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One week left to complete Uist housing survey

August 3, 2016

housing

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.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, HHP, North Uist Development Company, Stòras Uibhist, Tighean Innse Gall

Stòras Uibhist move to base Scottish Land Commission on South Uist

July 20, 2016

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Stòras Uibhist is corresponding with the Scottish Government with a view to basing the soon to be established Scottish Land Commission on South Uist.

Through the Land Reform (Scotland) Act (2016) passed in March this year, among several land management measures, a new register of people in control of land in Scotland will be created.

It is expected the Scottish Land Commission – also to be established through the Land Reform (Scotland) Act (2016) – will lead to the creation of a significant number of positions of employment.

Stòras Uibhist is setting out to the Scottish Government that not only do the islands provide an ideal setting for such a high profile organisation, but that South Uist Estate lies at the heart of community land ownership in Scotland. It says it can offer flexibility around location that will not be matched elsewhere, and has the infrastructure to support nationally important organisations.

Angus MacMillan – Chair of Stòras Uibhist – said: “A unique opportunity exists to locate the Scottish Land Commission on South Uist and we urge the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform (Roseanna Cunningham MSP) to give full consideration to the mutual benefits that could be achieved by locating within the South Uist area.”

Stòras Uibhist says it is looking forward to hosting Roseanna Cunningham MSP on South Uist, so that she can see first-hand what the estate has to offer.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Land Reform, Scottish Government, Scottish Land Commission, Stòras Uibhist

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.

Filed Under: Crofting, News Tagged With: Benbecula, Chief Executive, Dr Fraser Quin, Eriskay, South Uist, Stòras Uibhist

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.”

Filed Under: Crofting, Fishing, News Tagged With: Benbecula, Eriskay, Sealladh na Beinne Mòire, South Uist, Stòras Uibhist

Sealladh na Beinne Mòire: Director Election Results

June 12, 2015

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The 2015 election process for two directors of Stòras Uibhist is now complete.

Three candidates stood for election – Kate MacDonald, Angus MacMillan and Neil Campbell.

A turnout of 50.8% of members voted in the postal ballot organised by Electoral Reform Services.

Angus MacMillan was elected with 271 votes and Kate MacDonald was re-elected with 256 votes.

Their term runs from 23rd June at the close of the 2015 AGM until they will be required to stand down as part of the rolling process which sees all the elected directors stand down over any three year period.

The full results of the election were:
Number of eligible voters:  781
Total number of votes cast:  397
Turnout:   50.8%Number of votes found to be invalid:   0

Total number of valid votes to be counted:   397

 

 

MacMillan, Angus A – 271 Elected

MacDonald, Kate – 256 Elected

Campbell, Neil – 176

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Benbecula, Eriskay, Sealladh na Beinne Mòire, South Uist, Stòras Uibhist

Stòras Uibhist comments on Transport Minister visit arrangements

April 22, 2015

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Stòras Uibhist has issued a statement commenting on arrangements for a meeting with Transport Minister, Derek MacKay, who visited Uist last week.

Cllr Ronnie MacKinnon last week labelled Mr MacKay’s visit a “party political stunt”.  Cllr MacKinnon was particularly critical of a meeting regarding ferry services to South Uist – held in the offices of Stòras Uibhist – and to which he was not invited.

Stòras Uibhist has commented:

“On Wednesday April 15th, representatives of the Lochboisdale Ferry User Group (Fr Donald McKay, Angus MacMillan and Calum MacAulay), Comhairle nan Eilean Siar officials and officers and Stòras Uibhist directors and staff firmly and robustly presented the case for improved ferry service provision for the community of South Uist to the Transport Minister, Derek McKay.

“Stòras Uibhist had asked the minister directly for the meeting, and Alasdair Allan’s office had also supported that meeting request.

“The Lochboisdale Ferry User Group was invited to the meeting by Stòras Uibhist, and the Ferry User Group determined which of their representatives attended.

“In advance of the meeting Stòras Uibhist was advised by Transport Scotland only that Derek MacKay, Alasdair Allan MSP and Graham Laidlaw of Transport Scotland would be attending, along with the PPS of Derek MacKay and the constituency office staff member for Alasdair Allan. No further attendees were identified to Stòras Uibhist in advance of the meeting by Transport Scotland.

“Stòras Uibhist will continue to work with all parties to secure improved ferry service provision from Lochboisdale and it is extremely disappointing that attention is being distracted away from the hard work of Stòras Uibhist staff members and volunteer directors, who have campaigned long and hard for improved ferry services from Lochboisdale and hopes that all parties will work together positively in future to deliver this aspiration for the community.”

Filed Under: News, Transport Tagged With: Derek MacKay, Ferry services, Scottish Government, Stòras Uibhist, Transport Minister, Transport Scotland

Stòras Uibhist explored community ownership of Loch Duart Smokehouse

April 14, 2015

Loch Duart Smokehouse in Loch Carnan, South Uist.

Loch Duart Smokehouse in Loch Carnan, South Uist.

Stòras Uibhist has confirmed it worked with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) last year to move Loch Duart Smokehouse in South Uist into community ownership.

Loch Duart, which owns the company formerly known as Salar Smokehouse, is understood to be looking at other options for ownership of the business.

In a statement issued this morning, the South Uist community landlord said:

“During 2014, Stòras Uibhist participated in efforts with HIE and Loch Duart to facilitate the transfer of the Loch Duart Smokehouse into local ownership, as a going concern.

“Unfortunately, it was not possible to achieve this at the time and Loch Duart has subsequently taken forward other options that Stòras Uibhist is not party to.”

More to follow…

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Loch Duart Smokehouse, Salmon, South Uist, Stòras Uibhist

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