First image of Mull’s Sea Eagle chicks (see Ileach Flickr Photostream)
On behalf of Forestry Commission Scotland, RSPB Scotland, Mull & Iona Community Trust, Scottish Natural Heritage and Strathclyde Police
The first image of Mull’s famous sea eagle chicks has been taken by Forestry Commission Scotland rangers during the birds’ ringing.
Both chicks, which are the current stars of the Mull eagle watch at Loch Frisa, are ten weeks old and are a popular attraction for visitors viewing them from the hide.
The eager parent birds named Frisa (aged 17 year old) and Skye (15 years old) returned to feed the chicks straight after the ringing.
Environment Minister, Roseanna Cunningham said:
“Sea Eagles are magnificent birds of prey and once you’ve seen one you’ll never forget their size – they are immense. It’s very good news that the chicks are thriving and the Eagle Watch hide has become such an important attraction for tourists.”
Mull Eagle Watch attracts some 5,000 visitors a year to the hide with all income received going to the Mull & Iona Community Trust to distribute to local good causes on the islands and to assist in the creation of a seasonal ranger post.
Last year over £10,000 was received from visitors to the hide. Sea eagles on Mull bring in some £2 million a year to the local economy by people visiting the island to see them.
Stuart Maidment of Forestry Commission Scotland said:
“The two chicks look fit and healthy and will be in the nest for another few weeks. Once they fledge, visitors to the hide will be able to watch them take their first, tentative flights across the loch and we expect them to stay in the area well into the autumn.”
Visitors to Mull can book onto special ranger-led visits to the purpose-built hide at Loch Frisa. They should contact local Tourist Information Offices on the island for the latest details.
Dave Sexton, RSPB Scotland Mull Officer:
"It’s great that the chicks are continuing to do so well. Everyone is on tenterhooks at the moment as the time approaches for the chicks to fledge, so it would be good to have lots of extra eyes at the hide to see where they go when they leave the nest. It’s an anxious time for both the parent birds and everyone involved in the project."
Colin MacFarlane, Scottish Natural Heritage area officer said:
"The number of people visiting the hide this year looks set to surpass that of last year, with some 3200 people already passing through the hide before the start of the summer holidays. The money raised from the entrance fees goes towards the employment of a ranger, the purchase of new equipment, and importantly towards the Mull Sea Eagle Community Fund which supports various local community projects on the island.
"July and August are some the best months to view the eagles at the hide and we look forward to seeing many more visitors over the next few months."
To follow the movements of last year’s chicks from Loch Frisa which were satellite tagged visit www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/tracking/mulleagles. To book a visit to the hide between now and mid July call 01688 302 038.
Mull Eagle Watch is a unique sea eagle protection and public viewing partnership involving Forestry Commission Scotland, RSPB Scotland, Mull & Iona Community Trust, Scottish Natural Heritage and Strathclyde police. Funding for the satellite tags and the hide was received from SNH, FCS and the BBC Wildlife Fund.
The famous sea eagle family is to feature in a September edition of the BBC’s flagship children’s TV programme ‘Blue Peter’.
Thursday, 2 July 2009
Wednesday, 1 July 2009
NFUS BACK IN BRUSSELS ON SHEEP IDENTIFICATION RULES
NFU Scotland has been back in Europe this week to fight damaging EU proposals on sheep electronic identification and movement recording which could decimate the Scottish sheep flock if they are implemented in their current form.
The Union attended a meeting between Copa-Cogeca – the umbrella organisation for farming unions and co-operatives – and Commission officials to discuss regulation 21/2004 due to come into force from the end of this year. In its current form, this regulation will make it obligatory for all Scottish sheep keepers to electronically tag their sheep and keep a record of each animal’s individual identity every time they move. That would bring an unacceptable level of cost and bureaucracy for no real benefit and the Union has pledged to fight these proposals tooth and nail.
The Union has also written the Commissioner in charge of proposals. The letter to Health Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou, outlined the impact that the proposals would have in Scotland and the compromises required if the regulation is to have any chance of being adopted in Scotland. The letter was copied to key industry stakeholders and politicians.
NFU Scotland, along with NSA Scotland, are to hold meetings around the country in the coming weeks to discuss with sheep keepers the way forward.
