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22Staff Francis available by Street telephone betweenStornoway 9am and 11am •‡,QVXUDQFH%URNHUV Insurance Services RMk Monday toIsle Friday, of or Lewis by email: [email protected] 2NB •‡%XVLQHVV 3HUVRQDO Risk Management t: 01851 704949 ADVICE •‡([FHOOHQW6HUYLFH Health & Safety YOU CAN www.rmkgroup.co.uk TRUST

For Hand Sanitiser th st enquiries please email Thursday June 4 to Wednesday July 1 [email protected] ISSUE 172 www.essenceofharris.com F R "In light;ge]Yf\k]]gmj]p[alaf_ of Government advice around a changing situation E with the COVID-19 outbreak our priority at Harris Tweed Hebridesf]ojYf_]g^@YjjakLo]]\[dgl` is to protect our workforce. We have regrettably E 2020 taken the decision to close all access to the mill site and the\aj][l^jgel`]K`YoZgklEadd Harris Tweed Hebrides mill shop located in . in Mill production and order fulfi lment will continue as normal. EVENTS Website*-Fgjl`:]Y[`Klj]]l$KlgjfgoYq$@K)*IP and shop telephone orders will continue to be fulfi lled. -ʝʖɚ :ʖɚ 6ʦʠSɛԭ ooo&`Yjjaklo]]\`]Zja\]k&[ge www.westernisleslottery.co.uk l2()0-)/(((,.Gh]f)(Ye%-&+(he Ticket Line 0300 30 20 444

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Monday to Thursday 5pm to 9.30pm Little Lionhearts! Friday & Saturday 4.30pm to 10pm ISTANBUL CLOSED SUNDAY Full report: Page 5 KEBABS FISH ‘n’ CHIPS BURGERS CURRIES PIZZAS Church Street RESTAURANT & TAKEAWAY Tel: 700418 / 701118 ,VODQG5RDG FAMILY FRIENDLY RESTAURANT 6WRUQRZD\+65'6 WITH,QGLDQ&XLVLQH OVER 30 YEARS SERVING THE ISLAND $8723$576  ‡3L]]DVSOMETHING IUHVKO\PDGH FOR‡%XUJHUV‡.HEDEV EVERYONE )RUDOO\RXUPRWRULQJQHHGV VDOHV#DSVGLUHFWFRXN OPEN 7 DAYS Tues-Thursday 12pm-2.30pm 4.30-10.30pm -DPHV6WUHHW6WRUQRZD\+641 Open between 9am and 12 noon, Friday-Saturday: 12pm-3pm 4pm till late 12:7$.,1*&5(',7'(%,7&$5'6Sunday: 12pm till late (open all day Sunday)

IRUVDYLQJV FOR GAS COLLECTIONS ONLY 24 South Beach Street, Stornoway, Tel: 01851 700299 DQGORDQVLQWKH 2a Rigs Road, Stornoway, HS1 2RF Tel: 01851 705155 Email: [email protected] 2XWHU+HEULGHV CORONAVIRUS CRISIS SPECIAL  ZHEVLWH ZZZKLVFRWFRP 7DNHWKHSDLQRXWRISD\UROO«FDOOXV NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS  HPDLO LQIR#KLVFRWFRP n light of the current Coronavirus crisis, many of our Iadvertisers are having to work reduced hours, open for  WHO  7HO delivery/collection only, or have been forced to cease trading altogether for the time being, in order to keep themselves and their customers and clients as safe as possible. We @gjeYff $QJXV&OLQWRQ have endeavoured to keep all trading information up-to- date, but the situation is changing daily. If you cannot fi nd /$0,1$7('3,1( what you are looking for in these pages, try online - www. ?YjY_] :,1'2:6/7' welovestornoway.com has a dedicated ʻWeʼre still working

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Editor: Fred Silver [email protected] Design and layout: Andrew Jeffries [email protected] [email protected] General enquiries: [email protected] Annie Delin, senior correspondent (Lewis and Harris): [email protected] Writers: Katie Macleod, Melissa Silver NEXT EDITION: The deadline for information and advertising is Tuesday Tel: 07867 861090 23 June. The newspaper will appear on Wednesday 1 July

EVENTS is published by Intermedia Services (Stornoway) Church House, 16 James Street, Stornoway HS1 2QN Tel: 01851 705743 04/06/20 - 01/07/20 www.hebevents.com EVENTS - Page 3

Benefi ts of power-save project

he Community LED by Energy Champions of the development, the team could focus fully involved in the overall project. Kathleen to give personalised advice, ensuring residents Tproject, run as a partnership between on delivering the project targets and goals. Macdonald of Community Energy [got] the advice and water saving devices that they Urras Oighreachd Chàrlabhaigh (UOC) and Signifi cant energy achievements have been made said: “Community Energy Scotland would like will get the most benefi t from.” as a result, with lasting legacies. to highlight our support for the Community LED Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn (UOG), has From the results listed, it is clear that the now come to a close. project and all it has achieved since it began. It Home visits carried out by the project staff project has delivered signifi cant outputs for local focused on helping households to cut down on has showcased the drive and desire for community Between April 2018 and March 2020, the residents, and some food for thought for wider energy bills and make homes more effi cient. groups to take the real and serious issues being Community LED team delivered a plethora of audiences. Economic and educational benefi t positive, energy-related results for members of These visits have made individuals more aware of faced by individuals within their communities and surrounding carbon literacy will have a lasting the two communities, in the form of home visits, their usage and of methods to help save carbon, try and positively impact on these”. Rachel Elliott impact on people’s behaviour towards their energy training days, informative events and workshops. which will have many lasting benefi ts, outwith the of Scottish Water added: “By working directly with obvious economic ones. the community, Estate Trust [were] able usage, which will only benefi t future generations. Individuals across the demographic benefi ted from these visits and sessions, with some receiving Individuals who participated in carbon offi cial qualifi cations and training as a direct literacy training are now able to provide advice result of their involvement. Additionally, 319 to colleagues and family alike, enabling them to homes across the two Estates gained advice on better refer others to key associated services. And how to make their homes more energy effi cient. aside from these achievements, the Community LED by Energy Champions project also enabled Prior to the Community LED by Energy 36 volunteers, many of them young people, to Champions project, both UOC and UOG gain fi lm-making and editing experience through had previously been involved in a similar development, delivered by Tighean Innse creating a bilingual documentary called ‘An- Gall. This preceding project had provided LED Dràsta’ (Now!). lightbulbs and home energy advice to residents ‘An-Dràsta’, which focussed on the effects of DESIGN PRINT PUBLISH on the Estates. However, as a result of excellent and responses to climate change in the Outer uptake and long waiting lists for visits, clear Hebrides, is the only documentary of its kind, Social demand for these services within the community making it a valuable resource. It has gone on to Distancing was demonstrated. be screened at several notable events, including Floor Community consultation carried out by the the Highlands and Islands Enterprise network Stickers Trusts only further reiterated that fuel poverty and meeting. In February 2020, the fi lm won a climate change were important subjects in the prestigious FilmG award in the Dùthchais as Fheàrr lives of people on the Estates. It was felt that the category, which explores the connection between Community Led by Energy Champions project the Gaelic language and the environment. This could build upon this demand, creating more aspect of the project has created strong vocational Social home visits across the estates. Therefore, funding outputs for the young people involved, with one Distancing was sought from the Climate Challenge Fund saying: “I learnt loads of different things about Signs (CCF). With dedicated staff employed to deliver fi lming”. Civic engagement amongst them has the project in-house, and a Project Administrator also increased as a result. joining on a part-time basis for the last 13 months Further praise has been echoed from partners

Magazines Magnetic and vehicle Newsletters signs

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Carloway Project Offi cer Ally Maciver, Galson Project Offi cer Louise Senior, Church House, 16 James Street, Stornoway HS1 2QN and Project Administrator Abigail Leach 14 North Street, Sandwick, Stornoway HS2 0AD Tel: 01851 705798 www.mayburygardens.co.uk Fresh hand-tied We are OPEN for you to COLLECT orders that you have placed. Bouquets for any You are not allowed to come into the Garden Centre to browse occasion available If you would like to place an ORDER - phone 01851 705798 Page 4 - EVENTS www.hebevents.com 04/06/20 - 01/07/20

7KH+DUULV Heritage goes digital to 7ZHHG +HEULGHV 0LOO6KRS connect in crisis &RPHDQG "In light of Government advice around a changing situation with the VHHRXUH[FLWLQJ COVID-19 outbreak our priority at Harris Tweed Hebrides is to protect our workforce.QHZUDQJHRI We have regrettably taken the decision to close all access to the +DUULV7ZHHGFORWKShawbost mill site and the Harris Tweed Hebrides mill shop located in Stornoway.GLUHFWIURPWKH Mill production and order fulfi lment will continue as normal. Website6KDZERVW0LOO and shop telephone orders will continue to be fulfi lled. 2SVXL&IEGL7XVIIX7XSVRS[E],7<5 8IP [[[LEVVMWX[IIHLIFVMHIWGSQ WLST$LEVVMWX[IIHLIFVMHIWGSQ

Fisherman's jumper Pieces of Eight

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omhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Heritage Service have been busy brighten our days with everyone stuck at home. 7KLQNLQJ Cof late - using photography, artefacts, archives and videos Looking at the history of previous pandemics can also inform to bring the collections of the to life. today’s scientists about what to do and what not to do. Before the Those with an interest in history, culture and Gaelic language have discovery of disinfectant, burning clothing and furniture was needed had plenty to watch, see and hear on the Museum & Tasglann nan to stop the spread of infections. Some of the most popular posts have DERXW Eilean social media pages as part of its response to COVID-19. been the old milk bottles from local dairies, the two hand grenades, people creating their own mini museums, the Gibson letters and The doors to Museum & Tasglann nan Eilean in both its venues are posts relating to the Dualchas na Mara/ Heritage of the Sea project, currently closed - but staff have been busy cataloguing, archiving, in particular the piratical ‘piece of eight’ and a fi sherman’s jumper. )RVWHULQJ" and photographing objects and archives. They are then sharing some of this work on social media to provide people with access to Visitor Services Offi cer Isabel Maclachlan said: “There is something collections that are in storage and - in some cases - too fragile to be for all the staff to get involved with; the Visitor Assistants who would $W&RPKDLUOHQDQ(LOHDQ6LDU on permanent display. normally welcome people to the museum have been working on a project to transcribe hundreds of letters from the Gibson collection, so ZHDUHORRNLQJIRUIRVWHUFDUHUVWRPHHW It’s worth remembering that heritage has a role to play in raising that we can make these fascinating resources available to everyone, people’s spirits - especially during the current crisis. Nostalgia and WKHQHHGVRIWKRVHFKLOGUHQZKRDUH and supporting the Dualchas na Mara project by creating colouring looking back on our own lives can help, as the past can teach us how pages for children.” XQDEOHWROLYHZLWKWKHLUELUWKIDPLOLHV to cope or manage different situations in the present. Through the Dualchas na Mara project, funded by Bòrd na Gàidhlig Our heritage can also make us feel connected to people even if we and Museums Galleries Scotland, people with an interest in maritime ,I\RXZDQWPRUHLQIRUPDWLRQ aren’t physically present with them as we still have shared memories. heritage can fi nd out more about the Museum and Archive’s maritime Talking about that with others in phone calls or video chats can WKHQSOHDVHFRQWDFW)LRQD collections - including the work of the herring gutters and the local RU$QQHRQ fi shing boat, ‘The Muirneag’. The project has had to move to create online content, which includes retelling old Gaelic traditional stories HPDLODQQHPDFNHQ]LH#FQHVLDUJRYXN and creating a video about Gaelic sea-related words for those learning. THINK ABOUT GIVING ‘Hebridean Connections’ - already an online digital archive - A GIFT SUBSCRIPTION… :HDUHZDLWLQJWRKHDUIURP\RX has seen many more people using its website for family history Subscribe to enquiries and our archaeology service continues to provide advice SCOTTISH ISLANDS and guidance on planning and archaeological sites. The Museum and EXPLORER Archive service are also still providing general advice and answering STORNOWAY enquiries. CHRISTIAN BOOKSHOP Keep up to date with what the Heritage Team are working on by and bring following Museum & Tasglann nan Eilean on Facebook, Twitter and 30 Kenneth Street, Stornoway | 01851 703334 inspiration to Instagram. A new YouTube channel has also been launched. your door!

THE ONLY MAGAZINE DEVOTED TO EXPLORINGRING THE ISISLANDSLANDS OF SCOTLASCOTLANDOTLO ND THE ONLY MAGAZINE DEVOTED TO EXPLORING THE ISLANDS OF SCOTLAND Although we are now closed because of the SCOTTISH ISLAISLANDSN SCOTTISH ISLANDS THE ONLY MAGAZINE DEVOTED TO EXPLORING THE ISLANDS OF SCOTLANDR EXPLOREROREEXPLORER SCOTTISH ISLANDS VOL. 21 121 JANJAN/FEB 2020 £4.95 9 VOL. 21 122 Government advice regarding the Coronavirus, NOV/DEC 2019 £4.95 WHY SUBSCRIBE? EXPLORER ul MARCH/APRIL 2020 £4.95 From Benbecular to the world The Veggie Box we realise that we have many items that may • Never miss an issue The freshest fruit and vegetables …from near and far provide comfort and encouragement at this 7RPERIWKH(DJOHV ‡*HWLWÀUVW 101 YEARS AFTER IOLAIRELA DISASTER GOING FORWARD WE WILL BE OPERATING 03>

Sounds01> on Orchid on Linkspan on Ponies at Sailing to Views of Islander St Kilda Colonsay Pabay Isle of Coll St Kilda 646047 Isle of Mull

year of publication Foula… time such as greeting cards and gifts Coastal Yachts 646047 and the st Odyssey On bridge 21 'ZDUÀH year of publication 771476 Viking treasures st Elgol’s vale Isle of Monach Scottish Islands look back Islay 9

21 • Keep in touch 6WDQHRI+R\ Unst of a ferry771476 Monach Isles of history Ulva views Isles Explorer at 20 Museum Scotland’s Distillery 9 Isles /RQJKRSH A DELIVERY/PICK UP SERVICE ONLY Gin on Chef GLVDVWHU Island stamps If you need anything from the shop we can be PLEASE GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE DETAILS THE ONLY MAGAZINE DEVOTED TO EXPLORING THE ISLANDS OF SCOTLAND contacted by e-mail at [email protected] ORDER YOUR SUBSCRIPTION TODAY: Make your Veggie Box order at: or you can contact us on our Facebook page - 01202 087632 [email protected] [email protected] or tel: 07810 603188 Stornoway Christian Bookshop www.scottishislandsexplorer.co.uk Deliveries available to the Broadbay and Point area 04/06/20 - 01/07/20 www.hebevents.com EVENTS - Page 5 'Gas-tank’ kittens on screen By Annie Delin “After a worrying few hours, where both adults completely ignored family of feral cats have become unlikely screen stars after the kittens and we feared we may have to step in and bottle feed them, both mums started to feed all the kittens together.” sparking an emergency rescue operation. A In fact the adult cats wanted to have as little as possible to do with Cat rescue group WISCK (Western Isles Support for Cats and Kittens) the humans who rescued them from injury or separation, but they got an emergency call from staff at the BASF Pharma works at were clearly absolutely devoted to each other. in mid-May, seeking help with an unusual feline problem. Production supervisor Jack Gearty said: “We were planning the lift Karen believes they are mother and daughter who had litters close and replacement of a 25-tonne tank when one of our engineers came together and are sharing childcare – but keeping an eye on them proved into reception to say that a cat had run right in front of him while he challenging, and that’s where a bit of screentime proved an ideal way was getting the site ready. to provide eyes-on care without adding to the stress for the feral mums. “A few of us went down and found that there was a litter of kittens, She said: “This very unique little family seem to be doing well now BASF cat family in their nest behind the gas bottles Jack Gearty tucked into an alcove in the wall right behind the cage that holds the and the adults are both eating. They are so sweet together but just to gas bottles. There was a crane coming the next day and if Ross hadn’t keep an eye on things we’ve moved the Catcam into their pen for the seen the mother cat we wouldn’t have known they were there until we moment.” had heavy machinery virtually on top of where they were.” Staff at BASF have been given warm congratulations for alerting the Jack called Karen Cowan at WISCK and she and fellow-volunteer rescuers, as Karen said: “Thank you so much to everyone at BASF for Iain Maciver went down to the Callanish site with traps and cages. alerting us to this family and for being so caring about their wellbeing.” Karen said: “When we got there, we realised it was two litters, as And BASF’s Jack Gearty said he’s now hyper-aware of cats around the kittens were very different sizes, though unusually though they the company buildings. “I’ve never noticed them much before, but were all together. Having set a trap we waited and watched and saw everyone here is concerned – we’re all into cats and now we’re two very similar cats going back and forth to the babies. noticing them around the place. “Thankfully we eventually managed to trap both adults and get “I know we’ve never had any issues with mice in the building, even them and all six babies into care. This was the most worrying stage though both we and the fi sh-farm next door keep the kind of materials as we didn’t know if the mums would accept the kittens having been that might attract them, so if there is a feral colony around, they’re moved, or even which kittens belonged to which mother! obviously doing a good job!” In care with Western Isles Support for Cats and Kittens WISCK Plea for help with kitten deluge By Annie Delin n island-based animal welfare group has Aissued an urgent appeal for funds as they face a perfect storm – with overwhelming need for their services, limitations on their activities and a loss of fundraising opportunities during the coronavirus pandemic. Western Isles Support for Cats and Kittens (WISCK) has been in existence for less than six months, but already the group has fi lled the gap left when the national cat charity quit the Western Isles in December 2019. Right now, a band of volunteers is providing food, shelter and round-the clock care for 32 kittens and 15 adult cats – and there are kittens and cats daily in need of more help. Bath, bottle and bed for feral kittens in care with fosterers volunteering for WISCK Cat-care co-ordinator and vice-chair of WISCK Karen Cowan said: “Spring is always the busiest can still travel if we need to – for example when we areas and defects and weaknesses because of time of year for cat rescue, with nature taking took a call from BASF at Callanish to rescue a kitten inbreeding.” its course and un-neutered pets out looking for family at risk from heavy machinery when a gas Some of these mean that feral kittens can’t mates, at the same time as feral colonies produce tank was being moved – but we do have to protect survive despite the best care, and the stress of dozens of kittens at any one time. our volunteers at the same time as caring for cats.” being in captivity also means that some feral “This year there has been the added strain of And the cats showed no sign of limiting their mothers reject kittens or even injure them. There’s seeing a collapse in opportunities for fundraising activities. One trapping exercise in Shawbost been a fair amount of heartbreak this season as as events are cancelled and shops shut, plus brought 20 adults into care, of which eight females well as the picture-perfect cuteness. we’ve had to put in place a completely new set of were pregnant – hence the deluge of kittens now Luckily WISCK not only has a strong committee, working practices to keep our volunteers safe as being cared for. but a huge back-up team of willing volunteers, as Best in show from on-line Piseag Pageant… well as our cats.” In normal times pregnant mother cats from Karen explains: “We have people who will pick Midge, aged 19 As lockdown began, WISCK successfully feral colonies are taken into care and kept until up bags full of smelly bedding and return it to us WISCK for a pet-food competition and won fi ve introduced social distancing, a cleaning rota for the the kittens are born, before being neutered once freshly laundered, people who clean out pens and bags of cat biscuits. An online ‘Piseag Pageant’ pens and home-working foster-carers served by a they have fi nished rearing the litter. Feral kittens poo trays and one lady who knits us super-cuddly yielded over £700 in entry fees from cat owners doorstep drop-off system for food and litter. Then can make loving family pets if they are socialised blankets for tiny kittens. – best in show was 19-year old Midge (pictured). kitten season began and the calls started coming in. young enough and adult ferals are often welcome “Kittens may need hand-feeding, bathing, Donations small or large, one-off or regular can around crofts and industrial sites for their pest Karen said: “We had increased our social media treating for infections or parasites and generally be taken by Paypal or direct donation by bank control abilities, as long as reproduction can be activity and took all our committee business being taught how to trust humans. Our foster transfer to Western Isles Support for Cats and kept under control. online, but cat pens still need cleaning, injured carers are brilliant and we are all prepared to lose Kittens, Royal Bank of Scotland, sortcode 83-27- and sick cats need to be taken to the vet and there Karen said: “The trouble with people failing to sleep if a cat needs our help.” 12, account number 15988656. Contact WISCK were urgent calls to step in as feral cat numbers neuter their pets is that we end up with far too There’s been a plethora of fundraising ideas, via their Facebook page at https://www.facebook. reached their seasonal peak. many stray and feral cats producing kittens. It including one supporter who is walking 5k a day com/westernislessupportforcatsandkittens/ or by “Animal welfare is an essential activity, so we means overwhelming numbers of cats in some for the month of May, and another who entered email at [email protected] Page 6 - EVENTS www.hebevents.com 04/06/20 - 01/07/20

Intergenerational volunteering in the community

ue to COVID-19, our volunteering has adapted Adhering to guidelines, residents watched from open Dand changed. We are encouraging home-based windows or sat in the courtyard from a safe distance. volunteering unless essential. To carry on building Volunteer Centre Western Isles has also organised an our intergenerational links, we have worked with intergenerational pen pal system between the Stornoway the Stornoway Primary hub class and Trust Housing Primary, Failte Centre and Trust Housing, where letters are sent to Volunteer Centre staff and scanned and sent in Lewis Street and Matheson Road to bring some between older and younger pen pals to encourage letter entertainment to residents. writing skills and to build relationships between pupils The children from the Stornoway Primary went on and older generation. their exercise hour to sing Gaelic songs and dance for the For more information, please contact lewis@ residents to bring some fun to everyone’s day! volunteercentrewi.org

Volunteering and COVID-19

o many people are helping their communities supported people into a wide variety of volunteering, Sacross the Western Isles by volunteering on a day both in their community in essential roles and in home to day basis and right now, the response from people based volunteering to support the COVID-19. has been amazing. So amazing, in fact, that some We have information on a wide range of home-based local charities are not needing any more volunteers volunteering that you may be interested in, such as right now, but this may change as the Coronavirus Sewing, knitting and home crafting for local care homes, situation changes. including making scrubs and telephone befriender More volunteers will be needed over the coming for various organisations such as Silver Line, Lewis weeks and as these opportunities become available, Befriending, Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland. we will advertise them through our website www. If you are involved in a community volunteercentrwi.org and our facebook page Volunteer group or organisation: Centre Western Isles (Lewis). We have launched our new Volunteering and If you would like to help, there are lots of ideas below. COVID-19 portal page on www.volunteercentrewi.org If you would like to register to volunteer, please contact On this page where you will fi nd advice on how to help [email protected] for details. during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you would like to volunteer: We realise there is a lot of information around at the If you are not currently volunteering but would moment – this portal contains trusted information for like to help out then thank you, that is fantastic. Our volunteer involving community groups, organisations advice is very simple: Think local and act locally! Basic and volunteers, including ‘off the shelf policies’ for neighbourliness is absolutely vital in a crisis, whether it supporting volunteers during the COVID-19 pandemic is extreme weather or coronavirus, and it is often the little and links to funding. We can support you to support your acts of kindness that have the most impact. volunteers. We have received a huge number of volunteer Please check our website www.volunteercentrewi.org requests through Ready Scotland and Volunteer Scotland for more info or phone us on 01851700366. 04/06/20 - 01/07/20 www.hebevents.com EVENTS - Page 7 Page 8 - EVENTS www.hebevents.com 04/06/20 - 01/07/20 ‘Scrubs are go’ island-wide!

