ARGYLL & BUTE COUNCIL
OPERATIONAL SERVICES 11 FEBRUARY 2009
PORT ASKAIG REDEVELOPMENT
1. PURPOSE
The Mid-Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee had requested that
the Organisational Development Policy and Performance Group examined the
way this project had been handled. A report was submitted to the Executive
meeting on 18 December 2009 and they confirmed that the report should be
referred to the PPG.
This report outlines the history of the project, reports on the contractual issues
associated with the recently completed Phase 2 Marine Works contract,
customer expectations and project management issues.
Questions raised by the Mid-Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee
along with answers have been included as an appendix to this paper
2. RECOMMENDATIONS
It is recommended that the PPG note the contents of the report and the
actions already undertaken to mitigate against such overspends in the future
and note that the project has provided a high quality facility to maintain the
future ferry services to Islay and Jura for a cost of only £3,118,705 to the
Council
3. PROJECT HISTORY
3.1 In 1999 the Scottish Executive created a Public Transport Fund and invited
Councils to bid for the available funding.
3.2 There were considerable problems at Port Askaig with traffic congestion
caused by an inadequate mustering area and the poor structural condition of
the mainland ferry linkspan and the aligning structure for the Jura ferry berth.
3.3 A bid for funding for a project estimated to cost £5,500,000 was submitted in
August 1999. An award of £3,750,000 was made in January 2000. The new
access road and mustering area were estimated to cost £3,200,000, the
Terminal building £450,000 and the Marine works £1,850,000. The Council’s
contribution to the works was estimated at £560,000 with an expectation of the
balance coming from ERDF and Marine Grants.
3.4 It was decided at an early date that the project would have to be phased due
to the restricted area at the pier and the specialisation of each of the three
phases. The new access road and mustering area would be constructed first
to remove the congestion from the Port Area. The specialist marine works
would be the second contract with the pier buildings following last once the
marine contractor had cleared the pier area to give sufficient room for access
for the construction of the buildings.
3.5 Waterman Consultants were appointed in March 2000 to assist with the
planning process as there was a new requirement for an environmental impact
assessment.
3.6 The design of the access road and mustering area was carried out inhouse by
Roads Design. Arch Henderson were appointed for the design and
supervision of the marine works. Facility Services were appointed for the
design and supervision of the building works
3.7 Preliminary consultations with Scottish Natural Heritage required a complete
change to the proposed layouts of the port area as they required the existing
pier buildings to be retained against the setting of the cliff faces. This required
significant changes to the proposed design of the mustering area.
3.8 A public exhibition of the proposals was held in Bowmore on 24/25 July 2000
3.9 Planning was submitted and approved by the Council on 8 November 2000.
There were no formal objections to the planning application. In January 2001
the Scottish Executive called in the application and a public inquiry was held in
May 2001. Planning was approved in September 2001.
3.10 In September 2001 the project estimates were revised to £6,201,000. The
main reason for the cost increase was due to changes to the design of the
mustering area. The new access road and mustering area were estimated to
cost £3,640,000, the Terminal building £500,000 and the Marine works
£1,785,000
3.11 In April 2002 estimated project costs were continuing to rise and the decision
was taken to revise the design of the access road by reducing the design
standard and thus the costs. This required changes to the environmental
impact assessment and a new planning application was submitted on 20
August 2002 and approved on 24 December 2002
3.12 In October 2002 a marine grant from the Scottish Executive was secured for
£970,500. Estimated project costs had risen to £6,896,000. Design and the
Phase 1 works were estimated at £4,429,000, Marine works at £1,700,000
and the buildings at £767,000
3.13 Tenders for the phase 1 contract for the parking and mustering were issued
on 1 November 2002 and returned on 16 December 2002.
3.14 The phase 1 works had a significant volume of excavated materials to dispose
of. Landfill regulations and land fill tax cost implications led to a rethink of how
to dispose of this material and delayed the start of the phase 1 works until 7
July 2003
3.15 In August 2003 ERDF grant of £2,240,000 was confirmed
3.16 The tender value of the Phase 1 contract was £3,101,868.00 after adjustment
for the delay of the acceptance beyond the 3 months tender period (This was
an increase of £243,000). Allowing 10% for contingencies the estimated cost
of the contract works was expected to be £3,400,000 at the construction start.
The contractor was I & H Brown.
3.17 The site works were completed by 19 November 2004.
3.18 The final certified payment to the contractor was £3,291,989. The cost of the
Gate Lodge House was removed from the contract at a value of £120,000 as
was the cost of the road repairs between Port Askaig and Ballygrant at
£120,000. Therefore the comparative value should be £3,531,989 when
compared to the construction start estimate of £3,400,000. £105,803 was
deducted in liquidated damages so the cost to the Council was £3,426,186.
3.19 The contract was completed 98 days late but an extension of time of 58 days
was awarded making the contractor 40 days late in completion of an original
contract of 56 weeks. A 10 day extension of time was awarded for adverse
weather, 7.5 days for delays in moving services and 40.5 days for increases in
the volume of rock excavated.
3.20 The complexity of the design, the need for two major redesigns, two planning
submissions, two new houses, a petrol station, mitigation of landfill tax costs
and a public inquiry increased the design costs for inhouse staff and external
consultant to £770,000 from an original estimate of £200,000. The phase 1
contract received a Saltire Society Project Commendation in 2005, confirming
the high quality of the design.
3.21 The inability to reuse the dressed stone from the demolished gate house led
to significant delays and increased costs for the new gate house from
£120,000 to £354,800
3.22 The final cost of the Phase 1 works, including all the design costs was
£5,220,000 against an original estimate of £3,200,000 in 1999 and £4,429,000
in October 2002. I & H Brown were considered to have performed well and did
not pursue any significant claims after completion of the works.
3.23 Construction of the marine works should have followed on in 2005 after the
completion of the phase 1 work but this was delayed as land entry was not
available.
3.24 In December 2004 the project estimated costs had risen to £8,353,710 with
the marine works estimated to cost £2,800,000 and the pier buildings
£672,000. The marine grant was increased to £1,474,000. This gave a total
income of £7,464,000
3.25 Tenders for the marine works were issued on 11 January 2006 and returned
on 9 March 2006. The tender submitted by Carillion was the lowest at
£4,284,078.64. Acceptance was not made within the required 90 days as land
entry was not available. The Council had to accept the application of Baxter
indicies to cover additional costs attributable to the delay in accepting the
tender. The acceptance was issued on 25 August 2006 and the contract start
date was 9 October 2006. It was a 48 week contract.
3.26 The tender was 71% higher than the estimated cost of £2,500,000. There was
only a difference of £178,000 between the three lowest tenders indicating that
the tenders were competitively priced. The increase in cost was attributable to
high demand for marine works and costs of steel.
3.27 In recognition of the increasing costs of marine works the marine grant from
the Scottish Executive was increased to £3,642,000 in July 2006. The project
costs were now estimated at £10,810,000. £5,280,000 for the phase 1 works,
£4,780,000 for the marine works and £750,000 for the pier buildings. The
income was £9,632,000 making the Council contribution £1,178,000
3.28 Another factor in the decision to continue with the works was that the aligning
structure for the Jura ferry was in a state of collapse and the existing linkspan
was in a very poor structural condition. The linkspan was in fact closed in early
2007 forcing the diversion of all mainland ferries to Port Ellen. If the works had
not been undertaken it is likely that the Jura vehicular ferry service would also
have been lost due to failure of the aligning structure.