NFU Scotland Vice-President Nigel Miller, who was in Brussels for the Copa meeting, said:
“Commission officials received a blunt message from Europe’s farmers and co-operatives that the damaging Regulation 21/2004 should not be foisted onto the sheep sector and that adoption of this regulation should be voluntary rather than obligatory for member states. Alongside Scotland and the rest of the UK, representatives from Poland, the Netherlands, Finland, Czech Republic and Germany all lined up to criticise proposals in the short time we spent with the Commission staff. We hope they relay the messages back to Commissioner Vassiliou.
“Following up our request for a face-to-face meeting, we have written to the Commissioner this week to highlight the significant changes and compromises that would need to be worked into the annexes of the Regulation if it is to have any chance of being adopted in Scotland. Amongst these, we have suggested that sheep should only require electronic tagging when they leave the holding of birth as a common sense approach that would help mitigate the majority of the cost and hassle associated with the proposals.
“A further proposal on the use of critical control points such as markets and abattoirs to electronically record movements is also up for consideration at the Standing Committee for Food Chain and Animal Health (SCoFCAH) today (July 1) and we await the outcome of that debate with interest.
“We know we have the full backing of Scottish sheep farmers in pursuing this issue. Along with NSA Scotland, we plan to hold meetings around the country in the coming weeks to discuss the way forward and, if necessary, prepare the ground for public protest.”
The Union attended a meeting between Copa-Cogeca – the umbrella organisation for farming unions and co-operatives – and Commission officials to discuss regulation 21/2004 due to come into force from the end of this year. In its current form, this regulation will make it obligatory for all Scottish sheep keepers to electronically tag their sheep and keep a record of each animal’s individual identity every time they move. That would bring an unacceptable level of cost and bureaucracy for no real benefit and the Union has pledged to fight these proposals tooth and nail.
The Union has also written the Commissioner in charge of proposals. The letter to Health Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou, outlined the impact that the proposals would have in Scotland and the compromises required if the regulation is to have any chance of being adopted in Scotland. The letter was copied to key industry stakeholders and politicians.
NFU Scotland, along with NSA Scotland, are to hold meetings around the country in the coming weeks to discuss with sheep keepers the way forward.
NFU Scotland Vice-President Nigel Miller, who was in Brussels for the Copa meeting, said:
“Commission officials received a blunt message from Europe’s farmers and co-operatives that the damaging Regulation 21/2004 should not be foisted onto the sheep sector and that adoption of this regulation should be voluntary rather than obligatory for member states. Alongside Scotland and the rest of the UK, representatives from Poland, the Netherlands, Finland, Czech Republic and Germany all lined up to criticise proposals in the short time we spent with the Commission staff. We hope they relay the messages back to Commissioner Vassiliou.
“Following up our request for a face-to-face meeting, we have written to the Commissioner this week to highlight the significant changes and compromises that would need to be worked into the annexes of the Regulation if it is to have any chance of being adopted in Scotland. Amongst these, we have suggested that sheep should only require electronic tagging when they leave the holding of birth as a common sense approach that would help mitigate the majority of the cost and hassle associated with the proposals.
“A further proposal on the use of critical control points such as markets and abattoirs to electronically record movements is also up for consideration at the Standing Committee for Food Chain and Animal Health (SCoFCAH) today (July 1) and we await the outcome of that debate with interest.
“We know we have the full backing of Scottish sheep farmers in pursuing this issue. Along with NSA Scotland, we plan to hold meetings around the country in the coming weeks to discuss the way forward and, if necessary, prepare the ground for public protest.”
New Creamery for Campbeltown
NFU Scotland has heralded the announcement of a brand new creamery for Campbeltown in Kintyre as a welcome shot in the arm for the Scottish dairy sector.
The creamery, to be built on a new site by farmer co-operative First Milk, will replace the co-op’s existing cheese plant in the town and will guarantee a long-term future for the 42 dairy farms in the area as well as numerous local jobs.
Local dairy farmer and former Kintyre NFUS branch chairman Sandy Pirie said:
“This is a great day for the future of dairy farming in the Kintyre peninsula. This area has an outstanding reputation for producing quality milk and quality cheese but for that to continue, serious investment in a new creamery was needed.
