Fishing Archives - Am Paipear

Berneray legacy supports Leverburgh lifeboat

March 9, 2017

Leverburgh RNLI can now confirm receipt of a £335,377.18 legacy, from the estate of the late Mary Aida (Maida) MacLeod MacAskill of Edinburgh, who passed away in September 2015. Ms. MacAskill had spent her life in Edinburgh, but in the islands she would have been known as Màiri Nèill Iain Bhàin Nèill Gobha, of Berneray.

This legacy was left to the RNLI for use on the west coast of Scotland. On consultation by RNLI (Scotland), Ms MacAskill’s executors kindly agreed that it be used for on-shore work at the Leverburgh station.

It is locally known that Ms. MacAskill’s grandfather, Iain Bàn, her grand-uncle, Iain Òg, and one or possibly two of their nephews were lost in a boat tragedy between Lochmaddy and Berneray in 1900. It appears that knowledge of this accident was influential in the family’s decision on the bequest allocation.

Leverburgh Lifeboat Station is already well into an appeal process to raise £60,000 towards the cost of a fixed pontoon facility, which, once built, will allow safer crew access to the lifeboat. This bequest is a very generous sum, which will no doubt be extremely useful in the continuing development of the station in the future.

Leverburgh RNLI Branch has been in direct contact with Ms MacAskill’s executors to express its deep appreciation of their thoughtful generosity.

Local RNLI Honorary President, Hamish Taylor, said: “Whilst the local lifeboat station is located at Leverburgh, the communities of Berneray and North Uist have taken ownership of the lifeboat in a very supportive way, and this legacy, from a family whose roots are embedded in Berneray is further tangible evidence of that generosity”.

Western Isles Fishermen’s Association welcomes Brexit

September 5, 2016

Trawler fishing equipment set out on pontoon. United Kingdom.

Western Isles Fishermen’s Association (WIFA) members welcomed the recent vote for the UK to leave the EU at their recent Annual General Meeting held in Benbecula.

WIFA believes the opportunity to control UK waters out to 200 miles, coupled with enhanced catching opportunities for the inshore fleet operating inside the 12 mile limit, will undoubtedly bring significant economic opportunities to the UK fleet and to coastal communities like the Outer Hebrides.

Since joining the EU the Western Isles fleet has declined by 25% in both number of vessels and fishermen employed in the industry, with similar or worse decline reported from most other coastal communities around Scotland.

With the Brexit process expected to get underway within the next year, WIFA says that in the first instance, the UK Government should guarantee that the fishing industry will continue to have the same levels of funding that EMFF funding would have provided the industry until 2020.

Furthermore, it says politicians from all regions of the UK should unite and engage in meaningful negotiations to ensure that fishermen continue to have unrestricted access to European markets and that all EU citizens currently employed in all sectors of the fishing industry will be permitted to remain following UK withdrawal from the EU.

Duncan MacInnes, Secretary for WIFA, said: “Withdrawal from the EU offers the local fishing industry a unique opportunity to develop a sustainable long-term industry rather than the continuous reams of regulations coming from Brussels which create additional unnecessary barriers to the working practices of genuine fishermen.”

High Levels of shellfish toxin in Caolas Èirisgeigh

June 16, 2016

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Monitoring work undertaken on behalf of Food Standards Scotland has identified raised levels of shellfish toxins in Caolas Èirisgeigh (Kyles of Eriskay).

Eating shellfish such as cockles, mussels or razor fish from these areas may pose a risk to human health. Commercial shellfish harvesters in these areas have been contacted by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and steps taken to postpone harvesting until algae levels subside.

It is a sensible precaution to avoid eating shellfish from these areas until further notice.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is monitoring the situation and will inform the public when the situation improves.

Only two forward for Sealladh na Beinne Mòire election

May 15, 2016

Sealadh na Beinne Mòire is the community company that owns South Uist Estate.

Just two names have been put forward for election to the board of Sealladh na Beinne Mòire – the community company that owns South Uist Estate – this year.

Longtime board member Stephen MacAulay has been nominated again, alongside Sebastian ‘Ian’ Paterson – General Manager of Carnan Stores – who is standing for the first time.

