island news and advertiser

‘‘Two Uist hauliers say they faceclosing their businesses if fueland ferry prices don’t comedown.

Norman MacAskill, of Drimore Farm,South Uist supplies hay, feed and fertiliserfrom the mainland to Uist crofters innothing short of a lifeline service.

He told Island News & Advertiser thathis £32,000 ferry bill last year will rise to£48,000 this year during the period ofRET transitional relief. The followingyear, if RET for hauliers is taken away asthreatened, the ferry bill will rise to£85,000, making it impossible for him tocontinue.

Mr MacAskill said his 26 year oldfamily business will fold, because he will

island newsEdition 01 March 2012

First evermusic festivalfor North UistSee Page 9

& ADVERTISER

ALSOINSIDE

THIS ISSUEUncertain future

for goose managementscheme

See Page 7

Lifeline local businesses set to close if things don’t improveretire and his son will go to the mainlandto seek a living rather than struggleagainst impossible odds- which includethe escalating price of fuel and insurance.

He described the transitional relief setout by transport minister Keith Brown lastmonth capping ferry tariff rises at 50% forhauliers as ‘a con to pacify us.’

He said: “At first he said there was noextra money, then within a week he finds£2.5 million. The fares are still going up50%, which means we’ll pay him back the£2.5 million anyway.”

John MacDonald of Uist Parcels says hefaces similar bills to Mr MacAskill, andthere are some days when he feels close topacking it all in sooner rather than later.

Mr MacDonald started his business inresponse to local demand 17 years ago.He started with one Transit van and nowhas an18 tonne lorry, three vans, a depot inInverness and seven members of staff.

He says the responsibility for his staffkeeps him going, but the economicchallenge is keeping him ‘scraping along’rather than able to invest in and grow thebusiness.

He said: ‘If we lose RET it will be theend of many haulage firms. It’s enough ofa struggle as it is. Whatever we gain fromRET we lose in high fuel prices.

“We also have to pay more than £1,000

per month now in insurance, somethingelse which has escalated.”

Mr MacDonald said his company hasheld its prices down to protect hiscustomers for years.

He said: “ We charge £50 for the averagepallet, but if we were to reflect the risingcosts it would be more than £80 per pallet.

MV Hebrides unloading in Tarbert.

“There will come a point when if we doare sums and find it’s going the wrongway we will have to close the business,and that would create a monopoly for theone remaining main carrier.”

Kenny MacLennan of MacLennanRemovals, Grosebay Harris says the pastsix months have been very quiet.

He said: “It’s simple maths, things aregoing to get more expensive. If the fuel pricegoes back down to pre-RET prices perhapswe could survive. We also run a bus andcoach company where we are at the mercy offuel prices, and we will have to pass the costson. The customer will end up paying- thegovernment is taxing everybody.”

Mr MacLennan said the new 6m rule tobring vans into RET risks taking businessfrom his removal company.

He said: “It’s more viable now forpeople to hire a van and get their ownstuff.”

John MacDonald said: ‘If we lose RET it willbe the end of many haulage firms. It’s enough of astruggle as it is. Whatever we gain from RET welose in high fuel prices.

THE REAL COST OFHIGH FUEL ANDFERRY PRICES

‘‘

HARRIS BERNERAY NORTH UIST BENBECULA SOUTH UIST ERISKAY

FREE

Continued on Page 3

Norman MacAskill faces impossible cost rises inhis haulage business.

John MacDonald is concerned for the future ofhis haulage business.

NEWGolden EagleObservatoryfor NorthHarrisSee Page 8

island news & ADVERTISER - Issue 12

WelcomeWelcome

In this age of instant and non-stop communication, there is often alack of truly local news, no more so than on these islands.

Newspapers are considered to be on the wane, so why bring out a printed paper to remedythe need for better communication in the Uist and Harris communities?

Not everyone uses Facebook or Twitter, not everyone is comfortable with theinternet, indeed not everyone here is able to have the internet in their home.

To start up an online-only news service seemed too exclusive to suit our particularcommunity, so Island News & Advertiser is going into print until – and if - that particularmedium has its day.

to the first issue of

the free monthly newspaperfor the Uists and Harris.

island newsEdition 01 March 2012

& ADVERTISER

FREE

� Wide exposure guaranteed

� Available on Western Isles ferries

� Edinburgh and Glasgow, Inverness, Benbecula and Stornoway airports

� 40 outlets from Eriskay to Stornoway and online

� Competitive rates, great value

As managing editor, I look forward to nurturing IN&A in linewith these aims - with your support and input, of course.

Susy MacaulayNorth Uist March 2012

� IN&A was born out of the conviction that the small, fragile communities of the Uists and Harris want their own voice, a platform to represent their particular interests.

� A free paper, funded by advertising and distributed in 40 outlets from Eriskay to Stornoway is a valuable means of communication amongst ourselves about things that really matter to us, big or small.

� IN&A will also be seen by the outside world.

� Every family and member of staff at Inverness and Glasgow Gaelic-medium schools will receive IN&A each month - that’s more than 700 copies going to readers with a real commitment to island culture and heritage. We hope the links between our young people and Gaelic - speaking youngsters on the mainland will go from strength to strength as a result.

� Copies will be sent to Holyrood and Westminster so that our elected representatives may get a clearer picture of the challenges our communities face - and of the resilience and achievements of a population often condemned as a drain on the public purse.

� IN&A is available aboard CalMac ‘s Western Isles ferries, and in Inverness, Stornoway and Benbecula airports. The thousands of people who visit us each year, and those who might do one day, will surely see the paper and our forthcoming summer holiday guide, and understand more about us as a result.

� IN&A is also available in other selected outlets on the mainland - see www.islandnewsandadvertiser.com for the full list - and through the IN&A website,our community has a global voice.

� As well as covering general news and community events, IN&A is here to highlight the challenges which threaten the very future of our islands, and to campaign with our readers.The door is open to your letters, views and stories - please use your new newspaper!

20

12

YOUR 24 PAGE GUIDE OF THINGS TO DO AND SEE FULL LISTINGS OF ACCOMMODATIONPLUSPLUS

Lorem ipsum. See Page 5

Inside this issue:

island news& ADVERTISER

SUMMER 2012

� HARRIS � BERNERAY � NORTH UIST � BENBECULA � SOUTH UIST � ERISKAY �

FREE

Holiday HIGHLAND GAMES

Lorem ipsum dolor sit.See Page 12

SHEEPDOG TRIALS

Lorem ipsumdolor sit amet,consectetur.See Page 14

Lorem ipsum dolor sit met.See Page 15

FEIS

WHERE TO STAY, WHAT TO EAT

Lorem ipsum. See Page 9

AGRICULTURAL SHOWS

Inside this issue:Music and Art

See Page 4

Beaches,Walking,Wildlife

See Page 7

SUMMER HOLIDAY GUIDE2012?

A comprehensive free guide forholidaymakers to the Uists and Harris,

covering June, July and August

[email protected] call Sharon on 01876 510758

C O N TA C T

Why not advertise your business in

IN&A’s

island news & ADVERTISER - Issue 1 3

Continued from Page 1

James Glen of Harris Garage Co said:“Peopleare not putting so much fuel in. They areplanning their journeys more, and not goingfor spins at the weekend.”

Harris councillor Catherine Macdonald runs a campsiteon her croft. She said: “ I get a lot of feedback from

tourists, and one English lady said to me, I don’t knowhow you manage to live on this island.

“I worry tourists are going to stop at Inverness this year.You have to think twice about going anywhere with fuelprices as they are. I would say my bookings are slightlydown on last year.”

At An Clachan community shop in Leverburgh, floor

manager Kenny Macleod said with prices going up everyweek, people were buying less luxury goods.

He said: “Prices are going up not just by one or twopence, but by 10p some weeks.

“People are definitely more careful about using their cars.They are thinking twice about doing their big shop inStornoway and staying more locally which is helpful for us.”

HIGH PRICE OF FUEL CHANGING HABITSThe high cost of fuel is also changing the public’s driving and shopping patterns.

