NFU Scotland has called on the Scottish Government to introduce an immediate amnesty on penalties associated with eligibility of land for support scheme purposes after the failure to provide Scottish farmers with proper guidance on the subject.
Anyone claiming Single Farm Payment (SFP) or Less Favoured Area Support (LFASS) requires a hectare of eligible land to activate a unit of SFP entitlement or an LFASS payment. SFP and LFASS are such an important part of the cash flow of most Scottish farm businesses that the ongoing confusion and uncertainty over what ground is deemed eligible and ineligible is causing real concern.
The amnesty call has been made in respect of those farmers uncertain of how to properly fill out their 2010 application forms for these schemes, due to be completed by 17 May, and those farmers who have suffered retrospective penalties on their 2009 Single Farm Payments as a result of land previously used to claim support payments now being deemed ineligible under inspection last year.
In addition to the amnesty, NFU Scotland has asked Scottish Government to consider two other routes for those hit by the tightening of land eligibility rules. Given this information was not available when SFP was first allocated across land, affected producers should be allowed to explore the option of recalculating their SFP entitlements, removing ineligible land from their base area. Alternatively, producers should be given the option of having their eligible area calculated taking the slope of the land into consideration rather than the flat-mapping system currently used. Building relief into the area calculation would free up additional land and allow any affected producer the ability to make full use of his SFP entitlements.
NFU Scotland President Jim McLaren said:
“It is unacceptable that a few days from the IACS deadline, thousands of producers are little clearer on the issue of land eligibility than they were a year ago. There have now been some public meetings but no clear information has been issued with the SAF paperwork either last year or this year. Many remain unaware that areas of bracken, gorse and scree can all be deemed ineligible and are now subject to stricter enforcement. Under inspection last year, several farmers in Scotland were caught out by a more rigorous interpretation of eligible and ineligible land. They were caught out by a new interpretation of the rules last year and have suffered significant penalties under inspection through no fault of their own, with no opportunity to correct the situation and with no guidance on this new interpretation of the rules. A year on and the situation is little improved with no clear guidance in farmers’ hands.
“The situation surrounding the eligibility of ground affected by bracken is probably the most frustrating for farmers. Invariably there is some grazing value within bracken for most of the year and producers need to know what degree of cover from bracken or whins will tip land into the ‘ungrazeable’ category and make it ineligible. We believe that ground covered with bracken but has grass and herbage suitable for grazing under the bracken canopy is eligible. If Scottish Government disagrees with that, then they need to inform claimants immediately. More/…
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“Many are trying to fill in claim forms again this year without clear guidance, hence the need for an amnesty on penalties not just for those completing forms this year but for those caught by the rule changes last year. We have tried to inform members as best we can but even we have found our hands tied by lack of clarity on how inspectors will approach this issue on the ground.
“I want to be clear; this is not about trying to circumvent rules. This is about the goalposts having shifted and farmers and them now finding themselves losing support through no fault of their own.”
Wednesday, 5 May 2010
Tuesday, 4 May 2010
How did the Maoris do it?
Co-labhairt nàiseanta a’ coimhead air iomairtean soirbheachail
Bidh iomairtean soirbheachail a thaobh meudachadh air àireamhan luchd-labhairt Maori am measg nam prìomh chuspairean a bhithear còmhradh agus a’ deasbad aig co-labhairt nàiseanta Bhòrd na Gàidhlig, a bhios a’ gabhail àite ann an Inbhir Nis air 20 Cèitean airson beachdachadh air mar a dh’fhaodadh ùghdarrasan ionadail, buidhnean Gàidhlig agus buidhnean coimhearsnachd am planaichean fa leth don Ghàidhlig a thoirt gu buil.
Chaidh togail air soirbheachadh iomairtean cànain ann an Sèalainn Nuadh, far a bheil àireamhan luchd-labhairt a’ chànain air a dhol bho ìre nas ìsle na Gàidhlig gu ìre nas àirde na Gàidhlig an taobh a-staigh deich bliadhna, ann am Pàrlamaid na h-Alba air a’ mhìos a chaidh seachad, aig deasbad mu dheidhinn a’ phlana gnìomha ùr airson Gàidhlig. A-nis, tha neach a bha aig teis meadhain ath-bheothachadh a’ chànain Maori, Jim Mather, Ceannard Maori Tbh, a’ tighinn a dh’Alba gus mion-fhiosrachadh a bhruidhinn mar a dh’fhaodadh cuid de na h-iomairtean thall an sin a bhith nam buannachd ann am planadh airson na Gàidhlig.