By Annie Delin “The Volunteer Centre has now taken over the co- small army of handy crafters are putting nimble ordinating role, which is very helpful, and they provide links fi ngers to work throughout the Western Isles to tutorials on how to make the scrubs. I personally think that A scrub bags are also extremely useful as they allow a whole to meet a new need which has emerged during the set of scrubs to be washed with minimal handling.” Coronavirus pandemic. In Uist two care homes – Sacred Heart House in Scrubs are the new capes, with super-hero health and and Trianaid Care Home at Carinish, North Uist – have care-workers needing several sets each to ensure that they already placed a request for scrubs to fi t each of their 60 can be clean for work and protected from transmitting careworkers. Each needs a minimum of two sets of scrubs to infection as they look after the more vulnerable among our rotate between shifts and Vicki Manchester, Volunteer Centre residents. development worker (Uist), is co-ordinating the Uist-based And with more and more people looking for ways they team. can put their spare time to work to help their community, the One of the stitchers is North Uist seamstress Margaret Volunteer Centre Western Isles has found a ready army of Cowie, who had already done some sewing in a previous job helpers prepared to get to work stitching the essential items. but describes herself as “not very fast.” She has volunteered Volunteer Centre joint manager Suzanne Macaulay to cut fabric into lengths and package it up with the right said: “Right at the beginning of lockdown we had over 90 thread, tape and facings to make one set of scrubs per volunteers coming forward through the Ready Scotland bundle. volunteer campaign, all looking for things that they could Vicki said: “We’ve got a team of nine and rising every day, do to help. including ladies from North Uist, and . “We’ve been placing volunteers into suitable roles to help We even have one lady in Glasgow, who is a costume maker in their communities, but we’ve also been keen to promote for the TV series Outlander. She’s been furloughed so she has home-based volunteering to protect people from risk and put her time and her studio at our disposal to start producing keep as many people busy at home as possible. Sewing scrubs for Uist care-workers.” scrubs, scrub bags and face-masks is exactly the kind of Some volunteers are also making scrub bags – which work people are keen to take up.” allow a whole set to be put straight into the wash without The Volunteer Centre used a grant for Covid-19 response being handled – and face masks. work, £3,000 received from NFU Mutual, to buy the Vicki calculates that the team needs to create at least 120 materials for scrubs including fabric, ribbon and buttons and sets of scrubs, but she says: “It depends on who we’ve got, full-size patterns printed at Stornoway Media Centre. how much time they have around childcare, home schooling These have been distributed throughout the islands. The and their own jobs, what time they want to put in – because Volunteer Centre are working in partnership with Buth after all this is voluntary.” Bharraigh to co-ordinate the Barra response and they have “As far as we are concerned, as long as we have funding brought together a team of stitchers and sewers in Uist, with for the materials and volunteers to do the sewing, we will a similar approach in Lewis and Harris. keep doing it and we’ll welcome further demand.” One of the Lewis stitchers is Tina Burgess, who’s been Anyone who would like to volunteer their time and working on scrubs since lockdown began and getting skills to make scrubs, face-masks and scrub bags, or who is support from Helen Macaulay at Stitch in the Ditch in Tong. already making items and would like to get free patterns and Tina said: “I’ve been sending fabric to two ladies in Harris materials, can contact the Volunteer Centre Western Isles on and there’s two of us in Lewis, but I am sure that there are 01851 700366 (messages are collected regularly from this plenty more. phone number) or email [email protected]

NEW WEBSITE FOR TSI WESTERN ISLES Funded by the Scottish Government to provide a single point of access for support and advice for the third sector, TSIWI is part of a network of 32 interfaces across Scotland; one for each local authority.

TSI Western Isles is made up of six partners from across the Western Isles: • Volunteer Centre Western Isles • Harris Voluntary Service • Voluntary Action Barra & Vatersay (VABV) • Volunteering Hebrides • Uist Council of Voluntary Organisations (UCVO) • Outer Hebrides Social Enterprise Partnership (OHSEP) We want to hear from any organisations or individual we can support through these roles.

Voice of The Sector Support Volunteering TSI Western Isles represent the voluntary We work to build capacity in our local As the Third Sector Interface (TSI) for the sector at a number of local strategic groups third sector by developing the capacity of Western Isles, we promote volunteering and and national network meetings. This means volunteering, community groups, voluntary help organisations and community groups that voluntary groups across the Western Isles organisations and social enterprise to achieve to recruit volunteers through our support for have a voice to these groups and networks. positive change. volunteer involving organisations.

01851 702632 Find out more at tsiwi.org [email protected] 04/06/20 - 01/07/20 www.hebevents.com EVENTS - Page 9 Key role of volunteer Special Constables pecial Constables have Spledged tens of thousands of hours so far to support ’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. To mark National Volunteers’ Week - which runs from June 1 to 7 - Police Scotland say: “we would like to thank our volunteers once again for the outstanding contribution they continue to make at this extraordinary time. “An appeal was issued to all Special Constables (SPCs) and their employers in March asking them to consider increasing their commitment, and in the space of just nine weeks (March 23 to May 24, 2020) SPCs deployed for 25,656 hours between them, working 2,990 shifts. frustrating it is and how keen they are to get This is more than double the amount of hours back into volunteering. The ‘Clap For Carers’ deployed and shifts worked compared to the videos they have been making to show their same period last year. appreciation for keyworkers are fantastic and In addition, in the past year more than we have proudly posted them on our social 1,100 youth and adult Police Scotland Youth media channels. The support and patience Volunteers (PSYV) have volunteered more being shown is appreciated and we look than 64,000 hours, assisting at more than forward to seeing them all again soon.” 1,500 events across the country. PSYV has National Volunteers’ Week also aims not been able to deploy during the pandemic, to raise awareness about the benefi ts of however they continue to keep in touch with becoming a volunteer. their co-ordinators and have been actively ACC Hawkins added: “While Police supporting their Police colleagues and other Scotland undoubtedly benefi ts from the keyworkers from home. experience our volunteers bring, we also Assistant Chief Constable John Hawkins hope the opportunity is unlike any other said: “National Volunteers’ Week is a chance where you gain confi dence, new skills and to say thank you to the millions of volunteers get the chance to help people in need and across the UK who make such a valuable support your local community. Although there contribution to their local communities, and are some basic requirements that need to be none are more deserving than our own SPCs satisfi ed, ultimately we are always looking for who are increasing their hours on the frontline people who want to make a real difference. to help communities at this critical time. While SPCs have always been considered a vital “Society has collectively stepped forward and valued feature of policing in Scotland, over the past few weeks to protect the NHS it is more important than ever that their role and save lives, and never have volunteers is recognised and I would like to sincerely been so appreciated for the vital role they are thank them all once again for their efforts. playing in this. If you are considering fi nding The dedication they have shown to Police a way to give back to your community, joining Scotland and to helping our communities is Police Scotland as a volunteer is a fantastic nothing short of exemplary. opportunity to do something great.” “I also want to say a special thank you For more information on becoming a Police to our PSYV who are unfortunately not Scotland volunteer, visit www.scotland. able to deploy at the moment - I know how police.uk/recruitment/special-constables Praise for volunteers from MSP s Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June) began, “I have often said before that I think every ANa h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP Alasdair week is volunteers' week in the Western Allan paid tribute to volunteers who have Isles, as we have an exceptional record of helped the NHS and local communities in volunteering and voluntary work. Many the Western Isles. people in the islands have now taken on Volunteers’ Week is an annual celebration Covid-19 related volunteering roles to of the contribution and work of millions of help communities deal with the many volunteers who give up their time to help consequences of the coronavirus, and others. it’s more important than ever to show our appreciation for their hard work. During this pandemic, volunteers have signed up to help in record numbers through “I want to say a massive thank you to the Scotland Cares initiative – over 53,000 all of the volunteers who have helped, in one month – joining the thousands of and continue to help, the NHS and their people who were already helping, either local communities during the Covid-19 with one of Scotland’s many voluntary and pandemic. community sector groups or informally with “Volunteers will be critical in our efforts neighbours. to support and rebuild our communities, Alasdair Allan MSP said: “Volunteers’ Week and I am sure I speak for everyone when I gives us a chance to celebrate the contributions say we are all appreciative and grateful to of volunteers who have made such a huge those who are ensuring people get the help difference to life in the Western Isles. and support they need." Page 10 - EVENTS www.hebevents.com 04/06/20 - 01/07/20

Westside foodbank under way By Annie Delin situation, she spoke to parents who’d been volunteers working at safe distances inside he latest initiative to tackle hardship prepared to help with the youth club and to package up parcels. they resolved to look at practical support in brought about by the Covid-19 Sarah said: “The area we cover is T a different way. pandemic is now well under way on the between Ness and Dalbeag and we have west side of Lewis. and community centre been working with school secretaries to opened earlier to gather together food items make contact with families eligible for free Barvas Foodbank was launched on May and parcel them up for people who needed school meals, as well as with community 12th and is already meeting the needs of a bit of a boost for their shopping essentials. nurses and advocacy workers to identify families and individuals struggling to make adults who might need some food support. ends meet as jobs are cut and workers Sarah said: “We had put together a remain on furlough. Facebook page and created a shopping list “But we’re also accepting requests from of essential food items and we approached individuals, with discretion assured to It’s the latest in a series of specifi cally local the councillors for the Westside and Ness. anyone who needs any help. We’re expecting initiatives run by volunteers to ensure that With £500 from their donations and another a lot more demand as time passes, because it people in their own districts don’t go short £500 from the Barvas Trust, plus £1200 from seems increasingly likely that this crisis isn’t of essentials, with Eilean Siar Foodbank, Foundation Scotland, we were able to buy going away any time soon and we are ready Tong Food Boxes and the Salvation Army’s supplies and get a food bank started.” to be of help to anyone who needs it.” Stornoway branch among the initiatives to ensure that people don’t go hungry. The food donated is assembled into And Sarah added: “A huge thank you to parcels, with dietary needs taken into Ivan Brown, Manager of the Barvas Trust, Community development worker for account so that anyone with allergies or who has been an integral part of the food Ness and the Westside Sarah Campbell intolerance to particular foods gets only bank and his support is greatly appreciated.” had just prepared for the fi rst meeting of ElevatedElevated what suits their diet. It’s then delivered to If you know anyone who would benefi t a new Westside youth club when schools the doorstep of those who need it. closed down and lockdown hit in mid- from food support and who lives between conversations March. Determined to do something within Barvas and Brue Community Centre is Ness and Dalbeag, you can contact Sarah on Calling all who are interested in uplifting, spiritual and the community to try and address the now open on Tuesdays and Fridays from 07927 236450, Murdo on 07770 824552 or elevated experiences; acts of service, artistic expressions 3.15 to 4pm to collect in donations, with 01851 840284, or Louis on 07870 362449. for young and old…please call 07798 700443 Although all of us have had to change many arrangements – and our usual pattern of meetings and New UK award for wind farm charity activities has radically altered – nevertheless the work has continued apace, with innovative and creative sland community wind farm company and Sandwick Trust, said: “We at PST ways being found to bring Bahá’u’lláh’s message of IPoint and Sandwick Trust was on were delighted when we learned that hope to many. Wednesday May 27 named as the winner our enterprise was to be included in the NatWest SE100 For 2020 but to be named as Rather than slowing down, the current situation has of another major UK award for social enterprise. winners in the environment category in this provided many opportunities for people everywhere to prestigious competition is simply amazing connect together – albeit electronically – to take stock The Trust, which owns and operates the and beyond expectations. This further of their lives, and to consider the question of material Beinn Ghrideag wind farm near Stornoway, national recognition of Point and Sandwick means and what is truly important in life. is the “Environmental Champion” in the Trust and the work it does underlines the Conversation themes are naturally emerging out NatWest SE100 Social Business Awards 2020. value of community owned enterprises and of the concerns of this time on many subjects, The organisation was also listed for the the benefi t they can bring to our islands. including global governance, science and religion, the fi rst time in the SE100 Index, a list of the top Everyone who supports the trust should be importance of community, environment and the fact 100 social enterprise businesses in the UK. very proud of this achievement.” that a fundamental change is needed in the world’s It was among the eight from that list which The Social Business Awards were due economic and social system. received an award for being “the most to have been presented at a ceremony An unprecedented number of people have come outstanding achievers”. on March 26 which was cancelled in the forward to share prayers at Devotionals, to discuss The SE100 Index and Social Business to recognise the incredible dedication and coronavirus outbreak. A spokesman for the effort that the UK’s social enterprises have a path of service, through the study of Ruhi Institute Awards are run by NatWest (owned by the awards said they hoped that “recognising shown in building business solutions to materials, to hold virtual Children’s classes and junior Royal Bank of Scotland Group) and Pioneers the achievements of the UK’s top social deliver a positive future for some of our most youth programmes, using online platforms. Post every year to “name, celebrate and enterprises over the past year will give us all learn from the UK’s 100 most impressive vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.” some positive news to be proud of”. Sharing prayers has been the most popular activity social enterprises”. Representatives warmly welcomed this Donald John MacSween, general during the lockdown, with many new devotionals latest recognition for their community project. opening up online, within families and homes. There was a total of eight big awards. The manager of Point and Sandwick Trust, said Hopefully these efforts could be sustained in the weeks others recognised excellence in Growth, Calum Macdonald, development it was “positive news indeed” as the charity and months ahead as the health crisis eases. Impact Management, Trailblazing, Social manager for Point and Sandwick Trust and works to maximise the support available to Investment, Leadership, Resilience and former MP for the Western Isles, said: “This the local community during the coronavirus Devotionals for the month of June will be on topics of Storytelling. award recognises our success as a business pandemic and lockdown. joy, crisis and wellness The SE100 judges agreed that Point and as well as our impact as a charity and I am Such support has included the launch delighted for the whole PST team that has "The darkness of this gloomy night shall pass away… Sandwick Trust was “a clear winner” in the of an emergency community pandemic SE100 Environmental Champion category, made it possible. fund – to which the wind farm charity has Have patience, wait but do not sit idle; work while you as a “well-structured, impactful organisation “We try to have an impact across a range committed all unallocated cash for this are waiting; serving the local community on a range of of areas, including helping the local hospice, year – plus donations of £40,000 to NHS smile when you are wearied with monotony; social and environmental fronts”. supporting the most vulnerable, helping Western Isles, £15,000 total to community local culture and arts, but the environment councils, the production in partnership with be fi rm while everything around you is being shaken..." They also noted the organisation’s focus outside its immediate locality towards is one of our most important areas of work College UHI of PPE (protective -'Abdu'l-Bahá the wider Hebridean islands, and were and we are delighted that this has been personal equipment) to NHS and care staff, If you are interested in any of the online impressed by its “incredible” projects which recognised by the NatWest awards.” and the establishment of a co-ordinated create “such tangible impact”. Angus McCormack, honorary president delivery service for the Point and Sandwick activities for adults, children or junior youth area, with drivers and a co-ordinator The SE100 Index is compiled to “celebrate for Point and Sandwick Trust, said: “This appointed this week. programme please call the growth, impact and resilience of social wonderful award recognises the work of a ventures in the UK” and Megan Peat, CEO dedicated board and very committed staff. Point and Sandwick Trust has previously won 07798 700443 of NatWest Social & Community Capital, It is well deserved and suitable recognition the UK Environmental Social Enterprise Award, congratulated “all the social enterprises who of the support community wind farms give Scottish Environmental Social Enterprise Award have made it onto this year’s lists”. to their communities. It exemplifi es the and the Celebrating Communities Award at the BahaiTeachings.org community support offered during the Scottish Charity Awards – all in 2018 – and She added: “In such incredibly tough times, Covid19 pandemic. I am delighted.” Best Community Project at the Scottish Green when we know many of you will be facing www.bahai.org.uk Energy Awards in 2015. some signifi cant challenges, it’s important Norman Mackenzie, chair of Point 04/06/20 - 01/07/20 www.hebevents.com EVENTS - Page 11 ISBN: 978-1-78907-554-6 £10.50 ISBN: 978-1-78907-047-7 £12.95

Dh’fhoillsich Acair ‘Air mo Chuairt’ an-toiseach FLASHES OF MEMORY an 1982 agus tha e a-nis air ath-fhoillseachadh agus le riochd Beurla na chois. Cunntas air leth A Childhood Among NEWTITLE de bheatha ann am Barraigh agus Bhatarsaigh. the Clyde Lighthouses Mary Gillanders grew up in and around the First published in 1982 and now re-published New virus books lighthouses of the Clyde in the mid-20th with a full English translation. ‘Air mo Chuairt’ century, at a time when only the constant by Ealasaid Chaimbeul is a wonderful account of attention of lighthouse keepers kept ships and life on Barra and Vatersay – people with a great mariners safe. This account of her childhood, faith and a rich lifestyle, with a heritage that for children carries us to the heart of a close and loving has been passed down through the generations. family and the demands of the weather and the Mary Flora Galbraith's charming translation now absolute imperative of keeping the light turning. brings the book to a new audience. wo new titles have been Tadded to the library of books for children about Coronavirus, See our list of Gaelic Audiobooks presented in Gaelic by Stornoway publishers Acair Ltd. Download at acairbooks.selz.com The short books are centred around characters created by writer Julia Donaldson and AIR AN OIR Iain D. Urchardan illustrator Axel Scheffl er and see them taking precautions against coronavirus. Sgeulachdan tùrail, èibhinn, blàth-chridheach ann an Gàidhlig Zog the dragon, Tabby McTat bhrèagha na Hearadh. Seo an dàrna cruinneachadh leis an and the Gruffalo – with his child t-sàr sgeulaiche Iain Urchardan agus tha e gar toirt air turas – are all seen taking precautions inntinn drùidhteach tro àbhachdas, caoidh is gàirdeachas, such as washing their hands, gus meòrachadh air cor a' chinne-daonna; gu h-àraidh staying at home and wearing face- a' beachdeachadh air an dàimh phrìseil eadar athair is mac, masks, while home schooling and bringing shopping to older agus an fhadachd is bròn a thig le call a' cheangail sin. relatives are also featured. An còmhnaidh, tha guth truacanta an ùghdair a' soillseachadh an dorchadais agus a' togail a' chridhe. The books were originally published by An Acair spokesperson said that they were also Macmillan Children's Books UK and Scholastic grateful to Mòrag Stewart, Linda MacLeod and ISBN: 978-0-86152-060-6 £11.99 and follow on from a number of co-editions Mairi Sine Campbell, who translated the texts, and between Acair and those two publishers. that they hope children enjoy reading them. cairbook w.a s.co ww m

Tha Bioran ’s Bean Biorain a’ fuireach nan dachaigh sa choille, Ach tha iad math air eacarsaich, iad fhèin ’s an triùir chloinne.

“Fhalbh thus’ an toiseach,” ars an Gruff’, is e na lùban, “thig mise às do dhèidh, ach dà mheatair air do chùlaibh.”