3.29 Carillion were 11 weeks late in completing the installation of the new linkspan
and 23 weeks late in completing all the works. The works were completed on
18 January 2008
3.30 Variations to the works during the contract included additional work to the
mainland berth extension due to poor rock conditions, variations to buried
features at the location of the linkspan foundations and significant variations to
the rock levels for the new Jura ferry berthing structure. These will lead to
increased costs and an extension of time. In November 2007 Arch Henderson
estimated the final costs to be £5,984,785. In June 2008 Arch Henderson
estimated the final cost that may be claimed by Carillion to be £6,167,714 but
this was not based on detailed claims from Carillion so has not been included
in the budget estimates
3.31 Since completion of the works Carillion have been very slow at substantiating
claims for additional costs and extensions of time and many of the staff
involved in the works have left Carillion. In late November 2008 Arch
Henderson received a substantial claim valued at approximately £2,500,000
taking the construction costs to a possible £6,784,000. This claim is still being
examined but it is unlikely that Arch Henderson will agree this value. The
current estimate of £5,984.785 has therefore been retained. This includes an
estimate of £1,700,000 to cover claims and additional work of which £600,000
has been paid to date.
3.32 There is a concern that the majority of the Carillion staff involved in the project
have left and this will make agreement of final measurement and claims
difficult. Arch Henderson expect to have asessed the claim early in 2009.
3.33 Under the contract the maximum allowable liquidated damages are £125,000
and these have been deducted from monies due to Carillion
3.34 Arch Henderson fees have risen substantially due to the long delay in issuing
tenders, the extended construction time and the complexity of the claims.
3.35 Estimated fees in 2003 were £70,000 and in 2006 £194,000. The current
estimate fee cost is £535,000
3.36 2007/08 was the last year in which marine grant was available. In recognition
of the increasing costs at Port Askaig the Scottish Government included an
additional £1,000,000 in the Council’s capital block allocation in 2009/10 for
Port Askaig
3.37 The issue of tenders for the Pier Buildings was delayed until Carillion could
clear the pier area to allow the pier building contractor access. Tenders were
issued on 18 September 2007 and returned on 26 October 2007 as at that
time Carillion were indicating completion of the site works by November 2007.
3.38 The lowest tender was submitted by MacInnes Brothers Ltd at £844,663.58
after correction. Before acceptance was issued MacInnes Brothers withdrew
their tender so the tender was awarded to the second lowest which was M & K
MacLeod Ltd with a corrected value of £904,351.79.
3.39 In December 2007 Hitrans awarded a grant of £300,000 towards the cost of
the pier buildings
3.40 The tender was accepted on 24 January 2008 and the start date was to be 10
March 2008. The contract period is 42 weeks. M & K MacLeod were delayed
in starting as Carillion had not cleared the pier area. The delay was 6 weeks.
The actual start date was 21 April 2008.
3.41 M & K MacLeod are expected to complete the works by March 2009 and
within the budget of £995,000
3.42 On completion of the pier buildings a small contract will be let for the road
resurfacing and footways between the pier building and the Post Office.
Landscaping works in the mustering area are expected to be undertaken in
the Spring 2009. Work is in hand to obtain a standby generator for the
linkspan.
3.43 The current estimated project cost is £13,146,000. The total income is
£10,027,295. The cost to the Council is £3,118,705 of which £1,000,000 is
covered by the additional capital block allocation. Claims resolution of the
Phase 2 Marine Works contract is still outstanding and could lead to further
cost increases.
4. PHASE 2 MARINE WORKS CONTRACT
The section of the report addresses the performance of Arch Henderson, the
external consultant appointed to design and supervise the construction of the
marine works, Carillion, the contractor appointed to construct the works and
the issue of the public expectations from the works.
4.1 Arch Henderson – External Marine Consultant
4.1.1 In April 2000, six consultants with experience in marine work were asked to
submit a pre-qualification tender for a feasibility study, final design and
preparation of tender documentation for the marine works. Timescales
required the planning application information by end July 2000 and tender
documentation by the autumn of 2001.
4.1.2 The timescales were very short as it was driven by the need to meet the
expenditure profile of the Public Transport Funding award
4.1.3 Three consultants were asked to give a presentation on their proposals on 11
May 2000. Arch Henderson was successful and appointed on 15 May 2000.
The appointment was based on hourly costs as it was not possible to fully
define the work required at this stage.
4.1.4 For future contracts consideration has been given to appoint a consultant for
the design work on a fixed price. This approach would require committed
timescales as delays would lead to cost increases. There is also a concern
with a fixed price design contract that the quality of the work may diminish if
the consultant was nearing his cost limit and there is no incentive for the
designers to improve their designs. They would produce the design that was
cheapest to design rather then cheapest to build.
4.1.5 Another alternative considered was a target contract where a target price is
set and the profits/loss are shared between the Council and the consultant.
These are complex to set up and lead to high target prices to ensure a profit
rather than a loss. They also do not encourage efficient design.
4.1.6 The preliminary design work was completed and the planning information was
submitted on time. However due to the public inquiry planning was not
approved until September 2001. The consultant had been appointed with a
specific condition that detail design was not to commence until planning
approval was received to give the Council the opportunity to terminate the
contract if the planning was unsuccessful.
4.1.7 As the works were phased Arch Henderson was under no pressure to
complete the design until completion of phase 1 works. No significant final
design work was undertaken until 2004 when Arch Henderson again
committed resources to completing the design for a 2004 tender issue. The
tender issue was delayed until January 2006 by the Council’s failure to obtain
land entry.
4.1.8 At the time of tender acceptance for construction of the marine works Arch
Henderson fees were £142,603 for a contract estimated to cost £2,500,000
(5.7%) However at this time Arch Henderson advised that there was still detail
design required on some elements of the work and that this would be
undertaken during the construction period. This is normal for marine works to
avoid abortive design work if unforeseen conditions are encountered.
4.1.9 Arch Henderson was appointed to undertake the site supervision works as
Roads Design did not have the necessary resources available. This was again
at cost. It is normal practice to pay for site supervision at cost as the levels of
supervision required can vary depending on the site conditions and associated
problems and the performance of the contractor.
4.1.10 Arch Henderson supervised the works on site from October 2006 to March
2008 at a supervision cost of £221,774 on a contract tender value of
£4,282,078 (5.2%). These are very low supervision costs for a contract that
extended from 44 weeks to 81 weeks and which required extensive travelling
costs for site staff. Supervision costs are currently estimated at £230,000 to
allow for dealing with claims and final measurement.
4.1.11 Arch Henderson undertook the remaining design work during the construction
as well as additional design work to deal with unforeseen conditions. This
raised the final design fees to £303,140. Arch Henderson charges all non site
based staff costs as design costs but some may relate to what we would
classify as site supervision costs. The total fee costs are £533,140 which is
12.4% of the tender cost for the marine works.
