FAMILY HOMES in the west coast’s most rural locations are no longer a pipe dream as the Scottish Government invests millions into Argyll for housing.
Locations where social housing is virtually unheard of such as Ulva on the Isle of Mull, Gigha, Ormsary and Dalmally took a share of the SNP government’s Housing Innovation fund. Lochgilphead, Hellensburgh and Dunbeg also took a share of the cash to invest in larger scale developments.
The five projects will deliver 137 homes at a cost to the Scottish Government’s Housing Innovation and Investment Fund of £5,123,234.
Argyll and Bute MSP Michael Russell said: ‘‘When we held a housing summit in Argyll and Bute only a few weeks ago it was pressed home to the housing minister Keith Brown that investment was necessary in innovative projects in Argyll and Bute to make things work in the future.
‘It is heartening to see that my colleagues are listening. These projects are innovative and impressive – they will bring substantial change to these areas.
‘Each of these projects has been taken on its own merits. The vision and innovation of rural and island communities is tremendous. With projects such as these we will begin to see a difference in the numbers of people and families who can stay in their own communities.’
Argyll and Bute Council’s deputy planning committee chairman Councillor Roddy McCuish, added: ‘I am especially delighted that housing associations and local groups have been awarded this cash.
‘Eight houses in Dalmally is equivalent to 20 in Oban. It is fantastic news and with this sort of opportunity I can imagine it is only the beginning. This is the way forward for housing in Argyll and Bute.
‘It is especially heartening to see the Scottish Government did its own review of the proposals as I understand some of the projects funded did not receive the full backing of the counci
Friday, 14 October 2011
Argyll and Bute looks at joint headships for schools
Argyll and Bute Council is to explore the establishment of joint headships of primary schools in the wake of a highly successful pilot project.
The move follows an in-depth evaluation of the pilot at Carradale and Drumlemble primaries, which have been sharing a head teacher since May 2010.
Today, the council agreed to looking into establishing similar arrangements in the future in other locations, provided various criteria are met.
The decision was welcomed by Argyll and Bute’s spokesperson for education and lifelong learning Councillor Ellen Morton, who said it could prove a major factor in helping to ensure that the area’s schools remain sustainable.
“In the Carradale and Drumlemble case, both sets of parents and parent councils were consulted on the proposal before it actually happened and the pilot went ahead with their approval.
“The resulting evaluation - along with the direct feedback we received from the parents, staff and pupils in both schools – was overwhelmingly positive and the arrangement will now become a permanent one.
“The obvious benefits of a joint headship are clear to everyone who has been involved in this pilot, and I am delighted that this is an option which we will now be able to consider, in appropriate circumstances, in the future.”
At present, a significant number of head teachers in Argyll and Bute’s smaller, more rural schools have a class teaching commitment, which can be as much as three and a half days each week.
The remaining time is used for managing the day to day running of the school and its ongoing development.
Councillor Morton said: “Even in a school with a relatively low pupil roll, managing the school and teaching a class can be extremely demanding as it is sometimes difficult to maintain an appropriate balance between the two roles.
“Matters of high importance cannot always be left until later and, as a result, teaching time can be disrupted when a head teacher has to deal with such issues.
“In addition, access to a head teacher’s time for meetings with parents, visitors and other staff can be limited by that teaching commitment, putting additional pressure on a head teacher to fit management duties into a limited period each week.”
The council believes that joint headships of two geographically close schools could have major benefits in such a situation.
These benefits would not necessarily include significant cost savings, as additional class teachers may be taken on – perhaps in promoted posts – to pick up the teaching requirements in both schools previously covered by the head teacher.
The feedback from those involved in Carradale and Drumlemble primaries has been extremely positive with teachers, parents and carers and the head teacher herself all indicating their satisfaction with the arrangement.
Among the most obvious benefits were having a full time class teacher who does not have to leave the class to deal with managerial issues, having access to the head teacher at any time of day and the opportunity for staff from each school to meet with their counterparts from the other school on an organised basis to share experiences and ideas and plan common activities for the benefit of both schools.
“The feedback from this pilot has been so overwhelmingly positive that it has encouraged us to consider that this might be a suitable arrangement in other locations,” Councillor Morton said.
“Any opportunity for a similar arrangement which arises in the future will be considered on its own merit, and will be assessed against a comprehensive list of criteria. We will of course involve parent councils at an early stage in any proposed joint headship.
“We want to ensure that we do all we can to keep our rural schools vibrant and sustainable, and this could well prove a significant way of enabling that to happen in particular circumstances.”