“Discussion on the creamery have been going on for some time. Now that the announcement has been made, it sends out a strong message to those dairy farmers supplying the plant that First Milk are committed to the future of cheese production in the area. With a bigger and better creamery producing a high value cheese, this could be the stimulus needed to boost milk production in Kintyre.”
NFU Scotland Vice-President, Allan Bowie added:
“The Scotland Food and Drink policy, launched by Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead at the Highland Show last week, is off to a flying start with a landmark announcement that boosts farming, food production and the local economy in a vulnerable part of the country.
“The Scottish Government and First Milk, backed by significant funds from both, have delivered a much-needed shot in the arm for dairy farmers both regionally and nationally. Confidence levels amongst milk producers are in need of a boost and this significant investment in modern plant to produce an award-winning product maps out the route to reinvigorating the dairy sector across Scotland.
“Local farmers supplying their milk into a local creamery to produce a world-renowned cheese is a superb success story that all parts of the supply chain – farmers, First Milk and its retailer customers - can take pride in. Just as important is the fact that people around the world love and value Mull of Kintyre cheese and that future supplies are now guaranteed.”
The creamery, to be built on a new site by farmer co-operative First Milk, will replace the co-op’s existing cheese plant in the town and will guarantee a long-term future for the 42 dairy farms in the area as well as numerous local jobs.
Local dairy farmer and former Kintyre NFUS branch chairman Sandy Pirie said:
“This is a great day for the future of dairy farming in the Kintyre peninsula. This area has an outstanding reputation for producing quality milk and quality cheese but for that to continue, serious investment in a new creamery was needed.
“Discussion on the creamery have been going on for some time. Now that the announcement has been made, it sends out a strong message to those dairy farmers supplying the plant that First Milk are committed to the future of cheese production in the area. With a bigger and better creamery producing a high value cheese, this could be the stimulus needed to boost milk production in Kintyre.”
NFU Scotland Vice-President, Allan Bowie added:
“The Scotland Food and Drink policy, launched by Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead at the Highland Show last week, is off to a flying start with a landmark announcement that boosts farming, food production and the local economy in a vulnerable part of the country.
“The Scottish Government and First Milk, backed by significant funds from both, have delivered a much-needed shot in the arm for dairy farmers both regionally and nationally. Confidence levels amongst milk producers are in need of a boost and this significant investment in modern plant to produce an award-winning product maps out the route to reinvigorating the dairy sector across Scotland.
“Local farmers supplying their milk into a local creamery to produce a world-renowned cheese is a superb success story that all parts of the supply chain – farmers, First Milk and its retailer customers - can take pride in. Just as important is the fact that people around the world love and value Mull of Kintyre cheese and that future supplies are now guaranteed.”
Tuesday, 30 June 2009
Colonsay trying to recruit new GP to The Best Job in Britain"
IT comes with a newly renovated house which enjoys stunning views of the Paps of Jura -
and it is just a short stroll across the garden to "the office."
And with a salary of around £100,000 a year the resident doctor's post on the isle of Colonsay
- population 100 - is surely one of the best GP jobs in Britain.
Dr John Currie, who has held the post for ten years, confirmed yesterday (Thursday) that
he is quitting the job, to be nearer family on the mainland, opening the floodgate for applicants.
Situated on a spectacularly beautiful Hebridean holiday island, which is blessed with an array of white
sand beaches, the Colonsay post is expected to attract even more interest than the part-time GP
vacancy at Applecross attracted earlier this year. On that occasion, the many applicants even included
an American doctor who was so keen that he was prepared to commute 5,000 miles to work.
There are no such commuter problems on Colonsay as the surgery is in the doctor's garden.
Dr Currie, 58, said: "It is only a 10 second walk to the surgery and they have spent a fortune on the house,
it's a lovely, big, friendly, homely, house and it has absolutely stunning views overlooking the Paps of Jura.
"I will miss the place, the last ten years have given me a memorable experience."
Dr Currie, who is hoping to buy a bed and breakfast business and do some locum work on the Scottish
mainland, added: "It is time to move on after ten years. I will be 35 years' qualified this summer and I want to
be closer to my family and friends. I have another grandchild, Will, who was born on May 11 and I have family
in Edinburgh."
Argyll and Bute Councillor Robin Currie, (CORRECT) who represents Colonsay, said: "Colonsay is an ideal
holiday destination for many people, but it's also a very beautiful island to stay all year round. It's like staying in
a paradise holiday island 365 days a year, what more could you ask for?"
