Regime change needed at Storas Uibhist
Dear Editor,
It is with a mixture of sadness and anger I feel I have to write to you.
On the 30th of November 2006 we were all celebrating the fact that South Uist now belonged to the people, the buyout was complete. Angus McMillan summed it up nicely when he said: “This is an important day in the history of South Uist and I look forward to the community pressing ahead with the projects and estate management that will benefit the people of South Uist in the years ahead.”
Good times ahead it seemed, so what happened??
I read a national newspaper with a sense of disappointment today (Saturday 8th May) as it trawled through the murky waters of Storas Uibhist. This “transparent” community company it seems is preying on the community rather than carrying out the work it should be doing and promoting the community.
Disappointment soon turned to anger when I looked into the story further. I really can’t believe that the community is being effectively held to ransom by the very people it has chosen to look after its affairs. What has happened to all the promises they made? Promises of cruise liners in Lochboisdale’s new state of the art harbour, promises of renewable energy projects with income being ploughed into the local economy, promises of a marina, fishery and tourism services, all developed in the style of “a traditional West Coast fishing village”. Promises, promises, promises.
The reality is that they have squandered money hand over fist, most sadly tens of thousands of pounds on legal fees against members of the very community they were chosen to represent. Where is the investment? Where is the state of the art harbour? Where is the marina? Empty promises from fantasists!
I was shocked to read how these people came to be in the positions that they represent. I’ve never known a Chair and Vice-chair to be elected in such a fashion. Having served as a Chairman of a large Housing Association in Glasgow for a number of years it was always common practice to be served with an agenda of any meeting with at least 7 days notice. After all, if you don’t have an agenda and the relevant associated papers how on earth do you make decisions. Anyone who has read Duncan Burd’s note from 14th March 2007 could be forgiven for thinking a coup had taken place.
What followed next was nothing short of disgusting. Threats of “public humiliation” and “personal bankruptcy” led to the resignation of two highly respected members of the community as directors. Is it any wonder that Storas has continued to be involved in court cases when that is the foundation on which it has been built? The people of South Uist are not known for their threatening behaviour. Are these really the type of people they want to represent their community?
The time has surely come for the people of South Uist to make a fresh start with fresh blood and fresh ideas.
Yours sincerely,
Name and address supplied
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