4.1.12 These fee levels are considered to be high but a significant element is
attributable to the contractor’s poor performance. The Council extended an 18
month contract into one covering 8 years. The construction period extended
from 44 weeks to 85 weeks and we are currently going through protracted
claims and final measurement issues. Once the design work commenced it
would have been very difficult to change the consultant and at the start of the
contract works there was no reason to consider such an action as the fees
charged were reasonable.
4.1.13 Had we used a lump sum contract for the design work the Council would have
been liable for constant variations due to the long delays during the design
period.
4.1.14 With hindsight we should have kept a better control on the completion of the
design work and had a better appreciation of the amount of design work that
was outstanding at the time of the appointment of a contractor. Overall Arch
Henderson have performed well in accepting the long time delays during the
design period and have delivered the design work to match the contract
requirements. We suspect that at times Arch Henderson were under
resourced but considering the extreme timescale changes it would be unfair to
make this a significant criticism.
4.1.15 The initial timescales for the project, required by the PTF funding were totally
unrealistic for a project of this size and complexity. The introduction of the
requirement for Environmental Assessments and the problems raised by the
landfill tax regulations contributed to the delays. The biggest cause of delay to
the marine works was the Council’s inability to secure the required land entry.
4.2 Carillion - Contractor
4.2.1 Tenders were issued for the construction of the marine works on 11 January
2006. The tender could not be accepted within the 90 day period and the
Council had to negotiate with the contractor for additional costs before the
tender was accepted on 25 August 2006. The position was further
complicated by the fact that tenders had been issued to Mowlem but they
were taken over by Carillion before the acceptance was issued.
4.2.2 At the time of the tender issue the construction costs were estimated at
£2,500,000. The lowest tender was £4,284,078. There was only a difference
of £178,000 between the three lowest tenders indicating that the tenders had
been competitively priced. Arch Henderson and the Scottish Executive Marine
section agreed that there had been substantial increases in the costs of
marine works throughout Scotland. There was a considerable pressure to
commence the works due to the poor structural condition of the Jura berth
aligning structure and the existing linkspan. The tender was therefore
accepted.
4.2.3 Carillion’s progress on the contract became a concern early in the contract.
The mainland ferry was diverted from Port Askaig in January 2007, rather
than in March 2007 for a period of only 4 weeks, due to the closure of the
linkspan after a structural inspection. Carillion failed to capitalise on this
benefit and only completed the linkspan closure some 11 weeks later than
required. The progress by Carillion continued to be poor and towards the end
of the contract was very poor. The site works were completed on 1 May 2008
some 37 weeks late. Carillion failed to meet their commitment for clearing the
pier area and this led to a delay in the start of the pier building contract.
4.2.4 Carillion suffered several failures of their temporary works which caused
concern and delayed the completion of the works. There were some
necessary variations to the works for which Carillion will be entitled to an
extension of time. Evaluation of this extension of time has been hampered by
the lack of detail information from Carillion. Intimated variations to the works
(but not agreed) are:
Weather delays £59,000
Additional shipping movements £17.000
Poor rock at new dolphin extension £160,000
Fractured rock between dolphin and main pier £193,000
Delays in completing the link span £338,000
Replace RNLI mooring £43,000
Linkspan variations £54,000
Dowels to piles on Jura berth £84,000
Misc works £160,000
23 weeks prolongation costs £402,500
Additional insurance costs £20,000
Baxter indicies £257,000
4.2.5 Carillion had intimated the basis for some claims but did not supply supporting
information until November 2008. This information is now being assessed by
Arch Henderson. They have intimated a claim value in the region of
£2,500,000
4.2.6 The assessment of the claim has to be carried out by Arch Henderson who
supervised the construction works. They check the factual content of the claim
in relation to their site records and assess the contractual validity to see if the
Council is liable for the costs claimed. Roads Design staff will then over view
any proposed settlement before authorising payment. If Carillion do not accept
the settlement offered they have the right to take the dispute to adjudication
and or arbitration.
4.2.7 Many of the Mowlem staff that moved to Carillion at the start of the contract
have now left Carillion and this will make agreement of final measurement and
settlement of claims more difficult.
4.2.8 This contract was let under the ICE Conditions of Contract, Sixth Edition and
the method of measurement was the Civil Engineering Standard Method of
Measurement (3rd Edition)
4.2.9 These contracts do not allow for penalties for late completion. Liquidated
damages can be applied but they are expressly forbidden to be a penalty and
only allow for costs incurred by the late completion. In this contract liquidated
damages were set for failure to reopen the linkspan at £10,000 per week with
a limit of £100,000 and £2,500 per week for completion of the whole of the
works at £2,500 per week with a limit of £25,000. The normal expectation is
that a contractor will complete the works as quickly as possible to minimise his
site overhead costs.
4.2.10 Once a contractor starts to under perform on a contract there is little the
Council can do until it reaches a point where the Council may wish to
terminate the contract. This is an extreme measure and would no doubt be
contested in court by a contractor.
4.2.11 We have considered introducing penalty clauses for late completion but
unless the works can be very strictly defined with little chance of variations to
the requirements such clauses would be very difficult to enforce.
4.3 Customer Expectations
4.3.1 The marine works contract has attracted significant adverse reactions from
users of the harbour and the Jura ferry. This is unfortunate as it detracts from
the significant benefits the project has provided.
4.3.2 The Harbour Users Association have implied that the design of the inner
harbour is sub-standard as it does not provide sufficient depth for large fishing
vessels, it does not provide all year sheltered berthing and that the new
berthing deck level is too low and is flooded by the high tides. None of these
items were objectives of the design brief. The main requirement was to
provide a new safe berthing structure for the Jura ferry.
4.3.3 An open structure could have been constructed and this would have left the
inner harbour fully exposed to all weather conditions, closed off when the Jura
ferry was berthed and with no increased capacity. By constructing a solid
structure we have been able for little additional cost to meet the objective of a
safe berth for the Jura ferry and also to offer significant improvements for the
users of the inner harbour. The harbour users have developed expectations
that were not requested or offered during the design phase.
4.3.4 The Jura ferry users suffered considerable disruption during the works and
this was prolonged by the long delays in completion by Carillion. The new
linkspan was increased in size specifically to allow the Jura ferry to be able to
use it through all states of the tide. The design objective was to create a safer
method of loading the Jura ferry and this has been achieved. The fixed ramp
at the berthing structure was retained to allow Jura ferry sailings if the linkspan
was out of use and for the eventual extension, if required, to a 1 in 8 fixed
ramp in the future.
4.3.5 Since the design was completed the mainland ferry has started berthing
overnight at Port Askaig preventing access for the Jura ferry. This has led to
increased use of the fixed ramp and highlighted its inability to be used at low
water. There are also conflicts with the afternoon sailings of the mainland ferry
and the Jura ferry.
4.3.6 These disruptions are relatively minor and can be dealt with by minor changes
to the timetabling to avoid the conflict while still providing the same number of
Jura ferry sailing. Any design within such a restricted area and dealing with
two distinct ferry services will require compromise or significantly increased
funding.