He added: "Colonsay is the ideal spot for a doctor with a young family. It has got a good school and it's a
very safe environment."
The island, which has a population of just over 100 permanent residents, has been trying to boost its ageing
population for some time, but the main stumbling block is the lack of housing and good jobs on the island. But
there is no such problem for the resident doctor.
Angus MacPhee, Chairman of Colonsay Community Council, said: "The four bedroomed doctor's house, which
has just been renovated, goes with the job and it has views to die for - stunning views towards the Sound of Islay.
"The surgery is in the garden and the doctor even has a big generator so that, if there is a power cut, as there
sometimes is in the Hebrides, his place is always lit up like a Christmas tree."
"We hope that good doctors will be queueing up to come here, this is an ideal opportunity for a young doctor,
with a family, although single applicants are welcome too."
Getting the right person for the job is essential as the doctor, who is on standby round the clock, is literally a lifeline
for those who live on the island, which is a two hour and 20 minute ferry ride from Oban.
Dr Currie said that the GP role of Colonsay was crucial to the island community, but added that it did not come without its
challenges. He said: "Colonsay has an ageing population and with age come problems, a doctor is definitely needed here."
A spokesman for NHS Highland said: "We are making plans to recruit a replacement as soon as we can."
Moira Kerr
and it is just a short stroll across the garden to "the office."
And with a salary of around £100,000 a year the resident doctor's post on the isle of Colonsay
- population 100 - is surely one of the best GP jobs in Britain.
Dr John Currie, who has held the post for ten years, confirmed yesterday (Thursday) that
he is quitting the job, to be nearer family on the mainland, opening the floodgate for applicants.
Situated on a spectacularly beautiful Hebridean holiday island, which is blessed with an array of white
sand beaches, the Colonsay post is expected to attract even more interest than the part-time GP
vacancy at Applecross attracted earlier this year. On that occasion, the many applicants even included
an American doctor who was so keen that he was prepared to commute 5,000 miles to work.
There are no such commuter problems on Colonsay as the surgery is in the doctor's garden.
Dr Currie, 58, said: "It is only a 10 second walk to the surgery and they have spent a fortune on the house,
it's a lovely, big, friendly, homely, house and it has absolutely stunning views overlooking the Paps of Jura.
"I will miss the place, the last ten years have given me a memorable experience."
Dr Currie, who is hoping to buy a bed and breakfast business and do some locum work on the Scottish
mainland, added: "It is time to move on after ten years. I will be 35 years' qualified this summer and I want to
be closer to my family and friends. I have another grandchild, Will, who was born on May 11 and I have family
in Edinburgh."
Argyll and Bute Councillor Robin Currie, (CORRECT) who represents Colonsay, said: "Colonsay is an ideal
holiday destination for many people, but it's also a very beautiful island to stay all year round. It's like staying in
a paradise holiday island 365 days a year, what more could you ask for?"
He added: "Colonsay is the ideal spot for a doctor with a young family. It has got a good school and it's a
very safe environment."
The island, which has a population of just over 100 permanent residents, has been trying to boost its ageing
population for some time, but the main stumbling block is the lack of housing and good jobs on the island. But
there is no such problem for the resident doctor.
Angus MacPhee, Chairman of Colonsay Community Council, said: "The four bedroomed doctor's house, which
has just been renovated, goes with the job and it has views to die for - stunning views towards the Sound of Islay.
"The surgery is in the garden and the doctor even has a big generator so that, if there is a power cut, as there
sometimes is in the Hebrides, his place is always lit up like a Christmas tree."
"We hope that good doctors will be queueing up to come here, this is an ideal opportunity for a young doctor,
with a family, although single applicants are welcome too."
Getting the right person for the job is essential as the doctor, who is on standby round the clock, is literally a lifeline
for those who live on the island, which is a two hour and 20 minute ferry ride from Oban.
Dr Currie said that the GP role of Colonsay was crucial to the island community, but added that it did not come without its
challenges. He said: "Colonsay has an ageing population and with age come problems, a doctor is definitely needed here."
A spokesman for NHS Highland said: "We are making plans to recruit a replacement as soon as we can."
