hefty, potent, bramble and elderfl ower wine not Peel, core and cut the apples into quarters then halve Autumn foraging or collecting food for free Ingredients unlike a good Rioja but a fraction of the price of seems to have become a national pastime with again. this iconic Spanish red. books, articles, TV programmes and celebrity 500g blackberries Add to a large ovenproof dish and mix with the foragers all getting in on the act. Even on Crab apples seem to grow anywhere, even in 1kg cooking apples. lemon juice. our own windswept islands where inclement the harshest of island climates and although they Juice of half a lemon. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the apple pieces start weather can descend on us at any time of year, are sharp and tart in fl avour, they can be used in 4 tablespoons granulated sugar. there are rich natural pickings to be had if you a variety of ways. Crab apples are high in the to soften. TOPPING. know where to look and what to look for. setting agent pectin so they help to make great Meanwhile make the topping. jams and jellies when accompanied by low In fact, the catalyst for this month's column 150g rolled oats. pectin fruit such as blackberries, rowan berries Place the rolled oats, fl our, brown sugar and butter in was the good lady of the house who arrived 100g wholemeal fl our. and rose hips which also ripen at the same time a bowl and rub together until well mixed. home one beautiful, sunny late September in autumn. Apple jelly, with herbs such as basil, 75g brown sugar. afternoon with a huge tub of brambles from Gently mix the blackberries and the sugar in with mint and savoury are a great way of preserving a nearby woodland location. This will be 100g unsalted butter, cubed the apple. summer fl avours. Apple also pair with spices transformed into scrumptious bramble jam and, such as chilli, cloves and coriander. Cover with the topping and bake for 45 minutes until hopefully, a bramble and apple pie, fi lled with Method golden brown. The Rowan tree, also known as Mountain the deep, luscious, purple juices of that juicy Preheat the oven to 180C or gas mark 4. berry. Ash, is common in this part of the world and Serve with crème fraiche, Greek yogurt, custard, ice often grows in very exposed situations although Wash the blackberries, removing any leaves or stalks. cream or cream. In our area, brambles or blackberries are their growth is stunted in these extreme places. probably our most common wild fruit and Traditionally, in Scotland, Rowan trees were following a good summer the berries should be planted near new houses to ward off witches My own personal interest in autumnal foraging herbs, fl owers, fruits, spices, green vegetables, sweet and plump. The berry is very versatile and other evil spirits. The tree produces bunches was inspired by a book that I bought in 1975 seaweeds and plants with edible roots. Although and can be made into other products apart from of very tart red berries about 5-8 millimetres in called " Food For Free" by Richard Mabey. This other books have been written on this topic, jams and pies. Bramble jelly and bramble wine size. The berries are traditionally used to make guide to the edible wild plants of Britain is Richard Mabey's book is still considered to be are relatively easy to make and good as a winter a jelly with crab apples to help it set as it is low fascinating and informative even if you never the forager's bible. store cupboard item. Pickled blackberries in pectin. This is a delicious accomplishment to venture out for a spot of foraging. The book which are made with granulated sugar and white There are many recipes using brambles and venison, game and cheese and wine can also be identifi es 300 edible species ranging across a wine vinegar can be served with cheese and apples and without fail they are usually delicious. made using these attractive red berries. huge spectrum including shellfi sh, nuts, fungi, the syrupy vinegar can be used with dressings Here is one for a satisfying autumnal pudding.

NAIDHEACHDAN Dates to remember/Cuimhnichibh... CEN will be CLOSED on Th ursday 5th and Friday 6th October. News from Comunn Eachdraidh Nis We will open as normal on Monday 9th October.

We held our launch night of Habost Souterrain exhibition launch night the Habost Souterrain dig on Buy a Brick Fundraiser Th ursday 7th September and it was very well attended. You can now experience a kind of souterrain if you visit the exhibition!

We were grateful to Dr Dòmhnall Uilleam Stewart from Sabhal Mòr Ostaig for delivering a talk on the origins of the name ‘Th e Our ‘Buy a Brick’ fundraiser is going well! All engraved bricks Minch’ on the same evening. will form a legacy wall inside our renovated building.

A booklet on the dig is now If you havn’t ordered your brick yet, there is still time. Email available to buy in our shop [email protected] or drop in to CEN and pick up a form. for £3.50. If you would prefer not to have an engraved brick but would like to donate to the fundraiser, you can do this by fi lling out Gheibh sibh the same form and selecting the option for donation but no preasantan na brick. Nollaige gu lèir sa bhùth aig CEN! Why not buy a brick for a loved one for Christmas and they In our shop our In can choose what to engrave? You will get all your Christmas gift s in our Th ank you to everyone who has placed their order(s) so far. gift shop! Your support is greatly appreciated and will make a fantastic diff erence to our fundraiser. Th igibh a-steach. Anns a’ bhuth Anns a’ Comunn Eachdraidh Nis, Sgoil Chrois, North Dell T: 01851 810 377 E: offi [email protected] Archive, free museum, cafe & gift shop EVENTS SECTION TWO - Page B4 www.hebevents.com 05/10/17 - 01/11/17 Martin drives MGF to success in mainland events

artin Palmer, a member of Lewis Car Club, has been Mcompeting in the Scottish Sprint and Hill-Climb Championship this year. Sprints are generally on short racing circuits, often usually used for Karting and they involve from a standing start doing under three laps of the circuit. It is against the clock and points are based on you time compared with the lap record for your class. The circuits are fairly fl at so all corners are visible. Hill-Climbs are similar but corners are often over blind crests and the track may be wet in parts and dry in others so are more diffi cult. Martin has been using his yellow MGF Trophy sports car. This is in the A8 class for 'Marque Sports Cars'. This class is for MG, Lotus, Jaguar, Porsche and the sports cars from the likes of Mazda and Toyota. The sprints are at Golspie, Boyndie near Banff, Alford (at the Grampian Transport Museum) and at Kaimes in Ayrshire. The Hill- Climbs are at Doune, Forrestburn (near the Harthill Services on the M8) and at Fintry in Aberdeenshire. This was Martin's fi rst year in the championship and he managed to compete at all the venues this year except Fintry. He was also competing in the 'XBC' or Cross Border Championship where he competed at these venues and at the Sprint at Croft in North Yorkshire. In all he competed in a total of 14 events out of 27 between the start of April and the end of September. One weekend of two events at Kaimes he couldn't attend as there was no space on the ferries from both Tarbert and Stornoway. In his class were generally a Lotus 211 and Mazda MX5s together with the occasional Honda S2000, Toyota MR2 and Porsche Cayman. Some of the events, especially Golspie, were wet but during the Martin Palmer, in his yellow MGF Trophy sports car season he only had two spins and one trip through a gravel trap allow competition abroad as well! It also allows him to compete in In the XBC, which has half its events in Northern England, only fortunately avoiding the barriers. any sort of car in Sprints and Hill-Climbs, not just road cars. one of which Martin attended, he came 10th out of 13 in his class The MGF was reliable, if rather underpowered against the others In total there are six championships and some results are still for road-going cars up to 2,000cc, which includes all the Renault in the class, though in the last few events a water leak developed it provisional. In the Scottish Sprint Championship Martin came 25th Clio 172 and 182s, many of which are much more powerful than didn't cause any problems. Regrettably the brand new trailer was not out of 64 and third in class, behind the two drivers of the Lotus 211. his 1,800cc MGF. as reliable and buckled, probably after hitting a pothole, and had to He only did four of the 12 Hill-Climb events but still managed 5th Overall the season was great fun, great experience, and surprisingly be returned to the supplier. For most of the season Martin or his wife out of 6 in class. A selection of the Sprints and Hill-Climbs make successful. The people involved are very friendly and helpful, there had to drive the MG to events. The MG is very low at the front so only up the Scottish Speed Championship where he came 41st out of 71 was a 70th Birthday Party for a driver at one event while another a few trailers are suitable but near the end of the season he was able overall and 3rd equal out of 6 in class. driver will be 80 this year though most drivers are much younger. to fi nd a second-hand one that made travelling to events much easier. The Speed Championship is split into Highland and Lowland This season has shown a driver can compete in mainland events During the year Martin was able to get his Competition Licence Championships and in the Highland Championship Martin came from the Islands and do reasonably well. However, it does take a lot upgraded to a 'National A' licence which, despite its name, does fi rst in class, mainly because the Lotus 211 wasn't in that class. of time and effort, comments Martin. Skye and Bicentenary Celebration of the birth of Baha’u’llah Lochalsh “So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth.” Baha'u'llah

his year, over fi ve million Baha’is and their friends worldwide spiritual and social teachings reverberates around the globe. Tare preparing for major upcoming celebrations - on October Many government offi cials around the world, including the Scottish success 21, 2017, in some 100,000 localities worldwide, including Government, are holding receptions in honour of the bicentenary of the Stornoway, we will celebrate the bicentennial of the birth of birth of Baha’u’llah. his year’s Skye and Lochalsh Rally club time trial on the Baha’u’llah, the Founder of the Baha’i Faith and the Divine “The global festivities involving people of thousands of ethnic Tmainland was a roaring success both on and off the track. Educator for this age. backgrounds is demonstrative of a key message of Baha’u’llah’s life and Ronnie Biggs got his Evo jammed on top of a block of Lego due teachings: that a special time has arrived for the entire human race as it to HP sauce on his steering wheel. John Macleod was stuck on Although many have not yet heard the story, the echoes of His rich gradually moves from a stage of collective adolescence to one of maturity the start-line with his door open for seven minutes looking like and wholeness,” writes the Huffi ngton Post. a very old version of Joey Essex. “What is the door open for, John?” The name Baha’u’llah means ‘the Glory of God’ or ‘Glory of the Lord’. This title is mentioned in many prophecies: “To Him Isaiah, the greatest “I am trying to let the clutch out.” I suppose eight years competing with an automatic Austin Allegro is hard to get over. of Jewish prophets, had alluded as the ‘Glory of the Lord’, the ‘Everlasting Father’, the ‘Prince of Peace’, the ‘Wonderful’, the ‘Counsellor’.” Donald Trump was supposed to open the event but was a bit busy with the rocket-post playing commandos with ping pong chow mein Baha’u’llah envisioned a future where all of humanity cooperates as from Korea so he sent across a couple of deputy trumpets from Tong   one family. and the trip tied in with a Zimmer recall. #! #!     " " He taught that every human being has a unique purpose to help bring Formula 1…This season is very exciting along with the World  !$ !$  about a unifi ed world, that justice enables each of us to fulfi l this potential, Rally Championship which both look like going down to the wire…   and that the inequalities between women and men, black and white, rich brilliant stuff for petrol heads!! and poor, East and West must dissolve. Baha’u’llah compared the world of humanity to the human body.   Within this organism, millions of cells, diverse in form and function, play   their part in maintaining a healthy system.     The principle that governs the functioning of the body is cooperation. 23345367899:8;6<49= Its various parts do not compete for resources, rather, each cell, from its     >?7;2=?@ A74B78C32 5D inception, is linked to a continuous process of giving and receiving.   !"!! E37F23D367 36723?@G3?=>78268H?@ Acceptance of the oneness of humanity demands that prejudice- whether racial, religious, or gender related- must be totally eliminated. #$ %&$' 82D823F6I82D?7F86?6=FI@8;59?678J8F6;AI82I88= Young and old are warmly invited to share with the celebrations of the  (  (  %' D;AFBBGF9=236RAB8263237BL93?A323

