Friday 22 May 2009

A Year of Island Cultures 2011


Council Leaders representing the islands in the Highland and Islands have agreed for their organisations to work together in preparation for A Year of Island Cultures 2011. 

Orkney, Shetland, the Western Isles and islands represented by Argyll and Bute, North Ayrshire and Highland Councils all have the opportunity to participate in the year-long festival. 

The aims of A Year of Island Cultures 2011 are to celebrate and showcase the range of diverse cultures found in the islands to the north and west of Scotland.

Councillor Dougie Philand, Argyll and Bute’s spokesperson for Arts, Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: “Argyll and Bute Council has always recognised the individuality of each of our islands.

“A Year of Island Cultures 2011 is a fabulous opportunity to celebrate not just island culture, but also the vibrant communities which make our islands so unique. We look forward to working with our partners in ensuring that this festival does justice to those communities.”

A Steering Committee with representation from the council areas involved has been tasked to engage with all the islands in the region, both to promote existing events outside the region and to organise new events and activities which build cultural links between the islands.

Shetland, a host port for the Tall Ships Races in 2011, is acting as the lead Council for the project. 

Convener Sandy Cluness expressed his delight on the arrangement, “We now have a unique opportunity to work with all the islands in the region to celebrate all our different cultures and to show the world how vibrant our communities are.”

The idea for A Year of Islands Cultures 2011 emerged from a debate at the Convention of the Highlands and Islands in 2008, when Government ministers encouraged the islands to create a festival that promotes the culture of Islands in the Highlands and Islands region.

Douglas Irvine, spokesperson for the Steering Committee, said that work has begun to put together a detailed plan for A Year of Island Cultures 2011, including the promotional activities.

The Steering Committee will meet this month to set up a programme of tasks.

Community Council Review

NEXT STEP FOR COMMUNITY COUNCIL REVIEW

The wide-ranging review of Community Councils in Argyll and Bute entered its second stage this week.

Consultation papers have now been issued to all Community Councils, and comments are also being sought from Councillors, Council staff, community planning partners and interested members of the public.

The consultation follows the first phase of the review process, which investigated how Community Councils currently operate. 

Launching the consultation, Argyll and Bute Council Leader Dick Walsh said it was beneficial to the entire area to have as robust a Community Council structure as possible.

“The 56 distinct geographical areas represented by the Community Council boundaries provide a unique opportunity to get right to the heart of our local communities and ensure that we plan in partnership for the future,” he said.

“Community Councils have a vital role in the local democratic process. This review aims to explore how best to strengthen their role, as well as seeking views on how to improve participation and community representation.” 

Councillor Walsh added that he saw a bright future for Community Councils across the Council area, and urged all interested parties to contribute to the establishment of a better, more effective structure by commenting on any aspect of the consultation papers which interest them.

He also encouraged people to consider putting themselves forward for election to their local Community Council.

“Being a Community Councillor is a very important role and one which can be extremely rewarding,” Councillor Walsh said.

“Most people get involved to help improve their local area, whether by way of direct activities or by influencing decisions made by the Council and other public bodies. We need to work closely with Community Councils to ensure that they can do this as effectively as possible.”

The new consultation documents, along with other background papers, can be viewed and downloaded from: http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/communitycouncilreview

These include a Summary report (detailing key proposals, amendments and discussion points), a draft Scheme of Establishment (incorporating model Standing Orders, model Constitution, draft list of Community Council areas and Boundary Maps) and a draft Best Practice Agreement (including Code of Conduct).

A number of key proposals, amendments and discussion points are grouped within Section 2 of the Summary Report. The Council is particularly keen to receive responses on this section, although it welcomes feedback on any part of the documentation, or on the general substance of it.

To aid officers in the collation of responses it would be helpful, where appropriate, to detail the document, section, page number etc which relate to each specific comment.

Comments should be submitted to ccreview@argyll-bute.gov.uk no later than 26 June 2009. Hard copy submissions should be sent to Ken MacDonald, Corporate Services, Lorn House, Albany Street, Oban PA34 4AR. Any queries on the consultation should be directed to Kenneth.macdonald@argyll-bute.gov.uk or by phoning 01631 567930. 

The final proposals will be taken to Council in August.

Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust express concern about Military Sonar

Scotland’s whales at risk from military exercises



The safety of western Scotland’s whales and dolphins has been called into question following an incident involving naval sonar. This took place during the major NATO military exercise, Joint Warrior, in Scottish waters.  


The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) conducts regular boat surveys for whales and dolphins on the west coast of Scotland using observers and hydrophones (underwater microphones). On the 12th May, they observed two minke whales within an hour displaying unusual and worrying behaviour. At the same time they heard military sonar on the hydrophone – sometimes so loud that they could not keep the headphones on. The whales were both moving in the same direction at high speed, regularly leaping clear of the water. This behaviour, known as ‘porpoising’, is more typical of dolphins and rarely seen in undisturbed whales.


HWDT and WDCS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) have renewed their call for a full and transparent Environmental Impact Assessment to be conducted by the Ministry of Defence for the exercise.


Joint Warrior is a major exercise led by the UK and involving 12 NATO and Allied Nations. At-sea operations are conducted for two weeks and occur twice every year. Up to 85 aircraft, 22 ships and 3 submarines operate during this massive international exercise.  Military sonar, used during the exercises, emits intense loud noise that can disturb and harm whales and dolphins, which rely on their sensitive hearing to navigate, find food and communicate. Naval sonar, more commonly linked to mass strandings events of deep diving whales, has also been associated with minke whale strandings in the Bahamas and in North Carolina. On the west coast of US, close to Seattle, similar rapid fleeing behaviour has been observed from killer whales and dolphins in response to sonar.


The west coast of Scotland is well-known for its populations of minke whales which migrate to the area in the summer months to feed in the rich and productive waters. Decreases in sightings of minke whales have already been reported off the west coast of Scotland during naval activities. It is not known how any disruption in the whales’ feeding behaviours will affect populations in the long term.


HWDT and WDCS have joined forces to monitor important whale habitat in the Minch, western Scotland, during the Joint Warrior exercise as a result of ongoing environmental concerns. WDCS has been conducting land-based whale and dolphin observations in northwest Scotland, whilst HWDT has been surveying from its dedicated research vessel, Silurian, using visual and acoustic techniques. 


Nienke van Geel, HWDT’s Biodiversity Officer said “Seeing minke whales porpoising many times successively is very unusual. Both whales moved very fast, too fast for us to keep up with them to try to take identification pictures. We estimated they  were traveling at least at  15 knots. Our research has already shown a decline in minke whale sightings in the last few years, so we’re worried about anything that might adversely affect the population.”