A letter has been sent to them by localcouncillors Archie Campbell and UisdeanRobertson looking for their views.

In it the councillors state that they have beenapproached to explore the possibility of a communitybuy-out involving Bays of Harris (Berneray), NorthUist Estate, Balranald Estate and Newton Estate.

Soundings fora North UistCOMMUNITYBUY-OUTNorth Uist grazings clerks arebeing sounded out on thepossibility of a communitybuy-out of North Uist estates.

system and the new £2.5 million transitional scheme,criticising large commercial hauliers for not passing thebenefits of RET to their customers and looking forward to‘the review of ferry services that will put RET at the heartof an equitable system of fare setting.’

OHTG spokeswoman Gail Robertson said: “The OuterHebrides Transport Group is bitterly disappointed to learnthat Alasdair Allan is betraying his constituents and votingwith the SNP Government today. We would have hopedthat Mr Allan would have realised that his first priority wasthose he is elected to represent and that the trappings andbountiful remuneration that Ministerial office bring,would have been a secondary consideration. Despite thiscrushing blow we will continue campaigning for ourcommunities.”

The Outer Hebrides Transport Group (OHTG),campaigning to stop the removal of RET for islandhauliers, expressed bitter disappointment with IslesMSP Alasdair Allan (SNP) after he voted with the SNPagainst a motion tabled by Dumfriesshire MSPElaine Murray (Scot Lab) in a debate in Holyrood lastThursday. (February 23)

Ms Murray’s motion, supported by Highlands & IslandsMSP Rhoda Grant(Scot Lab)called for a moratorium onfare increases until ‘ a full and proper socioeconomic studyhas been carried out to assess the impact that increasedtransportation costs will have on households, localemployers and island hauliers.’

Transport minister Keith Brown (SNP) tabled anamendment detailing the current benefits of the RET

The ESTEEM Hebridean Science Festival returns to the Western Isles this month toinspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, technologists and mathematicians.The festival starts in Barra on March 8, moving to Lionacleit school on Friday 9 and includes a

talk by Harris-based John Maher of Maher Racing. The former Buzzcock now builds VW

engines and will be talking about the science of speed. There’s also a family day at Lionacleit

on Saturday March 10, before the festival moves to Stornoway for the rest of the week.

RET HOLYROOD DEBATE

The letter states: “This is avery important issue for thewhole community of NorthUist and could obviouslyinvolve a great deal of furtherresearch, including anassessment of the financialsustainability of any suchbuy-out, before if approvedtaking matters forward.”

The councillors add that theyhave formed no opinion andwill be guided by theresponse.The latest buy-out campaign

has been led by NormanJohnson of Lochmaddy, who

approached the Scottish Government and called ameeting of interested parties last month.

North Uist estate factor George MacDonald said: “Weare not aware of any crofting township actively seekingto purchase its common grazing land and certainly havenever received any formal approach on the subject.

“We also do not think it would be in our interest toencourage this proposal as it would have far reachingimplications for the future management of the estate.”

Eaval, North Uist.


Also available from Highlander Musicand Amazon.co.uk

FREE p&p for Island News& Advertiser ReadersSimply order your copies direct from thepublisher quoting Island News & Advertiser

Price £5 each from:[email protected]

OR PHONE

01764 655979

NEW TITLESin Gaelic

FROM THE

Beatrix Pottercollection

NOW AVAILABLE

Dear Editor

Eilidh Shaw32 Braeside Park, Balloch, Inverness IV2 7HN

Send your letters on any topic toletters@islandnewsand advertiser.comor Sandary Lodge, Cnoc An Torrain, Isle of North Uist, HS6 5ED.

This is a picture of mybrother Iain, AngusMacPhee, his sister Peggyand my brother Patrick.Catriona my daughter is thered head, with Rhodie andCatriona, Patrick’sdaughters. The picture wastaken at Balgarva in 1996.

Email [email protected] NEWS IS IMPORTANT

Check the IN&A website for more news and information; our distribution list; advertising information and to buy photos seen in the paper.www.islandnewsandadvertiser.com

TO ADVERTISE

Email [email protected] telephone number is 01876 510758

INB

RIEF

CEOLAS SYMPOSIUM ANNOUNCEDThis year’s Ceòlas conference will focus on east sidesettlements from Oitir Beag , the ford between SouthUist and Benbecula to Usinis, south of Loch Skipport.The event will include talks, walks, a ceilidh and aphotographic exhibition to run in Gerinish Hall for thesummer. Ceolas runs from July 1 to 6.

Recently there has beenincreased awareness of thelife and skills of my uncle,Angus MacPhee of Iochdar,South Uist, known as theWeaver of Grass.

URGENT APPEAL FOR NEW CARERS IN NORTH UISTTagsa Uibhist, Uists’s provider of support for carers, people withdementia and vulnerable people is appealing for new carers tocome forward in North Uist. The island has an ageing populationwith significant care needs, but Tagsa is struggling to find carers tomeet the demand.

The charity is seeking people with some care experience, but whoaren’t already employed through home care or Tagsa. Availability fortemporary relief at short notice would also greatly help Tagsa deliverthe appropriate care for North Uist residents.If you have what it takes, please give Tagsa a ring on 01870 602111.

MARINE RESCUE KNOW-HOWDon’t be stuck when you come across an animal stranded onthe beach.

British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) is holding a marine mammalrescue training course in Eriskay Community Hall on Saturday March 24,between 09.30 and 5pm.

The course uses life-size water-filled models of a seal pup, a commondolphin and a pilot whale to teach how to safely handle, assess andlift the smaller animals, and how to use re-flotation pontoons to re-float the two tonne pilot whale.

Sandy Macdonald of BDMLR said the training was in response to thehigh number of cetacean and seal stranding events in the islands.

Go to www.bdmlr.org.uk and click through to training to book aplace on the course.

The new Daliburgh school remains on

programme for Phase 1 to complete in

early August, and Phase 2 in December

this year.The first phase of the grass

pitch is complete, grass works are

underway, the external walls are mostly

complete, except for the gym block.The

internal fit out has commenced. Meanwhile the school’s Parent Teacher

Council is planning a farewell Ceilidh Dance on Monday April 9 and

looking for performers.

Contact [email protected] or call 01878 700276.

DALIBURGH SCHOOL LATEST

Beatrix in GaelicThree new titles in Beatrix Potter’s Tales of

Peter Rabbit collection have been released in

Gaelic by Grace Note Publications, complete

with IN&A Reader Offer, see right. Turn to

page 12 for a bilingual review of Grace

Note’s earlier Peter Rabbit tales in Gaelic.

Many people have written stories and songsabout his life, including Joyce Laing, DonnieMunro and the MacKenzie Sisters. The artistMike Inglis has integrated Angus ancientweavings into the outfits of his panelled creation“Cathedral” on the Crown Wall in Inverness.

Offering a metaphysical landscape whichtravels from a formal, ritualised and stylised deerclan “city” to an organic, natural perhaps evenshamanistic wolf clan “wilderness”. The mostrecent book about his life and skill is called “TheSilent Weaver” by Roger Hutchison.

In the autumn of last year Karrie Marshall ran aMental Health Exhibition in Partnership withNHS Highland at Eden Court Theatre, Inverness.It was late on a Saturday afternoon when Iwalked in on the last day of the exhibition andwas overhelmed by all the information Karriehad on Angus. Farmers, fellow patients and staffwho knew him from his stay in Craig DunainHospital from 1946 to 1996 had recorded manyinterviews with Karrie. They had worked withAngus and knew about his habit of walkingalong fields and verges pulling up armful ofgrass to create his objects.

Karrie played some of the interviews back to meand I was stunned with the happiness in theirvoices when they spoke of Angus, telling storiesabout his affinity with animals and his sense ofhumour. Several people who had worked inCraig Dunain had donated woven shoes andropes they had stored on their lofts for a longtime, a small sample of the objects Angus hadmade over the years.