However, there are currently three vacancies on the board of Sealladh na Beinne Mòire, meaning that the number of nominations received falls short of requirements.

Existing directors Stephen MacAulay and John MacMillan were required to stand down as part of the rolling process that ensures all directors stand down over a period of three years. Hector MacLeod resigned as a director earlier this year.

However, even though only two individuals are nominated for the three vacancies, an election will take place nonetheless.

Sealladh na Beinne Mòire’s Articles of Association require that elected directors must be elected by full members in a secret ballot.

Angus MacMillan, Chairman of Sealladh na Beinne Mòire said: “It is unfortunate that we have only two candidates for the three vacancies. This is the first time we have not had a contest for the important role of director of the community company.

“Sealladh na Beinne Mòire’s board will have to review how we can encourage more people to come forward to participate in this work, and identify how best we can fill the remaining vacancy.”

Completed ballot papers need to be received by Electoral Reform Services no later than Wednesday 8th June for counting. Confirmation of the election will be announced immediately following the completion of the count and presented to the membership at the AGM later in June.

Further information on the process for filling the remaining vacancy will be sent out to members in due course.

Candidates for election and accompanying statements:

Nominee – Stephen John MacAulay
Proposer – John Angus O’Henley; Seconder – Alistair MacAulay

“I would firstly like to thank all who supported me throughout my time as a Sealladh na Beinne Mòire director. I have thoroughly enjoyed the past six years. During that time, I have had the opportunity to be part of many ambitious projects that have come to fruition. In particular, Lochcarnan Windfarm, Lochboisdale Harbour and the establishment of the Sealladh na Beinne Mòire Community Fund.

“While the larger projects done to date are a great achievement for our community, I am particularly motivated to improve ongoing issues such as marauding deer, improved drainage and social and economic regeneration across the estate area.

“If re-elected I will continue to work hard with existing and new directors and staff to continue the good work done over the past years on behalf of the local community.”

Nominee – Sebastian Paterson
Proposer – Archie MacLean; Seconder – Michael J MacDonald

“I am standing for election to the Board of Sealladh na Beinne Mòire to offer assistance in shaping and achieving the company’s democratic social and economic vision to realise the community’s right to buy sustainable land development ambitions.

“Whilst not native to South Uist I have had a home here since 1980 and as a crofter and General Manager of Co-Chomunn an Iochdair recognise the importance of ensuring that traditional island occupations are appropriately represented and supported, in conjunction and in balance with innovative enterprises.

“In terms of contributory skills, knowledge and experience to the board, through my career to date I have held senior executive management appointments in the public, private and cooperative enterprise sectors. I am formally trained, qualified and experienced in a broad range of business disciplines and hold a Master’s degree in Strategic Project Management. Additionally, I have considerable knowledge of corporate governance, in particular that relating to social enterprises.”

Salar Smokehouse to rise from the ashes

July 7, 2015

Salar Smokehouse is to re-open after shutting down in April.

Iain MacRury, former Production Manager at the smokehouse, has bought the business. The former owner, Loch Duart, has completed the transaction with Iain MacRury. Smoking of salmon will resume within the next week or two with the former ‘Salar’ brand being revived.

“Salar will be open for business shortly. We plan to foster local trade and home delivery customers. Local sales have traditionally been very strong and there are home delivery customers ready to order – this will allow us to build on a solid base for the future,” stated Iain MacRury, Salar’s new owner.

“I would like to thank Loch Duart for two things, firstly, helping me bring this deal to completion and secondly, for turning away other offers enabling this iconic business to be retained locally within the community.”

The main product from the Salar Smokehouse will be the famous Flaky Smoked Salmon. This is a delicious hot smoked salmon, smoked in a unique kiln using a closely guarded recipe. The Salar smokehouse will employ six staff and continue to work on the quay side at Lochcarnan, South Uist.

Managing Director of Loch Duart, Alban Denton, added: “As local salmon farmers and former owners of the smokehouse, we had invested a great deal of effort into keeping this business operating within the South Uist community. Loch Duart is still strongly committed to business within the Hebrides and continues to employ twenty-two full time members of staff in its fish farming operations on North and South Uist. We’re delighted to sell the Smokehouse to a buyer in South Uist as we had feared that other potential buyers might have taken the brand and process to the mainland.”

