Benbecula Archives - Am Paipear

Isles presbyteries sign pioneering ‘Tarbert Declaration’

December 13, 2016

Two presbyteries of the Church of Scotland have come together to sign the ‘Tarbert Declaration’, a commitment to fellowship together, to work together and to share resources in areas of common interest.

For some time the Presbytery of Lewis (covering the Isle of Lewis) and the Presbytery of Uist (covering Harris, North Uist and Benbecula) have been discussing a closer association, and now the ‘Tarbert Declaration’ formalises a closer cooperation between the two presbyteries.

First introduced into the Church of Scotland in 1579, the concept of presbytery was then a forum for the spiritual development of its members, through reflection on God’s Word and fellowship.

Nowadays the presbytery is the governing body of ministers and elders, responsible for a number of congregations over a particular region. Altogether there are 45 presbyteries in the Church of Scotland, including the Presbytery of England and the Presbytery of Europe.

Recognising the tendency for modern presbyteries to become purely administrative agencies, the ‘Tarbert Declaration’ seeks to recover the idea of fellowship and spiritual nourishment while providing a mechanism for the Presbyteries of Lewis and Uist to share resources in the discharge of key functions such as the statutory appraisal of local congregations, safeguarding provision and Data Protection implementation.

Under the ‘Tarbert Declaration, the two presbyteries will meet together once a year with a clear focus on fellowship and spiritual nourishment while the day to day business of both presbyteries will benefit from a pooling of resources and access to a wider range of expertise. This innovative approach – pioneered in the Western Isles – could serve as a blueprint for the wider Church as the General Assembly encourages presbyteries across Scotland to cooperate to a greater extent than they have in the past.

Moderators of both presbyteries signed the Tarbert Declaration during a special service in Tarbert Church of Scotland, Harris, on Saturday 10th December 2016.

PHOTOGRAPH: Left to right: John Cunningham (Clerk to Lewis Presbytery), Rev Dr David Donaldson (Moderator of Uist Presbytery), Rev Dr Ben Johnstone (Moderator of Lewis Presbytery), Wilson McKinlay (Clerk to Uist Presytery) signing the ‘Tarbert Declaration’.

Hell yeah! Rocking finale for EDF

July 31, 2016

Oasis tribute act Stop the Clocks. © Am Pàipear

After a sensational opening session last night, Eilean Dorcha Festival (EDF) presented an amazing line-up of rock acts last night (Saturday 30th July) for a pulsating end to a cracking weekend of live music.

Earlier in the day – which included activities for families on the EDF site at Liniclate – entertainment in the main tent was provided by acts including Sgoil Lionacleit Pipe Band, Angel, Chris McGill, The Shed and Uist Pipe Band.

Chris McGill. © Am Pàipear

Beinn Lee Ceilidh Band kicked off the evening session, followed later by The Tailormade, a trio once described as “the best buskers in London” by then Mayor of London Boris Johnson. They performed a mix of covers – including a rousing version of Kanye West song ‘Goldigger’ – and an original composition – ‘Benbecula’ – penned earlier in the day (watch out for a video on the Am Pàipear page on Facebook).

The Tailormade. © Am Pàipear

As the evening progressed it almost seemed as though Benbecula had been swapped for Manchester, with Stone Roses tribute act Resurrection taking to the stage, closely followed by Oasis tribute band Stop the Clocks.

Resurrection performed a series of Stone Roses classics. © Am Pàipear

Stop the Clocks channeled the spirit of Oasis for EDF. © Am Pàipear

Finally the evening – and the first music festival for Benbecula – was rounded off with a storming set from the legendary Donnie Munro. He performed a series of songs from his own back catalogue – and former band RunRig – to the delight of the crowd.

Donnie Munro. © Am Pàipear

Yesterday saw acts including Skippinish, Vatersay Boys, Trail West, ABBA A RIVAL and Fatlips perform on the first night of EDF 2016. More than 3000 people are believed to have attended over the course of the two-day festival, which it is anticipated will return next year.

Donnie Munro closing EDF. © Am Pàipear

Look out for more pictures and details from EDF 2016 in the next edition of Am Pàipear.

It’s official…Benbecula is currently hosting the best festival ever!

July 30, 2016

Skippinish headlining EDF last night. © Am Pàipear

Eilean Dorcha Festival (EDF) got off to a rocking start last night with more than 1000 revellers enjoying a sensational evening of music, dance, food and drink…

Following years of planning and a colossal volunteer effort setting-up over the past week, Benbecula’s first music festival got underway on Liniclate machair last night.