Lapwings by Doug Robertson Artists focus on Our new Primary One pupils are pictured in their classes. Mrs Graham has Primary 1A fi nding a home for bird thoughts and images

rists in search of an exhibition space… those which I visualise in very different ways. The Athat’s poet Donald S Murray, formerly of bird that succeeds in disguising itself as a stone. South Dell, and illustrator Doug Robertson. The heavy footed man who imagines himself as an overweight version of the myth of Icarus, cloaking They have a project called Birdfall and it is their himself in pinions and quills. The Cassandra bird plan to get an exhibition in the Western Isles. that brings erosion and collapse to every inch of Donald, a poet and novelist, who now lives in the shoreline on which it is doomed to perch. Shetland, explains. “I am also - metaphorically speaking - often “With the exception of an occasional day when accompanied on these walks by another individual, even the most courageous duck might tremble the artist, Doug Robertson. A native of Dundee before heading outdoors, I walk the shoreline of though now living and teaching in Hampshire, Quarff on the eastern coastline of Shetland’s South Doug is the individual who helps to give shape to Mainland. my fevered fantasies. Mrs Spence has Primary 1B “Accompanied by my dog, a Labrador with “His understanding of the lives and movements a fondness for smearing herself with seaweed, I of birds, which is evident in the drawings, comes watch the everyday wonders that are to be found from a lifetime as an avid birder. He draws the on the coastline there. They include cormorants birds - both real and imagined - that I see on my perched on rock, gannets plunging into water and journeys, providing them with light and shade, seals sunbathing whenever the rare opportunity substance and form. arises. “Doug has worked with many poets and writers “In the past year, I have witnessed a pod of orca before and I am enriched by this experience. We swimming into the entrance of the bay, an otter’s have collaborated most notably before on ‘The head popping out from the turmoil of waves and Guga Stone: Lies, Legends and Lunacies from St even a pair of curlews swirling downwards, almost Kilda’ and ‘Herring Tales’. trimming my thatch of greying hair with beak and “Both books received wide recognition, wings. including being chosen as among the Guardian “Their company has been uplifting, especially Nature Books of the Year. during a year in which I have spent much of my “It is hoped that this, our latest offering, will be time working on a book entitled ‘The Dark Stuff’, received with similar warmth and generosity. At which is due for publication by Bloomsbury next the moment, we are looking for venues which will April. exhibit our work in the near future. “I write short poems and pieces in my head “In short, ‘Birdfall’ is in fl ight and looking for about not only the birds I see before me, but also a home. Mrs Poke has Primary 1C LAPWINGS by Donald S Murray

She never stopped acting, After that she'd dip, Not even when she walked the shoreline Let fall her makeshift wings Beside a fl ock of lapwings. As if fl ight had been clipped

She'd imitate their high notes, From feathers, drawing her to ground. Mimicking, pitch-perfect, sounds It made me gasp and shudder That whistled through their beaks and throats, For I could sense the vulnerability she found

And then she'd dance, pirouette, Copying that bird Imagining for an instant Was a ploy she sometimes used against me, That the earth had let Pretending words had wounded, hurt

Her slip and she could spin, Her, sometimes without cause. High and cold above me, My love chilled and withdrew from her, Flight embedded in her outstretched limbs. Even as I watched these antics,

Granting her applause.

Gaelic Medium Primary 1 are taught by Mrs Maciver Building our communities

Council’s bid to get people to sign into their community’s future By Katie Macleod a sudden then, it becomes things like housing, employment, transport, making sure there’s f, as the dictionary defi nition explains, a adequate investment in the area,” explains Neil. signature is a “distinctive pattern, product, or I To get this information from local communities, characteristic by which someone or something the workshops engaged with community groups can be identifi ed,” what would the signature and residents at all levels, asking them to rate of a community look like? What would be its elements relating to four conditions – people, distinctive characteristics? place, prospects, and planning – by using a colour In June of this year, the Education and Children’s code of red, amber, or green on a chart known as Services Department at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar set a Signature Map. out to discover the distinctive characteristics of the islands’ communities – in other words, their signatures For example, under “People”, defi ned as – through a series of workshops held as part of the “the human aspects that contribute to your Outer Hebrides Community Signature project. community’s capacity,” participants were asked to colour in elements that included community spirit, The aim of Community Signature is to help trust and respect. For “Place”, which looked at the local authorities to focus on and prioritise what “facilities and attributes” of the community, sub- services they can deliver, and what the community categories took in areas such as transport, housing, can do for itself. Following successful workshops and safety. throughout Lewis and Harris this summer, and with more to come in Uist and Barra, the interim results The same script is followed at every Community of the project were presented to the Education, Signature event, to help ensure that any data Sports, and Children’s Services Committee on gathered is as accurate as possible. By encouraging September 26th. a cross-section of the community to attend, from “What the Community Signature is highlighting elderly residents to youth groups and sports clubs – for us is that the key areas or strengths in the the workshops help prompt discussion, and offer a Western Isles are probably very similar to what fuller picture of each individual community’s needs. people expect anyway,” says Neil MacLeod, the Priorities highlighted in these interim results from Comhairle’s Learning and Development Service the Community Signature workshops correlated The current goal is to develop a level of Manager, of the results so far. closely with those returned by the Western Isles- participatory budgeting, where local people have Participants in the Comhairle’s Community “What are the good things about living in the wide Place Standards Survey, undertaken by the a say in how, and where, public funds are used to Signature workshops are asked to consider Western Isles? It’s safety, it’s trust, it’s health and Outer Hebrides Community Planning Partnership address local needs – a budgeting practice currently four conditions. wellbeing, it’s our natural assets.” In addition, “people in February and March 2017. When the results encouraged by the Scottish Government. In terms • People: the human aspects that contribute feel their aspirations can be met. It’s a predominantly of both surveys were analysed together, the top of the local authority’s planning cycle, it’s hoped this to our community’s capacity. engagement will begin towards the end of the year, positive picture across the Western Isles.” priorities for communities in the islands come out • Place: the facilities and attributes of place when all Community Signatures have taken place. Aspects of the community which people didn’t as employment, housing, transport, and facilities. that contribute to our community’s capacity. feel as positive about came to light when discussing For the Comhairle and the Education and “We need to look at a way of developing • Prospects: aspects of our community that the community’s ability to work together, with Children’s Services Department, the next step is to participatory budgeting that will enable us to take can help us achieve our aspirations. participants highlighting terms like “transparency,” the data we’ve got… and work with the community take the data from the Community Signature and • Planning: our community’s capacity to “shared vision,” and “engagement.” to identify what we do with this now,” says Neil. other projects, and use it to help drive delivery of work together to develop and design the “The Community Signature gives a good picture And although these areas were identifi ed as their services. “We want to encourage people to services we need. needing improvement, they didn’t make the list get involved, to have their say and tell us what’s for what the people in communities are saying is of issues that people felt were a priority. “All of important in their communities,” says Neil. important to them.” Play areas: the challenge of maintaining provision and curbing cost

By Katie Macleod council’s remit. A traditional play area, with a areas throughout the islands,” explains Sports their imagination and create their own worlds. multi-function play unit, swings, and roundabouts, Development Services Manager, Iain Campbell. t’s widely recognized that the opportunity In the Outer Hebrides, the local authority can cost anywhere in the region of £60,000 - One solution the proposed play area strategy strategy envisions that these play areas could to be have fun, be creative, and develop I £100,000. Additional costs include the extra offers is the utilisation of the islands’ schools as contain tunnels for children to crawl through, physical literacy through play is important for expense of investing in equipment suited to the community hubs. This would not only give people long grass to play hide-and-seek in, and natural children, particularly in their early years. islands’ climate, as well as the continued upkeep access to the play areas available in schools, but materials, such as stones or wood, that they can But as public budgets shrink, and the costs of parts, matting, and even fences. With local also encourage more of a buy-in to the community build and create with. authority budgets decreasing over the last decade, of maintaining traditional play areas becomes as a whole, particularly in rural areas. As Iain It’s a scenario that might bring back memories the reality is that not every play area in the islands challenging, local authorities – including notes, the schools create a natural chain throughout for today’s parents, a reminder of their own can be maintained or replaced. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar – are looking at the islands; by making those school play areas childhood adventures building dens and going on alternative ways to provide play space for young It’s a sensitive topic. Regardless of how well- accessible, while there would be fewer play areas adventures outside. It’s a reminder too, that the people. used (or otherwise) a play area is, people want one overall, the geographic spread of the islands’ islands themselves provide what the Comhairle Over the last two years, council offi cers in in their neighbourhood. In order to inform a new schools means everyone would have one nearby. strategy calls a “natural playground,” with areas the Outer Hebrides have been working towards sustainable strategy for play areas, the Comhairle Another possibility is the creation of low- where children can play freely in a safe, natural developing a sustainable strategy for the play has hosted community surveys and workshops maintenance, creative play areas. These more environment. parks they maintain. There are currently more on the issue for the past two years, with the latest natural play environments encourage “free play,” The Comhairle play area strategy reaffi rms than 80 play areas throughout the Outer Hebrides, survey taking place earlier this summer. The which research shows can be even more benefi cial the importance of young people being creative with the standards and equipment at each varying recent Community Signature surveys carried out to children that the traditional play areas with and developing physical literacy through play. widely from one area to the next. These numbers by Education and Children’s Services also offered swings, roundabouts, and rubber matting. And while budget cuts may mean fewer overall include those traditionally built close to social residents the chance to give their opinion on local Natural-style play areas (or “free range” play numbers of traditional play areas in the Outer housing and schools, as well as those funded by facilities. areas, as some have described them) fi rst became Hebrides, the Comhairle’s aim is for its sustainable local communities, such as the Eoropie Dunes Essentially, “the authority is faced with having popular in Denmark after World War II, and more strategy to offer the same level of opportunity for Park in Ness. to reduce the number of play areas it is required recent versions in the UK have been getting global children’s play – whether fl ying high on a swing or More than 50 of these parks come under the to maintain, while providing accessible play attention for the freedom they offer children to use going wild in nature. Building our communities

Educational success marked…with improvements sought By Katie Macleod virtual comparator for the lowest 20 per cent and the middle 60 per cent of attainment groups. For ata released last month by the Scottish the most able 20 per cent of students, however, the DQualifi cations Authority (SQA) shows Western Isles falls slightly behind. “For the most continued educational success for the Western able 20 per cent, there is room for improvement,” Isles, as well as highlighting some areas for says Agnes. “They need to be challenged and improvement. stretched to reach higher quality grades.” Published through Insight, an online tool from the The data sets for attainment versus deprivation SQA, the fi gures aid secondary schools and local aim to tackle disadvantage in education by authorities in identifying areas of success in education, improving the attainment of less affl uent learners, and locating where improvements can be made. so that their attainment is in line with the more As Senior Education Offi cer at Comhairle nan affl uent, thus closing the deprivation gap. This Eilean Siar, Agnes Macdonald, explains, the tool is analysed using the Scottish Index of Multiple “supports teachers, principal teachers, and head Deprivation, where decile one represents the teachers in their analysis of data for improvement.” poorest 10 per cent of the Scottish population, and decile 10 the most affl uent 10 per cent. The four Local Benchmark fi gures released in September’s data include literacy and numeracy; As Agnes notes, “the Western Isles does improving attainment for all; attainment versus signifi cantly better than the national average in deprivation; and students’ initial post-school deciles three and four; is on par for fi ve and six; but below for decile seven.” To tackle that difference, destinations. These fi gures take into account both the solution is “differentiated, challenging learning SCQF levels – the “ladder” of all qualifi cations for all, from the earliest stage of the Broad General available in the Scottish education system – as well Education, into the Senior Phase (S4-S6).” as tariff points, where the higher the qualifi cation and grade, the higher the number of tariff points a The fi nal data set available relates to school student achieves. leaver destinations, and shows continued success for cumulative attainment and outcomes Local fi gures for the Western Isles are displayed in local education. For three of the past fi ve alongside both the national average for Scotland, years, the Western Isles had the highest number and what is known as a “virtual comparator.” This in the country of young people leaving school digitally-generated fi gure compares the stage, for positive destinations. While this data is not age, and Additional Support Needs profi le of a new – it is released in February to take account learner, and matches it to ten similar pupils across of any Christmas-time school leavers – it shows Scotland, creating a ‘virtual school’ and allowing that in the 2015-16 school year, 97.07 per cent of comparisons to be made with young people who Western Isles pupils were in positive destinations, have similar needs and backgrounds. higher than both the national average and virtual For 2017, the Western Isles data shows comparator, and it’s hoped the fi gure will improve successes as well as areas where more work even further in 2017. is needed. For example, in the fi rst data set on The SQA Insight data is released twice annually: literacy and numeracy, there was a slight decline in February with school leaver fi gures from S4-S6, in the percentage of student leavers achieving and again in September following the summer SCQF levels 4 and 5 in literacy and numeracy, but exam results. For both sets of data, Agnes explains the numbers remain higher than those of both the that the key is to analyse the data to determine national average, and the virtual comparator. “how well schools are equipping young people When it comes to improving attainment, the before they leave school. They should be literate, results draw on fi gures which show how many numerate, and equipped with the skills they need exams students sat, what level they sat them at, and for their planned next step, whether that’s higher the grades they received. Here, the Western Isles education, further education, employment, or does better than both the national average and the training.” Review hails e-Sgoil as success

