HARRIS BERNERAY NORTH UIST BENBECULA SOUTH UIST ERISKAY

UIST AND HARRIS THIRD MOST EXPENSIVEPLACE TO BUY PETROL - IN THE WORLD

Hard-pressed island families and businessescontinue to endure eye-watering fuel pricesnow revealed as the third most expensive inthe world.

In August, pump prices on the Uists andHarris were around £1.51 per litre for unleaded,and £1.55 per litre for diesel. According toretailers, these prices reflect the 5p islanddiscount, so the true prices are £1.56 forunleaded, and £1.60 for diesel.

The Norwegians pay £1.70, the Turks £1.59.In mainland Britain, last month’s prices werearound £1.32. (source Bloomberg Gas PriceRanking, August 2012).

The AA has warned of a 6p a litre rise to comethis month, and in the New Year the Chancelloris planning further rises of up to 7p a litre. Ifthese predictions come about, unleaded couldreach £1.64 within months.

Harris garage proprietor Roddy MacAskill of

Ardhasaig said his business was experiencing anoticeable reigning in of fuel spending by hiscustomers.

He said: “It could reach a point where it isuneconomic for people to work, like in Englandwhere I hear people are giving up their jobsbecause of transport costs. We depend on othersales like coal and groceries to keep ourbusiness going, if it was just the fuel we wouldhave given up long ago.”

Stephen Macaulay of Macaulay Askernishsaid people were continuing to buy fuel asnormal at his Lochboisdale filling station, butthat the prices were hurting everyone’sbusinesses.

He said: “Over the past year our haulage costshave doubled, if you take into account the 50%ferry fare increase. The bottom line is that thoseincreases are passed on to the consumer.”

Britain comes in 1Oth. Uist and Harris beaten only by Norway and Turkey.

island newsEdition 07 September 2012

& ADVERTISER

Whatnext?

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NEW:Pull-out artsupplementfromTaighChearsabhagh

Continued on Page 3

EDUCATIONCENTRAL

HarrisNurseleadsParalympicscareSee Page 10

island news & ADVERTISER - September 2012 Issue 72

island newsEdition 01 March 2012

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Uist Men’sCancer Support Group

Informal meetingTuesday, September 18th,

7.00 pm

Tigh Ceilidh, Trianaid, CarinishAll welcome

for further information ring

Seumas on01878 700577

A new support group has beenset up for Uist men experiencing

cancer in their lives.See page 4 for more details.

NEWSDESK 01876 510758 editor@islandnewsandadavertiser.com

IS THE FREE MONTHLY NEWSPAPER OF THE OUTER HEBRIDES

The 6th annual tractor run from Stornoway to

Rodel has raised in excess of £800.

This year’s run saw ten sponsored tractors from

Harris, Elgin, Aberdeen, Ullapool, Berneray and

Lewis taking part.

They raised money for the second year for the

Linda Norgrove Foundation, and also for the

recently formed Harris Breast Cancer Support

Group.Rachel Wade of the Linda Norgrove Foundation

said: “Linda was committed to helping farmers

and entrepreneurs produce better, more marketable

crops for their families and communities. Farmers

in Afghanistan will undoubtedly be using the very

same models of tractors that we saw trundling

over the Harris hills last week.”

(Courtesy of Peter Prince) Harris Tractor Run

INB

RIE

F

The idea is to create a collectable record of

some of the finest exhibitions at the centre,

and also to offer interested artists theopportunity to create work specifically for

the medium of newsprint. The series begins

in this edition with a four-page celebration of

the work of Jim Pattison, Models of Mind,

currently on display at T.C.Mr Pattison is a lecturer at Duncan of

Jordanstone College of Art & Design,

Dundee. He has been working with Murdo

MacDonald, professor of History ofScottish Art at the University of Dundee on

a study of ten carved stone balls from the

islands of Scotland. They are among the

earliest art in the country. Mr Pattison says

their project ‘sets out to draw greaterattention to and add existing knowledgeabout specific examples of these highlysignificant cultural artefacts.’

Your NEWArt SupplementIN&A was delighted to be approached by Andy Mackinnon, arts officer at Taigh

Chearsabhagh Museum and Arts Centre, Lochmaddy to host a series of occasional

centrefold supplements in the paper.

Wednesday September 12, Kildonan Museum, South Uist, 7.30pm

Poet Chrys Salt is visiting the Uists to read from her new collection “Grass”

(Pub: Indigo Dreams). The central poem in the collection is about Angus

MacPhee and so it is fitting that Kildonan Museum, has been chosen as the

venue, writes Pauline Prior Pitt.