Thuirt Art MacCarmaig, Cathraiche Bhòrd na Gàidhlig: ” ’S e Māori cànan oifigeil Shèalainn Nuaidh agus tha i dùthchasach don tìr. Tha i mar phàirt de charactar nàiseanta agus dearbh-aithne na dùthcha. Tha saidhbhreas agus beothalachd a’ chànain a’ cur Sèalainn Nuadh air leth ann an raointean leithid turasachd, às-mhalairt, cosnadh, spòrs, foghlam agus craoladh. Tha Gàidhlig na cànan oifigeil an Alba agus a’ comharrachadh mar phàirt dhen fhèin-aithne againn mar an ceudna. Tha mòran ann a dh’fhaodamaid a cho-roinn a thaobh eòlas buntainneach thar raon fharsaing de ghnìomhachdan sa bheatha phoblaich agus gu h-àraid an t-àite aig a’ chànan san dachaigh, ann am foghlam agus craoladh.”
Bidh a’ cho-labhairt nàiseanta “An Gnìomh a Dhearbhas” a’ gabhail àite Diardaoin 20 Cèitean 2010, ann an Taigh-òsta Dhruim Athaisidh ann an Inbhir Nis, agus tha am Bòrd a’ gabhail ri iarrtasan a thaobh làthaireachd aig an àm seo fhèin. Tha an tachartas fosgailte do gach neach agus thèid a’ cho-labhairt fhosgladh gu h-oifigeil leis an t-seinneadair Gàidhlig eadar-nàiseanta Julie Fowlis.
Bidh dìnnear ann air aoigheachd bho Bhòrd na Gàidhlig san taigh-òsta air feasgar Diciadain 19 Cèitean, far am bi Tosgaire na Gàidhlig, an neach foghlaim agus an cuirmear ainmeil Gàidhlig, an t-Oll. Anna Latharna Nic’IllÌosa, na h-òraidiche air aoigheachd.
Rè na co-labhairt, bidh trì seiseanan fosgailte agus thèid iad sin a bhriseadh le dà chuibhreann de choinneamhan fiosrachaidh. Bidh a’ mhadainn a’ dèiligeadh ri ceistean co-cheangailte ri ro-innleachdan leasachaidh agus mar a thèid am plana Gnìomh ùr, Ginealach Ùr na Gàidhlig a chur an-sàs. Bidh am feasgar air a chur mu seach airson cothroman maoineachaidh, le luchd-labhairt a fhuair cuireadh a’ toirt fiosrachadh mionaideach mu bhunan maoineachaidh airson pròiseactan agus obair leasachaidh.
Bidh an dàrna seisean fosgailte a’ meòrachadh air na tha a’ tachairt taobh thall an t-saoghail còmhla ri Jim Mather agus bidh an seisean deireannach den latha a’ gabhail a-steach deasbaireachd air an ath Phlana Nàiseanta còig-bliadhna airson na Gàidhlig agus cuirear crìoch air an deasbad le seisean fosgailte far am bi pannal a’ freagairt cheistean bhon luchd-èisteachd.
Faodaidh buidhnean agus daoine fa leth a tha a’ sùileachadh ri thighinn chun na co-labhairt, suas ri trì teachdairean a chlàradh gus a bhith an làthair aig a’ cho-labhairt. Bu chòir do fhoirm clàraidh mu choinneamh gach teachdaire a bhith air an cur a-steach cho luath ’s a ghabhas ro 07 Cèitean. Tha na foirmean rim faotainn bho oifis Bhòrd na Gàidhlig ann an Inbhir Nis.
Bidh na taisbeanaidhean agus na h-òraidean uile rim faotainn air an eadar-lìon às dèidh an tachartais.
Ma bhios an tuilleadh fiosrachaidh a dhìth oirbh, cuiribh fios gu Shona Sloan Manaidsear Conaltraidh, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, aig HYPERLINK "mailto:shona@gaidhlig.org.uk" \t "_blank" shona@gaidhlig.org.uk
Bidh iomairtean soirbheachail a thaobh meudachadh air àireamhan luchd-labhairt Maori am measg nam prìomh chuspairean a bhithear còmhradh agus a’ deasbad aig co-labhairt nàiseanta Bhòrd na Gàidhlig, a bhios a’ gabhail àite ann an Inbhir Nis air 20 Cèitean airson beachdachadh air mar a dh’fhaodadh ùghdarrasan ionadail, buidhnean Gàidhlig agus buidhnean coimhearsnachd am planaichean fa leth don Ghàidhlig a thoirt gu buil.