WDCS’s Head of Scottish Policy, Sarah Dolman added “Western Scotland is one of the most important marine habitats in Europe. We are concerned about the potential impacts that these massive and regular exercises, including Exercise Joint Warrior, are having on our marine wildlife. The UK Ministry of Defence should conduct a full and transparent Environmental Impact Assessment – like those currently being undertaken by the US Navy – as a matter of urgency”


Local Gairloch Marine Wildlife Centre owner and marine biologist, Ian French, shares these concerns. “We continue to see reduced numbers of animals when the exercises are taking place locally and this is affecting our business. Strandings that coincide with naval activities, and sightings of rarely seen species, lead me to believe that these animals are being driven inshore. Marine tourism in Scotland is important and the navies operating in these waters need to do so responsibly” 




For further information, please call WDCS Press Office on 01249 449 534, or Cally Fleming, HWDT on 01688 302620.


The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) is dedicated to enhancing knowledge and understanding of Scotland’s whales, dolphins and porpoises (cetaceans) and the Hebridean marine environment through education, research and working within local communities as a basis for the lasting conservation of local species and habitats.

 HYPERLINK "http://www.hwdt.org" www.hwdt.org


This is not the first time that minke whales have been involved in incidents related to naval sonar. In one of the best documented mass strandings that occurred in the Bahamas in 2000, a minke whale stranded in an incident that also involved a dozen beaked whales (a species commonly associated with naval sonar strandings). A minke whale also stranded with thirty-four short-finned pilot whales and two pygmy sperm whales stranded in the Outer Banks, North Carolina in 2005, coincident with a sonar exercise  use about 90 nautical miles southeast of the stranding area. The government reported that the stranding had a number of features in common with other ‘atypical’ sonar-related strandings.



Joint Warrior is taking place from 11 – 21 May and 5 – 23 October. 

BBC ALBA – WEEKLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS

BBC ALBA – WEEKLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS

 

Week: 23

 

Date: Saturday, 6 June – Friday, 12 June 2009

 

 

Title: Trusadh - A' Ruith le Raonaid

 

Born a man, Rachel MacNeill has overcome immense psychological and physical change to transform her gender. In celebration of becoming a woman Rachel sets herself a new challenge to run five Scottish marathons.

 

Transmitted: Monday 8th June 2009

Time: 21:00

 

 

Title: Cuide ri Cathy - Sir Menzies Campbell

 

Cathy Macdonald joins Sir Menzies Campbell MP in his Fife constituency.

 

Transmitted: Monday 8th June 2009

Time: 22:00

 

 

Title: Soillse - Mathraichean Ionaid

 

The desire for a child is leading increasing numbers of infertile couples to consider surrogacy, sometime illegally. Where and how do couples find women to bear their children, and what price do they pay for bearing their child?

 

Transmitted: Wednesday 10th June 2009

Time: 21:00

 

 

Title: Cabhsair Eirisgeidh

 

A combination of improved ferry links and major engineering projects have helped to make the island chàin of the Outer Hebrides more accessible both to the mainland and to travellers within the islands. This documentary follows one of these projects, the building of the Eriskay Causeway between 1999 - 2002 through the lives of the islanders.

 

Transmitted: Thursday 11th June 2009

Time: 21:00

 

 

Title: Cuide Ri Cathy - Sir Jackie Stewart

 

Cathy Macdonald spends a day with racing legend Sir Jackie Stewart.

 

Transmitted: Thursday 11th June 2009

Time: 23:00

 

 

Title: Lean gu Dlùth

 

Hugh Dan Maclennan discusses four notable Camanachd Cup finals from the past with four guests.

 

Transmitted: Friday 12th June 2009

Time: 21:00

 

 

Dòmhnall Meek

Bòrd na Gàidhlig a’ comharrachadh

Dòmhnall Meek mar Shàr Ghàidheal 


Chaidh an obair a rinneadh le far de shàr sgoilearan agus foghlamaichean saoghal na Gàidhlig a chomharrachadh le Bòrd na Gàidhlig, a th’air urram ùr – Sàr Ghàidheal – a bhuileachadh air an Àrd Ollamh Dòmhnall Meek a bhoinneas do Thiriodh. Tha e cuideachd air urram fhaighinn bho Chomhairle nan Ealain a th’air ainm a cheangal ri duais ùr do sgrìobhadairean Gàidhlig


Tha urramn an t-Sàr Ghàidheil air a bhuileachadh an seo airson a’ chiad uair, duais a tha ag aithneachadh gnìomhan ionmhalta às leth na Gàidhlig agus bidh “Duais Dhòmhnaill Meek” a’ cumail taic ri innleachdan eile a tha a-masg dhòighean air litreachas na Gàidhlig a chumail suas agus a bhrosnachadh.


Tha Dòmhnall Meek fhathast an sàs ann an dà chomataidh foghlaim aig Bòrd na Gàidhlig an dèidh a dhreuchd mar Àrd Ollamh Gàidhlig agus Gnothaichean Albannach ann an Oilthigh Dhùn Èideann a leigeil dheth aig deireadh 2008.


Chaidh a’ chuid sgoilearachd is eile a chomharrachadh roimhe seo le Oilthigh Obair Dheathain a dh’fhoillsich iris shònraichte de Scottish Gaelic Studies (Caindel Alban : fèill-sgrìobhainn do Dhòmhnall E Meek) anns an robh 600 duilleag de sgrìobhaidhean is eile bho eòlaichean agus co-oibrichean a bh’air a bhith an sàs ann an cùisean còmhla ris thar nam bliadhnaichean.


Chruinnich grunn de charaidean is eòlaichean Dhòmhnaill gu cuirm an Glaschu an raoir (Diardaoin 21 Cèitein) air aoigheachd Bhòrd na Gàidhlig gu Ionad na Pìobaireachd a chomharrachadh cuid de na gnothaichean eile anns an robh e an sàs. Chaidh duais an t-Sàr Ghàidheil a thoirt seachad le Anna NicSuain, Iar Neach Cathrach a’ Bhùird. Chaidh port ùr – Professor Donald Meek of Tiree - a chaidh a sgrìobhadh leis an neach ciùil ainmeil à Tiriodh Aonghas MacPhàil cuideachd a thoirt dha.