Moira Kerr
ANN AN CÒI5 (IN FIVE) - BBC ALBA
ANN AN CÒI5 (IN FIVE)
Thursday 9 July at 6.50pm on BBC ALBA
A new series of 10, five minute programmes presented by young Gaelic speakers aged 10 to 13 is coming to your screens on BBC ALBA.
Produced by independent company Sealladh, set up by Morag Stewart and Chris Young of Young Films in 2008, the young Gaelic presenters, with the help of the Sealladh team, have scripted, presented and conducted interviews for each of the ten programmes in the new series ‘Ann an Còi5’, meaning ‘In Five’.
The series allows youngsters to tell the story of something which is very special to them, whether it be a place, pastime or person.
Ann an Còi5 has given emerging talent both behind and in front of the camera the opportunity to produce and broadcast their creative material. The stories have been brought to life by a production team which included young talent working in new challenging roles assisted and mentored throughout the production process.
The first in the series will look at Millie Ross who is 13, a pupil of Inverness Royal Academy who lives in Lentran, between Beauly and Inverness.
Millie is a member of a singing group called ‘Canntaireachd’ and has been singing since she was very young, winning a Mod gold medal for singing when she was only nine. Millie was delighted to join Canntaireachd as she loves to sing, especially in Gaelic. She was also happy to be given the opportunity to help create new material.
The Canntaireachd singers are a group of about 20 pupils (1st – 6th year) who meet every Tuesday in North Kessock Hall in the Black Isle. They now attend several secondary schools in the area but all attended the same Gaelic Medium Primary School, Central School in Inverness. The group was established by well-known Gaelic singer, Eilidh MacKenzie who lives in the Black Isle.
As Canntaireachd, Millie and her friends are in great demand at various concerts and special events. They have performed for the Blas Festival and at showcase events in Eden Court Theatre.
The first ‘Ann an Còi5’ programme with Millie Ross includes interviews with Eilidh MacKenzie and with another Canntaireachd group member, Christina Ross from Inverness, as well as a performance of a song composed by the group about the Brathan Seer, ‘Òran Choinnich Odhair’.
‘Ann an Còi5’ will be broadcast on BBC ALBA on Thursday 9 July at 6.50pm and is available on Sky channel 168 & Freesat channel 110.
Thursday 9 July at 6.50pm on BBC ALBA
A new series of 10, five minute programmes presented by young Gaelic speakers aged 10 to 13 is coming to your screens on BBC ALBA.
Produced by independent company Sealladh, set up by Morag Stewart and Chris Young of Young Films in 2008, the young Gaelic presenters, with the help of the Sealladh team, have scripted, presented and conducted interviews for each of the ten programmes in the new series ‘Ann an Còi5’, meaning ‘In Five’.
The series allows youngsters to tell the story of something which is very special to them, whether it be a place, pastime or person.
Ann an Còi5 has given emerging talent both behind and in front of the camera the opportunity to produce and broadcast their creative material. The stories have been brought to life by a production team which included young talent working in new challenging roles assisted and mentored throughout the production process.
The first in the series will look at Millie Ross who is 13, a pupil of Inverness Royal Academy who lives in Lentran, between Beauly and Inverness.
Millie is a member of a singing group called ‘Canntaireachd’ and has been singing since she was very young, winning a Mod gold medal for singing when she was only nine. Millie was delighted to join Canntaireachd as she loves to sing, especially in Gaelic. She was also happy to be given the opportunity to help create new material.
The Canntaireachd singers are a group of about 20 pupils (1st – 6th year) who meet every Tuesday in North Kessock Hall in the Black Isle. They now attend several secondary schools in the area but all attended the same Gaelic Medium Primary School, Central School in Inverness. The group was established by well-known Gaelic singer, Eilidh MacKenzie who lives in the Black Isle.
As Canntaireachd, Millie and her friends are in great demand at various concerts and special events. They have performed for the Blas Festival and at showcase events in Eden Court Theatre.
The first ‘Ann an Còi5’ programme with Millie Ross includes interviews with Eilidh MacKenzie and with another Canntaireachd group member, Christina Ross from Inverness, as well as a performance of a song composed by the group about the Brathan Seer, ‘Òran Choinnich Odhair’.
‘Ann an Còi5’ will be broadcast on BBC ALBA on Thursday 9 July at 6.50pm and is available on Sky channel 168 & Freesat channel 110.