The council agreed today that the criteria for considering future joint headships in Argyll and Bute should be:
Suitable head teacher vacancies becoming available in schools
A maximum of two schools for a joint headship arrangement
Location of partner schools (member of an existing cluster) and within a reasonable drive time
The consideration of schools’ similarities and differences based on each school’s self-evaluation information, council evaluations and HMIE reports
Travel implications for a joint headship (costs, travel times etc)
The ability and experience of applicants to match the criteria set out in the Scottish Qualification for Headship
Consultation with both parent councils
Financial sustainability
The move follows an in-depth evaluation of the pilot at Carradale and Drumlemble primaries, which have been sharing a head teacher since May 2010.
Today, the council agreed to looking into establishing similar arrangements in the future in other locations, provided various criteria are met.
The decision was welcomed by Argyll and Bute’s spokesperson for education and lifelong learning Councillor Ellen Morton, who said it could prove a major factor in helping to ensure that the area’s schools remain sustainable.
“In the Carradale and Drumlemble case, both sets of parents and parent councils were consulted on the proposal before it actually happened and the pilot went ahead with their approval.
“The resulting evaluation - along with the direct feedback we received from the parents, staff and pupils in both schools – was overwhelmingly positive and the arrangement will now become a permanent one.
“The obvious benefits of a joint headship are clear to everyone who has been involved in this pilot, and I am delighted that this is an option which we will now be able to consider, in appropriate circumstances, in the future.”
At present, a significant number of head teachers in Argyll and Bute’s smaller, more rural schools have a class teaching commitment, which can be as much as three and a half days each week.
The remaining time is used for managing the day to day running of the school and its ongoing development.
Councillor Morton said: “Even in a school with a relatively low pupil roll, managing the school and teaching a class can be extremely demanding as it is sometimes difficult to maintain an appropriate balance between the two roles.
“Matters of high importance cannot always be left until later and, as a result, teaching time can be disrupted when a head teacher has to deal with such issues.
“In addition, access to a head teacher’s time for meetings with parents, visitors and other staff can be limited by that teaching commitment, putting additional pressure on a head teacher to fit management duties into a limited period each week.”
The council believes that joint headships of two geographically close schools could have major benefits in such a situation.
These benefits would not necessarily include significant cost savings, as additional class teachers may be taken on – perhaps in promoted posts – to pick up the teaching requirements in both schools previously covered by the head teacher.
The feedback from those involved in Carradale and Drumlemble primaries has been extremely positive with teachers, parents and carers and the head teacher herself all indicating their satisfaction with the arrangement.
Among the most obvious benefits were having a full time class teacher who does not have to leave the class to deal with managerial issues, having access to the head teacher at any time of day and the opportunity for staff from each school to meet with their counterparts from the other school on an organised basis to share experiences and ideas and plan common activities for the benefit of both schools.
“The feedback from this pilot has been so overwhelmingly positive that it has encouraged us to consider that this might be a suitable arrangement in other locations,” Councillor Morton said.
“Any opportunity for a similar arrangement which arises in the future will be considered on its own merit, and will be assessed against a comprehensive list of criteria. We will of course involve parent councils at an early stage in any proposed joint headship.
“We want to ensure that we do all we can to keep our rural schools vibrant and sustainable, and this could well prove a significant way of enabling that to happen in particular circumstances.”
The council agreed today that the criteria for considering future joint headships in Argyll and Bute should be:
Suitable head teacher vacancies becoming available in schools
A maximum of two schools for a joint headship arrangement
Location of partner schools (member of an existing cluster) and within a reasonable drive time
The consideration of schools’ similarities and differences based on each school’s self-evaluation information, council evaluations and HMIE reports
Travel implications for a joint headship (costs, travel times etc)
The ability and experience of applicants to match the criteria set out in the Scottish Qualification for Headship
Consultation with both parent councils
Financial sustainability
PRÒGRAMAN BHO MHÒD NAN EILEAN SIAR AIR BBC ALBA
Bidh BBC ALBA a’ toirt prògraman thugaibh gach feasgar bhon chòigeamh Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail a chaidh a chumail anns Na h-Eileanan Siar.
Tha Mòd a’ Chomuinn Ghàidhealaich na phrìomh fhèis ann an coimhearsnachd na Gàidhlig, a’ brosnachadh agus a’ neartachadh cànan, cultar, eachdraidh agus dualchas nan Gàidheal.
Bidh an seinneadair ainmeil Màiri Anna NicUalraig a’ libhrigeadh còig prògraman air BBC ALBA anns am faicear taghadh de na prìomh thachartasan a bhios ann gach latha bho Dhiluain 17 gu Dihaoine 21 Dàmhair.
