Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Archives

One week left to complete Uist housing survey

August 3, 2016

Uist residents are being urged to complete the Housing Needs Survey which they should have received in the post during the last fortnight. Results will provide important information for housing bodies working to determine future locations and types of housing.

Stòras Uibhist, Hebridean Housing Partnership, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, North Uist Development Company and Taighean Innse Gall are working together on the survey as a joint initiative.

Although a great response has been received already from local residents, more people are being urged to complete the survey before the 11th August deadline. All those who participate – whether they are home owners, HHP tenants or private tenants – are able to enter a prize draw for a hamper worth £100.

“Housing has been a priority for us since our formation,” said Kirsty MacCormick, Development Manager for Stòras Uibhist.

“I’m delighted that we are now carrying out this important piece of work, and I urge everyone to participate. When they are collated, the community’s views will inform future housing development and planning throughout Uist. I am also very grateful to our partners whose contribution is helping to make this fully an island-wide analysis of housing need.”

Impetus for the survey came from an agreement amongst participating organisations that there is a requirement to establish what the housing needs are in Uist. What type of housing is required? Where is it required? What tenure should it be? What are the key factors that influence people’s choice of housing? Which are the areas where there are peaks in demand – and why? The aim of this survey is to collate as much information as possible on these issues.

Put together by the Highlands Small Communities Housing Trust, the survey can also be completed online at: http://hscht.polldaddy.com/s/uist-housing-needs-survey. A link can also be found on the homepage of the Stòras Uibhist website. The survey should take less than 15 minutes to complete.

Exhibition to celebrate 40th anniversary of Am Pàipear

June 3, 2016

Am Pàipear is very excited to announce the first in a series of events organised to mark the 40th anniversary of the paper this summer. A special exhibition entitled THE AM PAIPEAR COLLECTION will be hosted at Museum nan Eilean within Sgoil Lionacleit from 8th July to 3rd September.

Iain Stephen Morrison – Editor of Am Pàipear – said: “We hope our community will thoroughly enjoy THE AM PAIPEAR COLLECTION. 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.”

He continued: “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.

Councillor calls for urgent review of Uist bus timetables

April 21, 2016

An urgent review of the new Uist bus timetables is required, says SNP councillor Donald Manford, who has been inundated with concerns from local residents.

Changes to bus services in Uist were the subject of consultation by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar as part of the budget setting process. However, the re-shaped service is causing major issues for those living and working across the area.

Cllr Manford said: “More than 30 constituents have contacted me very worried that they will be unable to continue in employment due to the timetable changes and some who are now using taxis to get to work but make clear that is simply unaffordable.

“People are struggling to get to work with many saying that the service is not catering for working people. I understand there are many people affected including pupils at Sgoil Lionacleit who wish to attend after school activities. This needs to be addressed with a degree of urgency.”

He added: “I recognise that the council conducted consultations prior to deciding on the current timetables. However, it seems very clear that the consultation exercise which was practiced has not worked for the many who have been left stranded, particularly those whose work and livelihoods have been so dramatically affected.

“The operators have done their best within the constraints of the contract but the Comhairle must look to amend the timetables as soon as possible.”

Na h-Eileanan an Iar MP Angus MacNeil has also been contacted by several constituents on this matter and he was now written to the Comhairle’s Chief Executive Malcolm Burr, asking for a review of timetables be carried out at the earliest opportunity.

Comhairle to set “most difficult” budget on Wednesday

February 16, 2016

Tomorrow – Wednesday 17th February 2016 – Comhairle nan Eilean Siar will set its budget for the financial year 2016/17.

With the council’s cash budget having fallen by some £15m over the past six years, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Leader, Cllr Angus Campbell, has described this budget as “the most difficult [he has] been involved in.”

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has indicated that the council tax freeze will continue because of the £2.2m financial penalties that would otherwise be incurred.

The settlement from the Scottish Government is a 3.5% reduction for local government as a whole, but the effect of the distribution formula is a reduction of 4.5% for the Comhairle. The real terms decrease in revenue allocations from 2015 to 2017 for Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is 5.9% – the second highest decrease in Scotland.

The budget setting follows extensive community consultation across the islands with over 200 people attending consultation meetings, more than 500 responses to an online survey and over 760 people viewing the budget discussion on Facebook.

Cllr Campbell said: “The budget recommendations coming before the Comhairle have been arrived at in a collaborative fashion by members and communities working together. It is the single biggest process of participative budgeting in the Western Isles and I would like to thank everyone who has taken part.