Comhairle conveys continued opposition to marine designations

July 6, 2015

Cllr Alasdair MacLeod, chair of the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Sustainable Development committee, has written to the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs to convey the Comhairle’s continued opposition to marine designations in and around the Outer Hebrides.

In a letter to Mr Richard Lochhead MSP, Cllr MacLeod said: “A recent briefing on proposed new designations to elected members by Scottish Natural Heritage and Marine Scotland has only served to strengthen the Comhairle’s policy position and resolve on the issue of environmental designations.

“The recent announcements around the management of inshore SACs and Marine Protected Areas has left the fishing community angered at the huge economic impact on the local fish catching and processing sectors and the potential job losses that will result.

“The Comhairle and the fishing communities of the Outer Hebrides are fundamentally opposed to designations being imposed by the Scottish Government. The Comhairle endorses the ten recommendations contained in the joint letter from commercial fishing interests across Shetland, Orkney and the Outer Hebrides.

“At a recent meeting of the full Comhairle, elected members were strongly of the opinion that the issue of designations should remain a critical work-stream within the “Our Islands Our Future” process and that the process should seek to develop ways in which powers can be brought to the Outer Hebrides and the other Scottish islands to give the relevant local authority and the local community the final say on whether a designation proceeds or not. The Comhairle believes that increased local accountability, decision making and control is critical to future management of pressures on the marine environment. This view is shared by the community and especially the fishing industry.

“In order to progress this matter, the Comhairle has agreed to establish a joint Comhairle/ fisheries industry group to engage with the Scottish Government, UK Government (as EU member state) and the European Commission in order to make them fully aware of the effect and extent of designations. We wish to make clear the level of local opposition to these designations, to make a case for the halting of the presently proposed marine designations, to explore a process for the removal of some of the existing designations, to end the practice of pre-emption on proposed designations until formal consultation has been completed and a decision made and, failing progress being made on these issues, to open discussion around compensatory measures in light of lost economic opportunity.

“In the strongest possible terms the Comhairle requests that the existing proposals for environmental designations around the Outer Hebrides are withdrawn immediately and that the proposed consultation on the Marine Protected Area network is halted.

“I trust that the Scottish Government will respect the views of the community of the Outer Hebrides.”

Comhairle repeats call for moratorium on marine designations

June 24, 2015

The imposition of marine designations on large areas of the waters surrounding the Western Isles is totally unacceptable, according to members of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar who attended a seminar on the issue in Stornoway yesterday (23rd June 2015).

Representatives from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and Marine Scotland also attended the meeting, where plans for marine designations around the islands were discussed.

Cllr Alasdair Macleod, Chair of Sustainable Development, said: “Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is fundamentally opposed to designations being imposed on local communities by the Scottish Government and European Union.

“The fishing industry in the Western Isles is totally against these plans which will have a negative impact on the fishing industry and the general economy of the Islands, particularly in Uist and Barra. The Comhairle is entirely supportive of the fishing industry and it is hugely disappointing that local views are just not being listened to.

“What is the point of consultation when local views are ignored? The Comhairle is of the view that there should be a ten year moratorium on any new designations in the Western Isles which is already making a significantly greater contribution than any other part of Scotland. I would now call on the minister to respect local opinion, reverse these proposals and stand up for the islands, the local economy and our communities.”

Part of the discussion at the meeting centred on ‘Policy Protection’ which means that once a consultation is started on designating an area, in practice it is designated until a reverse decision is made.

Cllr Macleod added: “This undermines the very principle of meaningful consultation.”

Western Isles crab and lobster catches to be protected

May 29, 2015

Shellfish stocks in the Outer Hebrides are to be protected through new conservation measures introduced by the Scottish Government today.

The controls, which were developed by the local fishing industry, will help to protect the future of crab and lobster catches that are worth an average £2.7 million to the local economy every year.

From today the minimum landing size of key shellfish species will be increased as follows:

brown crab from 140 mm to 150 mm
velvet crab from 65 mm to 70 mm
lobster from 87 mm to 90 mm over two years

The landing of female lobster larger than 145 mm and those missing one or both claws will also be restricted.