Chaidh togail air soirbheachadh iomairtean cànain ann an Sèalainn Nuadh, far a bheil àireamhan luchd-labhairt a’ chànain air a dhol bho ìre nas ìsle na Gàidhlig gu ìre nas àirde na Gàidhlig an taobh a-staigh deich bliadhna, ann am Pàrlamaid na h-Alba air a’ mhìos a chaidh seachad, aig deasbad mu dheidhinn a’ phlana gnìomha ùr airson Gàidhlig. A-nis, tha neach a bha aig teis meadhain ath-bheothachadh a’ chànain Maori, Jim Mather, Ceannard Maori Tbh, a’ tighinn a dh’Alba gus mion-fhiosrachadh a bhruidhinn mar a dh’fhaodadh cuid de na h-iomairtean thall an sin a bhith nam buannachd ann am planadh airson na Gàidhlig.
Thuirt Art MacCarmaig, Cathraiche Bhòrd na Gàidhlig: ” ’S e Māori cànan oifigeil Shèalainn Nuaidh agus tha i dùthchasach don tìr. Tha i mar phàirt de charactar nàiseanta agus dearbh-aithne na dùthcha. Tha saidhbhreas agus beothalachd a’ chànain a’ cur Sèalainn Nuadh air leth ann an raointean leithid turasachd, às-mhalairt, cosnadh, spòrs, foghlam agus craoladh. Tha Gàidhlig na cànan oifigeil an Alba agus a’ comharrachadh mar phàirt dhen fhèin-aithne againn mar an ceudna. Tha mòran ann a dh’fhaodamaid a cho-roinn a thaobh eòlas buntainneach thar raon fharsaing de ghnìomhachdan sa bheatha phoblaich agus gu h-àraid an t-àite aig a’ chànan san dachaigh, ann am foghlam agus craoladh.”
Bidh a’ cho-labhairt nàiseanta “An Gnìomh a Dhearbhas” a’ gabhail àite Diardaoin 20 Cèitean 2010, ann an Taigh-òsta Dhruim Athaisidh ann an Inbhir Nis, agus tha am Bòrd a’ gabhail ri iarrtasan a thaobh làthaireachd aig an àm seo fhèin. Tha an tachartas fosgailte do gach neach agus thèid a’ cho-labhairt fhosgladh gu h-oifigeil leis an t-seinneadair Gàidhlig eadar-nàiseanta Julie Fowlis.
Bidh dìnnear ann air aoigheachd bho Bhòrd na Gàidhlig san taigh-òsta air feasgar Diciadain 19 Cèitean, far am bi Tosgaire na Gàidhlig, an neach foghlaim agus an cuirmear ainmeil Gàidhlig, an t-Oll. Anna Latharna Nic’IllÌosa, na h-òraidiche air aoigheachd.
Rè na co-labhairt, bidh trì seiseanan fosgailte agus thèid iad sin a bhriseadh le dà chuibhreann de choinneamhan fiosrachaidh. Bidh a’ mhadainn a’ dèiligeadh ri ceistean co-cheangailte ri ro-innleachdan leasachaidh agus mar a thèid am plana Gnìomh ùr, Ginealach Ùr na Gàidhlig a chur an-sàs. Bidh am feasgar air a chur mu seach airson cothroman maoineachaidh, le luchd-labhairt a fhuair cuireadh a’ toirt fiosrachadh mionaideach mu bhunan maoineachaidh airson pròiseactan agus obair leasachaidh.
Bidh an dàrna seisean fosgailte a’ meòrachadh air na tha a’ tachairt taobh thall an t-saoghail còmhla ri Jim Mather agus bidh an seisean deireannach den latha a’ gabhail a-steach deasbaireachd air an ath Phlana Nàiseanta còig-bliadhna airson na Gàidhlig agus cuirear crìoch air an deasbad le seisean fosgailte far am bi pannal a’ freagairt cheistean bhon luchd-èisteachd.
Faodaidh buidhnean agus daoine fa leth a tha a’ sùileachadh ri thighinn chun na co-labhairt, suas ri trì teachdairean a chlàradh gus a bhith an làthair aig a’ cho-labhairt. Bu chòir do fhoirm clàraidh mu choinneamh gach teachdaire a bhith air an cur a-steach cho luath ’s a ghabhas ro 07 Cèitean. Tha na foirmean rim faotainn bho oifis Bhòrd na Gàidhlig ann an Inbhir Nis.
Bidh na taisbeanaidhean agus na h-òraidean uile rim faotainn air an eadar-lìon às dèidh an tachartais.