I have to thank Karrie Marshall, working inpartnership with SMHAFF Highland, forgathering this information and gifting the itemsto the family. When she asked me where theexhibits should go after the exhibition closed, Icontacted Kildonan Museum in South Uist.Would they be interested in showing Angus’work? Yes, they would be very happy to acceptthe items for display. This exhibition opens onEaster Sunday 8th April, 2012. You can go alongand witness the wonder of Angus’ work foryourselves.

Almost half this figure has been taken up with theemergency response following the discovery of excessaluminium in the water last October, and the subsequentround-the-clock tankering of water into Bayhead fromLochmaddy and Benbecula.

The other half has been spent on measures to improvewhat the utility describes as ‘the robustness’ of the plant, tomake it better able to deal with periods of poor water quality.

A third Dynasand filter is being installed in theBayhead plant to help the plant cope with future extremesin raw water quality, and to minimize future tankeringrequirements.

Scottish Water says the new filter will not deal withcustomer complaints about taste. A spokesman said:

“The taste of water is an individual thing. Some peopleare more sensitive than others to the taste of chlorine. Weare legally obliged to chlorinate the supply to ensure it issafe for everyone to drink, including those at the far endof the water supply pipeline.”


TROUBLEDWATERS

The on-going problems with North Uist’swater supply have so far cost Scottish Watera staggering £1.4 million.

Counting the cost of theNorth Uist water crisis Bayhead Treatment Plant.

Bottled water and water treatment lorries in Bayhead, North Uist.

Bottled water left for residents at Bayhead shop.

NewTreatmentplant forLochmaddyMeanwhile, Scottish Water isconsidering future options forNorth Uist. Proposals for a newplant at Lochmaddy capable ofsupplying the Bayhead area areunder consideration.

Lochmaddy is in line for improvements inits water treatment process during ScottishWater’s 2010-2015 investment period.

A Scottish Water spokesman said: “Theproject for this site has already identified thesolution to install a new ‘membrane’treatment facility. This is currentlyproceeding through detailed design. Inaddition the longer term solution forBayhead is also being considered and anoption to extend the proposed newLochmaddy plant to supply the currentBayhead zone is being investigated.”

WATER QUALITY CHECKS

In the light of numerous complaints by residents about water taste and quality, IN&Aasked Scottish Water to set out their staffing and sampling procedures at Bayhead.

A Scottish Water spokesman said:“There are seven multifunctional operational staff on Uist/Benbeculawho look after all aspects of water and wastewater treatment and networks.

“The area is managed by a dedicated team leader. In addition to this there are sampling and maintenance staffon the island. The area has also recently been supported by a number of staff from the mainland and otherparts of the Western Isles including both operational and technical staff.

“Key parameters at our water treatment works are monitored through online telemetry which is fed back to theControl Centre in Glasgow. Operational staff undertake quality tests during each visit and regulatory samplesare sent away for analysis on a weekly basis. Additional samples have been sent away for laboratory analysisfrom Bayhead Water Treatment Works on a daily basis since October.”

TACKLING THE LOW PRESSURE PROBLEM IN LOCHMADDY

A Scottish Water spokesman said:“Following recognition of low pressure problemsin Lochmaddy during tankering activity, we have recently changed our operationalpractices to ensure that water is now primarily taken from Benbecula wheneverpossible (which doesn’t affect our customers there).

“Unfortunately we cannot guarantee that water will never be tankered out of the Lochmaddy zone in future,however this will only be done if it is not possible for us to take adequate quantities from Benbecula.”

North Uist consumes 0.58 megalitres of water per day – that’s 580 cubicmetres. One third of this goes in leakage. Scottish Water says there is on-going investment in the Western Isles network infrastructure to tackle this,including in North Uist. This includes the replacement of pipes andinstallation of additional valves and meters.


Scalpay residents areset to enjoy shoppingon their own island for

the first time in five years.

BUTH SCALPAIGH:

The demise of Scalpay shop in 2007 dealta severe blow to the community, obligingresidents to drive a 14 mile round trip toTarbert.

They also felt keenly the loss of a focalpoint and hub for their community.

With Scalpay school also set to close,residents wanted to restore a sense ofcommunity to their island, and two years agoformed Scalpay Community Developmentto resurrect the shop.

They purchased the building for £50,000,and formed a co-operative, with a minimumshareholding of £25.

The keys were handed over to the ButhScalpaigh committee exactly one year ago,and renovation work started.

Coinneach Morrison, development officerfor South Harris and Scalpay, HarrisDevelopment Ltd said: “Although there isstill a great deal of work to be done, there isa definite sense of achievement in working

towards providing this muchneeded facility for thecommunity of Scalpay.

“The project is beingdelivered by some extremelydedicated volunteers whohave worked tirelesslythroughout every stage ofthis exiting venture and aswork intensifies on theproject, the communityseem to be extremely up-beat regarding the prospectof having a community runshop and café on the island.

“The success of the recentcommunity share option schemedemonstrates the incredible level of supportwhich the community have shown towardsthe project and in addition to providing ashop, café and vital jobs for the island thisventure will be equally valuable to the

community in than it provides a focal pointand meeting place for the island’s 300residents.”He added: “The shop will stock a wide

variety of grocery items, and it’s thecommunity who will ultimately decide which

product lines are stocked as they are shop’score customers. We are looking to stock asmuch local produce as possible and are keento hear from local producers who may be ableto provide fresh fruit and veg for the shop inline with all necessary legislation.”

Their community-owned, not-for-profit ‘buth’ and cafe willopen next month, a milestone for its 259 members.

COUNTDOWN TO OPENING

Copyright Duncan MacSween

Caledonian MacBrayne and CalMac are trading names of CalMac Ferries Limited

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Registered in Scotland as a Limited Company No: SC218658 Recognised as a Scottish Charity No. SC 031919

CROFTERS AND SMALL LANDHOLDERS SKILLSFOR THE 21ST CENTURY

Practical Training CoursesUISTS

DRY STONE WALLINGFRI 16TH AND SAT 17TH MARCH, LIONACLEIT, 10.00AM - 4.00PM,

£50Aimed at beginners, but open to all, this 2-day course will

cover the fundamentals of repairing a dry stone wall.

Other courses in grassland management and animalhusbandry are also being arranged, contact SCF for date.

For more information please contact:

Su Cooper, Scottish Crofting Federation

Tel: 01463 796836 / 01599 530005

e-mail: [email protected]

www.crofting.org

Funded by:

CroftingCrofting

Mr MacAskill lost two tonnes of primeUist oat seed to greylag geeseovernight last October.

The corn had just been stooked in a four acrefield opposite a favourite nesting site for the geese.

When it was checked a few hours later atdawn, some 600 geese had defied electric fencesand a deterrent trailer to gorge on seed wortharound £1,500.

Mr MacAskill said: “It is impossible to replace that amount of clean Uist oat seed. Thecrop was completely decimated in the moonlight. The geese were like a herd of locusts.”

He added: “Machair Life say their goose control scheme was a great success last year, butit wasn’t round here.”

Martin Scott of Machair Life partner, RSPB, said Mr MacAskill’s situation was unfortunate.He said: “I understand the field was part cut, which unfortunately allows the geese in. We

encourage people to phone the Machair Life office if they have a situation like this.”Mr Scott added: “Complaints from crofters about geese dwindled to five this year, from

around 150 in past years. It’s something we’ll never manage to control 100 per cent.”

FUTURE GOOSE MANAGEMENT IN DOUBTMeanwhile, the future of the Machair Life goose management scheme beyond2013 continues to be the subject of intense lobbying by RSPB.

Mr Scott said: “We are lobbying to continue the scheme, but funding from governmentlooks unlikely as the national government is withdrawing from goose schemes.

“The Machair Life scheme has shown best techniques and best practice, but long term it’sa big problem, and a complicated one with the estates retaining shooting rights and notwanting the birds disturbed. It’s a difficult balance to strike.”

SHOOTING RESTRICTIONS ON GREYLAG GEESEThe Lewis and Harris Goose Management Group reminds crofters that up toAugust 31, it is illegal to shoot resident greylag geese unless a licence has beengranted by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).