he e-Sgoil programme at Comhairle nan school in Harris. These and other examples have TEilean Siar has been hailed a success. not only proved the platform can work but also has The fi rst year of operation was designated a provided very positive feedback. ‘Proof of Concept Year’. However, due to demands “One particularly innovative approach within on the programme internally and externally it has, the Comhairle, has been the use of e-Sgoil in effect, been fully operational all year. for professional development purposes within An independent review of the fi rst 12 months, Education and Children's services. stated: “It is very commendable how the "This innovative thinking has demonstrated leadership team at the Comhairle have looked for the potential for the delivery of training to larger opportunities to test the e-Sgoil platform during the groups in a number of locations across the Western setup year, but also their active desire to help other Isles. Bearing in mind travel time and associated authorities and schools in diffi cult situations has costs, this may well prove to be a highly effective been impressive. use that can be replicated in other Comhairle and "Some highlights have included; the partnership local partner services, as well as elsewhere in with Aberdeen City Council and Hazlehead Scotland. Academy for the delivery of a Gàidhlig course The Report concluded that “e-Sgoil has the thereby ensuring the continued opportunity potential to place the Western Isles at the centre for the pupils in the face of a staffi ng shortage; of national policy development and associated Bethan Webb, Deputy Director, who heads the Welsh Language Division within Welsh Government, and the links with Bishopbriggs Academy in East transformational change, and in so doing, be a key Iwan Evans, Senior Policy Offi cer, came to visit e-Sgoil during September to learn about the ongoing work Dunbartonshire, again addressing a staff shortage part of what education in Scotland does to enhance in the Western Isles. Bethan and Iwan said they were very impressed by what they saw and subsequently for a three month period; the RMPS higher course opportunities for all learners and educators - no reported back to their Education Ministerial Policy Board. Alun Davies AM, the Minister for Lifelong delivered from The Nicolson Institute to Sir E Scott matter their location." Learning and Welsh Language in the Welsh Government, intends to visit e-Sgoil in the near future. EVENTS SECTION TWO - Page B8 www.hebevents.com 05/10/17 - 01/11/17 Scottish Housing Day 2017

cottish Housing Day is a national event and Swas held this year on Thursday 21 September to raise awareness of housing options and the work which people involved in housing do. Four local housing organisations, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Hebridean Housing Partnership, Western Isles Foyer and Tighean Innse Gall supported Scottish Housing Day to raise awareness of the housing options available in the Outer Hebrides. Western Isles Foyer supports young people who are One of the key themes for the day was to address homeless, in housing need and/or are subject to other specifi c challenges and aspirations facing younger social disadvantages. The Foyer provides a drop-in people in accessing housing and Western Isles service and support towards independent living skills. Foyer were available to make people aware of the work in which they are involved, to help young people. Another key theme which was explored was housing issues for older people and the options that they have around living longer in the right kind of home. Tighean Innse Gall highlighted the work they do in relation to the Care and Repair Scheme and Home Safety Scheme. Access to good quality housing is vital to the economy of the Outer Hebrides and strengthens The Comhairle’s Housing Services Team are responsible Island communities. The Comhairle and Hebridean for the production of the Local Housing Strategy and Housing Partnership work very closely with the provide information and advice on housing issues, as Scottish Government to provide new affordable well as a Homelessness Service. The Comhairle and homes and this supports a range of options for its Partners work together to address the issues which buying and renting. affect the distinctive housing system of the Outer Hebrides to improve housing outcomes for its residents. A poll conducted for the fi rst annual Scottish Housing Day in 2016 found that many people knew nothing, or very little, about all the tenures available apart from the main three – buying with a mortgage, private renting and social renting – which means that many people could be losing out on home ownership. Scottish Housing Day is a good platform to help raise awareness of the advice and services the various housing agencies in the Outer Hebrides can provide. Tighean Innse Gall works closely with the Comhairle There is a dedicated website for Scottish Housing and Community Planning Partners on the delivery of Day which includes information on the various the new build housing programme and other strategic housing options which are available, and staff from housing aims. TIG provides services to residents who Hebridean Housing Partnership is the Comhairle’s main partner for the delivery of are in fuel poverty in the Islands and, as well as the social housing in the Outer Hebrides focusing on providing houses for rent. each of the local organisations are always on hand Energy Advisory Service, they deliver Insulation and Along with Tighean Innse Gall HHP also delivers the Scottish Government’s to give advice and guidance. Heating Services and assist older or disabled owner Shared Equity Scheme where the cost of a property is shared between www.scottishhousingday.co.uk/ occupiers to remain in their homes through their Care the buyer and the Scottish Government. Twitter #scottishhousingday and Repair Scheme. The Scheme is mainly aimed at fi rst time buyers. Norman to chair homes group HHP ebridean Housing Partnership (HHP) are be part of HHP, as we move forward in providing Ms Templeton, representing Wylie & Bissett, Hdelighted to announce the appointment new quality homes that will meet the needs of commented that the outcome of the audit was an of new Chair, Mr Norman M MacLeod. our communities in the Outer Hebrides for the unqualifi ed opinion. foreseeable future.” Mr MacLeod accepted a nomination for the The collected Membership then approved role of Chair at the social landlord’s AGM on The last job of former Chair Iain MacMillan was a resolution to reappoint Wylie & BIssett as Thursday, September 7th, and takes over from Mr to host to eleventh HHP Annual General Meeting, External Auditors for the coming year, and a held at Lews Castle. Mr MacMillan welcomed Iain Macmillan. further resolution to donate £5,000 to fi ve local those present and commented that HHP was in Having served as a Councillor with Comhairle charitable organisations – MacMillan Nurses; a healthy position and continued to build on the Young Musicians Hebrides; Stornoway PHAB nan Eilean Siar for several years and also managed success of the past ten years, despite operating in a the Western Isles branch of Scottish Fuels, Mr challenging environment. Club; Western Isles Carers Support Network, and MacLeod has considerable experience of the Western Isles Community Care Forum. housing sector and local business environment. HHP Director of Finance & Corporate Services, Mr Donald MacLeod, gave a presentation on the HHP Chief Executive, Ms Dena MacLeod, He said: “I am delighted to have been appointed fi nancial statements for the year and advised that then thanked the attendees for their presence that Chair of HHP. Auditors, Wylie & Bissett, gave the Partnership a evening, and went on to thank tenants, staff and “I am looking forward to this new challenge, to clean audit report for the 11th year running. business partners for their support in the past year.           G

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Faclan 2017: Ultima Thule | 25-28 October | lanntair.com/faclan Survival in the mountains with Doug Scott By Elly Welch as “a way of life that I just naturally got into.” “Everything was done on a shoestring budget rom the comfort and safety of An Lanntair’s [back then] – it was mostly hitch-hiking…natural auditorium Faclan audiences are invited to F curiosity just led me,” he said. join renowned mountaineer Doug Scott on a journey around some of the world’s most Doug has made all his climbs in lightweight or dangerous peaks. Alpine Style, all on new routes and without the use of artifi cial oxygen barring his 1975 Chris He’s survived Everest and the 7,285 metre Bonington Expedition up the South West Face of “Ogre”, negotiated hostile mountain ranges never Everest – the fi rst party to successfully scale the tackled before, climbed in every climate zone world’s highest mountain via this route. and season – and survived. Doug’s is an epic tale He’s had a few close shaves including breaking of hard climbing and survival that has become both his legs descending The Ogre, in Pakistan, almost folkloric - 45 major expeditions on all of in 1977. His account of the journey home, the world’s continents with the highest summits of crawling through freezing temperatures and each claimed. And all but one of these adventures negotiating sheer drops is reminiscent of the epic was achieved without any artifi cial oxygen – a fi lm Touching The Void. rarity these days. Speaking about his craft, his life-long Take your breath away? If so make sure to come compulsion to climb, he describes how “you just along to his talk on Saturday October 28 for a full felt that you were part of something bigger than blown account of the high life that has put this yourself up there and it was just amazing.” man, now 76, in the record books and sealed his “When you are climbing high it does concentrate place as one of the world’s foremost mountaineers. your mind - real life becomes very distant and it It began in childhood for Doug, like a bug that does have the effect of calming that inner chatter,” couldn’t be shaken off. Born in Nottingham, he he said, adding that he climbed because he had to began climbing in the Derbyshire Peak District – without it life wasn’t complete, even if his nerves as a boy and by his teens was regularly tackling stopped him sleeping the night before. Doug Scott, Guy Lee, Dennis Hennek seen at Sron Uladal in 1969. That year (and later twice in 1971), daredevil routes around the UK. Doug became the fi rst to scale the largest overhang in Europe, Sron Uladal in Harris. Doug’s travels around the world have brought Graded A5, without bolts it is one of the toughest technical climbs on the planet. Aged 17, having already survived a bad fall many cultural experiences which he has written Although only 1,500 feet it took them three days to conquer it. of 25 metres, he started climbing in earnest, extensively about and he draws on these memories travelling Europe, where he scaled Mont Blanc as well as his stories of his climbing career. He and other landmarks and ventured into North has also taken many photographs during his Africa. Since then he has climbed all over the travels which he likes to use to illustrate his talks. world, tackling “big wall” sheer slopes and Since his last climb in 2000 he has made it his First solo exhibition for overhangs in particular, and quickly making a raison d’etre to inspire others and share his life name for himself as one of history’s most intrepid story. You will be spellbound – that is guaranteed. mountaineers. Up and About: The Hard Road to Everest: Speaking in an online interview he described it Saturday 28 October 7pm Catriona Black