A consummate actress and brilliant reader of her poetry, Chrys’ work is widely

published and has been broadcast on Radio 3 and 4. She has performed at major

festivals and venues country-wide, in Europe and the USA. She has published

four poetry collections, writes books, theatre and radio plays, features and

documentaries and has been the recipient of a National Media Award.

Chrys’ reading is one of the events taking place during Mental Health and

Suicide Prevention Awareness Week, which is being organised by NHS Health

Promotion, Tagsa Uibhist Mental Health Service and Taigh Chearsabhagh.

Poet to read work on Angus

MacPhee at Poetry Evening

RNLI OPEN DAYAmhuinnsuidhe Castle, Harris is the backdropfor a fundraising day in aid of RNLI on SaturdaySeptember 22 from 1pm to 4pm.There will be baking and stalls, castle tours and agrand auction among other things. The lifeboat will be moored alongsidethe castle, weather permitting. More on the event’s Facebook page.

(Courtesy of Peter Prince)

TV producer Nigel Pope (Big CatDiary, Springwatch, The Secret Lifeof Elephants) gives an insider’sview of the world of wildlife film-making, from gorillas to caterpillars.

He’ll also be sharing some clips ofthe new landmark series on the

Natural History of the Hebrides duefor transmission next year.

Talk organised by Curracag - OuterHebrides Natural History Society.Free for Curracag members, £4 fornon-members.Contact: events@curracag.org.uk

From the Uists to the MaraWILDLIFE FILM-MAKING TALKFriday September 14, Benbecula College, Lionacleit, 7:30pm

3September 2012 Issue 7 - island news & ADVERTISER

More than a hundred people, including28 children,visited the church during theopen day, and the church was packed forthe lecture given by Rev Dr R Macleod.

The church also invested in a new bannerto mark the centenary and became home to anew communion set from a donor on themainland. Lochmaddy’s current minister Rev

Donald Campbell said he was pleased withthe way the celebrations had gone.

He said: “One of the things that came tothe fore is how God has sustained the churchthrough the years, through His faithfulnessand the faithfulness of thepeople.”

The church’s longestserving minister is Rev JohnSmith, there from 1963 untilhis retirement in 1992. MrSmith delivered 6,000sermons during his ministry,and carried out 140 baptismsand 52 weddings. He alsovisited every house in theparish regardless ofdenomination twice a year.

Mr Smith and his familywere the first to occupy thecurrent manse, which theyshared with two otherministers and many visitingmissionaries. Early in hisministry a wing was added tothe church to accommodatethe increasing congregationand 80 strong Sunday school.

With 120 tonnes of rockfrom haulier John Morrison,Mr Smith and the churchelders even built the path tothe manse.

Mr Smith said: “It was a great pleasure tobe in Lochmaddy and we enjoyed everyminute. I had many calls to leave and goelsewhere, but why would I when we were sohappy there?”

Continued from Page 1A spokesman from GB Oils, parent of

Scottish Fuels which supplies the Uistsand Harris said: “We recognise that thecost of retail fuel is an emotive subject forresidents on the islands, especially in thesestraightened economic times.

“On the Western Isles, we supply fuel toindependent businesses. We do not dictatein any way retail prices to consumers, nordo we have any control over the retailprice. The retailers themselves determinethe prices they charge based on what theybelieve will give them the appropriatereturn. Our selling price to the owners ofthe filling stations is dictated largely by the

international price of fuel, fluctuations inthe £/$ exchange rate, stock movements,costs of supply and storage on the islandsand government taxation policies.

“We take our fuel supply responsibilitiesto the islands very seriously, whichincludes our involvement with the localcommunity as well as being an employeron the islands. Recently the Office of FairTrading reviewed the nature of fuel priceson the islands. In considering the apparentwidening of the price differential in recentmonths between the islands and themainland the OFT believes that this canprobably be attributed principally to

intense competition on the mainland. Thishas been driven to a large extent bysupermarkets and has lowered themainland price relative to the islands(where this type of competition is not inevidence). It is also the case that as fuelprices increase the transport costs ofmoving fuel are rising, with adisproportionate effect on markets moreremote from refineries.”

A Treasury spokeswoman said: “SinceMarch, motorists in remote islands have beenbenefiting from a 5p a litre cut in pump pricesthanks to the Government’s pilot rural fuelrebate scheme. In addition the Government

has taken real action to help motorists withthe cost of fuel, including cutting fuel duty atlast year’s Budget and delaying a rise plannedfor last month. This support is worth morethan £5.5 billion over two years. Petrol anddiesel is an average of 10 pence per litrecheaper than if we had proceeded with theescalator introduced in 2009.”