Nach leugh sibh mu dheidhinn ciamar a tha a h-uile duine a' dèanamh, agus a' cumail glic an-dràsta? Le Julia Donaldson agus Axel Scheffler RRi fhaighinn an-asgaidh bho Facebook agus Twitter Acairr Two new informative PDFs about coronavirus for children. By Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler Free to download from Acair's Facebook and Twitter

ACAIR, An Tosgan 54 Seaforth Road @acairbooks Stornoway HS1 2SD post-d: [email protected] Tha Acair a' faighinn taic fòn: 01851 703020 bho Bhòrd na Gàidhlig Page 12 - EVENTS www.hebevents.com 04/06/20 - 01/07/20 RAF plans to mark air-crash anniversary By Annie Delin Those killed were: delegation from RAF Waddington plans to Wg Cdr Stephen Roncoroni, pilot Avisit the Western Isles as soon as lockdown Wg Cdr Chas Wrighton, navigator regulations are eased to pay tribute to the Sqn Ldr Jerry Lane, navigator crew of a plane which crashed in Northton, Isle of Harris, 30 years ago. Flt Lt Al Campbell, tactical coordinator Flt Lt Keith Forbes, fi ghter controller RAF Waddington is now the home base of RAF 8 Squadron, but in 1990 the squadron were based Fg Off Colin Burns, co-pilot at RAF Lossiemouth, and it was from there that MAcr Roger Scutt, electronics operator an Avro Shackleton aircraft, affectionately named FS Rick Ricketts, electronics operator Dylan, took off on a training mission code-named Brushfi re, at 8am on 30 April 1990. Sgt Graham Miller, fl ight engineer All of 8 Squadron’s AEW (Airborne Early Cpl Stuart Bolton, electronics engineer Warning) Shackletons were named after characters Between the whole crew, six widows and 12 from the children’s TV series Magic Roundabout, children were left bereaved. RAF Lossiemouth hence the name Dylan, but the Shackleton’s base staff and service personnel lined the route callsign was Gambia 08 and ID number WR965 as fi ve hearses carried the remains to a funeral – all numbers which were to become chillingly director. A memorial service held a month later at familiar to residents of Harris from that day. One resident said: “I heard a noise that sounded account for nine from the plane and some of us the base fi lled an aircraft hangar with mourners. The crew had turned off the radar as part of the like a roaring tide and I looked towards the sea, were sent to the back of the hill to see if someone In Harris, a memorial for the crews can be found exercise. Weather was poor right across Harris, because it sounded like a rushing wave breaking – had survived and had walked off in a daze. We on a cairn on the summit of Maodal, inscribed with low mist shrouding the hills. Pilot Wing but the sea was fl at and I realised later that it was were later told there was nobody alive.” with the names of the crew who were lost. To mark Commander Stephen Roncoroni, brother-in-law of the roar of the fl ames as the hillside burnt.” Angus John had seen the site and some of the the 30th anniversary of the accident, personnel Scotland’s rugby team captain David Sole, radioed Villagers and emergency services raced to the bodies, and he told newspapers that he believed from 8 Squadron had planned to travel to Harris RAF Benbecula at around 12 noon, asking for an scene. Dr Naylor, recently appointed GP, was one the plane could have cleared the 800-foot hilltop and hold a memorial service alongside the crew’s approach to Benbecula from the west and saying of the fi rst to reach the site, along with school bus if it had been fl ying just two feet higher. family, friends and local people from Harris. that he was around 20 miles away. driver and special constable Angus John McVicar. Ten men had been in the crew – all had been A spokesman from RAF Waddington said: In Northton few people were about outside He later recalled: “We could not see any wreckage killed. A cordon was thrown around the crash site “Although current travel restrictions stopped the as, late in the morning, the familiar sound of an until we got further up and the cloud then began as stories circulated of press photographers trying planned visit, the squadron still want to pay their aircraft passing overhead was heard. The aircraft to clear. You could smell the burning fuel. We to climb the hill at night to get pictures of the respects, not only to the lost crew but also to the had also been heard in Tarbert passing low in the came across debris and then some bodies and we bodies and wreckage. people of Northton, Harris, of who many were knew it was really bad.” mist and many who still live in Harris remember Three days later, coffi ns containing the remains fi rst on the scene and offered a huge amount of the day well. Angus John described bodies scattered around a of all ten crew members were taken from the support to all involved.” The whole village of Northton was shaken fi ercely radius of 100 yards and a 10-foot piece of fuselage hillside and transported, draped with fl ags, to Instead, on 30 April, Offi cer Commanding 8 as the plane clipped the top of the hill Maodal and with a body trapped in it. Another lay alongside Stornoway, where they were taken on board an Squadron, Wing Commander Williams gave a instantly exploded. Houses the length of the village and the rest were scattered about. RAF Hercules transport plane for the return to RAF short reading followed by a minute’s silence at RAF shook and people rushed outside, some thinking He said: “Helicopters arrived from Lossiemouth Lossiemouth. Waddington. The commemoration was attended the explosion was in their own house. and it was a very, very busy scene. We could only by a small number of squadron personnel. UHI to start autumn term as planned he University of the Highlands and Islands has confi rmed Tthat it intends to start its autumn term on the usual dates, with the majority of higher education students beginning their studies on Monday 7 September. Further education students will also start at the times they usually would through their individual partner colleges and institutions. The university partnership, which delivers educational opportunities to learners across the Highlands and Islands, Moray and Perthshire and beyond, will draw on its experience in blended learning to run courses in line with Scottish Government public health guidance. The approach will combine video conferencing and remote learning technologies as well as face-to-face teaching where possible and appropriate. The decision was agreed by all 14 principals of the University of the Highlands and Islands partnership at a meeting in May. Professor Crichton Lang, the university’s Principal and Vice- Chancellor, explained: “We have been developing and delivering Women’s Cancer Challenge participants from all over Lewis putting their best feet forward to raise funds for Cancer Research UK Isle of Lewis committee. our courses to students across our partnership and the world for over 20 years, connecting our students and our communities. We have established proven ways of learning through technology, delivering an Huge support for virtual challenge active and personalised experience to our students who are supported through our university partnership of colleges and research institutions. unshine, smiles and a splash of pink Race participants look forward to the event “We will continue to draw on this experience and knowledge to Smade the Women’s Cancer Challenge on each year, and an online poll to resolve whether deliver courses in the autumn term using our blended approach to Saturday 16 May a virtual event to remember. the challenge should be cancelled or run virtually came up with a resounding 84% of votes in favour teaching. This includes using video conferencing, inventive remote More than 225 people signed up to complete of holding a virtual event. learning technologies and some face-to-face teaching where it is safe the challenge – even though it was not technically and important to do so.” possible to enjoy the company of other runners So organisers Tony and Kirsty Wade headed The university has also worked with the Highlands and Islands and walkers, as has happened over previous online, meaning that people could register and Students' Association and Comann nan Oileanach at Sabhal Mòr years. receive a race number by email, then complete their own challenge while conforming with social Ostaig UHI to agree that there will be no graduation ceremonies, Instead the Women’s Cancer Challenge distancing guidelines, alone or in family groups. either in person or virtually, during 2020. Students who fi nish their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ courses this year will still receive offi cial confi rmation of their awards WomensCancerChallenge/ was packed with Tony described the event yesterday as “quite from the awarding body, with higher education students having images of people taking to the road, the beach, a day” and full of stories – to which he and Kirsty their awards conferred and graduating in absentia. The university the Castle Grounds or their own garden path to added by fi lming a masterclass in men’s haircuts, partnership is planning to organise events for 2021 which will enable complete a 30-minute exercise session on foot, by bike or on four guided by Kay from Men Only, and adding still further to the eventual graduates and guests to celebrate when it is safe to do so. paws. total raised, to be posted in due course via social media. The university is still welcoming applications for courses starting The Women’s Cancer Challenge is one of the big annual All those who completed the challenge were awarded a virtual in September. To fi nd out about the range of opportunities available fundraisers for Cancer Research UK’s Isle of Lewis branch, which medal (pictured) to add to the already sizeable collection of race across the partnership or take part in an online open event, visit like other fundraising groups has been hard hit by restrictions under t-shirts and medals held by many who have supported the event www.uhi.ac.uk. Coronavirus lockdown. over the years. 04/06/20 - 01/07/20 www.hebevents.com EVENTS - Page 13

Tomatoes By John Dory

CHILLED TOMATO AND SWEET Pour into a bowl or container and chill for three t the very outset of lockdown when interesting to note that earliest varieties PEPPER SOUP WITH CROUTONS. hours ( You can also serve warm if preferred.) Athere was a mad, hoarding scramble grown were yellow in colour and not red Season before serving. for store-cupboard items, one of the and were called, “golden apples.” • A jar of roasted red peppers. Serve in bowls, adding a swirl of cream if you tinned products to disappear quickly In recent years, health experts have • 45ml olive oil. prefer, and the croutons and snipped chives. off supermarket shelves was tinned hailed the many nutritional benefi ts of • 1 onion fi nely chopped. tomatoes. tomatoes including, especially, their • 2 garlic cloves crushed. AUBERGINES WITH TOMATO AND Fortunately, the desire to stockpile lycopene content. This natural biofl avid • 650g ripe well-fl avoured tomatoes or two tins MOZZARELLA. certain foodstuffs subsided and tinned is a powerful ant-oxidant and is believed tomatoes are no longer as scarce as hens’ of peeled plum tomatoes. to lower the risk of cancer, particularly • This is a variation on the classic Italian teeth. Fresh and tinned tomatoes are • 150ml red wine. prostate and colon cancer, and heart bruschetta but without the bread. incredibly nutritious and versatile and disease. Not only are tomatoes a good • 600ml vegetable stock. can be used in a huge variety of recipes to • 40-60 ml olive oil for brushing. • Salt and freshly ground black pepper. make sauces for pasta, pizza and seafood source of Vitamins A and C, but they • 1 large aubergine or eggplant. dishes or simply eaten raw in salads with also yield potassium, calcium and other FOR THE CROUTONS • 2 or three medium ripe tomatoes thickly herbs and cheese. There are over 7,500 mineral salts. Typically, tomatoes only • 2 slices day old white bread with crusts cut off. sliced. varieties of tomatoes available world-wide contain a trace of fat and just 14 calories • 60 ml olive oil. • A few basil leaves shredded. and new hybrids are being constantly per 100g serving. • 120g mozzarella cheese sliced introduced, often to meet the needs of In one town in Spain called Buñol near massive supermarket chains that wish • Salt and freshly ground black pepper. Valencia there is an annual tomato festival In a large pan, heat the olive oil. to have “own brand” tomatoes on their • A tin of anchovies (Optional.) with a difference called, “La Tomatina.” Sauté the onion gently for around 10 minutes shelves. Every year, on the last Wednesday in without browning. Although we sometimes think August, the locals and visitors take part Add the chopped garlic for a couple of minutes. Preheat the oven to 190 C of tomatoes as quintessentially in a vast tomato fi ght or battle which Brush a baking sheet with a little oil. Mediterranean, the tomato fi rst appeared Chop up the roasted red peppers and add to the lasts one hour. Before the fi esta starts, in Mexico around 500 BC. It is thought pan. Trim the aubergine and cut it lengthways into four slices about 5mm or quarter inch thick. that tomatoes were fi rst brought to Europe locals protect their houses and shops with Cut the tomatoes into large chunks and add to the by Spanish explorers returning from plastic sheeting before lorries arrive with pan. Arrange the slices on the greased baking tray. huge quantities of tomatoes. In 2015, an Central and South America. The Spanish Cook gently for about 10 minutes. Brush the aubergine slices liberally with the oil and and Italians were the fi rst Europeans to estimated 145,000 kilograms of tomatoes season. Add the wine and cook for a further 5 minutes. recognise the potential of tomatoes in were used in La Tomatina. Once the fi ght Put under a hot grill for a few minutes. Add the stock with a little seasoning and simmer cooking and they featured in recipes from is over, the streets are hosed down with Remove the aubergines from the grill. the mid seventeenth century onwards. water cannons and are left sparkling for 20 minutes. Add about three or four tomato slices on top of the The early development of new and due to the acidity of the huge number of aubergines, overlapping them slightly, if necessary. hardy strains was centred around the squashed tomatoes used in this unusual To make the croutons, cut the bread into cubes. Sprinkle over half of the shredded basil leaves. Mediterranean and by the mid 18th century battle. Heat the oil in a little frying pan and fry until there were more than 1,000 varieties Top with the mozzarella and brush with more oil. golden. being grown in Spain, Portugal, Italy and (You can add the anchovies at this stage if you the south of France. These countries, to There are two recipes this month with Drain on paper towels then store in an airtight jar wish.) this day, eat far greater quantities per head tomatoes being the main ingredient in or box. Bake for 15 minutes or until the aubergines are of population than we do in the UK. It is each one. Process the soup in a blender until very smooth. tender and the cheese is bubbling.

the linda norgrove foundation

ONE OF OUR DOCTORS HAS STARTED WORK! fghanistan is in lockdown but, as we pointed out in last patients in her native province of Badakhshan. Amonth’s EVENTS, this is diffi cult to enforce when many This is a real milestone for us; we now fund nearly 50 students earn money daily, have no savings and will starve if they stay studying to become doctors but Shariwar is the fi rst to start work. in their houses. She featured in an article in our 2014 newsletter when she Universities are closed although some are continuing with reported that her father had just lost his job and, as he was unable courses through online classes. Many students haven’t a reliable to pay for her education, she was very close to being forced into an internet connection. Some have returned home to the provinces arranged marriage. An LNF scholarship changed that. and will recommence their classes after the summer break. It’s all Shariwar is the fi rst but others follow, this year fi ve students very confusing for us and is resulting in considerable additional completed their academic studies and are receiving hospital-based work in Mangersta. practical training. But, but… we have some great news. After so many years our programme is starting to make a real Shariwar Khwahany, who received the fi rst medical scholarship difference to so many of the sick in Afghanistan. from the Linda Norgrove Foundation, completed her studies, her It’s all down to our donors and, to those of you who have helped, practical training and is registered as a doctor. thank you. She has now started working in a hospital helping Covid-19 Page 14 - EVENTS www.hebevents.com 04/06/20 - 01/07/20

Kenneth Street, Stornoway HS1 2DS www.lanntair.com JUNE AT Box Offi ce: 01851 7084800 An Lanntair Café Bar: 01851 708490 AN LANNTAIR email: [email protected]

One of An Lanntiar's current wall-based artworks, by Paul Kenny, to be changed with our new commissions.

n Lanntair is offering three commission payment to the artist of £600, with the artist Aopportunities to artists to produce works retaining all copyright and rights to the image. to help redesign some of the art centre’s In our Round Room commission – an area “I just cannot get over the magnitude of the spaces as we look towards reopening when within the cafe, used by families and young response, support and donations you have so government COVID-19 restrictions allow. people, with an informal atmosphere – we’re willingly and so generously given to our Stornoway We would like to commission two artists to looking for a painted installation integrating News Lifeboat,” said John in a message to all who have produce new images for our Café/Bar area, and artwork with the space and its existing furnishings. donated. a third to create a new installation in our Round In an exciting brief – ‘Paint It Over’ – we want “As you know, traditional fund-raising Room. to radically transform this space using acrylic Stornoway Shouts opportunities like coffee afternoons, bag-packing, fl ag days, and quiz nights are all suspended with In the Café/Bar area we’ll be replacing our paint directly on the walls, surfaces, ceiling, he volunteer crew of Stornoway RNLI Covid 19. So, your donations are extra meaningful. two current wall-based artworks with new vinyl furnishings and fl oor. We’re looking for clear Tlaunched the ‘Tom Sanderson’ lifeboat on decals – one displayed in the harbour room ideas which consider the use of the space, and Wednesday, May 6, at 12.05am to what turned “I am utterly amazed by the generosity of a design which will envelop the room and its and the other opposite the bar. We welcome out to be a false alarm with good intent. all who have donated to the worthy cause of submissions from artists around any theme, and furnishings as one piece of art. Stornoway Lifeboat. That is just wonderful and the Soon after launch, at 0100hours, it was especially those who would like to propose Deadline for all submissions is Friday, June best Birthday present. So, a heart-felt thank you to established that no assistance was required, and work based on or inspired by artwork they have 26th, and for full details on how to make your all who have contributed.” the Stornoway RNLI volunteer crew and lifeboat developed or produced during lockdown. submission, please visit our website at: www. were stood down to return to station. Work can be in any visual medium lanntair.com. The ‘Tom Sanderson’ RNLI lifeboat was refuelled (such as printmaking, painting, collage and And don’t forget – we have a huge variety of Stop. Think. Stay Safe photography) as long as it can be reproduced as and ready for service again by 0240hours. artistic and musical activities available online RNLI in Scotland issues important safety advice a print measuring 6.4m x 2.2m. for young and not-so-young islanders to enjoy. It was a beautiful, calm, moonlit night when before easing of lockdown An Lanntair will cover the costs of the Included is the stunning Hebridean Handbook, the volunteer crew were out on shout – check out The RNLI in Scotland has reacted to the Scottish production of the image, the install, and will created by Lewis teacher and artist Alice Derek Morrison’s photo. Government’s plans for easing lockdown with an also promote the successful commissioned Macmillan; as well as downloadable activities important safety warning. image through our website and social media. worksheets, sing-a-long Full Circle Music The fee for each image will be a one-off videos and much more. The government plans which will permit people to travel short distances, limited to fi ve miles within their local area, for exercise including allowing outdoor swimming, kayaking and angling have promoted the lifesaving charity to call for the public to stay safe. “With an unusually warm spring coupled with the easing of a lockdown which has seen many of us unable to visit our favourite beaches, we expect many people to be eager to hit the coast,” said Jacob Davies, RNLI Lifesaving Manager for Scotland. “However, just because the lockdown restrictions are being relaxed does not mean A happy fundraising our coasts are safe, the dangers that have always been there remain. We ask those who are local to Sketchbook Project - 70th for John Booly beaches to continue to be aware of the inherent Sketchbook Project - Alex Guildford Caitlin Morrison He set out to raise £500 for Stornoway – the total dangers and to avoid taking risks. now stands at more than £13,000! “Scotland’s air temperature may be warming Stornoway up but the sea temperature remains consistently RNLI’s Branch chilly all year, jumping or falling into cold water or Chair, John J spending longer periods than normal submerged Maclennan (John in the water can lead to, potentially fatal, cold Booly), who fi rst water shock.” joined Stornoway Michael Avril, Scotland’s Water Safety Lead RNLI as volunteer for the RNLI and Chair of Water Safety Scotland, crew in 1971, added: “The Scottish public need to remember celebrated his the following safety advice: Stay in familiar 70th birthday on surroundings, follow Scottish Government advice Saturday, May 9. of remaining within fi ves miles of your home, don’t Sketchbook Project - Brigitte Held Sketchbook Project - Gill Thompson To mark the put yourself, your family and emergency services roving hugely popular is An Lanntair’s Sketchbook Project – we post you out a milestone, on at risk by taking risks, or assuming ‘it won’t happen Psketchbook and daily challenges, you get creative, then post your sketchbook back to us Wednesday May 6, he completed a fundraising to you’. when you’re fi nished! Find out more at: www.lanntair.com 37mile cycle from Stornoway to Carloway, via “If you do see someone at risk, call 999 and ask , and back with the aim of raising £500 for the Coastguard.” Remember: This is only Intermission; we’ll be back soon! for Stornoway RNLI. The message from the RNLI in Scotland is clear, And at the time of writing, his JustGiving page an easing of lockdown does not mean an instantly Stay Safe. Keep Creating. And Keep Connected! – which is open until June 6 – has reached over safer coast and water temperatures remain £13,000! dangerously cold. 04/06/20 - 01/07/20 www.hebevents.com EVENTS - Page 15

6$& $JULFXOWXUDO  &RQVHUYDWLRQ &RQVXOWDQWV FRPELQH ORFDO NQRZOHGJH ZLWK H[WHQVLYH H[SHULHQFH DQG DUH VXSSRUWHG E\ RXU WHDP RI UHQRZQHG VSHFLDOLVWV :HFDQDVVLVWFURIWHUVZLWKEXVLQHVVDGYLFHRQDUDQJHRIWRSLFVWRLPSURYHSURÀWDELOLW\ Crofting &RQWDFW\RXUORFDO6$&RI¿FH /HDGLQJWKHZD\LQ$JULFXOWXUHDQG5XUDO5HVHDUFK(GXFDWLRQDQG&RQVXOWLQJ Services Scottish Crofting Federation Focus on crofting policy

By Patrick Krause amount the scheme used to pay. This is due to the phasing out of LFASS in Europe and the espite the current diffi culties, with all- introduction of a new scheme for Areas of Natural Dhands-on-deck to help with the Covid-19 Constraint, an option Scottish Government chose response, there is still work being carried out not to take. within Scottish Government on policy issues The 60% shortfall is to be made up using the that affect crofting. convergence money, so the rebate ‘windfall’ At a recent meeting Cabinet Secretary for Rural expected as due compensation for under-payment Economy, Fergus Ewing, gave SCF offi cials an in the past will be taken by Scottish Government to update on what’s going on. plug the self-infl icted gap in LFASS. Whilst a lot of the work on a new agricultural Plans for the replacement of LFASS with a policy for Scotland has been shelved due to the Scottish scheme for the areas of natural constraint pandemic, the Farming and Food Production have been shelved for now, so it is not known yet Future Policy Group work is continuing and a what will happen in 2022. report should be published over the summer. The Crofting Agriculture Grant Scheme should Whilst a lot depends on funding coming from not be affected by Covid-19; inspections should Photograph by Sophie Vaudoux UK Government, which is as yet unclear, it is not hold up payments as most can be done absolutely essential that we have a structure and remotely. A signifi cant proportion of payments can the delivery mechanisms worked out as soon as SCF was heavily involved in revamping the businesses in genuine hardship which fi ts B&Bs well be made even if some parts of the process (e.g. scheme, improvements seeing an increase in grant but may exclude holiday cottages. People using a possible – we cannot be left in the lurch. Catching planning) are delayed apparently. CAGS is under levels and more targeting to those in need. personal bank account were excluded, which up on the development of agriculture policy will review currently to seek ways of improving the could be many crofters. The scheme excludes those be a priority as the crisis abates. process and widening eligibility to refl ect how Scottish Government is working on risk models £70m is to be paid-out in March as the second crofts are worked now. and advice to ensure that livestock sales go ahead, whose tourist-based business is below 50% of total and a lot has already been put in place – not least income. Scottish Government acknowledges this tranche of convergence payment, following the The Croft House Grant Scheme continues to owing to the fi rst-rate work the marts have done. and is looking at how to fi ll the gap. same pattern as the fi rst payment earlier this year, operate and has recently awarded its 1000th grant. targeting the Less Favoured Areas. Since the scheme was launched in 2007, more than Some croft businesses are falling through gaps Many crofters are also in-shore fi shermen; However, the 2021 rate for the Less Favoured £21.2 million has been awarded to 1,008 families in compensation schemes, for example the loss a scheme for small boats (under 12m) has been Areas Support Scheme will fall to 40% of the and individuals in rural and island communities. of tourism-related income. HIE runs a scheme for introduced in Scotland – the fi rst in UK to pay out. Join the SCF Membership of the Scottish Crofting Federation is an investment in the future of crofting. Your support will strengthen the voice of crofters & crofting communities

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Registered in Scotland as a Limited Company No: SC218658 Recognised as Scottish Charity No: SC031919     wwwww.crofting.org 01599 530 005  ŶŽƌƚĞŶĞƌŐLJŝƐĂƚƌĂĚŝŶŐĂƌŵŽĨEŽƌƚŚŵĂǀŝŶĞŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJĞǀĞůŽƉŵĞŶƚ ŽŵƉĂŶLJ ʹ ŚĂƌŝƚLJ EƵŵďĞƌ͗^Ϭϯϵϯϵϲ [email protected] ůůƉƌŽĨŝƚƐďĞŶĞĨŝƚŽƵƌĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJŝŶEŽƌƚŚŵĂǀŝŶĞ͕^ŚĞƚůĂŶĚ͘WŝĐƚƵƌĞΞZŽŶŶŝĞZŽďĞƌƚƐŽŶ

Page 16 - EVENTS www.hebevents.com 04/06/20 - 01/07/20

Featured titles: What’s happening at eBook The Tattooist Western Isles Libraries of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

hile the library is closed, the eLibrary is open 7/24 for you to borrow and listen to or read the latest books. Here are our top In 1942, Lale Sokolov arrived in Aus- ten lists, for adults and children, to give you a taster of what is available. chwitz-Birkenau. He was given the job W of tattooing the prisoners marked for For more information on how to access these books, visit the Library from Home section on the Your Lockdown Library website – www. cne-siar.gov.uk/yourlockdownlibrary. survival - scratching numbers into his fellow victims’ arms in indelible ink to Enjoy! create what would become one of the most potent symbols of the Holocaust. TOP NEW EAUDIO BOOKS FROM BORROWBOX TOP NEW EBOOKS FROM LIBBY / OVERDRIVE Carver, C.J. Tell Me a Lie (Dan Forrester; 2) Thriller Halls, Stacey The Foundling Historical Fiction Waiting in line to be tattooed, terrifi ed and shaking, was a young girl. For Lale - a dandy, a jack-the-lad, a bit of a chan- Chapman, Julia Date with Death Hawkins, Alis Those Who Know Detective mystery (Dales Detective Agency; 1) Detective cer - it was love at fi rst sight. And he was determined not only Hillier, Jennifer Little Secrets Mystery to survive himself, but to ensure this woman, Gita, did, too. Jewell, Lisa The Family Upstairs popular title! Crime/Thriller Jewell, Lisa The Family Upstairs Thriller Jones, Sandie The Half Sister Crime/Thriller La Plante, Lynda Buried Thriller eAudio Marks, Nadia One Summer in Crete Romance / Family Morris, Heather The Tattooist of Auschwitz Fiction The Wife Between us O’Leary, Beth The Switch Romantic Comedy Patchett, Ann The Dutch House Fiction Parks, Alan Bobby March Will Live Forever Tartan Noir Pullman, Philip The Secret Commonwealth Fantasy by Greer Hendricks Pekkanen, Sarah Ramsay, Caro The Sideman Detective mystery and Sarah Pekkanen. & Hendricks, Greer The Wife Between us Thriller Swain, Heidi The Secret Seaside Escape Romance Scott, Manda Boudica Historical Adventure A New York Times top-ten bestseller. ‘A fi endishly clever thriller in the vein of Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train. This one will keep you guessing.’ When you read this book, you will make many assumptions. It’s about a jealous wife, obsessed with her replacement. It’s about a younger woman set to marry the man she loves. The fi rst wife seems like a disaster; her replacement is the perfect woman. You will assume you know the motives, the history, the anatomy of the relationships… You will be wrong!