Alex MacDonald & Friends (above) opened EDF. © Am Pàipear

Skippinish headlined yesterday’s exceptional evening of entertainment, topping a bill that included Vatersay Boys, Trail West, ABBA A RIVAL, Fatlips and local group Alex MacDonald & Friends.

EDF is sold out with some 3000 people expected over the course of the two-day event. Local residents are being joined by many people from the mainland and around the world for the festival.

Pirates ahoy! This hen party travelled from Inverness to EDF. © Am Pàipear

Festivalgoers snapping memories to look back on. © Am Pàipear

Music performed last night varied from the impromptu ceilidh session kicked off by AlexMacDonald & Friends to the rock classics performed by Fatlips. ABBA tribute band ABBA A RIVAL warmed up the crowd with a selection of the hits of the Swedish icons, before Trail West, Vatersay Boys and Skippinish gave the night a rousing send-off.

Fatlips got the EDF crowd rocking. © Am Pàipear

ABBA A RIVAL got the crowd buzzing. © Am Pàipear

Trail West were the first of three trad bands to headline last night. © Am Pàipear

As well as the main tent, the EDF site includes spaces for stalls and merchandise sales, fairground rides and several mobile food stalls.

Helen MacLean and Sarah MacEachen manning the merchandise stall. © Am Pàipear

Doors open again today (Saturday 30th July) at midday, with lots of family fun promised throughout the afternoon.

Today will see Sgoil Lionacleit Pipe Band, Ceilidh Trail, Angel, Alex, Chris McGill, The Shed, Uist Pipe Band, Beinn Lee Ceilidh Band, Chunks, The Tailormade, Resurrection, Stop the Clocks take to the stage.

Former frontman for RunRig, Donnie Munro and his band, will headline tonight.

Look out for more pictures and details in the next edition of Am Pàipear.

Am Pàipear gets its 40th birthday party started!

July 8, 2016

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Am Pàipear launched a programme of 40th anniversary celebrations with a bang last night, officially opening an exhibition through which the archive of the newspaper is now opened to the public.

Guests flocked from across the islands to Sgoil Lionacleit for a first glimpse at the exhibition, which has been prepared with the kind support of Museum nan Eilean.

Running from now until the beginning of September (details below) this display – entitled THE AM PAIPEAR COLLECTION – is made up of illustrations and photographs featured in the paper over the last four decades. Editions from all the way back in 1976 are also available for the community to access and enjoy.

Ahead of the opening last night, some of the tutors currently working at Ceòlas – Rachel Walker, Patsy Seddon, Shelly Campbell and Allan Henderson – performed alongside talented local youngsters Dòmhnall Henderson, Niall MacDonald and Joanna MacDonald.

Cllr Uisdean Robertson spoke to audience about the important role of local newspapers in our democracy, before Alasdair Allan MSP addressed the crowd and cut the ribbon, officially declaring the exhibition open.

Sony Davidson – who has a long and continuing involvement with Am Pàipear – then cut the special #AP40 birthday cake prepared for the occasion, which was promptly served to those in attendance.

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Guests then entered the museum for a first look at the display of illustrations, photographs and past editions.

Meanwhile, in the cafeteria, glasses of prosecco and soft drinks were being poured, ready to serve along with an incredible selection of canapés prepared by Island Deli with support from Langass Lodge, Salar Smokehouse, Kallin Shellfish, MacLean’s Bakery, and Hebridean Smokehouse.

Iain Stephen Morrison, Editor of Am Pàipear, said: “We would like to thank absolutely everyone who came along and contributed in any way to the launch of this very special exhibition.

“It is a lot of work for a team as small as ours to pull together an event like this and we are by no means experts. So after a nervous couple of days and lots of hard work it was a great relief to witness so many people enjoying the evening and the many pieces that make up our archive.

“As I have said repeatedly in the media over the past few days, this milestone and success does not belong to Am Pàipear, but the community that launched it and continues to take ownership of the paper.

“This collection in Museum nan Eilean is all the stories of our islands. Our wish on this birthday is that the collection will continue to grow, that for Am Pàipear, life will truly begin at forty.”

Exhibition details:

Museum nan Eilean, Sgoil Lionacleit, Benbecula

8th July until 3rd September

Tuesday – Saturday (10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm)

Late night opening on Friday until 7pm

Am Pàipear would like to thank the following for helping with the success of the exhibition launch: Museum nan Eilean and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar / Island Deli, Salar Smokehouse, MacLean’s Bakery, Kallin Shellfish, Hebridean Smokehouse and Langass Lodge / Ceòlas / Sgoil Lionacleit / Stòras Uibhist / SNH – Stilligarry / Custom Prints / Shona MacInnes / UCVO / Cllr Uisdean Robertson and Alasdair Allan MSP

Community invited to Am Pàipear documentary preview

July 4, 2016

Am Pàipear editor Iain Stephen Morrison filmed covering Benbecula 10K for the documentary.