Thuirt Rosemary Nic a’Bhàird, Ceannard an Gnìomh Bhòrd na Gàidhlig: “Tha Dòmhnall Meek air a bhith na dheagh charaid agus na ghaisgeach do shaoghal na Gàidhlig agus tha e air a bhith na bhall cudromach de dh’iomadach iomairt is gluasad thar nam bliadhnaichean, agus fhathast an sàs ann an iomadh cùis a tha a’ fuasgladh romhainn.  Bha an obair a rinn e air Buidhean Comhairleachaidh an Riaghaltais (MAGOG) ann an 2001-2 fìor chudromach agus se sin a thug dhuinn rè ùine Bòrd na Gàidhlig ann an 2003. Tha Dòmhnall air a bhith a’ cur gu mòr ri leasachadh na Gàidhlig fad bhliadhnaichean agus gu sònraichte ann an raon an fhoghlaim. Tha a’ chliù air aithneachadh fad is farsainn agus bidh buaidh aig a chuid-gnìomha fad bhliadhnaichean air thoiseach. Tha sinn air leth toilichte gu bheil e deònach a cheanglan a chumail le Bòrd na Gàidhlig agus gum bi buaidh aige fhathast air na tha sinn a’ dèanamh agus tro ghliocas agus a chuid comhairle is fiallaidheachd gun tèid againn air ar rùintean airson seasmhachd na Gàidhlig a dhaingneachadh. Tha sinn a’ guidhe gach soirbheachadh is sonais do Dhòmhnall agus Rachel nan saoghal ùr anns an Eaglais Bhreac agus an Tiriodh agus a-mach bho sin, agus an dòchas gum bi a chuid gnìomha a’ togail bhàtaichean a-nis agus na eachdraiche air saoghal na mara a’ cheart cho luachmhor agus toileach dha fhèin agus a bha saoghal na sgoilearachd.”


Tha Comhairle nan Ealain agus Bòrd na Gàidhlig a-nis air tighinn còmhla a chur air adhart duais ùr do sgrìobhaichean - Duais Dhòmhnaill Meek (the Donald Meek Literary Award) a bhios ag amas air sgrìobhaichean sgoilearan òga. Thèid an duais a fhrithealadh le  Comhairle nan Leabhraichean, agus thèid barrachd fiosrachaidh a sgaoileadh mun seo ann an ùine nach bi fada.Thuirt an t-Ollamh Gavin Wallace, Ceannard Litreachais an SAC: “ ’S e duais air leth cudromach a tha seo a tha a’ comharrachadh an dlùth cheangal a bha eadar Dòmhanall agus Comhairle nan Leabhraichean, agus bidh e na chuideachadh mòr ann a bhith a’ cumail taic ri sgrìobhadh Gàidhlig anns na bliadhnaichean romhainn. Dh’fhaodadh e sgilean aithneachadh ann an sgrìobhadairean ùra, a bhith a’ comharrachadh gnìomhan a rinneadh le sgriobhaiche a th’air a bhith ag obair son greis, no neach measaidh, no gu dearbh na dhuais do sgoilear a tha ùr-nochdadh no mar chomharradh air gnìomhan sgoilearachd a tha aire air sin.”


Bòrd na Gàidhlig:  www.bord-na-gaidhlig.org.uk

Faic cuideachd:  www.mygaelic.com





Council urges Third Sector Organisations to have their say


THIRD SECTOR ORGANISATIONS URGED TO HAVE THEIR SAY

Argyll and Bute Council and the Community Planning Partnership are urging Third Sector organisations to have their say about the services and support they receive from a range of bodies. 

The dialogue – ‘Connecting and Communicating’ - aims to Build Confidence, Capacity and Competence in the Third Sector and is open to voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations, as well as individuals who have experience of working in the sector.

Councillor Dick Walsh, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council and Third Sector Champion says: “We are working together, in partnership, to improve access to information and to break down some of the barriers that voluntary organisations and community groups are faced with when trying to access support.

“We aim to highlight good practice to lead the way forward to an improved way of operating, which we hope will go a long way to strengthening the voluntary and community sector.”

CouncillorWalsh is also the Chair of the Demonstration Project, Harnessing the Potential of the Third Sector, which is focusing on four themes: 

•Funding
• Assets
• Procurement
• Skills and Training for Social Enterprise 

A series of events will take place between May and July to ensure that the proposed improvement measures are going to be of benefit to the sector. 

Representatives of the sector will have the opportunity to share their views on changes to the Community Planning Partnership structure and the Community Engagement Strategy, as well as the Demonstration project and improved ways of accessing information and training. 

The feedback will enable those from the Third Sector to influence the way the Council and its partners deliver support services at a local and an Argyll-wide level. 

The dialogue between the Council, the CPP and the Third Sector will incorporate a range of workshop sessions and online information, and consultation materials will be accessible throughout the period. 

If you would like more information on ‘Connecting and Communicating’, or for a diary of events, visit www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/thirdsector or call 01546 604437.






The consultation is being carried out by Argyll and Bute Council and hosted on the websites of Argyll and Bute Council, Argyll and Bute Social Enterprise Network and Argyll CVS

A year ago the Community Planning Partnership, together with partners from the Big Lottery Fund, launched a Demonstration Project aimed at identifying ways to strengthen work with the Third Sector. The following themes were seen to be the key areas for development:

1) Funding – ensuring that funding streams are appropriate and considering issues such as the impact of local community action plans, the removal of ring-fencing, etc

2) Assets - improving community sustainability through the Third Sector’s ability to acquire assets;

3) Procurement – removing barriers and identifying training to enable Third Sector bodies to successfully bid for contracts; and

4) Social Enterprises – putting procedures in place to ensure existing and new social enterprises have access to training and information to allow them to develop and grow.

Thursday 21 May 2009

Jim Mather and the Strategic Tourism Partnership

Tourism growth vital for Argyll

 

Tourism Minister Jim Mather was in Argyll & Bute on 15 May, leading discussions on tourism growth with representatives of the local industry.

 

Mr Mather visited Inveraray on the eve of the flagship Homecoming Scotland 2009 event in the town, Spirit of the West.

 

The Minister spent the morning listening to views of local operators and exploring ideas for tourism businesses to work in partnership with each other and public sector agencies to ensure that tourism leads the way for economic growth as the economy recovers.

 

The event also marked the launch of the newly formed Argyll & the Isles Strategic Tourism Partnership, a group that unites the public and private sectors in an action-based approach to local tourism strategy.

 

The new Partnership is chaired by Provost William Petrie of Argyll & Bute Council, and includes representation from Caledonian MacBrayne, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park and VisitScotland, as well as private sector representatives.