Eadar na bhios ri chluinntinn air Radio nan Gàidheal agus na bhios ri fhaicinn air prògraman BBC ALBA agus air www.bbcalba.co.uk gheibh an luchd-amhairc is an luchd-èisteachd, ge bith càite am bi iad, fìor dheagh bhlas den fhèis chudromaich seo agus airson a’ chiad uair a-riamh, bidh BBC ALBA a' toirt thugaibh farpais Bonn Òr an t-Seann Nòis air oidhche Dhiardaoin.
Bidh na prògraman a leanas cuideachd air BBC ALBA:
· Diluain 17mh, 8.30f-10f: Màiri Anna NicUalraig le seinneadairean a bha soirbheachail air a' chiad latha de Mhòd na Cloinne ann an Steòrnabhagh.
· Dimàirt 18mh, 8.30f-10f: Tha Màiri Anna NicUalraig a’ cur fàilte oirbh gu cuirm le farpaisich a ghlèidh duaisean air an dàrna latha de Mhòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail nan Eilean Siar.
· Diciadain 19mh, 9.00f-10f: Tha Mòd nan Eilean Siar leathach-slighe agus tha Màiri Anna NicUalraig aig cèilidh ann an Steòrnabhagh a’ toirt thugaibh blas bho iomall a' Mhòid.
· Diardaoin 20mh, 8.30f-10f: Tha Màiri Anna NicUalraig a' toirt thugaibh farpais Bonn Òr an t-Seann Nòis.
· Dihaoine 21mh, 8.30f-10f: Tha Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail nan Eilean Siar a’ tighinn gu crìch agus tha Màiri Anna NicUalraig a’ toirt thugaibh cuirm crìochnachaidh a’ Mhòid à Steòrnabhagh.
Air madainn Dihaoine bidh Mòrag Dhòmhnallach air Radio nan Gàidheal le aon de phrìomh thachartasan craolaidh a’ Mhòid, Cèilidh Mire ri Mòr bho Thaigh-òsta a’ Chabar Fèidh, a’ tòiseachadh aig 10m.
Bidh gu leòr ann cuideachd do luchd-amhairc nas òige leis gu bheil sgioba Aileag (Dihaoine 21mh @ 5.30f) agus sgioba Dè a-nis? (Diciadain 19mh @ 6.00f) a’ tadhal air Steòrnabhagh.
Tha Mòd a’ Chomuinn Ghàidhealaich na phrìomh fhèis ann an coimhearsnachd na Gàidhlig, a’ brosnachadh agus a’ neartachadh cànan, cultar, eachdraidh agus dualchas nan Gàidheal.
Bidh an seinneadair ainmeil Màiri Anna NicUalraig a’ libhrigeadh còig prògraman air BBC ALBA anns am faicear taghadh de na prìomh thachartasan a bhios ann gach latha bho Dhiluain 17 gu Dihaoine 21 Dàmhair.
Eadar na bhios ri chluinntinn air Radio nan Gàidheal agus na bhios ri fhaicinn air prògraman BBC ALBA agus air www.bbcalba.co.uk gheibh an luchd-amhairc is an luchd-èisteachd, ge bith càite am bi iad, fìor dheagh bhlas den fhèis chudromaich seo agus airson a’ chiad uair a-riamh, bidh BBC ALBA a' toirt thugaibh farpais Bonn Òr an t-Seann Nòis air oidhche Dhiardaoin.
Bidh na prògraman a leanas cuideachd air BBC ALBA:
· Diluain 17mh, 8.30f-10f: Màiri Anna NicUalraig le seinneadairean a bha soirbheachail air a' chiad latha de Mhòd na Cloinne ann an Steòrnabhagh.
· Dimàirt 18mh, 8.30f-10f: Tha Màiri Anna NicUalraig a’ cur fàilte oirbh gu cuirm le farpaisich a ghlèidh duaisean air an dàrna latha de Mhòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail nan Eilean Siar.
· Diciadain 19mh, 9.00f-10f: Tha Mòd nan Eilean Siar leathach-slighe agus tha Màiri Anna NicUalraig aig cèilidh ann an Steòrnabhagh a’ toirt thugaibh blas bho iomall a' Mhòid.
· Diardaoin 20mh, 8.30f-10f: Tha Màiri Anna NicUalraig a' toirt thugaibh farpais Bonn Òr an t-Seann Nòis.
· Dihaoine 21mh, 8.30f-10f: Tha Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail nan Eilean Siar a’ tighinn gu crìch agus tha Màiri Anna NicUalraig a’ toirt thugaibh cuirm crìochnachaidh a’ Mhòid à Steòrnabhagh.
Air madainn Dihaoine bidh Mòrag Dhòmhnallach air Radio nan Gàidheal le aon de phrìomh thachartasan craolaidh a’ Mhòid, Cèilidh Mire ri Mòr bho Thaigh-òsta a’ Chabar Fèidh, a’ tòiseachadh aig 10m.