By Katie Macleod Seabirds’ fate gives clue ’ve always been involved in art, in one “Iway or another,” says Catriona Black from her home in the Dutch village of Santpoort-Noord. to global catastrophe As a former art critic for the Sunday Herald, an illustrated children’s book author, and a short fi lm By Katie Macleod decades, and in which there is little sign that the animator, Catriona’s art career has been wide and decline is slowing.” varied – and is about to take another turn when t is 50 years ago that writer Adam Nicolson “Just as we are coming to understand something her fi rst solo exhibition is launched at Faclan, the fi rst visited the Shiant Isles with his father, I of the seabirds’ lives, we are destroying them, and Hebridean Book Festival, later this month. and the experience has stayed with him to it is the same technological civilization which is “Forradh: Sly Cooking,” which opens on this day. “I will never forget the dazzling, behind both developments.” 28th October at An Lanntair, is an exhibition entrancing moment when he fi rst showed me There is, he notes, “a deep and troubling irony” of Catriona’s linocut illustrations of lost Gaelic the bird colonies there.” in that relationship. words from Eriskay and South Uist, words that “The sheer density of them, the way in which were fi rst collected in the 1890s by Father Allan To research the decline, Adam delved into the in a seabird colony you can see the realities of the Macdonald, a 19th century priest, poet, and latest scientifi c literature, travelled to various bird natural world in action before you. folklorist, and published by John L. Campbell in colonies in the Atlantic, and spoke with scientists Ireland in the 1950s. “That was always exciting to me, and it has been studying the birds. “One of the delights of doing a touchstone in my life ever since. Everything I this has been the sheer generosity with which Catriona, who was brought up speaking Gaelic know and everywhere I have been, I have always the bird scientists have accepted the interest in Edinburgh, became inspired by the book after measured against that unconstrained vitality of and curiosities of a layman in their studies,” says she moved to the Netherlands in 2011, and was being.” Adam. contemplating her next project. Through this she Adam – who is also custodian and proprietor “That combination of getting to know more discovered printmaking, and a whole new realm of art, before eventually coming back to the book of the Shiants – focuses on these Atlantic seabirds about the seabirds, with the prospect that what I background. “It’s a very zen-like activity,” she and bringing the two together. in his latest book, The Seabird’s Cry. In its pages had always taken for a constant was under threat, says. “If you make a single mistake, it’s not digital, he describes the lives of the seabirds in lyrical is what prompted the book.” “There’s a lot of humanity, and humour, there’s no ‘edit.’ You can’t go back again, and detail, and documents their plight in the face of Over the years, Adam has interacted with and character in these words, and I love that,” either you live with it, or you ditch it and you start a changing climate. It’s a topic close to his heart, seabirds not only in the Shiants, but around the Catriona says of the project. “For me, Gaelic again. I think it’s the honesty of that, that really and one he’ll be discussing at Faclan, An Lanntair’s world, from the decks of a supply ship on route is about people, and communication, and appeals to me.” Hebridean Book Festival, on October 26th. to South Georgia, to the cliffs of Iceland and the collective feeling, and that’s what I really want to The Faclan exhibition will double as the Each chapter of the book deals with the life of Atlantic coast of Ireland. The Shiants, however, bring out in this collection of words.” launch of Catriona’s book of the same name, a single seabird, from the fulmar and the puffi n, are the one place he returns to every year without Some of her favourites include “Sly Cooking,” published by Acair, and on 30th to the gull and the guillemot. Adam looks at the fail. “Mionagadanan,” which describes particles October, a documentary following her visit to lives of ten of these birds, and shares fascinating “I could not be more pleased to be involved in seen in a ray of sunlight coming into a house, South Uist and Eriskay, in search of these lost insights into their behaviour, many of which have Faclan,” says Adam of his upcoming visit to Lewis. and “Glaigeil,” a reference to the noise that words, will air as part of Trusadh on BBC Alba. only recently become known due to advances in “It has always been a deep pleasure to me that women make when they get together. “There “Hopefully the book will attract people to it in a science and technology. the people of Lewis and Harris love the Shiants as are lots about women – some of them are less way that the original dictionary attracted me, and The thread of the book, though – and the much as they do. complimentary! – but I’ve chosen to give them hopefully these words will stick in their heads,” conclusion in its fi nal chapter – is the seabird’s “And if through talking about the seabirds a bit of a twist in my illustrations,” she explains. says Catriona. “Even people that don’t speak a cry, a lament for what Adam describes as “a giant there, people can begin to take seriously the giant For each of the 42 words, Catriona created a word of Gaelic, I’d like them to look at it and think: and global crisis… where perhaps two thirds of catastrophe that is happening in the world’s seas, linocut illustration, made by hand in her shed, ‘That’s a brilliant word, why is there no word like the world’s seabirds have gone in the last few that has got to be good.” often with Radio nan Gaidheal playing in the that in English?’” EVENTS SECTION TWO - Page B10 www.hebevents.com 05/10/17 - 01/11/17 www.hebevents.com EVENTS SECTION TWO - Page B11

Kenneth Street, Stornoway HS1 2DS Faclan 2017: Ultima Thule | 25-28 October | lanntair.com/faclan www.lanntair.com OCTOBER AT hean ùr n An Lanntair Box Offi ce: 01851 7084808800 aic ew AN LANNTAIR bhr tit An Lanntair Café Bar: 01851 708490 ea le email: [email protected] l THE MAE TRIO The erotic and explicit

Sat 7 Oct, 8pm £12/£10 SLY COOKING Melbourne’s The Mae Trio have a side of Gaelic writing… Catrìona NicILLeDhuibh unique contemporary twist on folk music. They perform an insightful 42 irresistible Gaelic collection of original songs arranged words, with hand-made for ukulele, banjo, guitar, fi ddle, linocut illustrations that cello, bass and superb three part with Peter Mackay vocal harmony. accompany each word. £5.95 By Katie Macleod WITHOUT rotic” might not be what immediately “Ecomes to mind when you think of Gaelic A HITCH literature or poetry – and yet that’s exactly the theme of the award-winning anthology, ‘An Thu 12 Oct 8pm Leabhar Liath, The Light Blue Book: 500 Years of £10/ £9/ £8 Gaelic Love and Transgressive Verse,” edited by GRANAIDH Peter Mackay and Iain S. Macpherson. CRIDHE CREIGE AFRAGA ‘Hip hop, ya don’t stop’ – but An Leabhair Liath – which won the Donald all good things must come to Anna Frater Mòrag Anna NicNèill Meek Award for Gaelic writing in 2016 – features a an end. Without a Hitch follows selection of 65 poems that range from outright explicit A new collection of Gaelic A new children’s Gaelic the downward spiral of a four to merely suggestive, and Peter Mackay, a lecturer at poetry with English translation book from Morag Ann man b-boy crew as ambition, the University of St Andrews, will be in attendance from Anna Frater. £15.00 MacNeil. £6.95 jealousy and frustration at Faclan, An Lanntair’s Hebridean Book Festival, to manifest in a group struggling discuss them on October 28th. to move in the same direction. Peter and Iain fi rst toyed with the idea for the book Expect plenty of dark comedy, when they were both working in Belfast; Peter at the powerful breakdancing and slick Seamus Heaney Centre for Poetry, and Iain at Ulster production from Tony Mills and University. “We’d spoken about this material, about of work, often taking place via Skype and email as the Room 2 Manoeuvre’s new hip this huge body of rude verse that was out there, and two editors found themselves in different locations. hop dance theatre production. the fact that it wasn’t very well known. We were more Peter and Iain decided on new translations for the Bidh Acair aig or less asking the question, where can we go and fi nd poems, the English versions of which feel very modern Prepare to be scared and FOUR GO WILD this?” remembers Peter. in their language and tone – a deliberate move on MÒD NÀISEANTA RÌOGHAILHAIL “We wanted to draw a thread about what was their part, in order to make the works “as accessible IN WELLIES allowed, what was taboo, and what was permissible as possible to a modern reader.” enthused in equal measure… Loch Abar Lorg sinn airson in Gaelic culture, looking at how Gaelic speakers “Many of these were songs or poems that were Wed 18 Oct 2pm FREE talked about the body, about love, about sex, to see if designed to be enjoyed,” explains Peter, “and so we bargan no dhà fhaighinn! INDEPEN-DANCE 4 presents: there was anything that carried through the centuries.” were trying to keep up with the sense of humour, the By Elly Welch Four Go Wild in Wellies! Featuring It is often the older poems that are more explicit, sense of rhythm, as much as possible, and also trying aclan audiences are in for a spine-chilling www.acairbooks.com bobble-hats, scarves and tents describing everything from prostitution to body parts to aim for the same level of shock and offence.” Ftime on Saturday night (October 28th) when that have a life of their own! For in great detail. “The past is much less innocent, But not every poem in the book is shocking; some award-winning author Michelle Paver takes to the children age 3 - 5 accompanied and much less naïve, than we like to think about,” are moving, others suggestive, and a few are even stage. observes Peter, nothing that in Gaelic verse up to the by an adult. Tickets are free but downright funny. Featuring writers from Alexander The novelist and children’s writer and, now, scriber 1800s, “there was a lot that was much more direct, booking is essential for both child Macdonald to Sorley Maclean, and Anne Frater to of ghost stories, will take the Festival’s Ultima Thule Bàrd and earthy, and they were not embarrassed about ach and adult places. Marcus mac an Tuairneir, An Leabher Liath shows that theme to the extreme as she heads the fi nal night with d talking about the body.” the erotic Gaelic verse Peter and Iain set out to fi nd is i a talk about her growing love affair with the all things Ò SESSION A9 An Leabher Liath is the culmination of eight years as alive in the 21st century as it was in the 17th. ghostly. ra Paver, an Oxford graduate who ditched a law in Fri 20 Oct, 8pm £15/ £12.50 career to become a writer, is best known as the author ORAINORAORAIN REDRED Over the years Session A9 have been Faclan 2017…theme and explanation of fantasy children’s series Chronicles of Ancient CoinneachC ih MacLeòidM L òid Darkness, set in pre-agricultural Stone Age Europe, described as a “Scottish super group”, DEILBH IS FAILEASAN world has informed and nourished HBO’s Game of and the more recent Gods and Warriors series, set Coinneach Ruadh Choinnich “The best band to have come out he theme for this year's Faclan: The Hebridean Thrones. In-between is a special screening of the in the Bronze Age. But at Faclan she’ll be sticking to Ruaidh a Pabail ann an Donald MacAulay of Scotland in 100 years”, “Tighter TBook Festival at An Lanntair, Stornoway, is Ultima Thule. In other words, a place in eponymous fi rst episode of this global success story. her new passion, the ghostly genre, basing her talk Eilean Leòdhais. A collection Originally from Great Bernera, than James Brown” and an “Amazing around her two stories Dark Matter (2010), described Festival band”. See them Live at An mediaeval geographies beyond the borders of Under the banner of The Language of Eden, three of Red’s songs. £6.99 this volume contains a selection the known world. In the popular imagination, by Times writer Helen Rumbelow as “a metaphysical Lanntair events cluster for another dimensional viewpoint: of his work. £8.00 this is the northern islands and territories, but Briseadh na Cloiche (Breaking the Stone), a new meditation on what lies beneath our little lives” and for writers it is an endless territory to explore, short fi lm from MG Alba. BBC Radio 3 New Thin Air (2016), “a heart-freezing masterpiece” set in Sùil air An Dàmhair October at a glance... revisit and reinvent. Generation Thinker, Peter Mackay, explores 500 the high Himalayas. years of the erotic in Gaelic song and verse. In Wednesday 4th Drama Club S1-6...... 4-5pm Monday 16th How to train your dragon 2 ...... 11.00 Faclan 2017 presents a diverse, intense and Paver has a way with words and willingness to The Emoji Movie...... 6.00 Logan Lucky ...... 6.00 Litreachas nan Tìre, the literary landscapes of Sorley ambitious programme that includes talks, discussion, share her experiences that will captivate audiences of and reader. Final Portrait ...... 9.00 Rough Night ...... 9.00 Maclean, Duncan Ban Macintyre, Neil Gunn and all ages – if they are brave enough. Be prepared to be fi lm, launches, exhibitions and workshops viewed Her ghost stories are set in real but isolated settings TARMOD Thursday 5th Gaelic Theatre Double Bill: A Midsummer Tuesday 17th Thomas and Friends ...... 3.00 others are charted by John Murray. scared and enthused in equal measure… Nightʼs Dream/ Building a Nation/ £10/9/8...... 7.30pm Jungle Bunch ...... 6.00 via a series of chapters and through different lenses. - the far north, remote mountains. Peripheral but Tarmod MacLeòid Over Land brings geographical and philosophical Friday 6th The Emoji Movie...... 3.00 Una ...... 9.00 Daoine nan Àite: People in Place will open the She says she spent years poring over the ghostly believable. perspective through Mapping Scotland’s Islands with Selected Gaelic poems by Final Portrait ...... 5.30 Wednesday 18th Four Go Wild in Wellies – ages 3-5 FREE ...... 2pm festival and bring together Gaelic cultural historian, fi ctions others before attempting a ghost story of her Mother ...... 8.00 the National Library’s Christopher Fleet followed by “If readers believe in the setting then, with luck, It ...... 8.00 Finlay Macleod with Murdo Macleod, long-time own, slowly working out the winning formula for Norman MacLeod from Thursday 19th Jungle Bunch ...... 3.00 Into the Unwild, presented by and showcasing the they will believe in the ghost,” she said. “The setting Saturday 7th Drama Club (P1-P7) ...... 10.15- 12 staff photographer with the Guardian. true scariness but Paver, who puts Victorian writer Lower Shader, including Art Club ...... 1pm-5pm Rough Night ...... 6.00 aerial photography of Patricia and Angus Macdonald. M.R James, author of Whistle and I’ll Come to You, must be atmospheric. You want to make the reader THE MAE TRIO £12/10 ...... 8.00 Logan Lucky ...... 9.00 The overture to Absolute North will be a silent accounts of local events. Anchoring these themes-within-a-theme and top of her list of infl uences, is clearly a natural at the feel that the story is really happening or that it could £6.00 Monday 9th How to train your dragon ...... 11am Friday 20th SESSION A9 £15/12.50 ...... 8.00 fi lm of Iceland from 1925 with live accompaniment bringing the programme to a conclusion will be psychological stuff. really happen.” It ...... 2.00 Saturday 21st The Nut Job 2 ...... 3.00 by Jessica Danz, followed by internationally High Altitude High Latitude with mountaineering It ...... 7.00 Jungle Bunch ...... 6.00 acclaimed Icelandic photographer Ragnar ‘Rax’ “Suggestion is always scarier than full on seeing It’s not surprising that the most common question legend Doug Scott CBE followed by best-selling Tuesday 10th Final Portrait ...... 6.00 Monday 23rd Penguins of Madagascar ...... 11am Axelsson whose austere yet lush images document the monster,” she said in her latest live broadcast Paver gets at her talks and online is whether she The Nut Job 2 ...... 6.00 author Michelle Paver’s on her chilling ghost stories The Odyssey ...... 8.30 The Last Days of the Arctic. In similarly elegiac on Facebook. “In the kind of ghost story that I like believes in ghosts. She says not, but she’s “open to Mother ...... 8.30 Dark Matter and Thin Air. Wednesday 11th Drama Club S1-6...... 4-5pm mood, the decline of oceanic birds is lamented by and write the haunting is progressive. That feeling Tuesday 24th The Nut Job 2 ...... 2.00 the evidence.” The Emoji Movie...... 5.30 Adam Nicolson in his new book The Seabird’s Cry, Threaded throughout is a fi lm programme that of unease, the use of language that can cause shivers It ...... 8.00 The Nut Job 2 ...... 5.00 “Some weird things have happened to pretty level described by the FT as a masterpiece. includes Capra’s Lost Horizon and Powell’s The and you gradually start to feel something wrong.” Thursday 12th Hip Hop Dance Show: WITHOUT A HITCH £10/9/8 ...... 8.00 Hotel Salvation ...... 8.00 Edge of the World (both 1937), Herzog’s Aguirre: She admits to loving a “malevolent” ghost. “My headed people and its in that gap between belief and Friday 13th Thomas and Friends ...... 3.00 Wednesday 25th FACLAN ...... Various Lands of Ice and Fire juxtaposes ancient and The Wrath of God and documentaries The Epic of knowledge – its in the shadows – that’s where ghosts The Nut Job 2 ...... 6.00 Thursday 26th FACLAN ...... Various modern myth and reality. Eleanor Rosamund aim when I write ghost stories is to scare the hell out Everest on Mallory and Irvine’s doomed attempt exist,” she said. Logan Lucky ...... 9.00 Friday 27th FACLAN ...... Various Barraclough follows the Vikings on a journey Beyond of you! I enjoy ghost stories that frighten people.” and The Great White Silence (both 1924) on Scott’s Saturday 14th Thomas and Friends ...... 2.00 Saturday 28th FACLAN ...... Various the North Lands while with Winter is Coming, Just to clarify, though, Paver’s work is not horror. Come along to see Michelle Paver at Faclan on Drama Club (P1-P7) ...... 10.15- 12 failed expedition to the South Pole. The Nut Job 2 ...... 5.00 Carolyne Larrington looks at how the medieval There is no blood and guts. Its about the slow, crawling Saturday October 28th at 8pm. You might need a hand Rough Night ...... 8.00 Monday 30th SCOUTING FOR GIRLS- Sold out ...... Doors 7.30 sense of a haunting consuming both fi ctional characters to hold - and remember, never look behind you… EVENTS SECTION TWO - Page B12 www.hebevents.com 05/10/17 - 01/11/17

