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By Annie Delin And battle she did, over 26 miles of Lewis roads, including the classic dips and peaks of the Pentland Road and the exposed wind- swept stretch over the Braighe. headwind for 23 miles, and rain for all 26, didn’t stop Karen The disappointment of not getting the atmosphere of the London AMacdonald from achieving an excellent time in her London Marathon in the big city is just one more letdown in a year when Marathon run on Sunday 4 October. Karen has had to postpone her wedding and big celebrations for her Setting out from the Callanish stones under threatening skies at 30th birthday. lunchtime, Karen declared herself ‘ready to run’. She said: “Typical She said: “London Marathon gave us the choice between cancelling Hebridean weather has shown up for the occasion of course. It’s ok, our place altogether or running at the designated time on Sunday.” I’m ready to battle through it.” Her aim was to fi nish the run at Granny’s house in Aird. Granny Murdina Macdonald was one of Karen’s inspirations when she set out to raise funds for Alzheimer Scotland. The result explains the giant smile on Karen’s face – by 6pm today she’d topped £3,195 on her fundraising page at https://www. justgiving.com/fundraising/karenmacrunslondon The massive total – well over her target sum of £2,500 – made the pain worthwhile, even though Karen refl ected running in the opposite direction might have given her an easier task. She said this evening: “Should probably have run the route in the opposite direction and then I would have only had three miles of a headwind instead of 23. So I’m delighted with my time of 4hrs 29mins. Thanks to everyone that supported our Annual Big “Cannot thank my support squad enough...keeping me fed and Memory Walk from all at Alzheimer Scotland watered the whole way, taking the best photographs, cheering me on when I needed it the most. Friends of The Nicolson “And to everyone who came out to support me or cheer me on A recently formed charitable Trust to assist pupils of along the way...thank you SO much, it really did give me a much- needed boost on so many occasions.” The Nicolson Institute with the cost of travel to the mainland Murdag with Karen after the run The total raised, says Karen, makes her ‘very emotional’ and she Find out how you can help advance the next adds: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who generation of Nicolson pupils at www.fotn.org.uk sponsored me!” Bristow SAR Former primary school teacher 86-year-old Murdina – Murdag Alasdair Allan MSP/BPA a’Mhate to her friends – is being cared for at home in Aird, by her family Surgery Notice and by main carer, neighbour Joey Macaskill. She has developed symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, but still enjoys independence at contract renewed home and time spent with the other three generations of her family, although this has had to be restricted since renewed Coronavirus ristow Helicopters Limited has been awarded a contract precautions came into force last week. Bextension to continue delivering UK search and rescue Karen, who is 29 and works in commercial banking for Lloyds, (SAR) helicopter services for Her Majesty’s Coastguard, it was came home to complete her qualifi cations online several weeks ago, announced on Tuesday 29 September. but was returning to Glasgow on Monday 5 October. The commercial contract for search and rescue helicopter service The family’s support extends not only through Karen’s marathons, provision to HM Coastguard was awarded to Bristow in March 2013 sponsored walks and other fundraisers, but to her dad, Norrie ‘Tomsh’ and has now been extended until 31 December 2026. Macdonald, skydiving from a plane over Florida in October last year. Alan Corbett, chief executive of Bristow Helicopters Limited, said: “Alzheimer Scotland Western Isles has been such a support “Bristow remains fully committed to working with the MCA to realise to our family, providing support and signposting help, and also its remaining goals. In light of Scottish and UK Government guidance regarding the offering services to Granny when she was able to go out, before the “The extension of the current contract allows us to cost-effectively &29,'SDQGHPLFP\FRQVWLWXHQF\RIÀFHLVFXUUHQWO\FORVHG pandemic. Even during lockdown they have been maintaining digital introduce new capabilities into the existing helicopter fl eet and to My staff and I are still working, although, in line with the current engagement for granny. explore technologies which may be of benefi t in future contracts.” guidance, we are doing so from home. “Alzheimers touches so many lives and Alzheimer Scotland doesn’t Bristow employs about 360 people across 10 strategically-located I can still be contacted via www.alasdairallan.scot as get Government support. I’ve never stopped supporting them and I SAR helicopter bases, including the base at Stornoway airport. The well as by telephone or email as detailed below. don’t think our family ever will.” Stornoway-based team fl ew their 1,000th rescue mission in September. Telephone: 01851 700 357 Email: [email protected] www.alasdairallan.scot

HOW TO CONTACT US

Editor: Fred Silver [email protected] Design and layout: Andrew Jeffries [email protected] Annie Delin, senior correspondent (Lewis and Harris): [email protected] Writers: Katie Macleod, Melissa Silver General enquiries: [email protected]

NEXT EDITION: The deadline for information and advertising submissions is Tel: 07867 861090 Tuesday October 27. The newspaper is published on Thursday November 5.

EVENTS is published by Intermedia Services (Stornoway) Church House, 16 James Street, Stornoway HS1 2QN Tel: 01851 705743 08/10/20 - 04/11/20 www.hebevents.com EVENTS - Page 3 STS TAXIS…40 years on! 01851 704444 Stornoway Taxi and Courier Service – ESTABLISHED 1976 – 01851 704177 CONTRACTS, FERRY, AIRPORT & TOUR RUNS TAKEN. Available 24/7 & 365 days a year 5 CARS AVAILABLE AWAYS RELIABLE & COURTEOUS

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Church House, 16 James Street, Stornoway HS1 2QN WICCI’s renewed cash offer Order your By Annie Delin The fund has been the source of £150,000 2021 calendars estern Isles Cancer Care Initiative (WICCI) distributed in the Western Isles since it opened in from Stornoway February 2018. During lockdown £30,000 was Wis continuing to offer a support service Media Centre to people diagnosed with cancer and their distributed locally, part of a total in 2020 of £40,000 families, albeit greatly limited by current health in grants issued. restrictions. Helen said: “We’re especially keen to speak to people who have been newly diagnosed, who are The WICCI centre on Cromwell Street closed in going through treatment or who are struggling with line with national health guidance in March, and re- opened on a limited basis in mid-August, now with a being at home all day, with heating costs or with single part-time member of staff. fi nancial diffi culty. We really want to hear from them. Design service But services are continuing to be delivered, and “The application process is really quick and easy and available, or we can development manager Helen Sandison is keen that can be done by speaking to your GP, your Macmillan print from your nurse or by email to us at offi [email protected]. own artwork those receiving treatment or struggling with non-medical Get in touch for a issues connected with their diagnosis stay in touch. “We also strongly encourage people to get in bespoke quote Helen said: “We have changed our opening hours touch with health services if they think they have and are predominantly working from home, in line symptoms – to see a GP and get checked and with government guidance. especially to take up screening appointments.” “No services are being offered within the building, The NHS mobile breast screening unit is in Harris but we are carrying out some home visits, including between next Tuesday 6 October and Thursday 15 Please ring or email ahead to for podiatry and massage, which can still be done October and in Lewis between 20 October and 20 with strict hygiene precautions for the moment. November. plan office meetings or visits “We’re also offering online counselling, but Women between the ages of 50 and 70 will receive our main service is the delivery of funds from the a letter offering them an appointment three weeks E: [email protected] Macmillan Social Fund, which continues to be on ahead of the proposed date. Nobody should attend offer to anybody with a current cancer diagnosis or the bus without an appointment, but to ask questions T: 01851 705743 M: 07867 861090 receiving treatment.” or re-arrange an appointment, call 01463 705416. 14 North Street, Sandwick, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis HS2 0AD Tel: 018518 705798 www.mayburygardens.co.uk

LOCALLY GROWN HUGE RANGE OF SPRING BULBS Autumn is here: WINTER VIOLAS AND PANSIES IN STOCK REMEMBER OUR FEATHERED FRIENDS Fresh hand-tied Monday to Saturday £3.50 or 3 for £10 bird foods, bird tables, bird baths all in stock Bouquets for any 9am to 6pm Great prices on all your pets needs: food, toys, treats, leads and much much more occasion available Page 4 - EVENTS www.hebevents.com 08/10/20 - 04/11/20 STORNOWAY CHRISTIAN BOOKSHOP High 30 Kenneth Street, Stornoway | 01851 703334 Calendars, Diaries spirits and Christmas cards now in stock. 1 Samuel 7 12 ...... Hitherto the Lord has helped us. for new Visit our newly launched website: www.stornowaychristianbookshop.co.uk whisky OPENING HOURS Monday-Saturday 9am-1pm, 2pm-4.30pm specialists 7KLQNLQJ By Annie Delin f you were planning on launching a business just as lockdown DERXW Icame along, you’d be forgiven for feeling a bit low in spirits. But Iain Faller, pictured right, owner of the fi rst and only specialist whisky shop in the Western Isles, was quite prepared to weather the )RVWHULQJ" storm and fi nd ways around the unexpected hit. A year ago, on 1 October 2019, Iain secured premises and applied $W&RPKDLUOHQDQ(LOHDQ6LDU for his licence to sell spirits. His plan to open in March 2020 was beaten by two weeks when lockdown came along. ZHDUHORRNLQJIRUIRVWHUFDUHUVWRPHHW Iain said: “I already had a licence to sell from my house, so I used WKHQHHGVRIWKRVHFKLOGUHQZKRDUH social media as a platform and reckoned that, as long as I sold one XQDEOHWROLYHZLWKWKHLUELUWKIDPLOLHV bottle a week, I could still get all my processes in place.” In the event, scarcely a day of lockdown went by without a sale ,I\RXZDQWPRUHLQIRUPDWLRQ and, by the time the Island Spirit Whisky Shop eventually opened at 38 Cromwell Street on 18 July, it was set to become a destination. WKHQSOHDVHFRQWDFW)LRQD Iain said: “I had been delivering orders myself around the RU$QQHRQ Stornoway area, with Woody’s taking deliveries further afi eld around Lewis and Harris and some bottles going out to the mainland by post. HPDLODQQHPDFNHQ]LH#FQHVLDUJRYXN On Monday (28 September) we sent away our fi rst overseas order, to Malta.” :HDUHZDLWLQJWRKHDUIURP\RX Demand for what Iain has to offer has grown organically and the atmosphere of the shop itself adds substantially to the interest. He said: “I want it to be a place where people can have an experience -DPHV6W and take the time to enjoy the choice of what they are going to buy. 6WRUQRZD\ “We sell single malt whisky by region, mostly from Scotland but we also have Japanese and Irish whiskies, blends and collectables on +641 small batches by specialist distilleries. “One side of the shop is given over to the whisky, while on the IRUVDYLQJVDQGORDQV other we have craft gins – almost exclusively from Scotland and with ask specifi c questions about the botanicals that create distinctive a special focus on island gins – Scottish craft vodkas and a variety of character. rum from traditional Caribbean to Scottish spiced rum.” Island Spirit is a click and collect point for Harris gin and Barra LQWKH2XWHU+HEULGHV The gins are a special feature, the range selected by Iain’s wife gin, and gins from Colonsay, Skye, Tiree and Orkney are among a Mary and with advice always ready for customers who want to huge range of island tipples on the shelves. Many visiting customers ZHEVLWHZZZKLVFRWFRPHPDLOLQIR#KLVFRWFRP are keen on buying something from the islands to take home. WHOHSKRQH The spirits are complemented by giftware including blown glass and Sandwick Bay candles made with the aromas of maturing casks.

THINK ABOUT GIVING A signifi cant part of the purchasing experience is the opportunity The Harris A GIFT SUBSCRIPTION… to ask questions and get advice, tasting notes and ideas on what to try, or what to buy as gifts. THE ONLY MAGAZINE DEVOTED TO EXPLORING THE ISLANDS OF SCOTLAND Tweed Subscribe to SCOTTISH ISLANDS SCOTTISH ISLANDS EXPLORER Iain said: “This is not like supermarket shopping where you just Hebrides VOL. 21 NO. 125 OCT/NOV 2020 £4.95 grab something off the shelf. We listen to what people want and we EXPLORER try to match what they’re looking for. Mill Shop “I think it’s quite a change for the island. Stornoway didn’t have and bring a dedicated whisky shop, unlike most west coast towns – and now it does.” Gallanach Bay, inspiration to Isle of Muck You can fi nd out more about the Island Spirit Whisky Shop at

10> https://www.facebook.com/islandspiritwhisky your door! Sad story of Long summers Nature, life Finding the Betty Corrighall on Oronsay and Islands holy island 646047 year of publication

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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 Gin on Chef GLVDVWHU Island Tel: 01851 700046 North Uist stamps Specialist Scotch Whiskies, craft www.harristweedhebrides.com THE ONLY MAGAZINE DEVOTED TO EXPLORING THE ISLANDS OF SCOTLAND gins, vodkas and rums and gifts [email protected] ORDER YOUR SUBSCRIPTION TODAY: 07555697540 01202 087632 [email protected] www.scottishislandsexplorer.co.uk @islandspiritwhisky 08/10/20 - 04/11/20 www.hebevents.com EVENTS - Page 5

es ern Isl Volunteer Centre West

Spread a little kindness this Christmas

Could your organisation or group plan a community act of kindness this Christmas? Our step by step planning guide is here to help. This Christmas, Volunteer Centre Western Isles would like to help local groups to reach out to people in our community. Could your group organise a small project to give out a written card with a message and / or a small gift to those who may need an extra smile this Christmas? Our aim is that lots of groups and organisations across the Western Isles will volunteer to plan their own small ‘Give a Gift, Light up a Life’ act of kindness project this Christmas to help improve links between people within our communities. If your group would like to organise your own project, here is a step by step list of things to think about when planning your project. This structure will help you to achieve a successful project and spread a little kindness this Christmas.

Choose your target group / e.g. age group/ geographic area/ elderly/ socially isolated Visit people/ families/ parents/ children and young people/ service users that your www.volunteercentrewi.org organisation works with for the latest links to COVID-19 guidelines for volunteer involving groups. Agree on who will be eligible within that group When organising volunteers, please Will you give out hand written cards with messages of kindness and /or appropriate consider health and safety at every stage. gifts or both? Please ensure national COVID-19 guidelines If giving out gifts, agree what appropriate gifts may be and a suggested price limit; are being worked to at every stage. Are other people in your area running this campaign? How will you ensure there is no duplication, e.g. can you work together? Could you choose to give to different groups to avoid duplication. E.g. one group target elderly, another families Agree your timescale and ensure you have plenty of time for; • Promotion and advertising, if required • Collection of donations • Wrapping of gifts and organising cards • Distribution and delivery

If you are asking for community donations, organise where your drop off will be, For more info contact e.g. days and times 01851700366 If you have a drop off point, will it meet current COVID guidelines for health and [email protected] safety and allow for social distancing? The Volunteer Centre can provide you with information on this Organise people to wrap gifts. If you would like help to find volunteers for this, please get in touch and we may be able to assist Organise people to distribute gifts in community to your target groups Page 6 - EVENTS www.hebevents.com 08/10/20 - 04/11/20 MASS PROTEST OVER ARNISH ‘JOB-LOSS’ CONTRACT

n Thursday 24 September Community manufacturing contracts to the rest of the world. include the leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, and Sgir’ Uige Agus Ceann A Tuath Nan Loch Oactivists, unions, councillors, local “The Arnish yard has been lying mothballed Roddie Mackay; the chair of the Outer Hebrides Councillor Raghnall Friseal also backed the business and industry representatives have for nearly a year but every turbine jacket from Energy Group, Ian McCulloch; former UK Energy ‘Action for Arnish’ campaign, following SSE’s launched the “Action for Arnish” campaign, the Seagreen project will be manufactured in Minister, Brian Wilson, and the interim principal decision to award Seagreen contracts to fi rms with after renewables supply chain fi rm BiFab either China or the UAE, anywhere it seems but of Lews Castle College, Sue MacFarlane. An manufacturing sites in China and the UAE. failed to secure any work from the £3 billion Scotland, and that’s disgraceful. ongoing campaign is now being mounted in Scottish Conservative MSP Donald Cameron support of jobs at the yard. said: “It is extremely disappointing that BiFab’s Seagreen offshore wind project. “It’s been a decade since Alex Salmond The initiative has come from former members of high-skilled workforce in Arnish have been Manufacturing contracts for the project’s 114 promised us the “Saudi Arabia of Renewables” the Arnish Workers Committee. Their spokesman, overlooked by SSE in the contract process for the turbine jackets, which will be located 27 miles and Scottish Renewables forecast 28,000 jobs Iain MacLeod, said: “There is a great sense of Seagreen development. off the coast of Angus, have instead been awarded in offshore wind, yet the Cabinet Secretary told frustration on the island about the way Arnish is to Fluor and Lamprell, and will be delivered parliament yesterday that delivering jobs for the “The SNP Government promised that we would a neglected issue for the people who hold power exclusively at their yards in China and the United “green revolution” is dependent on independence. have a green revolution in Scotland, but when Arab Emirates before being shipped to Scotland. over it. local fi rms are losing out on business to China and “This is what political failure looks and sounds “We have repeatedly held back from launching UAE, it sounds like this is all talk, but no action.” Campaigners have intervened to prevent like, a decade of lies and spin at Holyrood and the permanent closure of the publicly-owned this campaign because there was supposedly Cllr Raghnall Friseal said: “It has only been a Westminster ending up in a constitutional blame always something about to happen, but it never fabrication yard, demanding transparency over game, and an industry body cheerleading for the few years since jobs at Arnish were saved, but this the leasing arrangements between BiFab’s owners materialises. We now need to fi ght for the future news is a slap in the face for local workers. I am rest of the world while Scottish communities are of the yard and the jobs that depend upon it which DF Barnes and the Scottish Government, along desperate for jobs. committed to working with those involved at the with an investment and industrial strategy to are critical to the island’s future”. Arnish site, the Scottish Government and others to allow the yard to compete for contracts across the “We warned that despair will turn to anger The campaign has the support of the STUC identify ways of supporting our local workforce.” the longer this failure is left unchallenged. energy sector. as well as GMB and Unite trade unions who The Western Isles Labour Party has also given its Communities failed by politics will take control The launch follows stormy exchanges in had members at the yard. Hazel Nolan, Scottish backing to the Action for Arnish campaign: “We of their own futures and the “Action for Arnish” the Scottish Parliament involving the Cabinet organiser of the GMB, said: “Scotland has no warmly commend the former Arnish workers who campaign is a direct response to what is a Secretary for Economy and Fair Work Fiona chance of a “green recovery” if there is no have taken the lead in trying to focus attention on renewables scandal too far.” Hyslop over the government’s failure to deliver on investment in the local supply chains and we the disgraceful treatment of the yard over recent previous job creation commitments for Scotland’s The “Action for Arnish” declaration calls for full continue to award renewables manufacturing years. transparency from the Scottish Government on contracts to the rest of the world. offshore wind sector. “The demand for the Arnish yard to be current leasing terms for the yard; a statement of GMB Scotland Organiser Hazel Nolan said: “The Arnish yard has been lying mothballed available to any user which can bring work to it is intent from BiFab/DF Barnes; and open access for “Scotland has no chance of a “green recovery” for nearly a year but every turbine jacket from the particularly important. The dependence on BiFab if there is no investment in the local supply any other company which can use the yard. Seagreen project will be manufactured in either which was created by the Scottish Government as chains and we continue to award renewables Signatories – all in personal capacities - China or the UAE, anywhere it seems but Scotland a side-deal to the Fife yards has been a disaster and that’s disgraceful”. for Arnish. Former UK Energy Minister and Lewis resident, “The MP and MSP for the Western Isles are Brian Wilson, said: “This is a campaign the whole the people who should have been making these island should get behind. The key demand is that demands long ago but in their absence it is time the Arnish facility which was created through for others to take the lead in fi ghting for jobs in past public investment must be available to any the islands.” company capable of bringing work into it, rather than sterilised by a deal that has failed to deliver.” And Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Councillor TIGHEAN INNSE GALL’s AUTUMN OFFER Donald Crichton, Chairman of the Sustainable During topical questions in Holyrood on Tuesday Development Committee, said: “The

September 22, Highlands and Islands Labour disappointing news this week that Bifab has been STRUGGLING TO STAY WARM? MSP, Rhoda Grant asked the Cabinet Secretary for unsuccessful in bidding for the SSE renewables Economy, Fair Work and Culture, Fiona Hyslop, if STRUGGLING TO PAY ENERGY BILLS? contract off the East coast is a further blow to our the Crown Estate would guarantee that their fi rst local economy. This, of course, has implications STRUGGLING WITH HEATING WHILE STAYING HOME MORE? round of Scotwind leases would ensure that there for the Arnish fabrication yard and leaves our was local content in these projects and that they skilled local workforce without any prospect of WE ARE HERE TO HELP would adopt fair work practices. future work. Rhoda Grant said “Too often we see work going COULD YOUR HOME BENEFIT FROM THESE? “It further highlights the lack of a national to overseas yards that undercut us by using low strategy or framework that would put in place

wage economies to compete. incentives to ensure that renewable energy INTERNAL WALL INSULATION EXTERNAL WALL INSULATION “Furthermore, given these are our natural developers use local markets to construct their resources our communities should also benefi t projects. from the economic boost of these jobs. Workers “Along with the Council Leader I am a signatory in Lewis and Fife should be employed making the to the statement by the Arnish Campaign Group turbines required for the Seagreen wind farm. and fully share their frustration at the lack of Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron progress in securing contracts for the yard.”

ROOM in ROOF INSULATION BESPOKE ENERGY ADVICE Works restart at former police station ork was due to recommence on the Torrance Partnership, colleagues in the Scottish Wconstruction of eight fl ats for affordable Government and the newly appointed contractor, rent at the former Police Station, in Tarbert, in Alec Murray Construction, to ensure this project early October, Hebridean Housing Partnership can go ahead as quickly as possible; we are IF YOU THINK SO: CONTACT US TO FIND OUT IF WE CAN HELP YOU. reported. grateful for their support to recommence these works. Tel: 01851 706121 This project was suspended in September 2019 E-mail: [email protected] “due to the non-performance of the previous “Progress of the development was also set back by the COVID-19 outbreak and subsequent lock These are grant funded /assisted works. contractor”. down, but the housing is currently expected to be John Maciver, HHP Director of Operations said: We will prioritise those who receive available by June 2021, subject to any change to ”Whilst the actions of the previous Contractor Universal Credit or the Winter Fuel Payment the current guidance for construction projects.” were most regrettable, we remain acutely aware The development will consist of eight To keep you safe during works all our contractors work in strict accordance with the Scottish Government’s of the importance of this development to bring 2-bedroom fl ats and will benefi t from Air Source COVID guidance. much-needed additional housing to Tarbert and we have worked with our partners at TIG, Heating. 08/10/20 - 04/11/20 www.hebevents.com EVENTS - Page 7 Ultra far, ultra success!