Bidh gu leòr ann cuideachd do luchd-amhairc nas òige leis gu bheil sgioba Aileag (Dihaoine 21mh @ 5.30f) agus sgioba Dè a-nis? (Diciadain 19mh @ 6.00f) a’ tadhal air Steòrnabhagh.
Friday, 23 September 2011
McGrigor's key note speech at Crofting Law Conference
Jamie McGrigor, Highlands & Islands Conservative MSP, this morning delivered the key note speech at a major Crofting Law conference held in Edinburgh’s Signet Library and organised by The Society of Writers to Her Majesty's Signet. Jamie was asked to deliver the address in his capacity as Convenor of the Scottish Parliament’s Cross Party Group on Crofting. The conference was chaired by Lord McGhie, Chairman of the Scottish Land Court and President of the Lands Tribunal for Scotland and attracted lawyers and legal experts specialising in crofting law from across Scotland.
Jamie set out the role of the Cross Party Group, talked about the Crofting (Scotland) Act 2010 and about the future of the crofting sector in Scotland.
Addressing the conference Jamie said:
“ The Scottish Government and all the parties represented in the Scottish Parliament are committed to Scotland’s crofting sector as a key rural primary industry that is often the bedrock of our rural communities, particularly in many fragile remote and island areas. There is a lot of genuine political good will towards our crofters and we politicians want to see a dynamic and sustainable industry that attracts new entrants and is innovative and diverse, while at the same time retaining and passing on the best of traditional techniques and excellence and helping to preserve often unique environments. And I mean excellence not only in animal husbandry but also in industries such as weaving.
“ During the passage of the 2010 Act, I used to make the point- and it was shared by Ministers- that regulation alone will not ensure crofting's survival. Government assistance for the crofting sector through agricultural and agri-environmental support schemes is already substantial and will continue to be crucial for most crofters and their ability to carry on in crofting. The forthcoming reforms to these support schemes must contain real opportunities for the crofting counties- for example in the development of new schemes which could be targeted at vulnerable areas or areas of natural handicap.
“Food security, the importance of local food and a growing consumer desire- which is likely to increase- to see a reduction in food miles can be real positives for crofting, as they can be for Scotland’s entire agricultural industry. Again government can offer support in this area by helping with promotion and marketing and by highlighting some of the world class food that crofters produce which can be enjoyed by local residents and by tourists to the Highlands & Islands alike. I think even more can be done to promote some of the niche market products created by crofters such as meat from traditional and native breeds. A couple of years ago we saw the launch of the Scottish Crofting Produce Mark- a trademark which can be seen on a whole host of products from beef and lamb to honey and croft-made tweed products- and this scheme is to be commended.”
Jamie set out the role of the Cross Party Group, talked about the Crofting (Scotland) Act 2010 and about the future of the crofting sector in Scotland.
Addressing the conference Jamie said:
“ The Scottish Government and all the parties represented in the Scottish Parliament are committed to Scotland’s crofting sector as a key rural primary industry that is often the bedrock of our rural communities, particularly in many fragile remote and island areas. There is a lot of genuine political good will towards our crofters and we politicians want to see a dynamic and sustainable industry that attracts new entrants and is innovative and diverse, while at the same time retaining and passing on the best of traditional techniques and excellence and helping to preserve often unique environments. And I mean excellence not only in animal husbandry but also in industries such as weaving.
“ During the passage of the 2010 Act, I used to make the point- and it was shared by Ministers- that regulation alone will not ensure crofting's survival. Government assistance for the crofting sector through agricultural and agri-environmental support schemes is already substantial and will continue to be crucial for most crofters and their ability to carry on in crofting. The forthcoming reforms to these support schemes must contain real opportunities for the crofting counties- for example in the development of new schemes which could be targeted at vulnerable areas or areas of natural handicap.
“Food security, the importance of local food and a growing consumer desire- which is likely to increase- to see a reduction in food miles can be real positives for crofting, as they can be for Scotland’s entire agricultural industry. Again government can offer support in this area by helping with promotion and marketing and by highlighting some of the world class food that crofters produce which can be enjoyed by local residents and by tourists to the Highlands & Islands alike. I think even more can be done to promote some of the niche market products created by crofters such as meat from traditional and native breeds. A couple of years ago we saw the launch of the Scottish Crofting Produce Mark- a trademark which can be seen on a whole host of products from beef and lamb to honey and croft-made tweed products- and this scheme is to be commended.”
Tuesday, 20 September 2011
SNH publishes new reports on the effect of beavers on woodland and fish
Two new reports on the Scottish Beaver Trial in Argyll, published by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), show that beavers are changing some of the woodland structure but so far having little effect on fish in streams.