The Summer Linda Mackinnon Linda with pupils at community library End of era as librarian retires Reading Challenge By Annie Delin “She is an amazing person and fantastic at her job – the children is back with Silly everal generations of Barra children have been encouraged, love her and she loves them. She is so keen to ensure that they are Sled and stimulated to a lifetime love of reading by Castlebay encouraged to read.” Squad! community librarian Linda Mackinnon, who retires from her Linda’s enthusiasm for books isn’t just limited to literature for post on June 11th after 36 years at her post. children – she also keeps all the generations in Barra supplied with reading material matched to their interests. t’s almost time for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, And whatever the changes we have seen in the world recently, not Iand for 2020 it’s all about funny books, happiness and seeing Linda among the bookshelves at the school and community Mairi said: “She has a huge passion for reading and it’s her own having a laugh! library is likely to be one of the changes most keenly felt when staff pastime too – she will quite happily spend hours reading. That The Silly Squad is a team of animal friends who love to go and pupils return in August. shows when it comes to meeting the needs of library-users of all on adventures and get stuck in to all different kinds of funny generations. She knows what people like and she is always picking Linda Mackinnon was, according to one colleague and former books. This year, our Challenge features extra special characters books for them and thinking of other things that they would like.” pupil ‘there with the bricks’, having started work when the library designed by the award-winning author and illustrator Laura Ellen opened in 1984. Michelle Maclean, now head teacher at Castlebay Linda’s passion for her job and for the people who come in to Anderson, who you’ll know from amazing reads like Amelia primary school, said: “I was a pupil at the school when Linda was choose a good read has placed the library at the absolute heart of Fang and Evil Emperor Penguin! fi rst librarian and she has not changed one single bit in the whole the Barra community, according to Western Isles head of libraries You can join the Silly Squad on a new adventure by setting time I have known her – in the way she presents herself or in the Kathleen Milne. your own personal reading challenge to complete this summer. enthusiasm that she has for books and children. She said: “Linda is a born librarian, she just loves books. She The new online platform will help you keep track of your books, “She has always been really supportive of the primary children, knows what people like and her knowledge of children’s books is reviews and the rewards you unlock along the way. passionate about the library and the children using it. Her library just extraordinary. Her mind is like a reference system – she knows As always, we’ll have loads of brilliant book suggestions to get is in the heart of the school, so the kids are in and out all the time. where everything is kept and how to fi nd something that would suit you started, and tips on how you can keep reading even while “She helps us to organise book hunts in the library, puts together any reader. schools and libraries are closed. We’ll also have heaps of super bundles of books ready for us to use for our school topics and “Her support for the children is fantastic. She is always encouraging silly activities, quizzes, videos, games and more to keep you organises World Book Day so that children can come in and vote entertained at home! for their favourite book, with voting slips and pencils all ready like them to read and suggesting what they could try.” The library has a great collection of eBooks and eAudio books a little election.” Retirement at a time of social distancing means there won’t be an just for you so you can take part in the challenge. Head over to event on June 11th – although staff are determined the day will not School secretary Mairi Campbell is one of Linda’s contemporaries the Library from Home section at Your Lockdown Library (www. and passes through the school library every day on the way to the school go unmarked. A proper send-off for Linda is planned when lockdown cne-siar.gov.uk/yourlockdownlibrary) to discover lots of fun and offi ce. She’s also a personal friend and sees Linda every day, and she has is lifted and people are free to gather and show their appreciation of silly books you can read or listen to. everything she has done for the island’s readers. seen how times have changed while Linda has been in the job Silly Squad offi cially begins on Friday 5 June 2020 at She said: “I moved home to Barra in 1979 and the new school In retirement, according to friend and colleague Mairi Campbell, summerreadingchallenge.org.uk she’s likely to spend more time appreciating her other passion, opened in 1983, which is when Linda started in the library. It was Keep an eye on the website for the latest Summer Reading football. And, she says: “She’s a real sun-worshipper, so I can imagine pen and paper that she used then and, when computers were Challenge news, including details of the fantastically fun Silly introduced, she said 'Oh no, I'll stick with my pen and paper.' That her in a sun-lounger with a book in her hand and her cat by her side. Squad launch party! didn't last – she became a whizz kid with the computer and there’s We’ll defi nitely miss her, but it’s not as if she is going away from the no pen and paper now. island. I am sure we will be seeing her among the bookshelves still!” 04/06/20 - 01/07/20 www.hebevents.com EVENTS - Page 17 PLANNING APPLICATIONS DURING MAY 2020 The following planning applications are pending consideration by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. All information and accompanying documents are publicly available on the CnES website. ISLE OF LEWIS New polycrub, Breasclete New agricultural barn, Tong Murdina Mackenzie of 28a Breasclete has S & G Stewart has applied for planning Heat exchanger building, Callanish applied for planning permission to erect a permission to erect an agricultural building at polycrub at 28 Breasclete. The polycrub is to be croft 8, Tong. The building is to be 22.86 metres 8 metres long, 4 metres wide and 3 metres high. long, 12.192 metres wide and 6.205 metres tall. Work is to include creating a new access and New house, Vatisker parking suitable for fi ve cars. John Mackenzie of 45 Overton Road, New agricultural building Sheffi eld, has applied for planning permission to erect a house at 39b Vatisker. Work is to include Donald Matheson of 40A Upper Coll has creating a new access, parking suitable for two applied for planning permission to erect an cars and installing an air source heat pump. The agricultural building for storage of agricultural two-storey house is to have three bedrooms, implements and material at 40A Upper Coll. The a kitchen/dining room, a living room, two building is to be 7 metres long, 4 metres wide bathrooms and a utility room. and 3 metres tall. The building is to have a timber frame and 0.5mm thick box profi le coating. New polytunnel, Jenny Allenby of 12C Tolsta Chaolais has New domestic garage applied for planning permission to erect a Alan Mackay of 31A Coll has applied for polytunnel at 12C Tolsta Chaolais. planning permission erect an 8 metre by 12 New house, Point metre domestic garage at 31A Coll. Stuart Macleod of 2 , Point, has applied for planning permission to build a house ISLE OF HARRIS at 16B Portvoller. Work is to include creating an New electricity poles, Groseclett access and parking suitable for two cars. Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks has BASF (Pharma) Callanish has applied for planning permission to erect a heat exchanger building New house, Lochs applied for planning permission to interpole two to house sea water cooling system and install pier access above MHWS line, associated with existing Rosemary Bugler of 43 Lighthill, Back, has new poles (one single pole 1a and one H-Pole 1b) adjacent factory at BASF Pharma Callanish Ltd The Factory Breasclete. applied for planning permission to build a new on the existing 33kV overhead line at Stockinish house at 4b , Lochs. The house is to consist substation, Harris at NG134942 to reinforce the Additional development of factory, Callanish of two bedrooms, one bathroom, a kitchen/living/ network. One existing pole (pole 1) will also be dining area and a boot room. Work is to include replaced. All new poles and replacements will be creating parking suitable for two cars. of similar size and height of the existing overhead lines at Sub Station Groseclett. Extension, Point Three new warehouses, Ardhasaig Mr and Mrs MacGeoch have applied for planning permission to build an extension and renovate the existing house at 3 . Work is to include creating a new access.

New agricultural building, Sandwick Daniel Maciver of 7 Esplanade Court, Stornoway, has applied for planning permission to erect a new agricultural building at 23 East Street, Sandwick. The building is to be 8 metres long, 5 metres wide and 4 metres tall.

New polycrub, Barvas Isle of Harris Distillers Ltd has applied Calum Mackay of 9 Upper Barvas has applied for planning permission to build a polycrub at for planning permission to erect three new 9 Upper Barvas. The polycrub is to be 9 metres warehouses at 8 Ardhasaig. Work is to include long, 4 metres wide and 2.7 metres tall. creating an additional 12 parking spaces taking the total number of spaces to 16. Renovation and extension of barn, Extension of hardstanding, Bowglass BASF (Pharma) Callanish has applied for planning permission for additional development at the Donald MacPhail of 41 South Bragar has factory at BASF Pharma Callanish Ltd, Breasclete. Developments will comprise of: new factory applied for planning permission to renovate and Irene Morrison of 2 Bowglass has applied for building; solvent recovery unit; new boiler house; sprinkler pump house and tank; fi re water recovery extend the existing agricultural barn at 41 South planning permission to create a hardstanding at tank; bunded tank farm; walkway-bridge, connecting to the existing factory building; and new service Bragar. Work will also include erecting an 8 metre Tasta n Sea Kiosk, 2 Bowglass. Work is to include yards and access roads. long, 4 metre wide and 2.612 metre tall polycrub. creating a new access and siting a storage unit.

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NEW GAELIC MUSIC ONLINE LESSONS TO BE OFFERED FREE DURING LOCKDOWN ARTS ORGANISATION OFFERS NEW SERVICE TO SUPPORT MUSIC LEARNING FROM HOME 9 May 2020, In a bid to support people, of all Fèisean nan Gàidheal’s Chief Executive, Arthur 1ages, with their learning and practicing of Cormack, said: “It was always our plan to develop our traditional music and Gaelic skills at home during FèisTV resource to offer online music lessons in addition lockdown, leading arts organisation, Fèisean nan to live streaming of events. Normally these lessons Gàidheal, has launched a new online music tuition will be part of a paid subscription service, but we are service, which will be free of charge to all. delighted to offer this new service for free at this time Under the banner of FèisTV and with funding from whilst people are safely at home and looking for activities Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Creative Scotland and Highlands & to keep themselves going. We are grateful to the funders Islands Enterprise, a video series of traditional music who have enabled us to develop this resource.” lessons, at different levels, has been created in Gaelic Laura Nicolson, Project Offi cer at Fèisean nan and English to support those with no Gaelic, learners Gàidheal explained: “As part of the new programme of the language and fl uent Gaelic speakers. The Oide #cleachdiaigantaigh, in which we are involved together (meaning tutor in Gaelic) series currently offers lessons with Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Comunn na Gàidhlig and other in accordion, fi ddle and Gaelic song, with more Gaelic organisations, Fèisean nan Gàidheal will deliver instruments available soon, thanks to further funding more live events online in the coming weeks. In the from the Scottish Government. meantime, we hope people will get some enjoyment The lessons, which are suitable for all ages and abilities, and new skills from the Oide video lessons.” are led by some of the most experienced traditional Steven Kellow, Funding & Project Offi cer at Bòrd music tutors in the country, including accordionist Ian Smith from popular folk band, Trail West, fi ddler Robbie na Gàidhlig said: “We welcome this resource which is Grieg, who plays with electronic folk band, INYAL, and extremely useful in supporting music tuition through singers James Graham, Eilidh Cormack (a member of the medium of Gaelic. Fèisean nan Gàidheal and other female singing trio, SIAN) and Deirdre Graham. groups have been working hard to produce resources through the #cleachdiaigantaigh / #useitathome initiative ONLINE GAELIC COURSE With more than 70 video lessons at levels appropriate and we are grateful for the creative opportunities like this for beginners, intermediate and advanced learners, this they have delivered at this challenging time.” Siuthadaibh - Go on! resource will provide something for everyone, allowing people to continue their musical creativity or even learn The Oide video lessons can be found online at https:// Take this great opportunity to learn Gaelic at a time and place of a new skill during lockdown. tv.feisean.org. your choosing. Lews Castle College’s on-line Gaelic course will give you the tools you need to have a chat with colleagues, understand Gaelic conversation in the office, in the staffroom or among friends. PGDE Slighe Ghàidhlig –Colaiste a’ Chaisteil OGE bheil ùidh agaibh ann an teagasg tro mheadhan A complete beginner? No problem. Have some Gaelic A na Gàidhlig? A bheil ceum agaibh mar-thà? A already? We’ve got that covered. Our two 12-week bheil sibh a’ beachdachadh air for-cheum ann an programmes will allow you to choose the level suited to your needs. teagasg? Tha feum air ur leithid ann am foghlam Gàidhlig! Gàidhlig don h-uile duine - Gaelic for Everyone Thèid agaibh air PGDE (Slighe Ghàidhlig – bun- sgoil, àrd-sgoil no cuspair tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig san àrd-sgoil) a dhèanamh aig Colaiste a’ Chaisteil For further information please contact: OGE. A bharrachd air a bhith stèidhichte ann an sgìre Angela Weir air leth brèagha, bheireadh seo cothrom dhuibh a bhith [email protected] ag ionnsachadh ann an coimhearsnachd bhrosnachail 01851 770457 Ghàidhlig – sàr dheasachadh airson a dhol an sàs ann am foghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig ann an sgoiltean. Cuiridh sinn fàilte air tagraidhean tro UCAS suas ri 19 tro-mheadhan-na-gaidhlig/ Gaelic for Everyone Gaelic for An t-Ògmhios 2020. Dh’fhaodar taic-airgid bho Bòrd https://www.uhi.ac.uk/en/courses/pgde-ard-sgoil-tro- na Gàidhlig a bhith an cois a’ phrògraim seo. Gheibh mheadhan-na-gaidhlig/ sibh barrachd fi os mu PGDE (slighe Ghàidhlig) an seo: Siuthadaibh – nach beachdaich sibh air dreuchd ann https://www.uhi.ac.uk/en/courses/pgde-bun-sgoil- an teagasg Gàidhlig? PGDE (Gaelic pathway) – Lews Castle College UHI re you interested in teaching through the community – an excellent grounding for anyone wishing Amedium of Gaelic? Do you already have a to teach through the medium of Gaelic in schools. degree? Have you considered doing a post-graduate We welcome applications through UCAS until 19 diploma in teaching? This could be the opportunity June 2020. Additional funding to support you to into for you! Gaelic teaching may be available from Bòrd na Gàidhlig. You can complete your PGDE (Gaelic-medium Further information on the programme is available here: primary, secondary or secondary Gaelic-medium https://www.uhi.ac.uk/en/courses/pgde-primary- subjects) at Lews Castle College. Not only would you gaelic-medium/ www.lews.uhi.ac.uk 03/2020 attend college in a beautiful part of the world, you would https://www.uhi.ac.uk/en/courses/pgde-secondary- have the opportunity to study in a supportive Gaelic gaelic-medium/ 04/06/20 - 01/07/20 www.hebevents.com EVENTS - Page 19 PST a’ cuir air dòigh seirbhis-sunnd agus lìbhrigidh

ha carthannas tuathanas-gaoithe coimhearsnachd Urras an TRubha agus Shanndabhaig air seirbhis ùr a chuir air dòigh airson gnothaichean agus biadh a lìbhrigeadh agus càirdeas a thoirt do dhaoine, anns an oidhirp as ùra aca airson taic a thoirt don choimhearsnachd le bhith a’ sabaid an aghaidh Covid-19. Chaidh triùir luchd-obrach ùr a chuir ann an dreuchd airson stuthan a lìbhrigeadh agus airson fònadh gu daoine aig a bheil feum air an leithid ann an sgìre an Rubha agus Shanndabhaig. Chaidh Peter McNeill agus Matthew Smith a thaghadh mar dhraibhearan-lìbhrigidh, agus tha Sandra NicLeòid gu bhith na co- òrdanaiche air an t-seirbhis. Bidh iad anns an dreuchd airson co-dhiù dhà neo trì miosan agus tha na puist air maoineachadh fhaighinn bho thabhartasan gu Urras an Rubha agus Shanndabhaig bho Fhonndas Corra agus Ionmhas Taic Coimhearsnachd aig Riaghaltas na h-Alba, tro Iomairt na Gàidhealtachd is nan Eilean. Chaidh bileag ag innse mun t-seirbhis a chruthachadh, agus thig e tro gach bocsa-litrichean ann an sgìre an Rubha agus Shanndabhaig a dh’aithghearr. Tha dà àireamh fòn cudromach air – aon airson lìbhrigeadh an-asgaidh a chuir air dòigh airson stuthan bho na bùithtean, agus an tèile airson taic fallaineachd coimhearsnachd. ’S e th’anns an dara àireamh seo ach seirbhis càirdeas fòna, agus dòigh airson iarraidh biadh bruichte a lìbhrigeadh chun an doras aca. Fòn 01851 871286 airson lìbhrigeadh bho na bùithtean a chuir air dòigh, agus 07385711473 airson taic fallaineachd. Tha gach loidhne fosgailte 9m gu 1f, Diluain gu Dihaoine. Thuirt Dòmhnall Iain MacSuain, manaidsear Urras an Rubha agus Shanndabhaig: “Tha PST glè thoilichte ar Taic Coimhearsnachd Covid-19 a leudachadh le seirbhis lìbhrigidh-biadh agus seirbhis càirdeas le maoineachadh bho Fonndas Corra, agus tha sinn toilichte fàilte a chuir air triùir luchd-obrach ùr a chuireas na seirbhisean seo air dòigh agus a bhios gan ruith. Togaidh agus lìbhrigidh na draibhearan gnothaichean a tha air an coimhearsnachd a chuir air dòigh airson a’ ghalair-cruinne, a tha “Tha an seirbhis seo an asgaidh agus fosgailte do dhuine sam bith òrdachadh agus air am pàigheadh ro-làimh bho Bakery, a’ faighinn airgead saor gu lèir a’ charthannas airson an còrr den a tha a’ cuir feum air ann an sgìre an Rubha agus Shanndabhaig, agus Bùth an Rubha, Macleod & Macleod Butchers, WJ Macdonald bhliadhna airson Covid-19 a shabaid. Chaidh tabhartas £40,000 tha e sponsairichte le ar caraidean aig Comhairle Coimhearsnachd Butchers agus Islander Shellfi sh. Cuidichidh iad cuideachd le a thoirt do NHS Eilean Siar bhon mhaoin sin, airson taic a thoirt an Rubha agus Comhairle Coimhearsnachd Shanndabhaig. lìbhrigeadh bhon bhanca-bìdhe. do luchd-obrach agus luchd-fulang, agus £15,000 gu lèir - £5,000 “Thèid bileag le fi osrachadh mu na seirbhisean – lìbhrigeadh Bu chòir luchd-fuirich òrdachadh gu dìreach leis na bùithtean agus an duine – airson Comhairlean Coimhearsnachd an Rubha, gnothaichean bho bùithtean ionadail, agus an seirbhis ùr biadh innse dhaibh gur e lìbhrigeadh PST a bhios ann, agus an uairsin fòn Shanndabhaig, agus Steòrnabhagh mar ‘ionmhas èiginn’ airson bruich – a chuir tro bucais-litrichean anns gach taigh ann an sgìre an a chuir chun an àireamh lìbhrigidh airson an òrdugh a dhearbhadh. luchd-fuirich anns na sgìrean sin. Rubha agus Shanndabhaig ann an là neo dhà. Fòn ro 1f agus feuchaidh na draibhearan an lìbhrigeadh a dhèanamh Ag ainmeachadh cruthachadh an t-ionmhas galair-cruinne “Bidh na seirbhisean air an dèanamh le sùil air na riaghailtean an aon là. coimhearsnachd am mios a chaidh, thuirt Calum MacDonald, a Covid-19 as ùra bho NHS Eilean Siar agus an Riaghaltas, agus Tha am buidheann cuideachd a’ tabhairt taic airson aonaranachd- b’àbhaist a bhith na bhall-pàrlamaid airson na h-Eileanan an Iar làimhseachadh sàbhailte air biadh bruich. glasadh a lùghdachadh tron seirbhis càirdeas-fòna agus thathar a’ agus a tha na mhanaidsear-leasachaidh airson Urras an Rubha agus Shanndabhaig, gu robh bòrd PST air aontachadh “a h-uile “Bidh ar luchd-obrach saor-thoileach ag obair gu dlùth le tabhairt biadh bruich cuideachd – air an deasachadh leis An Àrd pìos airgead nach eil air a ghealltainn do bhuidhnean cudromach luchd-iomairt coimhearsnachd airson pàirtean de gach seirbhis a Chòcaire. Faodaidh daoine fònadh air an son fhèin neo air leth ionadail mar Bhetesda a chleachdadh airson taic a thoirt don oidhirp lìbhrigeadh. Thèid naidheachdan a phostadh gu tric air ar duilleag dhaoine eile – thathar ag amas cuideachadh a thoirt dhan a h-uile coimhearsnachdail a dh’fheumas sinn airson a bhith a’ sabaid an Facebook agus ar làrach-lìn mar a leasaicheas na seirbhisean.” duine a tha a’ cuir feum air – agus cuidichidh am buidheann cho mòr ’sa ’s urrainn dhaibh, an-asgaidh. galair-cruinne.” Tha an seirbhis lìbhrigidh ag amas air cuideachadh a thoirt do Thuirt e cuideachd: “Ge bith dè thachras, feumaidh sinn uile obair luchd-fuirich a tha a’ fèin-aonaranachadh, nach urrainn a dhol do na Chan eil ann an toiseach an t-seirbhis seo, leis an dà phàirt, ach còmhla agus cuideachadh a thoirt dha càch a chèile, agus do na bùithtean airson adhbhar sam bith neo a tha ann an suidheachadh an gnìomh as ùra bho Urras an Rubha agus Shanndabhaig airson cuideachadh le buaidh a’ ghalair-cruinne coròna-bhìoras. luchd-obrach mìorbhaileach slàinte agus cùram a tha againn anns sam bith eile a tha air a dhèanamh nas miosa le glasadh a’ ghalair- na h-eileanan airson a’ bhìoras seo a shabaid.” cruinne. Tha e a’ tighinn as dèidh don bhuidheann maoin-èiginn PST launch delivery and wellbeing service