4.3.7 Many of the items raised that are causing discontent are in fact requests for
further improvements and additional work over and above the current
contract. These have to be considered in the light of available budgets and the
requirements for all the marine infrastructure owned by the Council. With the
current level of predicted expenditure on the original project there is no scope
for additional capital expenditure on the project
5. Project Management Issues
5.1 It is important from the start of any project to have realistic timescales and to
understand the complexity of the project to be undertaken. This project was
driven by the unrealistic timescales of the Public Transport Funding and was
further delayed by the Environmental Impact Assessment requirements,
resolving landfill tax regulations, the unexpected planning inquiry and the
Councils own failure to obtain land entry within the required timescales.
5.2 Prince 2 project management has now been introduced for major projects.
This ensures good definition and planning of the project from an early stage
with any risks being highlighted. The project board also have the necessary
power to ensure all services meet required timescales.
5.3 The marine work was further delayed by the poor performance of the
contractor. Once a contractor is appointed there is little the Council can do to
prevent poor performance. We can and do enforce the specification
requirements. Our standard contracts do not contain penalty clauses.
Introducing such clauses would push up the price of contracts as contractors
would build in the additional risk of a potential penalty to their rates. Penalty
clauses would be difficult to enforce as contractors would seek to lay the
blame for any delays on the Council and we would still be in a dispute
position. A penalty clause would only be enforceable if all the risks were
passed to the contractor by having a design and build contract. However
because of the risks involved the tender prices for such contracts tend to be
very high. In this instance the delayed land entry would have led to significant
cost increases had we had such a contract.
5.4 Project estimates are always very difficult at the start of a project when many
of the potential issues and problems have not been identified. This project
was particularly complex and required significant major redesigns to reflect the
outcome of the preliminary design works. There was an unexpected and
significant increase in the cost of marine works throughout Scotland at the
time the marine contract was let. The major factor in the increased costs was
the uncontrolled timescales where the project extended from an expected 3
years to 9 years.
5.5 With this project the Council bore all the cost risks for delays as the PTF and
ERDF funding was fixed at the start of the project. These cost increases were
significantly mitigated by increased marine grants secured by the design team.
At present the project costs have increased by £7,646,000 but the Council’s
contribution has increased by only £1,600,000.
5.6 Significant changes to the marine works were required because of unexpected
poor ground conditions. There is a balance to be struck between the cost of
advanced investigation work and the potential costs of unforeseen conditions
not identified at the start of the works. With hindsight it is easy to say the
ground investigation was inadequate but during the design phase it was
considered that sufficient ground investigation and seabed inspection had
been carried out. The cost of three boreholes was £25,500. To have
guaranteed to have identified the extent of the poor ground conditions found
we would have had to increase this by a factor of 10
6. IMPLICATIONS
6.1 Policy - None.
6.2 Financial – There are significant claims from Carillion for the Phase 2 Marine
Works contract. If these are successful the Council will be required to fund
them from the capital budget
6.3 Personnel – None
6.4 Equalities Impact Assessment - None
6.5 Legal – None.
For further information, please contact Peter Ward (Tel: 01546 604651).
Stewart Turner
Head of Roads & Amenity Services
30 January 2009
Appendix 1 – Mid-Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee Questions
1. What were the terms of reference to the harbour works designers? - An
outline brief describing the desired improvements was issues to several marine
consultants. They were asked to give a presentation of what they thought was
possible and on the basis of the presentation a consultant was appointed to
develop the proposals
2. What is the specified performance capability (vessel size, wave height, tide
level) and compliance with current system failure reserve standards of the
public linkspan terminal? – This question is not fully understood and
clarification has been sought from the Area Committee. Vessel size for the Jura
ferry was the existing ferry and the normal standby vessel (Loch Class). The
proposed improvements were discussed with Calmac who advised that they were
suitable for any future vessels they may use on this route. Tide levels were as per
tide tables. There was no specified wave height.
3. What is the specified performance capability of the Jura/PA terminal and tie
up berth? - Deck levels were to match the existing pier deck. The vessel size
was up to a Loch Class vessel. The linkspan was to be capable of allowing the
Jura ferry to operate at all states of the tide
4. What is the specified performance capability of the other berths? - The
proposed depth of water in the inner harbour and North harbour was determined
by funding limitations and practical issues as to what was possible within that
budget
5. What is the break down of the 40% harbour works cost over run? - Final
costs have not been agreed so it is not possible to give a final cost or a
breakdown of the increased costs at this point in time. The report details the main
elements currently under discussion with the contractor.
6. What has been the cost of professional fees from public funds, if
confidential, on what authority? – Arch Henderson fees are currently
estimated at £535,000. Waterman fees were £318,000. Internal staff costs are
£565,000
7. Was the extra cost involved in providing the present Jura boat berth
additional to the small boat harbour protective quay more than £5,000? –
This question is not understood. We provided a Jura ferry berthing face which
allowed improvement of the inner harbour. Clarification of this question has been
sought from the Area Committee
8. What is the projected cost of a dedicated linkspan for the Jura boat which
the Council officials undertook to determine and report back on at the Jura
public meeting on 1st July? - The meeting was held on 8 December 2008.
Estimated costs are £900,000 - £1,500,000
9. What is the projected cost of a wave suppresser to safeguard the Councils
vessel as previously existed for the Jura berth? – The previous berth had no
wave suppressor and no commitment has been made to install one on the new
berth. No work has been undertaken on such a system
10. Will the Council now apply the £1,000,000 windfall extra grant windfall to
restoring the integrity of the Jura link? - The additional £1,000,000 was an
allocation of capital funding towards the costs of the existing works. There is no
spare funding
11. What is the current and projected annual traffic to and from Jura? –
2005/06 2006/07 2007/08
Passengers 71800 73800 72000
Cars 24200 24000 24000
Commercials 4500 4900 4200
Traffic remains steady and the predicted levels are similar to the existing
12. What is the current and projected annual traffic to and from the mainland? -
Calmac are being asked to supply this information
13. Is the Jura ferry loading commercial traffic at the PA/Jura berth? – We have
advised that all commercial traffic should load via the linkspan as it is much safer
14. What are the statistics for Jura crossings delayed or frustrated by berth
issues? – ASP have examined the records in the year before the marine works
commenced and have not been able to identify any disruptions caused by low
tide levels. There was considerable disruption during the berth construction
15. Why is there no nominated harbour master, as laid down on the
Government 2002 code of practice, resident on Islay? – The code states there
should be a harbour master not must be a harbour master. The cost of a full time
harbour master cannot be justified. The technical officer based on Islay is able to
undertake any necessary functions of the harbour master
16. Will the Council be liable for negligence if there is an avoidable marine or
personnel accident? – The Council would be liable for an accident caused by
negligence of its employees. Clarification of the rest of the question has been
sought from the Area Committee
17. What is the status of EU grant and does this require the works to be on
ground with good title? – The final amount of the ERDF grant has been
claimed.
18. Does the Council have good title to the built on the sea bed and the road
and car park?- The Council has acquired all the private land on which the works
are constructed and obtained the necessary lease from the Crown Estates
19. Has the elected Council overseen this major £13,000,000 plus project with a
clear understanding of the objective to achieve an efficient interface for the
islands’ sea link? –The Council has created an effective interface for vehicles
and passengers utilising the ferry services from Port Askaig. It has constructed
what was agreed through the planning application.