 

Tourism Minister Jim Mather said: “I welcome the establishment of this new Tourism Partnership for Argyll and the Isles. It is important that the tourism industry works together in the current climate and this partnership represents a united effort to do so at a local level.

 

“Argyll and the Isles has fantastic scenery and many compelling reasons for anyone to visit so I am delighted that representatives from both communities are coming together to work towards showcasing this.”

 

Rowena Ferguson, vice chair of the Argyll & the Isles Strategic Tourism Partnership, said: “It’s great to get so many people here today from the Argyll tourism industry to share their knowledge and experience with each other. It’s exactly that spirit of sharing our expertise and working together that will make sure that tourism continues to deliver for Argyll through challenging times.

 

“Our new Tourism Partnership will embody that spirit and be a real champion for an Argyll industry that succeeds through working together.”

Bòrd na Gàidhlig a’ cur fàilte air seicichean Gìdhlig leis a’ Bhanca Rìoghail

Bòrd na Gàidhlig a’ cur fàilte

air seicichean Gìdhlig leis a’ Bhanca Rìoghail


Chuir Bòrd na Gàidhlig fàilte air dearbhadh gu bheil Banca Rìoghail na h-Alba deònach gabhail ri seicichean le briathrachas Gàidhlig.


Sgrìobh Cathraiche a’ Bhùird Art MacCarmaig gu Ceannbhair a’ Bhanca Rìoghail Stephen Hester ag iarraidh air cead a thoirt a bhith a’ gabhail ri leithid de sheicichean. Nis, an dèidh coinneachadh ri riochdairean bhon Bhanca Rìoghail ann an DunEideann còmhla ri Ball Pàrlamaid nan Eilean Siar Alasdair Allan, tha am Banca air leigeil fhaicinn gu bheil iad deònach gabhail ri seicichean le briathrachas Gàidhlig.


Seo mar a dh’aontaich na bha an làthair a’ chùis aig a’ choinneamh.


“Tha sinn uile mothachail gu bheil cùisean rin rèiteach a thaobh cleachdaidhean agus modhan-obrach, leithid a-measg luchd-bhùitean agus luchd-malairt eile air feadh na dùthcha ma bhios aca ri seicichean a làimsheachadh le briathrachas Gàidhlig.   Tha am Banca Rìoghail ged tha air a bhith adhartach agus cuideachail ann a bhith a’ sireadh fuasgladh air na ceistean seo agus deònach a’ chùis a thoirt air adhart. Chan eil teagamh nach eil am Banca Rìoghail fìor thaiceil do choimhearsnachd na Gàidhlig agus tha sinn a’ cur fàilte air mar a thathas a’ daingneachadh sin, agus tha sinn gu mòr nan comainn airson na tha iad ag iarraidh a dhèanamh airson Gàidhlig a thoirt air adhart agus fhoillseachadh, an dà chuid tron obair aca agus tron taic a tha iad a’ toirt do thachartasan cultarail.  Tha fiughar again a-nis ri bhith a’ togail air sin agus ag obair còmhla son seasmhachd na Gàidhlig a neartachadh an co-bhuinn ri coimhearsnachd na Gàidhlig gus an soirbhich sinn le chèile.”


Chuir Art MacCarmaig fàlte air taic a’ Bhanca Rìoghail. Thuirt e: “Bha sinn gu math draghail nuair nochd an naidheachd gu robh e coltach nach biodh am Banca a’ gabhail ri seicichean le briathrachas Gàidhlig, agus gum biodh sin a’ lagachadh cleachdadh na Gàidhlig anns an obair aca an raon nas fharsainne. Bu mhath leinn a’ nis a bhith an coluadar le bancaichean eile agus buidhnean ionmhais feuch an gabh cleachdadh na Gàidhlig sgaoileadh nas fharsainne ann an cleachdaidhean obrach agus modhan dèiligeadh ris a’ mhòr-shluagh, air loidhne agus nan obair làitheil.  Tha mi air leth toilichte leis a’ chòmhradh a bh’againn leis a’ Bhanca Rìoghail agus tha mi làn chinnteach gum bi ceum mar seo air leth cuideachail anns an oidhirp a tha sinn a’ dèanamh gu bhith lìbhrigeadh Plana Nàiseanta na Gàidhlig.”


Thuirt Anita Hunt, Àrd-Stiùiriche Roinneil a’ Bhanca Rìoghail: “Tha am Banca Rìoghail air a bhith a’ frithealadh nan Eilean Siar agus luchd labhairt na Gàidhlig airson 180 bliadhna. Tha sinn gu cùramach a’ gabhail an uallaich mu ar luchd-cleachdaidh anns gach coimhearsnachd. Tha sinn an còmhnaidh ag atharrachadh modhan-obrach a–rèir feumalachdan agus tha sinn a’ freagairt agus a’ fuasgladh gach ceist mar a thig iad thugainn. Tha a’ Ghàidhlig gu follaiseach air leabhraichean sheicichean, air bancaichean agus carbadan agus bidh sinn a-nis a’ leasachadh chùisean. Tha sinn a’ gabhail ri seicichean le briathrachas an Gàidhlig an dèidh beachdan a thàinig thugainn a mheasadh. Tha sinn fìor dheònach a bhith ag èisteachd ri beachdan air dòighean anns an gabh seirbhisean a leasachadh airson ar coimhearsnachdan agus bidh sinn toilichte còmhraidhean eile a chumail le Alasdair Allan BPA agus Bòrd na Gàidhlig mun t-slighe air adhart.”



Airson tuilleadh fiosrachaidh mu ghnothach sam bith a th’anns an Naidheachd seo bho Bhòrd na Gàidhlig, cuiribh fios gu Uisdean MacillInnein air 0751 528 7040.  