ommunity wind farm organisation Point and Sandwick welcome three new members to the PST staff to set up and deliver confi rm. Call before 1pm and the drivers will do their best to make CTrust has launched a new delivery, meals on wheels and the services. the delivery the same day. befriending service in its latest effort to support the community “This service is free and available to anyone in need in the The organisation is also offering support to help ease lockdown in the fi ght against Covid-19. Point and Sandwick area and is supported by our partners at Point loneliness through the telephone befriending service and can supply Three new members of staff have been appointed to make the Community Council and Sandwick Community Council. freshly cooked meals – prepared by The Chief Cook. People can deliveries and check in by telephone on the wellbeing of people in “A leafl et with details about how to access the two services — get in touch either on their own behalf or on someone else’s – the need in the Point and Sandwick area. grocery delivery using local shops, and the new cooked food service aim is to make sure that everyone who needs help gets it – and the organisation will do its best to help, free of charge. Peter McNeill and Matthew Smith have been appointed as delivery — will pop through the letterbox in every occupied house in the drivers, while Sandra Macleod has been appointed as co-ordinator of Point and Sandwick area in the next few days. The launch of the service, with its two elements, is the latest the service. They will be in post for several months and the jobs have “The services will be delivered with regard to the latest NHS action from Point and Sandwick Trust to help mitigate the impacts of been funded by grants to Point and Sandwick Trust from the Corra Western Isles and Government Covid-19 guidelines, and the safe the coronavirus pandemic. Foundation and the Scottish Government’s Supporting Communities handling of cooked food. It follows the set up of the emergency community pandemic fund, Fund via Highlands and Islands Enterprise. “We will be using our volunteers to keep in close touch with in which Point and Sandwick Trust pledged to donate all spare funds A fl yer informing households of the service has been produced community activists to deliver some aspects of both services. for the rest of the year to fi ghting the crisis. A donation of £40,000 and will drop through every letterbox in the Point and Sandwick area Updates will be posted regularly on our popular Facebook page and was made to NHS Western Isles from that fund, to support frontline presently. It has two vital phone numbers on it – one for arranging our website as the services develop.” staff and mitigate suffering, and a total of £15,000 – £5,000 each – the free delivery of groceries and the other for community wellbeing The grocery delivery service aims to help those residents who are has been made to the Point, Sandwick and Stornoway Community support. This second number is a telephone befriending service and self-isolating, unable to get to the shops due to transport diffi culties Councils to act as a ‘hardship fund’ to support residents in their area. the way for people to request the delivery of freshly cooked meals or who have any other circumstances that have been exacerbated by Announcing the creation of the pandemic community fund in to their door. the pandemic lockdown. March, Calum Macdonald, the former MP for the Western Isles who Call 01851 871286 to organise grocery delivery and 07385711473 The drivers will safely pick up and deliver shopping that has been is also the development manager for Point and Sandwick Trust, said for wellbeing support. Both lines are open 9am to 1pm, Monday to ordered and prepaid from local stores including Blackhouse Bakery, the Point and Sandwick Trust board had decided to devote “all the Friday. Buth an Rubha, Macleod & Macleod Butchers, WJ Macdonald income that isn’t already committed to key local organisations like Donald John MacSween, general manager of Point and Sandwick Butchers and Islander Shellfi sh. They will also be helping with Bethesda to support the community effort we are going to need to Trust, said: “PST are delighted to expand our Covid-19 Community deliveries from the food bank. get through the pandemic.” Support to include a daily cooked food delivery and befriending Residents should order directly with the shops, advise them it He said: “Whatever happens, we will have to pull together to help service with funding from the Corra Foundation, and are pleased to will be a PST delivery and then call the delivery line number to each other.” Page 20 - EVENTS www.hebevents.com 04/06/20 - 01/07/2004/06/20 - 01/07/2004/06/20 - 01/07/20 www.hebevents.com EVENTS - Page 21 Harris Tweed connections in the modern world Queen’s Awards for Ceangal is the Gaelic word for Connection - and that is what this series of essays by Brian Wilson is about. Each deals with a connection that ties Harris Tweed Hebrides into history, communities, families, culture, clients, markets, events .... everything that has contributed to the evolution of a unique industry. These were written for the Harris Tweed Hebrides social media and we are delighted to share them with EVENTS readers. Lewis volunteers

he Counselling and Family been service manager of CFMWI since The Mill at Shawbost TMediation Western Isles (CFMWI) 2008 added: “It has been both a privilege and Fèis an Rudha (Point Gaelic and a pleasure to be part of CFM Western hen Ian Angus Mackenzie turned a key in the Festival) are among the 230 groups to Isles for the past 12 years. Wrusty lock of Shawbost Mill in November 2007, receive this year’s Queen’s Award for “We know how stressful it can be for he was not only ushering in the age of Harris Tweed Voluntary Service, the highest award people who fi nd themselves in need of Hebrides but also connecting with more than 80 years a voluntary group can achieve in the our service, the respect and compassion of history. UK. shown by our volunteers goes a long way in helping our clients fi nd their way It was in the early 1920s that Harris Tweed was fi rst Representatives from both groups through a variety of life’s diffi culties. “produced” on the Shawbost Mill site. The home-woven will attend a Royal Garden Party in July Their compassion, respect and kindness tweeds were washed in the burn and laid to dry on the 2021 at the Palace of Holyroodhouse is an inspiration to us all. Our volunteers stone dyke. From there, they were dispatched to distant in Edinburgh along with other Scottish show dedication and commitment at Rotary gardeners Andrew Sim, Ken Macdonald, Bob Adam, John Hay and Jackie Mackay in the garden in 2019 Yorkshire. recipients of this year’s awards. all times to our clients, colleagues and The provenance of this operation lay in a request for the The Island awards will be presented the organisation, treating everyone with supply of Harris Tweed received from the Leeds fi rm of J.B. to the groups by HM Lord-Lieutenant respect and kindness. To be recognised in ‘Our Hospital Garden’ Bennett, addressed to Kenneth MacLeod, Shawbost, Isle of of the Western Isles Donald Martin at this way is a most fi tting tribute to their Lewis. This was taken to mean the Kenneth MacLeod who ceremonies in Stornoway and Point later work within our community.” owned a local shop and was only too willing to respond. this year. Fèis an Rubha was re-established in By the 1930s, Harris Tweed was big business and Mr Martin said: “I was delighted that 2012, following an initial run of three project defi es gloom! producers from the Scottish mainland and beyond were the two nominations from the Western years from 2006-2008. The Fèis provides eager to get in on the act. The defi nition of Harris Tweed Isles had been successful in gaining high quality and professional tutoring By Annie Delin Andrew said: “We received a grant from Rotary – that all stages of the process had to be carried out in the these well-deserved Awards. Both in Gaelic traditional music, drama and ithin the grounds of the Western District 1010 of £1,650 and NHS Western Isles Outer Hebrides of Scotland – was not secured until 1934 groups are an excellent example of the singing for the young people of the Point Isles Hospital an all-but-forgotten has more than matched this by making money and this led to an explosion in demand for “Orb-stamped” important contribution of our volunteers community during an annual week- W available from the endowment fund” horticultural gem has been quietly blooming Harris Tweed. in providing much valued services long event. The Fèis is organised by a through the spring of Coronavirus isolation. “The actual gardening work started over a Kenneth MacLeod (Shawbost) joined one of the and making a difference within their committee of volunteers, with support year ago when up to fi ve Rotarians met every Stornoway mills, Samuel Newall, in a company called communities. from their parent organisation, Fèisean The rejuvenation of the Clisham memory Wednesday at 10am to weed, plant or tidy the Lewis and Harris Dyeing and Finishing Co. Ltd which nan Gàidheal. Most of the committee are garden, which was opened in 2010, is part of the “This is the second year in succession garden. They are ably supported by Douglas created a vertically-integrated process with most of the working parents, many of whom give up Our Hospital Garden project – a joint venture that volunteers from the Western Isles MacKenzie, estates manager at NHS Western Isles a week of their annual leave to help out between the Rotary Club of Stornoway and NHS work done in Stornoway. It was not until 1960 that a have been honoured with this prestigious and Alan Mowat, the hospital gardener. during Fèis week. Western Isles. substantial building – a wash-house – appeared on the Award. We have so many voluntary “With a generous donation of begonias, lupins, Shawbost site. groups in our islands doing excellent Over the years, Fèis an Rubha has The idea to bring back to life three garden areas pansies and alyssum from Hamish Bremner and work and I hope to see more nominations expanded, with more than 50 children, within the confi nes of the hospital was hatched as a Then in 1965, a recognisable mill was created with the the support of Willowglen Garden Centre, some from the Western Isles next year.” The from ages 3 to 14, attending most years. celebration of the Rotary Club of Stornoway’s 60th introduction of carding and spinning frames. That building colour was brought back to the Clisham garden. closing date for the next round is 25 Although an emphasis is put on Gaelic anniversary. The hospital has well-constructed was offi cially opened in 1966 by the chairman of the Over 2,000 daffodils, crocuses, bluebells and September 2020 and more information is language, the Fèis is open to all, not just areas with plenty of potential for contemplation, Scottish Land Court, Lord Birsay - recognition of what a snowdrops were planted and a heather garden available on https://qavs.culture.gov.uk/ to children in Gaelic-medium education. healthy outdoor relaxation and recreation and signifi cant development this was for the crofter-weaver created. The fi nal concert on the Friday night of Stornoway Rotary Club are keen to create a villages on the west side of Lewis. Since its establishment in 1990, the Fèis is always well attended by the sustainable, low-maintenance and accessible “But before spring planting could get underway Roddy Morrison was a seaman home on leave when Counselling & Family Mediation Western wider community, and the children gain amenity for patients, staff, relatives and visitors. lockdown hit us. The gardeners were unable to meet Derick Murray – grandson of Kenneth MacLeod on his Isles has been providing a confi dential confi dence from public performance of and there are plants waiting in pots to be put out.” mother’s side – asked him to help "for a few weeks" with and free counselling and mediation Retired surgeon Andrew Sim, one of the green- what they have learnt during the week. fi ngered team behind the project, said: “The It was a disappointment for the team, champing bringing the new mill into operation. Roddy was there for service through professionally trained Even though the Fèis participation Western Isles Hospital has very well-designed at the bit to get back into the garden and imagining 31 years, latterly as manager of the Shawbost Mill. volunteer counsellors and mediators fees are relatively low, the committee green spaces – the Clisham memory garden, a that the weeds would be taking over their cherished He recalls that the association with J.B. Bennett, who to families, adults and young people the mothballed Shawbost mill in late 2007 and the rest were aware that even this was beyond large courtyard garden in the middle and another endeavour. Luckily plants have a way of surviving had acquired an interest in Kenneth MacLeod (Shawbost), throughout the Western Isles. The service is history. Derick Murray died in 2017 and, uncannily, his the budget of some families, especially next to the cafeteria, visible through the League of – sunshine, warmth and rain brought the spring continued into the 1960s and he would frequently travel is funded nationally by Relationship funeral took place on the same day that Princess Anne was those with several children who would Friends café window. bulbs into fl ower, though not many saw them. down to Leeds. The vast majority of Harris Tweed at that Scotland via Scottish Government grant offi cially opening a major extension to the Shawbost mill. and supplemented by local funding from want to participate. So Fèis an Rubha As soon as they get the all clear they will be time, and well into the 1980s, went to the American “The Rotary Club, in association with Alzheimer At that time, we recalled that Derick had kept Shawbost Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and NHS approached the Point and Sandwick back out there. The ideas are ambitious but with market. Scotland, has been involved with the Clisham mill open long after it might have made purely economic Western Isles. Trust, and the resulting grant from PST this kind of enthusiasm this community project memory garden for some years, weeding it and Roddy recalls: “It was the US market that kept that mill sense to close it. “The fact that he did so, and then sold has allowed them to offer free places at will produce a valuable resource for people to The group’s chair, Catriona Stewart keeping it tidy, but about a year ago some of us going. Derick was selling through a company called St it to us relatively intact, made it possible for Harris Tweed the Fèis for families on low income for embrace the healing powers of nature in the caring said: “The Board of CFM Western Isles is thought we wanted to do more than just weed.” Andrew’s Textiles in New York. We were getting as much Hebrides to come into existence and to restore life to the the past two years. environment of their own local hospital. work as we could manage from these people for years. extremely proud of the service provided In collaboration with Robert Stubbington, former mill”. to our communities by our professionally Unrelated to the main work of the landscape architect to Comhairle Nan Eilean The project has the whole-hearted support of There was no marketing”. Thirteen years on from opening the key in that rusty trained volunteers ably managed by our Fèis but supported by the Fèis committee Siar, a proposal for a three-phase development NHS Western Isles, with Chief Executive Gordon However, the American market slumped in the 1980s as lock, Ian Angus Mackenzie, says: “ When we took over service manager, Christine MacKechnie. and funded by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, is of landscaping, planting and development was Jamieson saying: “It is comforting for people to lighter fabrics became fashionable. From the early 1990s, Taigh Cèilidh an Rubha, a monthly the mill, the buildings and fi nishing needed modernising. “The increasing demand for our produced and immediately approved by Gordon have the garden to go to for a bit of peace and Derick Murray also owned the largest of the Stornoway Gaelic event aimed at bringing older However, the carding and spinning was in fi rst class services across the Western Isles both Jamieson, chief executive of NHS Western Isles. refl ection.” mills but retained a great loyalty to the family mill in and younger Gaelic speakers together in condition, having gone in new in the '80s. Derick for adults and our young people has In the fi rst phase a pedestrian entrance from Andrew Sim agrees. He said: “When I started Shawbost. Eventually, however, it closed in 2005 with Murray built up the business in a careful and shrewd way, an informal setting for singing, dancing, meant that we are presently training, Macaulay Road will allow access to the hospital medicine in the 70s there were some old hospitals production concentrated in Stornoway. surviving when others didn’t. He deserves recognition and local history and storytelling. to Diploma Level, six new volunteer without having to walk along the side of the busy which still had huge greenhouses in the middle; praise for that”. Margarita Dobroskokina Photograph by Pierre Guillemin The newly-formed Harris Tweed Hebrides acquired counsellors to join our six fully trained Anne Macaulay, who chairs the Fèis, road. The walkway will pass through a wooded patients, staff and visitors could sit and refl ect in a counsellors and two mediators. There said: “We are delighted and honoured area where shrubs and plants will be carefully healthy space. It was considered part of the therapeutic were over 500 enquiries to the service that the work of our committee has been nurtured. The Clisham garden will be revitalised environment then and I think it is still true” The Russian Connection over the last year and most progressed to recognised in this way. We have been with spring bulbs, heathers, hardy perennials and Hard work, imagination and the relaxation either counselling or mediation sessions. supported through the years by Fèisean a variety of shrubs, many of which are a valuable of lockdown rules will all help bring these ideas stonishingly, within fi ve months of the doors from the Harris Tweed Authority's vintage collection and we As for Harris Tweed and the Russian market ... that Historically, of course, there is a huge trading link nan Gàidheal, Bòrd na Gàidhlig and “Flexible working is key to the delivery legacy of the original planting. to fruition. In the meantime, bulbs are quietly were off and running. The story ran widely and sent out the proved a little more challenging. While there have been between the Outer Hebrides and Russia. In the late 19th Comhairle nan Eilean Siar as well as the Areopening at Shawbost mill, the fi rst fi nished of our services and our counsellors In phase two, the internal courtyard will be blooming and new growth greening up in the right signals. We were expanding into new markets while orders from a range of clients, problems with customs and and early 20th century, Stornoway was the leading herring Point and Sandwick Trust and we thank tweeds were ready for dispatch in May 2008. It was a have been using various technologies developed as an internal cloistered garden, Clisham memory garden, showing the potential accessories and womenswear would complement traditional currency tend to create complications and there is still a curing port in Europe. The main markets were in the Baltic them all for helping us to continue and happy occasion to be marked by a media event which to support clients for a number of years including a children’s recreation area. The fi nal growth of the Our Hospital Garden idea, planted menswear to become a defi ning factor in the success of Harris lot of unfulfi lled potential at the luxury end of the huge states and island vessels carried the prized cargo as far expand on the work done by Fèis an would herald a new era for Harris Tweed. now. Skype, Zoom and telephone phase will see the cafeteria garden improved as a to mark The Rotary Club of Stornoway’s diamond Tweed Hebrides. It was a new twist on old yarn. Russian market. as Riga and St Petersburg. It is tempting to believe there Rubha”. The company determined the fi rst order to leave meetings ensure continuity of counselling staff relaxation area with a Mediterranean theme. jubilee. would also have been Harris Tweed on board! Since the Queen’s Award for Voluntary the mill was bound for Russia and a Moscow-based We said then: "Margarita Dobroskokina sums up the Two years ago, the Russian Consul-General in regardless of where clients may live new spirit of Harris Tweed - beautiful, vibrant and utterly Edinburgh, Andrey Pritsepov, visited Shawbost Mill and That trade came to a grinding halt after the Russian Service was introduced in 2002 four company called Glosab which made ladies-wear and across our island chain. international, and we are delighted that she could come promised support. His proposals included a Scottish revolution. According to the industry's historian, Malcolm groups in the Western Isles have received accessories. It was a good story but every good story “The confi dential service provided by to the islands to give our fi rst order a fi tting send-off.” textiles exhibition - still a work in progress - in Moscow Gray: "The Scottish export trade in herring was irretrievably the Award – The Eoropie Play Park (GAIN) needs a decent picture. our counsellors and mediators is vital in 2004; Sporsnis in 2011; Comunn Margarita's Harris Tweed connection did not end there. or St Petersburg. ruined". It was this collapse of the herring industry, which After a round of Scotland's model agencies, we found to the wellbeing of many people in our Eachdraidh Nis and Garadh a’ Bhagh She was inspired by her trip to the Hebrides to write her A few years earlier, we took part in a big event at the had been the mainstay of the Lewis economy, that made Margarita Dobroskokina, a Russian student living in communities and is recognised as such a’ Tuath in 2019. The Award aims to dissertation on “Assessment of The Internationalisation British Embassy in Moscow to promote luxury goods from Harris Tweed even more important in the years which by professionals in health services, social recognise outstanding work by volunteer Edinburgh. Margarita was born in Russia, had spent Process of Harris Tweed into the Russian Market". The the UK. The connection was maintained and last year followed the First World War. services and education services. As a groups to benefi t their local communities. six years in her mother's native Orkney and was now paper helped Margarita to a First Class Honours degree Julia Ivanova, who heads the trade team at the Embassy, Looking to the future, Russia's more recent revolution Board we are indebted to all our staff for It was created in 2002 to celebrate The studying International Marketing at Napier University as in marketing management and after fi ve years of travel brought two parties of Russian retailers and media to the has created a substantial clientele for British heritage their dedication and commitment to CFM Queen’s Golden Jubilee and winners are well as modelling part-time. she set up a successful cosmetics company in Edinburgh island. A follow-up event was scheduled for Moscow but brands and that can only be good news for Harris Tweed, Western Isles.” announced each year on 2 June – the Margarita fl ew up to Lewis. A Chanel suit was borrowed where she now lives with her husband and baby boy. that has been put on hold. even if has taken a while! Some of this year’s spring bulbs showing promise for the future Christine MacKechnie, MBE who has anniversary of The Queen’s Coronation. Page 22 - EVENTS www.hebevents.com 04/06/20 - 01/07/20