By Annie Delin Michelle survived and is now raising n ultra-challenge for one money for Lucky2Bhere.” Aof Ness’s emergency health The ripples from that momentous workers has netted an amazing total event keep spreading outwards, with of £6,020 for Ness and Shader First Lorna redoubling her fi rst responder Responders. commitment to raise funds as well as to work with the Ness team. Lorna Thomson not only ran a marathon – she did it twice, covering an She had a well-deserved bright and cool day on Saturday 26 September astonishing 53 miles between Stornoway Lorna glowing with achievement at the fi nish in Ness, after her 53-mile challenge and Ness on her own two feet. for her double marathon, when The achievement is even more she left Stornoway at 7am and was remarkable given that Lorna only accompanied along the way by friends ran her fi rst marathon last summer. and family, along with colleagues from She was a marathon debutante at emergency rescue teams including the Harris marathon and was on the fi rst responders and ambulance crews. spot when Stornoway public relations On Sunday Lorna found the energy writer Michelle Macleod suffered a to post her fundraising total of cardiac arrest. £6,020 and to say: “What a day I had Lorna said: “I was running my fi rst yesterday. Huge thank you to all who marathon that day and happen to be supported me – you all know who passing when she collapsed. I began you are. Legs are feeling remarkably CPR while others applied the defi b well so far, a day in front of TV is in (defi brillator) and secured her airway. order. Thanks once again for all your Along with a fantastic team effort, generous donations!”

Advertising Feature The Importance of having a Will and a Power of Attorney

t is estimated that only a third of the people think it is, and it will give peace of mind wishes while you are living, your Will a Will and a Power of Attorney and answer the Ipopulation of Scotland have a Will and that your affairs are in order. requires to be written. questions you might have. it is likely that fewer still have a Power of It is just as important for young people to have • You can change your Will at any time if Anderson Macarthur is signed up to the Free Attorney. This inevitably will lead to many Wills and Powers of Attorney as it is for older circumstances change, so it is not set in Will Service offered by Cancer Research UK. This families having to go through diffi cult and people to have them. stone when you fi rst make a Will. means we can offer free wills to clients. Cancer costly processes when someone loses capacity Did you know? • If you do not have a Power of Attorney in Research UK will pay for your Will to be made in the hope you leave something to them in your or passes away. • It is particularly important for croft tenants place and you fi nd yourself in a situation Will. If you would like to use the Free Will Service, Making a Will and a Power of Attorney will to have a Will to ensure the croft can be where you cannot manage your own affairs, then please let us know when you contact us. make it easier for loved ones to get through a time transferred to the next tenant. no one will be able to deal with your bills, take money out of your sole bank account Tha ar luchd lagha fi leanta anns a’ Ghàidhlig which may already be very stressful. • It is not necessarily true that everything will or make any decisions for you. The only agus gu math deònach bruidhinn ri neach sam bith Your Power of Attorney sets out who would be automatically go to your spouse or partner if alternative is for a Guardianship Order to be mu dheidhinn na cùisean seo anns a’ Ghàidhlig. able to manage your affairs and make decisions you pass away without a Will. put in place which can take several months For more information and to arrange your Will on your behalf if you lost capacity and your Will • If you do not have immediate family and will involve the Court and a number of and Power of Attorney, please contact one of our sets out what should happen with your estate members and you have not left a Will, your professional assessments. once you pass away. Neither document becomes offi ces: - estate will be shared out by the nearest class At Anderson Macarthur we are passionate about effective until it is required. of relatives. This could mean that cousins everyone having a Will and a Power of Attorney Stornoway: Tel: 01851 703356 or It is understandable that it is not easy to think you are rarely in contact with will inherit and we are committed to keeping the costs of Email: [email protected] about losing capacity or passing away but making your estate. these documents affordable. Our solicitors will be Portree: Tel: 01478 612197 or a Will and a Power of Attorney is not as diffi cult as • It is not enough to simply tell people your able to take you through the process of making Email: [email protected] Page 8 - EVENTS www.hebevents.com 08/10/20 - 04/11/20 How spending £5 a week The list so far Buy local looks like this… • An Lanntair • Ariba locally can pay dividends • Autoparts in October• The Baltic Bookshop any of Stornoway’s independent shops shops they hadn’t been into in • Charlie Barleys Mand businesses are joining in with the years and huge sales of £5 offers. • Celtic Clothing Totally Locally national Fiver Fest – a high- Over the two consecutive fi ver fests, the number • The Colour Centre street shopping campaign from Saturday 10 – of towns taking part has now reached over 100. • Decor8STY LTd Saturday 24 October. Fiver Fest offers have been imaginative and • Delights Thousands of independent businesses are varied; from £5 massages, to a £5 local meat pack, • Empty House Traders coming together to highlight their contribution to £5 best-selling book offers to £5 lunch deals and • Events Card Shop the great Scottish high street. even axe-throwing for £5. • Home Improvement Centre To show the importance of supporting our “We know Fiver Fest isn’t going to change the • Hebridean Dance Studio high streets, Stornoway is joining with over 100 world”, said Chris Sands of Totally Locally, “but • Hebridean Tea Store independent high streets across the UK, to put on small changes in spending habits can really make • KJ Macdonalds very special £5 offers across two weeks in October. a difference to our high streets. Just by diverting • Island Spirit Whisky Organisers say: “The independent shops and £5 of our weekly spend to local independents • Lewis Revival businesses are what makes our town special and we give them a fi ghting chance to thrive. It’s a • Macleod & Macleod Butchers unique. We appreciate it when our community conversation worth having!”. • No.9 Coffee Shop & Sandwich Bar support us, so these offers are to say thank you for small businesses in their communities. It is for this reason, that the fourth national • No.10 Retail Warehouse that support, and to show just what great value our “If every adult in your town spent just £5 Fiver Fest is taking place. This time it’s even more • Rarebird Design local businesses are.” per week in their local independent shops and important than ever after how our world has • Sandwick Bay Candles • Sardars Fiver Fest is a free to join campaign, devised businesses, it would mean £1.5m here per year changed during 2020 and Yougov research has and run by Totally Locally, a grass-roots high street going directly into our local economy. Which can shown that 59% of shoppers have used more local • Stornoway Christian Bookshop organization which has been helping businesses lead to more jobs, a better high street, a stronger shops to support them during lockdown. • Tech-mobile and high streets to help themselves since 2010 economy and a nicer place to live. Makes you Totally Locally was founded in Calderdale, • The blue lobster with incredible results. think doesn’t it?!” West Yorkshire in 2010 by award winning brand • The Good Food Boutique • WJ Macdonald Butchers For this Fiver Fest, Totally Locally is partnering Fiver Fest has been running successfully in and marketing expert Chris Sands. There are now • Wool 4 Ewe with Visa to encourage even more small individual towns in the UK and abroad over the more than 60 towns in the UK who have gone business owners to sign up to this celebration of past seven years, but in 2019 the team at Totally ‘totally locally’ with the full ‘town kit’ and has • The Oystercatchers independent high streets. Locally brought together towns across the country reached as far as New Zealand, USA and Australia. in on big Fiver Fest celebration. In all, 43 towns Chris decided to give away the campaign, after he Together, they are also calling on consumers joined in and the result was phenomenal with was inundated with towns after the success of the Ness District to divert £5 of their weekly spend to support the reports of new customers, people rediscovering campaign in Calderdale, where he lives. “I just • Cross Stores wanted to see what would happen!” he said. • Cross Inn • The Breakwater • Spors Nis • Wobbly Dog of Lewis Buy local in • Comunn Eachdraidh Nis November SPECIALSPECIAAAL OFFOFFERER ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE FOR ONLY £80 + VAT ONE-THIRD OFF THE USUAL PRICE Christmas

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MSP meets new college principal sles MSP Alasdair Allan visited Lews Castle ICollege UHI on Monday 28 September to welcome new Principal and CEO Sue Macfarlane as the college’s Graduation Week was launched. Mr Allan was welcomed to the College by Sue Macfarlane and met with students who are being supported to continue their studies as the Covid pandemic continues. The College wase hosting a week of online celebration for the graduates of 2020, from Monday 28 September. The University of the Highlands and Islands were publishing celebratory webpages featuring video messages from the Chancellor, HRH The Princess Royal, the University’s Principal and Vice-chancellor and local academic partner principals. Students were also able to download a graduate list to keep as souvenirs. Throughout the week the College was releasing celebratory student stories via its website and social media. Student of the Year Andrew Horne Lews Castle College Principal Sue Macfarlane said, ‘We want to celebrate all our higher education students who have graduated their courses this Student of year despite the challenges they’ve faced through COVID-19. This has been an extremely diffi cult time for students, and we are very proud of all the hard work and dedication shown by every one of Year award them. MSP Alasdair Allan and Lews Castle College Principal Sue Macfarlane meet FES Electrical Apprentice Craig Mackenzie to discuss his work “Lews Castle College is invested in helping to support the local community during this diffi cult local businesses alike.” continuing as we adapt to the challenges brought for Andrew time. We have a huge range of facilities on offer to MSP Alasdair Allan said, “It was great to meet about by the COVID-19 pandemic.” support retraining, upskilling and fl exible learning. with Sue today and to celebrate the achievements Lews Castle College UHI is an academic partner A wide range of our courses can be studied online, n ‘Exemplary’ Student was awarded as of our students locally in what are tough and trying of the University of the Highlands and Islands, the part time and with expert support from College Student of the Year at Lews Castle College times for students and educators. United Kingdom’s leading integrated university A staff. encompassing both further and higher education. UHI on Wednesday 30 September as the “The College has a crucial role in supporting Online Graduation Week continued. “We are working hard to develop our online The College provides a diverse range of courses to offering further with new courses launching in individuals and business in the islands and it students in not only on Lewis, but also in North SVQ Electrical Installation student Andrew January to provide further support for students and was interesting to hear about how this work is Uist, Benbecula and Barra. Horne’s work has been described by his lecturer as “exemplars for future students attending this course in our college.’ That week saw Lews Castle College UHI hold a Chef James gets week of online graduation celebrations. Sadly, due to Covid restrictions, graduation was not able to take place but the College did everything possible college role to help students celebrate. Throughout the week the College celebrated the ews Castle College UHI are delighted to announce a stories of some of the wonderful students who have Lnew partnership with former Digby Chick Head Chef been studying with Lews Castle College UHI. These James Mackenzie. stories celebrated how students, with the support of the College, have overcome extremely diffi cult James’ new role as Development Chef is part of Lews Castle circumstances created by the global pandemic to College UHI’s new approach to support and develop new continue to excel in their studies. opportunities for the local community hit by the COVID-19 Global Pandemic. One such student is ‘Student of the Year’ Andrew Horne. Richard Hemmings, Lecturer in Electrical The College are seeking to offer a range of new training experiences in the Professional Cookery and Hospitality sectors Engineering said “Andrew’s non practical work has to directly meet the needs of the local industry and so increase been completed to a very high standard, gaining the resilience of the local economy. 100% grades in all the work he submitted to date. During the Covid lockdown, Andrew and James’ appointment will explore a new focus on the food his colleagues had to complete as much work as and drink sector locally and lead to enhanced opportunities for they could on-line. This situation was particularly horticulture, food technology and food and drink innovation. challenging as apprentice courses were never James said “…after 35 years in the industry I was looking for designed for on-line delivery. I am very pleased an opportunity to put something back into the industry locally that they coped so well.” and by training up the next generation of chefs and cooks I Andrew has been serving his apprenticeship with think I can bring my vast experience and knowledge to this local company A Campbell Electrical Services. initiative. The kitchens at Lews Castle College are a fantastic Company Secretary Rachel Campbell said: ‘ACES bespoke training facility and I cannot wait to get started.” Ltd are delighted to hear of Andrew’s award which Dr Michael Smith, Head of Department at Lews Castle refl ects his hard work and we are appreciative of College UHI commented that: “This is a great step forward in the support he receives from Lews Castle College. being able to begin servicing better the food and drink sector locally. “We are sure Andrew will continue to progress through his next two years at College with the “We hope with additional on-going industry input and same work ethic and determination he has shown advice we can produce and offer a range of engaging courses over the last 18 months. Over the last 18 years all for school pupils all the way up to professional chefs. of our Electrical Apprentices have enjoyed their “The hospitality sector is crucial to the local economy and training at Lews Castle College as part of their Lews Castle College want to offer courses that support and SECTT Apprenticeship scheme.” encourage this sector.” Page 10 - EVENTS www.hebevents.com 08/10/20 - 04/11/20

“Spiritual feast” of beautiful prayers and No drink and no tour for Peat & Diesel trio meditation t’s Whisky No-More for Western help address the immediate and IIsles’ band Peat and Diesel as unique challenges that having they Go Sober for October in aid of cancer during this pandemic brings cancer charity but they need your support. Your A very warm invitation to anyone interested donations are vital to enable them Peat and Diesel are giving up the to continue to be there for people to gather together in a spirit of love, and booze for an entire month and taking part living with cancer. in Macmillan Cancer Support’s Go Sober fellowship to improve our own individual for October campaign. If you would like to donate to Peat & Diesel’s Go Sober page, spiritual growth, and the collective. A Members, Calum “Boydie” MacLeod, please visit:https://www.gosober. Innes Scott and Uilly Macleod formed org.uk/teams/peat-diesel great opportunity to refl ect on how we can in 2018 after regular Saturday music all be part of this ever-widening circle of sessions at the band members’ homes And there was a massive and in Stornoway became popular on social supportive reaction on-line to friendship, peacefulness and unity. media. the announcement on Saturday October 3 that Peat & Diesel’s With a take on traditional Scottish planned tour has been completely music, most of their songs are in The program uses Zoom to get the link cancelled for this year. English but also include some Gaelic. The boys, a fi sherman, an please call or text 07798700443 electrician, and a delivery driver, shot to fame last year when they They said on Facebook: “Well, Folks. It’s not good news!!! All our won “Live Act of the Year” at the Scot Trad Music Awards. gigs are cancelled for 2020. Our Scottish, English and Irish Tour is going nowhere. “Gather all people beneath the shadow In solidarity with 31-year-old fi sherman, Boydie, the boys in the band and the crew of his fi shing boat, Comrade have decided to go “We will hopefully have it sorted and a post put up in the next of Thy bounty and cause them to unite in on the wagon. few days for new dates in 2021. Thanks to everyone that supported harmony, so that they may become as rays of With no gigs in the pipeline and no parties to attend, Boydie said: us along the way.” “Apart from the rain out at sea it’s going to be a dry month. No one On the group’s Facebook Page, Karen Young said: “Totally one sun, as the waves of one ocean, and as is saying it’s going to be easy but with the band and my crew joining understandable under the current circumstances. Feel sorry for the the fruits of one tree.” -Abdu’l-Bahá in, it will certainly help. Uilly has a big birthday this month, so we’re livelihoods of everyone involved, wishing this could be over with going to have to celebrate with a cup of coffee and leave the partying and we are all dancing and singing with you soon. X” to a later date.” Kathleen Main wrote: “Gutted for you and everyone in the music One of the most vital and fundamental On the band’s Facebook page there are lots of good luck and business, I hope it’s not too long before your back singing and joking teachings of Baha’u’llah is “the oneness cheeky messages from fans and supporters as the boys head into a at Nigg Bay Golf Club!” and wholeness of the human race,” and the month of sobriety. Uilly said: “I think I’ll cope fi ne with going sober Ross Groves said:”Lads it is what it is, me along with all the other but I’m not sure about Boydie. He likes his beer! I’m more of a gin fans will be behind you all the way, we will get the party and it will establishment of this principle is the central and tonic man myself and Innes is tea total so this will be a breeze be massive once it’s safe to do So, take care guys.” to him. purpose of the Bahai Faith. Baha’u’llah Gary Robertson wrote: “Sad news indeed but we stay committed, “I turn 30 on the 25th of October, so I guess celebrations will need focused and positive for great times to come. This was never going states that we all have been created to carry to take place in November. Macmillan Cancer Support, are a much- to be a ‘fl ash in the pan’ journey! We’re here for the duration, the forward an ever-advancing civilisation. loved charity across the Western Isles and support a lot of people in Ceol agus Craic and one helluva HORO GHEALLAIDH when the the community so it’s great to be doing something for them.” time is right!” Unable to get together because of the pandemic, Uilly said: “We Sue Reeves said: “I kind of guessed as much, but so sad. Really had a gig on the back of a trailer at the start of lockdown just to try “The well being of mankind, its peace and was looking forward to seeing you in Kyleakin. Stay safe you guys, and lift people’s spirits a wee bit but since then it’s been hard. We what a rotten year for yous....really hope things look up for 2021.” security, are unattainable unless and until its managed to meet once when the restrictions were eased and had a unity is fi rmly established.”-Baha’u’llah few practices. Now of course we can’t meet at all because we are And there was a special suggestion from Willie “Hitchhike’: “I from three different households. would like to ask everyone that bought tickets for gigs this year that been cancelled to take a loss on them and the band to give them “I usually like a drink to wind down at the end of a hard week, the fi rst chance of buy new one for gigs in 2021 to help support the so I’ll need to take up something else to relax a bit. It’s all for a music industry in these tough times, stay safe.” good cause so we will be reminding ourselves of that throughout. The program uses Zoom Anything people can donate to our page, is very much appreciated, And Andy Layton James added: “It’s so sad, ALL us musicians esp thank you.” the pro ones have and are losing out on their livelihoods…The virus to get the link please call Shirlie Geddes, Senior Fundraising Manager in the North of will never go away, we’ll just have to be more careful and learn how Scotland, Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “We can’t thank the to live and cope with it.” members of Peat and Diesel enough for taking part in our Go Sober The tour, including two sold-out dates at the Ironworks in Inverness or text 07798700443 fundraiser. Thank you also to the fi shing boat, Comrade. The band and another at Barrowlands in Glasgow, is another casualty of the are very popular and well-known so I am sure there will be lots of Coronavirus pandemic, with a total of nine Scottish gigs between 6 support from their fan base. November and 5 December all scrubbed from the calendar. bahaiteachings.org “It’s such a diffi cult time for charities just now so their support Also biting the dust are performances in Cork and Belfast in is very much appreciated and I’m sure they’ll be able to catch up October, and in London, Liverpool, Leeds and Newcastle through bahai.org.uk elevate on their favourite tipples once October is out the way. Happy 30th November. birthday to Uilly when it comes and a massive thank you from New tour dates for 2021 and ticket arrangements for those who everyone at Macmillan. Good luck!” were booked at the Scottish gigs will be published soon by Highland Macmillan Cancer Support are doing everything they can to promoters Beyond Presents. 08/10/20 - 04/11/20 www.hebevents.com EVENTS - Page 11 Remembering the rescue of the Junella September 2020 marked the 40th anniversary of the service by the then Stornoway Lifeboat, Hugh William Viscount Gough, to the Hull trawler Junella. The following report is the superbly understated contemporary text of the RNLI Journal.