Faic cuideachd làrach lìn Bhòrd na Gàidhlig: www.bord-na-gaidhlig.org.uk


Faicibh cuideachd:  www.mygaelic.com


Foillsichte: Dihaoine, Cèitein 15, 2009   


Hugh Smith on Duncan Reid

Suas Leis A' Ghaidhlig

Those who attend Gaelic concerts and National Mods will be no strangers
to the rousing sentiments expressed in the Gael's rallying song 'Suas
Leis A' Ghaidhlig'.
It was penned by Duncan Reid who was a stalwart of the Gaelic cause in
the latter part of the 19th century and was among the early members of
An Comunn Gaidhealach.
Reid was born in the Clachan community in the Kintyre penisula in 1849
and attended the local Parish School. A bright lad by all accounts, he
served a 5 year apprenticeship as a pupil teacher in the Clachan school
before embarking on a career in commerce at the age of 20 years.
This saw him taking up employment in Greenock and  Rothesay before
being appointed at the age of 35 years as the managing clerk and
accountant with the Glasgow shipowners and timber merchants George
Halliday Ltd.
The Gaelic enthusiast was to spend the rest of his life in the Clydeside
city and was to make an indelible mark on the Gaidhlig  community in his
adopted hometown.
His spare time was spent in teaching the Gaelic language and he was an
inspiring lecturer in his subject. He was the first Gaelic teacher under
the umbrella of the School Board of Glasgow and, from 1888 to 1903,
conducted the greatly supported Gaelic classes in the High School of
Glasgow.
Reid also published a comprehensive 'Course of Gaelic Grammar' in 1895
and an enlarged edition was released in 1902. Both publications were
well received and were widely used in schools throughout the Highlands
and Islands.
In 1908, he prepared the an 'Elementary Course in Gaelic' for An Comunn
Gaidhealach and was appointed editor of the Comunn's official magazine
'An Deo-Greine'.
Through his experiences as a teacher, Reid felt the need for Highland
youth to take a greater interest in their language, literature and
culture. This resulted in the formation of the Glasgow High School
Gaelic Ceilidh in 1894 where the founder acted as president until 1902.
This was followed by a 10 year period as Honorary President.
The Glasgow High School ceilidh was a 'must' in the Glasgow Highlanders'
social calendar and the event continued unabated until falling
attendance, coupled with other less Highland orientated attractions, led
to its demise over 20 years ago.
Sadly, Duncan Reid died in Glasgow on the 7th February, 1912.  He was 63
years of age. Happily, his most famous creation, set to music by the
Easdale isle composer Henry Whyte, better known to Gaels everywhere as
'Fionn', powerfully endures.
"Togaibh i, togaibh i, canain ar duthcha;
Togaibh a suas i gu h-inbhe ro chliuitich;
Togaibh gu daingeann i 's bithibh rith' baigheil,
Hi ho-ro, togaibh i; suas leis a Ghaidhlig!"

Renewables in Argyll and Bute - The Council's View

ARGYLL AND BUTE RAISES RENEWABLES PROFILE IN EUROPE

Argyll and Bute is rapidly becoming the hot topic in Europe’s renewable energy sector, according to the area’s development chief.

George Harper, Argyll and Bute Council’s director of Development Services, recently returned from a trip to Brussels during which he highlighted and promoted the potential of the area – and in particular Kintyre – as a ‘Renewable Energy Hub’.

The interest in his presentations was such that he has now been invited to address the European Maritime Day Stakeholder Conference in Rome, Italy next week.

The conference will feature some of Europe’s biggest players in terms of all aspects of maritime affairs, including renewable energy.

George has been asked to use Argyll and Bute as a case study under the heading ‘Energy from the Ocean – Emerging Technologies’.

“This is a very exciting time for the area in terms of renewables, and in particular for the Kintyre peninsula, which is rapidly becoming Scotland’s powerhouse in terms of investment in this sector,” he said.

“There is a great deal of interest – not just in Scotland and the UK but also in Europe - regarding our integrated and holistic approach to developing the area as a renewable energy hub. To be invited to speak at such a high profile event is an indication of the stature we now beginning to have in this field.”

It is widely recognised that a range of renewable energy technologies including wind, wave and tidal is a key sector of the local economy and a potential source of significant future sustainable economic growth. 

George will not only highlight the anticipated effect of the renewables boom on the area’s employment statistics. He will also stress that, if managed correctly, Argyll and Bute’s resources could transform the fortunes of some of the areas more peripheral communities and their inhabitants. 

Campbeltown and the surrounding area has been identified as an area of employment deficit, and it continues to suffer from the out-migration of its economically active and skilled population, and the associated negative effects of this on the economy. 

To help redress these problems, Argyll and Bute Council and Highlands and Islands Enterprise developed the Kintyre Action Plan, and a number of regeneration activities have been identified. 

Increasingly, the opportunities offered by the growing renewables sector - and in particular marine renewables - is a key focus of this work. 

Several major developments have already taken place, among them the takeover of the former Vestas wind turbine manufacturing plant at Machrihanish – now called Welcon Towers - by Skykon. This represents a £45million+ investment and will create or safeguard 300 jobs over three years.

In addition, the Council is investing heavily in infrastructure at Campbeltown harbour to enable it to serve large marine developments not just along the Scottish coast, but that of Ireland and north west England as well.

Argyll and Bute Council’s spokesperson on Economy, Environment and Rural Affairs, Councillor Robert Macintyre, said that Argyll and Bute’s abundance of tidal, offshore wind and wave resources makes it ideal as a centre of renewable energy activity.

“Argyll and Bute has a coastline approximately the same size as that of France, and it is very exciting that we are now finding ways to take advantage of that,” he added.

Whilst to date the majority of commercial renewable development has been concentrated on onshore windfarm development, that focus is now shifting to other forms of renewables with a particular emphasis on marine and tidal development. 

“Given the location of Argyll and Bute, we are very well placed to make the most of the growing opportunities within these evolving fields,” Councillor Macintyre said. 

“The fact that we are now being invited to give presentations at events such as the European Maritime Day Stakeholder Conference is a measure of how interested the international players in this sector are in what we are doing.

“This is not about making a fast buck. We are acutely aware of the importance of harnessing and managing our natural resources in a sustainable way to ensure that we secure wide and long term economic benefit to Argyll and Bute as a whole and, in particular, our peripheral coastal and island communities such as Kintyre.” 

Establishing Argyll and Bute as a Renewable Energy Hub will: 

• Create well paid skilled jobs in an area of employment deficit – we are hoping to secure European Social Funding support linked to the likely European Regional Development Fund investment
• Increase its working age population 
• Establish a world class manufacturing operation in Kintyre in a growth industry – with provision of turbines for EU and USA markets 
• Create opportunities for ancillary industries and wider investment in the area. 
• Maximise the area’s comparative advantage in the renewables sector 
• Help Scotland and EU deliver on their renewable energy targets. The Scottish target is 50% of Scottish electricity demand by 2020, with an interim milestone of 31% to be achieved by 2011. The EU target is 20% share of total energy demand from renewables by 2020. 