Ma bhios an tuilleadh fiosrachaidh a dhìth oirbh, cuiribh fios gu Shona Sloan Manaidsear Conaltraidh, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, aig HYPERLINK "mailto:shona@gaidhlig.org.uk" \t "_blank" shona@gaidhlig.org.uk
BBC ALBA – WEEKLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS Saturday, 15 May – Friday, 21 May, 2010
Title: IRN-BRU Scottish Football League First Division playoff final – Second leg
Exclusive LIVE coverage of the playoff final second leg to decide which team secures the last coveted spot in next season’s IRN-BRU Scottish Football League First Division.
Transmitted: Sunday 16th May 2010
Time: 14:55
Title: Trusadh/Compelling Stories - Wolf Dogs
A recent change in DEFRA regulations means that it’s now possible for people to own a wolf dog that could be as little as three generations away from a pure wolf - without a licence.
But what’s the reality of owning and looking after one of these dogs? Can they truly be family pets?
Donald MacSween heads on a journey of discovery, starting at home in Lewis and heading to the South of England, via Skye, to find out more.
Transmitted: Monday 17th May 2010
Time: 21:00
Title: Turus a Bhradain/The Salmon's Journey
Neen Mackay's Scottish angling odyssey continues with a brand new series. New series features spring salmon.
Transmitted: Tuesday 18th May 2010
Time: 20:30
Title: Soillse - Boidhchead ann a Rio
Edna, Jolanda and Teresa embark on a four-month wait to go under the "Golden Scalpel" of Professor Ivo Pitanguy, who from March to June provides low cost plastic surgery to Brazil's beauty conscious ladies.
Transmitted: Wednesday 19th May 2010
Time: 21:00
Title: Ceol Country le Jenna Cumming
Glasgow's Grand Ole Opry hosts an evening of country music with Jenna Cumming.
Transmitted: Friday 21st May 2010
Time: 21:00
Exclusive LIVE coverage of the playoff final second leg to decide which team secures the last coveted spot in next season’s IRN-BRU Scottish Football League First Division.
Transmitted: Sunday 16th May 2010
Time: 14:55
Title: Trusadh/Compelling Stories - Wolf Dogs
A recent change in DEFRA regulations means that it’s now possible for people to own a wolf dog that could be as little as three generations away from a pure wolf - without a licence.
But what’s the reality of owning and looking after one of these dogs? Can they truly be family pets?
Donald MacSween heads on a journey of discovery, starting at home in Lewis and heading to the South of England, via Skye, to find out more.
Transmitted: Monday 17th May 2010
Time: 21:00
Title: Turus a Bhradain/The Salmon's Journey
Neen Mackay's Scottish angling odyssey continues with a brand new series. New series features spring salmon.
Transmitted: Tuesday 18th May 2010
Time: 20:30
Title: Soillse - Boidhchead ann a Rio
Edna, Jolanda and Teresa embark on a four-month wait to go under the "Golden Scalpel" of Professor Ivo Pitanguy, who from March to June provides low cost plastic surgery to Brazil's beauty conscious ladies.
Transmitted: Wednesday 19th May 2010
Time: 21:00
Title: Ceol Country le Jenna Cumming
Glasgow's Grand Ole Opry hosts an evening of country music with Jenna Cumming.
Transmitted: Friday 21st May 2010
Time: 21:00
Fèis na h-Òige: A' comharrachadh 10 bliadhna de leasachadh
Tha Fèis na h-Òige ag amas air cothrom a thoirt do chloinn le Gàidhlig na sgilean aca leasachadh le bhith ag ionnsachadh ceòl traidiseanta, òrain, dannsa agus sgilean-ciùird. Bhon a chaidh e ath-stèidheachadh ann an 2000 tha an Fhèis air a dhol bho neart gu neart agus am bliadhna bidh iad a' comharrachadh 10 bliadhna de leasachadh.
Thoisich an Fhèis, a tha stèidhichte ann an Inbhir Nis, le bhith a' tabhann bùithtean-obrach Disathairne ach a-nis tha na tachartasan aca air leudachadh gu mòr le Fèis fad seachdain as t-samhradh, clasaichean seinn gach seachdain agus deireadh-seachdainean còmhnaidh do dheugairean. Thairis air na beagan bhliadhnaichean a dh'fhalbh tha com-pàirtichean na Fèise air a bhith an sàs le pròiseactan mòra a leithid Blas agus Gàidhealtachd 2007 a bharrachd air taisbeanaidhean aig tachartasan ionadail.