Faclan 2017: Ultima Thule | 25-28 October | lanntair.com/faclan Finlay Macleod, at home in Shawbost

Photograph by Fred Silver

Continued from B1 process, including the fi rst Gaelic children’s book vacuous school exercise.” inspiration and a comfort; these two old beardies!” compulsion. This was very different from the published by Acair, the publishing company now Looking at the Church which such an infl uence And he remarks, with a smile, his good friend community outside where Finlay says he cannot celebrating its 40th year which he was involved in around him in childhood, Finlay says that: “its the writer Alastair McIntosh refers to him as his recall any physical punishment being used in his founding. He was also part of the original group infl uence in society has lessened dramatically.” Darwinian Druid and his Spiritual Atheist. family and or in the wider community. that established An Lanntair Arts Centre and is In “my youthful days” rural Lewis was “virtually credited with choosing the name. He recalls the infl uence of Sabbatarianism on There was so much communal work involving a theocracy…its infl uence in my early days the local community in his young days, affecting Looking back, Finlay sees a huge change in both the parents that children were largely left to permeated everything.” everyone. No one in his family was allowed to the social context of children. Now in much their own devices, but he recalls you were known He recalls the conversions of classmates and walk outside, to go to the shore, to read comics smaller families – and with far fewer families to so many, your family was known to so many their families and says he was fortunate to have – newspapers were concealed under cushions. plus a greater mixture of people not brought up people and that gave a huge sense of belonging, seen the impact of the last major revivals on “Children were confi ned.” People walked to in the communities – they are exposed to an of rootedness, and this created a social control Lewis around 1950 on families and school- church – vehicles did not move on a Sunday. This international world in a way inconceivable in the because each family was known so widely in the friends. “Sometimes half a dozen on the same day all started me asking: “Why is this?” past – with the impact of globalisation of social community. would have had the experience, the epiphany, of media, the use of one mid-Atlantic English, and He sees the churches now as “hanging on experiencing Christ and becoming Christians. The Looking back at Saturdays when he was “a the dominance of “these massive institutions” such desperately to the last vestiges of Sabbatarianism” churches were full and people went in lorries to growing boy”, Finlay remembers the days would Google, Facebook and Amazon. which he sees as exemplifi ed by the issue of a hear these evangelists who were very effective.” “small swimming pool” in Stornoway opening on have involved some work, maybe tending the cow “Ever since (the mass media) has made contact This brought up another gap. Finlay remarked a Sunday. or cows; bringing water from the well; if the family with indigenous communities anywhere, there that if I had Gaelic, he could still recall and imitate was going to the peats, he might go with them tends to be a sameness, a lack of diversity and Looking at the current concerns over falling the Gaelic delivery of one of these preachers, to help; and inshore fi shing was very prevalent, that has accentuated. Exponentially, so that now population on the Islands, he says you have to reminding me that he comes from an era where too. So a young boy led a very busy life, and if children from a young age, wherever they are in the look at that in the context of the great attractions words were often recorded in the mind, rather you contrast that with being ‘tied down in school”, Western world or elsewhere, tend to be tied into, of city life, the anonymity of the city, the diversity than on paper, and that there is a paradox that the contrasting experiences were very remarkable. physically and metaphorically, social media, and available there, the varied interest groups, “all that an English-born journalist, with only a very “It’s amazing how children got used to it and took it entertainment of all kinds in the one homogeneous attracts youngsters.” The anonymity of the city is rudimentary knowledge of Gaelic, is attempting for granted, that that’s what your life was.” mid-Atlantic English so that cultural diversity of “very attractive if you are fi nding your own feet.” to explain in English about a Gaelic-speaking And then there was the language difference. kind, not just language, tends to disappear.” Rural areas everywhere face the same diffi culty. community. “There was no English spoken outside the school And here another gap appears. “The older Looking at present life, he contrasts the vast But there were other infl uences arriving. Two gates at all.” Inside the school, there were you are, the less you are attuned to this new “levelling effect” of the international social media “never-ending English exercises to try to instil in international information source.” innovations that surfaced in his youth meant a lot with the infl uence of any previous institution. the children an ability to be able to read, write to him. “The Highlands and Islands Film Guild In his formative years, there was very little Looking ahead, he looks with concern at the and understand English.” But because quiet was came with their fortnightly fi lms and these were a access to books outside of school – there was no loss of cultural diversity, the impact of climate maintained in the school, “you weren’t really wonderful new opening on the world. I couldn't local library available, people went to Stornoway change, the loss of environmental diversity – such experiencing spoken English.” There was also no get enough of them - Betty Grable and Ava Gardner as the recent 50 per cent fall in the numbers of perhaps once a year “and not to the library.” had arrived in Adabrock. drama, no movement, no dance, nothing to give a Newspapers available were usually the Daily sparrows – and, “if that wasn’t enough, the thought sense of body concept… Express and the Sunday Post, while Finlay learned “The second enjoyable and subversive post-war of Trump’s fi nger on a nuclear button. You have When he came back to work in education, to read for enjoyment mainly with the comics. “I arrival was the 'bothan' – my secular, community, multi-layered areas of concern.“ Finlay was interested in trying to ensure that the was born in the same year as The Dandy.” Then nightly seminar; precious peer-learning.” After having cancer six years ago, Finlay now education which children received, related to the there was The Hotspur…”all these wonderful DC And he adds, “through my adult life my focuses on family, friends and the richness of communities in which they were situated. He Thomson publications, that’s really how I learned two prostheses have been Darwin and Freud; I books in his daily life. Which has some great links started writing Gaelic books himself to help this to read with enjoyment instead of it being just a continue to go back to them and still fi nd them an to where it all started. 05/10/17 - 01/11/17 www.hebevents.com EVENTS SECTION TWO - Page B13 New books at Western Isles Libraries