ust after midnight on Monday JSeptember 29th 1980, the Deputy Launching Authority of Stornoway Lifeboat Station was informed by H.M. Coastguard that the 1,615 gross ton motor fi shing vessel Junella was aground off Eilean Trodday, Isle of Skye, about 27 miles south of the Station; there were 29 men on board. The crew was alerted and at 00:12 hrs Stornoway’s 48ft 6ins Solent Class Lifeboat, Hugh William Viscount Gough, slipped her moorings under the command of Coxswain/ Mechanic Malcolm Macdonald. A gale to strong gale, force 8 to 9, was blowing from the south and the seas were rough with a heavy swell. The sky was heavily overcast and in the frequent rain squalls visibility was reduced to less than a mile. The tide was in the fi rst hour of the ebb. A few minutes after the lifeboat had left her moorings the master of the Junella told Stornoway Coastguard that two infl atable life-rafts had been made ready own boat in which to manoeuvre, the coxswain, making full use of alongside, but he was instructed not to abandon ship. At 01:43hrs his engines, successfully executed this turn and managed to bring the Coastguard informed the lifeboat that helicopter assistance had the starboard shoulder of the lifeboat alongside the ladder. Then, been requested and at 02:38 hrs that a Sea King helicopter from displaying superb seamanship, he maintained this position for about R.A.F. Lossiemouth was airborne. 40 minutes while the 29 survivors disembarked. Although heading into the wind and sea with waves breaking right It was a hazardous operation, with the lifeboat rising and falling over her, the lifeboat maintained full speed for the entire passage and 9 to 12 feet in the swell and breaking seas around Junella’s stern. arrived on scene at 03:18. It was known that Northella , a sister ship Assistant Mechanic George. F. Smith, Emergency Mechanic John, to Junella was standing by about three quarters of a mile east of the J. Maclennan, and Crew Member Kenneth. I. Macdonald were casualty and, unable to spot her in the heavy rain of this pitch black stationed forward, while Crew Member Malcolm Maclean escorted night, the lifeboat asked her to indicate her position by fl ashing her the survivors to the cabins. Many of the survivors had to be pulled searchlight. to safety from the pilot ladder and, with the rapid rise and fall, frequently both survivor and lifeboatmen were thrown bodily to the The lifeboat sighted Northella’s light at 03:19 hrs and a minute later deck: fortunately no one was injured. made her fi rst radio contact with Junella. She learned that Junella was aground on Sgeir nam Maol, at the north end of the shoal, with the Just after the sixth man had been safely transferred to the lifeboat, unlit beacon marking the rock plainly visible on her port shoulder. the Sea King helicopter arrived and gave Coxswain Macdonald The fi shing vessel reported that she was lying west by north, hard and his crew great help by illuminating the area with her powerful fl oodlights. Up until then, with Junella herself blacked out and and fast aground from amidships forward; her bow was dried out following seas, heavy following swell and with the increased weight the glare from the lifeboat’s own searchlight hindering rather than but there was about 10 metres of water below her stern. Junella now aboard slowing down the lifeboat’s response to the helm. There was completely blacked out but at 03:30 hrs Northella, sighting the helping the rescue, the only light relieving the pitch black had been from the Northella, stationed three quarters of a mile away. was no lightening of the heavily overcast sky and frequent rain squalls lifeboat, illuminated the area of the casualty with her searchlights. continued to reduce visibility. The situation was both diffi cult and dangerous as Coxswain At 04:10 the lifeboat informed Stornoway Coastguard that all 29 On arrival at Stornoway, Junella’s crew were taken into the care of Macdonald made a very cautious approach to the casualty. His survivors were safely on board and that her expected time of arrival the Mission to Seamen. The lifeboat was refuelled and back on her intention was to bring the lifeboat port side to, alongside the pilot at Stornoway would be 07:30 hrs. Junella’s crew, ten in the forward mooring, ready for service, at 08:25 hrs. ladder which had been rigged on Junella’s starboard side, 30 feet from cabin, fi fteen in the aft cabin and four in the wheelhouse, were her stern, but heavy seas breaking around the casualty slewed the made as comfortable as possible. For this service the Silver Medal was awarded to Coxswain / lifeboat’s stern around dangerously close to the rocks. So, “feeling” Coxswain Macdonald remained on the wheel throughout the Mechanic Malcolm Macdonald. The thanks of the Institution the way that the lifeboat wanted to head, Coxswain Macdonald entire service. The return passage, which took about 3 ½ hours, was inscribed on vellum were accorded to Assistant Mechanic George, F. decided to turn the lifeboat short around and come alongside made before the southerly gale, which was still blowing up to force Smith, Emergency Mechanic John J. Maclennan, and crew members starboard side to. Although he had little more than the length of his 9; maintaining course was both diffi cult and arduous in the rough Kenneth I. Macdonald and Malcolm Maclean. Bràighe-cam is live! he fi rst stormy images to be shown by Comhairle nan Eilean TSiar’s new road monitoring camera on the Bràighe became available on Tuesday 22 September after it went live. Already nicknamed ‘Bràighe-cam’, the camera joins Barvas-cam and Clisham-cam to help drivers view road conditions before making their decision to travel at times of severe weather. Pictures show the Bràighe-cam monitoring station and some images generated Today’s images are captured at 10-minute intervals and delayed by a further 10 minutes before they reach the public, although it’s hoped that this time-lag will be reduced to one-minute updates in the future. They are available to view on the Comhairle website. A statement from CnES said: “The roadside camera station will provide the travelling public, emergency services and decision makers with more visual information. This will allow them to make better informed decisions on safe travel along the Bràighe in winter months, during periods of high tide and stormy weather.” As well as generating images, which include limited night-time vision via an infra-red camera, the monitoring station can measure wind speed and direction. Page 12 - EVENTS www.hebevents.com 08/10/20 - 04/11/20

Dave, Michael and Daniel at Thatcherswork. The net with stones weighing down the fi nished turn thatch will be added later to by island workers.reeds for roofs Iain Macarthur

By Annie Delin Dave Brooks said: “Our usual suppliers are in Scotland, on the River Tay, but sadly they had a fi re mix of tradition and innovation is this year which destroyed their stock, so the reeds Agiving the restored blackhouse village have had to come from further afi eld.” at Gearrannan on the Isle of Lewis a major Using reeds is a new departure for Gearrannan, facelift, as thatchers worked on the roofs of according to Iain Macarthur, who said: “Barley or two of the buildings in the historic village. oat straw would have been used traditionally, or A team from the Cheshire company Master anything that was available, including heather and Thatchers (North) Ltd have been up on the roof at reeds, if they were just patching damaged spots. the hostel and on the blackhouse where the café “We have found that the straw doesn’t last as and shop are based, stripping off old thatch and long, even though it is what would have been used replacing it with a new covering with a longer- in the past. These thatchers are used to working lasting lifespan. with reed and a precedent was set by the Skye Iain Macarthur, a director of Urras nan Museum of Island Life at Kilmuir where their Gearrannan (Gearrannan Trust) said the houses have been thatched with reed for a number replacement work was in the existing workplan for of years. the village, but lockdown meant it could proceed “The technique and material may be different, quickly without visitors around. but the fi nal fi nish is very much like how it would He said: “Obviously if there had been visitors have looked.” here, it would have enhanced their experience to Work is progressing very well, with the thatching see the thatching process, but having the village team paying attention to details such as the fi nial closed while the work is done has, to some extent, posts – where nets are fi xed to help weigh down made it easier.” the roof against storms – and a fl ush fi nish at the Iain has been on-site with his camera at intervals ridge of each roof. throughout the job, recording the work being done Thatcher Dave said: “The technique we use for by thatchers Dave Brooks and brothers Michael ridges is different in Scotland because, with the weather. Dave said: “It doesn’t make any really raining hard. and Daniel Mikelowski, who are from Poland and likelihood of stronger winds – especially in the difference, we work in any kind of weather, so it “It has been different for us working here qualifi ed as thatchers in England. islands – we don’t do the decorative scalloped doesn’t really affect our timetable. because we can’t travel home for weekends and Adding to the international dimension, the reeds ridge but a tight, fl ush fi nish. That means there’s “We have worked all over Scotland, Ireland and we do miss our families, but the hospitality has being used for the job have come from Europe – nowhere that the wind can catch it.” even in France. The weather conditions don’t hold been great, and the people are really nice. We most likely from Austria or Hungary. Dave and his team had no fears about the us back, though we might take the odd break if it’s enjoy it up here.”

the linda norgrove foundation The Linda Norgrove Foundation…10 years on

he Linda Norgrove Foundation was set up within a couple of Lewis. Afghanistan becomes progressively more diffi cult to work in Tof weeks after our daughter Linda was kidnapped and as security gets worse every year. killed in a failed rescue attempt in Afghanistan, write John Initially we were able to help more people living outside Kabul, but and Lorna Norgrove. now most provinces are too dangerous for our staff to visit so we are Starting the charity so soon allowed us to take advantage of the mainly confi ned to the capital and a few safer rural areas. publicity following her kidnapping by the Taliban, the search, and the The biggest change in the last ten years has been our scholarship attempted night rescue by US Navy Seals. programme which has mushroomed in the last fi ve. The benefi ts Her death was fi rst reported as following a suicide vest explosion are numerous. More women doctors, nurses, midwives, lawyers and then the truth, that she had been the victim of a grenade thrown and businesswomen can only benefi t the society. But we are also by one of the rescuers when all of the kidnappers had been killed. giving women an opportunity to manage their own lives rather than disappearing behind a compound wall, married off to someone, often We decided to follow the model of another small charity that had older, who they’ve never met and living with his family. New wives are been working in Afghanistan which had given very small amounts to at the bottom of the pecking order of their husband’s matrons. Their many small charities and even to individuals. lives are limited by the encircling walls, never leaving except when Throughout September well over 70 women and 3 men (so far) Our reasoning was that small grants are less likely to attract scamming accompanied by a man and then often under a burka. have risen to our open water challenge, many swimming 1km, several and corruption, that the people who benefi t are identifi able, that the This year we’re providing scholarships for 68 medicine students, 27 3km and even 5 and 6km. The majority of swimmers have taken part small amounts given align with the sums that individuals donate. midwives, 10 nurses and 52 studying for other degrees. somewhere on the island, others across the UK and one in British So, we built a bread oven costing £529 at a widows’ home so that Income from our self-catering property pays all of the UK expenses Columbia and all will be rewarded with a unique embroidered badge they might bake for themselves and gain a modest profi t by selling the so every penny donated gets to someone in Afghanistan. donated by Norma Macleod of Immerse Hebrides. surplus. We supported childbirth education for women in the Wakhan Our annual 10k event has become virtual this year with runners corridor costing £8,433. We provided beds for a home for children We’ve come a long way in 10 years, now edging towards our and walkers joining in remotely in different parts of the world during with disabilities where the kids were sleeping on foam mattresses on second million pounds distributed. It would be wonderful if we could the fi rst ten days of October. a concrete fl oor, also some toys, warm clothes and chickens, all for report such good progress after the next decade. £4,823. To help us to achieve this our two fundraising events this autumn Still time to join our virtual run/walk – to sign up and for more information of our work go to www.lindanorgrovefoundation.org We still aspire to these projects but now have trusted partners who will go towards paying the university fees for Afghan women to study we tend to support every year which is easier to manage from the Isle to become doctors or midwives. Thank you for your support. 08/10/20 - 04/11/20 www.hebevents.com EVENTS - Page 13

France… Photo by Sheri Silver on Unsplash.com Coq au Vin and its menu ( Rooster in wine.)

By John Dory This is the ultimate classic French comfort food and in the old days in the country districts it was made with a cockerel and even the blood oq au vin, cassoulet, tarte tatin, French have made, over the last two centuries, was used in some recipes but there is nothing Cbaguettes, ratatouille and champagne in creating unforgettable, internationally bloody about this recipe. are words associated with food and drink renowned dishes. Even the language of food, that can only point us in one direction in as we know it in this country, is peppered with this month’s column and that is across “la French words which we use on a daily basis. It • 6 chicken thighs with the bone in. manche” to France. is estimated that in the region of 10,000 words • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Up until the recent past, France was considered currently in use in the English language have the gastronomic centre of international food come directly from the French language and • 40 g butter. cuisine. The reasons for this are many and French Onion soup many are food terms. This goes back to “1066 complex but one Frenchman, in particular, • 125g smoked streaky bacon cut into strips. and all that” when “Guillaume le conquérant” helped to turn the world food spotlight onto his There are a few basic and essential ingredients • 6-8 banana shallots, peeled and halved. country. Auguste Escoffi er, who lived from 1846 ventured across the English Channel with his in this classic soup with few variations. superior army to claim victory against the • 250g button mushrooms. to 1935, was a renowned chef, restaurateur • 1 kg onions. and food writer who popularised and elevated English at the battle of Hastings. Thereafter, • 30g plain fl our. French cooking methods in the late 1890’s and the Royal court was made up of nobility from • 1.3 litres hot beef stock. the early part of the 20th century to such an Normandy whose primary language was French. • 1 tablespoon olive oil. • 300 ml chicken stock. extent that France became the world temple From menu to hors d’oeuvres, restaurant to café, • 50g unsalted butter. • 600 ml French Burgundy red wine. of gastronomy. Chefs from all over the world à la Carte to apéritif and croissant to bistro, we travelled to France to learn the French way • 1 level teaspoon sugar. • 1 bouquet Garni. of cooking and the sophisticated techniques simply cannot get away from the historic input • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and fi nely crushed. of the French on the world culinary landscape. • 1 large clove garlic crushed. developed by Escoffi er. • About 2 tablespoons plain fl our. • Salt and pepper. However, there appears to be a strand in When it comes to French wines, it comes • 250ml dry white wine. ( I have seen a recipe the French psyche which demands that the old down basically to one’s budget and taste. which uses French cider instead of white • Chopped parsley to serve. order has to be purged from time to time. The Thousands of books have been written about wine.) French appear to need revolutions and not just the wines of France. Sparkling, whites, reds, • 4 slices of a baguette. in politics. In the 1970’s a group of French chefs dessert wines, different rose types of many Melt the butter and oil in a fl ameproof started what was called the, “ nouvelle cuisine,” • 130g grated Gruyere cheese or hard cheddar. blushing hues and other obscure vintages are movement as a reaction to the traditional • Salt and pepper to taste. casserole. A Le Creuset cast iron pan is ideal restaurant dishes served in heavy, cream-laden produced in abundance in the different wine for this dish. sauces and requiring overtly complicated and regions of France. For those with deep pockets, time consuming preparation. Cholesterol- a typical Petrus from Bordeaux or a classic Melt the olive oil and the butter in a heavy Add the chicken and cook for 10-12 minutes till rich, culinary time bombs were out and light, Mouton Rothschild from Paullic will not leave based pan then add the fi nely sliced onions. Fry browned all over. Lift out and set aside. colourful, minimalist dishes found favour with with the lid on for 10-12 minutes. much change from £1,000. And what of French Add the bacon, shallots and mushrooms. Cook some but not all French diners. In 1973, two of brandy? What’s not to like in the huge spectrum Add the sugar into the onions as this will help the food revolutionaries leading the Nouvelle on a high heat till golden brown. of cognac with a type for every palate and them to caramelise and give them a good stir. Cuisine movement, Henri Gault and Christian Cook for about 20 minutes on a low heat, pocket. Lift out of the pan and set aside. Millau, issued a kind of manifesto in which they stirring frequently, until the onions become soft declared, “ Down with the old fashioned image Over the years, I have visited France on many but not burnt. Add the garlic for the last two Add the fl our to the pan on a low heat and cook of the typical Bon vivant, that puffy personage occasions and have always come across food minutes. for 3/4 minutes stirring all the time. with his napkin tucked under his chin, his lips and wines that I have enjoyed but, above all Sprinkle in the fl our and stir well to avoid dripping veal stock…no more of these terrible Add the wine to a separate pan and reduce to else, it’s probably the “ambience” of a French lumps. brown and white sauces, those béchamels and 300 ml. mornays that have assassinated as many livers restaurant or bistro that I enjoy most. There is Keep stirring and add the wine then the hot Pour the red wine and stock gradually into the as have covered indifferent foods. They are always a frisson of excitement about entering a stock. forbidden!!” French restaurant with a sense of excitement and Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes or until chicken pan and stir for a couple of minutes. The fi nal straw for many opponents of maybe a little trepidation about the reception the onions are really soft. Return the chicken and bacon pieces to the which one might receive. Some establishments traditional French cuisine was the revelation Taste for seasoning. pan. a few years ago that as many as a third of seem to have trained their staff using French Toast the bread under the grill and add the French restaurants were serving mass-produced Add the Bouquet Garni and garlic to the pan. Foreign Legion manuals and appear to regard Gruyere to the bread for a couple of minutes frozen factory food, reheated in restaurant customers as the enemy to be treated with till it starts to melt. Bring to the boil and cook in a preheated oven kitchens, sparked a national soul-searching and suspicion and coldness but there are many other a recognition that looking at other countries Ladle the soup into bowls, topped with the 180C for 45-50 minutes or until tender. places where even “Les Rosbifs” are welcome for product inspiration and new methods of bread and toasted cheese. and treated with a degree of kindness. Serve the chicken with the chopped parsley, cooking was not culinary treason. (Delia Smith suggests adding some French creamy mashed potatoes and braised greens. Despite the negative publicity of recent years I have chosen two of my favourite French Cognac to the soup before serving but only on and accusations that French food is stuck in a time recipes and both are delightful and delicious on a really cold day!) Enjoy with a chunky French red. warp, we cannot ignore the contribution that the cold winter days.

NHS apologises after vaccination letters mix-up

sincerely and unreservedly for this error. “The most vulnerable patients are being appointment letters are being issued in stages HS Western Isles apologised after a “We would strongly encourage those who scheduled fi rst, and staff will confi rm which and you will receive an invitation to book an Nseries of fl u vaccination letters were receive their letters to contact the telephone group patients fall into when they call us. appointment in due course. issued in error at the end of September. number on their letter (which is correct) to make “Phone lines are open Monday to Friday, from “If you have received a letter in error (i.e. you a suitable appointment at a venue near their 9am until 5pm, and are already very busy. If it is do not fall into one of the eligible groups) and In a statement, it stated: “Regrettably, NHS home. Please do not contact your GP Practice more convenient, drop a message with contact are confi dent that you are not eligible for the Western Isles has become aware that a number as this year’s infl uenza vaccination programme is number to fl [email protected] vaccination, you do not need to contact us for of letters have been issued in error to individuals being managed by NHS Western Isles. a booking, and please accept our apologies for not eligible for the infl uenza vaccination. “Don’t worry if you have received two letters “We are aware that letters are directing some - just call the phone number in your letters to this confusion. “In addition, a number of letters have been patients to clinics outside their local area. arrange an appointment. “Again, we would apologise for this issued with incorrect information, either in Please don’t worry- when you call to book your unfortunate error and thank you in advance for relation to where individuals should attend for “If you are eligible for the infl uenza vaccination, our own local staff will assign you your cooperation and understanding.” their appointment, or the appointment date. vaccination and have not yet received your to the correct clinic. appointment letter, we can reassure you that “NHS Western Isles would like to apologise Page 14 - EVENTS www.hebevents.com 08/10/20 - 04/11/20 airacairaca

EACHDRAIDH le CÀIRDEAS is CRIDHE Place-names of North Lewis Ness to Ballantrushal Tha Comunn Eachdraidh Nis air tasglann ainmean-àite a chruthachadh, air a shealltainn anns an leabhar chudromach seo. Tha fiosrachadh air tighinn bho iomadach duine air gach àite sònraichte ann an Nis. £25 Ness Historical Society has created a rich archive of place-names in order to The 5 Latha event, one of highlight the cultural and historical FnG’s residential events, which gives Gaelic speaking importance of them. This is a valuable participants of high school record of the names as the people of Ness age the opportunity say and spell them. to spend fi ve days in a community where Gaelic is used naturally and in CANNA SCHOOLDAYS which crofting, fi shing and A Century of Teaching and Learning the Harris Tweed industry on the Isle of Canna play an important part in the lives of its residents. A K Riley The event was held at the Ever since Canna’s schoolhouse was built Gearrannan Blackhouses with tutors Norrie MacIver in 1878, pupils have walked the dangerous (Skipinnish) and Ian Smith path to sit within it. Author and former (Trail West). headteacher Kate Riley reveals a world where teachers strive to impart knowledge despite scarce resources and harsh island life. £16.95 40th anniversary of Gaelic music festival marked LEABHRAICHEAN - ÈISTEACHDLEABHR Faicibh leabhraicheanabhr eile air an làrach-lìn againnn his year marks the 40th anniversary of Fèis Following the AGM, a panel hosted by TBharraigh. It was held online in July and broadcaster Cailean Maclean, discussed the Visit ourr website to view our full catalogue its success and 40-year legacy was celebrated origins of Fèis Bharraigh and its legacy. The online at Fèisean nan Gàidheal Annual panel included Fr Colin MacInnes, Dr Angus Conference on the last weekend of September. MacDonald, Kenna Campbell, Katag MacNeill and Angus MacNeil MP. Fèis Bharraigh was established in 1981 when NaNa Father Colin MacInnes along with Glenuig A cèilidh, featuring singers and musicians from AN TIORTACH BEAG piper, Dr Angus MacDonald, came up with the Fèis Bharraigh (Barra), Fèis Eilean an Fhraoich AGUS idea to promote, encourage, foster and develop (Stornoway, Lewis) and Fèis Taigh Dhonnchaidh the practice and study of the Gaelic language, (Ness, Lewis), all marking signifi cant anniversaries, SGEULACHDAN EILE literature, music, drama and culture in the Islands plus some others present at the online event LitreachaisLitreachais of Barra and Vatersay. Its success inspired other rounded off the evening events which were communities and a hugely popular cultural streamed live to over 3,000 people. 20202020 Mòrag Anna NicNèill movement was born, with 46 other Fèisean taking Arthur Cormack, Fèisean nan Gàidheal chief

* * place every year throughout Scotland, under the executive, commented: “All arts organisations CLUAINTE umbrella of Gaelic arts organisation, Fèisean nan have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and Gàidheal. it has been a very unusual year in that respect.