Building our communities Getting back to the schoolroom after lockdown By Katie Macleod hen First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced at the Wend of May that Scotland was entering “Phase 1” of leaving lockdown, and that schools would start to reopen from 11th August, thoughts turned to how these changes will be implemented across the country. In the Western Isles, staff will be returning to schools from 8th June, with four main aims: planning learning for August; undertaking training; setting up classrooms for social distancing; and managing the transition for pupils at important stages of their school lives, such as nursery to P1, and P7 to S1. Provision for the children of keyworkers in the designated “school hubs” will continue throughout this month, and possibly in some form over the summer. A number of pupils will also be returning to school in small groups this month. As Bernard Chisholm, Director of Education at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said in a Facebook video on 26th May: “That would apply for some children with additional support needs or vulnerable groups, and maybe some young people to do some transition work, which is an important part of the year.” Bernard also noted that for next term, home learning is “a longer- term proposition.” While the government have indicated the blended learning approach – socially-distanced part-time learning Thanks from in school, combined with learning at home – may continue until October or beyond, the Western Isles are strengthening their curriculum offerings in the event blended learning needs to continue for longer than expected. Boris Johnson Home learning has been going well for pupils in the Western Isles in the two months since schools closed. Efforts have been axdale School explains on Twitter that one of its pupils, made by everyone involved to ensure that learning continues LAlasdair, sent the Prime Minister Boris Johnson a card when even in these unusual times, and the high rate of engagement with he was unwell in hospital. “You can imagine Alasdair's surprise home learning shows these efforts are working. and delight when he received a letter back, along with a photo “Every week we’re seeing at least 92.5 per cent of our children of the PM holding his card!” making contact with teachers and engaging with home learning, which is very high,” says Donald Macleod, Senior Education Offi cer at the Comhairle. Exams cancelled for fi rst time… Typically up to 140 children are currently attending the hubs across the Western Isles, which accounts for roughly four per cent of the pupil population; taken in that context, the home learning engagement rate shows that nearly every pupil in the region is since 1888 engaged in some form of home learning. That learning has been taking place in a number of ways. By Katie Macleod Once these checks have been carried out, the school will submit Primary pupils throughout the islands have been engaging in home s a result of the coronavirus lockdown, Scotland’s National the data to the SQA. The SQA will then carry out further checks, learning provided by their teachers, accessed through their Glow AQualifi cation exams were cancelled this year for the fi rst including looking at overall national performance. Following this email accounts, and on video calls using VScene technology from time since their introduction in 1888. process, grades may be reallocated in line with their fi ndings. For this reason, schools will not be sharing estimates with candidates e-Sgoil, the Comhairle’s digital learning service. For secondary The Scottish Qualifi cations Agency (SQA) announced in mid- and parents at this point.” pupils, learning has included both remote teaching using VScene March that the exams would not be going ahead as usual in May and individual study tasks provided by teachers. and June, and in late April, a new system was put in place across the Final estimates were due to the SQA at the end of last month, The new e-Sgoil National Programme, which launched on 4th country to ensure young people will be rewarded for their work at an and pupils are expected to receive their exam results on 4th August May, has also proved successful in keeping home learning alive. appropriate level by the SQA. as planned. “At that time, an Appeals Process will open, allowing Available to pupils in the Western Isles and across Scotland, the The newly devised system asks schools to make an estimate of schools to challenge the awarding of particular grades. This will be e-Sgoil programme has received over 3000 requests from 2325 how each pupil would have performed in their exams, based on similar to the former appeals system and will be free of charge. More pupils during lockdown. The programme provides learning a number of factors including prelim grades; grades in any other detail will be made available about this later in the summer,” says opportunities across 26 subjects in partnership with Scotland’s formal assessments throughout the session; project or course work Frances. Centre for Languages and Keep Scotland Beautiful, as well as completed; and class work. • What else happened in 1888: Stuttgart – One of mankind’s real-time teaching in four core subjects for S4-6 pupils across the As Dr Frances Murray, Rector at The Nicolson Institute, explains: oldest dreams came true on 10 August 1888 when Leipzig-based Northern Alliance local authorities. “Estimates normally categorise pupils into Upper A/Lower A, Upper bookseller Dr Karl Wölfert’s motorised airship successfully completed “We want to thank parents and recognize the huge contribution B/Lower B etc. and are useful in the case of a pupil who is unable the world’s fi rst engine-driven fl ight with a combustion engine. The they are making by maintaining learning for their children and to sit an exam. This year, however, schools have been asked to fl ying machine, powered by a single-cylinder Daimler engine, fl ew supporting and helping them access the home learning we’re make the estimates more refi ned and detailed, placing pupils within four kilometres from the factory yard of the Daimler Motor Company providing,” says Donald. smaller bands in rank order of how they are predicted to perform. at the Seelberg in Cannstatt to Kornwestheim. Wölfert undertook experimental fl ights with steerable balloons for many years. In 1896 It was a message reiterated by Bernard in his Facebook update Once the estimates have been made and checked by at least two Gottlieb Daimler supplied him with a 7-hp (5.1 kW) two-cylinder to parents: “I think parents have done a fantastic job in these very teachers in each subject, there will be further checks at whole school level, looking at whether the overall grades in a subject are in line engine with a light alloy crankcase for his "Deutschland" airship. diffi cult circumstances. I think young people have engaged very with usual expectations, or whether robust explanations can be Wölfert completed several successful test fl ights. In June 1897 he well.” made for any changes. crashed and was killed when the balloon caught fi re. 04/06/20 - 01/07/20 www.hebevents.com EVENTS - Page 23

Building our communities

Praise for staff, pupils and parents

n 29 May 2020 in his regular OComhairle Leader’s Statement, Councillor Roddie Mackay said: This week, I want to focus on the fantastic work which has been ongoing in our schools to re-open to pupils on 11 August in- Education system and pay particular thanks line with national announcements. We are to all the parents/guardians, pupils, teachers planning for school staff to begin to return to and all our education employees, across the schools from the week beginning 8th June to Western Isles, for their continued response to start preparing for the return of pupils and the the COVID-19 crisis. planning of learning approaches to be used THE RESPONSE in August. The provision for the children of key workers will continue throughout June The support that teachers and education and we also continue to prepare and develop employees have provided, from the the local delivery plan for the reopening of announcement of the lockdown, the school buildings and that will be shared in the supervision and feedback to all pupils through coming days. online learning and physical resource packs, Music shows go on-line and maintaining provision and support for I would like to assure you that we vulnerable pupils and the children of key are working hard to plan to support the workers throughout the last few months, has recovery process in full collaboration with been nothing short of outstanding. Teachers do you as a community of school leaders. Your as lockdown ends events what they do because they love their jobs and commitment as parents, guardians and get great satisfaction from contributing to the teachers to supporting all of the children, young people and families in the Western video performances were submitted in advance, a learning experience of pupils and indeed every By Katie Macleod single one of our employees in Education has Isles is unquestioned and we intend to ensure response so enthusiastic that not all of them could be he school summer term is usually fi lled with stepped up to the plate during this crisis. that as we move through to the next phase of high spirits and end-of-year events, and the shown on one day. Instead, it was announced at the this crisis, that we continue to do so together. T beginning of the Facebook broadcast that the one-off I would like to pay tribute to the response Provincial Mòds – which see class teachers, Conclusion event will become a series, with the second ceilidh from parents and pupils which has been music teachers, and parents busy helping pupils taking place before the end of the school term this equally outstanding. This week I was very We remain committed to keeping everyone prepare for their Gaelic music performances and month. pleased to hear that the average total updated at the earliest possible opportunity competitions – are just one of them. attendance at our school hubs, throughout and we will continue to do so through press e-Ceilidh nan Òg was split into morning and Although this year’s local Mòds in the Western the Western Isles, has been in the region of releases, radio broadcasts, TV, social media and afternoon sessions, both featuring P1-7 pupils from Isles were cancelled due to coronavirus restrictions, 100 pupils which is about 4% of the total other means. In addition, we have arranged for schools throughout the Western Isles. Local musician Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Education, Skills and pupil population. The remaining 96% are, another Education Livestream Q+A session and and teacher Iain “Costello” Maciver hosted the 10am Children’s Services Department, the Multimedia Unit, of course, learning from home and we have details of that will be issued early next week. session, as well as an 11am sing-along session with and the Western Isles Instrumental Music Service all seen very high levels of engagement based on This will be another opportunity for parents, favourite Gaelic tunes like Uibhist mo Graidh and Far came together to produce alternative digital musical weekly reporting from schools with over 92% pupils and education employees to garner more am bi mi fhin. Gaelic Singing teacher Penny Burgess events for young people and their families to enjoy: of learners engaging with teachers’ learning information on the current situation which, as hosted the 1pm session, and the 2pm “play-along” fortnightly e-Ceilidhs and the day-long e-Ceilidh nan content each week since the lockdown we all appreciate, is very fl uid and changing on session then saw Neil Johnstone, Anna Black , Rhona Òg. begun. We appreciate that it has not been an an almost daily basis. Johnstone and Esther MacDonald perform Fear a’ easy task for you all to navigate and interact As we follow the guidance provided by “There is normally so much musical activity which Bhata, The Dark Island, and Trusadh mi na Coilleagan through the various platforms and resources, Government regarding the potential gradual takes place on a daily basis here in the Western Isles for pupils to join in with at home. but throughout all of that Education and easing of lockdown it is more important than such as music lessons, concerts, sessions, various learning has continued. That is something The digital ceilidh day was part of the Dèanamaid ever that we maintain the good practice we group rehearsals, and choir practices but sadly that which you should all be very proud of. has come to a halt due to the current period of Dihaoine or “Let’s Do it Friday” online events for have all followed over these last few weeks, LOOKING AHEAD lockdown created by the coronavirus pandemic,” said primary pupils, which during the school closures apply common sense to all that we do and Rhona Johnston, the e-Ceilidh project coordinator, have offered special learning events that allow pupils In terms of planning for the reopening of maintain the great community spirit we have when the events launched in April. to get creative, get active, and try outdoor learning. schools, offi cers and HTs are preparing for shown so far in these challenging times. So far they’ve involved an e-Safety Day, a Social “We wanted to fi nd a way to share the musical Studies Quiz, and a Biodiversity Day, and this month talent of our islanders, keep the music fl owing, will see primary pupils getting involved in a remote Councillor Angus McCormack, use it in a positive way to engage and unite our STEM Day and Sports Day, too. communities and lift our spirits during these diffi cult Chair, Education, Sport and Children’s Services writes: times. I hope that the e-Ceilidh project will do just “Both the fortnightly e-Ceilidh’s and and e-Ceilidh ear Parent, Pupil, Teacher and The uptake for courses on offer has been that and contain something for everyone of all ages nan Og have been very popular, from just Facebook Support Worker, very rewarding for those who are offering the regardless of their musical tastes." alone we have had almost 23,800 views for the D Saturday broadcasts and 8,900 views for the e-Ceilidh We are all living through the most diffi cult courses. I know that some of you have had The fortnightly e-Ceilidhs (not to be confused with nan Og day. We’ve been very lucky to have the highly time we have ever experienced. The Covid19 problems of one kind or another – equipment, the Comhairle’s live weekend “Covid Ceilidhs”) are skilled Multimedia Unit team at our disposal, who pandemic has consumed the world. accessibility etc so if there are issues outstanding held at 7.30pm on Saturdays. “Our fortnightly events have created the two logos and website, and have please contact you school for advice. are pre-recorded broadcasts involving contributed The closure of schools was inevitable produced the e-Ceilidh broadcasts and helped pulled videos from pupils, music staff, and professional and under lockdown and it is good to see that I wish to thank also our IT colleagues, the the e-Ceilidh nan Og event together,” says Rhona. local community musicians, with a different host steps are now being taken in a gradual way Multi Media Unit and eSgoil for enabling each time,” explains Rhona. To date, the e-Ceilidhs “It has been extremely pleasing to see the number to bring children back to school. Meantime remote education to take place. the Comhairle Education Department has have been hosted by local singers Willie Campbell, and range of items sent in by the young people, from I am acutely aware that by the time this is endeavoured to provide as much education Iain “Costello” Maciver, and Iain Mackinnon, with P1 right through to P7. We hope that this event has published, events could have moved forward as possible remotely. It has been very Uillean MacLeod from Peat & Diesel and Chloe created a focus for the pupils’ learning during these challenging and remains so. signifi cantly but I am confi dent that our colleagues Steele from South Uist hosting in the coming weeks. strange times, that it will encourage them to continue in the Comhairle will keep us all informed. with their various talents and skills, and most I wish to thank parents, teachers, support Created in a similar vein to the e-Ceilidhs, the Thank you again for all your efforts. Safety importantly, that they have fun in the process.” workers and pupils for the sterling efforts you day-long e-Ceilidh nan Òg took place on Friday have made to allow education to take place. I has had to be the number one determinant. 29th May in the form of online broadcasts hosted All previous e-Ceilidh broadcasts are available am much impressed at how you have all risen Let us hope it will not be too long until we by local music teachers, each featuring pre-recorded to watch online on the e-Celidh Facebook page to the challenge and I know it has not been can, even slowly, return to some kind of items submitted by pupils in Gaelic singing, oral, at @ESeCeilidh and on the e-Ceilidh website, easy. normal instrumental, and Highland dancing. More than 130 eileansiareceilidh.com. Page 24 - EVENTS www.hebevents.com 04/06/20 - 01/07/20 Child Cancer charity aided by album launch aelic singer and musician, Calum Martin, Protection Glaunched a new album in May to help raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. The album, Stoirm released under the band name, support still O.L.C.O.T.E. features music written by Calum and guests from as far afi eld as the USA. All the proceeds are going to Macmillan Cancer Support’s award- there winning Isle of Lewis Fundraising Group. he Outer Hebrides Child Protection It is dedicated to ‘Granny Martin’ a very special TCommittee has released a poster to remind lady and Calum’s mother, Catherine who sadly anyone with concerns that services are on passed away last year. For one of the songs on the hand to support vulnerable children during the album, ‘Feels Like a Storm’ her grandson sings in her memory. COVID-19 crisis. Chair of the group, Maggie Martin is Calum’s Tam Baillie, who chairs the Child Protection daughter-in-law and the idea behind the album Committee said: "The well-being and protection was prompted by the hugely positive response to of children and young people has remained a a concert the musical family held on the Isle of top priority for services in the Western Isles. Whilst families have coped amazingly well with Lewis last year. lockdown restrictions, all have felt the impact to Maggie, Chair of the Isle of Lewis Fundraising varying degrees. We know that for many families group said: “Last year, the fundraising group grateful to the pressures will have intensifi ed and they need decided to put on a concert to help raise funds. everyone involved, for their contribution.” additional support. “Words cannot explain how grateful and proud Macmillan Cancer Support are doing everything “Our message to the community is do not we all are of making this happen. A huge thanks they can to help address the immediate and hesitate to fl ag up any concerns about children and to my father in law Calum, my husband Do and unique challenges that having cancer during this young people because, despite the restrictions, we all our family and friends who came together to pandemic brings but they need your support. Your are geared up to respond. We mean it when we make it possible.” “The album is fantastic and has something for donations are vital to enable them to continue to everyone. My family have close links across the say, stay safe, stay in touch." Calum Martin, musician and the creator of be there for people living with cancer. water in Nashville – so it has reached far and wide.” Chief Social Worker for the Western Isles David Stoirm, said: “After the concert last year, I thought Stoirm was available from Friday 22nd May Gibson said: “Social Work and Children’s Services it would be a great idea to raise more funds by Shirlie Geddes, Senior Fundraising Manager in with all sales and downloads going exclusively staff have been working throughout this period of recording an album. I asked a few musical pals the north of Scotland, said: “This is yet another to the charity. All production costs have been ‘lockdown’ supporting families and protecting children. along with members of my own family to help out innovative fundraising initiative from an award- donated. The album is available to download on winning team of volunteers and their supporters, “We welcome the Stay Safe, Stay In Touch and of course they were delighted to take part. It iTunes and Spotify has just grown arms and legs. near and far, which I’m sure will be a great success. message from the Outer Hebrides Child Protection To purchase a copy of the CD you can also Committee and urge children, families, neighbours “Some of my favourite singers and musicians “An incredible pool of talent has come together visit: https://macmillan-org.charitycheckout.co.uk/ and communities to do exactly that.” have contributed, along with amazing new talent to make this project possible. Macmillan needs your isleofl ewis/profi le. A minimum donation of £10 will support more than ever just now and we are very Social Work and Children’s Services will which I always love to encourage. be required plus £1.50 for postage & packaging. continue to be available, along with multi-agency partners in Police Scotland, NHS Western Isles, the Scottish Children’s Reporters Administration and the third sector. Author thanks NHS with iPads “We encourage everyone in our communities to stay safe and to stay in touch as we work together to By Annie Delin and loved ones in touch. It is particularly satisfying support and protect our children and young people.” uthor Peter May has put his money where to be able to give back to this particular hospital where I received such wonderful care during a During the COVID-19 restrictions, if you have a his heart is, donating six iPads to NHS A week spent as a patient.” concern about a child, please contact - Social Work Western Isles to facilitate its new Virtual Stornoway: 01851 822749 | : 01870 Visiting service. NHS Western Isles chief executive Gordon 604880 Barra : 01871 810431 | Out of Hours: Jamieson said: “We would like to sincerely thank 01851 701702 | Police: 101 Peter, who is the author of the best-selling Mr May for this very generous and thoughtful Lewis Trilogy of crime novels, set in and around donation. the Isle of Lewis, also recently released the novel Outer Hebrides Child “Our Virtual Visiting services brings patients Lockdown, penned in 2005 but eerily predicting and their families together at a time when we Protection Committee the lockdown that would result from a global have unfortunately had to introduce restrictions pandemic. on visiting. The feedback on the new service from    Mr May had spent time as a patient in Western possible to see that a good proportion of that patients and their families has been very positive.   Isles Hospital in the 1990s, when he was staying in   money goes back to the people of the Western “Mr May’s contribution is a very welcome   Lewis during fi lming of the popular series Machair. Isles, to whom I owe so much of my success.   addition to the service and will be of great benefi t   He said: “Having pledged the entire amount of to those being cared for in hospital, particularly  “I think the Virtual Visiting scheme at the NHS the advance on my novel to the frontline of the hospital in Stornoway is a brilliant idea and hope in helping to maintain their mental health and    fi ght against coronavirus, I have tried wherever that my small contribution will help keep patients wellbeing.”  Vandals strike at waterwheel      he waterwheel in Lews Castle Grounds commented on the prevalence of dumped rubbish       Thas once again been vandalised, provoking and evidence of drinking sessions, even during strong reactions from the Stornoway Trust, lockdown. local councillors and members of the public. One said: “It’s a nightmare trying to walk    !"#  #$  Police are asking for any information about the my dogs in the grounds at the moment due to % &$# incident, which saw the locked outer door of the broken glass, cans, bottles and carry-outs getting Social Work Stornoway: 01851 822749 | Balivanich : 01870 604880 building forced open, windows broken and the left there.” Another added: “I wonder how these Barra : 01871 810431 | Out of Hours: 01851 701702 | Police: 101 area left strewn with broken glass, bottles, cans people behave at home? If they don’t behave like and other rubbish. this, then leave the grounds alone and have some respect.” The vandalism was reported by a passer-by on Phone scam warning Stornoway Councillor Charlie Nicolson said: Monday 18 May and viewed soon afterwards by “The evidence of drinking there was quite apparent ighlands and Islands police warned over Stornoway Trust factor Iain Maciver, accompanied and that is wrong in itself. Parents should know phone fraud, after three reported incidents by police offi cers. H where their young people are during lockdown. in 24 hours around May 22. Iain Maciver said: “Police are looking into “What are they doing gathering together? The People were contacted by someone claiming this and it is going to have to be reported to the police can’t be everywhere at once and parents to be from their bank, saying their accounts had trustees. In the meantime, the area has been tidied should know where their children are and what been compromised. They were encouraged to up and the door secured by our groundsman. they are doing.” transfer money to a ‘safe account’ at another “It’s an ongoing problem that we have with Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed bank –in reality to the fraudsters. Preventions and much pleasure to so many people is spoiled by the vandalism to that area. What seemed to be a good any suspicious activity at the Waterwheel or in the interventions offi cer Sgt Simon Hay recommended behaviour of a few.” fi nding a number for the bank yourself and calling idea at the time of its construction has proved to be surrounding area over the weekend of 16/17 May back from another phone. Don’t call back on the a costly and burdensome problem. His disappointment was shared by members to contact them on the non-emergency number, number where the call came from. “It’s disappointing that a place that gives so of the Facebook group Our Castle Grounds, who 101, quoting incident number NH560/20 04/06/20 - 01/07/20 www.hebevents.com EVENTS - Page 25 DEMENTIA AWARENESS WEEK 2020

his year Dementia Awareness is most needed,” says Marion TWeek is being marked very MacInnes, Locality Lead for the differently to previous years with Western Isles. Get involved with Scotland’s the Alzheimer Scotland annual Overall, Dementia Awareness conference sadly cancelled and Week 2020 is an opportunity Dementia Awareness Week planned events and gatherings to support the 90,000 people replaced with alternative living with dementia in Scotland (1-7 June 2020) by: supports. and their families and carers. Alzheimer Scotland want to let However, the message is clear: • Become a Dementia Friend online at people know they’re still there “We are still here for people and and that their priority remains to www.alzscot.org/dementiafriends families so if you need us please get ensure nobody faces dementia in touch.” • Support our Fair Dementia Care alone. Alzheimer Scotland want to send campaign here www.alzscot.org/ Dementia is not on lockdown. best wishes to their colleagues in Social isolation, loss of networks fairdementiacare health and social care locally who and disrupted routines will are working so hard to make sure be a huge challenge for those • Support at this time could make a real everyone is safe and looked after in people living with dementia and difference to the lives of people living these diffi cult times. their carers during this crisis, with dementia and their carers, many “Our thoughts go out as always particularly since they will face to people living with dementia and restrictions for an extended period of time. Alzheimer Scotland have of whom are already at crisis point and their families and especially to those who have faced hardship and adapted how they work as a charity to boost their 24/7 Freephone are relying on Alzheimer Scotland as loss.” Dementia Helpline capacity and deliver online support groups, a lifeline. Help will go a long way to This Dementia Awareness Week they’re hoping people will digital reminiscence therapy sessions and virtual Dementia Advisor continue to do what they do so well all-year-round in that they ‘visits’ to ensure that no one is facing this crisis alone. supporting our local frontline services continue to reach out and support people in their local communities. If you have the chance to get involved in any way, online or in throughout Scotland and for that we are “Pick up the phone, write a letter or send a message to let people person, please support Dementia Awareness Week by following the deeply grateful. To support Alzheimer know they have not been forgotten. It really does make a huge conversation on social media (#DementiaAwareness) and reach out difference - we are told this by people and families all the time. to your fellow citizens living with dementia and their carers. Scotland visit www.alzscot.org/donate Friendship and knowing that people care is very important and now If you have any questions about dementia, or want to fi nd out more so than ever.” about support in your area, call Alzheimer Scotland’s 24-hour Join the Dementia Awareness Alzheimer Scotland would like to thank everyone that has Freephone Helpline on 0808 808 3000. Week conversation on supported to keep people connected through hosting and supporting To keep in touch with activities and virtual fundraising events various digital activities. in Dementia Awareness Week 1st-6th June – or any other time – Twitter with @alzscot using “Also I would personally like to thank our volunteers for their please follow the Alzheimer Scotland Western Isles Facebook page befriending support calls and our staff team for continuing to or contact Marion MacInnes, Locality Lead on 07771 925730 for #DementiaAwareness. provide front line support safely to people and families where it more information. Please contact us if you need support, information or advice.