Am Pàipear is delighted to invite the community to a special preview of ‘Trusadh: Am Pàipear’ a one-hour documentary produced by MacTV for BBC ALBA looking back at 40 years of your community newspaper…

Part of the acclaimed ‘Trusadh’ documentary series produced by MacTV for BBC ALBA, this new programme looks back at the history of Am Pàipear, this year celebrating its fortieth anniversary.

Programme makers have interviewed individuals who were involved right at the very beginning of Am Pàipear, along with those who have contributed and played a part in the story of the paper up to the present day.

Contributors featuring in the programme include Jean Branigan, Mike Russell, Ruaraidh ‘Poker’ Macdonald, Andrew McMorran, Archie MacKay, Floraidh MacLean, Helen Forbes, Flora MacLean, Wilma Duncan, Father Colin MacInnes, Christine MacIntyre and Ronald MacInnes. Angela MacEachan from Benbecula provides the voiceover for the programme.

‘Trusadh: Am Pàipear’ will be broadcast on BBC ALBA at 9pm on Monday 8th August. However, community members can get a first look on Tuesday 19th July at a special screening in Balivanich Hall at 7pm.

Iain Stephen Morrison, Editor of Am Pàipear, said: “We are very grateful that MacTV has made this programme for BBC ALBA. It is remarkable that Am Pàipear has reached this milestone and so the story deserves to be shared with the whole world.

“Our screening is going to be a very simple but special event. We’re planning to host a birthday party, complete with cake and refreshments. We hope many people will join us for a slice of cake before sitting back to watch this programme.

“We are most grateful to MG ALBA – which runs BBC ALBA in partnership with the BBC – for supporting this screening.”

Admission to the screening is free, but anyone interested in coming along is advised to book their place. Please telephone 01870 603 299 or e-mail sales@ampaipear.org.uk to reserve your place. Look out for posters placed locally advertising this event further.

Alasdair Allan MSP to officially open Am Pàipear exhibition

July 4, 2016

Alasdair Allan MSP.

Alasdair Allan MSP is to officially open the upcoming exhibition marking 40 years of Am Pàipear.

Iain Stephen Morrison – Editor of Am Pàipear – said: “We are most grateful our local MSP will join us later this week to officially open our exhibition on what promises to be a night of celebration and nostalgia.

He continued: “This is really a very unique and thought provoking display. Our archive is going to be opened up to the public, offering a rare chance to examine previous editions and explore the history of these islands as documented over the past 40 years. Accompanying photographs, artwork and artefacts will ensure THE AM PAIPEAR COLLECTION is a visual treat, a real walk down memory lane.”

“We would like to extend a warm welcome to everyone to come along to the official preview and opening of THE AM PAIPEAR COLLECTION at 7pm on Thursday 7th July. Entertainment for the evening will be provided by some of the students and tutors of Ceòlas.

“We are most grateful to the staff of Museum nan Eilean and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar for hosting this exhibition and providing so much support.”

For more information about THE AM PAIPEAR COLLECTION please e-mail editor@ampaipear.org.uk or telephone 01870 603 299.

Voove to keep EDF crowd connected with WiFi

June 24, 2016

Eilean Dorcha Festival (EDF) has announced Benbecula-based firm Voove will provide full on-site WiFi coverage over the course of the two-day event.

As a result, festival-goers will be able to instantly post their happy snaps online as they dance the nights away. EDF will also provide secure phone charging points to allow guests to charge their phones as and when required.

Connectivity provided by local technology company Voove – which earlier this month revealed it will be providing WiFi at the Belladrum tartan Heart Festival – is expected to be a big hit with the crowds at Scotland’s newest music festival.

EDF founder Roddy MacKay said: “I’m delighted that with the support of Voove we can offer this essential digital service to our guests here at EDF 2016. Connectivity in the islands is absolutely paramount for tourism and industry, so to be able to have our guests instant reactions from a site that normally does not even have a mobile signal, nevermind Wi-Fi, is absolutely fantastic.”

Advance vouchers are available online from https://www.voove.com/product-category/edf-wi-fi-vouchers/ at a discounted cost of £6 for one day, or £10 for the duration of the festival. These are strictly limited so make sure you get yours quick.

On-site, vouchers will be £8, and £15 respectively, available at the Voove stand within the main arena. Voove’s expert team will be on hand to support festival goers with any connection issues.