AN Fèisean nan Gàidheal usually holds its Annual We have done our best to move as much of our UAINE Conference at different Scottish venues every year. programme as possible online and while face- Undeterred by the Covid-19 pandemic, it was to-face interaction is missed, there have been

CLUAINTE

AN held on Friday September 25th with more people successes in online delivery. We were keen B RAH LE ÀRDACHD UAINE than normal given the opportunity to attend and to proceed with an online conference to bring

participate in an online event. together Fèis organisers, tutors and funders. The ersMiec gsD h Dò agus Moireach Seòras BÀRDACHD LE Events for Fèis organisers and tutors from across organisation’s focus in the coming months will be the country included a workshop on Barra songs ensuring support for the Fèisean to delivery work Seòras Moireach with John Joe MacNeill, early years games and in their communities, online for the foreseeable agus future, and creating employment opportunities for Dòmhnall MacIllÌosa songs with Eilidh Cormack and Katie Mackenzie, idioms with Alec Macdonald and a session about artists who have lost so much work during the past Gaelic use in the island Fèisean with Arthur few months.” Cormack. Special Guest was Lucinda Geoghegan, Fèisean nan Gàidheal (FnG) was established Creative Learning Director of the National Youth in 1991 as the independent umbrella association Choir of Scotland who demonstrated the use of of the Fèis movement. It is a membership rhythmic games and movement to aid the learning organisation that offers a range of services to its of songs in Gaelic. members including grant-aid, training, insurance, At Fèisean nan Gàidheal’s AGM, held that same and instrument loans. FnG is funded by Creative ACAIR, An Tosgan @acairbooks evening, the organisation’s Chair, Anna Murray, Scotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Highlands & 54 Seaforth Road published the organisation’s Annual Report. Islands Enterprise and delivers contracts for several Stornoway HS1 2SD Despite the curtailment of some activities towards local authorities. FnG supports 47 tuition-based post-d: [email protected] post-d: [email protected] Acair a' faighinnn taic the end of the 2019-20 fi nancial year, over 72,000 Fèisean that offer tuition in traditional Gaelic arts 01851 703020 fòn: fòn:bho 01851 Bhòrd 703020 na Gàidhligig people engaged in the organisation’s activities and to around 13,000 young people across Scotland over 80 FTE posts were supported by its work. every year. 08/10/20 - 04/11/20 www.hebevents.com EVENTS - Page 15

RNLI are still answering the pagers and helping those in trouble in programme is a welcome opportunity to demonstrate how our our seas; and you can still donate to Stornoway RNLI online via lifesavers really can make a difference to someone’s life.” JustGiving – go to justgiving.com and search ‘Stornoway Lifeboat Station’ and any monies donated will be allocated to the local station. Thank You! News And if you are missing a browse around the Stornoway RNLI Shop, you can fi nd RNLI gifts, products, and stationery online at www.shop.rnli.org Stornoway RNLI Shouts tornoway RNLI launched at 0920 hours on Saturday 26 SSeptember to reports of a small boat in diffi culty, with two persons on board, near Gress, Isle of Lewis. Stornoway Coastguard Rescue Team and the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter and, and on arrival, both casualties were airlifted to safety by the Coastguard Helicopter. The small boat had been washed ashore and was recovered above the high-water mark by the Stornoway Coastguard Rescue Team. Stornoway RNLI lifeboat and volunteer crew were stood down, and returned to Stornoway harbour, refuelled and ready for service Saving Lives at Sea returns to TV at 1140 hours. Real life rescue footage captured on their helmet cameras gives a frontline view of how the RNLI’s lifesavers risk their own lives as they go to the aid of those in danger at sea, striving to save everyone… Back for a fi fth series, the BBC Two documentary Saving Lives at Sea returned on September 17th, and screens every Thursday night at 8pm, as well as being available on BBC iPlayer after broadcast. Real rescue footage is accompanied by emotive interviews from the volunteer lifeboat crews and lifeguards, alongside the people they rescue and their families. During the course of fi lming, the global coronavirus pandemic struck, which has seen RNLI lifesavers adapt and overcome various challenges to the way they save lives at sea. The charity’s volunteer lifeboat crews maintained a 24/7 lifesaving service during these diffi cult times and several of the rescues featured in the 10-part series were carried out during the pandemic. Jayne George, RNLI Fundraising, Marketing and Media Director, said: “With people rushing to the coast post-lockdown and more Thank You to Uisdean! people staycationing this year rather than holidaying abroad, Fundraising for Stornoway RNLI demand for the RNLI’s lifesaving services has remained high yet, In July, young RNLI Supporter Uisdean Macritchie from sadly, fundraising events have been cancelled, our shops, stations Carishader, Uig, celebrated his 8th birthday with a sponsored cycle If you would like to fundraise for Stornoway RNLI and wish to and museums have been closed to visitors, and this has resulted in with a 12km route around the Valtos peninsula. contact the Stornoway RNLI Fundraisers for any help or advice, a drop in RNLI income. And recently Uisdean donated the amazing amount of £1,947 to please email: [email protected]. “Public support is now more important than ever and to showcase Stornoway RNLI as a result of his big-hearted birthday challenge! Our shop and station may be closed to the public, but Stornoway the work of the charity’s lifesavers through such a well-established Thank you, Uisdean from all at Stornoway RNLI!

Naidheachdan News from Comunn Eachdraidh Nis

Goodbye Mairi and Kathryn! Welcome Caron and Lynn! Current exhibitions at CEN

Museum, gift shop and cafe open Monday to Saturday, 12 - 4pm

Thigibh a-steach! / Come in Nis Aosmhòr by Dan Morrison The book Nis Aosmhòr is available in our shop priced at £14.95 We recently said goodbye to two valued members of staff, Mairi Morrison Gift Vouchers for and Kathryn Ferguson. The girls are off to pastures new - Mairi to begin her CEN now available nurse training and Kathryn to Sgoil Araich Bhreascleit. The girls have worked in one capacity or another at Comunn Eachdraidh Nis for a number of years (although mainly in our busy cafe) and they will be missed. We thank them Spend them in the both for their hard work over the years but we know we will see them both gift shop or in the cafe often. Gur math a thèid leibh! An ideal gift for those who are We have also welcomed two new members of staff. Caron Hawkins has tough to buy for! started as our cleaner and Lynn Paterson has joined us as front of house in the cafe. Welcome to you both! Contact us for more information. ‘Nobody’s Home’ by John Maher Sgoil Chrois, North Dell, HS2 0SN T: (01851) 810 377 E: offi[email protected] (we are now open Monday to Saturday, 12 - 4pm) Page 16 - EVENTS www.hebevents.com 08/10/20 - 04/11/20

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 Check mate your Tup for the season! When to start giving a little TLC to your tups and ewes? ith the current chaos in the world we can be thankful For this reason, I would advise the use of raddle – either as a block Wthat late summer and early autumn has been kind to us. with a harness or simply smeared on the tup’s chest. Some tups don’t There is a good level of forage in the fi elds and ewes are in seem to like the harness and, if you choose to use one, check it fairly decent condition. It won’t hurt to handle the ewes and regularly to ensure that it is not rubbing or chafi ng. condition score them. Often ewes that have fed two big lambs over the summer and weaning has been left late will need more Rough guide for lambing dates time to recover. Giving these a little care and attention by Probably the most common date for tups to go in with the ewes is drawing them out of the fl ock and ensuring a bit better grazing Bonfi re Night (5th November), which gives a start date for lambing will see them recover to the level of the rest of the fl ock. of April fool’s Day (1st April). Who says sheep don’t have a sense of The boys will be grazing quietly somewhere waiting for November humour. but tups need to be properly managed if they are to do the best job possible, so don’t forget to include them in any worm tests, foot management and routine treatment for internal and external Teaser tups parasites. Some breeders use teaser tups to encourage ewes to come into You should start preparing your tup about two months before season. Teasers are vasectomised tups – not castrated – so they he’s due to start work, because that’s how long it takes for sperm function as an entire tup but cannot impregnate ewes. For a small production to get going. You want him healthy and in good condition, fl ock, this might not be feasible though. As long as you have secure with his feet in good nick, too – your tup will cover a lot of ground fences running the tup in a paddock adjacent to the one the ewes during the mating period and will spend a good bit of it on his back are in for two weeks prior to going in with them may have a similar legs, too. effect as a teaser. There’s lots of fl irting along the fence line and Checking your tups in plenty time also gives you the opportunity Tup characteristics certainly most are cycling when he is fi nally let in. to fi nd a replacement if you have concerns. Remember, your tup Rams selected for breeding should be excellent examples of their is 50% of your fl ock and therefore has a huge infl uence on lamb breed or type; they should be healthy, have sound feet, move well, Preparing the ewes quality and numbers. If you are buying, buy the best tup you can have faultless mouths and have normal genitalia. If grass supply is poor, you can compensate by feeding some afford. Not surprisingly, scrotal size has an infl uence on fertility of the concentrates. Increasing the plane of nutrition in the run up to If you are buying in a tup, don’t just throw him out to work. The tup by infl uencing semen production but there is also evidence that tupping is called fl ushing and it can help increase the number of stress could kill him! Let him settle for a few days, check him over, it can infl uence the reproductive performance of his daughters. A lambs produced by encouraging the ewe’s body to release more and only then should you introduce him to the fl ock. When buying mature ram should have a scrotal circumference of not less than eggs. tups always ensure you have asked the seller what treatments he has 32cm; a ram lamb of not less than 30cm. About a month before introducing the tup, test the ewes for worms been given. Caution should always be taken when introducing naïve and treat if required. You can treat for fl uke at this time too, as well animals to new ground and a new fl ock. Establishing your breeding season as checking and trimming feet and removing soiled or excess wool round the tail. Check their feet and give attention to lame ewes or How many ewes can a tup cover? You can make your breeding season, and therefore lambing they may avoid the tup and end up barren. period, as long or as short as you want or as suits your system. Ewes The number of ewes that a single tup can be expected to cycle on a 17-day cycle, so a 35-day breeding period is probably After the tupping period, ewes should be kept on a good diet successfully mate with depends on a number of factors such as age, the most common, thus allowing most ewes two cycles with the tup and stress-free for 35 to 50 days to allow fertilised eggs to become condition, terrain and the size of the fi eld. If ewes are cycling well, present. implanted in the uterus. For the remaining fi rst trimester (fi rst third a tup can mate with 3-4 ewes a day and the recommended ration of of the pregnancy), the placenta develops so maintain a good diet ewes: tup is between 35 and 50:1. The longer you leave the tup in, the more ewes that are likely and this is essential for healthy and robust lambs; during the middle to conceive but your lambing period will be consequently longer. Ram lambs become sexually mature at about 5 months but should third, ewes can be maintained on a forage diet until about 7 weeks If you only have small numbers of ewes, you may want to have a be at least 50-60% of adult weight before being used for breeding; before lambing. shorter season and take the chance that some ewes will be barren. if you are using a ram lamb, you should expect him to cover only 15-20 ewes in a 34-day period. Good luck with your tupping! A critical period pre tupping for the ewes is the last 10 days before Using raddle Iain Macmillan the tup is released. No overhandling, drenching or dipping as this Your tup or ram needs to be fertile and have normal libido and Senior Agricultural Consultant. will cause stress and may well affect ovulation. problems may not become apparent until he’s gone in with the ewes. Lewis and Harris SAC Double sale as livestock numbers soar By Annie Delin ewis and Harris Auction Mart has decided on Wednesday 30 September Lthat they must double up on livestock sale days in the face of soaring bookings. As bookings closed for the sale of cattle and sheep planned for Tuesday 6 October a late surge added large numbers to the animals already for sale. Directors have responded positively and are now to split the sale days, designating the original sale day, Tuesday 6 October, for the year’s only sale of cattle and a new date, Monday 12 October, for all classes of sheep. This will be the third sheep sale of the year. Mart director Kenny Macleod said: “There was a late surge in bookings, meaning that we had much more stock than we expected. Based on a couple of large, late bookings we have decided today to divide the sale. “We now expect to have 150 cattle for sale at the Steinish mart from 10am on Tuesday 6 October and 2,200 sheep in the mart from 9.30am on Monday 12 October. “All the information on timings, COVID arrangements and other details will be available on our website at https://lewisandharrisauctionmart.co.uk/index.html, or call any of the directors for information.” The sale will, as usual, be conducted by auctioneers from Dingwall and Highland Mart and it is also hoped that both sales can be live-streamed on the Cattle grazing in Lewis Picture by Roddy Macdonald mart’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/auctionmart/ 08/10/20 - 04/11/20 www.hebevents.com EVENTS - Page 17

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Scottish Crofting Federation LAMBS TO SLAUGHTER By Patrick Krause There could be a transition from the EU export market, but to what? Will the UK/Scottish/local he consultation on the Internal Market bill market eventually pick up the lambs? Will other Twent by pretty much unnoticed but the export markets be found? Whatever happens there bill is very much in the news currently as it is is likely to be a lull for several (many?) years and being used as a vehicle for the UK government to keep production going will require a longer- to attempt to renege on the Brexit Withdrawal term plan - not just sporadic compensation Agreement. interventions. If we lose extensive production, it would be very diffi cult to reinstate it. If it comes The European Commission say this is illegal to reducing the national fl ock it would perhaps and will be opposed, but whatever the legalities of make sense to reduce intensive (shed) production this the fact is that damage has been done to the to allow extensive production, with its many wider credibility of the UK government. This will delay benefi ts to environment and community, to survive. further any chance of getting a trade deal that will So, what contingency planning has Scottish help our meat exports and without it we will see Government in place should we leave with no trade tariffs infl ict potentially fatal damage on our trade deal in place on 31 December? What is sheep export trade. the long-term plan for the Scottish meat trade? Losing the sheep trade would be disastrous for Our priority must be that the primary producer is the crofting counties. What will extensive sheep compensated for any loss due to market failure. keepers do - they have little or no choice on how Fundamentally we want grazing to continue and to to use rough grazing. This will impact on the see lambs moving on, going into the food chain - local economy and the retention of population – lambs on plates not in holes. Whatever is decided, especially younger folk. Crofting keeps many rural crofters and hill farmers need to know soon as the communities together and underpins the economy tups are out and plans are being made for next and therefore employment. And it will impact on year’s stock numbers. the environment; it has been shown that grazing To fi nish on the bright side, despite the Brexit increases biodiversity, reduces wild-fi re risk and debacle the lamb sales seem to be buoyant with increases accessibility. prices up on last year. Long may this last. 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 18 - EVENTS www.hebevents.com 08/10/20 - 04/11/20

Building our communities Early Years Expansion: Isles stick to planned path

By Katie Macleod affordable, and accessible (and more conveniently located geographically, especially in rural areas). n 2016, the Scottish Government made a In the Western Isles, the expansion has commitment to parents that by August 2020, I occurred through a phased roll-out, one which free childcare for every eligible child would saw consultations at each nursery and the initial almost double, increasing from 600 hours a introduction of expanded hours in the nurseries year to 1140. which needed them the most. The fi rst trial of the But when this spring brought COVID-19 and extended hours began in July 2017 in Tarbert, a national lockdown, the government told local at Sgoil Araich an Tairbeirt, which offered all- authorities across Scotland that they no longer had day early learning care for 50 weeks of the to legally meet the requirements of early learning year, providing families access to the full 1140 and childcare expansion in 2020. hour offer. Even during that early phase of the “In these exceptional circumstances it is not expansion, parents observed that their children realistic or reasonable to expect that local authorities were more confi dent and sociable as a result of can deliver their original expansion plans to secure the increased hours, while other parents reacted high quality experience for all children in time positively to being able to take on more work and Early Years progress at Stornoway Primary for August this year,” said Maree Todd, Minister increase their family’s fi nancial stability. for Children and Young People, and COSLA “We’ve done individual consultations in each spokesperson for Children and Young People, nursery, to make sure that the new opening times Councillor Stephen McCabe, on 30th March. meet the needs of the families that use the nursery,” In the Western Isles, though, the requirements explains Becky. “I’ve had that conversation with have been met despite the challenges of lockdown: every nursery parent over the past couple of years, all 23 Comhairle nan Eilean Siar nurseries in the and we’ve had nothing but positive feedback about islands will be operating at increased capacity by how pleased they are that there’s going to be an the end of October. “When it came to the start of increased service available, and that they can get term, we decided we would expand everywhere a bit more for free – it helps their childcare bills.” that we possibly could, and that meant that at Research has shown that the early years the start of this term, 21 of our 23 nurseries were of a child’s life are the most crucial to their ready,” explains Becky Maclean, Early Years development; in their blueprint for the expansion, Service Manager at the Comhairle. the Scottish Government said that “high quality “We’re now delivering the full expanded ELC provision promotes longer-term benefi ts for entitlement in those 21 nurseries, and the two that children and young people, offering them the best children and nursery staff able to move into the And as well as working to increase the hours are still to expand are very nearly ready.” Saoghal possible start in life.” updated premises at the start of term in August. available for children this year, Early Years staff in the Western Isles were also busy supporting Beag Nursery in North Uist and Sgoil Araich Becky adds that the expanded hours also help “It gives us three lovely, big new playrooms, Breascleit will both move to offer the increased preschool children in the year before they go to children and families during lockdown. Some where we have more capacity to have more opening hours this month, completing the Western school, as they can get used to spending a longer nursery staff went to work in-person during children in, now they’re going to be in for longer, Isles’ expansion of childcare provision. day in nursery, while for children in Gaelic Medium lockdown, supporting the delivery of the childcare and it gives us better facilities for the staff,” The Scottish Government’s vision for expansion Education, having extra time in nursery with Gaelic- that was needed for key workers in the dedicated explains Becky. “They’ve also got direct access of state-funded childcare provision was aimed to speaking staff greatly benefi ts their language skills. childcare hubs. Others stayed at home, but kept in from the playrooms to the outdoors, so the kids almost double entitlement to free childcare for All in all, she says that “everyone seems to have contact with families and provided support online all three and four-year-olds, as well as eligible been very, very positive about the changes.” can be out a lot more.” Ease of access to the for children, particularly those who were moving two-year-olds. Behind that goal was the desire to As part of the expansion, building work also playground is especially important in the current on to primary school after the summer holidays. provide greater choice and fl exibility for families, began to increase the space available for children moment, where government advice for nurseries “I can’t praise the staff highly enough,” says and to close the poverty-related attainment gap to learn in. At Stornoway Primary Nursery, the during the pandemic is to be outdoors as much Becky of the progress made this year. “They’ve by offering quality services that were fl exible, extension work was completed this summer, with as possible. done fantastic work.” e-Sgoil study support takes on 1100 pupils in fortnight By Katie Macleod learning – whether it’s research, to build something, enhancing equity in terms of subject choice for will enable them to use their skills and knowledge n the fi rst two weeks since they launched to draw something – and then they come back and all pupils. The service has continued to grow, in creative ways,” says Angus. on 7th September, e-Sgoil’s online Study do a progress check with the teacher. There has to providing increased access to learning and equity Work is also being done to offer similar support at I of opportunity to pupils across Scotland. And Support Sessions had already received over be a plenary at the end where they check up on Primary level, and Gaelic elements of the National when the COVID-19 pandemic hit this spring, 3000 course registrations from more than the learning that has taken place.” Offer are also proving successful; “Leugh Le Linda” e-Sgoil’s services became even more urgent, as the And it’s a format that’s working. With each singing and songwriting sessions were also launched 1100 pupils across every local authority in success of the Study Support Sessions has shown. registered pupil signing up for an average of 2.6 last month, in conjunction with the Gaelic Books Scotland. As Angus notes, “this is not about IT; this is about courses each, feedback has been overwhelmingly Council and Gaelic singer Linda Macleod. The Study Support Sessions – part of e-Sgoil’s pupil needs. This is about making sure that pupils positive: 80 per cent of pupils have already said National Offer which supports learning across the can access learning irrespective of where they are “There were about 250 pupils from across they want the sessions to continue beyond the country – are running for an initial eight-week in the country.” multiple schools engaged in the fi rst session,” current eight-week pilot programme. As one class says Angus, adding that despite the negative block to complement what pupils are learning in In addition to the Study Support Sessions, e-Sgoil school after the disruption of lockdown. teacher put it, “this is an excellent idea and will be impact of the pandemic on learning, there are invaluable. Thank you so much for offering this.” are working together with their national partners Hosted via GLOW (the digital learning platform to offer even more options for supporting pupils’ opportunities to be had. “If we can capitalise on available to every state school pupil and teacher in The Study Support provision is a key party studies this term. A Senior Phase programme to the opportunities, we can maybe mitigate some of Scotland), and Microsoft Teams, the Study Support of e-Sgoil’s National Offer. In partnership with cater for pupils who are having to self-isolate at the problems COVID has caused for Gaelic and Sessions are available across 15 subjects at National Education Scotland, the Scottish Government, home will be based on an offer of three periods education. It’s trying to get the positives.” 5 and Higher levels and are held weekly in a live and a range of other organisations, e-Sgoil’s a week, with subject choices available in the 11 It’s a sentiment that was echoed by Education webinar format for 45 minutes. The sessions involve National Offer provides vacancy and supply most popular SQA subjects. In this case, pupil Secretary John Swinney when the Study Support two teachers, with one leading on live teaching and cover to schools across the country; a programme requests will come via their local school, rather Sessions fi rst went live. “Our experience during another monitoring the chat function. As Angus of remote learning opportunities for interrupted than personal sign-ups as is the case with the study the Coronavirus pandemic has reminded all of Maclennan, Head Teacher at e-Sgoil explains, this learners; and a wide range of curriculum support sessions. those involved in the education system of the enrichment programmes that are being delivered set-up ensures “there’s a lot of interaction between For self-isolating pupils who are at the Broad value of investing in digital and distance learning. the pupils and the teachers.” in conjunction with the likes of Scotland’s General Education level of secondary school – S1 This exciting new work by e-Sgoil will play an “The blended learning approach we’re taking is National Centre for Languages (SCILT) and the to S3 – a more interdisciplinary approach is being important role in the coming academic year and that the teacher might deliver 15 to 20 minutes on environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful. introduced, with three class blocks a day focused beyond, in supporting parents as well as teaching an introduction to a lesson, and pupils are then E-Sgoil, Comhairle nan Eileen Siar’s digital on science, English, Maths, languages, and arts. staff and pupils... I am delighted to see e-Sgoil expected to go off and do something with that learning service, began in 2016 with the aim of “It allows them to buy into a range of courses that embark on the next phase of the project.” 08/10/20 - 04/11/20 www.hebevents.com EVENTS - Page 19 Cèilidhs for Care Homes

Building our omhairle nan Eilean Siar has worked Cwith local artists to provide exclusive 30-minute weekly Cèilidh footage to all communities Care Homes throughout the Western Isles in order to provide residents with some musical entertainment. Following the success of the Covid Cèilidhs which have reached people all around the world. Isles pupils ‘perform better The Comhairle was keen to ensure that everyone had the opportunity to enjoy the talented Western Isles Musicians who have been performing weekly Gaelic and English songs to meet all tastes. than national average’ on the Comhairle Facebook page. ‘Costello’ said: “Speaking as someone who has In the photogrpahs you can see Christine had a family member in a care home, I know fi rst- hand how vital it is for residents to have musical of analysis of past results and teacher estimates, MacCuish and Robin Cooke enjoying lunch, Social By Katie Macleod stimulus not just during the COVID pandemic but among other factors. Distancing in place, with a nice glass of wine and pdated exam results released for the listening to Iain ’Costello’ Maciver on the iPad. at all times. I hope these cèilidhs go some way to UWestern Isles last month show that pupils When the exam results were announced on 4th They both enjoy his concerts as he sings both raising the spirits of both residents and staff alike.” have performed better than the national August, however, the SQA’s moderation of teacher average in National 5, Higher, and Advanced estimates meant that around 125,000 results had Higher qualifi cations. been downgraded, affecting roughly 75,000 pupils across the country. Commemorative bench Across all key measures in the Scottish Qualifi cation Authority (SQA) exams, schools While initial results for schools in the Western in the Western Isles reported positive results that Isles were positive overall, it was clear that both were consistently above the pass rates reported individual pupils – and, in some cases, large nationally. The rate of A-C passes in 2020 was numbers of pupils in specifi c subjects – had 90.5 per cent at National 5, compared to 89 per experienced a downgrading of their results. cent nationally. At Higher, the pass rate was 90.6 Locally, a total of 518 awards (18.3 per cent) per cent locally compared to the national fi gure were downgraded, with 83 awards (2.9 per cent) of 89.3 per cent; while at Advanced Higher, the upgraded. pass rate was 97.2%, compared to 93.1 per cent Following public pressure – including a letter nationally. from Eva Peteranna, a 5th year Sgoil Lionacelit The unique nature of the 2020 school year means pupil, that went viral on social media – the that effective analysis of the results compared to Scottish Government announced on 11th August previous years is not possible, although the fi gures that the downgraded results would be amended do show an increase on last year in pass rates and upgraded to refl ect the original teacher across all levels of SQA exams locally. estimates, while upgraded results would remain Scotland’s SQA exams were cancelled this the same. The SQA published updated national year for the fi rst time since their introduction in performance statistics on 31st August, and pupils 1888, with a new system put in place across the began receiving their updated certifi cates from 7th country to award grades based on a combination September.