20. Who will carry out an on the spot audit to determine the extent to which the
works are operationally satisfactory, and so value for public money, and
when? - The works as constructed have allowed the Jura ferry to continue to
operate from Port Askaig and for the mainland ferry to continue operations. There
is no proposal for an audit.
Wednesday, 5 August 2009
BBC ALBA – WEEKLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS
Date: Saturday, 15 August – Friday, 21 August 2009
Title: Spors – As-live SPL coverage
The latest as-live coverage from the SPL.
Transmitted: Saturday 15th August
Time: 20:00
Title: Trusadh: The Menace of the Mink
In 2001 an eradication project was launched in the Western Isles to eradicate the minc population that is desecrating the ground-nesting bird colonies. Trusadh follows the men behind the project and the people that have seen the destruction first hand.
Transmitted: Monday 17th August
Time: 21:00
Title: Soillse: Sex Trafficking in South-east Asia
After escaping from the brothel where she was held as a sex slave for two years, Veasna, a Cambodian woman, is determined to return to the site of the crime to try and save her friends there. Her story throws light on the dark world of sex trafficking in Southeast Asia.
Transmitted: Wednesday 19th August
Time: 21:00
Title: Clò Mòr - The Story of Harris Tweed
The story of an iconic fabric, Harris Tweed - A definitive look at the history of Harris Tweed it's industrial, cultural and social heritage through the prism of the present day, unfolding story of efforts to resuscitate and build a new future for the industry.
Transmitted: Thursday 21st August
Time: 21:00
Title: Fuil a Chiùil – Music in the Blood
Exploring the musical links within families and across generations. In 2001 three families already making a name for themselves in traditional music circles, the MacKenzie sisters, Ruaraidh, Marianne and Rory Campbell and the young Henderson clan discussed their musical influences and the impact of their families on their developing talent. The programme captures a snapshot of their musical journey up until that point and their ambitions going forward.
Transmitted: Friday 22nd August
Time: 22:00
BBC ALBA is available on Sky channel 168 and on Freesat channel 110. For further information see www.bbcalba.co.uk
BBC ALBA is run by MG ALBA in partnership with the BBC. MG ALBA is the operating name of Seirbheis nam Meadhanan Gàidhlig (Gaelic Media Service). Find out more about MG ALBA and about the partnership at www.mgalba.com
Title: Spors – As-live SPL coverage
The latest as-live coverage from the SPL.
Transmitted: Saturday 15th August
Time: 20:00
Title: Trusadh: The Menace of the Mink
In 2001 an eradication project was launched in the Western Isles to eradicate the minc population that is desecrating the ground-nesting bird colonies. Trusadh follows the men behind the project and the people that have seen the destruction first hand.
Transmitted: Monday 17th August
Time: 21:00
Title: Soillse: Sex Trafficking in South-east Asia
After escaping from the brothel where she was held as a sex slave for two years, Veasna, a Cambodian woman, is determined to return to the site of the crime to try and save her friends there. Her story throws light on the dark world of sex trafficking in Southeast Asia.
Transmitted: Wednesday 19th August
Time: 21:00
Title: Clò Mòr - The Story of Harris Tweed
The story of an iconic fabric, Harris Tweed - A definitive look at the history of Harris Tweed it's industrial, cultural and social heritage through the prism of the present day, unfolding story of efforts to resuscitate and build a new future for the industry.
Transmitted: Thursday 21st August
Time: 21:00
Title: Fuil a Chiùil – Music in the Blood
Exploring the musical links within families and across generations. In 2001 three families already making a name for themselves in traditional music circles, the MacKenzie sisters, Ruaraidh, Marianne and Rory Campbell and the young Henderson clan discussed their musical influences and the impact of their families on their developing talent. The programme captures a snapshot of their musical journey up until that point and their ambitions going forward.
Transmitted: Friday 22nd August
Time: 22:00
BBC ALBA is available on Sky channel 168 and on Freesat channel 110. For further information see www.bbcalba.co.uk
BBC ALBA is run by MG ALBA in partnership with the BBC. MG ALBA is the operating name of Seirbheis nam Meadhanan Gàidhlig (Gaelic Media Service). Find out more about MG ALBA and about the partnership at www.mgalba.com
NFUS WELCOMES MOVE TO INSTALL OMBUDSMAN
NFU Scotland has welcomed the Competition Commission’s announcement that it has formally recommended that the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) establish an ombudsman to ‘arbitrate on disputes between grocery retailers and suppliers and investigate complaints under the new Groceries Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP).’
The Competition Commission’s action comes more than one year after the publication of its groceries market investigation report, which recommended the introduction of an independent ombudsman to oversee relationships between retailers and suppliers. Because the Commission does not have the power to establish an ombudsman itself it has, in the eighteen months since the report’s publication, tried to get major retailers to agree to establish an ombudsman themselves.
Since the majority of retailers have not agreed to this, the Commission is following the next formal step in the process i.e. to recommend that BIS establish the ombudsman instead.
NFU Scotland’s Chief Executive, James Withers, said:
“Sadly, but not surprisingly, the major supermarkets have walked away from setting up the ombudsman themselves. Clearly they are not secure enough in their own claims about fair trade to open them up to independent scrutiny. That is a pretty sorry place for them to be.
“However, credit is due to the Competition Commission who have now done what they committed to do in their report and refer this to Government. The ball is very much in the UK Government’s court now. If they wish to protect the interests of consumers, the food industry and supermarket suppliers, they must legislate to set up the ombudsman. Without an independent policeman, the strengthened supermarket code of practice will be of very little value indeed.
“We are likely to have a general election next year, and the attitude of this government and the other political parties towards a supermarket ombudsman will be a key issue in rural communities. All parties will be judged on the action they commit to now.”
Ends
"This message is private and confidential. If you have received this message in error, please notify us and remove it from your system. All information or opinions expressed in this message and/or any attachments are those of the author and are not necessarily those of NFUS. NFUS accepts no responsibility for loss or damage arising from its use, including damage from virus." NFU Scotland is a company limited by guarantee. Registered Office - Rural Centre, West Mains, Ingliston, Newbridge, Midlothian, EH28 8LT, Registered in Scotland No - 214564
PLEASE PLEDGE YOUR SUPPORT FOR SCOTTISH FOOD & FARMING - VISIT www.whatsonyourplate.co.uk
______________________________________________________________________
This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System.
For more information please visit http://www.messagelabs.com/email
______________________________________________________________________
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Begin forwarded message:
> From: ashley.handy@nfus.org.uk
> Date: 4 August 2009 14:26:23 BST
> Subject: NFUS News Release 141 - NFUS WELCOMES MOVE TO INSTALL
> OMBUDSMAN
>
>
>
> News Release
>
> Date : Tuesday 4 August 2009
> No : 141/09
> Contact : Sarah Anderson
> Telephone : 0131 472 4108
> Email : sarah.anderson@nfus.org.uk
>
> NFUS WELCOMES MOVE TO INSTALL OMBUDSMAN
>
> NFU Scotland has welcomed the Competition Commission’s announcement
> that it has formally recommended that the Department for Business,
> Innovation and Skills (BIS) establish an ombudsman to ‘arbitrate on
> disputes between grocery retailers and suppliers and investigate
> complaints under the new Groceries Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP).’