FICTION FLYNN, Katie A Christmas candle General Fiction TOPE, Rebecca Peril in the Cotswolds Crime FRIDLUND, Emily History of wolves General Fiction TRACY, P.J. Nothing stays buried Thriller ARMSTRONG, Kelley Rituals General Fiction GEMMELL, David White knight, black swan Crime TRIGIANI, Adriana Kiss Carlo General Fiction CLEEVES, Ann The seagull Crime GERRITSEN, Tess I know a secret Thriller WEAVER, Tim I am missing Crime CONNOLLY, John He General Fiction GRAFTON, Sue Y is for yesterday Crime WEAVER, Tim Broken heart Crime DOHERTY, Paul The mansions of murder Crime GREGORY, Susanna The habit of murder Historical Fiction WILLIS, Connie Crosstalk General Fiction HANNAH, Sophie Did you see Melody? Crime WOOD, Mary Tomorrow brings sorrow General Fiction HARRY, Lillian A child in Burracombe General Fiction WOOD, Tom The fi nal hour Thriller FEATURED TITLES HERRON, Mick Real tigers Thriller HERRON, Mick Spook Street Thriller NON FICTION HOROWITZ, Anthony The word is murder Crime MOGI, Ken The little book of ikigai : the essential Japanese way to A Legacy fi nding your purpose in life KAVA, Alex Before evil Thriller NADLER, Steven Heretics! : the wondrous (and dangerous) beginnings of LA PLANTE, Lynda Good Friday Crime of Spies modern philosophy LE CARRE, John A legacy of spies Thriller ROMAIN, Jonathan Confessions of a Rabbi by John le Carré MADEN, Mike Tom Clancy's Point of contact Thriller PRICE, Adam He's not lazy : empowering your son to believe in himself MCDERMID, Val Insidious intent Thriller Back to the Circus! MITCHELL, George R. Mankind's great divides Peter Guillam, staunch colleague NEALE, Kitty A motherʼs sacrifi ce General Fiction LISTER-KAYE, John The Dun Cow rib : a very natural childhood and disciple of George Smiley NESBO, Jo The thirst Thriller of the British Secret Service, NEWMAN, Judith To Siri with love OSBORNE, Lawrence Beautiful animals General Fiction otherwise known as the Circus, DOWLER, Gemma My Sister Milly has retired to his family farmstead PATTERSON, James The Store Thriller on the south coast of Brittany PATTERSON, James Two from the heart Short stories MCKAY, Sinclair The Mile End murder : the case Conan Doyle couldn't solve when a letter from his old Service KAY, Adam This is going to hurt : secret diaries of a junior doctor summons him to London. The PENNY, Louise Glass houses Crime reason? His Cold War past has come back to POLLOCK, Donald Ray The heavenly table General Fiction SIBLEY, Emma Urban botanics claim him. Intelligence operations that were once the toast of secret ISON, Tracey For the love of Scout London are to be scrutinised by a generation with no memory of the QUIRK, Matthew Dead man switch Thriller Cold War. Somebody must be made to pay for innocent blood once ROBB, J.D. Secrets in death Crime MACDONALD, Charlotte ed. The big family cooking showdown spilt in the name of the greater good. RYAN, Chris Warlord Thriller OLIVER, Jamie 5 ingredients : quick & easy food SHAMSIE, Kamila Home fi re General Fiction HOBBINS, Ngaire Better brain food The Mile SLAUGHTER, Karin Last breath Thriller FEARNLEY-WHITTINGSTALL, Hugh River Cottage much more veg SMITH, Alexander McCall The house of unexpected sisters General Fiction LOCATELLI, Giorgio Made at home : the food I cook for the people I love - fam- End Murder STEEL, Danielle The right time General Fiction ily recipes for every day GHAYOUR, Sabrina Feasts by Sinclair McKay The turmeric cookbook. On Thursday 17 August, 1860, HANN, Judith Herbs wealthy widow Mary Emsley was found dead in her own home, OTTOLENGHI , Yotam Sweet killed by a blow to the back of YAP, Jules Ikeahackers.net : 25 biggest and best projects : DIY hacks her head. What followed was for multi-functional furniture, clever storage upgrades, a murder case that gripped the space-saving solutions and more nation. A locked room mystery, there were an abundance of KOTITE, Erika She sheds: a room of your own suspects; from disgruntled BAILEY, Mark Handmade home step-children concerned about their inheritance, to a spurned admirer repeatedly rejected by the widow. 101 Scottish country dances During the police investigation there were several twists and AULD, Ian The lions of Lisbon : a play of two halves dramatic discoveries, as suspects sought to incriminate each other and fresh evidence was discovered at the last minute. Eventually, BROWN, Steven Price Riddle of the waves: the inspiring story of military veterans it led to a public trial dominated by surprise revelations and shock circumnavigating the UK witnesses, before culminating with one of the fi nal public executions at Newgate. Years later the case caught the attention of Arthur Conan KNAUSGAARD, Karl Ove Autumn Doyle, who was convinced that an innocent man had been convicted MAZZEO, Tilar J. Irena's children : the extraordinary story of the woman and executed for the crime. But Conan Doyle was never able to fi nd who saved thousands of children from the Warsaw ghetto the real murder… !" ALEXIEVICH, Svetlana The unwomanly face of war Don’t forget to look at our eBooks and eAudio PIA, Anne Language of my choosing : the candid life memoir of an titles as well – new titles are added every month Italian Scot ANDERSON, Sulome The hostage's daughter : a story of family, madness, and Search the library catalogue online – the Middle East www.cne-siar.gov.uk/library PRESTON, Douglas J. The lost city of the monkey god MACCALLUM, Morven-May Finding Joy LOCAL HISTORY LAWSON, Bill A register of emigrant families from the Western Isles of Scotland to Ontario, Canada. Part 2, Lambton, Middlesex, Oxford Counties etc. GAELIC WATSON, Moray Progressive Gaelic 3 : a complete academic course in Gaelic for beginners LINDSAY, Coinneach A' choille fhiadhaich URCHARDAN, Iain D. Breab, breab, breab Naidheachdan àidhlig