The majority of Advanced Highers (AH) are taken in S6, ast year, Sally Reynolds, the development although a small number of offi cer for Urras Oighreachd Chàrlabhaigh pupils do undertake them in L (Carloway Estate Trust) organised a project S5. The presentation cohort for this level is small, with a involving the John Muir Trust for school total of 71 presentations in children to plant trees with the trees supplied by the Woodland Trust. 2020, and high pass rates On Wednesday 16th September the Rev are typical. In 2020, the pass For the completion of this project, the John Muir Duncan MacAskill, Carloway Church of Scotland, rate in Comhairle schools was Trust presented the community with three wooden 97.2%, which was several and himself a relative of Alex Angus, unveiled bench seats – one each for the villages of Carloway, a commemorative plate in a short ceremony percentage points higher than Tolsta Chaolais and Breasclete. the national rate of 93.1%. accompanied by Angus Macleod, Chairman, It was decided to locate the Tolsta Chaolais seat Carloway Community Council, and his wife Cathy. near the junction of Shiader Road and the main Because of new Covid-19 regulations only residents village road and place a commemorative plate on it from two households were permitted to attend. in remembrance of Alexander Angus Macleod who was lost on HMY Iolaire on New Year’s Day 1919. Sincere thanks were extended to all those who helped and contributed towards this project. Higher qualifi cations are The bench’s location is only a few yards from typically taken in S5 and S6, where Alex Angus lived in Tolsta Chaolais and A special thanks also to all the businesses who although, in exceptional cases, is part of the Bonnet Laird Walk which was also kindly contributed materials for the establishment a pupil can be presented for a established by the Carloway Estate Trust. and completion of this installation. Higher in S4. The presentation for Highers in 2020 stood at 906 and accounted for 32% of all presentations from Comhairle schools. A-C passes Off-street, on-line for at Higher reached 90.6% in 2020, a little greater than the national rate of 89.3%. At both local and national cancer fundraisers level, the awards of Highers increased signifi cantly under treet collections by charities are one of month of October. The shops taking part are: the estimation system in place the many activities halted by the pandemic this year. S • Buth an Rubha emergency. • Gordon Diesel’s (Back) The Isle of Lewis Cancer Research UK Committee • Tolsta Shop There were 1,256 awards at and volunteers usually go out with their collecting • Cross Stores National 5 across all stages cans, house-to-house in August each year. • Welcome Inn, Barvas • Lochs Services, Cameron Terrace of the Senior Phase (S4-S6) But the group says: “The Covid restrictions has • Ravenspoint, Kershader and presentations at this meant that this valuable fundraiser can’t be done level accounted for 49.2% of • Uig Shop in our usual way. all presentations across our • Bernera Shop\ schools. The rate of A-C passes “Instead of our annual door-to-door visits, “Covid-19 has slowed us down, clinical trials in 2020 was 90.5% compared which we do enjoy, we are asking if you would like are being postponed and vital research is being to 89.0% nationally. to make your donation online at https://fundraise. delayed. We are determined to continue our life- cancerresearchuk.org/unite/isle-of-lewis-cancer- saving work, research-uk.” but to save lives If you don’t have internet access and would like tomorrow we to make a donation please call in to your local shop. need your help There will be collecting cans available there for the today.” Page 20 - EVENTS www.hebevents.com 08/10/20 - 04/11/20 www.hebevents.com EVENTS - Page 21

The Guiding Lighthouse by Bronwyn MacKenzie WELCOME BACK NEW-LOOK AN LANNTAIR Mhairi Law - Cafe Bar REOPENS TO VISITORS n Lanntair is delighted to welcome all back to the art centre’s Café Bar and FRIGHT NIGHT: HALLOWEEN SPECIAL ACinema – complete with award-winning films; new catering partners Elior; new furnishings; a new Café Bar exhibition by artist Molly Fitch, and some spectacular Saturday 31 October, 8pm, £5 new commissioned art works created by four Western Isles artists. ooking for a full moon fright on Halloween Night… join us at An Lanntair “All of us here at An Lanntair are so happy to be able to open up our Café Bar once more Cinema for our Fright Night Halloween Special! and to welcome audiences back to the Cinema,” said An Lanntair CEO Elly Fletcher. L Get set to relive your nightmares as we bring back the Wes Craven classic A “Of course, we recognise that we are far from back to ‘normal’, but we are looking Nightmare on Elm Street. forward to seeing local people and visitors back in the building and enjoying everything that the arts centre has to offer.” Nancy Thompson and her group of friends are tormented by the scar-faced, clawed-killer of their dreams. As they are picked off one-by-one, Nancy must think Alice Macmillan - Harbour Room Elly added: “Later this month, we also hope to start up our art and drama clubs for children quick; but when he has you in your sleep, who is there to save you? Acair wins big at the Gaelic and young people too, as well as our evening classes for adults, so plenty more opportunities coming up!” Be warned – this was the film that introduced the one-and-only Freddie Kreuger! A ‘new-look’ An Lanntair is in store for returning visitors who will be stunned by our fantastic new artwork, commissioned by An Lanntair during the COVID-19 Lockdown CINEMA LISTINGS FOR OCTOBER Literature Awards 2020 period. cair are proud that three books have won their categories Macdonald has won the Best Poetry Book. Congratulations to Date Film Time New large-scale wall artworks by printmaker Alice Macmillan and photographer at The Gaelic Literature Awards 2020 with seven books the editors, as well as to Peter Mackay and Christopher Whyte, Mhairi Law provide the Wow-factor in our Café Bar; while artist Jonathan Macdonald has A Friday 2 October Parasite 7pm shortlisted. Speaking after the event, Acair manager Agnes shortlisted for Nàdar De and Ceum air Cheum respectively. transformed the Round Room with his works drawn directly onto the walls. Rennie commented: “What a wonderful competition and what Saturday 3 October Sonic the Hedgehog 2pm Mo Ghranaidh agus an Losgann Mòr by Marie C. NicAmhlaigh Also painted directly onto the walls, along the mezzanine walkway above the Café Bar is a marvellous reflection on the rich contribution to Gaelic won the Best Children’s Book and we offer her many congratulations. new work The Guiding Lighthouse by artist Bronwyn MacKenzie, who said: “This was such Parasite 7pm culture published annually by Acair. We are always grateful for an exciting and wonderful opportunity for me as a 21-year-old local artist.” Eadar Dà Shaoghal by Donald MacLeod was also shortlisted for Thursday 8 October The Lighthouse 7pm the opportunity to work with such a talented pool of writers.” the Best Non-Fiction Book- congratulations to him too. Bith ann am Breathan: Life in Layers, by artist Molly Fitch, is the first exhibition to be Mòrag Anna NicNèill won the Best Fiction Book for An Tiortach shown in the Café Bar, presenting a series of exciting and playful hand-cut pictures inspired Friday 9 October Tenet 7pm All books are available on the Acair website and we are so Beag agus Sgeulachdan Eile. Congratulations to her and also to pleased that the writers’ hard work has been recognised. by the Hebrides. Saturday 10 October Tenet 7pm John Urquhart for the shortlisting of Air an Oir. Acair receives assistance from Bòrd na Gàidhlig Molly said: “I’ve found my home on these islands in the warmth and kindness of Cluaintean Uaine, the poetry of the late George Murray and Thursday 15 October Tenet 7pm Acair is a registered charity: SC047866 community, the ingenuity and the resilience.” the late Donald Gillies edited by Kenny MacLeod and Iain G. All of the new artworks are complemented by An Lanntair’s brand new furnishings, with Friday 16 October New Mutants 7pm new seating and tables in place throughout as we welcome new catering operators Elior. Saturday 17 October New Mutants 7pm Jonathan Macdonald - Round Room Thrilled and delighted to be working in partnership with An Lanntair, Elior offer an amazing new cake range, baked treats, and freshly brewed barista coffee. And the Elior Friday 23 October Bill & Ted Face the Music 7pm Duaisean Acair aig chefs have been busy crafting and curating new food and drink offers, packed with locally Saturday 24 October Trolls World Tour 2pm sourced, great tasting dishes to entice and encourage all back to An Lanntair. Ball & Boe: Back Together (As Live) 7.30pm To book your table, simply email manager Lillian at [email protected] with your name, phone number, email, number of people in your party and date and time you Sunday 25 October Trolls World Tour 1pm Na Duaisean Litreachais 2020 would like to book. Your reservation will then be confirmed by email. Thursday 29 October Bill & Ted Face the Music 7pm Bha Eadar Dà Shaoghal le Dòmhnall MacLeòid air geàrr-liosta And this month also sees the re-start of An Lanntair’s cinema with a range of award- ha Acair moiteil gun bhuannaich trì leabhraichean aig an Leabhar Neo-fhicsein as Fheàrr (Duais Dhòmhnaill Meek) agus winning films for all the family screening throughout October, as Kevin Smith, An Lanntair Friday 30 October Schemers 7pm TNa Duaisean Litreachais 2020 às deidh do sheachd leabhraichean a bhi air na geàrr-liostaichean. meal a naidheachd airesan airson faighinn air a’ gheàrr-liosta. Cinema Programmer, said: “We’re opening again and giving everyone the opportunity to see Saturday 31 October Fright Night Halloween Special From 8pm the major award-winning films we couldn’t show before the lockdown. Thuirt manaidsear Acair, Agnes Rennie, “abair farpais litreachais Tha na leabhraichean gu lèir rim faighinn air làrach-lìn Acair agus tha sinn toilichte gun robh moladh air obair chruaidh nan “From blockbusters, art house, classics and even ‘as live’ screenings, which have become agus abair deagh chomhar air am beartas leabhraichean a tha Jonathan Macdonald - Detail sgrìobhadairean. more popular than ever during the time of lockdown, we want everyone to have the An Lanntair Cinema: COVID-Safety guidelines Acair a’ cuir a-mach gach bliadhna. Tha sinn taingeal an cothrom opportunity to enjoy a night out at the pictures.” - No outside food or drink to be brought into the building fhaighinn obrachadh còmhla ri sgrìobhadairean tàlantach.” Tha Acair a’ faighinn taic bho Bhòrd na Gàidhlig To help keep all visiting and working at An Lanntair safe, we are ensuring Scottish - 2m distancing must be observed at all times and facemasks worn (unless eating/ Bhuannaich An Tiortach Beag agus Sgeulachdan Eile le Mòrag Cathrannas clàraichte a th’ ann an Acair: SC047866 Government COVID-19 safety guidelines are followed throughout the arts centre and cinema drinking, under-5, or medically unable to do so) Anna NicNèill an Leabhar Fhicsein as Fheàrr (Duais Chomann – including the wearing of face-coverings and 2m social-distancing, increased cleaning and - Customers must take allocated seats to ensure household groups are socially Gàidhealach Lunnainn). Meal a naidheachd oirre, agus cuideachd the daily use of antiviral foggers, as well as a new social-distance seat-booking system. distanced air Iain D. Urchardan a bha air a’ gheàrr-liosta airson Air an Oir. Please read full details of our COVID-19 safety guidelines in the Visit Us Safely section on - Cinema snacks and drinks are available to purchase from ground floor shop and Bhuannaich an leabhar Cluaintean Uaine, bàrdachd le Seòras our website: www.lanntair.com/visit-us-safely/ first floor Café/Bar Moireach agus Dòmhnall MacIllÌosa, deasaichte le Coinneach MacLeòid agus Iain G. Dòmhnallach Duais Ruairaidh MhicThòmais - Cinema stewards will not require physical tickets, but will ask for name and airson an Leabhar Bàrdachd as Fheàrr. Mealaibh an naidheachd air AN LANNTAIR REOPENING TIMES: order number an dithis neach deasachaidh. Bha Nàdar De le Pàdraig Macaoidh Tuesday to Wednesday, from 10am to 5pm - You will be asked for your contact details for Test and Protect when making your agus Ceum air Cheum le Crìsdean MacIlleBhàin air a’ gheàrr-liosta Thursday to Saturday, from 10am to late booking agus meal an naidheachd orrasan cuideachd. Last Sunday of each month, from 11am to 5pm Bhuannaich Mo Ghranaidh agus an Losgann Mòr le Marie C. Mackerel and Seagulls by Molly Fitch Oystercatcher by Molly Fitch NicAmhlaigh an Leabhar as Fheàrr do Chloinn/Òigridh- meal a naidheachd oirre. Page 22 - EVENTS www.hebevents.com 08/10/20 - 04/11/20

Education, Skills & Children’s Services Covid-19 Testing – Advice for Parents and Pupils

ith the full return of pupils to schools, • The household must self-isolate and request a Wparents and pupils will have questions Covid-19 test. and concerns in relation to what to do if they • The isolation room and any areas the pupil experience symptoms or are unwell in relation accessed will be deep cleaned. to attendance in school and whether Covid-19 testing should be considered. How do I request a Covid-19 test in the The following advice and guidance applies Western Isles? equally to parents and pupils and should be NHS Western Isles provides access to Covid-19 considered carefully in relation to attendance at testing and there are three ways to request a test school. for any symptomatic members of your household. What are the symptoms of Covid-19? • 1) Online: Complete the NHSWI Online NHS guidance states that the main symptoms of Testing Referral Form Covid-19 are as follows: • 2) E-Mail: Send an e-mail with your details to • a high temperature – this means you feel [email protected] hot to touch on your chest or back (37.8 ̊c or • 3) Telephone: Call the local Covid-19 higher). helpline: 01851 601151 • a new, continuous cough – this means coughing • The telephone line is staffed Monday to Friday a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more 9.00am to 5.00pm, with an answerphone coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually messaging service available out-with these hours. have a cough, it may be worse than usual) You will be contacted by NHS Western Isles I have received a positive test result. What • Other household members: 14 days isolation • a loss or change to your sense of smell or staff to book a testing appointment time. NHS now? from contact with a return to school/work taste – this means you’ve noticed you cannot Western Isles aims to test as soon as practicable. on the 15th day, subject to continuing to be If you or any member of your household smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste symptom-free. different to normal Should I inform work, school or nursery receives a positive test, your whole household (and any members of an extended household) must self- People with Covid-19 typically have at least one that we are self-isolating? We have recently return home after travel isolate and NHS Test and Protect procedures will of these symptoms. Yes. It is important that you inform any be initiated. You will be contacted and asked to abroad. Do we need to isolate or seek a test? employers, schools or nurseries attended by your Could my symptoms be a cold? I’m not sure. identify recent contacts and they will be traced Depending on what country or territory you household that you think you have Covid-19 and also asked to isolate. were travelling from you and anyone else travelling It can be diffi cult to distinguish symptoms of symptoms. Schools are required to record any Covid-19 from that of common seasonal illnesses Household members with symptoms must with you may need to self-isolate (quarantine) for absences related to Covid-19 using a special set fourteen days. The current list of countries with such as colds and fl u. A blocked or runny nose and of codes and it is important that school offi ces are continue to isolate for 10 days from onset of sneezing are not common symptoms of Covid-19 the symptoms and any other members of the restrictions and exemptions is available from the informed of absences and the reasons for them. and, equally, it is uncommon to have a fever household (or extended household) for 14 days. Scottish Government. The list is being frequently Any unexplained absences will be followed-up by accompanying a cold, but parents are encouraged updated and travellers are responsible for ensuring school staff. Immediately upon confi rmation of a positive to maintain a high level of vigilance. test result, you must inform any school or nursery compliance with quarantine rules. If a school or nursery pupil is displaying How do we self-isolate? settings attended by the household and you should Children travelling back from any restricted symptoms that you are unsure about, keep them at If you think you have symptoms and haven’t also inform employers. Similarly, you should countries must observe quarantine rules in full and home and monitor the development and progress yet been tested or have received a positive test, discuss any return to school after isolation with the cannot attend school or nursery until their 14 day of symptoms closely. If you are concerned or it is very important that you and all the members Head Teacher. self-isolation has concluded. The full quarantine believe that they are the Covid-19 symptoms of your household self-isolate. This means that What is involved in Test & Protect (Test, period must be observed even if you are tested and described above, visit NHS Inform for more everyone in the house must stay at home and in receipt of a negative result. information and consider requesting a test. not go to work or school and should not travel, Trace and Isolate)? Test and Protect is the process initiated after Will a school or nursery be closed if a My child or someone in my household has visit retail premises or have contact with other confi rmation of a positive test result. NHS contact possible Covid-19 symptoms. What should households. Further advice on self-isolating can be positive case is linked to it? found here: NHS Inform Self Isolation Guidance tracing staff will: I do? Any decisions about the impact of a positive • contact you by phone or text message – Covid-19 case on the operation of a school will be If you believe that any member of your I have received a negative test result. Can I there’s no need to log in to a website; determined following an assessment undertaken household is displaying any of the symptoms of go back to school/work? • ask you who you live with, who you have by the Comhairle and NHS public health offi cials. Covid-19 described above, you must act quickly. In the following circumstances, it is possible for been physically close to recently and where This assessment will consider the circumstances of • Self-Isolate: All members of the household the members of a household to go back to work you have been; the individual case and the degree or contacts and must immediately self-isolate. Children in and school and end the period of self-isolation. • decide which of these people might be infected risks presented. The reporting of one positive case the household must not be sent to school or You can return to work, school or nursery after a based on how long they spent with you and may not result in the closure of a whole school but nursery. negative test result if: how physically close they were (typically, could lead to a class or year group being asked not • Ask for a Test: All members of the household closer than 2m for more than 15mins); to attend for an agreed period. with symptoms should be referred for a • everyone in your household with symptoms • contact these people to tell them to isolate for Covid- 19 test. There are three ways to request receives a negative test result too; If additional positive cases are linked to the 14 days a test in the Western Isles, detailed here. • you are well enough and have not had a fever same school, this will affect decisions about the As someone who has tested positive, your safe operation of the school and could be classifi ed • Inform: Ensure that you promptly notify for at least 48 hours. identity will not be shared with contacts unless as an outbreak. employers and any schools or nurseries that your You must inform the school or nursery of an you have provided consent for it to be shared. household is self-isolating and awaiting testing. intention for a pupil to return after a negative result In all cases, parents will be kept informed of and staff may, with your consent, seek evidence of Please be vigilant of scams and fraudulent impact on school operations and the Comhairle What happens if a pupil begins to show callers purporting to be contact tracers. There the outcome of the test. has contingency plans in place for education to Covid-19 symptoms in school? is advice available on NHS Inform about how continue, should restrictions be placed on the You cannot return to work, school or nursery Symptoms of the virus can develop at any to avoid contact tracing scams. Anyone calling after a negative test result if: opening of any schools. time and that means that schools have carefully to contact trace will be able to tell you how to prepared to respond to any pupils or staff who • you have been told you are a close contact of confi rm they are genuine. Where can I fi nd out more information? begin to display symptoms during the school day. another patient by the Test and Protect service When could I return to school or work after The following web links provide the latest and • The symptomatic person will immediately be • you have a negative test result but someone in a positive test? most up-to-date information about requirements taken to an identifi ed isolation room by staff your house has a positive test; and guidance in relation to Covid-19. You may return to school, nursery, work and wearing protective personal equipment. • someone else in your household has Covid-19 other activities after the full period of self-isolation • NHS Inform – Covid-19 Guidance • Their parents/carers or emergency contacts symptoms and has not been tested or has not has ended and you are suffi ciently well, being • Scottish Government – Coronavirus Pages will be informed. yet had confi rmation of a result. free of fever for at least 48hrs. The minimum self- • NHS Western Isles – Outer Hebrides Covid-19 • The pupil must be collected and taken home isolation requirements are as follows. After returning to school following a negative Website as soon as possible. test, you much continue to be vigilant of • Person with positive test: 10 days self-isolation • Comhairle nan Eilean Siar – Coronavirus • Siblings or other household members in the symptoms. If pupils begin to display any of the from onset of symptoms with a return to same or other schools will be contacted and identifi ed symptoms again, they must immediately school/work on 11th day subject to being free Pages sent home. self-isolate and seek a re- test. of fever for 48hrs. • Parent Club

Fever • Continuous Cough • Change in Taste or Smell Call 01851 601151 08/10/20 - 04/11/20 www.hebevents.com EVENTS - Page 23 Youngsters raise cash for rugby teams