'S e an iomairt as ùr aig Fèis na h-Òige, deireadh-seachdain còmhnaidh de phìobaireachd tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig a thoirt seachad do dhaoine òga. Bheir seo cothrom do chluicheadaran òga an fheadan 's nam pìoban na sgilean aca a leasachadh a bharrachd air coinneachadh ri daoine òga bho dhiofar sgìrean. Bidh an deireadh-seachdain, a tha maoinichte le Comhairle Ealain na h-Alba, a' gabhail àite aig Ionad Bad a' Ghiuthais aig deireadh an Lùnastail.
Bidh Fèis na bliadhna-sa a' gabhail àite eadar 5 – 9 Iuchar aig Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis agus tha e fosgailte do chloinn le Gàidhlig eadar ochd is ochd-deug bliadhna a dh'aois. Bidh roghainn de chuspairean air an toirt seachad agus tha comataidh na Fèise gu math toilichte fàilte a chur air àireamh mhath de luchd-teagaisg a tha air a bhith aig an Fhèis roimhe.
Thuirt ball den chomataidh Alison Urchadain: "Tha Fèis an t-samhraidh dìreach làn spòrs 's tha e a’ còrdadh ris gach duine a tha an sàs agus tha e math fàilte a chur air na luchd-teagaisg a-rithist. A bharrachd air an sàr-theagasg a gheibh com-pàirtichean, tha an Fhèis seo a' toirt cothrom dhaibh a’ chànan aca a chleachdadh taobh a-muigh na sgoile. Mar a thachair cheana, bidh Fèis Bheag a' ruith aig an aon àm mar phàirt den leasachadh leantainneach. Tha seo a’ toirt cothrom do chloinn bho aois còig gu ochd bliadhna a dh'aois blasad fhaighinn air na tha an sàs le Fèis agus tha e a’ toirt misneachd do theaghlaichean pàirt a ghabhail anns na cur-seachadan againn."
Bidh foirmichean-iarrtais airson Fèis na bliadhna-sa rim faotainn aig deireadh a' Ghiblein. Airson tuilleadh fiosrachaidh cuir post-d gu niallagusross2@btinternet.com no fòn 01463 729278.
Thoisich an Fhèis, a tha stèidhichte ann an Inbhir Nis, le bhith a' tabhann bùithtean-obrach Disathairne ach a-nis tha na tachartasan aca air leudachadh gu mòr le Fèis fad seachdain as t-samhradh, clasaichean seinn gach seachdain agus deireadh-seachdainean còmhnaidh do dheugairean. Thairis air na beagan bhliadhnaichean a dh'fhalbh tha com-pàirtichean na Fèise air a bhith an sàs le pròiseactan mòra a leithid Blas agus Gàidhealtachd 2007 a bharrachd air taisbeanaidhean aig tachartasan ionadail.
'S e an iomairt as ùr aig Fèis na h-Òige, deireadh-seachdain còmhnaidh de phìobaireachd tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig a thoirt seachad do dhaoine òga. Bheir seo cothrom do chluicheadaran òga an fheadan 's nam pìoban na sgilean aca a leasachadh a bharrachd air coinneachadh ri daoine òga bho dhiofar sgìrean. Bidh an deireadh-seachdain, a tha maoinichte le Comhairle Ealain na h-Alba, a' gabhail àite aig Ionad Bad a' Ghiuthais aig deireadh an Lùnastail.
Bidh Fèis na bliadhna-sa a' gabhail àite eadar 5 – 9 Iuchar aig Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis agus tha e fosgailte do chloinn le Gàidhlig eadar ochd is ochd-deug bliadhna a dh'aois. Bidh roghainn de chuspairean air an toirt seachad agus tha comataidh na Fèise gu math toilichte fàilte a chur air àireamh mhath de luchd-teagaisg a tha air a bhith aig an Fhèis roimhe.
Thuirt ball den chomataidh Alison Urchadain: "Tha Fèis an t-samhraidh dìreach làn spòrs 's tha e a’ còrdadh ris gach duine a tha an sàs agus tha e math fàilte a chur air na luchd-teagaisg a-rithist. A bharrachd air an sàr-theagasg a gheibh com-pàirtichean, tha an Fhèis seo a' toirt cothrom dhaibh a’ chànan aca a chleachdadh taobh a-muigh na sgoile. Mar a thachair cheana, bidh Fèis Bheag a' ruith aig an aon àm mar phàirt den leasachadh leantainneach. Tha seo a’ toirt cothrom do chloinn bho aois còig gu ochd bliadhna a dh'aois blasad fhaighinn air na tha an sàs le Fèis agus tha e a’ toirt misneachd do theaghlaichean pàirt a ghabhail anns na cur-seachadan againn."