Benefi ts of Early Immersion he human brain is wired to learn language of Alzheimer’s: speaking a second language is Tin early childhood. The earlier a child starts more effective than any medication currently learning a second language, the greater their available. chances of achieving full fl uency. Immersion duplicates the conditions in which we all learn Social/Emotional/ our fi rst language—extended contact with a Interpersonal Advantages community of fl uent speakers—and is by far • Learning a second language helps children the most effective way to learn a language. build self-esteem, creativity, problem-solving Gaelic teachers get new Cognitive Advantages skills, and math ability. • Bilingual children maintain a strong sense of • Bilingualism increases mental fl exibility for their own identity while developing sensitivity back-up resource about WW2 children. Bilinguals will have two or more towards other people and cultures. words for a single object, concept or idea. • Since bilinguals need to be aware of which n interdisciplinary resource which aims rather an online learning resource, that we can • Bilinguals have better executive function language to speak in which situation, a Ato provide Gaelic Medium Education give to the children. It's all tied in with Experiences and can multitask more effi ciently than bilingual child is more aware of the needs of teachers with a 'one stop shop' of topic-specifi c and Outcomes for Curriculum for Excellence monolinguals. the listener. material for the classroom is being launched at and Benchmarks for education. It's a really nice • Bilingual children are more willing and the national An t-Alltan conference for GME resource." able to learn a third language, and show an Professional Advantages practitioners being held in Aviemore this week The request was to create a resource that could increased analytical orientation to language. • Being taught in two languages gives children (Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 September). be used for upper stage primary pupils, from P4 • Children who study a second language score a head start in competition for universities to 7. An Dàrna Cogadh was developed by Gaelic higher on verbal standardized tests conducted and jobs. educational resources organisation Stòrlann Being interdisciplinary, it takes in as many in English. Bilingual children also perform • Workplaces are international, and employees Nàiseanta na Gàidhlig in response to Gaelic different aspects of the curriculum as possible, better in math and logic skills than children who are profi cient in multiple languages Medium Education practitioners' requests for a including Literacy, History, Geography, the with just one language. and at ease in multiple cultures will have comprehensive teaching package, based online, Expressive Arts, Technology and Health and • Bilingualism helps protect against the onset more opportunities. on the subject of World War Two. Wellbeing and Religious and Moral Education. Available online at www.storlann.co.uk/an- There are a number of sub-topics within darna-cogadh, the resource brings together many An Dàrna Cogadh, including the Home Front, informative Gaelic texts and books— some created Evacuees, Anne Frank, The Blitz, Prisoners of War, especially for this project — with a rich variety of the role of Women in Wartime, Rationing and the other material from the wider world. 'grow your own' campaign, Anderson Shelters and gas masks and Remembrance Sunday. The project encompasses web, print and video. The website itself combines vintage-style design There are two main online portals to the with World War Two iconography — the image resource. The fi rst link goes to the version for teachers, which is rich in planning and assessment of a spitfi re features on the main page – to give documents, while the other link is for pupils. maximum impact and the books which were specially commissioned are also heavily illustrated. The planning documents include question sheets and personal plans for pupils. Personalisation and The project was designed in-house by the choice, a key feature of Curriculum for Excellence design team of Anne McCormack, Principal (CfE), is also built into An Dàrna Cogadh, and Designer (Publications) and Neil Smith, Head of sheets covering 'what I know', 'what I'd like to fi nd Development Services. out' and 'what I learned' have been provided to Neil said: "It is hoped that the variety of styles help shape learning. and imagery used will bring the project to life for There are also ideas for assessment, including children and illuminate the historical and emotive suggestions for peer assessment, and lists of the subject matter." relevant CfE Experiences and Outcomes, plus Stòrlann chief executive Donald W Morrision benchmarks, have been provided 'at a glance' to said: "It's quite a diverse topic pack. Our fi rst topic help teachers. Stòrlann have also identifi ed which for schools was Vikings and when this idea came higher order thinking skills the children will be along we thought we'd have small artefacts from utilising at various points in the project — again, World War Two but practitioners said, 'we'd much to help with teachers' planning and tracking. Deasbad Nàiseanta National Gaelic nan Àrd-sgoiltean 2017 Schools Debate 2017 he announcement of the preliminary Dunoon Grammar School V Glasgow Gaelic School ha an obair ullachaidh mu choinneamh Àrdsgoil an Òbain V Sir E Scott rounds of the National Gaelic Schools Hazlehead Academy V Mallaig High School Deasbad Nàiseanta nan Àrd-sgoiltean Àrdsgoil Dhùn Omhain V Sgoil Ghàidhlig T T Debate competition has been made and the Bishopbriggs Academy V Gairloch High School 2017 air tòiseachadh agus tha a’ chomataidh Ghlaschu 2017 competition looks set to be another Lochaber High School V Inverness Royal rianachd air ainmeachadh cò bhios a strì Acadamaidh Hazlehead V Àrdsgoil Mhalaig excellent year! The fi rst two rounds will be an aghaidh a-chèile sa chiad chuairt den Academy Acadamaidh Dhrochaid an Easbaig V Àrdsgoil held at e-Sgoil in Stornoway, on Tuesday the fharpais. Tha a h-uile coltas ann gur e deagh Calum Iain Macleod, Director of Development Gheàrrloch 7th and Wednesday the 8th of November 2017. at Comunn na Gàidhlig, and Chairman of the bhliadhna a bhios ann don Deasbad! Thèid a’ For the fi rst time ever the fi rst rounds from chiad dà chuairt a chumail aig e-Sgoil ann an Àrdsgoil Lochabair V Acadamaidh Rìoghail National Gaelic Schools’ Debate Management Inbhir Nis Stornoway will be available online, through Committee commented: Steòrnabhagh air Dimàirt agus Diciadain 7mh e-Sgoil’s You Tube channel and live streamed to Thuirt Calum Iain MacLeòid, Stiùiriche “In this the 19th year of the competition we agus 8mh Samhain. Airson a’ chiad turas bidh a potentially global audience! cuairtean Steòrnabhaigh ri fhaicinn beò air- Leasachaidh aig Comunn na Gàidhlig, agus a tha are delighted to have been able to secure funding to enable us to continue. I would like to thank loidhne, tro sianal e-Sgoil air You Tube agus leis na Chathraiche air Comataidh Rianachd Deasbad Sixteen teams from sixteen schools are due to Nàiseanta nan Àrd-sgoiltean: compete in the 2017 competition with Wallace the following for their support: Bòrd na Gàidhlig, a ghluasad adhartach dh’ fhaodadh e a bhith Academy and Bishopbriggs Academy making a The Scottish Government, Stòrlann Nàiseanta na “Tha naoi bliadhna deug on a ghabh a’ chiad air fhaicinn air feadh an t-saoghail! welcome return! Following on from the positive Gàidhlig, Skills Development Scotland, Comhairle deasbad àite agus tha sinn ga fhaicinn a’ dol bho Bidh sia sgiobaidhean deug a’ gabhail pàirt ann feedback received from the new competition format, nan Eilean Siar, The Highland Council and Glasgow neart gu neart. Bu mhath leam gu sònraichte am farpais 2017 agus tha a’ chomataidh toilichte all the schools will participate in debates over the two City Council. Also Comunn na Gàidhlig and BBC taing a thoirt do na buidhnean a leanas airson fàilte a chur air ais air Acadamaidh Ualais agus days, with the four teams with the highest points, across Radio nan Gàidheal. Following the success of the maoineachadh a thoirt seachad dhuinn air a’ Acadamaidh Dhrochaid an Easbaig!. Thèid na the two days, progressing to the fi nal stages which will 2016 Debate which saw Eilidh MacPhee and Alix bhliadhna seo: Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Riaghaltas na Aburn from Inverness Royal Academy emerge as ceithir sgiobaidhean le na comharran as àirde be held in Glasgow and Edinburgh on Tuesday and h-Alba, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Comhairle na the worthy winners, a high level of competition troimhe chun na h- iar-chuairtean deireannach. Wednesday the 28th and 29th of November 2017. Gàidhealtachd, Leasachadh Sgilean na h-Alba, was set and we look forward to another year of Bidh na cuairtean deireannach air an cumail ann The Committee welcome back Christina Walker and Stòrlann agus Comhairle Baile Ghlaschu. An- Angus MacDonald who return as judges and they will interesting and thought-provoking debates.” an Glaschu agus Dùn Èideann air Dimàirt agus dèidh soirbheachas do Eilidh Nic a’ Phì agus Alix be joined by Iain Stephen Morrison. Diciadain 28mh agus 29mh Samhain. Tha a’ “It was with great sadness that we learnt of the Aburn bho Acadamaidh Rìoghail Inbhir Nis an- death of two of our founder Members - Donald chomataidh a’ cur fàilte air ais do dh’ Aonghas Whilst looking forward to the 2017 competition uiridh tha sinn a’ coimhead air adhart gu farpais a MacLean, originally from North Uist who served Dòmhnallach agus Cairistiona Walker a bhios nam the Managing Committee would like to pay bhios a-rithist aig sàr àrd ìre. tribute to Donald MacLean and Seonaidh Alick as a Councillor for Lochmaddy from 1994 to britheamhan a-rithist agus còmhla riutha, airson a’ 2007. It was Donald who had the original idea for chiad uair, bidh Iain Stephen Moireasdain. “Bha sinn duilich cluinntinn mu dheidhinn MacPherson, who both recently passed away. bàs dithis den bhuill a stèidhich an Deasbaid - Donald and Seonaidh Alick, along with Alasdair a Gaelic Schools Debate, and worked diligently to bring that vision to reality. His own oratory skills Bu mhath leis a’ chomataidh co-fhaireachdainn Dòmhnall MacIlleathain, à Uibhist a Tuath a bha Morrison were the founders of the Deasbad and the in both Gaelic and English were renowned and a’ nochdadh an-dèidh Dòmhnall MacIlleathain na Chomhairliche dha Loch nam Madadh eadar Committee would like to extend their sympathies agus Seonaidh Ailig Mac a’ Phearsain caochladh to both families at this sad time. he was an outstanding after-dinner speaker. Also, 1994 agus 2007. `S ann aig Dòmhnall a bha Seonaidh Ailig MacPherson, also from North Uist, o chionn ghoirid. ‘B’ iadsan a thàinig suas leis am beachd an toiseach gus Deasbad Sgoiltean The draw for Round One is as follows: a’ bheachd farpais an Deasbad a stèidheachadh who passed away in Canada where he had lived Gàidhlig a stèidheachadh agus dh’obraich e gu Lionacleit School V Nicolson Institute for a number of years. Seonaidh Ailig was an sa chiad dol a-mach. Tha a’ chomataidh a’ cruaidh airson an lèirsinn sin a thoirt gu buil. Bha Castlebay Community School V Wallace High enthusiastic supporter of the Deasbad and served smaoineachadh air na teaghlaichean aig an àm e ainmeil airson na sgilean òraid aige fhèin ann School on the panel of judges many times. We are very dhoirbh a tha seo. an Gàidhlig is Beurla. Cuideachd, Seonaidh Ailig grateful for their contributions over the years, Chaidh an taghadh airson a’ Mac a’ Phearsain a chaochail ann an Canada far Tain Royal Academy V Portree High School and would like to express our sympathies to their chiad chuairt mar a leanas: an robh air a bhith airson grunn bhliadhnachan. Oban High School V Sir E Scott School families and friends.” Sgoil Lionacleit V Sgoil Mhicneacail Bha Seonaidh taiceil dha rìribh dhan an Deasbaid agus bha e na bhritheamh iomadach uair. Tha Sgoil Choimhearsnachd Bhàgh a’ Chaisteil V sinn glè thaingeil airson na rinn iad thairis air Wallace High School na bliadhnachan agus bu mhath leinn ar co- Acadamaidh Rìoghail Bhaile Dhubhthaich V fhaireachdainn a nochdadh air na teaghlaichean Àrdsgoil Phort Rìgh agus caraidean.”

Tha Comhairle nan Eilean Siar a’ guidhe gach soirbheachas do Mhòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail Loch Abair

Eilidh Nic a' Phì agus Alix Aburn bho Acadamaidh Rìoghail Inbhir Nis a bhuannaich farpais 2016. Dealbh le cead bho Riaghaltas na h-Alba EVENTS SECTION TWO - Page B16 www.hebevents.com 05/10/17 - 01/11/17

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                                     Crofting               \         [ Services Grhqvt ‡ur h’ v 6t vpˆy‡ˆ r hq Sˆ hy Sr†rh pu @qˆph‡v‚ hq 8‚†ˆy‡vt Polycrub grant success!