“However, at a time of financial austerity it is only possible to set a budget within the finances we have been allocated because of the groundwork that we have put in over recent years. The reality is that when obliged to make savings on such a scale, we will not be able to meet everyone’s wishes. However, we have listened carefully to our communities and their priorities – I believe that this has been reflected in the difficult process of setting the Comhairle’s budget”.

Comhairle accused of “wasting time” with South Ford scheme

April 30, 2015

More than 50 people attended the meeting in Iochdar last night.

Plans to combat the risk of flooding in the South Ford area were dismissed as a “waste of time” last night, with local residents holding firm to their belief a new opening in South Ford causeway is the only effective solution.

Yesterday evening Comhairle nan Eilean Siar held a meeting in Iochdar to discuss a package of flood prevention measures which councillors approved two weeks ago.

Iain MacKinnon, Director of Technical Services, said he also wanted to explore with the community how best to make the case to the Scottish Government for a new span in the causeway.

Ever since the fatal storm of 11th January 2005, locals have consistently blamed the causeway for the extreme flooding experienced in Iochdar on that night.

Their views were supported by the South Ford Hydrodynamic Study – published late in 2012 – which said that a 250m opening in the causeway would have lowered water levels significantly during the storm of 2005.

Built in the early 1980s, the causeway is 1000m long and only has one 15m opening.

It was confirmed at the meeting last night that initially the causeway was to feature two 15m openings, the second eventually being removed from plans due to budget constraints.

However, it was pointed out that modelling work conducted for the South Ford Hydrodynamic Study showed that another 15m opening would have made next to no difference in 2005. At least a 250m opening would be required to mitigate the risk of flooding.

David Muir from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar explained the series of actions developed as part of the South Ford Flood Management Scheme which are now being put to SEPA and the Scottish Government for funding.

Under the scheme, three separate measures would be carried out to cut the risk of flooding:

A dune management scheme at Liniclate, which has seen significant erosion over many years. Survey work by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar – conducted regularly since 1997 – has confirmed the problem is getting worse. Through the scheme, fencing would be used to trap windblown sand and marram grass would be planted to create a more robust dune system.

An embankment to stop water moving inland towards Sgoil Lionacleit and the Dark Island Hotel. It is not yet clear how this structure would be built, but it would include a floodgate to release water back to the sea of required.

A beach re-charge scheme for Gualan Island, a natural breakwater extending from Balgarva almost across to Liniclate. Over many decades, Gualan has been eroding, becoming progressively longer, but with significantly less height. As Gualan continues to extend northwards, displaced sand from the island is building up in the southern section of the South Ford basin, blocking the drainage system from Loch Bee. In order to re-charge the island, shingle would be taken from the newly extended north section of the island and piled on the mid-section. Sand built up in the south of the basin would be extracted and placed on top of the shingle.

However, locals greeted the plans, and in particular the scheme for Gualan Island, with broad scepticism.

They accused Comhairle nan Eilean Siar of “wasting time playing with nature” and said that “opening up the causeway would fix the effects of the tide on Gualan Island”.

Others criticised the fact it has taken ten years to reach this stage, and still nothing has been done for the area. One individual asked: “What has to happen before something is done?”

Iain MacKinnon responded that Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is bound by the mechanisms and processes that exist.

He said that the package of three measures agreed by councillors would cost in the region of £2 million and should have a good chance of receiving funding.

By removing Gualan Island and adding repairs to the causeway to the package, the cost rockets to £20 million, said Mr MacKinnon.

He underlined that the council would be competing against schemes from all over Scotland, with only £46 million available for projects across the nation.

Mr MacKinnon underlined that the way funding for these projects is decided – by a cost-benefit ratio – is “particularly hard-nosed”.

When scored as the cost of the proposal against the cost of damage avoided, the agreed package of measures, including Gualan Island, has a good chance of being funded, he said. This would not be the case if the causeway was included in the package.

Mr MacKinnon then discussed how representations might be made to the Scottish Government for additional funding to fix the causeway. While conceding in his view that would be “an uphill struggle” he underlined that the need for the community to lead the push for more support.

He said a letter would be drafted and agreed by all local stakeholders as the first step in the process of engagement with the Scottish Government.

Tonight – South Ford Public Meeting

April 29, 2015

Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar is interested in hearing views from people about possible flood protection schemes appropriate for the South Ford.