Where greylags are likely to seriously damage crops (including grass), crofters can applyto SNH for an out-of-season licence to shoot them. When considering a licenceapplication, SNH must be satisfied that crofters have first tried other scaring techniques andfound them insufficient.

Where a licence is granted, crofters are required to keep a simple but accurate record ofwhen shooting took place, the number of resident greylag geese killed and the names andaddresses of the people authorised to shoot. This information must be returned to SHNwithin one-month of the licence expiring.

The application form and guidance can be obtained from SNH’s website:

www.snh.gov.uk or via a local SNH office.

Call to extend MachairLife goose control scheme

Trampled stooks caused by Greylag Geese.

A delegation from Lionacleit school and several Uist crofters will attendan international biodiversity forum in Strathpeffer from March 9 to 11.Let’s Liberate Diversity is organized by Scottish Crofting Federation,

Garden Organic and the UK Food Group, and will look at issues such as seed

legislation, GMO and the patenting of plants and animal genetic material. Farmers’ organisations from Europe and North Africa will join Irish, Uist

and Shetland crofters for plenary sessions, crofting entertainment, postersessions, workshops and a seed swap.

Crofters to attendBiodiversity Forumin Strathpeffer

North Uist AgriculturalSociety (NUAS) expressedsadness on learning ofthe sudden death ofPerthshire farmer DonaldPattullo.

Mr Pattullo, 56, died in afire in his home, MillhaughFarm, Logiealmond inJanuary.

NUAS chairman IainMacDonald said: “Donaldwas a well-kent face onthese islands, where heoften bought livestock.

“We invited him to judgethe North Uist agriculturalshow in 2009 because ofhis great knowledge ofisland cattle.

“We are all very sad tohear of his tragically earlydeath. He will certainly bemissed on the Uists.”

South Uist farmer Norman MacAskill has called on the Machair Life

programme to extend its goose control scheme to cover the land

he farms near the Loch Druidibeg National Nature Reserve.

SADNESSATTRAGICDEATH Donald Pattullo judging at North Uist’s 2009 show.

RSPB Images


WildlifeWildlife

The glen has a resident breeding pair of

golden eagles, and the observatory will

permit ornithologists and members of the

public to enjoy watching their activities

all year round without disturbing them.

Trust ranger Robin Reid designed the observatoryafter the success of his guided eagle-spotting walksin the glen.

He said: “It’s clad in Scottish larch, so it will turn silverywith age and blend into the landscape. The turf roofmeans it’s not too obvious from the air.“The glass panels at the front face north for the best

views of the glen and the eagles’ main activity areas.”The hide is 2km up a track on the B887 Husinish road.

It will be open 24 hours, all year round. Robin said: “We decided this was the best way to give

access for all. There are interpretation panels, but peoplewill need to bring their own binoculars.”

In addition to golden eagles, visitors will be able toobserve many other birds in the glen, including sea

eagles, merlin, goldenplover and red grouse.

Robin added: “TheWestern Isles has thehighest density ofgolden eagles anywherein Europe, and there are13 pairs in Harris.

“They are a greatasset, and anythingwhich enables people toexperience them is agreat thing.”

Construction of the observatory was led by CnES, andinvolved two apprentices from the Comhairle’s Outer

Hebrides-Managing Employment, Enterprise andTraining scheme.

Bakery extension and new shop… More space to browse our wide selection… Bread to suit all tastes…Famous oatcakes, including wheat-free…Mouthwatering shortbread and cakes…Pies and snacks, hot or cold…

Uachdar, Isle of Benbecula,Western Isles, HS7 5LY Tel: 01870 602659

OPENING SOON

MACLEANS BAKERY, BENBECULAB a k e r s o f d i s t i n c t i o n

A small but persistent hedgehog populationin one of North Uist’s most critical sites forwading birds is being targeted by Uist WaderResearch (UWR) this year.

The group is appealing to the public to reportsightings of hedgehogs, dead or alive, in the BalranaldRSPB reserve, and also in Bayhead and Paible.

UWR first started removing hedgehogs from NorthUist in 2003, from Carinish, Claddach Carinish,Knockquien and Locheport.

Six years later, the search tailed off, as there were nomore to be found.

However last year, hedgehog sightings and trappingsincreased on the west side, prompting UWR to focustheir live traps and sniffer dogs in the area this spring.

The group asks that any sightings be reported [email protected], or telephone 01870 620238.

BALRANALD HEDGEHOG WATCH

Hedgehog problems on North Uist.

As part of a national review of National NatureReserves (NNRs) Loch Druidibeg, South Uist isdue to lose its NNR status this month.The site remains important for wildlife and willcontinue to be protected by its status as a Site of

Special Scientific Interest, Special Protection Area,and Special Area of Conservation. Scottish NaturalHeritage (SNH) currently owns part of this site,including the loch, a small area of moorland next toit and the plantation at Loch Skipport. SNH is keen

to explore options for future management of thisasset with the local community. Interested partiesshould contact Johanne Ferguson at the SNHOffice at Stilligarry.

Telephone 01870 620 238or [email protected]

FUTURE MANAGEMENT OF LOCH DRUIDIBEG

Loch Druidibeg.

The North Harris Trust’s new eagle observatory in Glen Meavaig.

The North Harris Trust’s new eagleobservatory in Glen Meavaig, North Harrisis to open later this month.

Copyright Laurie Campbell

9

PeoplePeople

www.theislandsbooktrust.comFurther enquiries: 01851 820946

Monday 26th March –Hugh Dan MacLennanShinty in the WesternIsles. Claddach Kirkibost,North Uist.

Friday 13th April –Alasdair MacEachen‘Wiay’ St Mary’s Hall,Griminish, Benbecula.

Saturday 14th April – Petersport, Benbecula to Wiay byboat.

Saturday 5th May – Bill Lawson/Mark Elliott – RodelChurch and Alexander Crotach’s Tomb - Rodel, Harris.

Thursday 10th May – Boat Trip from Kallin, North Uist,to Canna.

Saturday 12th May – Walk with Seonachan Macleod tothe former settlement of Leitir Fura and home of ClanMacinnes, Sleat, Skye.

Saturday 19th May – Boat trip from Elgol, Skye to Soay.

Saturday 26th May – Boat Trip from Husinish, Harris,to Scarp.


Organiser Niall Johnson of Uist Outdoor Centre saidthe festival will not only feature visiting mainlandmusicians,but provide a showcase for Uist’s local talent.

He said: “There will be a range of music fromcontemporary to traditional and I hope the Uists’ currentcrop of talented young musicians will feature strongly.

“I’m inviting intimations of interest from any local

musicians wishing to take part.”The festival will centre around Lochamaddy Hall,

Lochmaddy Hotel and Taigh Dearag, and potentially threeother venues as required.

The football field will turn into tent city, and bunkhouseaccommodation will be available in Uist Outdoor Centre.

Niall added: “The festival is to be a celebration of our

music, culture and natural and social history. It willinclude poetry and a ‘còmhdhail na seanchaidh’ orcouncil of storytellers. There will also be opportunitiesfor people to go on boat trips to the Monach Islands, StKilda and the Sound of Harris.”Niall can be contacted on 07890 547239 oremail: [email protected]

Eriskay’s CeitMacDonald is 90Relatives and friends from allover the islands and the widerworld gathered around CeitMacDonald of Eriskay tocelebrate her 90th birthday lastmonth.

The milestone puts Ceit wayahead of Father Calum, a springchicken of 85, as Eriskay’s mostsenior resident. Ceit was born inGerinish on the memorable date of2.2.22. Early on, the family movedto Brevig, Barra where Ceit grewup. She married DonaldMacDonald in 1949, and the twosettled in Eriskay where Donaldwas schoolmaster. Ceit was theschool cook for a number of years.

She was widowed in 1989, butremained active in the communityas a keen knitter and faithfulchurchgoer and flower arranger.

Her family has grown from twosons and two daughters to 12grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Ceit began hercelebrations with a mass followedby a ceilidh in Am Politician.