>
> The Competition Commission’s action comes more than one year after
> the publication of its groceries market investigation report, which
> recommended the introduction of an independent ombudsman to oversee
> relationships between retailers and suppliers. Because the
> Commission does not have the power to establish an ombudsman itself
> it has, in the eighteen months since the report’s publication, tried
> to get major retailers to agree to establish an ombudsman themselves.
>
> Since the majority of retailers have not agreed to this, the
> Commission is following the next formal step in the process i.e. to
> recommend that BIS establish the ombudsman instead.
>
> NFU Scotland’s Chief Executive, James Withers, said:
>
> “Sadly, but not surprisingly, the major supermarkets have walked
> away from setting up the ombudsman themselves. Clearly they are not
> secure enough in their own claims about fair trade to open them up
> to independent scrutiny. That is a pretty sorry place for them to be.
>
> “However, credit is due to the Competition Commission who have now
> done what they committed to do in their report and refer this to
> Government. The ball is very much in the UK Government’s court
> now. If they wish to protect the interests of consumers, the food
> industry and supermarket suppliers, they must legislate to set up
> the ombudsman. Without an independent policeman, the strengthened
> supermarket code of practice will be of very little value indeed.
>
> “We are likely to have a general election next year, and the
> attitude of this government and the other political parties towards
> a supermarket ombudsman will be a key issue in rural communities.
> All parties will be judged on the action they commit to now.”
>
>
>
> PLEASE PLEDGE YOUR SUPPORT FOR SCOTTISH FOOD & FARMING - VISIT www.whatsonyourplate.co.uk
>
The Competition Commission’s action comes more than one year after the publication of its groceries market investigation report, which recommended the introduction of an independent ombudsman to oversee relationships between retailers and suppliers. Because the Commission does not have the power to establish an ombudsman itself it has, in the eighteen months since the report’s publication, tried to get major retailers to agree to establish an ombudsman themselves.
Since the majority of retailers have not agreed to this, the Commission is following the next formal step in the process i.e. to recommend that BIS establish the ombudsman instead.
NFU Scotland’s Chief Executive, James Withers, said:
“Sadly, but not surprisingly, the major supermarkets have walked away from setting up the ombudsman themselves. Clearly they are not secure enough in their own claims about fair trade to open them up to independent scrutiny. That is a pretty sorry place for them to be.
“However, credit is due to the Competition Commission who have now done what they committed to do in their report and refer this to Government. The ball is very much in the UK Government’s court now. If they wish to protect the interests of consumers, the food industry and supermarket suppliers, they must legislate to set up the ombudsman. Without an independent policeman, the strengthened supermarket code of practice will be of very little value indeed.
“We are likely to have a general election next year, and the attitude of this government and the other political parties towards a supermarket ombudsman will be a key issue in rural communities. All parties will be judged on the action they commit to now.”
Ends
"This message is private and confidential. If you have received this message in error, please notify us and remove it from your system. All information or opinions expressed in this message and/or any attachments are those of the author and are not necessarily those of NFUS. NFUS accepts no responsibility for loss or damage arising from its use, including damage from virus." NFU Scotland is a company limited by guarantee. Registered Office - Rural Centre, West Mains, Ingliston, Newbridge, Midlothian, EH28 8LT, Registered in Scotland No - 214564
PLEASE PLEDGE YOUR SUPPORT FOR SCOTTISH FOOD & FARMING - VISIT www.whatsonyourplate.co.uk
______________________________________________________________________
This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System.
For more information please visit http://www.messagelabs.com/email
______________________________________________________________________
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Begin forwarded message:
> From: ashley.handy@nfus.org.uk
> Date: 4 August 2009 14:26:23 BST
> Subject: NFUS News Release 141 - NFUS WELCOMES MOVE TO INSTALL
> OMBUDSMAN
>
>
>
> News Release
>
> Date : Tuesday 4 August 2009
> No : 141/09
> Contact : Sarah Anderson
> Telephone : 0131 472 4108
> Email : sarah.anderson@nfus.org.uk
>
> NFUS WELCOMES MOVE TO INSTALL OMBUDSMAN
>
> NFU Scotland has welcomed the Competition Commission’s announcement
> that it has formally recommended that the Department for Business,
> Innovation and Skills (BIS) establish an ombudsman to ‘arbitrate on
> disputes between grocery retailers and suppliers and investigate
> complaints under the new Groceries Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP).’
>
> The Competition Commission’s action comes more than one year after
> the publication of its groceries market investigation report, which
> recommended the introduction of an independent ombudsman to oversee
> relationships between retailers and suppliers. Because the
> Commission does not have the power to establish an ombudsman itself
> it has, in the eighteen months since the report’s publication, tried
> to get major retailers to agree to establish an ombudsman themselves.
>
> Since the majority of retailers have not agreed to this, the
> Commission is following the next formal step in the process i.e. to
> recommend that BIS establish the ombudsman instead.
>
> NFU Scotland’s Chief Executive, James Withers, said:
>
> “Sadly, but not surprisingly, the major supermarkets have walked
> away from setting up the ombudsman themselves. Clearly they are not
> secure enough in their own claims about fair trade to open them up
> to independent scrutiny. That is a pretty sorry place for them to be.
>
> “However, credit is due to the Competition Commission who have now
> done what they committed to do in their report and refer this to
> Government. The ball is very much in the UK Government’s court
> now. If they wish to protect the interests of consumers, the food
> industry and supermarket suppliers, they must legislate to set up
> the ombudsman. Without an independent policeman, the strengthened
> supermarket code of practice will be of very little value indeed.
>
> “We are likely to have a general election next year, and the
> attitude of this government and the other political parties towards
> a supermarket ombudsman will be a key issue in rural communities.
> All parties will be judged on the action they commit to now.”
>
>
>
> PLEASE PLEDGE YOUR SUPPORT FOR SCOTTISH FOOD & FARMING - VISIT www.whatsonyourplate.co.uk
>
Monday, 3 August 2009
Bòrd na Gàidhlig a’ cur fàilte air Taic an Riaghaltais
Tha Bòrd na Gàidhlig, a’phrìomh bhuidheann poblach le uallach airson leasachadh na Gàidhlig, air fàilte a chur air dà naidheachd bho Riaghaltas na h-Alba, a’ cur tuilleadh taic ris a’ chànan.
A’ bruidheann aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig anns an Eilean Sgitheanach an diugh (Diluain, Lùnastal 3) dhearbh a’ Phrìomh Mhinistear Ailig Salmond gun deach £800,000 a bharrachd a chomharrachadh airson foghlam Gàidhlig a’ toirt na tha an Riaghaltas a’ cosg bho Stòras Gàidhlig nan Sgoiltean gu £2.15m am bliadhna.