Beavers were reintroduced to Knapdale forest near Lochgilphead in May 2009 as part of a five year scientific trial run by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, hosted by Forestry Commission Scotland. After an absence of more than 400 years, the effects of beavers on the environment are being closely monitored by SNH in partnership with a number of other independent organisations. The reports will help inform future decisions on whether the European beaver should be permanently reintroduced to Scotland.
The woodland monitoring has been carried out by The James Hutton Institute, who surveyed land around the edges of the lochs where the beavers live. Nearly a year and a half after their release, about 10% of trees in the survey area were showing signs of beaver activity. Most of these had been felled, with many trees also showing signs of gnawing. As well as feeding on bark, twigs, shoots and leaves, beavers use felled trees and branches for building their lodges and dams and store them underwater for food in the winter. Beaver activity is concentrated in particular areas – the majority of trees affected (72%) were within 10 metres of lochs and streams, with the most intensive felling within 350 metres of beaver lodges.
The average size of trees gnawed or felled was 5cm across, but beavers often felled much bigger trees. Most were less than 20cm in diameter but a few were up to 30cm.
Results to date show that beavers are showing a strong preference for willow and rowan, and that they avoid alder. One striking observation was that beavers will travel a distance from the water’s edge to find willow. Other trees at Knapdale are used in proportion to their availability. Birch is one most often used by beavers but this is because it is the most commonly found tree in the survey area.
However, most trees will not die when they’re felled by the beavers. Of the trees affected, new growth had already been found on 44% of stumps and partially-felled trees. Trees which have been felled later on in the summer may not start to regrow until the following spring.
As well as their effect on trees around the lochs, an area of woodland has been flooded by a beaver dam at Dubh Loch. While the willow and alder may survive, other species may die but remain standing as dead wood for some time. Ultimately this particular area may change to very wet willow woodland or even wetland.
The second report, produced by the Argyll Fisheries Trust, showed that so far beavers are having little observable effect on freshwater fish in streams in the trial area. This is because beavers aren’t using streams as much as might have been expected - most beaver activity is taking place on the lochs. However this may change as the beaver numbers increase. The streams will continue to be monitored and the fish and fish habitat in some of the lochs will also be studied.
The fish species found in the survey include brown trout, European eel, stickleback and flounder. Minnow were also found. They are probably not native to this region of Scotland but are likely to have been brought in by anglers, using them as bait.
Martin Gaywood, who leads the independent scientific monitoring of the trial for SNH said: “These annual reports are vital to the beaver trial, because they’ll show us how beavers influence the environment in and around these lochs. Beavers have complex effects on other wildlife, and measuring these changes is essential. This trial will give the Scottish Government the information it needs to decide whether beavers should be reintroduced on a wide-scale in Scotland.”
Beavers were reintroduced to Knapdale forest near Lochgilphead in May 2009 as part of a five year scientific trial run by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, hosted by Forestry Commission Scotland. After an absence of more than 400 years, the effects of beavers on the environment are being closely monitored by SNH in partnership with a number of other independent organisations. The reports will help inform future decisions on whether the European beaver should be permanently reintroduced to Scotland.
The woodland monitoring has been carried out by The James Hutton Institute, who surveyed land around the edges of the lochs where the beavers live. Nearly a year and a half after their release, about 10% of trees in the survey area were showing signs of beaver activity. Most of these had been felled, with many trees also showing signs of gnawing. As well as feeding on bark, twigs, shoots and leaves, beavers use felled trees and branches for building their lodges and dams and store them underwater for food in the winter. Beaver activity is concentrated in particular areas – the majority of trees affected (72%) were within 10 metres of lochs and streams, with the most intensive felling within 350 metres of beaver lodges.
The average size of trees gnawed or felled was 5cm across, but beavers often felled much bigger trees. Most were less than 20cm in diameter but a few were up to 30cm.
Results to date show that beavers are showing a strong preference for willow and rowan, and that they avoid alder. One striking observation was that beavers will travel a distance from the water’s edge to find willow. Other trees at Knapdale are used in proportion to their availability. Birch is one most often used by beavers but this is because it is the most commonly found tree in the survey area.
However, most trees will not die when they’re felled by the beavers. Of the trees affected, new growth had already been found on 44% of stumps and partially-felled trees. Trees which have been felled later on in the summer may not start to regrow until the following spring.
As well as their effect on trees around the lochs, an area of woodland has been flooded by a beaver dam at Dubh Loch. While the willow and alder may survive, other species may die but remain standing as dead wood for some time. Ultimately this particular area may change to very wet willow woodland or even wetland.
The second report, produced by the Argyll Fisheries Trust, showed that so far beavers are having little observable effect on freshwater fish in streams in the trial area. This is because beavers aren’t using streams as much as might have been expected - most beaver activity is taking place on the lochs. However this may change as the beaver numbers increase. The streams will continue to be monitored and the fish and fish habitat in some of the lochs will also be studied.