NOTES TO EDITORS

RECENT AND FUTURE RENEWABLES-RELATED ACTIVITY IN ARGYLL AND BUTE 

OFFSHORE WIND

In February 2009 the Crown Estate announced the awarding of Exclusivity Agreements to 10 offshore wind sites in Scottish territorial waters (Round 2). 

Three of the larger sites identified are off the coast of Argyll and Bute (Kintyre, Islay and Argyll Array). They cover 361km sq.km and could power between 300,000 and 1,000,000 households. 

In addition, Scottish Power Renewables is currently looking at a location in the Sound of Islay for a tidal development project. The aim is for it to be up and running by 2011. 

WIND TURBINE CONSTRUCTION AT MACHRIHANISH, NEAR CAMPBELTOWN. 

On April 1 2009, Skykon took over the Vestas wind turbine manufacturing facility at Machrihanish, which is now known as Welcon Towers. 

The site represents a £45million+ investment and will create or safeguard 300 jobs over three years (85 safeguarded and 215 created). The average income across the 300 jobs is £28,910, above the Argyll and Bute average of approximately £22,000 FTE. 

The site will be expanded to nearly three times its current size to include new manufacturing, surface treatment, and paint halls as well as upgrading the existing facility. 

An energy campus including a research and development facility will also be created with the potential to generate a further 150 jobs as well as representing a significant draw to ancillary industries. It is also expected that the expansion and development plans will generate in more than 500 temporary construction jobs. 

IMPROVEMENTS TO INFRASTUCTURE

Argyll and Bute Council has agreed road improvements between the Welcon Towers base and Campbeltown New Quay.

Improvements are also planned for the Quay itself to enable it to service larger vessels. This work will be supported by £9 million worth of Argyll and Bute Council investment and is likely to include £4million of European Regional Development Funding. 

EXAMPLES OF OTHER RENEWABLES PROJECTS

• Argyll, Lomond and the Isle Energy Agency, ALIenergy, is an Energy Management Agency promoting wise energy management and supporting community and business initiatives in renewable energy.
• Argyll and Bute Council has established a pioneering approach to realising greater community benefit from windfarm developments: ‘New Model of Community Trust Funds’ which is completely separate from the regulatory planning process. 
• The LIMPET, located at Portnahaven on the Island of Islay, the first commercial wave-driven power station in the world supplying renewable energy to the grid.
• A developing biomass sector and an indigenous industry growing up around it – there are five operational biomass plants in Argyll and Bute. 
• Thirteen operational (and approved) wind farms across the area. 
• There are also a number of small-scale renewable energy projects across the area, such as the community-owned wind farm on the Island of Gigha which was the first such wind farm to supply energy to the grid. 

All Energy 2009

HIGHLANDS & ISLANDS ENTERPRISE

HIE at All Energy 09 with highest ever number of firms

Issued: May 19 2009

A record number of Highlands and Islands businesses are gearing up to showcase the best of the region's talent at the UK's largest renewable energy event in Aberdeen this week. All Energy 09 is taking place on Wednesday, May 20 and Thursday, May 21 at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre.

Joining more than 350 exhibitors from across the globe at this year's  exhibition will be 45 companies from the region which is gaining international recognition for its ground-breaking renewable energy projects.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) will be exhibiting alongside the other Highlands and Islands companies on the HI-energy pavilion. 

HIE will also be hosting a workshop on green data centre opportunities on Thursday morning aimed a renewable energy developers looking for alternate routes to market.

Calum Davidson, HIE's head of key sectors, who will chair the green data centre session said: "One of the key obstacles to the development of new data storage capacity is the availability of cheap, scaleable and reliable power. Conversely, a significant challenge for renewable energy developers is the availability of the grid. The objective of this session is to explore a mutually beneficial solution to these challenges.

The Highlands and Islands region has some of the world's best natural resources for renewable energy. In addition to this, the area is home to EMEC, the world's first grid-connected marine energy test centre in Orkney; the Talisman Beatrice project, the world's first deep-water offshore wind farm; and the Limpet on Islay, the world's first grid-connected wave device. 

Other ground-breaking developments can be found at: Glendoe, where the UK's largest contemporary hydro scheme is being constructed; Unst, Shetland, where the PURE Energy Centre demonstrates hydrogen fuel cell technology; and Ross-shire where Balcas is nearing completion of a biomass manufacturing plant.

Audrey MacIver, head of HIE's energy team says: "We are delighted to see a record number of Highlands and Islands companies attending this year. All Energy is the ideal place to tell the rest of the world what the Highlands and Islands has to offer in terms of renewable energy resource, infrastructure and a highly skilled local supply chain."

All Energy 2009 is on May 20 and 21 at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre.

Note to Editors:

HI-energy is the brand that was established by HIE in partnership with industry and other public sector organisations to represent the growing renewable energy industry in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. For further information, visit www.hi-energy.org.uk

The Highlands and Islands will be represented by the following companies and organisations:

Aquatera
Atmos
Balcas
BiFab
Building Research Establishment (BRE)
Bryan J Rendall (Electrical)
Caithness Chamber of Commerce
Calder Engineering
Chillwind
Community Energy Scotland
Dounreay Restoration Site Ltd
European Marine Energy Centre
Environmental Research Institute
Fathoms
Gow's Lybster Ltd
Halcrow
Highland Council
Highland Wood Energy
Highland Quality Construction Ltd
Highlands and Islands Enterprise
HiREG
International Centre for Island Technology, Heriot Watt University
Invisible Heating Systems
Morrison Construction
Mowat Technical and Design Services
New Park Management
Nicolson Engineering Services
Norscot Joinery
North Scotland Industries Group
Orkney Harbours
Orkney Islands Council
Orkney Renewable Energy Forum
Pentland Firth Marine Energy Project
Port Services Ltd
PURE Energy Centre
Scotia Automated Inspection Services
Scottish Association for Marine Science
Scrabster Harbour
Shetland Islands Council
Subsea 7
Synergie Scotland
Tocardo
Wavegen
Wick Harbour Authority
Xodus Aurora

Wednesday 20 May 2009

Lindy MacLellan - Carbon Savings Project Officer

CLIMATE CHANGE – WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT? (Part 1)


“Cut your carbon footprint – cut your costs”


We hear a lot about cutting our carbon emissions, but what is it all about and is it really worth doing? If you’ve read the article on global warming in this issue of the Ileach, then you may already be convinced of the need for action. If you are not, perhaps you would just like to reduce your living costs? It really doesn’t matter what motivates you, the fact is we need to stop wasting the Earth’s resources, and by doing that we will reduce our carbon footprint and save money into the bargain. 