re you considering looking into getting in concrete for a strong and stable fi xing on site. Apolycrubs on your croft? The cladding consists of twin plastic shatterproof You can now apply for grant aid through the sheeting that can withstand heavy impacts. This Crofting Agricultural Grant Scheme to help cover makes them ideal for the windy weather. the cost. The fi rst ever successful CAGS grant For more information of the purchase of a proposal for polycrub units was approved out of polycrub unit, the suppliers Nortenergy contact the SGRPID Stornoway offi ce. information can be found at www.nortenergy.co.uk. This is a huge step in helping crofters to diversify For construction it is Chris Mayer at Western their agricultural business and sets a precedent Isles Polycrubs that can be found on facebook or for future crofting development. SAC is always by calling on 07525 157875. Get in touch with working to help producers develop their business both for a more in depth discussion about the potential and so were delighted to have played a polycrub specifi cations or to obtain your quotation pivotal role in the success of the grant proposal. specifi c to your crofting plans. It is worth noting Projects such as these are necessary in the ever that you should also get in touch with the local changing agricultural and economic climate if council to establish whether there is a need for crofting is to survive and thrive in the future. SAC planning or prior notifi cation. are keen to see similar projects open up across the island and thrilled at what the success means for Crofting Agricultural producers in the Outer Hebrides. Grant Scheme What is a polycrub Under this CAGS (Crofting Agricultural Grant Scheme) funding is available to crofters wishing Simply put it is a signifi cantly more robust version to develop and improve their crofting activities. of a polytunnel. They are perfect for growing a Eligible crofters are entitled to 60% with 80% range of fruits and vegetables throughout the year available to crofters under 41 years old and within that are typically subject to seasonal limitations or the fi rst 5 years of taking up occupancy of the croft. normally not suitable for the harsher environment of Lewis & Harris. If you are interested in looking into grant funding for a polycrub unit then SAC Stornoway can help What makes a polycrub superior to a polytunnel, generate an application that fi ts your agri-business however, is that it is made of tougher materials and is objectives. Get in touch with the offi ce and speak constructed in a way that makes it more suitable to the to one of our consultants to discuss a potential high winds and harsher weather of the Outer Hebrides. plan for you. They are also designed to have a considerably longer lifespan that a standard polytunnel. Rob Black, SAC Agricultural Consultant The framework is made of recycled plastic SAC Consulting, 52 Bayhead, Stornoway, HS1 tubing which has been reinforced and are secured 2DZ, 01851 703103 [email protected] Join the SCF Scottish Crofting Federation Membership of the Scottish Crofting Federation is an investment in The crofting road ahead the future of crofting. Your support will strengthen the voice By Patrick Krause What Scottish agriculture and rural development will look like post-Brexit is on everyone’s minds. he Scottish Government’s commitment to There is a promised transition period where some of crofters, crofting communities Tcontinue the process of reforming crofting support, but not all, will continue under terms legislation within this parliamentary session of the European Common Agriculture Policy continues with a 12 week-long consultation potentially until 2022. So there will be a gradual having been launched. This is another stage change to a UK agriculture and rural development in the long process of crofting law reform, policy. How much of that will be devolved to the with the intention of making it fi t for purpose nations that comprise the UK is being contested, now and for the future. Over the years since but there will be some sort of Scottish policy legislation was formed in 1886, amendments needed and this is the time to be forming clear have introduced inconsistencies and errors, objectives of what we want. has rendered current crofting law diffi cult to Leaving the CAP provides the opportunity access and, in some aspects, unusable. to have an agricultural and rural development Whilst exploring ways to make the legislation fi t programme tailored to Scotland, encouraging for purpose we must not lose sight of the fact that more small-scale land use, delivering high quality, crofting legislation was formed to protect crofters’ high animal welfare, High Nature Value food, with rights, not to serve lawyers. The crofting act is the provenance we are proud of. We can move to a heart of crofting and has evolved over 130 years, system of using public money to deliver public adapting to work for crofting in a changing world. goods through a shift in balance from untargeted This is another time of change, but the basic income-support payments to a targeted rural Registered in Scotland as a Limited Company No: SC218658 principles of protection must not be lost. development programme, giving fairer pricing for Registered in ScotlandRecognised as aas Limited Scottish Company Charity No: SC218658SC031919 Recognised as Scottish Charity No: SC031919 The consultation suggests a range of options for high quality produce, fairer payment to producers taking this forward. Neither of the two extremes and better use of public money. of merely consolidating the acts with little change SCF has been meeting with Ministers, MSPs, or starting all over again with a ‘clean sheet’ are other organisations, crofters and SCF members wwwww.crofting.org going to achieve a desirable result, so we are being to gather information and opinions in order to asked to choose between the workable options put together a draft policy of what will be needed 01599 530 005 of amending and then consolidating the law or for crofting post-Brexit. This has been sent to ‘restating law’. To help potential respondents the Scottish Government and SCF members for [email protected] understand the proposals in the consultation, the comment, and SCF will be holding meetings in the government’s Crofting Bill Team is travelling to the Outer Hebrides to discuss this, crofting law and crofting areas to hold information events. any other crofting issues. EVENTS SECTION TWO - Page B18 www.hebevents.com 05/10/17 - 01/11/17 Technology transforms Western Isles MS service HS Western Isles recently hosted a Multiple Sclerosis N(MS) Study Day aimed at MS patients, carers, clinicians Help reduce the and health professionals, to launch the ‘Attend Anywhere’ system and also introduce ‘Florence’ to the local MS Specialist Nursing Service. risk of cot death The event, held at the Caberfeidh Hotel in Stornoway, also raised awareness on a wide variety of issues relating to the condition, ealth Visiting team offer advice on keeping your baby safe including diagnosis, treatment and recognising patient relapse. Hat home. Of particular interest to those attending was the presentation Parents in the Western Isles are being encouraged to follow given by Iain Trayner, NHS Western Isles Technology Enabled Care guidance and help reduce the risk of cot death. Project Manager, on the use Florence, or 'Flo' as the system is more Staff from NHS Western Isles Health Visiting team recently commonly known, to help identify and manage relapse symptoms. received training from the Scottish Cot Death Trust, Scotland's Event organiser Rachel Morrison, NHS Western Isles MS Specialist only cot death charity, on the risks associated with cot death, how Nurse, said “With approximately over 30% of MS relapses going to encourage families to reduce their risk, as well as supporting undetected, the event addressed issues relating to patient memory bereaved families, and are keen to reiterate the safety message and cognitive problems, and with new MS treatments requiring locally. regular monitoring, the introduction of ‘Flo’ will empower MS Susan Thomson, Health Visitor, said "Cot death affects a baby patients to record and take more control of the condition as they every nine days in Scotland and we are urging both expectant and continue their treatment. new parents to be aware of the key things they can do to protect “With new MS treatments requiring regular monitoring, 'Flo', their baby. Iain Trayner, NHS Western Isles Technology Enabled which is named after Florence Nightingale, is a web based text Care Project Manager, at the event "We want to remind our local parents that the safest place for messaging clinical interface and is now being offered to help their baby to sleep at night is in their own cot in the parents room local MS patients by remotely sending messages and monitoring “People often think that technology is complicated and expensive, for the fi rst 6 months of its life, and recommend parents ensure they their condition. In addition to empowering patients, the recorded but as we presented at the event, the most effective solutions follow the key guidance below." information can also assist consultants and health professionals as are very easy to use and both of these amazing innovations are completely free for patients. Because of our relatively small patient Reduce the risk of cot death they plan future patient pathways and treatment plans. numbers, we can provide highly customised and fl exible services; 'Flo' asks patients a series of questions that helps them Put your baby to sleep on their back. making sure that NHSWI is once again the best at what we do.” communicate daily changes in their condition back to Rachel Place your baby in their cot in the ‘feet to foot’ position. wherever they are in the Western Isles, and provide daily medication Rachel added, “’Attend Anywhere’ is a really transformational Keep your baby smoke free during pregnancy and after birth. reminders if required. development. I plan to run a MS Rapid Access Clinic every Wednesday morning, when if any of my patients would like to talk Breastfeed your baby. Rachel explained, “As part of feedback detailed in the 2015 to me, they can simply pop into the virtual Attend Anywhere MS GEMMS (Generating Evidence in Multiple Sclerosis Services) Make sure your baby doesn't get too hot or too cold. Waiting Room. Keep your baby's head uncovered while sleeping. report, which collected evidence about how services work best for people with MS and develop NHS services for the future, it was “Due to ease of accessing ‘Attend Anywhere’ there are many Never fall asleep with your baby on a couch or armchair. recognised that people wanted more self management tools to help benefi ts, including there being no travelling involved, so I can offer Ensure any sheets and blankets in your baby’s cot are fi rmly them live as independently and with fewer relapses as possible. It an equitable service across the whole of the Western Isles and can tucked in at the bottom and sides of the cot, and are positioned no is expected that the use of ‘Flo’ will also benefi t MS patients by see my patients a lot faster.” higher than the baby’s shoulders. capturing valuable information which can be reviewed when they “So far my patients have been delighted with ‘Attend Anywhere’, Understand the risks of co-sleeping. visit their consultant or access other NHS services.” remarking that it will save a lot of stress if they don’t have to travel Learn to swaddle properly. A demonstration was also provided on the new VC platform regularly.” 'Attend Anywhere', which allows patients do exactly that by Follow the 2 hour rule for car seat safety. During the event Rachel provided presentations on the future enabling patients to access the clinic from anywhere that has for newly diagnosed MS patients, the ‘Time is Brain’ study which Parents are encouraged to revisit their 'Ready, Steady, Baby!' internet or 3G. All patient's need is a phone or tablet with a webcam reports on loss of brain volume lost by MS patients, and the Scottish guidebook (also available online at: www.readysteadybaby.org. and Google Chrome. MS Brain Bank which questioned whether gut bacteria plays a role uk) and 'Reduce the Risk of Cot Death' leafl et, which are issued to in MS. every pregnant woman in the Western Isles. Iain said “It was really great to meet the patients and clinicians. We were able to demonstrate with 'Flo' and 'Attend Anywhere' For further information please contact Rachel Morrison, NHS For further information please contact the NHS Western Isles how technology can transform lives and help local people achieve Western Isles MS Specialist Nurse, tel. (01851) 763320 or email: Health Visiting team on (01851) 709842 or your family Health Visitor. their full potential. [email protected]

WESTERN ISLES NHS BOARD ANNUAL REVIEW 2016/17 Clear my cot No teddies Pillows Wednesday 18th October 2017 – 11.00am Cot bumpers Lecture Theatre Just me! Clinical Skills Western Isles Hospital On my back to sleep The meeting will be chaired by NHS Western Isles Chairman, Mr. Neil Galbraith OBE. Tuck me in with blankets Members of the public are encouraged to attend the meeting to hear about health service under my arms developments and progress over the past year. Those who attend will have an opportunity to ask questions on the day.

Feet to foot If you require further information please contact Marissa MacLennan, Communications Manager, NHS Western Isles, 37 South Beach, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, HS1 2BB 16 - 20ºC Tel. 01851 708060 or e-mail: [email protected] Check the room temperature when I’m asleep

For more advice and information contact us www.scottishcotdeathtrust.org 0141 357 3946 05/10/17 - 01/11/17 www.hebevents.com EVENTS SECTION TWO - Page B19 A Royal touch for transfer of nursing degree to Lews Castle UHI

By Fred Silver major development in university education on the Western AIsles was marked on Monday 25 September when the chancellor of the University of the Highlands and Islands HRH The Princess Royal visited Stornoway. Princess Anne was welcoming UHI’s fi rst intake of nursing students in Stornoway and later fl ew to Inverness to repeat the same process with the larger course there. The Princess visited both the Western Isles Hospital and the Centre for Health Science in Inverness, talking to the new students and presenting each of them with a commemorative pen. This follows the successful transfer of the pre-registration nurse education programmes for BSc mental health nursing and BSc adult nursing from the University of Stirling to the University of the Highlands and Islands. Stirling has run the courses for 21 years and the present second and third year students will continue to be part of that university until they graduate. The development is part of the University of the Highlands and Islands’ wider plans to develop its School of Health, Social Care and Life Sciences. Speaking before the event, Dr Annetta Smith, Head of Nursing at the University of the Highlands and Islands, who is based in Stornoway, explained that new intake of nursing students studying Princess Anne welcomes the UHI’s fi rst intake of nursing students in Stornoway adult and mental health nursing in both Stornoway and Inverness totally about 125, with 18 in Stornoway. Normally there were about 20 a year at the Stornoway centre. The courses could be expanded to meet additional needs, such as midwifery, in the future. She pointed out there was really strong evidence that if they were trained locally, people would practice their skills locally. The majority of nurses in the Highlands and Islands had been trained to some extent locally. As part of the UHI development a new Masters programme in Advanced Practice for Nursing had begun this month, and has students in Uist, Stornoway and in the Highlands. Introducing the event, Iain Macmillan, the principal and chief executive of Lews Castle College UHI, pointed out there had been a long history of nursing training in the Western Isles and Highlands. Even before the involvement of the University of Stirling in 1996 there had been nursing and midwifery training across the Highlands and Islands. He praised the work of the staff involved – which total more than 30 – in creating the new opportunities. “It is a great achievement,” he said. This is seen as a catalyst by the UHI for doing greater and better things – and had already attracted around £30m of investment into the area. It would enable the area to react to the demands of others who had been inspired by examples of medical service in outcomes for residents across the Highlands and Islands.” its own people. One of the new developments is to create a BSc in their own families, and one who had worked in the Falkland isles Speaking before the event in Stornoway, Mr Neil Galbraith, Optometry in the near future. “This is a refl ection of our ambition for several years. The level of individual attention clearly impressed who chairs NHS Western Isles, said: “This new higher education in terms of health and social care.” He paid special tribute to the the students who were also presented with a special commemorative arrangement provides continuity in our aim as a health service of support of NHS Western Isles and Highland. “This is a very special pen in a case. encouraging young people to embark on an immensely satisfying and day for the University of the Highlands and Islands.” Later in Inverness, Professor Clive Mulholland, principal and vice- rewarding career in their home area. Princess Anne thanked the University of Stilring for all the work chancellor of the University of the Highlands and Islands, said: “It is “Inside the nurse education, it’s the BSc in Mental Health Nursing which it had put into developing the courses over the years. “Nurse a considerable achievement to welcome our fi rst cohort of nursing that is one of the primary interests from the health board because, training has changed dramatically over time.” But the core of nurse students today, one year after we received approval from the Nursing given what is happening with dementia and a progressively ageing training still involved being able “to react to the humans around you.” and Midwifery Council for the transfer to happen. I would like to population and larger numbers coming forward, this is vital to us.” The new technology which modern nurses were being trained to use thank the staff from both universities who worked so hard to make And, Mr Galbraith said there was nothing better than training your assisted with this. She emphasised the long tradition of nursing and this possible. nurse training in the Western Isles. “I look forward to hearing how own staff and recruiting your own staff as you were more likely to be “The transfer has been a vital component in the development of you progress on this.” able to keep them. our School of Health, Social Care and Life Sciences, helping us to He pointed out that up to now, the nursing students – as part of She went on to say that she hoped the UHI could help the new generate over £30m of inward investment across our partnership. students “fulfi l your ambitions in order to serve your communities.” Stirling University – had been divorced from the students at Lews “The school has blossomed over the past year with the development And she announced a Chancellor’s Award for those who made Castle and this new course could get them involved in the social life of teaching and research in allied health and social care; sport and special achievements during their course. of UHI. “That is one of the big advantages of the new arrangement.” wellbeing; rural health and wellbeing; and biomedical science. In the future, there could be a wider range of courses for allied health After that, she went on to have detailed individual chats with each “Operating across our college and university partnership, our professionals and if such training could be provided locally, that was student on the new course, fi nding out about their inspirations and school will help to provide better access to services and improved something that NHS Western Isles would encourage and support. background, including ones who had moved from other UHI courses,

                       #           # Q  R !"#$  #   !"#%              % &  #      #         '   #         ()((*++,*,- #   (*)-*.(/.(/0&+/()1 % $   *  / EVENTS SECTION TWO - Page B20 www.hebevents.com 05/10/17 - 01/11/17 ALL RESTAURANTS NOW TAKING CHRISTMAS 2017 BOOKINGS! CALL TO BOOK 01851 702740 Solas @ the Cabarfeidh Hotel

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