Commenting on the new order, Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead said: “Shellfish are very important to the local economy of the Outer Hebrides, with local fishermen landing on average £2.7 million of crab and lobster each year. The management measures coming into force will help in securing the long-term sustainability of these stocks.

“This order is a great example of what can be accomplished when local fishing interests and government work together, and demonstrates how Scottish fishermen are leading the way in Europe with their commitment to sustainable practices.”

Duncan MacInnes, Secretary, Western Isles Fishermen’s Association said: “We are pleased that implementation of management measures identified in the Outer Hebrides Inshore Fisheries Group management plan are now being enshrined in legislation. Increasing shellfish minimum landing size provides predicted increases in yield and egg production which will result in increased profitability for fishermen in the short to medium term.

“In addition, no new additional resources will be required, as both industry and enforcement officials are all familiar with compliance procedures already in place for enforcing minimum and maximum landing sizes.”

Surge in Christmas sales for Loch Duart smokehouse

January 6, 2015

Loch Duart smoked products sold extremely well over the festive period.

Loch Duart Smokehouse in Loch Carnan, South Uist, has had a really busy Christmas trading period, with sales up 17% on the previous December.

5.2 tonnes of finest smoked salmon was sold from the award-winning smokehouse.

Although November sales were quiet, a surge in home delivery and corporate orders lead to a massive increase in orders heading out.

The increase in orders coincided with particularly unfavourable weather disrupting the Minch crossings. These challenges are part and parcel of artisan food production in remote locations.

Sales Manager Fiona MacDonald: “Smoked salmon parcels were sent all over the world to some quite exotic locations such as Barbados and Thailand. Loch Duart Smoked Salmon has become a firm favourite with our customers to celebrate special occasions with family and friends and, as a treat to enjoy throughout the year.

“There is a strong island loyalty to our smoked salmon and the Co-op Stornoway is a star performer in Hebridean sales.”

Loch Duart director Nick Joy said: “This result shows just what a top notch smokehouse can achieve. I am pleased to be a very small part in the sales, having taken a side of Flaky to my friends in Moscow over the New Year! They were truly delighted as it is a wonderful reflection of the quality of produce the Hebrides can deliver. 17% increase in year on year sales in a very competitive sector is a huge achievement.”

The kilns are running again this week to restock customers’ fridges. The smokehouse sales team will be following up a new sales enquiry from China and will be nurturing steady business with a new customer from Japan.

Call for moratorium on Outer Hebrides designations

September 24, 2014

A large Special Protection Area is currently proposed west of the Southern Isles.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Sustainable Development committee today unanimously agreed to call for a ten year moratorium on the introduction of any new environmental designations in the Outer Hebrides.

Speaking earlier today, Cllr Alasdair MacLeod, chair of the committee, said: “The Outer Hebrides are affected by several forms of environmental designations – International RAMSAR designations, Special Protection Area, Special Area of Conservation, SSSIs and Wildland.

“The Outer Hebrides are making a significant contribution towards Scotland’s overall commitment to safeguarding the natural environment. We make a greater contribution than any other part of Scotland, with significantly more of our land under designation than any other part of Scotland. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that we have the highest level of designation and the lowest level of GDP.

“With the introduction of Marine Protected Areas and the potential for new marine Special Protection Areas we can see the potential for our seas to become overly designated in the same way that our land has. For an area dependent on so many forms of marine activity this is a development that we should be incredibly wary of.

“Over the past period the Comhairle has adopted a policy position of only supporting new designations if it could be clearly demonstrated that they had no potential to adversely impact on economic activity and if they were supported by local communities. With the publication of new information in regard to the suite of draft Special Protection Areas, I think the Comhairle’s position should now become stronger.

“I would therefore wish to put forward a new recommendation asking that Comhairle nan Eilean Siar adopt a position of seeking a ten year moratorium on the introduction of any new environmental designations in the Outer Hebrides. I recommend formally writing to both the Scottish Government and the European Commission outlining that position.”

The recommendation of the committee will now go to the full Comhairle next Thursday (2nd October).