Bidh foirmichean-iarrtais airson Fèis na bliadhna-sa rim faotainn aig deireadh a' Ghiblein. Airson tuilleadh fiosrachaidh cuir post-d gu niallagusross2@btinternet.com no fòn 01463 729278.
Tuesday, 27 April 2010
ARGYLL AND BUTE CLAIMS HOMECOMING SUCCESS
A&B Council Press Release
Argyll and Bute’s programme of events to celebrate the national Year of Homecoming in 2009 made a major contribution to the success of the initiative.
Attendance at the 33 events which were awarded part-funding by the council was significantly higher than anticipated, and the feedback from those who took part was overwhelmingly positive.
Argyll and Bute Council contributed £160,000 towards the creation of an arts and cultural programme to celebrate the Homecoming year.
In addition, £40,000 was provided for two other events involving local schools - one a programme of golf and shinty events, and the other the flagship Homecoming Rhapsody performance which showcased the music, photography and fashion talents of Argyll and Bute’s young people.
In total, 36 events within Argyll and Bute were awarded part-funding by the Council with grants ranging from £1,000 to £10,500, the maximum amount payable. Three of those events subsequently cancelled during the course of the year.
They included high profile, nationally funded events such as the Royal National MOD, Camanachd Cup Final and Cowal Gathering as well as local festivals such as the Tarbert Food Festival and Islay Jazz Festival.
Councillor Neil Mackay, the area’s spokesperson for Arts, Culture, Leisure and Sport, said the impact of the Year of Homecoming had vastly exceeded expectations in many ways.
“In terms of boosting the local economy, the Homecoming programme was a huge success in Argyll and Bute,” he added.
“Some £7.6m was put into the local economy as a result of events held – around 25 times the original target figure. And more than 37,000 people booked overnight accommodation for those events, compared to a target figure of 5,000.
“It is clear from these statistics that cultural activity can be a driver of both economic regeneration and tourism. What should also not be forgotten is the enjoyment that thousands of people got from attending, or participating in, events that were part of the council’s contribution to Homecoming 2009.
“The feedback we received from those people who became involved was overwhelmingly enthusiastic and positive, and I’m delighted that the Year of Homecoming proved to be such a success for the area as a whole.”
Argyll and Bute’s programme of events to celebrate the national Year of Homecoming in 2009 made a major contribution to the success of the initiative.
Attendance at the 33 events which were awarded part-funding by the council was significantly higher than anticipated, and the feedback from those who took part was overwhelmingly positive.
Argyll and Bute Council contributed £160,000 towards the creation of an arts and cultural programme to celebrate the Homecoming year.
In addition, £40,000 was provided for two other events involving local schools - one a programme of golf and shinty events, and the other the flagship Homecoming Rhapsody performance which showcased the music, photography and fashion talents of Argyll and Bute’s young people.
In total, 36 events within Argyll and Bute were awarded part-funding by the Council with grants ranging from £1,000 to £10,500, the maximum amount payable. Three of those events subsequently cancelled during the course of the year.
They included high profile, nationally funded events such as the Royal National MOD, Camanachd Cup Final and Cowal Gathering as well as local festivals such as the Tarbert Food Festival and Islay Jazz Festival.
Councillor Neil Mackay, the area’s spokesperson for Arts, Culture, Leisure and Sport, said the impact of the Year of Homecoming had vastly exceeded expectations in many ways.
“In terms of boosting the local economy, the Homecoming programme was a huge success in Argyll and Bute,” he added.
“Some £7.6m was put into the local economy as a result of events held – around 25 times the original target figure. And more than 37,000 people booked overnight accommodation for those events, compared to a target figure of 5,000.
“It is clear from these statistics that cultural activity can be a driver of both economic regeneration and tourism. What should also not be forgotten is the enjoyment that thousands of people got from attending, or participating in, events that were part of the council’s contribution to Homecoming 2009.
“The feedback we received from those people who became involved was overwhelmingly enthusiastic and positive, and I’m delighted that the Year of Homecoming proved to be such a success for the area as a whole.”
Brussels Seafood Exhibition
HIE Press Release...
Highlands and Islands companies to showcase at world's largest seafood fair
Seafood business from the Highlands and Islands are grasping the opportunity to give Europe and beyond a flavour of what they have to offer when they showcase their produce at the European Seafood Exposition 2010 in Brussels.
The world's largest seafood fair which takes place April 27-29 attracts around 24,000 buyers from over 140 countries around the world and features stands from over 1600 exhibitors. It provides key opportunities for businesses to set out their stalls on an international stage and to develop commercial links with the seafood industry.
Seven companies from the Highlands and Islands will be among 17 Scottish seafood companies exhibiting on the Scottish Pavilion this week at the seafood exposition.