BBC ALBA - CROIT (CROFT) – A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF LOCAL SCOTTISH CROFTERS
CROIT (CROFT) – A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF LOCAL SCOTTISH CROFTERS
Wednesday 8 July at 8.30pm on BBC ALBA
A series titled Croit (Croft), charting a year in the agricultural lives of five Scottish crofters, will be broadcast on BBC ALBA. This series reflects the activities, aspirations and risks that form the calendar of life on five crofts in the Western Highlands of Scotland.
Croit (Croft), produced by MacTV, is a unique portrait of crofting at the beginning of the 21st Century from a diversity of locations. The calendar routine is recorded, from the springtime ploughing, planting and lambing, through the summer shearing and agricultural shows, to the autumn livestock sales and winter tupping.
Next week’s programme on Wednesday 8 July, features Anna Fraser from Callanish on the west side of the Isle of Lewis, who is the youngest crofter on the series. Anna attends regularly to her three cows and is involved in various schemes designed to improve the quality and profitability of her crofting land.
Anna is also a full-time Gaelic student at the local Lews Castle College, juggling her studies with her crofting responsibilities, as well as being a director of a local community group working to acquire and redevelop a local estate for crofting purposes.
It's an exciting time for Anna, as her community group gets closer to brokering a deal to acquire a local estate, and she discusses balancing her responsibilities as a crofter with her life as a student.
This programme will also follow Donald Norman MacDonald who runs Clachan Farm on the Isle of North Uist. Donald Norman is also employed at the local abattoir, is a gamekeeper, gravedigger and fencing contractor. Donald Norman talks about the problems he faces because of high numbers of wild geese and unveils his own invention, which he hopes will deter the birds from spoiling his crops.
On the Isle of Skye, Donald and Calina MacDonald who live in Eynort, operate a diverse crofting system, managing both a sizeable herd of suckler cows and a large flock of sheep. They are also enthusiastic horticulturists and grow a huge range of plants and vegetables on their croft land and in the programme we see them set up a stall at a local produce market.
Crofters Derek and Cathy MacLennan from Toscaig near Applecross run perhaps the least traditional croft featured in the series. Derek and his family do not eat meat and therefore, concentrate on working their land to grow a vast selection of herbs and vegetables, used by the family themselves as well as sold locally to neighbouring hotels and caterers. The family is also involved in various community projects and during the series, acquire a clutch of chickens, a decision that, at first, leads to disaster. Derek also patrols an area he and the local community are regenerating in partnership with the Forestry Commission.
The story of Croit (Croft) is one of great extremes, from the fear and apprehension experienced at times of crisis, to the highs of success on agricultural show and livestock sale days. This series captures the spirit and joy that is associated with the outdoors, cultivation and animals, while at the same time revealing the exhaustion, hard work and exertion invested in such a lifestyle. Croit (Croft) is an uplifting and positive portrait of a way of life that is now all too often dismissed as failing and fading.
Croit (Croft) will be broadcast on BBC ALBA on Wednesday 8 July at 20:30 and is available on Sky channel 168 & Freesat channel 110.
Wednesday 8 July at 8.30pm on BBC ALBA
A series titled Croit (Croft), charting a year in the agricultural lives of five Scottish crofters, will be broadcast on BBC ALBA. This series reflects the activities, aspirations and risks that form the calendar of life on five crofts in the Western Highlands of Scotland.
Croit (Croft), produced by MacTV, is a unique portrait of crofting at the beginning of the 21st Century from a diversity of locations. The calendar routine is recorded, from the springtime ploughing, planting and lambing, through the summer shearing and agricultural shows, to the autumn livestock sales and winter tupping.
Next week’s programme on Wednesday 8 July, features Anna Fraser from Callanish on the west side of the Isle of Lewis, who is the youngest crofter on the series. Anna attends regularly to her three cows and is involved in various schemes designed to improve the quality and profitability of her crofting land.
Anna is also a full-time Gaelic student at the local Lews Castle College, juggling her studies with her crofting responsibilities, as well as being a director of a local community group working to acquire and redevelop a local estate for crofting purposes.
It's an exciting time for Anna, as her community group gets closer to brokering a deal to acquire a local estate, and she discusses balancing her responsibilities as a crofter with her life as a student.