Mainly because of our rural location, a high proportion of older housing and the wet and windy climate, our personal contribution to global warming is around twice the national average – an estimated 4 tonnes of, as opposed to 2 tonnes nationally. We have to bear in mind that these factors are beyond our control, so this does not mean we should be consumed with guilt!


The target for Islay Energy Trust’s Carbon Savings Project is to reduce Islay’s and Colonsay’s total carbon emissions by 300 tonnes in each of the next two years. That figure may seem a bit meaningless, but if you think of it as equivalent to the saving made by fully insulating lofts in 100 houses, then it begins to come into perspective. If every household on the two islands was able to reduce its carbon emissions by just 300kg, that would be equivalent to as little as 2% of total CO2 emissions from domestic energy use. For example, simply turning down your water heater thermostat to 60C and your central heating by 1 degree will go a long way towards that. Such a target could be reached very easily – and we would all be a bit better off into the bargain. Over the next few months, we will be distributing Home Energy Survey forms which can be used to give you tailored advice on how to reduce your energy bills, and also how to access grants for loft and cavity wall insulation – help with these is available to all households.


So how do you work out your carbon footprint? There are lots of calculators on the Internet, some of which are more thorough than others, and probably none of which is completely accurate; but they do give a good indication of where you are using more energy than necessary, and advice on how to cut down. You might like to try the one on  HYPERLINK "http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk" www.energysavingtrust.org.uk  - just click on ‘Carbon Cutter’ and it will take around 10 minutes to work through. Ideally you should have your latest energy bills to hand, (or at least an idea of your monthly spend) and an idea of the number of miles you drive in a year. If you don’t have access to the Internet, or have difficulty using the calculator, feel free to call in at the Islay Energy Trust office, on the middle floor of Custom House, Bowmore, and I will do it for you. Remember this will just give you an idea of your energy use, so you shouldn’t get too hung up on the resulting figure. What’s important is that there are small, easy measures you can take to cut down, and after a while they will become routine. After all, we used to waltz out of the Co-Op with armfuls of carrier bags….!

Lindy MacLellan

Islay Energy Trust Carbon Savings Project Officer

Marine Conservation Society

MCS GOOD BEACH GUIDE 2009: SCOTLAND'S TOP BEACHES CONTINUE TO DECLINE

The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) today announces that it is recommending 41 Scottish bathing beaches for excellent water quality in its annual Good Beach Guide (www.goodbeachguide.co.uk). This is just over one third of the 109 tested and 3 less than it recommended last year. Bathing water quality peaked in 2004 when MCS recommended 56 of Scotland's beaches - almost half - and the society blames the subsequent steady decline largely on storm related pollution driven by poor weather. 

Bathing water tests conducted from June to September 2008 coincided with the one of the wettest summers on record in Scotland and although beaches failing the minimum legal standard fell slightly from 18 to 17, MCS blames the continued drop in water quality on a combination of flood water mixed with sewage gushing from combined sewer overflows and polluted storm water running off farm land and city streets into rivers and the sea. Areas notably suffering include North and South Ayrshire, East Lothian, St Andrews and the Edinburgh city beaches of Portobello.

Calum Duncan, MCS Scottish Conservation Manager, said  " MCS has been saying for years that climate change is likely to increase storm pollution around Scotland's coast. If we're to deal with that problem then specific counter pollution measures are required now, including new farming practices, investment in sustainable urban drainage systems, a significant expansion of the sewer system to handle large volumes of storm water and end-of-pipe monitoring on combined sewer overflows."

MCS acknowledges the £2.6 billion invested since 2000 to improve the country's wastewater treatment infrastructure and efforts since 2006 by Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), the Scottish Government, Scottish Water and the Water Industry Commission to deliver a new £150 million coastal water environment improvement programme coupled with targeted strategies. MCS will continue to support these efforts on the coast through the Scottish Bathing Water Review Panel and Clean Coast Scotland.

Mr Duncan continued: " We're recommending 41 beaches for excellent water quality this year, which is good, but poor quality bathing water carries health risks. MCS advises people to use the Good Beach Guide and do three things; pick bathing beaches with a good water quality record, stay out of the sea for at least 24 hours after heavy storms and report pollution problems to us via the Good Beach Guide website."

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) works in partnership with MCS, and the Good Beach Guide carries information about the RNLI's national beach safety programme as well details of beaches patrolled by the RNLI lifeguards and Local Authority lifeguards. 

'MCS Recommended' is one of five UK beach awards, but is the only scheme that focuses entirely on water quality standards and the risk of sewage pollution. MCS will only recommend beaches in the Good Beach Guide if they are better than the Guideline European water quality standard and are not affected by inadequately treated continuous sewage discharge.

The 22nd edition of the Good Beach Guide is published in support of the MCS Campaign for Clean Seas & Beaches. It's the only independent, comprehensive guide to bathing water quality in the UK is available online at www.goodbeachguide.co.uk from 00:01 22nd May.  

Reid on Fuel

REID WELCOMES “CONSTRUCTIVE MEETING” WITH SCOTTISH SECRETARY ABOUT RURAL FUEL DISCOUNT SCHEME

Alan Reid, Liberal Democrat MP for Argyll & Bute, today met Jim Murphy, Secretary of State for Scotland, to put forward his proposal for a pilot fuel duty discount scheme on one or more islands.

Mr Reid told Mr Murphy that the price of fuel was always much higher on the islands in his constituency than in urban areas. Alan Reid suggested that the Treasury could experiment with a pilot scheme on one or more islands. This pilot scheme would involve cutting the rate of fuel duty on the island(s) in question.

Mr Reid said that other European countries operate remote rural fuel duty discount schemes. He pointed out that there would be no possibility of fraud because it would not make sense for anyone to buy fuel on the island and transport it back to the mainland.

Mr Murphy told Mr Reid that he would discuss Mr Reid’s proposal with Treasury Ministers.

Speaking after the meeting, Alan Reid said,

“We had a very constructive meeting. Jim Murphy was interested in my proposal and he promised to discuss it with Treasury Ministers. I hope that the Treasury will agree to try a pilot scheme on one or more islands. A reduction in the extortionate fuel prices on our islands would be a tremendous boost to their economies.”