Tickets for this first Festival in Benbecula are selling fast so if you don’t have yours yet then make sure you get them now at www.ticketsource.co.uk/edffestival or pop in to the office at East Camp in Balivanich.

£10,000 funding boost for EDF

June 24, 2016

Eilean Dorcha Festival (EDF) has secured £10,000 support from Awards for All.

Taking place on Liniclate machair on Friday 29th and Saturday 30th July, EDF is the first ever music festival for Benbecula. Acts including Skippinish, Vatersay Boys, Trail West and Donnie Munro will take to the stage over a weekend like no other for the islands.

Funding from Awards for All – a partnership by sportscotland and the Big Lottery Fund – will help cover the costs of setting up the annual festival.

EDF Chairman Roddy MacKay commented “We are delighted to get this award to help us deliver Benbecula’s first music festival. Not since Runrig played at Liniclate more than 20 years ago has there been anything like this held in Uist. With former frontman Donnie Munro returning, it’s sure to be a momentous weekend.

“We will have nearly 20 acts this year and there’s sure to be something for everyone. This award will allow us to showcase Benbecula and the Southern Isles and what they have to offer at a crucial time for the tourism industry here in the islands.”

A spokesperson for Awards for All said: “These grants, totalling just under one million pounds will benefit over 130 groups across the country and shows the variety of projects that can be funded through Awards for All. We are always surprised at the difference a relatively small amount of money can make providing support and advice to people in communities across Scotland and wish all of these groups the best of luck for the future.”

Awards for All Scotland gives out grants of between £500 and £10,000 to projects that bring communities together to enjoy a range of activities. Groups can download this form here www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/awardsforallscotland

South Uist water shortage prompts plea from Scottish Water

June 22, 2016

By Iain Smith

Islanders on South Uist have been asked to take steps to reduce domestic water consumption to try and prevent the water supply network from drying up.

Despite some near record high rainfall levels in some parts of the Scottish mainland over the last few months, some parts of the Western Isles have recently been enjoying some of the driest spells of weather on record for this time of year. The fact that rainfall levels have been well below normal has meant that the water levels in local lochs have fallen considerably – prompting Scottish Water to ask people to cut back on their water use. The situation in South Uist is so serious that Scottish Water have revealed that they are having to install a temporary overland pipeline to import additional water from nearby Benbecula to South Uist.

Scottish Water has now written to households throughout the island asking islanders to ‘use water wisely’ and advising people as to what steps they can take to reduce their water consumption. Whilst stopping short of imposing a hosepipe ban, Scottish Water has, nevertheless suggested that islanders should not use hosepipes to wash the car or water gardens. Other water saving tips include asking people to turn off dripping taps, using water saving devices in toilet cisterns and advising that people take a shower rather than a bath – as this uses less water.

Despite that warning that the water levels are falling, Scottish water has reassured islanders that it has measures in place to maintain the water supply and to keep the taps running. Scottish Water will also continue to monitor water levels, particularly sources serving South Uist to ensure it can implement measures where necessary to maintain supplies of driking water to customers

Peter Farrer, Scottish Water’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “We are encouraging everyone living and working locally to take simple steps to use water wisely.

“Toilet flushing uses around 30 per cent of water in the typical home. While people should use their toilet as normal, installing a Save-a-Flush bag provided by Scottish Water can save around one litre of water every time a toilet is used. People can also help by turning off the tap when brushing teeth and doing a full load of washing instead of a half load.”

“By making small changes to our habits we can significantly reduce water usage without compromising our quality of life.”

Stòras Uibhist appoints new Chief Executive

June 9, 2016

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

Stòras Uibhist has appointed a new Chief Executive.

Dr Fraser Quin, 51, is presently Chief Executive of the Eric Liddell Centre in Edinburgh, a charity working in the dementia care sector, and also offering befriending services for carers.

He has extensive experience in running his own business, and in 2000, he set up and developed a company, Kidzcare Limited, which he subsequently sold in 2014. Previous to that he was a senior lecturer in the Scottish Agriculture College.

Dr Quin has a PhD in Environmental Economics from Edinburgh University. He is a keen motorcyclist, and other hobbies include keeping fit, running, and walking his dogs.

Angus MacMillan, Chairman of Stòras Uibhist, said: “We are delighted to attract someone of the calibre of Fraser as Chief Executive. He has a unique blend of business, third sector, and public sector skills, which will be essential in delivering our ambitious plans for the further development of the estate.”

Dr Fraser Quin stated: “I am absolutely thrilled to be offered this unique post, and look forward to meeting the community in South Uist at the forthcoming AGM on 16th June.”

Dr Quin will formally take up the post of Chief Executive of Stòras Uibhist in July.