This programme will also follow Donald Norman MacDonald who runs Clachan Farm on the Isle of North Uist. Donald Norman is also employed at the local abattoir, is a gamekeeper, gravedigger and fencing contractor. Donald Norman talks about the problems he faces because of high numbers of wild geese and unveils his own invention, which he hopes will deter the birds from spoiling his crops.
On the Isle of Skye, Donald and Calina MacDonald who live in Eynort, operate a diverse crofting system, managing both a sizeable herd of suckler cows and a large flock of sheep. They are also enthusiastic horticulturists and grow a huge range of plants and vegetables on their croft land and in the programme we see them set up a stall at a local produce market.
Crofters Derek and Cathy MacLennan from Toscaig near Applecross run perhaps the least traditional croft featured in the series. Derek and his family do not eat meat and therefore, concentrate on working their land to grow a vast selection of herbs and vegetables, used by the family themselves as well as sold locally to neighbouring hotels and caterers. The family is also involved in various community projects and during the series, acquire a clutch of chickens, a decision that, at first, leads to disaster. Derek also patrols an area he and the local community are regenerating in partnership with the Forestry Commission.
The story of Croit (Croft) is one of great extremes, from the fear and apprehension experienced at times of crisis, to the highs of success on agricultural show and livestock sale days. This series captures the spirit and joy that is associated with the outdoors, cultivation and animals, while at the same time revealing the exhaustion, hard work and exertion invested in such a lifestyle. Croit (Croft) is an uplifting and positive portrait of a way of life that is now all too often dismissed as failing and fading.
Croit (Croft) will be broadcast on BBC ALBA on Wednesday 8 July at 20:30 and is available on Sky channel 168 & Freesat channel 110.
Monday, 29 June 2009
Scottish Water tell us what an excellent service they provide
The following is a press release from Scottish Water
Record year for delivering benefits for our customers
Scottish Water’s annual report 2008/09
Scottish Water is reporting a record year of delivering benefits for our customers as we continue to serve Scotland and deliver the improvements needed in the water industry.
In 2008/09 Scottish Water delivered £687 million of capital investment, one of the biggest investment programmes in the UK, reduced leakage by 122 million litres a day and made major improvements to customer service.
This has resulted in the benefits of clearer, fresher drinking water for more than a million people, a greener environment and further progress in our aim to provide one of the best value services to our customers.
The average charge to household customers is £324 for water and waste water services – lower than seven of the companies south of the border.
Richard Ackroyd, chief executive of Scottish Water, said: “This was my first full year at the helm of the fastest improving water company in the UK. I am pleased to be able to report even more progress. There is still much work to be done. I want Scottish Water to be an industry leader, providing the best service to all our customers across Scotland.
“I am pleased to report that we have outperformed all of our key targets. These include leakage; customer service as measured by OPA; and delivery of capital investment outputs. We have also provided more strategic water and waste water capacity to ensure development and growth.
“I want to pay tribute to everyone who works at Scottish Water and who have played such an important part in our achievements so far. There are many challenges ahead, not least the economic situation and climate change and we cannot afford to be complacent. We are building a business which Scotland can be proud of.”
Ronnie Mercer, chair of Scottish Water said: “We are a high performing business with a high performing management and staff who are beating the challenging targets set by the independent economic regulator while delivering the investment that Scotland needs.
“Scottish Water is a business with a billion pound turnover, employing a core 3, 600 staff and supporting more than 5,000 through the investment programme. We are one of Scotland’s biggest businesses and providing a vital service which also supports the economy of Scotland.”
Highlights of 2008/09
Highest level of customer satisfaction. Our Customer Overall Performance Assessment has improved by 53% in the period 2006-2009. In 2008/09 we outperformed our target by 13%.
Scottish Water is the fastest improving water utility in the UK.
On average, over the year, leakage has been reduced by 122 million litres of water a day.
In 2008/09 our overall satisfaction figure of 80% represents an all time high in customers’ satisfaction.
Record investment across Scotland is helping improve the quality of life for communities.
In 2008/09 1.5 million of our customers are enjoying clearer, fresher drinking water straight from their taps.
On average each Scottish household pays £324 a year for water and waste water services, still less than £1 a day.