The fish species found in the survey include brown trout, European eel, stickleback and flounder. Minnow were also found. They are probably not native to this region of Scotland but are likely to have been brought in by anglers, using them as bait.
Martin Gaywood, who leads the independent scientific monitoring of the trial for SNH said: “These annual reports are vital to the beaver trial, because they’ll show us how beavers influence the environment in and around these lochs. Beavers have complex effects on other wildlife, and measuring these changes is essential. This trial will give the Scottish Government the information it needs to decide whether beavers should be reintroduced on a wide-scale in Scotland.”
BBC ALBA – WEEKLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS Saturday 1 October – Friday 7 October 2011
Title: SPL Kilmarnock v St. Johnstone
The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Kilmarnock host St Johnstone at Rugby Park.
Transmitted: Saturday 1 October
Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
Title: Rockness 2011 Highlights
Main stage highlights and unseen performances from Saturday night at Rockness 2011: Example, Annie Mac, Magnetic Man with acoustic sets from Bombay Bicycle Club & Frightened Rabbit. Hosted by Andrew Robertson.
Transmitted: Saturday 1 October
Time: 9.00 -10.00pm
Title: Air an Toir – In search of….
Aiir an Toir follows the lives of individual Gaels whose global journeys found them in extraordinary situations.
Angus Macaskill from the Isle of Skye was just 22 years of age when he answered an advertisement for an extraordinary motor expedition across the continent of Africa. Seumas MacDonald follows his remarkable journey.
Transmitted: Tuesday 4 October
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Ceol Country / Country Music
Anne Morrison brings you some of the musical highlights from the Northern Nashville Caithness Country Music Festival. Among the artists showcased at the festival are The Jacks, Sharon Nixon and Ron Williams. In addition to the music, Anne spends time in Texas with veteran performer Tony Booth.
Transmitted: Tuesday 4 October
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Eorpa
Another edition of Eorpa, reporting on the most interesting stories from around Europe.
Transmitted: Wednesday 5 October
Time: 8.30 - 9.00pm
Title: Siuthad Siubhal / Go Explore!
Our intrepid presenters tackle a variety of activities on offer in the Highlands region - so don't be a couch potato! Go! Explore! The series is presented by Emma MacInnes and Derek ''Pluto'' Murray.
Transmitted: Thursday 6 October
Time: 10.00 – 10.30pm
Title: Midwives: Mnathan-Gluine
Mum Samantha anxiously waits to go to theatre for her elective caesarean but a delay means she has even longer to wait.
First time mum Tracy will also have her breech baby delivered by caesarean section - unless Dr Reid can manipulate baby into the correct position for the natural birth Tracy so desperately wants.
Meanwhile, midwife Kareen Laird tests first time mum Janet Campbell for gestational diabetes, while Consultant Obstetrician Dr Russell Lees explains the implications of diabetes on pregnancy.
We also hear why Cameron will have an interesting story to tell about the time of his birth when he is older and heartburn is making Catherine Anne's life a misery - can her Gaelic tutor Mattie, who just happens to be a retired midwife, offer her any advice?
Transmitted: Friday 7 October
Time: 8.30 – 9.00
Title: A-U: Na Thadhail Thu?
As part of the BBCs Year of Gaelic Song, Tìr nan Òran (Heartland Song) brings you five of the most popular songs from Argyll, including performances from Anne Lorne Gillies and Griogair Labhruidh. The series is narrated by popular Gaelic singer Kirsteen MacDonald.
Transmitted: Friday 7 October
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Kilmarnock host St Johnstone at Rugby Park.
Transmitted: Saturday 1 October
Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
Title: Rockness 2011 Highlights
Main stage highlights and unseen performances from Saturday night at Rockness 2011: Example, Annie Mac, Magnetic Man with acoustic sets from Bombay Bicycle Club & Frightened Rabbit. Hosted by Andrew Robertson.
Transmitted: Saturday 1 October
Time: 9.00 -10.00pm
Title: Air an Toir – In search of….
Aiir an Toir follows the lives of individual Gaels whose global journeys found them in extraordinary situations.
Angus Macaskill from the Isle of Skye was just 22 years of age when he answered an advertisement for an extraordinary motor expedition across the continent of Africa. Seumas MacDonald follows his remarkable journey.
Transmitted: Tuesday 4 October
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Ceol Country / Country Music
Anne Morrison brings you some of the musical highlights from the Northern Nashville Caithness Country Music Festival. Among the artists showcased at the festival are The Jacks, Sharon Nixon and Ron Williams. In addition to the music, Anne spends time in Texas with veteran performer Tony Booth.