As such, the Technical Services Department is to hold a consultation meeting about flood management at the South Ford area of Benbecula and South Uist.

The meeting will be at 7.30pm in Talla an Iochdair on Wednesday 29^th April and all are welcome.

Comhairle to vote on asking Scottish Government for South Ford funding

April 22, 2015

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar will this afternoon consider making representations to the Scottish Government for funding to create a second opening in South Ford causeway.

At a meeting of the full council, due to begin at 5pm, members will be asked to vote for government support, given the “exceptional” situation at South Ford.

Last week, at a meeting of the Transport and Infrastructure Committee, members voted for a package of flood prevention measures for the area, including a beach-recharge scheme for Gualan Island, a natural breakwater forming one section of the South Ford basin.

However, an option to create an additional opening in the South Ford causeway – which the council estimates would cost £20 million – was declined.

On 11th January 2005, hurricane force winds, combined with a high tide, caused unprecedented flooding in the Iochdar region, which is bordered by the South Ford. Five members of the same family lost their lives during the storm.

The South Ford Hydrodynamic Study – commissioned in the wake of the tragedy – laid part of the blame for the severe flooding on the causeway.

It said that an additional deep opening of 250 metres would have likely meant lower water levels on 11th January 2005, and would reduce the risk of flooding in the future.

Locals have consistently demanded an additional opening in the causeway. Many were shocked by the news that an option to create a new span in the causeway had been declined last week.

However, a motion to be put before the full council today by Cllr Ronnie MacKinnon and Cllr Donnie Steele, looks to put the option of a new opening back on the table.

The motion, suggested as further recommendations to the report from last week’s meeting of the Transportation and Infrastructure committee, reads and recommends:

(2)

It be delegated to the Director of Technical Services to meet with Stòras Uibhist and local community and other stakeholder groups prior to the application deadline of 4th May 2015 to discuss options associated with the South Ford Flood Risk Management Scheme;

(3)

It be delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader, the Convener, the Chair and Vice Chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Director of Technical Services, to make further separate representation to the Scottish Government regarding funding to enable the creation of a second opening in the South Ford causeway on the basis of it being an exceptional case.

Earlier today, Angus MacNeil, SNP candidate for the upcoming General Election, said that Crown Estate funds could be used to help fund work on the causeway.

Mr MacNeil said: “I know that the families and the community feel that money allocated to nearby Gualan Island on the west side of the South Ford is not a good use of money.

“Instead this should be allocated to provide the opening in the causeway, along with any monies that may come from the devolution of the Crown Estate to the islands.”

More on this later...

Road surface dressing programme to get underway

April 21, 2015

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s 2015 roads surface dressing programme is commencing on 11th May, with two weeks of work in the Barra and Uist area.

It is expected that the mobile works will then transfer to Harris on or around 25th May for an approximate one or two week period, after which works will transfer to Lewis for a further two or three week period. All works are weather dependent and may be subject to delays and alteration.

Most areas of the Western Isles will be affected by the works.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar would like to thank the public for their continued patience and cooperation during this period and are advised to take notice of all signage, speed limits and traffic management on the sites. The travelling public are encouraged to heed the temporary speed limits through the sites and have due consideration for vehicles travelling in the opposite direction.

Listen to your councillors in action

April 14, 2015

Meetings of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar committees can now be listened to live on the internet.

The audio streaming can be accessed at http://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/committees/live-audio.asp where there is also a timetable of meetings.

Meetings this week include:

Tuesday 14th April

9.00am – Environment and Protective Services

2pm – Transportation and Infrastructure

Wednesday 15th April

9.30am Education and Children’s Services

2.00pm Sustainable Development

Thursday 16 April

2.00pm – Health and Social Care

Next week there are meetings of the Audit and Scrutiny committee on Tuesday 21st April and Policy and Resources and the full Comhairle on Wednesday 22nd April.

A live Gaelic/English translation facility is available at the website.

Independent by-election candidate sets out views

March 16, 2015

Andrew Walker.