Chaidh an Stòras fhoillseachadh leis a’ Phrìomh Mhinistear aig a’ Mhòd Rìoghail Nàiseanta an uiridh. Thuirt Art MacCarmaig, Cathraiche Bhòrd na Gàidhlig: “Tha sinn a’ cur fàilte air an impidh a tha a’ sìor nochdadh bhon Riaghaltas an Alba mu choinneimh an taic dhan Ghàidhlig a’ stèidheachadh slighe romhainn a bhios beothail, tèarainte agus maireannach, agus tha Bòrd na Gàidhlig fìor-dheònach a bhith ag obair còmhla ris an Riaghaltas chum sin a bhuinnig. Tha an t-airgead calpa a bharrachd airson sgoiltean Gàidhlig a’ toirt cothrom do dh’ùghdarrasan ionadail ceum air adhart a ghabhail le pròiseactan cudromach a chuidicheas le bhith a’ cur ri àireamhan luchd-bruidhne na Gàidhlig, leithid sgoiltean Gàidhlig ann am Portrìgh agus anns a’ Ghearasdan. Bu chòir seo cuideachd pàrantan anns a h-uile sgìre a mhisneachadh son sgoiltean Gàidhlig iarraidh nan coimhearsnachdan fhèin.”
Tha Bòrd na Gàidhlig cuideachd air fàilte a chur air an taic a tha an Riaghaltas a’ nochdadh airson barrachd oidhirp a dhèanamh gus daoine a thàladh gu bhith ag ionnsachadh na Gàidhlig. A’ bruidheann ann an Steòrnabhagh feasgar, thuirt Ministear na Gàidhlig Micheal Russell agus Rùnaire a’ Chaibineit airson Foghlam Fiona Hyslop gu robh feum air adhartas anns a’ bhad feuch an gabhabh ginealach ùr de luchd-labhairt na Gàidhlig a chothromachadh agus a leasachadh. Thuirt iad gum biodh an Riaghaltas agus Bòrd na Gàidhlig ag obair gu math dlùth còmhla thar nan trì mìosan romhainn airson slighe a chomharrachadh a bheireadh amasan gu math adhartach gu ìre. Thuirt Mghr Russell gu robh e an dùil molaidhean fhoillseachadh ro dheireadh na bliadhna a’ mìneachadh ceumanan bunasach a bhiodh a’ toirt gu ìre àrdachadh ann an luchd-cleachdaidh agus luchd labhairt na Gàidhlig.
Thuirt Mghr MacCarmaig: “Mar phrìomh bhuidhinn comhairleachaidh an Riaghaltais tha am Bòrd a’ cur fàilte air na bh’aig an dà Mhinistear ri ràdh mun taic a tha iad airson a chumail ri oidhirpean barrachd dhaoine a thàladh gu ionnsachadh na Gàidhlig. Tha am Bòrd gu math mothachail gun fheum sinn a bhith ag amas ar dòighean obrach agus oidhirpean gu math innleachdach airson cothroman ionnsachaidh a leasachadh. Bidh sinn a’ cur ris an obair a tha seo gu dealasachach agus thig sinn air adhart le molaidhean bunasach an co-bhuinn ris an Riaghaltas. ’S e cothrom a tha seo cur gu làidir ris a’ Phlana Nàiseanta a th’againn an dràsta, le taic an Riaghaltais, agus toiseach-tòiseachadh a dhèanamh air slighe chun ath Phlana.
Tha sinn air ar mòr-mhisneachadh gu bheil Rùnaire a’ Chaibineit agus am Ministear le chèile ’gar piobrachadh gu bhith a’ dol an-sàs ann an oidhirpean crìonadh na Gàidhlig a thilleadh, agus gu bheil iad fhèin mothachail nach eil cus ùine again seo a dhèanamh. Tha barrachd stòrais againn ’nar sgioba-obrach an dràsta tron Bhuidhean Stiùiridh Eadar-amail agus tha na buill mar tha air slighe air adhart a chomharrachadh gus piseach a thoirt air cùisean. An luib an ath-leasachaidh air ar bun-structair nì sinn cinnteach gun tèid buannachd buinnig às na cothroman a tha a’ fusgladh romhainn. Bidh sinn ag obair còmhla ris an Riaghaltas ach am bi sinn cinnteach gum bi am Ministear ann an suidheachadh clàr-obrach le amasan gu math mionaideach agus dùbhlannach fhoillseachadh nas fhaide air adhart dhen bhliadhna, agus bidh cinn-uidhe gu math cinnteach romhainn.”
Bòrd na Gàidhlig welcomes Scottish Government
Commitment to Gaelic
Bòrd na Gàidhlig, the principal public agency with responsibility for developing Gaelic, has welcomed two major announcements by the Scottish Government.
Speaking at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in Skye today (Monday, August 3) First Minister Alex Salmond confirmed that an extra £800,000 for Gaelic education has been committed, bringing Scottish Government investment in the Gaelic Schools Fund to £2.15m this year.
The First Minister launched the Gaelic Schools Capital Fund in October last year, ahead of the Royal National Mod. Arthur Cormack, Bòrd na Gàidhlig Chair said: “I welcome the First Minister’s assertion of the continuing impetus in the Scottish Government’s commitment to ensuring a vibrant, sustainable and prominent future for Gaelic in Scotland and Bòrd na Gàidhlig is committed to working with the Government to achieve this. The additional capital money for Gaelic schools should offer local authorities the opportunity to get on with important projects that will help increase the number of Gaelic speakers, such as the establishment of standalone Gaelic schools in Fort William and Portree. It should give parents in all areas the confidence to ask for a Gaelic school in their community.”
Mr Cormack also welcomed the Government’s support for a re-focusing of effort to attract more people to learning Gaelic. Speaking in Stornoway earlier today, Minister for Gaelic Michael Russell and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning Fiona Hyslop said immediate action is necessary to create a new generation of Gaelic speakers. Ms Hyslop and Mr Russell said that the Scottish Government and Bòrd na Gàidhlig will work closely over the next three months to identify the critical steps required to deliver such a challenging outcome. By the end of this year Mr Russell will publish an action plan of radical steps which will deliver an increase in Gaelic speakers and users.
Mr Cormack said: “As principal advisers to the Scottish Government on Gaelic matters, Bòrd na Gàidhlig welcomes the announcement from Michael Russell and Fiona Hyslop today that the Scottish Government will work with us to attract more people to learning Gaelic. Bòrd na Gàidhlig acknowledges the need for decisive action and the opportunity to refocus our efforts on Gaelic learning and put forward fresh proposals, with the clear support of the Scottish Government, is a welcome step in ensuring the fullest possible delivery of the current National Plan, and in laying the groundwork for the next one.
It is hugely encouraging that the Cabinet Secretary and the Minister have both expressed a clear desire to ensure urgent action is taken to reverse the decline in numbers of Gaelic speakers, and have acknowledged that time is not on our side. The Interim Senior Support Team at the Bòrd has increased our capacity and is already making progress in terms of identifying where adjustments need to be made. Along with our restructuring, this will ensure that all the resources at our disposal will achieve the best possible outcomes for Gaelic. We will work closely with the Scottish Government to ensure that an action plan can be published by the Minister later this year that will contain ambitious proposals and clear outcomes.”
A’ bruidheann aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig anns an Eilean Sgitheanach an diugh (Diluain, Lùnastal 3) dhearbh a’ Phrìomh Mhinistear Ailig Salmond gun deach £800,000 a bharrachd a chomharrachadh airson foghlam Gàidhlig a’ toirt na tha an Riaghaltas a’ cosg bho Stòras Gàidhlig nan Sgoiltean gu £2.15m am bliadhna.