Transmitted: Tuesday 4 October
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Eorpa
Another edition of Eorpa, reporting on the most interesting stories from around Europe.
Transmitted: Wednesday 5 October
Time: 8.30 - 9.00pm
Title: Siuthad Siubhal / Go Explore!
Our intrepid presenters tackle a variety of activities on offer in the Highlands region - so don't be a couch potato! Go! Explore! The series is presented by Emma MacInnes and Derek ''Pluto'' Murray.
Transmitted: Thursday 6 October
Time: 10.00 – 10.30pm
Title: Midwives: Mnathan-Gluine
Mum Samantha anxiously waits to go to theatre for her elective caesarean but a delay means she has even longer to wait.
First time mum Tracy will also have her breech baby delivered by caesarean section - unless Dr Reid can manipulate baby into the correct position for the natural birth Tracy so desperately wants.
Meanwhile, midwife Kareen Laird tests first time mum Janet Campbell for gestational diabetes, while Consultant Obstetrician Dr Russell Lees explains the implications of diabetes on pregnancy.
We also hear why Cameron will have an interesting story to tell about the time of his birth when he is older and heartburn is making Catherine Anne's life a misery - can her Gaelic tutor Mattie, who just happens to be a retired midwife, offer her any advice?
Transmitted: Friday 7 October
Time: 8.30 – 9.00
Title: A-U: Na Thadhail Thu?
As part of the BBCs Year of Gaelic Song, Tìr nan Òran (Heartland Song) brings you five of the most popular songs from Argyll, including performances from Anne Lorne Gillies and Griogair Labhruidh. The series is narrated by popular Gaelic singer Kirsteen MacDonald.
Transmitted: Friday 7 October
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
BBC ALBA – WEEKLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS Saturday 24 September – Friday 30 September 2011
Title: SPL Hibernian v Dundee United
The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Hibs host Dundee United at Easter Road.
Transmitted: Saturday 24 September
Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
Title: Alleluia!/Spiritual Music & Verse
Psalm 23 sung by the Glasgow Islay Choir, the hymn Be Thou My Vision by Kathleen Graham and Suzie Roberts tells how her faith sustained her through her personal battle with cancer. The programme is presented by Iain MacKinnon.
Transmitted: Sunday 25 September
Time: 7.30 – 8.00pm
Title: Trusadh - Turas a' Phapa (The Pope's Visit)
Last year saw the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Scotland - a visit that was not without its controversies after the recent scandals which rocked the position of the Catholic church globally.
This was the first time that the figurehead of the Catholic church had officially visited the country, and he's only the second Pope in history to visit, following Pope John Paul II's pastoral visit in 1982.
In 1982 John Archie MacMillan was a Catholic priest working in his island parish in Eriskay.
However, he left the priesthood 5 years later, disillusioned with the bureaucracy of the Church, and is now married with a family and working as a social worker. In a compelling personal journey he follows the build up to the visit, and attends the open air mass at Bellahouston Park, as he hears many different, fascinating views, and reflects on his own faith and the changing face of all Christianity in Scotland.
Transmitted: Monday 26 September
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Ceòl Country
Anne Morrison brings you some of the musical highlights from the Northern Nashville Caithness Country Music Festival. Among the artists showcased at the festival are South Mountain, Gene Watson and Dominic Kirwan.
In addition to the live music Anne travels to Texas for an exclusive acoustic performance from Landon Dodd, one of the rising stars in the Texas dancehall scene.
Transmitted: Tuesday 27 September
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Soillse - Samucha, The Last Shepherd
Samucha lives in the mountains of Tusheti, a tiny region in Georgia on the border with Chechnya. He's a fabulous horse rider, a shepherd, a musician, singer, and storyteller. This year, like every springtime, Samucha migrates with his flock of 2,000 sheep to reach the high plains of the Caucasus, located at an altitude of 4000 meters. But he feels tired and old. After this season, it will finally be time for him to retire. He will spend the summer on the plateau accompanied by his two sons, David and Kwiria, to whom he will hand over his herd.
Transmitted: Wednesday 28 September
Time: 9.00 – 9.50pm
Title: Siuthad Siubhal/Go! Explore! - Dundee/Fife
Our intrepid presenters tackle a variety of activities on offer in the Dundee/Fife area so don't be a couch potato! Go! Explore! The series is presented by Emma MacInnes and Derek ''Pluto'' Murray.
Transmitted: Thursday 29 September
Time: 10.00 – 10.30pm
Title: Midwives: Mnathan-Gluine
In the second programme in the series, labour suite sister Caron Cruickshank gives us an idea of the wide geographical area served by Raigmore hospital's Maternity Unit.