By Annie Delin Cycle-102141654998458/. wo young rugby players are planning to swap hard knocks After today’s soaking wet ride, day four of the challenge, Liz said: Tfor hard work on a bike, as they make October the month to “Wet. A workout on the way out as it was into the wind but fl ew top up the coffers at Stornoway Rugby Football Club (SYRFC). back. It was a good cycle. I think I’m getting used to going out every Liz Smith, who’s 16 and in S5 at The Nicolson Institute, and her day.” fellow rugby enthusiast Liam Macfarlane, 13 and in S2, both train The pair are planning for a big fi nish on Saturday 31 October, with and play with SYRFC. Liz is in the junior and women’s teams and has the pair riding round town in Hallowe’en costume before a big fi nish been training for three years and Liam is in the junior team and has at the rugby pitch on Bayhead. played competitive matches. Liz said: “We haven’t decided on the costumes yet, but we thought They’ve set themselves the challenge of cycling 600 miles – 300 we should make the most of fi nishing our challenge on Hallowe’en each – outside school hours throughout October, to raise funds for and make sure that people notice us!” their club. They’ll be putting in the miles separately near their homes. Women’s rugby coach Angus ‘Bubble’ Mackay said: “The Liz said: “We realised that SYRFC has lost a lot of fundraising commitment of this pair is amazing and the effort to do 300 miles opportunities and has not been able to attract sponsors because each is pretty impressive. The money they raise will all go straight there have been no matches during lockdown, so we thought we into helping to raise the profi le of junior rugby, especially to help would try and do something about it. motivate girls to get involved. Liam and Liz after practice and ready to roll on Friday 2 October “Our plan is to cycle 10 miles a day each – Liam in Point, where “We’re getting a lot of interest among young women in rugby as a he stays, and me around my home in Bragar – and we’re hoping to has pledges of £350. She also hopes to get support for more copies team sport lately and Liz has been really enthusiastic about the idea raise around £500.” of the sponsor form and has set up a Facebook page to post bulletins of getting a girls team going. It’s a great game and really helps them Liz has a collecting box and a paper sponsor form, and already on their progress at https://www.facebook.com/SYRFC-Sponsored- to gain confi dence.” Steinish chance of ‘coastal path’ upgrade

he next area to Tbenefi t from upgraded walking routes between Stornoway and Point will be Steinish, after Mossend Residents Association secured more than £42,000 from the Crown Estate Coastal Communities Fund. Plans are at an advanced stage for the Steinish Circular Coastal Trail, with Junior members of Stornoway Running and Athletics Club welcoming home WIIGA competitors after the the funding now in place for Gibraltar games last year (WIIGA). the fi rst of two phases. That section will be from Simon’s Road, starting at a location WIIGA votes on next 50 yards before the entrance to the Auction Mart, and will head down towards the sea Map of the waypoints in the proposed Steinish Circular Coastal Trail and and along the coast via the photograph on the route, with ‘the Cob’ in the background. Islands Games newly constructed path. An application for planning permission has a sea estuary so there’s a very wide variety of birds By Annie Delin That gap is huge for young athletes.” to be seen over the year and sometimes it’s very been submitted for this part of the project, which Holding the next island games in 2022 comes interesting to see the fi sh go in up the river.” estern Isles Island Games Association will involve upgrading the existing road and path (WIIGA) has cast their vote on the with its own issues, because that is also the year that leads off Simon’s Road, extending it round the Michael Smith, who is on both the Mossend W retiming of the international island games, of the Commonwealth Games, which start on 28 estuary, bordering a designated SSSI (Special Site Residents Association and the Steinish Community July in Birmingham. But WIIGA offi cials believes of Scientifi c Interest) with sinking sands known Development Trust, undertook much of the recent after the 2021 event in Guernsey was cancelled due to fears of Coronavirus. athletes who qualify for both could use the island locally as ‘the Cob’. background work to bring the project to the games as a warm-up event, which could work to If planning permission is secured, the eventual path planning stage. He said: “The Steinish Community WIIGA chairman Norrie ‘Tomsh’ Macdonald their advantage. Development Trust and the Residents Association said the Western Isles group had submitted their will be 2km long and 1.2m wide with wider areas Now Western Isles coaches are having to cope of 1.7m for passing and resting. It will be surfaced to are delighted that this wonderful project has made preference for the next games to be held in 2022, it to the development stage with the help of our following their meeting on Monday 28 September. with working athletes through the disappointment allow for easy wheelchair and buggy access. of losing next year’s event. Norrie said: “I don’t local councillor on the Residents Association and The international Island Games Association Phase two of the planned work will involve the input of Point and Sandwick Trust. doubt for a second that it’s the right decision, but extending the track around the shore side of (IGA) canvassed all 23 participating island groups competition is what keeps our athletes going. Steinish village and up around the far side of the “During lockdown and our daily one hour walks to vote on their preferred replacement date, after “I particularly feel for the young athletes who village, exiting near the airport. around the village it became clear to residents that announcing on Saturday 26 September that the this path project would really be of huge benefi t to island games in Guernsey 2021 would not go ahead. had only been to Gibraltar in 2019 and were Mossend Residents Association are “delighted” not only those in the village but many people in just getting to their level when this halt had to be The IGA will make an announcement on the to have secured the money, confi rmed by a full the Stornoway area who seek a quiet coastal walk called. Going to the games is something all our future date of the games in the next few weeks, meeting of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar in August, where they can appreciate the views across the athletes work for – it’s a huge buzz and a sad thing but the venue is certain to be Guernsey, who had and were assisted in this by Point and Sandwick sands, experience a variety of wildlife and benefi t to miss out on.” prepared all the facilities needed for the competition. Trust honorary president Angus McCormack in his from breathing in fresh sea air.” capacity as local councillor. The disappointment is echoing around all the Duncan Mackay, chair of Mossend Residents Norrie said: “Guernsey and Shetland are the only islands. A spokesperson for Shetland Island Games Angus McCormack is also a North Street resident Association, warmly welcomed the development. two islands with contracts signed, so Guernsey will Association said: “We’re disappointed, obviously, and was happy to help the Residents Association. He said the area was “really excellent” and defi nitely get the next games, but the Bailliwick but it’s the right decision. Too much risk for the He said: “I’m delighted that this project, which has particularly popular with dog walkers. of Guernsey (Guernsey’s parliament) will have good folks in Guernsey, but also for all the islanders been lying on the shelf for a number of years is warned the IGA against going ahead next year, in who will come from afar for the games.” going to go ahead.” Duncan is also chair of the Fideach Angling Club, consultation with their own health authority. whose area covers the Steinish pool. He recalled the North Uist coach Robert Fraser said: The area around the estuary is well known idea for the path being mooted “about three or four “To have 23 islands from all over the world “Understandable but disappointing. The prospect for its rich bird life and the project has received years ago” and added: “It fi nally came to fruition sending athletes to a small island community was of the games happening was giving some of young support from Scottish Natural Heritage. Arctic there when we got the grant. Angus put a lot of work just not a viable possibility. Options had been athletes a goal to aim for in this diffi cult year. It will Tern nest in summer and other visitors include into that. We’ve been talking about it for quite a discussed such as all of us self-isolating for two now be challenging for some of them to maintain Skylark, Shelduck, Oystercatchers, Ringed Plover, while and the grant put the icing on the cake.” weeks ahead of the games, but like many island motivation over the winter months.” migrating waders, ducks and geese. Salmon and groups, we have athletes coming to join us from Subject to planning permission the fi rst part of sea trout can be found in the estuary waters. much further afi eld and the self-isolation option And Norrie Macdonald added “Athletes are work in Steinish could be completed before the naturally disappointed having dipped their toe at Angus also said: “It’s a beautiful walk, actually. It just would not work. end of the year. The second half of the work, from Gibraltar and been left hugely enthusiastic for the is possible to walk there just now but for anybody the Steinish road end towards the airport, could be “Our preference is for 2022, COVID permitting, who’s not good on their pins, it’s not good. We are prospect of the next games. Hopefully we can raise done in the spring but is dependent on additional because to wait for 2023 would mean a four-year their sights for 2022 and go on from there.” trying to make it so that anyone can walk there. It’s funding being secured. gap between the last games (2019) and the next. Page 24 - EVENTS www.hebevents.com 08/10/20 - 04/11/20

What’s happening at Western Isles Libraries

MONTEFIORE, Santa Here and now General Fiction PRESTON, Paul A people betrayed : a history of corruption, political incompetence FICTION and social division in modern Spain 1874-2018 OʼFARRELL, Maggie Hamnet Historical Fiction ALLEN, Diane The girl from the tannerʼs yard Saga MALONEY, Iain The only gaijin in the village OʼFLANAGAN, Sheila The women who ran away General Fiction BILLINGHAM, Mark Cry Baby Crime NAMMI, Diana Girl with a gun : love, loss and the fi ght for freedom in Iran OATES, Joyce Carol Night. Sleep. Death. The stars General Fiction BURKE, James Lee A private cathedral Crime PATTERSON, James The Kennedy curse OWENS, Delia Where the crawdads sing General Fiction CAMERON, Christian Storm of arrows Historical Fiction RUCKER, Philip A very stable genius : Donald J. Trumpʼs testing of America PARETSKY, Sara Dead land Crime CAMERON, Christian Funeral Games Historical Fiction TRUMP, Mary L. Too much and never enough : how my family created the worldʼs PATTERSON, James Texas Outlaw Thriller CANAVAN, Trudi Makerʼs curse Fantasy most dangerous man PENNY. Louise All the devils are here Crime CLEEVES, Anne The darkest evening Crime REICHS, Kathy A conspiracy of bones Crime GAELIC CUSSLER, Clive Wrath of Poseidon Thriller CAMPBELL, Mary Jane Ceilidh : dealbh-chluich / le Mairi Sine Chaimbeul agus Catriona Lexy RICHES, Anthony River of Gold Historical Fiction DOUGLAS, Claire Local girl missing Thriller Chaimbeul ROBB, Candace A choir of crows Historical Crime DURRANT, Sabine Finders, keepers Thriller ROBERTS, Nora Hideaway General Fiction FENTON, Kate The time of her life General Fiction FEATURED TITLES ROBOTHAM, Michael When she was good Thriller FRENCH, Nicci House of correction Crime RYAN, Chris Circle of death Thriller GRANGER, Ann A matter of murder Crime The ninth child SANDFORD, John Masked prey Crime HADLOW, Janice The other Bennet sister Historical Fiction by Sally Magnusson SIGURDARDOTTIR, Yrsa Gallows Rock Crime Loch Katrine waterworks, 1856. A HANNAH, Mari Without a trace Crime Highland wilderness fast becoming an SILVA, Daniel The Order Thriller HILTON, Matt Collision Course Thriller industrial wasteland. No place for a lady. SMITH, Alexander McCall The talented Mr Varg Crime Isabel Aird is aghast when her husband IGGULDEN, Conn The gates of Athens Historical Fiction is appointed doctor to an extraordinary STEEL, Danielle Daddyʼs girls General Fiction JAKUBOWSKI, Maxim ed. Invisible blood Crime Short Stories waterworks being built miles from the THOMSON, Lesley Death of a mermaid Crime city. But Isabel, denied the motherhood JECKS, Michael Death comes hot Historical Crime role that is expected of her by a TREMAYNE, Peter The shapeshifterʼs lair Historical Crime succession of miscarriages, fi nds JEWELL, Lisa Invisible girl Thriller unexpected consolations in a place WEIR, Alison Katheryn Howard : the tainted queen Historical Fiction JOHNSON, Daisy Sisters General Fiction where she can feel the presence of her unborn children and begin to work out JONASSON. Ragnar The mist Crime NON FICTION what her life in Victorian society is for. KASASIAN, M.R.C. The ghost tree Crime MOORE, Kate ed. So that went well... : unpublished letters to the Daily Telegraph The hills echo with the gunpowder blasts of hundreds of navvies tunnelling day and night to bring KING, Stephen If it bleeds Thriller RINPOCHE, Lama Yeshe Losal From a mountain in Tibet : a monkʼs journey clean water to diseased Glasgow thirty miles away - digging so deep that LA PLANTE, Lynda Buried Crime there are those who worry they are disturbing the land of faery itself. Here, MOHAMED, Hashi People like us : what it takes to make it in modern Britain just inside the Highland line, the membrane between the modern world LACKBERG, Camilla The gilded cage Thriller FALL, Kate The Gatekeeper and the ancient unseen places is very thin. LAWLER, Liz Iʼll fi nd you Thriller With new life quickening within her again, Isabel can only wait. But a STEER, Tim The signs were there : the clues for investors that a company is darker presence has also emerged from the gunpowder smoke. And he LEATHER, Stephen Slow burn Thriller heading for a fall is waiting too. LOVESEY, Peter The fi nisher Crime BROWN, Kate Manual for survival : a Chernobyl guide to the future Inspired by the mysterious death of the seventeenth-century minister Robert Kirke and set in a pivotal era two centuries later when engineering HAINSWORTH, Jonathan The escape of Jack the Ripper : the full truth about the cover-up and MAGNUSSON, Sally The ninth child Historical Fiction innovation fl ourished but women did not, The Ninth Child blends folklore his fl ight from justice with historical realism in a spellbinding narrative. MCDERMID, Val Still life Crime KOEPPEL, Gerard Not a gentlemanʼs work : the untold story of a gruesome murder at sea and the long road to truth The only gaijin SAWALHA, Nadia Honey I home schooled the kids BYTHELL, Shaun Confessions of a bookseller in the village by Iain Maloney CHAMOVITZ, Daniel What a plant knows : a fi eld guide to the senses of your garden - and beyond In 2016 Scottish writer Iain Maloney and his Japanese wife Minori moved to FORRESTER, Philippa On the trail of wolves a village in rural Japan. This is the story of his attempt to fi t in, be accepted JANDIAL, Dr Rahul Life lessons from a brain surgeon : the new science and stories of the and fulfi l his duties as a member of brain the community, despite being the only BALL, Carol Bowen The Bariatric bible foreigner in the village. Even after more than a decade living in HARKNESS, Joe Bird therapy Japan and learning the language, life in COWLAM, Rory The secret life of a vet the countryside was a culture shock. Due to increasing numbers of young FUNG, Dr Jason The obesity code cookbook : recipes to help you manage your insulin, people moving to the cities in search lose weight, and improve your health of work, there are fewer rural residents under the retirement age - and they have two things in abundance: time and curiosity. Iain’s attempts KINGSOLVER, Barbara How to fl y : (in ten thousand easy lessons) / at amateur farming, basic gardening and DIY are conducted under the FABES, Stephen Signs of life : to the ends of the earth with a doctor watchful eye of his neighbours and wife. But curtain twitching is the least of his problems. The threat of potential missile strikes and earthquakes is BAKER, Patrick The unremembered places : exploring Scotlandʼs wild histories nothing compared to the venomous snakes, terrifying centipedes and bees MURTON, Paul The Viking isles : travels in Orkney and Shetland the size of small birds that stalk Iain’s garden. Told with self-deprecating humour, this memoir gives a fascinating CALIDAS, Tamsin I am an island insight into a side of Japan rarely seen and affi rms the positive benefi ts FOER, Esther Safran I want you to know weʼre still here : my family, the Holocaust and my of immigration for the individual and the community. It’s not always easy search for truth being the only gaijin in the village. MAKOS, Adam Spearhead : an American tank gunner, his enemy and a collision of Don’t forget to look at our eBooks and eAudio lives in World War II titles as well – new titles are added every month CADDICK-ADAMS, Peter Sand & steel : a new history of D-Day CAWTHORNE, Nigel Prince Andrew : the end of the monarchy and Epstein Search the library catalogue online – CRAIG, Maggie One week in April : the Scottish radical rising of 1820 www.cne-siar.gov.uk/library 08/10/20 - 04/11/20 www.hebevents.com EVENTS - Page 25

PLANNING APPLICATIONS DURING SEPTEMBER 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.

Gable signage, Bragar planning permission to erect a studio building for to erect a new detached garage at Creagan Ard, ISLE OF LEWIS small exercise classes at 9 Keose Glebe, Lochs. Aird Tong. The garage is to be 10.3 metres long, Planning permission is sought to install gable The building is to be 9 metres long and 5.98 7.3 metres wide and 6.34 metres tall. Extend house, Stornoway signage at Community Centre, Grinneabhat metres wide. Centre, North Bragar . The sign is to be 2.6 metres Extend house, Dalmore Colin Macleod of 8 Barony Square has applied tall and 1.8 metres wide. New house, Coll for planning permission to extend the house Christina Mackay of 3 Dalmore has applied to the rear of the property at 13 Sand Street, New house, Back Morag McNeill of 3 Redmire Crescent, for planning permission to extend the house at Stornoway. Allanton, Shotts, has applied for planning 3 Dalmore. Derek Beaton and Anne Marie Lockerby have permission to erect a new house at 54B Coll. Alter and extend house, Carloway applied for planning permission to erect a new Work is to include creating a new access. house at 40B Vatisker. The house is to consist ISLE OF HARRIS Iain Macarthur of 5 Borrowston, Carloway, of four bedrooms, a kitchen/dining/family area, Alter and extend house, Breasclete Agricultural building, Scarp has applied for planning permission to alter and a lounge a TV room. Work is also to include Anna Mairi Macleod of 41 Breasclete has extend the house at 5 Barrowston, Carloway. building a detached garage, creating a new Murdo Maclennan of 5 Aignis has applied applied for planning permission to alter and access and parking suitable for two cars, and for planning permission to build an agricultural New fl oodlights, Stornoway extend the house at 41 Breasclete. installing an air source heat pump. building at 13 Scarp. The building is to be 15.6 metres long, 6.6 metres wide and 4.8 metres tall. Western Isles Community Society has applied New extension, Barvas Change of use of land, Bragar for planning permission to install 12 LED South Bragar Common Grazings has applied Electric charging station, Tarbert fl oodlights in the pavement on South Breach. The Jamie Feeney of 9 Upper Barvas has applied for planning permission to change the use of land fl oodlights would be 0.5m away from the Town for planning permission to build an extension at Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd has applied Hall wall. 9 Upper Barvas. in South Bragar to create parking for eight cars. for planning permission to install an electric Work is also to include erecting a drystone wall. charging station, with associated feeder pillar, New fence and hardstanding, Steinish Two new polycrubs, Borve and creation of two electric charging parking Change of use of land, Dalmore spaces at existing car park on Pier Road, Tarbert. Scott Maciver of 2A Steinish has applied for Ness Community Council has applied for Christina Mackay of 3 Dalmore has applied for planning permission to erect a fence, create planning permission to erect two polycrubs at New house, Scaristavore planning permission to change the use of the land a hardstanding and make improvements to Clan MacQuarrie Community Centre, Borve. at Dalmore to site two static caravans. Work is to Dualchas Architects has applied for planning drainage at 2A Steinish. New path, Steinish include creating parking suitable for two cars. permission to erect a new house at 2B Scaristavore. Change of use of land Work is to include creating parking for three cars. Sandwick Community Council has applied New house and annex, Uig The house is to consist of two bedrooms, a dressing Phillip Davis of Taigh an Uillt, Uigean, has for planning permission to create a new path Jen Topping of 25 St Phillips Road, London, has room, a kitchen/dining area, a laundry/utility room, applied for planning permission to change the at Steinish Headland Track. The path would be applied for planning permission to erect a new two bathrooms (one of which will contain a sauna), use of the common grazings land at Taigh an 1.5 metres wide and would link existing paths, a studio, a living room and a library. roads and tracks. Work would also involve the house and annex accommodation and garage at Uillt, 16 Uigean, Kneep, to domestic curtilage. 8B Timsgarry, Uig. The property is to consist of Work will also include creating an access, installation of a small bridge, and two culverts for New house, Borve fi eld drainage. fi ve bedrooms, four bathrooms, and two kitchen/ parking suitable for one car and erecting a shed. dining/living areas. Work is to include creating Donna Inglis of 30 Seaforth Road, Stornoway, The shed is to be 5.5 metres tall, 5 metres wide Change of use of premises parking suitable for three cars. has applied for planning permission to build a and 9.8 metres long. new house at 3A Borve. The house is to consist Andrew Maciver of No.9 Coffee Shop & Change of use of building, Stornoway of three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a kitchen/ Sun lounge extension, Dalmore Sandwich Bar has applied for planning permission dining room, a living room and a utility room. Murdo Morrison of 10 Bulnacraig Street, to change the use of the premises at 9A North Work is to include creating parking suitable for Angus Smith of 11 Dalmore has applied for Stornoway, has applied for planning permission Beach from retail to a coffee shop/sandwich bar. three cars. planning permission to create a sun lounge to change the use of a shed to annexe sleeping extension at 11 Dalmore. New house, Ness accommodation at 10 Bulnacraig Street, Planning permission in principle, Borve Stornoway. New agricultural building, Tong Finlay Macleod of 8 Swainbost has applied Donna Inglis of 30 Seaforth Road, Stornoway, for planning permission to erect a house at Alasdair Campbell of 9A Aird Tong has applied Extend agricultural building, Galson has applied for planning permission in principle 21A Cross, Ness. The house is to consist of four for a house plot at 3B Borve. for planning permission to erect an agricultural bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a kitchen/dining/ David Roberts of 38A South Galson has building at 9A Aird Tong. The building is to be lounge area. Work is to include installing an air applied for planning permission to extend the Prior notifi cation for farm-related 22.86 metres long, 12.19 metres wide and 6.2 source heat pump and creating a new access and agricultural building at 38 South Galson. building works, Lingerbay metres tall. Work is to include creating an access parking suitable for two cars. and parking suitable for fi ve cars. Prior-notifi cation for farm-related Angus Taylor of 1/3 80 Victoria Crescent Road, Temporary offi ce building, Melbost building works, Ness Glasgow has given prior notifi cation for his intention New house, Barvas to erect a farm-related building at 19 Lingerbay. Car Hire Hebrides has applied for planning Gordon Macritchie of 5C Fivepenny has Derick Morrison of 6A Upper Barvas has permission to site a temporary offi ce building at given prior-notifi cation of his intention to erect a New house, Scalpay applied for planning permission to build a polycrub at 11 Fivepenny. The polycrub is to be Stornoway Airport, Melbost. The building is going R. D. Macaskill of 19 Kyles, Scalpay, has house at 1A Upper Barvas. The house consists 10 metres long, 4 metres wide and 3 metres tall. to be 8.5 metres long and 3 metres wide. Work is applied for planning permission to erect a house of four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen/ to include altering the vehicular access, creating New house, Achmore at 19A Kyles, Scalpay. The house is to consist dining room, a lounge and a utility room. Work eight more car parking spaces (bringing the total of three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, is to include creating a new access and parking number of parking spaces to twelve) and erecting Sue Wakely of 46 Hillview Cottages, Ratho, dining area, lounge and porch. Work is to include suitable for two cars. a vehicle barrier. Newbridge, has applied for planning permission creating a new access, parking suitable for two New house, Laxdale New garage, Back to erect a house at 12 Achmore. The house is to cars, and installing an air source heat pump. consist of one bedroom, two bathrooms, a kitchen/ Derek Maclean of 90A Newmarket has Calum Mackay of 1 Blackwater, Newmarket, dining area, a lounge and a utility room. Work is New agricultural building, Northton applied for planning permission to build a house as applied for planning permission to erect a new to include creating an access and parking suitable Kenny Mackay of 9 Ferry Road, Leverburgh, at 11B Newvalley, Laxdale. The house is to have garage at 18A Back. The garage is to be 11 metres for two cars, and install an air source heat pump. has applied for planning permission to erect long and 6 metres wide. four bedrooms, a kitchen/family/dining room, a New garage, Tong an agricultural building at 29A Northton. The lounge, two bathrooms, and a utility room. Work Studio building, Lochs building is to be 15 metres long, 9 metres wide is to include installing an air source heat pump and Maureen Macdonald of Creagan Ard, 15B and 3.28 metres tall. The exterior is to consist of creating an access and parking suitable for two cars. Angus Macdonald of 9 Keose has applied for Aird Tong, has applied for planning permission green livestock mesh with a white polythene roof.