Iain Sutherland from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) will be attending the event. He said: "The Highland and Islands is home to some of the finest seafood on this planet. The number of Highlands and Islands companies which return, year on year, to exhibit at the European Seafood Expo is hard proof of the benefits to be won. It is vital for producers selling quality seafood to showcase their products to the right audience and so we have an excellent Highlands and Islands representation at this influential event in the seafood industry's calendar."
Supported by HIE, Scottish Development International and the Scottish Government, those attending from the Highlands and Islands include Lighthouse Caledonia who have attended the event for the past two years.
Su Cox, Communications Manager a Lighthouse Caledonia, Scotland's largest independent salmon farming company, said: "The European Seafood Exhibition (ESE) is a key date in the seafood industry calendar and we are delighted to be joining the Scottish delegation at this event. It attracts thousands of influential delegates and it is vitally important to have a presence at this show.
"As Scotland's largest independent salmon farming company, the ESE is a unique opportunity to highlight the quality of our Scottish industry and how it stands apart from its competitors giving us the opportunity to promote the superior quality of our Scottish salmon to the international marketplace."
The Scottish Pavilion includes a seafood bar managed by Seafood Scotland, showcasing the best of Scottish seafood allowing international buyers to view and taste the variety and superb quality of produce available from Scotland.
Other companies exhibiting on the Scottish pavilion are organic salmon supplier Framgord based in Shetland; ScoFro and Highland Smoked Salmon from Fort William; Lossie Seafoods Ltd of Buckie; SeaProducts of Scotland which have marine farms in Lochgilphead and Shetland; salmon farming company Wester Ross Fisheries; and Lighthouse Caledonia which have salmon farms and processing plants across the Highlands and Islands.
Notes....
Companies exhibiting on the Scottish Pavilion expect to generate sales leading in excess of £20 million.
A record year is forecast as demand for quality Scottish produce continues to outstrip supply. The value of business generated from the exhibition has increased year-on-year recently, rising from £16m in 2007 to £20m in 2009.
Sales resulting from last year's attendance were generated from around £400,000 of public/private investment in the Scottish Pavilion, providing a direct return to the Scottish Economy of £50 for every £1 spent.
Highlands and Islands companies to showcase at world's largest seafood fair
Seafood business from the Highlands and Islands are grasping the opportunity to give Europe and beyond a flavour of what they have to offer when they showcase their produce at the European Seafood Exposition 2010 in Brussels.
The world's largest seafood fair which takes place April 27-29 attracts around 24,000 buyers from over 140 countries around the world and features stands from over 1600 exhibitors. It provides key opportunities for businesses to set out their stalls on an international stage and to develop commercial links with the seafood industry.
Seven companies from the Highlands and Islands will be among 17 Scottish seafood companies exhibiting on the Scottish Pavilion this week at the seafood exposition.
Iain Sutherland from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) will be attending the event. He said: "The Highland and Islands is home to some of the finest seafood on this planet. The number of Highlands and Islands companies which return, year on year, to exhibit at the European Seafood Expo is hard proof of the benefits to be won. It is vital for producers selling quality seafood to showcase their products to the right audience and so we have an excellent Highlands and Islands representation at this influential event in the seafood industry's calendar."
Supported by HIE, Scottish Development International and the Scottish Government, those attending from the Highlands and Islands include Lighthouse Caledonia who have attended the event for the past two years.
Su Cox, Communications Manager a Lighthouse Caledonia, Scotland's largest independent salmon farming company, said: "The European Seafood Exhibition (ESE) is a key date in the seafood industry calendar and we are delighted to be joining the Scottish delegation at this event. It attracts thousands of influential delegates and it is vitally important to have a presence at this show.
"As Scotland's largest independent salmon farming company, the ESE is a unique opportunity to highlight the quality of our Scottish industry and how it stands apart from its competitors giving us the opportunity to promote the superior quality of our Scottish salmon to the international marketplace."
The Scottish Pavilion includes a seafood bar managed by Seafood Scotland, showcasing the best of Scottish seafood allowing international buyers to view and taste the variety and superb quality of produce available from Scotland.
Other companies exhibiting on the Scottish pavilion are organic salmon supplier Framgord based in Shetland; ScoFro and Highland Smoked Salmon from Fort William; Lossie Seafoods Ltd of Buckie; SeaProducts of Scotland which have marine farms in Lochgilphead and Shetland; salmon farming company Wester Ross Fisheries; and Lighthouse Caledonia which have salmon farms and processing plants across the Highlands and Islands.
Notes....