Oral historyproject for HarrisThe unique history and stories of Harris are about tobe captured for posterity in a new oral historyproject.Co-ordinated by the Landscape Partnership scheme ofHarris Development Ltd and Comunn Eachdraidh NaHearadh (Harris Historical Society) the project will resultin a Heritage Trail guide book with weatherproof fold-upmap, two books, an online exhibition and a CD of Harrisand Scalpay songs.

Recording equipment has been given to volunteers, whowill be recording the stories and history of the people andvillages featured in the guide.

The book, working title Seanachas Na Hearadh &Scalpaigh/Harris and Scalpay Stories, will tell the storiesof the remarkable people who live on the islands, fromskilled weavers to fishermen and boat builders.

The online exhibitions will draw on the book andcomplement it.

The bards of Harris and Scalpay will also have their ownbook of poetry and songs, some of which will make theirway onto a CD accompanied by a music tuition book.

The team behind the project are looking for suggestionsfor people to interview, and for volunteers to interview ortake photographs.

TelephoneJenn Jones orJoan Cummingon01859 540462.

The new history project for Harris.

FIRST EVERMUSIC FESTIVAL FOR NORTH UIST

Ceit MacDonald celebrating her 90th Birthday.

North Uist is to have its first ever music festival in June.The three-day event, Fèis Oir Na Cruinne(Festival at the Edge of the World) will take place in Lochmaddy, on June 8-10.

Niall Johnson

If you enjoy listening to traditional Scottish music or even better, play an instrument, then whynot come and join us! You do not need to be a Club member to attend.

MUSICIANS….whatever age, whatever standard, whatever instrument even, there will be awelcome for you at the Club. PARENTS….bring your children along and encourage theirburgeoning musical talents! NON-MUSICIANS….come along and listen to the music; younever know, maybe you might be encouraged to pick up a long-forgotten instrument or startlearning to play a new one!

The Club was formed in 1994 for musicians of any ability and age to meet regularly andprovides an opportunity to play along with other musicians who either play by ear or use music.If you feel able to, and would like to showcase your latest tunes, then you can also performindividually to the small but supportive audience but…you do not have to! You may prefer toask for some accompanying support from one of the seasoned musicians to give you courage!

The regular Ceilidh Nights are held in the Griminish Church of Scotland Hall, Benbecula onalternate Saturdays from September to May starting at 8 pm. with a break for tea/coffee/juiceand biscuits at 9 pm (minimum donation £2, children free). The evening usually ends about10.30 pm., however, if you have young children, feel free just to come for the first half.

If you want to join the Club, annual membership is £10/£15 per person/couple (children ofmembers free). You will be sent club mail-shots, and be eligible for some other benefits.

A variety of Club Specials are organised throughout the year. We have guest musician nights,a great Christmas night out at the Stepping Stone Restaurant, ceilidhs in other venuesthroughout the Uists and, of course, our legendary trips which have included Skye, Harris,Barra, even Ireland. The Club musicians are also asked toplay at charity or community events and at the local hospitaland residential homes.

Our events are advertised by posters throughout the Uists, onlocal radio, in local newspapers and on our website www.ceol-uibhist.co.uk. For further information, contact Chris(602682) or Angus (602432).

COME and JOIN US!

Copyright Bill Lawson, www.BillLawson.com, An Taobh Tuath, Na Hearadh.


Archaeology

At the heart of the Community

Open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm

Telephone: 01876 510257Bayhead, North Uist

� Wide selection � Friendly service

� Local meat, fish, eggs and seasonal veg

� Fresh baking � Daily papers

� Fuel

A team from SCAPE, led by Tom Dawson ofSt Andrews University and assisted by localvolunteers excavated two areas of theBaleshare shoreline to record the presenceof Iron Age wheelhouses before they weretorn away by the sea.

The dig yielded 227 soil samples taken from keypoints in the excavation, which now need to be processedand sent to specialists.

The soil samples contain fragments of shell, bone,antler, pottery and charcoal of interest to archaeologists.They also contain tiny carbonised seeds and fish bones,hard to see and even harder to separate out.

The answer is a flotation tank improvisedfrom an old oil drum. The soil samples areplaced in a 3 mm sieve within the tank. Wateris then pumped into the tank from below thesample, mixing it and agitating the soil.

Heavier items sink to the bottom and arecollected in the sieve, but the tiny organicitems float to the top and run out into a fine-meshed net.’

The resulting clean samples are baggedand carefully numbered to indicate wherethey were found during the excavations.

It’s not difficult work, but it’s time consuming,and for funding reasons Becky needs to have itall done by the end of this month.

Uist archaeologist Dr BeckyRennell is looking for volunteersto help her in a Herculean task.

ARCHAEOLOGISTS

will be visiting the Uists this summerin a project entitled ‘Stepping Stones’.

They want to find out when Neolithicpeoples arrived on islands in the western

seaways of Britain. They will excavate sites inSouth Uist, Guernsey and the Scilly Isleslooking for artfects which will show the

earliest Neolithic evidence on the islands.More on this in the next issue of

Island News &Advertiser.

She is processing the soil samples from the Baleshare beachexcavations carried out by Scottish Coastal Archaeology and theProblem of Erosion (SCAPE) between 2007 and 2010.

READ

ER O

FFER

Free P&P when ordering direct from the publisher

FROM MACHAIR TO MOUNTAINS:

Available direct from the publishers Oxbow, price £35.Buy online at www.oxbowbooks.com quoting Island News Offer in the commentssection to claim free delivery.Order by email to [email protected] or phone 01865 241249(Mon-Fri 09.00 – 17.30) quoting Island News Offer in each instance to claim free P&P.

Archaeological Survey and Excavation in South Uistedited by Mike Parker Pearson

An account of the surveys and excavations in SouthUist including the Bronze Age houses at Cladh Hallan,the Iron Age broch Dun Vulan, the Viking settlementsin Bornais and Cille Pheadair and the post-medievalblackhouses at Airigh Mhuillin.

Becky Rennell working at the flotation tank.

Access Archaeology members Felicity Bramwell, left, and Marie Stewart help Becky Rennellat the flotation tank.

from the universities ofSouthampton and Liverpool

Archaeology

Members of Uist’s Access Archaeology group havebeen taking turns at the flotation tank on Saturdayafternoons at Taigh Chearsabhagh, Lochmaddy, but morevolunteers are needed.

Becky will be at Taigh Chearsabhagh from noononwards on Saturdays from the rest of the month.

Becky said: “Anyone can come along , andkids are welcome. Even just lending a handfor 20 minutes would be a great help. It’squite a thrill seeing 2,000 year old charredseeds float to the surface.”


ReviewsReviews

A Life of Song:

A well-researched piece by Per G. L. Ahlanderintroduces the book, which, like the 1929edition, is in three parts, with the openingscene among Marjory’s ‘Gaelic-speakingforebears’ from Perthshire.

Part I (16 chapters) describes life with the Kennedy family,

particularly Marjory’s father, David, who lived through waves of

mass emigration from the Highlands and understood the nostalgia of

exiles thus ‘believed in his vocation to carry the songs of Scotland

round the world to all Scots scattered abroad.’ Marjory was the fifth

of eleven musical children who shared the stage with him,

accompanying him on piano and singing to packed concert halls the

world over. Anyone familiar with drawing room photos of a much

older (rather fey-looking) Marjory may delight in discovering a

young, spirited girl, capable horsewoman and intrepid traveller who

weathered perilous seas, torrential rains, searing heat, dangerous

encounters that almost included the notorious Kelly Gang. Touring

Australia with a four-horse coach and buggy (piano on board) and a

team of saddle horses, they enjoyed occasional comfort in city hotels

but equally knew how to camp and make do with tinned rations.

Whether in cities with magnificent Victorian concert halls or outpost

barns filled with makeshift seating and hayloft for the gallery,

thousands of exiled Scots flocked to listen to their concerts led by

‘the most perfect and dramatic exponent of Scots song that Scotland

has produced.’