Independent candidate for the Benbecula and North Uist by-election, Andrew Walker, sets out some of his views ahead of the vote on 26th March 2015:

Community Empowerment

Andrew firmly believes that the role of the three community councils operating in Ward 2 – Benbecula, North Uist and Berneray – is critically important as our communities move forward to address new challenges in terms of Comhairle budget cuts – up to £12m over the next three years, £8.7m in 2015-16 alone. The newly formed Association of Community Councils helps promote dialogue and feed back from our most remote and fragile “on the edge” communities:

“Everyone’s voice must be heard … unintended consequences, as resulted last year from cuts in scheduled air flights from Benbecula to Stornoway to three days a week, can prove to be so disruptive to service users, especially patients, and alternative provision by use of air ambulance, prove much more costly.”

Andrew has been a community councillor since retiring from a 40-year career as a social worker in 2011, and is secretary of Benbecula Community Council. He also attends all meetings of the association.

Andrew believes that: “…listening to all constituents’ views is an important function for all councillors, more so as the Comhairle embarks on another round of cuts, with some very difficult choices to confront. If elected, I will endeavour to attend all meetings of the three community councils in this ward to promote understanding and awareness of any proposed cuts to services and their likely impact. I will look forward to engage and to participate fully and responsibly in this process.”

Local Politics

There are 7 councillors to represent Wards 1 and 2. The Comhairle is composed of a total of 31 councillors. The arithmetic is clear. A strong and united voice is required to properly represent the interests of the Uists, Benbecula and Barra (Southern Isles) areas. Only one of the present six councillors in Wards 1 and 2 is affiliated to a national political party. I know all six councillors well, and I communicate regularly with them as a community councillor.

Andrew is standing as an independent candidate as:

“I believe that local decisions should not be dictated to by any national party-political agenda. Issues should be decided upon on the basis of the unique and special needs of our island communities: the recent furore over policy on island ferries is a prime example of this danger. The SNP view is important, as they are in government, and hold the purse strings, but it should not dominate.”

Andrew is optimistic about what can be achieved by the ‘Our Islands, Our Future’ initiative. Common problems shared by all three island authorities.

Andrew is concerned that this local by-election may be high-jacked by national politics as we approach a general election on the 7^th May. He says: “This must not be allowed to happen.”

Andrew comments about the dangers of centralisation of power and decision-making:

“Local issues require local solutions, wherever possible. Issues raised recently are about road gritting, waste disposal and recycling, litter, road traffic signage and speeding, play areas maintenance and tidiness/safety, dog fouling, bus shelters, public transport, social and recreational events, rental of Comhairle property, and such like…”

Health and Social Care

Andrew was at the forefront of the successful campaign opposed to the privatisation of the GP practices’ dispensing pharmacy proposals for change in Benbecula and North Uist.

The latest campaign Andrew is leading is about the reduction in bed numbers at Ospadal Uibhist agus Bharraigh, by 44% without so much as any consultation proceeding with any of the local stakeholders. When Andrew asked the NHS Western Isles board about this they seemed content to reply that “the local MP and MSP were informed at the time (1^st Dec 2014) of this decision”. Not good enough.

The proposal to move three dental practices to the hospital should not proceed to consultation/implementation until the bed situation is resolved. Andrew took this campaign firstly to Benbecula Community Council and then to the Association of Community Councils, both bodies supporting Andrew and issuing press releases, along with UNISON. Questions are now being asked in the parliament at Holyrood and a response is awaited.

Andrew will continue to monitor and campaign on this issue in his role as community councillor. If elected to the Comhairle, all 31 councillors will be engaged at different levels in the newly constituted Integrated Health and Social Care structures, bringing together both NHS and Comhairle services, with a common ‘joined-up’ strategic direction of travel being decided upon. Andrew says:

“These are exciting times, and my background as a social work practitioner and manager equips me to participate in this significant change for our island communities. It is important that vital front-line services are protected, and that any change is not used as an excuse to create more middle and senior management posts. On the contrary, savings at these levels should be factored into any budgetary process.”

Andrew is a member and secretary of Tagsa Uibhist Doigheag Respite Care Home Board of Management and also Tagsa Uibhist Community Services Board (community transport, mental health outreach and horticultural project). Andrew wishes to champion the needs of the Third Sector providers who continue to play an increasingly important role in complementing statutory sector services, more so now as cuts in services begin to bite.

For example, Andrew asks:

“Why is it costing £15.55 for fortnightly delivery of frozen meals to the vulnerable housebound? When I started in social work I was impressed by the role played by the WRVS “Meals-on-Wheels” service. Surely such a model of voluntary service could be considered here? We have a population of about 6000 retired people, many still fit and active, and able to assist as volunteers.”

Andrew Walker – 16th March 2015