Mum to be Nicola's community midwife has taken a routine blood sample but the results give her cause for concern. Nicola is sent to Raigmore for further investigation and the decision is taken to induce her labour. Midwife Ishbel MacDonald is with Nicola in labour suite but not everything goes to plan.
Meanwhile, Margaret Jack is in hospital having her second baby - her speedy delivery gives experienced midwife Mary Taylor some anxious moments and first time mum Sarah Louise Farmer goes into labour at home in Lochinver. She is rushed to Raigmore by helicopter -will she make it in time?
We also meet Catherine Anne Mackinnon, who is having her 20 week scan. Technological advances mean she can see her developing baby in amazing detail.
Transmitted: Friday 30 September
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: A gu U: Na Thadhail Thu?
A new series with Shona Henderson taking an island journey through the Gaelic alphabet.
In the first programme Shona travels by ferry, explores the topic of island food, and asks what sort of people live in the Scottish islands.
Transmitted: Friday 30 September
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Hibs host Dundee United at Easter Road.
Transmitted: Saturday 24 September
Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
Title: Alleluia!/Spiritual Music & Verse
Psalm 23 sung by the Glasgow Islay Choir, the hymn Be Thou My Vision by Kathleen Graham and Suzie Roberts tells how her faith sustained her through her personal battle with cancer. The programme is presented by Iain MacKinnon.
Transmitted: Sunday 25 September
Time: 7.30 – 8.00pm
Title: Trusadh - Turas a' Phapa (The Pope's Visit)
Last year saw the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Scotland - a visit that was not without its controversies after the recent scandals which rocked the position of the Catholic church globally.
This was the first time that the figurehead of the Catholic church had officially visited the country, and he's only the second Pope in history to visit, following Pope John Paul II's pastoral visit in 1982.
In 1982 John Archie MacMillan was a Catholic priest working in his island parish in Eriskay.
However, he left the priesthood 5 years later, disillusioned with the bureaucracy of the Church, and is now married with a family and working as a social worker. In a compelling personal journey he follows the build up to the visit, and attends the open air mass at Bellahouston Park, as he hears many different, fascinating views, and reflects on his own faith and the changing face of all Christianity in Scotland.
Transmitted: Monday 26 September
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Ceòl Country
Anne Morrison brings you some of the musical highlights from the Northern Nashville Caithness Country Music Festival. Among the artists showcased at the festival are South Mountain, Gene Watson and Dominic Kirwan.
In addition to the live music Anne travels to Texas for an exclusive acoustic performance from Landon Dodd, one of the rising stars in the Texas dancehall scene.
Transmitted: Tuesday 27 September
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Soillse - Samucha, The Last Shepherd
Samucha lives in the mountains of Tusheti, a tiny region in Georgia on the border with Chechnya. He's a fabulous horse rider, a shepherd, a musician, singer, and storyteller. This year, like every springtime, Samucha migrates with his flock of 2,000 sheep to reach the high plains of the Caucasus, located at an altitude of 4000 meters. But he feels tired and old. After this season, it will finally be time for him to retire. He will spend the summer on the plateau accompanied by his two sons, David and Kwiria, to whom he will hand over his herd.
Transmitted: Wednesday 28 September
Time: 9.00 – 9.50pm
Title: Siuthad Siubhal/Go! Explore! - Dundee/Fife
Our intrepid presenters tackle a variety of activities on offer in the Dundee/Fife area so don't be a couch potato! Go! Explore! The series is presented by Emma MacInnes and Derek ''Pluto'' Murray.
Transmitted: Thursday 29 September
Time: 10.00 – 10.30pm
Title: Midwives: Mnathan-Gluine
In the second programme in the series, labour suite sister Caron Cruickshank gives us an idea of the wide geographical area served by Raigmore hospital's Maternity Unit.
Mum to be Nicola's community midwife has taken a routine blood sample but the results give her cause for concern. Nicola is sent to Raigmore for further investigation and the decision is taken to induce her labour. Midwife Ishbel MacDonald is with Nicola in labour suite but not everything goes to plan.
Meanwhile, Margaret Jack is in hospital having her second baby - her speedy delivery gives experienced midwife Mary Taylor some anxious moments and first time mum Sarah Louise Farmer goes into labour at home in Lochinver. She is rushed to Raigmore by helicopter -will she make it in time?
We also meet Catherine Anne Mackinnon, who is having her 20 week scan. Technological advances mean she can see her developing baby in amazing detail.
Transmitted: Friday 30 September
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: A gu U: Na Thadhail Thu?
A new series with Shona Henderson taking an island journey through the Gaelic alphabet.
In the first programme Shona travels by ferry, explores the topic of island food, and asks what sort of people live in the Scottish islands.
Transmitted: Friday 30 September
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
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