Editor’s Note: Small comfort from GBOils or the Treasury. Local politiciansand campaigners lobby continually onthis matter, but prices continue to rise.The very sustainability of our islands isin jeopardy. Have your say:editor@islandnewsandadvertiser.com

MV Finlaggan toreplace MV Hebridesfor the winter

MV Finlaggan, currently one oftwo ferries serving Islay, willtake its place.

CalMac wants to deploy MV Hebrides,one of the fleet’s most reliable ships, ascover during the annual two-week refitswhich all their vessels undergo in winter.

Starting in early December to the end ofMarch it will cover the refit periods of MVCaledonian Isles (Arran), MV Isle of Lewis(Stornoway-Ullapool), MV Isle of Mull(Oban-Mull) and MV Clansman (Oban-Coll-Tiree-Barra- Lochboisdale).

A CalMac spokesman said MVFinlaggan has no wave restrictions and so isable to operate on every part of the CalMacnetwork.

He said: “Masters and crews are shuffledto gain experience of different routes socustomers need have no concerns that they

are getting crews unfamiliar with theirroute. They are professional, highlyqualified seafarers, well used to sailing inmany parts of the network.

“Every one of the three Masters whoregularly sail MV Finlaggan has experienceof the Uig triangle. In addition, we haveundertaken an extensive programme offamiliarisation for Masters with the MVFinlaggan. She is the most technicallyadvanced ship in the fleet so there are manymasters capable of sailing her wherever sheis required.”

He added: “Our priority has to be tobalance the needs of the whole network toensure no-one is left without a service forany period of time.

“If we have a period of prolonged badweather and a number of sailings are lost itcan take several days to catch up. Forexample, places like Coll, Tiree andColonsay which do not have daily servicesin the winter can be without a full servicefor many days.”

MV Hebrides is to be taken off the Uig triangleover the winter to work as refit cover for fourferries on CalMac’s west coast routes.

LOCHMADDY CHURCH CENTENARYLochmaddy church commemorated its centenary withfive days of worship and events which included acelebration meal, an open day and a lecture on thehistory of the church.

MV Finlaggan.

Rev Donald Campbell, current minister of Lochmaddy church.

island news & ADVERTISER - September 2012 Issue 74

Amanda Rae’s sculpture “Leaving theNest” was selected for exhibition atthe Mall Galleries, London for theprestigious Threadneedle Prize.

Mairi Thomson’s black and whitephotographs have been selected to beexhibited in Milan. Both artists are recent BA Fine Art(hons) UHI graduates via MorayCollege, Elgin and Lews CastleCollege, Taigh Chearsabagh, NorthUist.

Meanwhile the leader of the UHIFine Art degree, Sophie Morrishenjoyed national recognition of her ownwork recently when she reached Stage2 of John Moore’s Painting Prize this

year. Ms Morrish was part of a 200strong shortlist for the prestigiousprize, chosen from a field of 3,500. Shesaid: “This is the biggest painting prizein the country, and my first time of

entering, so I am really thrilled to havegot this far.”

To find out more about the LewsCastle UHI BA (hons) in Fine Art, turnto IN&A’s Education Central on page 9.

New cancersupportgroup forUist men

Uist Men’s Cancer Support Group(UMCSG) will offer mutual emotionalsupport, as well as practical information andfriendship.

The group will meet this month onTuesday September 18 at 7pm at TighCeilidh, Carinish, North Uist with partnersand close family members also welcome.

The group hopes to have further meetings

in South Uist in due course.The idea came from Cancer Forum

member Seumas MacDonald who felt thetime was right for such a group.

He said: “The group should be run oninformal lines with an emphasis onfriendship and support, where men can talkfreely among themselves in a supportive andconfidential atmosphere.”

UMCSG is being supported with funds,secretarial and administrative support by theCancer Forum Group and the Eaval Club, setup by the late Dr John MacLeod more thanten years ago to support families affected bycancer in North Uist and Berneray.

Funds were also donated recently to thegroup by the Health Promotion Departmentand the Uist Men’s Health Forum.

A support group has been established for men on the Uists who are experiencing cancer in their lives.

Untitled by Mairi Thomson will be exhibited in Milan.

UIST ARTISTS EXHIBIT IN LONDON AND MILAN

Leaving the Nest by Amanda Rae will be exhibited in London.

Uist artists Amanda Rae and Mairi Thomson have been selected to exhibittheir work both nationally and internationally this month.

5September 2012 Issue 7 - island news & ADVERTISER

There was much laughter and nostalgia at the recent RoyalArtillery Range reunion in Benbecula.

The event brought together more than 60 former rangepersonnel stationed in Uist from the 1960s onwards and theirpartners (many local girls) with a celebration meal and dance.The presence of the Range from five decades ago has had a hugeand enduring impact on the Uists. Photo shows 632 Signals inthe 1960s and is courtesy of John and Margaret Saxton.