)LQGLQJWKHULJKWQXPEHUIRU\RXUFRXQFLOVHUYLFHV« KOAL;@:G9J<&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&()0-).((-() :mkaf]kk?Yl]oYq&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&()0-)0**//- EYbgjAfn]kle]flHjgb][lk&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&()0-)0**.-.-)0**.-. ;MKLGE=JK=JNA;=&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& ()0-).((-(* @YjZgmjG^Ú[]'EYjaf]>m]dk&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&()0-1-(*+./ L=D=H@GF=@GMJK&&&&&&&&()0-)/()/(* ooo&[f]%kaYj&_gn&mc'ahk]jna[]l]d]h`gf]&Ykhh`gf]&Ykh ;gmf[adLYp &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&()0-).((-(* ]fimaja]k8[f]%kaYj&_gn&mc KG;A9DOGJCG>>A;=K2 JgY\kHYn]e]flk'Klj]]lDa_`laf_ &&&&&&&&&&&()0-)0**.., ooo&[f]%kaYj&_gn&mc KlgjfgoYq&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&()0-)0**/(0 ;d]Yfkaf_K]jna[]k'J]^mk];gdd][lagf&&&&&&&&&&()0-)0**..1 9mlgeYl]\HYqe]flDaf](+((+*+((1( LYjZ]jl&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&()0-1-(*+./ J][q[daf_&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&()0-)/(11(( :YdanYfa[`&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& ()0/(.(*,*- HdYffaf_ KlgjfgoYq! &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&()0-)0**.1( 9_GZYaj;·e`dYYajkgffY`%=ad]YfYfKaYjd]YfYfKaYj ;Ykld]ZYq&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&()0/)0)(,+) HdYffaf_ :YdanYfa[`!&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& ()0/(.(,11( Ogjcaf_Lg_]l`]j^gjl`]O]kl]jfAkd]k]kl]jfAkd]k Page 26 - EVENTS www.hebevents.com 08/10/20 - 04/11/20 Avoiding alcohol in pregnancy

nternational Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) To ensure the unborn baby receives the best chance in life avoid IAwareness Day was held on 9 September 2020 and The Outer drinking alcohol or using drugs, including smoking and stick to a Hebrides Alcohol & Drug Partnership (ADP) and NHS Western healthy diet. If you have any concerns or any other issues, have a Isles used the opportunity to highlight the need to avoid drinking chat with your midwife or doctor who will offer advice. whilst pregnant. NHS Western Isles Director of Public Health, Dr Maggie Watts, It is estimated that around three in 100 babies born in the UK are said: “Alcohol is the commonest preventable cause of disability and affected by FASD and the effects are life-long. Children with FASD its impact is lifelong. Avoiding alcohol when planning for and during can have a range of mental, behavioural and learning disabilities as pregnancy is ideal – and services are there to help if you fi nd this well as physical disabilities and specifi c facial characteristics. diffi cult. You can speak to your midwife or GP, or look for services When drinking through pregnancy, the alcohol in the blood stream through the ADP website. Please don’t take chances - give your baby passes freely through the placenta into the developing baby. The the best start in life by going without alcohol for nine months.” foetus is completely unprotected from alcohol circulating in its blood For parents and carers of children and young people who may have system so the alcohol can destroy brain cells and damage the nervous already been affected by prenatal alcohol exposure visit the FASD system and other organs of the baby at any point during the pregnancy Hub Scotland which offers information and support: https://www. There is no known safe amount of alcohol to drink whilst pregnant adoptionuk.org so to reduce the risk, the Chief Medical Offi cer advises that the safest If you would like more information please contact the Outer approach for women who are planning a pregnancy, who may be Hebrides Alcohol and Drug Partnership Support Team on 01851 pregnant or for those breastfeeding is to avoid alcohol completely. 762022 or visit our website: www.outerhebadp.com We're here to support you... Clean Air Day Scotland REMEMBER TO WASH YOUR HANDS FOR AT LEAST 20 SECONDS TO KILL GERMS lean Air Day fell on Thursday October 8, and was a day Cof practical action and awareness-raising so we can all WEARING A FACE COVERING breathe cleaner air. You can take part in Clean Air Day and do your part to reduce - what you should know air pollution by downloading fantastic pollution busting online resources from Environmental Protection Scotland at: www.ep- Face coverings are an additional measure to help keep us scotland.org.uk STOP all safe in the current coronavirus pandemic. The Computer Aided Design social media packs and toolkits for schools and communities have everything you need to make USING DISPOSABLE They help by trapping the droplets you breathe out and a success of your socially distanced event or social media reducing the risk of you passing any infection on to people promotion – from pledge cards to air quality and active travel around you. memes to banners, fl ags, teaching packs and a Gaelic logo for GLOVES WHEN a range of ages. 1. Face coverings do NOT replace: Don’t forget to tag #CleanAirDay to identify your Scottish Clean • Keeping the recommended physical distance from Air Day event/promotion on Twitter/Facebook or other social others (physical distancing); media channels. SHOPPING • Washing your hands with soap and warm water; A great video to accompany the Clean Air Scotland ad • Catching coughs and sneezes in a tissue and campaign has also been created and is available to view at: If you wear the same binning the tissue, or into your sleeve. www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iHB3wQklao gloves when you shop, Let’s make every day a Clean Air Day! 2. To wear a face covering correctly, you must: or touch a trolley, • Wash your hands before putting it on; • Do not touch the front of the face covering; food, door, phone, • Ensure it covers your nostrils and mouth; your face or hair... • Tie the ties behind your head or loop the elastic URXQG\RXUHDUVIRUD¿UPKROG

3. When wearing a face covering, do not: YOU ARE • Touch the front of the covering; • Put it under your chin or on top of your head and then back on your face; SPREADING • 7DNHLWRႇDQGRQDJDLQ GERMS  :KHQ\RXDUHKRPHRU\RXKDYHÀQLVKHG Keeping safe together wearing the face covering: • 7DNHLWRႇE\XQGRLQJWKHWLHVRUORRSVDQGIROGLQJLW It’s safer not to wear from the outside edges in; slanders are again being encouraged to watch the superb gloves at all. • Place in a plastic bag until you can take it home to I‘My Island’ music video at https://vimeo.com/443407921, wash it; which features key health messages on how to keep our islands • Wash your hands with soap and warm water, or use safe during the coronavirus pandemic. STAY SAFE AND REMEMBER TO... hand sanitiser if you cannot access water and your Local folk-rock band Peat & Diesel were keen to partner with NHS hands are not visibly dirty; Western Isles on their anthemic music video, which features some • wear a face covering in shops and on public • The face covering can be washed in a domestic stunning video footage of the Western Isles (as well as other Scottish transport machine with other domestic items. islands), whilst also incorporating some important safety messages. • wash your hands or use hand gel before Included is information on coronavirus symptoms to look out entering each shop, as well as when leaving 5. Use a fresh face covering if you need to go for (high temperature of 37.8°C or greater, and/or a new and the premises out again. continuous cough, and/or a loss or change in your sense of smell and/or taste). • maintain the recommended physical distance Other safety messages include keeping the recommended from others distance from others; wearing face coverings in shops and on public transport; practising good hand hygiene regularly (washing • wash your hands when you arrive home. hands for 20 seconds or using hand sanitiser); coughing or sneezing into a tissue or crook of elbow; and avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Visit your local COVID-19 support website: Guidance is also included for anyone who is experiencing coronavirus symptoms, advising them to immediately self-isolate and access local testing by contacting the COVID-19 Response www.coronavirus.wi.nhs.scot Team on 01851 601151 or emailing wi-hb.covid19queries@nhs. net or booking a test online at www.coronavirus.wi.nhs.scot 08/10/20 - 04/11/20 www.hebevents.com EVENTS - Page 27 Get the app to fi ght Face masks/ coronavirus coverings to be worn

eople across Scotland are being urged to download the HS Western Isles would like to reiterate its arrangements in new Protect Scotland app to help suppress the spread of P terms of the use of face masks/coverings at Western Isles coronavirus. N Hospital, in line with government guidance. The free app, available now on Apple and Google stores, will enhance existing Test and Protect contact tracing measures, offering an additional All NHS staff, visitors and anyone attending for an outpatient layer of protection to break the chains of transmission faster. appointment must wear their own face covering, or face mask Once downloaded, the app works in the background, using Bluetooth provided by NHS Western Isles, on entry to the hospital. Clinical face technology to anonymously alert people if they have been within two metres for at least 15 minutes with another app user who has tested masks provided by NHS Western Isles must continue to be worn by positive for coronavirus. everyone in clinical areas, with the exception of inpatients. It also quickly alerts those you have been in close contact with if you The measure is a preventative step to help protect our staff, patients test positive, even if those contacts are unknown to you. and visitors, due to the increased opportunity for the transmission of People’s privacy will be protected, as the app uses encrypted COVID-19 since lockdown has eased. anonymised codes to determine close contacts, which are deleted after 14 days. It doesn’t store details on an individual, or their location. We would like to thank all staff, patients and visitors for their Designed to complement the Test and Protect person-to-person contact ongoing cooperation. tracing system, the app will allow people to self-isolate far quicker if they are exposed to the virus, reducing the risk of them infecting others - and the more people who use the app, the better it will work. NHS Western Isles Director of Public Health, Dr Maggie Watts, said: “The Test and Protect system is a vital part of Scotland’s fi ght against coronavirus, and the new Protect Scotland app builds on the existing Coronavirus: Western Isles person to person contact tracing that is in place. “The more people who download and use the app, the better it will work, helping make connections you may have otherwise missed. This will allow people to self-isolate far quicker if they are exposed to the virus, reducing the risk of them infecting others. ABOUT COVID-19 Stay safe and When to self- “The Outer Hebrides have been very fortunate in having less recorded remember FACTS isolate infection than most other areas. This makes it especially important The most common symptoms of Coronavirus to break any possible chain of infection through people accessing (COVID-19) are: F - Face coverings. These should be Self-isolate immediately (and DO testing, supporting contact tracing and following the advice on how used in shops and on public transport NOT attend your workplace under to self isolate. We all have a part to play in suppressing the virus, and • a high temperature (37.8C or greater) (buses, trains and taxis). any circumstances), if: downloading the app, whilst following hygiene and distancing guidance - Avoid crowded places. will help protect you, your family and your community.” • and/or a new and continuous cough A • and/or a loss or change in your sense of C - Clean your hands frequently, using • you have any symptoms of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “The launch of the app is a water and soap whenever possible. coronavirus (a high temperature, welcome development which will offer an additional level of protection smell and/or taste. - Two metres - observe physical a new, continuous cough or a loss – supporting NHS Scotland’s Test and Protect system to continue to drive T down the spread of COVID-19 across the country. If you are concerned about possible COVID-19 distancing or change to your sense of smell symptoms, view our handy guide below... S - Self-isolate and book a test if or taste) - even if symptoms are “I would encourage everyone to download the free app if they have mild a compatible smartphone, and help slow the spread of COVID-19. This \RXDUHVXႇHULQJIURP&29,' symptoms. will support the work of NHS Scotland and has the potential to help • you’ve tested positive for avoid local lockdowns. I DON’T HAVE SYMPTOMS You must also wash your hands with coronavirus – this means you “The more people who download and use the app, the more effective ,I\RXGRQRWKDYHV\PSWRPVEXWZDQWWR¿QGRXW soap and water or hand santiser for have coronavirus it can be in helping to make connections that may otherwise have been more information visit at least 20 seconds. missed. This will allow people to self-isolate quickly if they are exposed www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus • you live with someone who has to the virus, reducing the risk of them infecting others. Remember to cough or sneeze into symptoms or tested positive “We all have a part to play in suppressing the virus and downloading A free helpline is also available if you do not have the crook of your elbow, or into a the app - alongside other vital measures such as following hygiene and • someone in your extended symptoms but are looking for general advice - tel. tissue, and dispose of the tissue physical distancing guidance - will help protect you, your family and household has symptoms or 0800 028 2816. immediately into a bin. your community. tested positive “We also know that not everyone uses a smartphone or will be able to or want to access the app, which is why this software is very much there • you’re told to self-isolate by to complement existing contact tracing methods.” I HAVE MILD SYMPTOMS Additional safety NHS Test and Protect or the Even if your symptoms are mild, you must self- measures Protect Scotland app (even if you isolate and book a test immediately via Test and subsequently have a test and Protect. This helps prevent the spread of the • You should not meet anyone from it is negative, if you have been When should I request virus in the community. outside your household socially LGHQWL¿HGDVDFORVHFRQWDFWRID indoors in your home or in their positive case you must complete To access testing in the Outer Hebrides, contact home. This applies to all age groups. your self isolation period). COVID testing? the COVID-19 Response Team on 01851 601151 or email: [email protected] If you have formed an extended • you arrive in the UK from a household, you can continue to country with a high coronavirus ou should request a test only if you develop symptoms meet at home with all members of risk – see GOV.UK: how to self- (fever, new continuous cough, loss of taste or smell) or (Phoneline open 9am-5.30pm Monday to Friday, Y your extended household. There are isolate when you travel to the UK. with an answering machine available outwith these you have been asked to by Test and Protect. some limited exceptions to this rule. hours) Testing is only reliable if you have coronavirus symptoms, a If you are self isolating, you should person can be incubating the virus and it would not show on a test • You should not share a car with only leave your house for your test, until a few days later. That is why it is advised to test when a person someone from another household. or in emergency circumstances. has relevant symptoms. MY SYMPTOMS ARE GETTING WORSE We know that sharing car journeys If you have symptoms, even if they are mild, you are expected to You should phone 111 if: stay at home for 10 days from the start of your symptoms. Do not SUHVHQWVDVLJQL¿FDQWULVNRI transmission. Local website go to your GP, pharmacy or hospital. All other household members should isolate as a household for 14 days even if they don’t have • your symptoms worsen during home Where there is no alternative to car The dedicated local Coronavirus symptoms themselves. This is because they might have the virus isolation, especially if you’re in a high or website is available at: www. but are not yet showing any signs of it. extremely high risk group sharing with members of another household then everyone in the coronavirus.wi.nhs.scot DQGRႇHUV To access a test you can: • breathlessness develops or worsens, car should follow the advice from particularly if you’re in a high or extremely • essential and accurate information • complete the NHS Western Isles Online Testing Referral Form Transport Scotland. The advice at: www.coronavirus.wi.nhs.scot high risk group and links to latest guidance includes mitigations like wearing • local info on support and services • e-mail your details to: [email protected] • your symptoms haven’t improved in 10 days. face coverings/masks, sitting as and NHS Western Isles updates • telephone the local COVID-19 helpline: 01851 601151 (open far apart as possible (e.g. sit in the • the local Psychological Wellbeing 9am-5.30pm Monday to Friday, with an answering machine If you have a medical emergency, phone 999 back if you are being given a lift) Hub service available outwith these hours) and tell them you have COVID-19 symptoms. and keeping the windows open to • support and tips to help individuals If the test is negative, you can return to your normal activities, improve ventilation. however a positive test should trigger Test and Protect contact and families keep well. tracing. If your symptoms get worse during the 10 days of self-isolation Visit your local COVID-19 support website: or have not improved after 10 days, you need to continue to self- isolate and phone 111. www.coronavirus.wi.nhs.scot Stay safe. For more information visit www.nhsinform.scot Page 28 - EVENTS www.hebevents.com 08/10/20 - 04/11/20 United to prevent suicide

uicide Prevention Awareness Week was held on S7th September 2020 and included World Suicide Prevention Day, held on 10th September. This year’s theme for Suicide Prevention Week was ‘Talking Saves Lives’. At any one time around 1 in 25 people are contemplating New community suicide. Many people in Scotland have been affected by Infl uenza vaccination suicide in some way – whether it’s themselves, a loved one, treatment and care or someone they know. Suicide is of concern to all of us. It is a leading cause of death among young people, with men slanders are being reminded that the free Infl uenza three times more likely to take their own lives compared vaccination is being offered to more people than ever in service I to women. Scotland this year and encouraged to take advantage as soon as possible. Thanks to the efforts of many, we have made progress HS Western Isles has launched a new Community in reducing the number of people who die by suicide. In The Infl uenza vaccination is being offered to those aged 65 and NTreatment and Care (CTAC) Service based at Western 2018, there were 784 suicides in Scotland. However, the Isles Dental Centre in Stornoway. over, those with underlying health conditions (e.g. asthma, stroke, diabetes), pregnant women, children aged between 2-5 years, simple truth is you’re more likely to encounter someone This nurse-led service, available in two new treatment rooms, primary school children and health care workers who are already who needs a suicide intervention than physical fi rst aid. provides a specialist range of services, some of which patients may eligible. As part of World Suicide Prevention Day, Scotland currently be more familiar with receiving at their GP practice. This year, for the fi rst time, social care workers, those living in the launched an exciting new commitment to making Scotland Services include: same house as people who have been shielding from COVID-19, the most supportive nation in the world. It declared that • phlebotomy (making a puncture in a vein usually in the arm, with and 55-64-year-olds are also now eligible to receive the Infl uenza suicide is not inevitable and #TogetherWeCanSaveLives a cannula, for the purpose of drawing blood); vaccination. The United to Prevent Suicide campaign is a new • dressings and wound care (including management of leg ulcers From the beginning of October, vaccination appointments will be refreshed approach to preventing suicide as set out in or wounds after surgery or injury, suture removal); offered to most of the eligible groups. Those aged 55-64 years will Scotland’s National Suicide Prevention Action Plan. It is • routine checks for people with long term conditions such as heart be invited for their free Infl uenza vaccine in December. clear that suicide prevention involves all of us. We have disease or asthma; Dr Maggie Watts, NHS Western Isles’ Director of Public to be confi dent to talk about suicide; confi dent to connect • basic observations and injections; Health, said: “Getting your fl u vaccination is one of the most someone to the right support. Language is important – • some tests that may have been requested by your hospital important reasons for leaving your home. talking about suicide isn’t a trigger, it can help save a life, specialist; “Infl uenza is a very infectious disease which can have serious and we must continue to tackle stigma around suicide. • management of minor injuries; consequences and can be fatal. Those who have chronic conditions NHS Western Isles and our local partners are proud should ensure therefore that they are immunised again with • and ear care. to join the global movement to raise awareness of this year’s vaccine. The infl uenza vaccination remains the best #SuicidePrevention in recognition of the key message If you are a patient of Group, Broadbay, Langabhat or North defence against the virus. Harris Practices, you may be invited to attend an appointment in that it needs all of us to join the movement for change. the new location, though a number of appointments will still be “We want everyone in the Western Isles who is at greater risk from Key messaging was shared across the week itself and in available in local surgeries as required. the dangers of fl u to be protected. The immunisation is safe, and the weeks that followed there was a number of ways in provides protection for up to a year. It only takes a few minutes and which everyone could also demonstrate their commitment Patients with an appointment should report to the Dental Centre even if you were immunised against fl u last winter, it is important to #UnitedToPreventSuicide by developing a supportive reception on arrival. to receive the vaccine again this year, as the viruses change each NHS Western Isles Medical Director, Dr Frank McAuley season. The vaccine is safe, effective and signifi cantly reduces culture within our own communities. The emotional impact explained: “Changes in the arrangements between GP Practices the chance of infl uenza illness. During the COVID-19 pandemic across the Western Isles is felt in families, friends and and the Scottish Government have meant that some services will no period, it is more important than ever that you do what you can to communities bereaved by suicide and is devastating, and longer be provided directly by your GP Practice. Instead, they will protect yourself and your family from fl u.” can have long lasting negative effects on those left behind. be delivered directly by NHS Western Isles. How do I make an appointment? NHS Western wants to raise awareness of the issues that “These services will now be delivered by staff directly employed If you are eligible for the Infl uenza vaccination, you will receive a affect people and which can sometimes lead them to think by NHS Western Isles. Patients will still be able to access services letter inviting you to make an appointment. Contact details to make about taking their own life and to share resources which provided by trained nursing staff. your appointment will be included in your letter. increase the confi dence of individuals to support anyone in “Patients will benefi t from being assessed and treated in the Vaccinations will be carried out by community nurses rather than distress, by directing them to the specialist help they need premises at Western Isles Dental Centre. Your GP Practice will be by practice nurses and we will be offering appointments at a range at that time. The campaign encourages people to take all kept up to date on your management, and involved in your care, of community locations near to your own home, as well as in local signs of distress seriously, even if it seems a person is living should it be necessary. It’s a new way of receiving care – one which GP surgeries, to make things easier and more convenient for you. a normal life. It also assures people that asking a person helps us ensure people are able to see the right person at the right Please note that phone lines may be busy, but we would urge about what’s troubling them can make a positive difference. place at the right time, and one which we are sure the community As such we continue to ask everyone to be alert to the will come to value.” those eligible for their local vaccination to keep telephoning the number provided on their letter. Alternatively, those eligible can warning signs of suicide in people close to them. The new treatment rooms will be dedicated spaces for the also email [email protected] to enquire about making their Infl uenza The key message is…if you’re worried about someone, Community Nursing Teams, providing an alternative location and vaccination booking, ensuring they include their name, address such as a friend, family member or workmate, asking them helping them to provide an effi cient and smooth service for patients. and importantly a contact telephone number. They will then be directly about their feelings can help to save their life. Some Community Treatment and Care services will continue to contacted at the earliest opportunity to arrange their Infl uenza be provided within GP surgeries, alongside the facility at Western vaccination appointment. Together we can save lives, so let’s talk suicide. Join the conversation @unitedtopreventsuicide.org.uk Isles Dental Centre. This is to ensure patients have the option of For further information about the Infl uenza vaccination, visit attending their local surgery when it is more convenient to do so. www.nhsinform.scot/fl u or call 0800 22 44 88.