Scotland’s Dementia Awareness Week 1-7 June 2020

Free 24 Hour Dementia Helpline 0808 808 3000 Keep safe! We hope to see you soon.

MARION MACINNES ELLIE DONNELLY (LOCALITY LEADER) (DEMENTIA ADVISOR) 07771925730 07500 762041 [email protected] [email protected] Page 26 - EVENTS www.hebevents.com 04/06/20 - 01/07/20 The 20th century lived to the full – Murdina Macleod remembered

By Annie Delin “I would try to help her in the house, but I was a bit of a tomboy at a time when there were very he death of Murdina Macleod of Upper clear roles for women. I would rather be working TCarloway in April this year saw the passing with the sheep and so on than cooking and of a way of life now more usually spoken of as cleaning. The men weren’t too keen on it, but she part of history in the Isle of Lewis. would back me up and encourage me – although Having turned 106 in January, Murdina was truthfully, I think it was because she liked to be the by some stretch the oldest person living in the ruler of her own kitchen! islands, indeed one of the oldest in Scotland, and “I would say she had 105 really good years. she had a character well-recognised by those who When she was 100 BBC Alba made a feature remember the generations forged in wartime. about her and showed her pulling the wheelie Born on 10 January 1914, Murdina was one bins up the path, which was pretty steep, but she of eight children born to Angus ‘Bhroillgean’ and insisted on doing them herself. There was also a Annie Maclean in Carloway. Angus was a veteran radio interview when she was 105 – she pretended of the Boer war and Murdina’s early years, fi rst not to, but I think she liked the attention.” in Carloway and then in Breasclete, were lived When she was 105 years old Murdina fell and against the backdrop of the Great War. broke her femur in the doorway of the house. At the age of 16 Murdina left home for domestic She later underwent surgery and, although she recovered remarkably quickly, she had to accept service on the mainland, where she worked in a homecare package. Catriona moved back in Dalmally (Argyll) and Bridge of Allan, near Stirling, to care for her and says: “I could see she was in the houses of doctors and other professionals. frustrated that she couldn’t do things herself, it When the Second World War began she joined made her angry to have to accept help.” the Women’s Royal Air Force as a cook and was But Catriona’s memories are of the good stationed in and various places around the UK. Murdina with granddaughter Catriona in recent year times that she shared with her strong-minded, Once that war was over, she came home to of which were my granny’s responsibility, because would sometimes help her with my sister Kirsteen.” independent granny. She said: “When I think of Breasclete and was on the bus heading for a day Roddy was away labouring on the mainland. Murdina became a mother to Catriona after a her, it’s as someone really active who never sat of shopping in Stornoway when she met her future down. All the chairs in the house were hard, there “She was running the house and bringing up her family tragedy when Catriona was 14. She moved husband, Roddy ‘a’Bhucaidh’ Macleod, also were no easy chairs – she didn’t allow herself children at a time when there was no electricity to live with her grandparents and benefi ted from her heading into town from Carloway. much comfort. and she had to go to the well behind the house for grandmother’s strength and independent outlook. He courted her persistently, cycling from “I remember walking down to the shore with water. I remember she told me there was only one Carloway to Breasclete in all weathers to meet her, She said: “I remember her as a very independent her when she was well into her 80s and hauling television in the village and they would all crowd and they were married in 1948. Four sons were and determined woman, not a sweet granny sitting back buoys and other fi nds for the garden. She into a neighbour’s house to watch. born to the couple – Iain Duncan, Angus ‘Mickey’, in the corner. She was tough and strong, not loved her garden and she was always busy in it, Angus ‘Angie’ and Neil. “When her children were young she would go someone you would mess with, and she had a never sitting down or sunbathing, never still.” Neil’s daughter Catriona was very close to her to the peat bank daily to collect peats. She would great sense of humour – she was funny without Murdina is survived by her eldest son Iain grandmother. She said: “My grandfather built the be knitting as she went with the creel on her back. being aware of it. My relationship with her was Duncan, seven grandchildren and nine great- house, Rockdale, at 77 Upper Carloway where Later on Roddy came home and had a loom in the wonderful but, if we ever did clash, she would grandchildren. She was interred at Dalmore I still live. They didn’t have a croft, but a feu on shed, on which he was still weaving well into his always win. She didn't dwell on things, but she Cemetery, with the graveside service conducted which they kept a cow, sheep and chickens, all 70s. Granny used to work on the bobbins and I was the boss of the family. by Rev Murdo Campbell. Remembering Sammy MacLeod of The Anchorage, Ardhasaig By Annie Delin Long-time friend Neil Mackay of Northton said: “There was some opposition to the idea of fi sh he sudden passing of Sammy MacLeod of farms in the islands then, but it puts food on the TThe Anchorage, Ardhasaig, on Monday (18 table for a lot of families and no-one had a bad May) at the age of 77 has taken some of the word to say about Sammy himself. sparkle and mischief out of island community “Everyone got on well with him. He was a really life. nice man, a good family man and a guy who Described as a legend, a gentleman and an would give you his last penny if he thought you entertainer, Sammy was known to be kind- needed it. He was a loveable rogue with a cheeky hearted and loveable, with an eye for the ladies. grin and a kind heart.” In recent years he could often be found in Tarbert Neil was one of four fellow musicians in the exchanging yarns and light-hearted banter with ceilidh band The , in which Sammy friends, something that was lost to the village with played drums – although Neil says the craic was of the coming of lockdown. a higher standard than the music – together with Sammy during the fi lming of From Harris With Love piper Angus Macsween and accordion players Sammy fi shed for lobsters for some years out television programme From Harris With Love and different without him. I spoke to him many times Neil and John Alex Shaw. of his home village of Ardhasaig, where his croft had become a bit of a local hero. People would a day and would see him almost every day. He’s also sustained a few sheep, although his friends In his later years Sammy would mend creels for recognise him on the street in Stornoway. left a big hole in my life, and not just in mine. But other fi shermen and used to go round to the old described him as more a man of the sea than of “One time when he was in the Co-op and had we were so lucky to have him and to have the folks’ homes, demonstrating how he made creels the land. put all his shopping through the cash-out, he memories and the photographs that we do.” before selling the creels for charity. He was instrumental in the setting up of the found he was without his bank card. The manager Sammy is survived by his children Cathie, McConnells fi sh farm at Ardhasaig, giving some Sammy’s grand-daughter Karen Macdonald has was called and he was told ‘We know who you Shonnie (Inverness), Angie (who lived with him at of his croft to allow them to establish the buildings spoken of the family’s great sense of loss at his are, we’ve seen you on the telly’. They let him take Ardhasaig) and Sam (Glasgow), by grand-children which are still there. Sammy also worked as a sudden death, as well as thanking four paramedics the shopping home and he called them later to Karen, Roddy, Laura and Graeme and by his supervisor for the company and is pictured with who worked for over an hour to try and revive him. pay. sister Dolly Cathie (Tarbert) and brother Roddy in one of the fi rst salmon harvested from the site. She said: “Gramps had appeared on the “He was my world and it’s going to be so Inverness. Remembering Deirdre Macdonald…correction The tribute to Deirdre Macdonald published in the last edition of EVENTS contained a number of factual errors which arose from confusion between different sources of supplied information. The start of the article should have been as below. We apologise for these inadvertent oversights. eirdre Macdonald, formerly of Lewis Maclean). Donald was born in Uig. Her father’s Ghaoil”. Alasdair was the headmaster in Aird pizza outlet is nowadays. With the Macaulay DStreet, Stornoway, has died at the age of name echoes that of the noted early 19th Century School on Point for many years until he retired in family shop situated on North Beach, and her British historian whose father’s ancestors also 1982. They had four children, Tom Macdonald, 92. other grandparents, Mr and Mrs K.D. Henderson came from Uig. Her mother was Anne, daughter Sandy Macdonald, the late Timothy Macdonald Her father, Thomas Babington Macaulay (1896- of Mr and Mrs K.D. Henderson. and Alison Morag Smith. running Henderson’s shop on Bayhead, 1984) was the son of Donald Macaulay, draper, of Deirdre married Alasdair Macdonald from Deirdre’s parents also had a wool shop around Stornoway town centre was a playground for 28 North Beach Street and his wife Christine (née Newton. He was better known as “Alasdair a' the corner on Bank Street where a takeaway young Deirdre… 04/06/20 - 01/07/20 www.hebevents.com EVENTS - Page 27 Delivering miracles

uesday 5th May 2020 was babies and the wider family circle receive T‘International Day Of The Midwife’ the high quality care that they deserve. and NHS Western Isles took the “Midwifery is one of the services that has opportunity to celebrate and thank our had to continue, despite the pandemic, as midwives across the Isles, and how they babies tend not to wait - they come when continue to bring new life into the world they are ready. Our midwives across the in a time of crisis. Western Isles continue to do a very special job and contribute to a time of great joy as 2020 has been designated by the World they welcome babies into our communities. Health Organization as the fi rst ever Their care, attention and compassion is International Year of the Nurse and Midwife; it unfaltering, and all the more important is also Florence Nightingale’s bicentennial year. during such diffi cult times.” Nurses and midwives make up the largest numbers of the NHS workforce. They are He added: “Acknowledging a special day Health Visitors highly skilled, multi-faceted professionals like today could not be more important and from a host of backgrounds that represent relevant than it is now, during a time of such our diverse communities. The Year of the challenge. In the midst of this pandemic, work on Nurse and Midwife presents the opportunity midwives have risen to the challenge and amilies are reminded that their local to refl ect on these roles and skills, the have continued to provide vital services to FHealth Visiting team is continuing commitment and expert clinical care they local women and babies. frontline community work across the Outer bring, and the impact they make on the lives “They, like others, have had to work in Hebrides, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. of so many. This year is also an opportunity to new, challenging and very different ways – Since the pandemic began, the team say thank you to the professions; to showcase but they have embraced the challenge. We continues to support families, maintaining their diverse talents and expertise; and to are proud of each and every one of them frequent contact, building therapeutic promote careers in nursing and midwifery. and we know that our midwives hold a relationships and providing a crucial role in very special place in the hearts of so many NHS Western Isles Nurse and AHP providing support and advice to children and Western Isles families. We thank them for Director/Chief Operating Offi cer, William families. Findlay, said: “All our midwives work hard their invaluable contribution over the years, NHS Western Isles Nurse and AHP Director/Chief Operating on a daily basis to ensure mothers, their today and into the future.” Offi cer William Findlay Home visits have had to be reduced, but Health Visitors remain in the community doing face to face consultations as needed. Providing Nursing the nation swift support is key, and despite restrictions on nternational Nurses Day - this year on Tuesday face-to-face contact, local staff have adapted to ensure families in need are able to receive the 12th May 2020 - is an annual celebration of I care and advice they require the crucial work nurses do around the world. From increased telephone consultations and It is especially important in 2020 as they continue video calls to provide high quality care and to lead the frontline charge against the Coronavirus support, to risk assessments over the phone pandemic. before visiting to ensure use of the correct NHS Western Isles Nurse and AHP Director/ PPE, keeping children and families safe is a top Chief Operating Offi cer, William Findlay said: priority. “International Day of the Nurse is particularly Raising a new baby can be a stressful and special this year not just because we mark the challenging time in normal circumstances, and 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth, many new mothers rely on Health Visitors as a but because of the extraordinary work all those who key source and primary contact to help answer have followed in her footsteps are doing in the fi ght their questions, and support their babies against coronavirus. and children with appropriate development. “I would like to thank our nurses across the Health Visitors continue to provide practical Western Isles for the care they give patients each and advice and support for topics relating to every day. Nursing is a large family and right now in breastfeeding, nutrition, safety – including our pandemic we are reliant on the expertise of a safe sleeping arrangements, illnesses and range of specialist nurses, from infection prevention mental health, among others. Health Visitors and control to health protection, as well as our continue to advise families to attend childhood frontline nursing teams. A massive thank you to you immunisation appointments and if possible all.” arrange delivery of healthy start vitamin drops for the under 5’s if required. As well as the child’s physical and mental wellbeing, Health Visitors work with families ‘Hospital at Home’ to ensure they have access to any services that they may require, including for urgent needs HS Western Isles last month (May) took advantageous at a time when hospital visiting has Diabetes Lead Nurse, is leading the Hospital at such as fi nancial aid or for food banks in the Nsignifi cant steps to further support had to be severely restricted due to the risks of Home service, said: “We are pleased to be working area. Health Visitors also continue to contact/ patients to be cared for in their home COVID 19. very closely with a wide variety of hospital and visit families with additional support needs, environment. NHS Western Isles Medical Director, Dr Frank community based colleagues to develop this new for example to support postnatal depression, service, which aims to be of benefi t to our patients parenting advice, and also in partnership with The new ‘Hospital at Home’ service aims to McAuley, said: “A high proportion of older people and their families by reducing in-hospital stays in third sector agencies and social work for child provide care in the community equivalent to the with frailty have been shown to experience a protection support plan care provided within hospital. It is used where reduction in their functional ability between a safe and effective manner.” a patient would normally require admission admission to hospital and discharge, so this is a NHS Western Isles is also this week launching It is acknowledged that family life has to hospital but care at home is deemed more very benefi cial approach for them. It will both ‘Hot Clinics’, an initiative covering the whole of changed massively since the pandemic began, medically appropriate. The service can be used prevent unnecessary hospital admissions and also the Western Isles. and many families are under even more to support discharge from hospital, or to avoid help facilitate appropriate and timely discharge Primary Care Clinicians (GPs) now have access pressure than normal. Having a new baby is a huge transition and at this time most parents hospital admission, whilst ensuring appropriate from hospital and avoid people having to remain to a virtual Hot Clinic which allows them to get don’t have the support they would normally and safe patient care. in hospital unnecessarily.” Consultant level advice on patients to support rely on. Parents and/or families can feel isolated It will initially be piloted in Lewis and Harris, The decision on a patient’s suitability for the their continued care within a community setting, and overwhelmed. Having somebody to turn with plans to expand to Uist and Barra. Hospital at Home service will be made by a where safe and appropriate. GPs can send an to during this time is extremely important and Medical Consultant when a patient attends either e-mail equivalent referral into Western Isles Through Hospital at Home, patients will be contributes to the ongoing safety and wellbeing the Emergency Department, or a Medical or Hospital in Stornoway. These referrals will be treated in their own place of residence (their own of their children. home, a relative’s home or a care/nursing home) Respiratory Assessment Unit; or during a patient’s collated every morning (Monday to Friday) to The way Health Visitors engage with patients rather than receiving care in hospital. The service stay in hospital. The range of conditions that allow the consultant of the day to review them, may have changed due to COVID-19, but they will be managed by a dedicated team made up of could be managed through Hospital at Home is and provide any appropriate advice and support are all still here, and continue to work within a wide range of NHS Western Isles clinical staff. not prescriptive, and includes a wide range of to the GP. A same day response will mean that conditions such as infections needing intravenous appropriate investigations and treatment can be the communities to help families access the There are many advantages of such an approach antibiotics, respiratory patients needing short term quickly commenced. services they need, while providing them with which have been demonstrated in various oxygen therapy and those requiring intravenous practical advice and support to ensure the Dr McAuley commented: “The hope is that national services of a similar nature. Allowing fl uids for dehydration. best outcomes for their children. To contact suitable patients to be cared for in their home the Hot Clinics will help support primary care your Health Visitor, parents are asked to use Patients will remain under the care of the hospital environment, with enhanced clinical and nursing clinicians who are caring for vulnerable patients the offi ce number given to them and/or the consultant and will be monitored on a ‘virtual ward’ support, will avoid the loss of mobility that often who may be heading towards a hospital admission individual’s mobile number. occurs with a hospital admission and allow family within the hospital’s electronic systems. and give advice to prevent this, if possible. It will Alternatively, you can e-mail the Health and other loved ones to be present with the patient Debra Vickers NHS Western Isles Cardiology also help identify patients who maybe need their Visiting Team at: [email protected] during their treatment. This being especially Nurse Consultant, who along with Jane Gillion, hospital admission expedited.” Page 28 - EVENTS www.hebevents.com 04/06/20 - 01/07/20

Two of the seamstresses, Mary Lou Stilwell and Nana Maclean. Baby massage Aid for seamstresses undreds of hospital gowns have been supplement our existing stocks. “On behalf of NHS Western Isles I would like to classes Hmade by local seamstresses over the past The skilled seamstresses include Mary Lou sincerely thank all these skilled local individuals uring these unprecedented times it's few weeks for NHS Western Isles. Stilwell, Marjory Mackenzie, Morag Duncan, who have made us such important items of PPE Despecially important to remember A number of disposable hats and masks have Nana Maclean, Anna Suslova, Larisa Spirina and to add to our current stocks, in preparation for the that NHS Western Isles is continuing to also been made. Katie Macleod. care of patients with COVID-19 symptoms. We deliver services in different ways, and this NHS Western Isles would like to say a huge Chris Anne Campbell, who recently returned are hugely grateful for these gowns. NHS Western includes our local baby massage classes! thank you to all those involved in making from retirement to NHS Western Isles to work on Isles has supplied the material for these gowns to this Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to Resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, said: ensure the gowns meet safety requirements.” Particularly useful to new parents during this important stage of their child's development, is baby massage. The benefi ts of baby massage are far reaching and include babies feeling loved and secure; having increased levels of relaxation and sleeping Drinking during lockdown longer, improved body awareness and coordination, as well as massage providing he Outer Hebrides Alcohol & Drug drinking over the 14 units each week can affect to talk to someone about your drinking or if you relief from wind, colic, constipation and Tpartnership appreciate this is a worrying your sleeping patterns, energy levels and can are concerned about someone else’s drinking, teething discomfort. time for everyone in our community and that also impact on your mental and physical health. please check out the Outer Hebrides Alcohol & people may be anxious about the situation Cutting down on how much you drink will have a Drug Partnership Recovery Services Directory on Following a trial session of online baby positive effect on your health and wellbeing. www.outerhebadp.com. You can also speak with massage classes for parents in Uist and with Covid-19 and the increased restrictions In order to know what this all means for each your GP. Barra, NHS Western Isles Health Promotion in place. individual, there are several ways you can keep Other tools you can access are ‘We Are With Department and Comhairle nan Eilean Current evidence shows that Scotland's drinking track of your alcohol consumption. You can visit You’ which is a free confi dential support helpline Siar’s Early Years Service are now offering habits have changed during lockdown with some the Scottish Government website www.Count14. offering support for anyone dealing with issues the service to all parents living in the Outer Scots reducing their intake or having completely scot, where you will fi nd clear examples of what around alcohol, drugs and or mental health Hebrides. Certifi ed by the International stopped drinking alcohol. However, evidence 14 units looks like, and a virtual unit calculator https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/# Association of Infant Massage (IAIM), also shows over 1 million adults are drinking more so you can select how many drinks you have in Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol & Drugs local instructors raise awareness with at home with off licences and on line sales up by a week, which will show the number of units. offers support to anyone concerned or affected by parents and carers of how baby massage 30%. The website also highlights the short and longer someone else’s drinking and has a free confi dential can help them to feel closer to their baby, To reduce your health risks from drinking term risks of drinking over the safe recommended telephone helpline 08080101011 and an online gain a deeper understanding of their baby’s alcohol you should not drink more than 14 units guidelines with signposting to NHS Inform for message board where you can speak to other behaviour, crying and body language. It can per week and this should be spread evenly over further information and advice. family members, including close and extended also help to provide an enjoyable opportunity 3 or more days. You should also consider having If you do think you are drinking over the family, friends, your friend’s family, colleagues, of spending one-to-one time with their baby several alcohol-free days each week. Regularly recommended units and feel that you would like neighbours – www.sfad.org.uk and learn a life-long parenting skill. Alison MacDonald, NHS Western Isles Senior Health Promotion Offi cer, said: “Before babies are able to speak, or even actively respond to sounds and sights, they Menthol tobacco ban communicate with the world around them through touch. Parents and carers who take any smokers may not be aware that as the number of youngsters who smoke. She said: pandemic. You can call on 01851 70 1623 or part in our baby massage classes tell us how Mof midnight on May 20th 2020, the sale “This is a welcome measure as evidence suggests 07919290094 (both numbers have answering much they enjoy attending the classes as it of menthol-fl avoured tobacco products was that menthol cigarettes – which mask some of machines and the mobile number lets you text really is a lovely way to enjoy time with their prohibited across the European Union. the harsh effects of smoking – are particularly if you prefer). If staff are not available when you baby and helps with bonding.” This legislation will remain in place in the UK appealing to young people and can even reduce call, our advisors will get back to you as quickly the likelihood of quitting. We hope this will help as possible. If you are interested in taking part, or would even after it exits the EU at the end of the year because it was agreed back in 2016. drive down youth smoking rates in Scotland where So if you or someone you know is a regular like further information, please contact your 12% of 15 year olds and 4% of 13 year olds are family Health Visitor. Alternatively, for Lewis Evidence indicates that menthol, which makes user of Menthol fl avoured tobacco products, and smoking either regularly or occasionally.” is anxious about this ban, please call us for more and Harris, contact Jann Skelly, Community the smoking experience less unpleasant, increases Further information on this can be found at the information and support. Staff Nurse (Health Visiting Team), by the uptake of smoking in some of our young ASH Scotland website: https://www.ashscotland. emailing: [email protected] or, for Uists people. This is backed by a survey carried out in Anyone who is currently smoking is very org.uk/ and Barra, email Alison MacDonald, 2018 that found that one in eight 15 year olds are welcome to call us for a chat about how we can Senior Health Promotion Offi cer, at: alison. smoking regularly. Here in the Western Isles, your own help, go on give us a call, we are here to help you [email protected] Sheila Duffy, the chief executive of charity ASH ‘QUITYOURWAY’ Hebrides support service, at all times and you will be surprised how much Scotland, believes the new move will help to lower is operating as normal during the COVID-19 easier it is to quit than you think! 04/06/20 - 01/07/20 www.hebevents.com EVENTS - Page 29