Companies exhibiting on the Scottish Pavilion expect to generate sales leading in excess of £20 million.
A record year is forecast as demand for quality Scottish produce continues to outstrip supply. The value of business generated from the exhibition has increased year-on-year recently, rising from £16m in 2007 to £20m in 2009.
Sales resulting from last year's attendance were generated from around £400,000 of public/private investment in the Scottish Pavilion, providing a direct return to the Scottish Economy of £50 for every £1 spent.
RBS Screen Machine
Monday 26, Tuesday 27, Wednesday 28 Apri
Opp Ramsay Hall – PORT ELLEN
PLEASE REMEMBER TO RETURN OUR 3D GLASSES AT THE END OF SHOW
BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT!!
ALICE IN WONDERLAND 3D (PG) 108mins
Director: Tim Burton.
Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Hathaway, Crispin Glover, Matt Lucas, Stephen Fry, Michael Sheen, Alan Rickman.
Genre: Adventure, Family.
Plot: 19-year-old Alice returns to the magical world from her childhood adventure, where she reunites with her old friends and learns of her true destiny: to end the Red Queen's reign of terror.
As Burtonesque as one could wish for, a real treat for fans of his twisted imagination and great British character actors.. Angie Errigo – Empire magazine
Alice in Wonderland
SHUTTER ISLAND (15) 138mins
Director: Martin Scorsese.
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Max von Sydow, Michelle Williams, Emily Mortimer,
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Plot: Drama is set in 1954, U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels is investigating the disappearance of a murderess who escaped from a hospital for the criminally insane and is presumed to be hiding on the remote Shutter Island.
DiCaprio delivers a startling pretty boy-to-tough nut makeover – but he has to play it close to his chest here for the storyline to play out. Once you get past the trickery, Shutter Island offers sumptuous, enthralling, shivery gothic filmmaking with a hardboiled heart and a sly line in asylum humour. If a pot is being boiled, at least it’s an intricately-decorated pot on a spectacular fire. 4* Kim Newman - Empire magazine
Shutter Island
CRAZY HEART (15) 128mins
Director: Scott Cooper.
Starring: Jeff Bridges, Maggie Gyllenhaal, James Keane, Paul Herman, Rick Dial,
Genre: Drama, Music, Romance
Plot: A faded country music musician is forced to reassess his dysfunctional life during a doomed romance that also inspires him. Jeff Bridges won the 2010 Oscar for Best Actor in this role.
A phenomenal, heart-breaking performance from Jeff Bridges powers this simple but affecting redemption story. 4* Nev Pierce – Empire Magazine
Crazy Heart
Opp Ramsay Hall – PORT ELLEN
PLEASE REMEMBER TO RETURN OUR 3D GLASSES AT THE END OF SHOW
BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT!!
ALICE IN WONDERLAND 3D (PG) 108mins
Director: Tim Burton.
Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Hathaway, Crispin Glover, Matt Lucas, Stephen Fry, Michael Sheen, Alan Rickman.
Genre: Adventure, Family.
Plot: 19-year-old Alice returns to the magical world from her childhood adventure, where she reunites with her old friends and learns of her true destiny: to end the Red Queen's reign of terror.
As Burtonesque as one could wish for, a real treat for fans of his twisted imagination and great British character actors.. Angie Errigo – Empire magazine
Alice in Wonderland
SHUTTER ISLAND (15) 138mins
Director: Martin Scorsese.
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Max von Sydow, Michelle Williams, Emily Mortimer,
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Plot: Drama is set in 1954, U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels is investigating the disappearance of a murderess who escaped from a hospital for the criminally insane and is presumed to be hiding on the remote Shutter Island.
DiCaprio delivers a startling pretty boy-to-tough nut makeover – but he has to play it close to his chest here for the storyline to play out. Once you get past the trickery, Shutter Island offers sumptuous, enthralling, shivery gothic filmmaking with a hardboiled heart and a sly line in asylum humour. If a pot is being boiled, at least it’s an intricately-decorated pot on a spectacular fire. 4* Kim Newman - Empire magazine
Shutter Island
CRAZY HEART (15) 128mins
Director: Scott Cooper.
Starring: Jeff Bridges, Maggie Gyllenhaal, James Keane, Paul Herman, Rick Dial,
Genre: Drama, Music, Romance
Plot: A faded country music musician is forced to reassess his dysfunctional life during a doomed romance that also inspires him. Jeff Bridges won the 2010 Oscar for Best Actor in this role.
A phenomenal, heart-breaking performance from Jeff Bridges powers this simple but affecting redemption story. 4* Nev Pierce – Empire Magazine
Crazy Heart
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