ENDS

Fruity Friday


Islay Hospital staff gets Fruity with help from Bowmore Co-op

 

On 15th May Islay Hospital took part in Fruity Friday as part of their ongoing campaign towards their Healthy Working lives Bronze Award. Fruity Friday is an annual awareness and fundraising campaign, held by World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF UK), to increase public awareness of the links between diet, nutrition and cancer prevention, and to raise valuable funds for their cancer research and education programmes. The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF UK) is the principal UK charity dedicated to the prevention of cancer through the promotion of healthy diet and nutrition, physical activity and weight management. WCRF UK is committed to providing cancer research and education programmes that expand our understanding of the importance of our food and lifestyle choices in the cancer process. By spreading the good news that cancer can be prevented, WCRF UK hopes that many thousands of lives will be saved.

 

This year’s theme was Go Bananas and thanks to Charles in the Co-op who kindly donated a selection of fruit, Irene and Jane in IslayHospital kitchen were able to create some fruity nibbles and smoothies for tasting by staff and patients in the ward.  Staff and Dr Jean supported the day by dressing up in something yellow and donating £2 to WRCF.  There was a few Carmen Miranda hats going about, it’s amazing what you can do with a hospital cardboard bowl! Pauline’s banana creation was reminiscent of the statue of liberty and she cut a statuesque figure up and down the corridors all day. Jane worked all day in a fetching yellow boiler suit complete with yellow wig and face paint and the staff were all game for a laugh.  In all £57.54 was raised for World Cancer Research and the staff all went away with goodies and information on healthy eating and the links on cancer and diet.

 

The Healthy Working Lives programme supports employers and employees to develop health promotion and safety themes in the workplace in a practical, logical way, that's beneficial to all, Islay Hospital is about to be assessed on its Bronze Award and will then work towards Silver and Gold alongside all NHS sites in Highland. Islay Hospital Catering department is also applying and working towards a Healthyliving Award as directed by Shona Robison, Minister for Public Health who last summer said that all hospitals with catering for staff and/or visitors should register and work towards achieving the healthyliving award. The Healthyliving award rewards catering establishments for dishing up healthier food and finding ways of helping their customers make better food choices. Consumer FocusScotland and the Scottish Government want to make all the food dished up healthier by encouraging broad improvements to the way it is prepared as well as helping customers know which dishes are healthier by highlighting the healthy choices with the apple logo. If you want to sample food from a restaurant on Islay who already have the healthyliving award then go to Bon Appétit at Port Mhor in Port Charlotte and look for the apple logo, Francois Bernier from Bon Appétit will also be supporting Islay hospital as a mentor of the scheme alongside Carol Muir and Irene Darroch.

Why should I eat more fruit?

Fruit contains a wide range of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fibre  and other phytochemicals – naturally occurring plant compounds that can be beneficial to your health by protecting cells in the body from damage that can lead to cancer.

What is a portion?

Fresh, frozen, dried and tinned fruit and vegetables all count towards your 5 A DAY. Healthier choices are tinned fruit in natural juice, and tinned vegetables in water.

One adult portion is equivalent to:

  • 1 whole apple or banana
  • 2 whole plums or satsumas
  • A handful of grapes or berries
  • 3 tablespoons of cooked vegetables such as carrots, peas,
    sweetcorn
  • 1 cereal bowl of mixed salad

An easy way to remember what a portion is, is to think of it as a handful – this works for both adults and children!

Follow the rainbow rule

Many of the bright rainbow colours we see in fruit come from phytochemicals. By choosing a variety of different coloured foods not only will our meals look more appetising but they will also be providing us with the best possible mix of health-enhancing nutrients.

Easy ways to 5 A DAY

Following one or two of these simple suggestions each day will boost your fruit and vegetable intake and make sure you’re well on your way to 5 A DAY!

Breakfast

  • Add a sliced banana, handful of berries or dried fruit to your cereal
  • Make a fruit smoothie using low fat yoghurt and fresh fruit such as
    mangoes or berries

Healthy snacks

  • A handful of cherry tomatoes
  • Celery or carrot sticks with reduced fat houmous or salsa

Main meal

  • Include at least 2 portions of vegetables with main meals
  • Add extra vegetables to curries, casseroles, pasta and rice dishes

 

Carol Muir, SHPO

Ferry Survey for Businesses

HIGHLANDS & ISLANDS ENTERPRISE

Online ferry survey launched across Scotland

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and the Scottish Government have launched an online business survey as part of the Scottish Ferries Review. Businesses throughout Scotland's island, coastal and peninsular communities are being invited to take part in the survey, which should only take around 10 minutes to complete.

This is a key opportunity for any business that uses or depends on internal ferry services in Scotland, to contribute to the Ferries Review. The survey covers current use and satisfaction with ferry services and asks how possible changes to services would benefit businesses.

The Scottish Government are carrying out this review across all Scottish ferry routes including all domestic and private services. The review will consider current provision of ferry services and what improvements should be made to meet future needs. This review meets the Government's commitment set out in the 2006 National Transport Strategy (NTS) to "develop a long-term strategy for lifeline services to 2025".

The NTS requires the Scottish Government to carry out "a detailed appraisal of routes" to determine whether a better structure could be developed in response to calls for new and faster connections serving those isolated communities, and a review of fare structures as part of the affordability of public transport. 

To access the survey, please visit www.hie.co.uk/ferries-business-survey.htm

Tuesday 19 May 2009

CalMac and Sunday Sailings to Lewis

CALMAC MEET WITH COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES FOLLOWING LEGAL COMPLAINT


Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne today (Thursday, May 14,) met with 

community representatives to advise them of recent developments regarding 

ferry services on the Western Isles.


Chairman Peter Timms confirmed that the company has been approached by the 

Equality and Human Rights Commission following a complaint to them 

suggesting that CalMac are operating in breach of the Equality Act 2006 as 

a consequence of its existing practice of not providing Sunday sailings on 

some of the Clyde & Hebrides Ferry Services.


The company is required to operate within the terms of the law at all 

times and CalMac directors have therefore sought independent legal advice 

on whether it could be in breach. That legal advice has indicated that 

CalMac is likely to be in breach of the 2006 Equality Act. 


CalMac Directors are now considering the implications of this.


The company today began consulting with interested parties on how to 

operate within the terms of the legislation. However, they have made clear 

that no decision will be taken until the implications for operations have 

been fully investigated.


Peter Timms, Chairman of CalMac said: "Although this is not a formal legal 

challenge we cannot ignore the underlying claim that we may be operating 

unlawfully. We have sought legal advice and it appears we are likely to be 

in breach of the 2006 Act. As a result the CalMac board are now 

considering the implications of this. We are keen to consult with 

community representatives about how to operate within the terms of the 

legislation and no decision will be taken until the implications for 

operations have been fully investigated.”