Chaidh an Stòras fhoillseachadh leis a’ Phrìomh Mhinistear aig a’ Mhòd Rìoghail Nàiseanta an uiridh. Thuirt Art MacCarmaig, Cathraiche Bhòrd na Gàidhlig: “Tha sinn a’ cur fàilte air an impidh a tha a’ sìor nochdadh bhon Riaghaltas an Alba mu choinneimh an taic dhan Ghàidhlig a’ stèidheachadh slighe romhainn a bhios beothail, tèarainte agus maireannach, agus tha Bòrd na Gàidhlig fìor-dheònach a bhith ag obair còmhla ris an Riaghaltas chum sin a bhuinnig. Tha an t-airgead calpa a bharrachd airson sgoiltean Gàidhlig a’ toirt cothrom do dh’ùghdarrasan ionadail ceum air adhart a ghabhail le pròiseactan cudromach a chuidicheas le bhith a’ cur ri àireamhan luchd-bruidhne na Gàidhlig, leithid sgoiltean Gàidhlig ann am Portrìgh agus anns a’ Ghearasdan. Bu chòir seo cuideachd pàrantan anns a h-uile sgìre a mhisneachadh son sgoiltean Gàidhlig iarraidh nan coimhearsnachdan fhèin.”
Tha Bòrd na Gàidhlig cuideachd air fàilte a chur air an taic a tha an Riaghaltas a’ nochdadh airson barrachd oidhirp a dhèanamh gus daoine a thàladh gu bhith ag ionnsachadh na Gàidhlig. A’ bruidheann ann an Steòrnabhagh feasgar, thuirt Ministear na Gàidhlig Micheal Russell agus Rùnaire a’ Chaibineit airson Foghlam Fiona Hyslop gu robh feum air adhartas anns a’ bhad feuch an gabhabh ginealach ùr de luchd-labhairt na Gàidhlig a chothromachadh agus a leasachadh. Thuirt iad gum biodh an Riaghaltas agus Bòrd na Gàidhlig ag obair gu math dlùth còmhla thar nan trì mìosan romhainn airson slighe a chomharrachadh a bheireadh amasan gu math adhartach gu ìre. Thuirt Mghr Russell gu robh e an dùil molaidhean fhoillseachadh ro dheireadh na bliadhna a’ mìneachadh ceumanan bunasach a bhiodh a’ toirt gu ìre àrdachadh ann an luchd-cleachdaidh agus luchd labhairt na Gàidhlig.
Thuirt Mghr MacCarmaig: “Mar phrìomh bhuidhinn comhairleachaidh an Riaghaltais tha am Bòrd a’ cur fàilte air na bh’aig an dà Mhinistear ri ràdh mun taic a tha iad airson a chumail ri oidhirpean barrachd dhaoine a thàladh gu ionnsachadh na Gàidhlig. Tha am Bòrd gu math mothachail gun fheum sinn a bhith ag amas ar dòighean obrach agus oidhirpean gu math innleachdach airson cothroman ionnsachaidh a leasachadh. Bidh sinn a’ cur ris an obair a tha seo gu dealasachach agus thig sinn air adhart le molaidhean bunasach an co-bhuinn ris an Riaghaltas. ’S e cothrom a tha seo cur gu làidir ris a’ Phlana Nàiseanta a th’againn an dràsta, le taic an Riaghaltais, agus toiseach-tòiseachadh a dhèanamh air slighe chun ath Phlana.
Tha sinn air ar mòr-mhisneachadh gu bheil Rùnaire a’ Chaibineit agus am Ministear le chèile ’gar piobrachadh gu bhith a’ dol an-sàs ann an oidhirpean crìonadh na Gàidhlig a thilleadh, agus gu bheil iad fhèin mothachail nach eil cus ùine again seo a dhèanamh. Tha barrachd stòrais againn ’nar sgioba-obrach an dràsta tron Bhuidhean Stiùiridh Eadar-amail agus tha na buill mar tha air slighe air adhart a chomharrachadh gus piseach a thoirt air cùisean. An luib an ath-leasachaidh air ar bun-structair nì sinn cinnteach gun tèid buannachd buinnig às na cothroman a tha a’ fusgladh romhainn. Bidh sinn ag obair còmhla ris an Riaghaltas ach am bi sinn cinnteach gum bi am Ministear ann an suidheachadh clàr-obrach le amasan gu math mionaideach agus dùbhlannach fhoillseachadh nas fhaide air adhart dhen bhliadhna, agus bidh cinn-uidhe gu math cinnteach romhainn.”
Bòrd na Gàidhlig welcomes Scottish Government
Commitment to Gaelic
Bòrd na Gàidhlig, the principal public agency with responsibility for developing Gaelic, has welcomed two major announcements by the Scottish Government.
Speaking at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in Skye today (Monday, August 3) First Minister Alex Salmond confirmed that an extra £800,000 for Gaelic education has been committed, bringing Scottish Government investment in the Gaelic Schools Fund to £2.15m this year.
The First Minister launched the Gaelic Schools Capital Fund in October last year, ahead of the Royal National Mod. Arthur Cormack, Bòrd na Gàidhlig Chair said: “I welcome the First Minister’s assertion of the continuing impetus in the Scottish Government’s commitment to ensuring a vibrant, sustainable and prominent future for Gaelic in Scotland and Bòrd na Gàidhlig is committed to working with the Government to achieve this. The additional capital money for Gaelic schools should offer local authorities the opportunity to get on with important projects that will help increase the number of Gaelic speakers, such as the establishment of standalone Gaelic schools in Fort William and Portree. It should give parents in all areas the confidence to ask for a Gaelic school in their community.”
Mr Cormack also welcomed the Government’s support for a re-focusing of effort to attract more people to learning Gaelic. Speaking in Stornoway earlier today, Minister for Gaelic Michael Russell and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning Fiona Hyslop said immediate action is necessary to create a new generation of Gaelic speakers. Ms Hyslop and Mr Russell said that the Scottish Government and Bòrd na Gàidhlig will work closely over the next three months to identify the critical steps required to deliver such a challenging outcome. By the end of this year Mr Russell will publish an action plan of radical steps which will deliver an increase in Gaelic speakers and users.
Mr Cormack said: “As principal advisers to the Scottish Government on Gaelic matters, Bòrd na Gàidhlig welcomes the announcement from Michael Russell and Fiona Hyslop today that the Scottish Government will work with us to attract more people to learning Gaelic. Bòrd na Gàidhlig acknowledges the need for decisive action and the opportunity to refocus our efforts on Gaelic learning and put forward fresh proposals, with the clear support of the Scottish Government, is a welcome step in ensuring the fullest possible delivery of the current National Plan, and in laying the groundwork for the next one.
It is hugely encouraging that the Cabinet Secretary and the Minister have both expressed a clear desire to ensure urgent action is taken to reverse the decline in numbers of Gaelic speakers, and have acknowledged that time is not on our side. The Interim Senior Support Team at the Bòrd has increased our capacity and is already making progress in terms of identifying where adjustments need to be made. Along with our restructuring, this will ensure that all the resources at our disposal will achieve the best possible outcomes for Gaelic. We will work closely with the Scottish Government to ensure that an action plan can be published by the Minister later this year that will contain ambitious proposals and clear outcomes.”
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