Tours of North America and the British Isles were followed by years

in Italy and France, studying under the most prestigious voice

coaches of the day. Tragically, three the siblings studying in Nice

died in 1881 when a theatre in Nice caught fire. It was in France the

following year that Marjory felt a turning point in her life after

listening to Breton songs: they should include Gaelic songs in their

repertoire, which they did, coached by the bardess Mary MacKellor.

David Kennedy’s death in 1886 concludes the first part, then Part II (in

3 chapters) tells of her marriage to Alex Fraser, the birth of their two

children and widowhood at the age of 33. With small children to

support she became a singing teacher in Edinburgh (as well as music

critic, social activist with suffragette leanings and strong views on

nationalism). Marjory continued to research European music (placing

Gaelic song within that context) and was much in demand for lectures

and recitals, when possible involving the rest of the family.

Part III (in 11 chapters) deals with her visits to the Outer Hebrides

(as well as Skye and Eigg), her tireless song collection (helped by her

daughter, who, like all teenagers, was quick to master the new

technology) and her collaboration with the Rev. Kenneth Macleod.

From the age of 48, when she was first ‘enchanted’ by Eriskay,

Marjory devoted herself to recording, transcribing and arranging

Gaelic songs so that they might be heard and appreciated at every

level of society all over the world. Per Ahlander explains, that, ‘as a

champion of social equality, she saw a way of rehabilitating the

reputation of the Gael, who, at the time—if noticed at all—were

The Autobiography of Marjory Kennedy Fraser, with an introduction by Per G.L. Ahlander.

SETON GORDON: Hebridean Memories

Come the climacteric of 1914 he might so easily have enlisted in the

Gordons and then gone over the top into oblivion with so many of the

Highlanders at High Wood on 23 July 1916. Had that happened, then our

literature devoted to the Highlands and Islands would have been the

poorer by more than twenty volumes. As it was, Gordon found himself in

what his soldierly countrymen would have termed a cushy number. He

took a commission in the RNVR and spent most of the war looking for

U-boats off the western Scottish seaboard. While the Gordons were

fighting in High Wood, this Gordon was at Loch Ewe exploring the

woods planted by Osgood Mackenzie of Inverewe. There he noted a

mimosa tree in full bloom at the Christmas of 1916.

During the decades following World War I publishers found a buoyant

market for books relating to Scotland’s Highlands and Islands. Perhaps it

was escapism on the part of a reading generation which had lived with

the casualty lists from the Somme and which now found itself having to

endure the fall-out of the Wall Street crash. Perhaps it was simply a

desire to find momentary literary escape from the sprawl of suburban-

semis rendered possible by the existence of fleets of double-decked

monsters out of Guy Motors and British Leyland.

Gordon was one of the authors who, at his adopted home in Skye,

employed his fluent pen in satisfaction of the unceasing demand for

Highland and Island books. The very titles that he chose are themselves

evocative : Islands of the West; The Charm of Skye; The Immortal Isles ;

Days with the Golden Eagle. That last title is doubly revealing. Gordon’s

first book, published as early as 1907, was devoted to birds and his

interest in the avians never wavered. He was a major figure in ornithology.

The book now reviewed was originally published in 1923, and its re-

appearance is to be warmly welcomed. It consists of 28 disparate

chapters relating to the Highlands and Islands, with seven of the chapters

being dedicated to birds. The remaining chapters are arranged in

calendar fashion according to the season to which they relate. Many of

the chapters originally featured in newspapers and journals, and they are

written in an engaging style (Gordon was Oxford educated) which

encourages a reading – and a re-reading – of the chapters in whatever

sequence may suit the mood of the moment. There can be no question

about it : this is a perfect bedside book.

The book is nonetheless a period piece – a charming period piece. It was

originally launched in a world vastly different from our own. It was a

world where European powers still held empires and where the word

‘fascist’ was a novelty. Locally it was a world where St Kilda still

possessed a human population, and where a would-be traveller to

Benbecula must needs consult a tide-table. Anyone of my years finds it

hard to credit but we today are almost as far removed from Gordon’s

world as Gordon was removed from the Hebridean world described by

John Macculloch in the four volumes of his letters to Sir Walter Scott

published in 1824. So, to read Gordon is to enter the past, and this is just

as true of his ornithology as it is of his human encounters.

Gordon and his wife Audrey were both noted photographers. Sadly this

volume is without examples of their work although there is a frontispiece

of Gordon himself. In conclusion, my congratulations to Melvin Creative

for the design. I like the cover. About it there is something so very

Hebridean even though there is not a single bird to be seen.

Neil Wilson Publishing, Glasgow, 2011, pp.xii+132. £9.99.ISBN 978-1-906476-21-2

GORDON HERRIES DAVIES

Professor Gordon Herries Davies was born in England and he first

visited the Long Island in 1952. He now resides in North Uist, but

most of his life was spent in Ireland. He has been a Fellow and

Fellow Emeritus of Trinity College, the University of Dublin, since

1967 and a Member of the Royal Irish Academy since 1979. His

published works have mostly been devoted to geomorphology

and to the history of Irish science. He was the first General Editor of

the Dictionary of Irish Biography, and his most recent book (2007)

was the bicentennial history of the Geological Society of London.

For more than a century, name of Marjory Kennedy Fraser has been well known to music lovers throughout the world. Despiteinternational acclaim and unconditional affection, however, her native Scotland has no shortage of uninformed critics willing to leap onthe bandwagon. Most reviews end with a recommendation for the book—or not, as the case may be. While it is difficult not to beinfluenced by personal taste in music, nevertheless anyone tempted to criticise her work (as opposed to her song arrangements) shouldread this book, writes Margaret Bennett.

Seton Gordon was born in Aberdeen in 1886,the son of the city’s Town Clerk,writes Gordon Herries Davies.

usually thought of as backward, uneducated and devoid of any

cultural heritage worth preserving’ [as she lived in] ‘a time when the

cultural inheritance of the Gael was slighted, abused and set at

naught every minute of eh nay and in every place from Highland

schoolrooms up through churches and courts to Parliament itself.’

While Marjory herself enjoyed singing the original Gaelic, to fulfil

this aim she needed concert versions that worked in English yet

conveyed the exquisite beauty of the originals. In this she succeeded,

giving recitals, touring, lecturing and publishing volumes that have

been cherished all over the world—except perhaps here.

Marjory Kennedy Fraser’s work calls to be understood in the context

of her ‘life of song’ and the era in which she lived. Her style of

writing is quaintly entertaining and easy to read though the new

edition cries out for an index instead of 5 blank pages at the end.

Published by the Islands Book Trust, South Lochs, Isle of Lewis, 2011.

(35 pp. + 149 pp.) Price £14.99

Note/postscript:

Any reader curious enough to want to hear the actual sound of

Marjory Kennedy Fraser’s wax cylinder recordings may listen to

examples on tracks 1 and 10 of Martyn Bennett’s CD,‘Glen Lyon:

A Song Cycle’, (1999)

Margaret Bennett is a renowned Scottish writer, folklorist,

ethnologist, broadcaster and singer.

Tha Comhairle nan Leabhraichean a’ sireadh thagraidhean bhosgrìobhadairean Gàidhlig airson farpais Duais Dhòmhnaill Meek

Chaidh Duais Dhòmhnaill Meek a’ stèidheachadh ann an 2010 le taic-airgidbho Bhòrd na Gàidhlig agus bho Alba Chruthachail le sùil gum misnich isgun cuidich i sgrìobhadairean Gàidhlig.Tha luach £5,000 ga thairgse airsonsgrìobhadh Gàidhlig de dhiofar gnè.

Thuirt Rosemary Ward, Ceannard, Chomhairle nan Leabhraichean:“ ‘S e farpais bhliadhnail airson sgrìobhadh ùr Gàidhlig a bhrosnachadh a

th’ ann an Duais Dhòmhnaill Meek agus tha sinn a’ sireadh thagraidheanbho measgachadh de sgrìobhadairean ùra agus stèidhichte.