.HHSLQWRXFKZLWK\RXUORFDOKHDOWKVHUYLFH .HHSXSWRGDWHZLWKQHZVDQGLQIRUPDWLRQRQVHUYLFHVDQGGHYHORSPHQWVE\ ‡ YLVLWLQJRXUZHEVLWHDWZZZZLKEVFRWQKVXN ‡ µOLNLQJ¶1+6:HVWHUQ,VOHVRQ)DFHERRN ‡ IROORZLQJ1+6:,RQ7ZLWWHU +HOS\RXUORFDOKHDOWKVHUYLFHLPSURYH \RXUFDUHE\SURYLGLQJIHHGEDFN 7HOOXVDERXW\RXUH[SHULHQFHE\ ‡ VSHDNLQJWRDPHPEHURIVWDII ‡ YLVLWLQJRXUZHEVLWHZZZZLKEVFRWQKVXNIHHGEDFN ‡ VKDULQJ\RXUVWRU\DWZZZFDUHRSLQLRQRUJXNRUWHO ‡ WHOHSKRQLQJ H[W RQD7XHVGD\RU)ULGD\ DIWHUQRRQEHWZHHQSPDQGSP 08/10/20 - 04/11/20 www.hebevents.com EVENTS - Page 29 From place to place with the Western Isles Lifestyle Lottery These are part of series of articles in EVENTS and on welovestornoway.com celebrating the work of WILL after three years Western Isles Lottery monthly £1,000 winners gallery

he local Western Isles Lottery is now well established and in its fourth year of operation. February – Ivor Finlayson, April – Caroline MacDonald, T May – Maggie Dewar, Isle of Barra (£1,000) Point, Isle of Lewis Clachan Sands, North Uist Almost £180,000 has been raised for Community projects and three Cash Prizes continue to be won every Saturday night at 8pm. Such has been the ongoing success of the local Lottery, the Team found themselves in a position earlier in the year whereby they could increase the 1st Prize Draw to ensure one supporter won a minimum of £1,000 once a month. This has proven hugely successful and weekly ticket sales continue to increase. Pictured are some of the delighted £1,000 winners alongside Martha Cunningham who scooped £1,500 1st Prize in the Lottery’s 3rd Birthday Draw in August. To join the Lottery, win Cash Prizes and raise funds for your area of the local Community, you can log onto www. westernisleslottery.co.uk OR alternatively, call the Lottery Support Line on 0300 30 20 444 (local calling rate applies). June – Laura Copp, August – Martha Cunningham, Aignish Crossbost, Isle of Lewis (£1,000) (£1,500 3rd Birthday Draw) September – Karen MacLeod, Stornoway (£1,000) Revival plan to restore wooden horse The wooden horse, Miss Porter, situated beside the Porter’s Lodge in Bayhead Street, Stornoway, has been adversely affected by the weather and has been needing attention for some time now. She is no longer the showpiece she once was, and the Western Isles Lottery Team are now endeavouring to provide Miss Porter with a much-needed make-over. Miss Porter was the name selected by the Stornoway Amenity Trust from a list of over 30 names suggested by the public in 2010. Originally installed by the Trust back in 2010, the horse was made by Stornoway Trust’s forester Iain Murray, and painted by Jane Macintosh. She was a pleasing talking point for visiting tourists. However, Miss Porter is now showing her age being rather weather- beaten and her original carriage, excavated from George Cladd’s croft in Marybank, has unfortunately fallen into disrepair. The Lottery Team, in partnership with Stornoway Trust, plan to repair Miss Porter soon, with some cosmetic surgery. In addition, the Team have commissioned a local artist to repaint the horse. Sadly, the original carriage was assessed as being beyond repair. Tony Robson, of the Lottery Team, sourced a suitable replacement in Halifax, northern England, and it is currently on its way to the Island. The Lottery Team express their sincere thanks to Woody at Express Parcels for waiving the expensive transportation costs which would BARVAS CENTRE GETS otherwise have further delayed the project. The Drawn Driving Carriage/Trap is described as being “an BETTER PARKING exceptional example of an original horse drawn Victorian Ralli Car” by its previous owner, an antique dealer. The Cart, it is believed, has spent most of its life in Lincolnshire. ommittee members of the Barvas Community Centre From historic articles, the Car originates from 1898 but no Chave recently completed a new area around their explanation can be found as to the origin of this vehicles’ name, nor premises to extend the available parking facilities. why it is called Car and not Cart, but it became very fashionable in However, they required additional funding to install outdoor around 1898. It is an off-shoot of the Dog Cart. lighting to ensure the area was safe for users. Emma Fraser, Secretary of the Lottery Team, said “this is truly an An application was made to Western Isles Lottery and the example of the Community coming together to improve the aesthetics Committee were delighted to receive funding of £786.00 to make of the Town and, thanks to everyone’s efforts, we will once again have this possible. a beautiful show piece at the heart of a very busy thoroughfare”. All funds were raised by supporters in the Ness & Westside The Lottery Team express their gratitude to Stornoway Trust and area. Woody’s Express Parcels and, most importantly, to every single Much needed funds for every area of the Western Isles continues supporter of the Western Isles Lottery who continue to make projects to be raised by the Western Isles Lottery. To join in and give your like this happen throughout our Islands. support simply log onto www.westernisleslottery.co.uk To join in with the Lottery and help the good work across the Islands Receiving the assistance…from left, Ann MacMillan, Ian, continue, you can log onto www.westernisleslottery.co.uk Cailean, Kenny Murdo, Louis MacIver and Peggy MacLeod. Page 30 - EVENTS www.hebevents.com 08/10/20 - 04/11/20 Social Care

write this article at a time when we Iare seeing our fi rst COVID 19 cluster in the Western Isles, which to a certain SEAFORTH HOUSE… extent has affected social care services in the Southern Isles. Staff are working tirelessly, in challenging circumstances. A small number of staff from Lewis have A MODERN FUTURE FOR CARE agreed to being redeployed to Uist to assist their colleagues. It has been so pleasing to witness such solidarity within eaforth House, the residential care home treatment room, hairdressing salon, communal ‘There has been a lot of consultation throughout the service at this time. The outbreak in Swill provide 52 places for older people in a sensory garden area. Staff facilities address the the building process with experts in dementia Uist has been a reminder to us all of just purpose built facility. operational needs of the building as well as the care to ensure the new care facilities will provide how infectious the virus is, and that it is provision of dedicated training areas to support a therapeutic experience for residents with There are four wings each with 13 en suite capable of affecting any community or the workforce across the Health and Social Care dementia. Taken alongside the social care staff bedrooms of generous proportions to enable location, mainland or island. Human Partnership. In addition there is a bright and practices, the physical environment will assist personalised space within a small grouped living nature being what it is, coupled with accessible day care unit to support the operation residents remain as active and able as their setting. the passage of time, it is understandable of day services for members of the community. An circumstances allow for‘. how some complacency may have set Each wing will have lounge and dining opportunity for the campus to provide valuable Bremner Court is a purpose-built housing with in. Now with COVID very much in one areas, external court yard space and an assisted services for not just the residents and tenants but extra care facility where 35 people will have their of our communities, and with the onset bathroom to supplement the en suite shower the members of the wider community. own single occupancy apartment. With its own of winter upon us, for the greater good, rooms. Residents will have access to a clinical / Ella MacBain, Service Manager reports that dedicated staff working in partnership with HHP particularly for the good of the most vulnerable in our communities, it is time once again to refocus on the job at hand, suppressing COVID 19 to as low a point Flashback to 1662… as is humanly possible. I am also looking to the future with a degree of optimism and excitement. The COMFORT AND LUXURY FOR OLD FOLK development that is taking place at Goathill reminds us that time does not stand still and neither do technological advancements. The he thirty men and women who enter “Dun Berisay” in the near The Matron’s offi ce is directly inside the main entrance and opposite residential building and the housing with Tfuture to make it their home are assured of comfort and kindness it is the “Quiet Room” furnished with armchairs and a writing desk with extra support fl ats under construction are within the gates of only the second old people’s residence to be built bookshelves lining the walls. clearly state of the art facilities, built for the in Ross-shire since the war. T.V. and wireless are to be installed in the spacious and comfortable 21st century. They will be such wonderful Since the beginning of June, the new Matron, Lewis-born Miss Catherine common room. Next to this is the dining room, the wall of which can be environments to live and work within. Bright, Mackay, her assistant Miss Whitaker, Miss Murray the cook, and Miss Agnes folded back to make one very large room. spacious and designed in such a way as to Gillies, the housemaid, have been installed in “Dun Berisay,” putting it in The up-to-date kitchen is a cook’s dream. It is all-electric and the large take the needs of our dementia service users ship-shape order for the opening day. Apart from some minor details the stove dominates the fl oor space. A steriliser, a refrigerator, a potato peeler, into consideration. Whilst it takes more than building is now ready for occupation. a mixer, hot plates to keep food warm, are only some of the many modern a building to meet someone’s needs, be they Situated on Balmerino Drive, the construction of the building follows fi tments. The most novel of these is an antiseptic warm air towel. After service users or employees, having a physical traditional lines. Pitched roofs and covered with green concrete tiles and hands have been washed (and the drops of water shaken off) you stand in environment that makes living and working the fl at roofs with copper. The Tyrolean wall fi nish is in cream and carved front of the machine, press a pedal, and put your hands into a cosy socket that bit easier and more fulfi lling will in sandstone over the main doorway is the Ross-shire County Council Coat until they are dried by warm air. A rather complicated process, maybe, for certainly help with service user outcomes of Arms. merely drying one’s hands but successful, nevertheless. and employee recruitment and retention. The building spreads over a large area including expansive grounds, and All the bathrooms have cork fl oors with sunk-in baths and there is also a It has also been nice to be reminded of the all the latest equipment and labour-saving devices are incorporated in it. separate room which houses a footbath. time when Dun Berisay fi rst opened. There was the same excitement and enthusiasm Fourteen of the bedrooms are single. There are four double bedrooms The staff rooms and the Matron’s suite and fi ve of the single rooms are then as there is now. I particularly like the and two 4-bedded rooms, which could be used as sick bays. situated on the second fl oor. emphasis on the ‘state of the art equipment’! The rest of the space is taken up by a workshop; a sewing room; a I am sure we will give our catering staff Call System laundry and drying room; a luggage room; and a room fi tted with a something equally excitable to dream chiropodist’s chair. In fact, nothing has been forgotten in making “Dun about. I will end by again thanking all In each bedroom wash hand basins are installed and above each there Berisay” as comfortable for its residents as a luxury hotel, and as homely social care staff for their dedication and is a silent call system. This system also operates from all the bathrooms, as a cèilidh house. enabling the matron or her assistant to be called during any time of the effort throughout 2020, but specifi c mention With the recent occupation of the County Council Offi ces on South day or night. Each bedroom is carpeted in either blue, green or mushroom must go to those staff in South Uist, and Beach and the imminent occupation of “Dun Berisay” two County Council and the furnishing consists of a combined wardrobe and dressing table; those from Lewis who answered the call for buildings which not so very long ago seemed little more than a dream have a bedside cabinet with bedside lamp; a basket chair with matching linen extra support in South Uist. Take care. been completed. It can be said that both are a credit to the town. chest and even a gray litter bin chosen to blend with the rest of the colour By Jack Libby, head of scheme. Every bedroom has a big window cheerily curtained and all are community care at CnES centrally heated. EXTRACT FROM STORNOWAY GAZETTE IN 1962 08/10/20 - 04/11/20 www.hebevents.com EVENTS - Page 31 Social Care

the aim is to support tenants with their health My Life, the care will be person centred and and social care needs, promoting independence outcome focused. Staff will be equipped with and enablement. Each apartment will consist of the appropriate skills and experience to ensure a kitchen, lounge area, bedroom and bathroom. residents are included, their independence Each apartment will have its own front door. is promoted and their health and safety is Communal areas will include a Clinical/Treatment maximised at all times. A fantastic resource for room, Staff base and Duty room. our community.’ Ella MacBain says: ‘These apartments will Angela Gallagher, manager of Dun Berisay: ‘I enable families the opportunity to be very involved have been a staff member in Dun Berisay for over in the lives of their relatives, for example they will 30 years and have seen a lot of changes to how be able to visit at times convenient to them, stay care is provided in Care Homes in that time. with them for meals etc enjoying the privacy of a Staff members in the Care Homes have started self contained apartment. However it is important talking about moving to the Goathill complex to emphasize the facility is not simply ‘sheltered either to Seaforth House Care Home and Respite housing’ and its specifi cation includes a range of Unit or to Bremner Court Housing with Extra Care. support facilities for both staff and service users There is an air of excitement and a very small purpose built to provide care for residents 24 amount of fear, as is to be expected given it is a hours a day, similar to that of the Care Home ’ signifi cant change for them. Even exciting changes In recognition of the need to support informal bring with it some anxiety . Staff want to retain the IF YOUR GROUP OR ORGANISATION WOULD carers who require regular respite to support them homeliness and individuality of Dun Berisay and in their caring role, there will be a respite facility Dun Eisdean when they come together in the new LIKE INFORMATION OR SUPPORT ON SAFER in the new development which will provide a short complex and be able to provide the best care the stay , usually one or two weeks at a time, for 11 environment has to change. VOLUNTEERING IN RELATION TO COVID, individuals. Respite services will be scheduled in The home will have space and the most up to THE VOLUNTEER CENTRE CAN HELP advance but the facility will also accommodate date equipment to assist staff to care for residents emergency situations. Within this area there will whatever their care needs and because it has also be 4 reablement fl ats, for use by individuals been made into four wings making it into smaller who require support for a fi xed term to retain or areas but part of the same larger home the home recover their indpendence to enable them to won’t seem so big and will remain homely with an return home. Ella MacBain - ‘We are delighted excellent environment.’ to be able to offer an enhanced respite facility in Construction works are progressing well with the new development and we expect carers will the erection of the timber kit progressing on the welcome this local support where they can leave Care Home and the substructure blockwork and their loved one in a safe environment with the care foundations now well underway on the Housing they require while they can get a break. with Extra Care. The planned completion date The ethos of the new development will be for the project is February 2022 and the planning founded on the principles contained within the assumption is that the services will be transferred Health and Social Care Standards, My Support, to the new campus during Spring 2022. 08/10/20 - 04/11/20 www.hebevents.com EVENTS - Page 39

Business Gateway equips Isle of Lewis- based DIY store with the tools for success n Isle of Lewis- developingBusiness Gateway business Outer enterprises Hebrides isacross delivered the locallyislands. through To further Comhairle discuss nan Abased DIY shop Eilean Siar’s Economic Development service. We offer a range of support and has enhanced its digital your ideas and requirements and to nd out your eligibility for additional offering in response advice to individuals setting up or developing business enterprises across the to the coronavirus 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 outbreak and eligibility for fi nancial assistance, please call our local offi ce on 01851 822775 successfully grown its you to one of our advisers - 01851 822 775. social media presence, and we will be pleased to direct you to one of our advisers. after engaging with DigitalBoost, Scottish Government’s leading digital skills programme, delivered by Business Gateway. Founded in 1981, Home Improvement Centre (HiC) is a one Innes and Yvonne, Home Improvement Centre stop DIY store in the Outer Hebrides that has evolved from being a watch the business switch to a digital way of builders’ merchant to a vibrant shop that caters working. for the entire community. “These past weeks have shown that the After being met with supply chain need for a digital presence has never been diffi culties due to manufacturer and wholesale more important and I’m grateful for the skills CORONAVIRUS SUPPORT closures during lockdown, business owners learned through the DigitalBoost programme, usiness Gateway is here to help you and your business through this diffi cult time. Our advisers Yvonne and Innes adapted HiC’s offering to which have helped us navigate through a very are working remotely and continue to be able to offer support and guidance. The Business accommodate increased demand for their challenging period for the business. B services, through skills that were developed by Gateway website is regularly updated with a wide range of relevant advice and information on “DigitalBoost has helped us adapt and Scotland’s national digital training programme, things like business contingency, digital platforms, trading online, working from home, HR and connect with our customers through social DigitalBoost. This has resulted in the growth more. All this useful content can be found at www.bgateway.com, where you will also fi nd helpful of HiC’s social media platforms by 1000 media and provide critical support and webinars and the latest updates on the Government fi nancial support for businesses. members since the start of lockdown. services to the community during this time. The Comhairle’s website also contains up to date information on the Coronavius situation. Please visit Identifying opportunities to stay connected Regular updates via Facebook and Instagram www.cne-siar.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/coronavirus/ to see the latest updates. while we remain socially distanced has allowed Yvonne and Innes to continue trading To fi nd out how Business Gateway can support your business, please contact us on businessgateway@ been key to being able to continue trading throughout the pandemic and, with an entire throughout this diffi cult period.” cne-siar.gov.uk or 01851 822775. country in lockdown, sales of products such as Please follow us on Facebook for the most up-to-date COVID-19 information https://www.facebook. exterior paint hit a record high as the nation Derek Maclean, Business Adviser, Business com/BusinessGatewayOuterHebrides/ enjoyed prolonged spells of sunshine. Gateway, said: “It’s great that the team at Home Improvement Centre have been able HiC benefi ted from 1:1 support from to adapt and continue trading despite the a DigitalBoost expert, received a free, DIGITALBOOST pressure COVID-19 has placed on almost comprehensive Digital Health Check to Give your business some digital muscle with our digital every aspect of running a business. health check. It only takes minutes! identify strengths and weaknesses across the business, and engaged with a variety of “Virtual offerings and effective use of Find out where technology could fi t into your business and workshops. digital platforms will continue to be vital improve your performance, profi ts and people. Find gaps in for businesses over the coming weeks and your business’s digital performance. Get the advanced support Yvonne and Innes plan to continue utilising months, and the DigitalBoost programme is a you need to take the next step. For more information, contact us the skills and techniques developed through useful package fi lled with free support services at Business Gateway on [email protected]. the DigitalBoost service to develop a new e-commerce website that will allow the including one-to-one digital consultancy, business to reach even more customers in the a digital health check, access to webinars Outer Hebrides and beyond. and guidance on switching current services YOUNG COMPANY CAPITAL INVESTMENT GRANT online.” This new scheme is being delivered by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and will provide grant Yvonne Mackay, business owner, HiC, funding of up to 50% of the costs of capital equipment for start-up or young companies up to fi ve said: “In an industry where human interaction To fi nd out more about Business Gateway years old. The total award available is £50,000 but a higher grant may be considered in exceptional and face-to-face customer and supplier and its services, please visit their website at circumstances. relationships are key, it’s been interesting to https://www.bgateway.com/ For more information, and for an application pack. Please email [email protected]. The deadline for applications is 12pm on 23 October 2020.

Job Support Scheme A new Job Support Scheme will be introduced from 1 November to protect viable jobs in businesses who are facing lower demand over the winter months due to coronavirus. It is expected that the OHYESS scheme will run until April 2021. The Government will pay a third of hours not worked up to a cap, with the employer also contributing a third. This will ensure employees earn a minimum of 77% of their normal wages, where the BUSINESS START UP GRANT FUNDING Government contribution has not been capped. he OHYESS scheme is fi nanced by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and administered Employers will be able to make a claim online through Gov.uk from December 2020. They will be by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. paid on a monthly basis. T Grant funding for entrepreneurs, based in the Outer Hebrides with businesses in key sectors that have been trading for no longer than two years. The funding will be used towards capital costs only Bounceback Loans • Full time businesses—up to £2,500 grant The government has announced plans to offer Bounceback Loans up to £50,000 to support small • Part time businesses—up to £1,250 grant businesses during the recession. The loans will be interest free for the fi rst 12 months and 100% • Level of support—up to 50% of eligible costs government backed. The scheme is open to applications until 30 November. You can fi nd out more by visiting www.gov.uk/government/news/small-businesses-boosted-by-bounce-back-loans. To fi nd out more, please contact Business Gateway on 01851 822775 or businessgateway@ cne-siar.gov.uk. *Key Sectors - renewables & energy related activity, recycling, tourism, creative and other culture-based Check In and Protect App industries, food & drink, information technology, life, health and other sciences, research & development, innovation, manufacturing & processing, traditional industries (indigenous to the Outer Hebrides). A Check In & Protect app has been made available through the Outer Hebrides Chamber of Commerce for local businesses. The app allows visitors to easily check-in to business locations and the data is automatically deleted after 21 days. Details on how it works and how to register your business are on their website here: https://outerhebrideschamber.co.uk/checkin-protect-app/ Find us on Facebook – search for Business Gateway Outer Hebrides If you’d like to sign up to use the app as a visitor or customer and be ready to check-in when you next visit hospitality and other businesses across the Islands, you can sign up using the guest/customer registration: https://protect.outerhebrideschamber.co.uk/guest_home/ Online Local Business Directory – go to: www.businesshebrides.co.uk Page 40 - EVENTS www.hebevents.com 08/10/20 - 04/11/20

Outer Hebrides DigitalBoost & Business Skills Webinars October 2020 Facebook for Business Tuesday 13 October, 10.30am to 12.30pm Discover the opportunities that Facebook can open up for your business and learn how to get the most out of it.

Web and Social Media Analytics Thursday 22 October, 1.30pm to 3.30pm Unlock Google analytics so you can see where your USBťD
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Pinterest for Business Tueday 27 October, 10.30am to 12.30pm Learn how to best use Pinterest to gain commercial CFOFţU
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Be a Hashtag Hero Wednesday 28 October, 11.00am to 12.30pm Understand the value of using hashtags in your marketing and how they can help you connect and engage with your audience.

To book a place on any of the webinars, search for the Outer Hebrides events at www.bgateway.com/events

For further information or to book, visit www.bgateway.com/outer-hebrides or call 01851 668377

EVENTS is published by Intermedia Services (Stornoway) Ltd, Church House, 16 James Street, Stornoway HS1 2QN Tel: 01851 705743