The benefits to customers
The key successes in 2008/09 can be attributed to improvements in a wide range of the 12 OPA (overall performance assessment) Indicators agreed with our regulators. These include:
We have improved the pressure to 2900 more properties. Less than 0.11% of all properties in Scotland are now affected by low pressure.
We have reduced leakage by 122 million litres per day beating the target agreed with our regulator.
We have removed the risk of internal flooding to 180 properties by putting in place permanent solutions.
100% of all written complaints are now replied to within 10 days.
We have made an improvement in answering calls within 30 seconds to 97.41%.
We continue to experience no hosepipe restrictions by maintaining water supplies at all times.
We have scored maximum points for sludge disposal by ensuring that all our sludge is treated according to regulations.
Water Quality performance has been maintained at the highest quality it has ever been in Scotland with 99.81% compliance with stringent regulatory standards.
For a copy of the annual report please go to HYPERLINK "http://www.scottishwater.co.uk" www.scottishwater.co.uk
Record year for delivering benefits for our customers
Scottish Water’s annual report 2008/09
Scottish Water is reporting a record year of delivering benefits for our customers as we continue to serve Scotland and deliver the improvements needed in the water industry.
In 2008/09 Scottish Water delivered £687 million of capital investment, one of the biggest investment programmes in the UK, reduced leakage by 122 million litres a day and made major improvements to customer service.
This has resulted in the benefits of clearer, fresher drinking water for more than a million people, a greener environment and further progress in our aim to provide one of the best value services to our customers.
The average charge to household customers is £324 for water and waste water services – lower than seven of the companies south of the border.
Richard Ackroyd, chief executive of Scottish Water, said: “This was my first full year at the helm of the fastest improving water company in the UK. I am pleased to be able to report even more progress. There is still much work to be done. I want Scottish Water to be an industry leader, providing the best service to all our customers across Scotland.
“I am pleased to report that we have outperformed all of our key targets. These include leakage; customer service as measured by OPA; and delivery of capital investment outputs. We have also provided more strategic water and waste water capacity to ensure development and growth.
“I want to pay tribute to everyone who works at Scottish Water and who have played such an important part in our achievements so far. There are many challenges ahead, not least the economic situation and climate change and we cannot afford to be complacent. We are building a business which Scotland can be proud of.”
Ronnie Mercer, chair of Scottish Water said: “We are a high performing business with a high performing management and staff who are beating the challenging targets set by the independent economic regulator while delivering the investment that Scotland needs.
“Scottish Water is a business with a billion pound turnover, employing a core 3, 600 staff and supporting more than 5,000 through the investment programme. We are one of Scotland’s biggest businesses and providing a vital service which also supports the economy of Scotland.”
Highlights of 2008/09
Highest level of customer satisfaction. Our Customer Overall Performance Assessment has improved by 53% in the period 2006-2009. In 2008/09 we outperformed our target by 13%.
Scottish Water is the fastest improving water utility in the UK.
On average, over the year, leakage has been reduced by 122 million litres of water a day.
In 2008/09 our overall satisfaction figure of 80% represents an all time high in customers’ satisfaction.
Record investment across Scotland is helping improve the quality of life for communities.
In 2008/09 1.5 million of our customers are enjoying clearer, fresher drinking water straight from their taps.
On average each Scottish household pays £324 a year for water and waste water services, still less than £1 a day.
The benefits to customers
The key successes in 2008/09 can be attributed to improvements in a wide range of the 12 OPA (overall performance assessment) Indicators agreed with our regulators. These include:
We have improved the pressure to 2900 more properties. Less than 0.11% of all properties in Scotland are now affected by low pressure.
We have reduced leakage by 122 million litres per day beating the target agreed with our regulator.
We have removed the risk of internal flooding to 180 properties by putting in place permanent solutions.
100% of all written complaints are now replied to within 10 days.
We have made an improvement in answering calls within 30 seconds to 97.41%.
We continue to experience no hosepipe restrictions by maintaining water supplies at all times.
We have scored maximum points for sludge disposal by ensuring that all our sludge is treated according to regulations.
Water Quality performance has been maintained at the highest quality it has ever been in Scotland with 99.81% compliance with stringent regulatory standards.
For a copy of the annual report please go to HYPERLINK "http://www.scottishwater.co.uk" www.scottishwater.co.uk
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