Tha sinn a’ lorg sgrìobhadh cruthachail sa Ghàidhlig – bàrdachd,sgeulachdan, nobhail no drama - a bhios aig meudachd leabhar no faisgair, nach deach fhoillseachadh fhathast. Gabhaidh sinn cuideachd ri obairrannsachaidh air cuspair a bhuineas dhan Ghàidhlig fhads nach deachfhoillseachadh ro ceann-latha an fharpais.”

Gheibhear tuilleadh fiosrachaidh mu Duais Dhòmhnaill Meek bhoRosemary Ward, Ceannard, Chomhairle nan Leabhraicheans no air anlàrach-lìn www.gaelicbooks.org. Feumaidh tagraidhean a bhith a-staighro dheireadh an latha air Dihaoine 27 Giblean 2012.

The Donald Meek Award 2012The Gaelic Books Council is inviting submissions from Gaelicwriters for the Donald Meek Award 2012.

The Donald Meek Award was established in 2010 with financial assistancefrom Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Creative Scotland and aims to encourage andsupport Gaelic writers in their craft with a prize of £5,000 for new writing ofany genre.

Rosemary Ward, Director of the Gaelic Books Council said:“ The Donald Meek Award is an annual competition which seeks to

encourage new and creative Gaelic writing and we are seeking new worksin a variety of genre from emerging and established Gaelic writers.We areinterested in receiving new Gaelic creative works – poetry, short stories,novels or drama – which are as yet unpublished but are nearing completionand could be progressed to publication.We will also accept academic worksand research studies which though not necessarily written in Gaelic have aGaelic subject matter, as long as they have not been published before theclosing date.”

You can receivefurtherinformation on theDonald MeekAward fromRosemary Ward,Director, TheGaelic BooksCouncil ,

Tel 0141 3376211or on the websitewww.gaelicbooks.org.

Applications mustbe submitted nolater than Friday 27April 2012.


Tha Grace Note Publications air trìleabhraichean eile anns an t-sreathainmeil “Peter Rabbit” le BeatrixPotter a thionndadh gu Gàidhlig,agus a chur an clò. Tha na trì seo(eadar-theangachaidhean de TheTales of Squirrel Nutkin, Mr. JeremyFisher agus Jemima Puddle-Duck) a’cur ris na dhà a nochd an-uiridh –Peter Rabbit is Benjamin Bunny(faicibh Cothrom 58).

Ged a tha na dealbhan agus cruth nanleabhraichean a’ toirt a’ chreidsinn air anleughadair gum bi an teacsa air leth sìmplidh,chan ann buileach mar sin a tha e. ThaGàidhlig mhath anns na trì, agusionnsaichidh an leughadair faclan ùra co-cheangailte ri nàdar. Mar sin, gheibh inbhicha tha ag ionnsachadh na Gàidhlig gu leòr àsna leabhraichean beaga brèagha seo. Agusgheibhear lorg air an eadar-lìon air an teacsaBheurla airson coimeas a dhèanamh leis a’Ghàidhlig.

Chan eil a h-uile càil rèidh ann an saoghalnàdair Beatrix Potter (agus cò chanadh gunrobh i ceàrr), ged a bhios i a’ cur smuainteandhen t-seòrsa a bhuineas do mhac an duineann an claiginn ainmhidhean (agus cò narmeasg a tha làn chinnteach gun robh i ceàrr athaobh sin?!) Chithear sin ann an SgeulachdChnothain Feòrag (Squirrel Nutkin) a bha aireadar-theangachadh gu sgileil le NiallBrownlie. Aig an deireadh tha Cnothan a’ callleth de earball agus ’s dòcha gum bi cuid deleughadairean dhen bheachd gun robh eairidh air sin ’s gu bheil e fortanach nach dochaill e barrachd!

Ann an dòigh tha tuilleadh brìghealachdanns na h-eadar-theangachaidhean, co-dhiù do dh’Albannaich, leis na h-ainmeanGàidhlig a chaidh a thaghadh airson nancaractaran. Tha rudeigin mu dheidhinnainmean mar “Nutkin”, “Twinkleberry”agus “Jemima”nach seas gu cofhurtail annan cultar na h-Alba; ach tha “Cnothan”,“Drithleann-Dearc” agus “Simeag” a’ toirtbarrachd foghainteachd do na h-ainmhidhean sin agus ’s dòcha gun dèan

Potter (Beatrix seach Harry) ann an Gàidhlig

Reprinted by kind courtesyof Cothrom, the bilingual Gaelic-English quarterly for learners and supporters ofScots Gaelic, published by Clì Gàidhlig.

iad ceangalinntinn naslàidire le clannAlbannach,gu h-àraidhbalaich.

Grace Note Publications have translatedanother three books in the famous “PeterRabbit” series by Beatrix Potter into Gaelic,and published them. These three (translationsof The Tales of Squirrel Nutkin, Mr. JeremyFisher and Jemima Puddle-Duck) augmentthe two that appeared last year – Peter Rabbitand Benjamin Bunny (see Cothrom 58).

Although the illustrations and the form ofthe books might make the reader believe thatthe text is very simple, it’s not quite like that.There is good Gaelic in all three, and thereader will learn new words concerned withnature. Thus, adults who are learning Gaelicwill derive plenty from these attractive littlebooks. And the English text can be found onthe internet in order to compare with theGaelic.

Not everything is hunky-dory in BeatrixPotter’s natural world (and who would saythat she was wrong), although she placeshuman thoughts in the heads of animals (andwho among us is absolutely certain that shewas wrong about that?!) That can be seen inSgeulachd Chnothain Feòrag (SquirrelNutkin) which was translated skilfully byNiall Brownlie. At the conclusion Nutkinloses half of his tail and perhaps somereaders will reckon he deserved no less andthat he’s lucky he didn’t lose more!

In a way, there’s more vigour in thetranslations, at least for Scots, with theGaelic names that were chosen for thecharacters. There’s something aboutnames like “Nutkin”, “Twinkleberry” and“Jemima” that doesn’t sit comfortably inScottish culture; but “Cnothan”,“Drithleann-Dearc” and “Simeag” givemore robustness to those animals andperhaps they’ll make a stronger link toScottish children, particularly boys.

Roddy Maclean

Sgeulachd Simeig Tunnag-lòin &Sgeulachd Mhgr Ieremiah Iasgair leBeatrix Potter, eadar-th. le SeumasRuairidh MacDhòmhnaill; SgeulachdChnothain Feòrag leBeatrix Potter, eadar-th. le Niall Brownlie.Gach leabhar 58 dd,cruaidh, Grace NotePublications 2009,£5.99.

Dàn-stòiridhean AinmhidheanDuais Dhomhnaill Meek 2012

www.gaelicbooks.org

Farpais airsonSgriobhadh Ur

DuaisDhomhnaill Meek

Airson tuilleadh fiosrachaidh, faic

2012

Gaidhlig/GaelicGàidhlig/Gaelic


www.gaelicbooks.org

Tha Comhairle nan Leabhraichean a’ ruith iomairt ùr, ‘Leugh Leabhar,’ airsonclubaichean leabhraichean a stèidheachadh air feadh Alba. Tha sinn airsoncothrom a thoirt do leughadairean Gàidhlig – fileantaich agus luchd-ionnsachaidh- bruidhinn mu dheidhinn leabhraichean anns an sgìre aca fhèin.

Tha Comhairle nan Leabhraichean air pasgan-taic ullachadh airson clubaichean ùra,anns a bheil nòtaichean air mar a thèid club a ruith, liosta de leabhraichean Gàidhlig abhiodh freagarrach airson deasbad, eisimpleirean de cheistean a chleachdas iad ann ancoinneamhan, liosta de dh’abairtean is faclan feumail agus postairean. Bheir sinn taic dochlubaichean a thaobh sanasachd agus cuiridh sinn fiosrachadh mun deidhinn anns a’chuairt-litir agus air an làrach-lìn againn cuideachd.

Gheibh clubaichean ùra trì lethbhric den a’ chiad leabhar a thaghas iad saor `s an-asgaidh agus eisimpleirean de cheistean mu dheidhinn an leabhair airson a’ chòmhradha chumail a’ dol.