Jana Tuskova, Store Supervisor, Coop Mary Sinclair, Team Support, Tesco Paul Nicoll, Store Manager, Coop (Macaulay Road, Stornoway) (Shell Street, Stornoway) (Cromwell Street, Stornoway) We’re here to support you

HS Western Isles has produced access support to food shopping or if they are Claims Manager, Maggie Fraser, commented: “We Na local ‘We’re here to support experiencing any fi nancial concerns, especially hope this infosheet will be of value to those within you’ Coronavirus (COVID-19) infosheet which those who are self-isolating or may be considered our communities who are struggling to access is currently being made available throughout vulnerable or at high risk during COVID-19. information at this diffi cult time. Our aim is to the Outer Hebrides. In addition, information on how to access ensure everyone has access to the information and NHS Western Isles recognises that there may be the local dedicated COVID-19 website (www. advice that they need. We would like to sincerely a number of individuals who may not be able to coronavirus.wi.nhs.scot) is available, as well as thank Third Sector Interface – Western Isles; local access or receive information, for various reasons. the Psychological Resilience Hub (tel. 01851 Community Councils, Land Trusts, supermarkets, 708022 or 601151), which offers anxiety support community shops, and other local organisations ‘We’re here to support you’ provides to general public and local NHS and healthcare and businesses for their support in making information on the common symptoms of staff. COVID-19 and advice on what to do if someone this infosheet available to their communities. within your household has symptoms. It also The local COVID-19 Health Concern Helpline Community groups across the Western Isles are reminds individuals not to ignore warning signs of (tel. 01851 601151) is also featured, which helps doing an exceptional job in such challenging serious conditions, and that they should continue answer local Coronavirus health-related queries or circumstances to support the most vulnerable to seek support for non-coronavirus health related concerns from members of the public, health and individuals within their localities and we would concerns, through either their GP, NHS 24 (111) social care staff and category 1 responders. like to take this opportunity to highlight and out of hours, or their emergency department for To complement the infosheet, a number of large applaud their invaluable input at this time. emergencies. posters have also been produced for displaying in “The infosheet is available and can be Information is included on how to access the local supermarkets, with community shops also downloaded from our website at www. local Community Support Hub and Helpline to receive copies. coronavirus.wi.nhs.scot and copies are also (tel. 01851 600501), which offers households NHS Western Isles Communications and available on request from [email protected]" Digital Health and Wellbeing HS Western Isles has been awarded services to best meet local needs. and wellbeing support. experts in a range of topics to promote the project Nover €1.46million for projects aimed at €425,000 has been received by NHS Western During this time, the local mPower project has learning and build into existing practice. supporting the health and wellbeing of those Isles for the second project, ‘IT4Anxiety’. The key created three Community Navigator roles based Martin Malcolm, Head of Public Health living in the Outer Hebrides. objective of the project is to reduce the anxiety of across the Western Isles, who provide support Intelligence and Projects Lead at NHS Western The funding will be used by NHS Western Isles, patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases through Health and Wellbeing Plans for persons Isles, said: “These are fantastic opportunities to in its role in a number of European innovation (e.g. Alzheimer‘s disease) or post-traumatic stress facing a range of diffi culties affecting their health. harness both fi nancial resources and international disorder. partnerships, to develop and test new services and This may be from loneliness, mental health expertise to develop and test out new innovative technologies in various ways to support health and The project, which was funded €8million in diffi culties, lifestyle issues or practical things such approaches in supporting people with their health wellbeing. total from NWE Europe programme, will focus as diffi culties getting to hospital appointments or and wellbeing, which we would otherwise not be on the creation and implementation of innovative in keeping their home warm. The project also The fi rst project relates to ‘ChatPal’, which able to do. solutions, in particular those related to digital helps people with potential technologies that may “It is great too that, in so doing, we will be able involves the development of ‘Digital Wellbeing technology. The project will develop and test assist them in improving their health. This ranges to create around eight exciting new job roles in Conversations’ to support and promote mental technological solutions alongside conventional from help with simple communication devices for health and wellbeing. €220,000 will be received approaches to address anxiety. maintaining social connections to home health such an innovative area that hopefully will stand for the ChatPal project over three years, to develop us in great stead as we look to the future and how ‘mPower, Healthy and Connected Communities monitoring solutions for remotely managing a and test chatbot technologies. A key objective is we sustain health and care services on the islands.” Project’ is the third project to receive funding . health condition. to create and pilot a multilingual chatbot service An additional €1.4 million will be added to the mPower has, to date, directly helped over 130 Despite the UK's decision to leave the European that will provide a digital mental health service €8.4 million original total partners’ allocation in people via Wellbeing Plans or technology support. Union by the end of 2020, participation in these supporting project workers and skills coaches. order to strengthen and extend the shared learning The project has now been allocated a further projects is safeguarded till the end of their funded NHS Western Isles will be working with local for the local mPower project. The local mPower €151,514 funding over the next two years to further periods between 2021-2023, as confi rmed stakeholders Western Isles Association for Mental project has been operational since 2017 and has develop learning which will be used to fund a new by the relevant Scottish and UK Government Health, Penumbra and Foyer, to develop such new been successfully building in area of digital health Improvement Advisor role and tap into knowledge departments.

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REMEMBER TO WASH YOUR HANDS FOR AT LEAST 20 SECONDS TO KILL GERMS

ABOUT COVID-19 Your NHS is still Local support here to help! The most common symptoms of Many of us living on the Outer Coronavirus (COVID-19) are: NHS Western Isles is reminding Hebrides are feeling the strain communities that their local of the ongoing COVID-19 • a high temperature (37.8C or greater) situation, and some of us may • and/or a new and continuous cough Health Service remains available to them when needed. be struggling to make ends • and/or a loss or change in your sense meet. of smell and/or taste. If you have an issue that you If you are concerned about possible would normally have contacted If your usual food bill has COVID-19 symptoms, view our handy your GP Practice, Emergency increased, you are not alone. guide below... Department or other healthcare Buying even basic food staff with before coronavirus, supplies and paying for heating/ I DON’T HAVE SYMPTOMS please continue to seek advice electric has many people and families worried. We want to If you do not have symptoms but want to as normal. reassure you that there are ¿QGRXWPRUHLQIRUPDWLRQYLVLW systems to support you, even www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus Be assured that anyone displaying COVID-19 symptoms is being if you have never needed extra A free free helpline is also available if you treated separately to patients help before. do not have symptoms but are looking for attending for other reasons. general advice - tel. 0800 028 2816. This could be supplying you with free food shopping, Get checked early offering free food vouchers, or I HAVE MILD SYMPTOMS RWKHU¿QDQFLDOVXSSRUW If you have mild symptoms you are Whilst NHS screening services for breast, bowel and cervical expected to stay at home for 7 days from If you are not sure who best cancer have been paused during the start of your symptoms even if you to contact, please call in the COVID-19, if you have noticed think your symptoms are mild. Do not go ¿UVWLQVWDQFHWKHCommunity symptoms and are concerned, to your GP, pharmacy or hospital. Support Hub and Helpline, your GP practice is open and led by Comhairle nan Eilean All other household members should ready to help. Siar, on 01851 600 501. It isolate as a household for 14 days even offers community support for if they don’t have symptoms themselves. Getting checked early is one anyone in the Outer Hebrides 7KHGD\SHULRGVWDUWVIURPWKH¿UVW of the main reasons why more who requires assistance day the person had symptoms. people survive cancer. For further whilst self-isolating or may be information visit considered vulnerable or at Further information is available at: www.getcheckedearly.org www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus high risk during COVID-19.

Get immunised! We would also ask you to share MY SYMPTOMS ARE GETTING this information safely with WORSE If you or your child has an others in your community where You should phone 111 if: immunisation appointment, make possible, and look out for our sure you attend, or reschedule vulnerable neighbours, who may • your symptoms worsen during home if you’re showing symptoms of EHQH¿WIURPDGGLWLRQDOVXSSRUW isolation, especially if you’re in a high COVID-19. but are not aware of the helpline or extremely high risk group number. • breathlessness develops or worsens, particularly if you’re in a high or Regular appointments extremely high risk group Community Support • your symptoms haven’t improved in If you have a regular appointment 7 days. for a chronic condition such as Hub and Helpline: asthma or diabetes you should If you have a medical emergency, phone contact your GP for advice. If your 999 and tell them you have COVID-19 hospital appointment has not been 01851 600 501 symptoms. cancelled you should still attend. 04/06/20 - 01/07/20 www.hebevents.com EVENTS - Page 31

A dedicated Coronavirus (COVID-19) website is available at www.coronavirus.wi.nhs.scot and offers easy access to:

• essential and accurate information on COVID-19 and links to the latest guidance from NHS Inform, Scottish and UK Government • local information on support and services, commonly asked TXHVWLRQVDQGDQVZHUVDQGORFDO¿OPXSGDWHVSURYLGHGE\*RUGRQ Jamieson, NHS Western Isles Chief Executive • support, tools and tips to help individuals and families keep well whilst at home during isolation • support on how to stay in touch with family and friends outwith your household. • information on the local Community Support Hub and Helpline for those who require support whilst self-isolating or may be considered vulnerable during this time. • ORFDOVXSSRUW¿QDQFLDODQGDFFRPPRGDWLRQVXSSRUWDVZHOODVZDWHUDQGHQHUJ\VXSSOLHULQIRUPDWLRQ Local COVID-19 website: www.coronavirus.wi.nhs.scot

A local COVID-19 Health Concern Helpline is A new Psychological Wellbeing Hub service has available to help answer general Coronavirus recently been launched to help people of all ages health-related queries or concerns from members of across the Outer Hebrides manage their anxiety the public, health and social care staff and category while coping with the coronavirus outbreak. 1 responders. Please note that the local helpline is not a replacement to NHS24’s advice line on The Western Isles Psychological Wellbeing Service DQG1+6VKRXOGDOZD\VEHXVHGLQWKH¿UVW will operate the normal working hours of 9am-5.30pm instance. Monday to Friday. Referral to the hub can be made by downloading the referral form at https://bit. The local helpline offers support to help you ly/3eYa3RQ and then emailing it to: understand more about the virus, the symptoms [email protected] it causes and the important ways in which you can help reduce its impact in our communities. It For those without internet access, a referral or self- is open from 9am-5.30pm Monday-Friday. referral can be made by phoning the Community Navigator Team on 01851 708022 or the Local COVID-19 health concerns helpline: NHS Western Isles COVID-19 telephone 01851 601 151 line on 01851 601 151.

Western Isles Citizens Advice Service CnES COVID-19 Information 01851 705727 www.cne-siar.gov.uk/social-care-and- [email protected] health/coronavirus

Hebridean Housing Partnership CnES Homelessness Service 0300 123 0773 01851 822 821 (Lewis & Harris) [email protected] 01870 602 425 (Uists & Barra) www.hebrideanhousing.co.uk Out of Hours: 01851 701 702 Tighean Innse Gall [email protected] 01851 706 121 CnES Financial Inclusion Service [email protected] Financial Inclusion: 01851 822 654 www.tighean.co.uk [email protected] Jobcentre 01851 743 663 or 01851 743 664 &Q(6%HQH¿WV2I¿FH [email protected] 01851 822 642 www.gov.uk EHQH¿WV#FQHVLDUJRYXN Western Isles Women’s Aid CnES Social Work Service 01851 704750 01851 600 501

USEFUL CONTACTS RI¿FH#ZLZDVW\RUJ Out of Hours: 01851 701 702 westernisleswomensaid.co.uk

If you would like to join our e-subscription list to receive the latest COVID-19 news from NHS Western Isles, simply email [email protected] 04/06/20 - 01/07/20 www.hebevents.com EVENTS - Page 39

ISLE OF LEWIS WHISKY SHOP RAISES SPIRITS WITH DELIVERY SERVICE whisky shop based on the Isle of Lewis Business Gateway Outer Hebrides is delivered locally through Comhairle nan Ahas successfully adapted to lockdown developing business enterprises across the islands. To further discuss with the launch of a new delivery service yourEilean ideas Siar’s and Economic requirements Development and to service. nd out We your offer eligibility a range offor support additional and with help from Business Gateway. advice to individuals setting up or developing business enterprises across the Founded by Iain Faller, The Island Spirit assistanceislands. To please discuss call your our ideas local and of requirements ce and we furtherwill be and pleased to fi nd toout direct your Whisky Shop offers customers a selection of eligibility for fi nancial assistance, please call our local offi ce on 01851 822775 high-quality Scotch malt whiskies, Scottish you to one of our advisers - 01851 822 775. artisan gins and other fi ne spirits. While and we will be pleased to direct you to one of our advisers. initially due to move into new premises in April 2020, Iain adapted his business in response to COVID-19 with the launch of a delivery service available across the Outer Hebrides and mainland Scotland. Prior to the pandemic, Iain attended a number of Business Gateway and DigitalBoost workshops, which equipped him with the skills he needed to use social media as a marketing tool to raise awareness of his business and its service. Iain also accessed a variety of business start- up services over the last two years which have been instrumental in keeping the business stable during the COVID-19 pandemic. Iain Faller, The Island Spirit Whisky Shop CORONAVIRUS SUPPORT This included one-to-one business support, allocated for stock purposes. usiness Gateway is here to help you and your business through this diffi cult time. Our advisers advice on his business plan and a successful “I have been overwhelmed with the support Bare working remotely and continue to be able to offer support and guidance. The Business grant application to the Outer Hebrides and encouragement I have received from the Gateway website is regularly updated with a wide range of relevant advice and information on Young Entrepreneurs Start Up Scheme (Plus) local community and other local businesses things like business contingency, digital platforms, trading online, working from home, HR and (OHYESS+). The OHYESS+ scheme provides and I can’t thank Business Gateway enough.” support to new businesses and is funded by more. All this useful content can be found at www.bgateway.com, where you will also fi nd helpful Derek Maclean, Business Adviser, Business Highlands and Islands Enterprise and delivered webinars and the latest updates on the Government fi nancial support for businesses. Gateway said, “Over the past two years Iain by Business Gateway Outer Hebrides. The Comhairle’s website also contains up to date information on the Coronavius situation. Please has been able to take advantage of a wide Iain Faller, owner and founder of The Island visit www.cne-siar.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/coronavirus/ to see the latest updates. variety of services which we offer and it is Spirit Whisky Shop, said, “I had always dreamt always rewarding to see someone take the To fi nd out how Business Gateway can support your business, please contact us on businessgateway@ of turning my hobby of collecting whiskies into leap and start their own business. cne-siar.gov.uk or 01851 822775. a business, and after attending twenty Business “While the ongoing circumstances are not Gateway workshops, I fi nally took the plunge. what anyone could have predicted, it has been Self-employment Income Support Scheme “While I was not anticipating the current brilliant to see how Iain has adapted, with the This scheme supports self-employed individuals (including members of partnerships) situation, the skills I gained from attending successful launch of his new service and I look whose income has been negatively impacted by COVID-19. It provides a taxable Business Gateway workshops equipped me forward to when Iain can open his shop so that grant worth 80% of profi ts, up to £2,500 per month. HMRC will work out the grant with the confi dence to diversify and utilise customers can enjoy the experience he offers.” social media to advertise and market our based on your average trading profi t over the last three tax years. For support and advice on critical business business, without having the presence of our Further information is available on the UK Government website at www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-a- issues during the pandemic visit our dedicated high street shop. Practically, the business grant-through-the-coronavirus-covid-19-self-employment-income-support-scheme. Coronavirus Hub which is updated with new support grant we applied for has helped information daily: https://www.bgateway.com/ keep the business on track with our original coronavirus-business-support-across-scotland. Business Support Fund plan and prevented us from spending money This fund provides businesses with a rateable value up to £18,000 and registered for non-domestic rates, including those in receipt of the Small Business Bonus Scheme relief, with grants of £10,000. Businesses with a rateable value of between £18,001 and £51,000 in the hospitality, leisure and retail sectors can apply for grants of £25,000. Support Finder Self-catering businesses may be eligible if they are registered for non-domestic rates, if they The UK Government has launched an online business support fi nder tool which shows some of provide a primary source of income for the owner (a third or more) and if the property was let out for the supports available to you and your business. Please note, this service mainly focuses on UK at least 140 days in 2019-2020. Government support schemes. Your business may also be eligible for support schemes operated by If you have multiple eligible properties, you may be eligible to apply for a grant for each one from the Scottish Government or other agencies. 5 May. This means you may be able to get a £10,000 or £25,000 grant on the fi rst property. Then The business support fi nder tool can be accessed at https://www.gov.uk/business-coronavirus- each additional property may be eligible for either a Small Business Support Grant of £7,500 or a support-fi nder Retail, Hospitality, Leisure Support Grant of £18,500. For more information, visit www.cne-siar.gov. uk/social-care-and-health/coronavirus/coronavirus-business-support-fund/

COVID-19 Local Business Support Scheme The Comhairle has established this fund to assist businesses in hardship with ongoing costs if their normal trading has been affected by COVID-19. OHYESS The scheme cannot cover cashfl ow and day-to-day expenses but can potentially help with expenses such as maintenance of plant and equipment that would otherwise become obsolete, interest payments on business borrowing and some utilities and insurance costs. BUSINESS START UP GRANT FUNDING For more information, contact us on [email protected] or 01851 822775. he OHYESS scheme is fi nanced by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and administered Tby Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. Newly Self-employed Hardship Fund Grant funding for entrepreneurs, based in the Outer Hebrides with businesses in key sectors If you are ineligible for the UK Government’s Self-employment Income Support Scheme, you can that have been trading for no longer than two years. The funding will be used towards capital apply for support through this fund. It is anticipated that the scheme will be open from early May costs only and will be managed by the Comhairle. Contact us on [email protected] for further • Full time businesses—up to £2,500 grant details on the eligibility criteria and application process. • Part time businesses—up to £1,250 grant • Level of support—up to 50% of eligible costs. Bounceback Loans To fi nd out more, please contact Business Gateway on 01851 822775 or businessgateway@ The government has announced plans to offer Bounceback Loans up to £50,000 to support small cne-siar.gov.uk. businesses during the recession. The loans will be interest free for the fi rst 12 months and 100% *Key Sectors - renewables & energy related activity, recycling, tourism, creative and other culture-based government backed. Applications will be open as of 4th May. You can fi nd out more by visiting industries, food & drink, information technology, life, health and other sciences, research & development, www.gov.uk/government/news/small-businesses-boosted-by-bounce-back-loans. innovation, manufacturing & processing, traditional industries (indigenous to the Outer Hebrides).

Find us on Facebook – search for Business Gateway Outer Hebrides Online Local Business Directory – go to: www.businesshebrides.co.uk Page 40 - EVENTS www.hebevents.com 04/06/20 - 01/07/20 CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19Business Support from Business GatewaySupport from Outer Hebrides Business Gateway Outer Hebrides Business Gateway is very conscious of the scale of the impact that the pandemic is having on businesses, and the wider community,Business Gateway and is is here very to conscious support you of the as muchscale ofas thewe impactcan. that the pandemic is having on businesses, and the wider We have put in place actions to allow us to deliver a virtual community, and is here to support you as much as we can. advisory and online tutorial service to you wherever you are. OurWe have local put advisers in place are actions still very to much allow available,us to deliver by phone,a virtual email advisory and online tutorial service to you wherever you are. PSPOMJOFUPPŢFSGSFFTVQQPSUPOBXJEFSBOHFPGCVTJOFTT Our local advisers are still very much available, by phone, email NBUUFSTJODMVEJOHDPOUJOVJUZQMBOOJOH NBOBHJOHDBTIŤPXBOE

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EFBMJOHXJUITVQQMJFST0VSXFCTJUFPŢFSTBSBOHFPGGSFFSFTPVSDFTUPIFMQZPVEVSJOH this pandemic. Some key information that may be of use includes:0VSXFCTJUFPŢFSTBSBOHFPGGSFFSFTPVSDFTUPIFMQZPVEVSJOH this pandemic. Some key information that may be of use includes:• 0ťDJBMHVJEBODFGPSCVTJOFTTPXOFSTJO4DPUMBOE • • 0ťDJBMHVJEBODFGPSCVTJOFTTPXOFSTJO4DPUMBOE"DUJPOTGPSCVTJOFTTFTUPDPOTJEFSEVSJOHUIFQBOEFNJD • • "DUJPOTGPSCVTJOFTTFTUPDPOTJEFSEVSJOHUIFQBOEFNJD$PSPOBWJSVTGVOEJOHBOEHSBOUTVQQPSU • • $PSPOBWJSVTGVOEJOHBOEHSBOUTVQQPSU#VTJOFTTOFXTBOEPťDJBMVQEBUFT Our online tutorials and webinars have been developed to cover • #VTJOFTTOFXTBOEPťDJBMVQEBUFT UPQJDTQBSUJDVMBSMZSFMFWBOUUPUIFDSJTJTFHEJHJUBMNBSLFUJOH 13 Our online tutorials and webinars have been developed to cover JOBDSJTJT FNBJMNBSLFUJOHBOEUSBEJOHPOMJOF UPQJDTQBSUJDVMBSMZSFMFWBOUUPUIFDSJTJTFHEJHJUBMNBSLFUJOH 13 JOBDSJTJT FNBJMNBSLFUJOHBOEUSBEJOHPOMJOF

$POUBDUZPVSMPDBMPťDFPO email [email protected] or visit bgateway.com/coronavirus-support

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