Às dèidh a’ chiad choinneamh aca, gheibh clubaichean lasachadh-prìse 10% bhoChomhairle nan Leabhraichean air na tiotalan a bhios iad a’ deasbad gach mìos.

Nam biodh ùidh aig duine no buidheann sam bith ann an club a thòiseachadh agus aruith anns an sgìre aca, bu chòir dhaibh fios a chur gu [email protected], nofòn a chur thugainn air 0141 337 6211.

The Gaelic Books Council is running a new campaign, ‘Leugh Leabhar’ (Read aBook), to establish book clubs throughout Scotland. We aim to give Gaelic readers – bothfluent and learners – the opportunity to discuss Gaelic books in their local area.

The Gaelic Books Council has prepared a support pack for new clubs, which containsnotes on running a book club, a list of Gaelic books which would be suitable fordiscussion, sample questions to use at meetings, a list of useful words and phrases andposters. We will also provide clubs with marketing support and will advertise them in ournewsletter and on our website.

New clubs will receive three free copies of the first book they choose to discuss, as wellas sample questions about the book to keep the discussion going.After their first meeting, clubs will receive a discount on the titles they choose eachmonth from the Gaelic Books Council.

If any individual or group would be interested in establishing and running a bookclub in their local area, they should get in touch either via email [email protected], or by phone on 0141 337 6211.

LEUGH LEABHAR


Dòmhnall MacNèill, ceannard Comunn naGàidhlig, a’ ceasnachadh am fiosrachadhis eòlas ionadail a th’air cùl an t-uamhasde phoileasaidhean tha a’ toirt buaidh aircoimhearsnachdan iomallach.

Donald MacNeill, chief executive of Comunn naGàidhlig questions the awareness and local knowledge underpinningthe plethora of policies affecting remote communities.

Dòmhnall MacNèill, ceannard Comunn na Gàidhlig.Donald MacNeill, chief executive of Comunn na Gàidhlig.

Ma tha thu ag iarraigh càil adhèanamh, neo chasg, b’fheàrrfios a bhith agad am bheil e a’freagairt air am poileasaidh ceart.

Ma dh’iarras tu beachd bho neach-obrach poblach – ‘s gum bheil a’ chùisduilich air dhòigh sam bith – faodaidh tubhith cinnteach gun tog iad cleòca thromnam poileasaidhean airson an dion fhèin.Uaireanan ged tha, faodaidh an cleòc sin abhith gu math tana – mar aodach ùr anImpire.

‘Se cnag na cùise, freagarrachd napoileasaidh airson an adhbhar air an deach ea sgrìobhadh. Ma tha am poileasaidh a’freagairt air am feum, is an suidheachadhanns am bheilear ga chuir an sàs – math dharìreabh. Gu tric ged tha, chan ann mar sin atha cùisean. Dìreach anns na seachdainneanneo miosan mu dheireadh chunnaic sinneisimpleirean de phoileasaidhean a tha ganceasnachadh: an SAC ann an CaolasBharraigh; poileasaidh-siubhal airsonfoghlam Gàidhlig ann an Caol Loch Aillseneo ann an Siorrachd Pheart; Roinn anIonmhais a’ cur an aghaidh prìs a’ chonnaidhbhith air ìsleachadh ann an sgìrean dùthchail.Dh’fhaodadh an liosta bhith gu math, mathfada.

Nach e aineòlas a th’air an cùlaibh? Tha ecoltach gum bheil 91% de shluagh na h-Alba a’ fuireach an ìre mhath faisg airbaile le sluagh còrr is 10,000. (Chan eil aleithid air Ghàidhealtachd ach Inbhir Nisagus a’ Ghearasdain). Cò bhitheas ameasg an sluagh seo? Bithidh anfheadhainn a tha a’ dealbh napoileasaidhean againn. Dè fios domhainna th’acasan mu suidheachadh na h-eileanan neo sgìrean fìor-dhùthchail eile?

Dè mu dheidhinn uallach a chuir airluchd-deasachaidh phoileasaidhean dhàna trì miosan a’ chuir seachad anns na h-eileanan an iar tro mhiosan a’gheamhraidh? Nan robh neach sam bithairson dreach àrd-mhanaidsear fhaighinnann an ‘Seirbheis Sìobhalta’ na h-Albadh’fheumadh fianas a bhith aca gun dochuir iad seachad Faoilleach gu Màirt annan Steòrnabhagh, Loch na Madadh, neoLoch Baghasdail?

Dhèanadh e feum gun teagamh dha nataighean-òsda is eile, ach am feum asmotha, gum bitheadh tomhas a bharrachdeòlas aig an fheadhainn cumhachdadh seoair na sgìrean iomallach is dùthchail – isbeagan a bharrachd misneachd ‘s dòchagum bitheadh am poileasaidhean is co-dhùnaidhean a’ freagairt air na sgìrean sin.

If you want to do something,or stop something, you’dbetter be sure that it fits withthe right policy.

If you ask a public employee for anopinion – and the topic is in any waydifficult – you can be sure they will liftthe heavy cloak of policies to protectthemselves. Sometimes though, thatcloak can be very thin – like theEmperor’s new clothes.

The key issue is the suitability of thepolicy for the task it’s meant toperform. If the policy fits the need, inthe context in which it’s beingimplemented – that’s fine. Often,however that’s not the case. Just in thelast few weeks and months we’ve seenexamples of policies being questioned:the SAC in the Sound of Barra; travelpolicies for Gaelic school pupils inLochalsh and Perthshire; the Treasuryrejecting lower fuel prices in ruralareas. The list could be long indeed.

The reason has to be ignorance?Some 91% of Scotland’s population

lives reasonably close to a town of morethan 10,000 people. (In the Highlands,only Inverness and Fort William meetthis threshold.) Amongst them will bethose who produce the policies thataffect us. What in-depth knowledge dothey have of the islands or other trulyrural areas?

How about placing a requirement onpolicy-makers to spend two or threemonths in the Western Isles during thewinter months? If anyone wanted totake on a senior management positionin the Scottish Civil Service they’dneed to be able to demonstrate thatthey’d spent a January to March periodin Stornoway, Lochmaddy orLochboisdale?

It would certainly benefit the hotelsand so on, but the greatest benefitwould be that these powerful officialswould have a significantly greaterunderstanding of remote and rural areas– and we might be a bit more contentthat the policies they prepared, or thedecisions they took would reflect theneeds and circumstances of those areas.

Poileasaidhean! Tha sinn airar cuairteachadh leotha fad

na h-ùine ged a tha fiosagainn neo nach eil. Thapoileasaidhean aig buidhnean

poblach is buidhnean prìobhaideach airson a h-uile càil a th’ann, san latha ‘n diugh.

Policies! We’resurrounded by them

all the time, whetherwe know it or not.

Public and private bodies have apolicy for everything these days.


Welcome to Paw Prints, where your animals get their chance to shine.

NorthUistBOARDING KENNELS

Individual needs catered for including;� Medication given� Daily beach walks for dogs� Heated beds for cats� Large outside exercise pens for dogs.� Collection and delivery service across the Islands

Bayhead, North UistOpen all hours

01876 510223 or 07922178880

Please call Gillian to inspect our facilitiesor to discuss individual requirements on:

We are a small family run Boarding Kennels who wantto look after your pets as you would.

Email your hi-res photos to

[email protected]

with your name and address, your pet’s

name and anything you’d like to say

about them.

Then look out for yourphoto on

IN&A’s Paw Print pageover the coming months!

PawPrints

Buster rules Richard and LenaMaclennan’s roost in Borve, Harris.

Vasco lives with Becky Rennell inStoneybridge, South Uist and likes tohelp her at work.

Holly, with one of her best friends, Neil MacDonald of Lochboisdale.

Jura and Fergus live with Niel and GraceBeaton in Cnoc An Torrain, North Uist.

Mithril of Bayhead has Gillian Lessiter asher chief slave.

Best friends Beauly andGeorge MacDonald of Lochmaddy.

PawPrints

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