Local nursery children have smart new lunchboxes thanks tothe charity Humanos Aid International.

The Perthshire-based charity was donated several hundredDisney lunchboxes normally retailing at £12.99, by Spar inAberfeldy after the supermarket was found itself with excessstock.

Humanos, an anti-poverty charity which works in the UK,Eastern Europe and parts of South America, is also known for itsemphasis on combatting waste, so Spar gave 843 lunch boxes tothe charity for distribution.

Some 500 lunchboxes were sent to Peru and Brazil. Otherswent to Eastern Europe.

Humanos founder/director Billy Chung said: “The onlydownside was after we sent some lunchboxes to Chernobyl wewere told there was no food for the children to put in them.”

Mr Chung, who comes to the Uists regularly to visit his partnerbiodynamic gardener Anneke Kraakman, said he wanted toinclude local children in the lunchbox windfall. He hasdistributed the lunchboxes to children at Sollas Croileagan andSaoghal Beag in North Uist, Balivanich school nursery, Cothrom,South Uist and Barra.

Margaret MacLean of Saoghal Beag said: “It’s nice to beincluded in this initiative. We’re very grateful and the kids love thethem.”

South Uist Medical Practicewould like to express heartfeltappreciation of the donationthey recently received fromthe retiring collection at thefuneral of Sandy Sinclair,North Boisdale.

The Daliburgh Church

congregation raised £1500 in

memory of Mr Sinclair who was

a much treasured member of

the community. Mary Steele

and other members of Sandy’s

family have divided the money

between South Uist Medical

Practice and the Head & Neck

Unit of Aberdeen Royal

Infirmary. Dr Stephen Bird of

South Uist Medical practice

said:“This donation is a real

reflection of the warmth and

generosity of Sandy’s friends

and family.The money will go

towards a new ECG machine

which will integrate with our

computer system and enable

information to be sent with

much greater ease and clarity

to specialists. It will help with

both diagnosis and treatment.”

The presence of a 130 year old quilt in North Uistcreated a stir among local families.

The quilt was brought to Taigh Chearsabhagh,Lochmaddy by Perthshire storytellers ClaireHewitt and Ruth Atkinson. It had been passed tothem after being found in Kinloch Rannochschool.

It bears 90 signatures, hand-embroidered bygirls taught by Isabella Christie from 1882 toaround 1895. Isabella came from Elgin, and beganher teaching career with two years in Heisgeir,followed by five in Lochmaddy before returningto the mainland to teach at Kinloch Rannochschool. North Uist residents, including Heisgeir’slast inhabitant Lachie Morrison and children fromLochmaddy school gathered to look at the quiltand spot their relations. More on this story in afuture edition of IN&A.

HEARTFELTTHANKS

RANGE REUNITEDJoy: Cathie Laing, Nanag Skivington and Katie MacCormickspot their grandmothers’signatures.

We’re quiltexcited!

New lunch boxes for nursery children

Dominik Doyle, 2, shows off the lunchboxes at Saoghal Beag.

island news & ADVERTISER - September 2012 Issue 76

North Uist’s Norman Macleanopened the show, and theentertainment continued with awide variety of shows and stalls.

Although livestock numbers weresmall, their standard pleased judgeJohn Campbell of Glenrath Farms,Peebles. He brought in a limousin-cross cow with limousin calf assupreme show champion, andblackface ewe lamb as overallchampion sheep.

He said: “The champion sheepwas a black face ewe lamb, verywell grown, very well-proportioned with a lovely coat, anice head, everything that ablackface sheep should be.

“I originally placed the limousincow second, but it had atremendously good calf, making itthe show champion.”

Show chairman KennethMacLeod said livestock numbershad increased this year, with a lot ofnew exhibiters, includingyoungsters introducing new breedsof sheep.

One such is 21 year old joinerAngus John McKenzie of Strond,

who describes himself as a hobbycrofter. He introduced Zwartbles toHarris last year as “somethingdifferent”, and crossed them withSuffolks to produce a prize-winning ewe lamb at this year’sshow.

Mr McKenzie also won first forRam Any Breed with a Suffolk andreserve champion with a black face.

Supreme champion Limousinbreeder Angus Mackay ofScaristavore said he has been

building up his cattle herd over thepast four years, but is now movingaway from continental breeds.

He said: “They are so difficult tokeep up here. The Aberdeen Angusis far easier and holds up in price ifyou get good stock. Traditionalbreeds like Highlands aren’tholding up in price at the moment.”

Derek Campbell of Scarista notonly won champion sheep with hisblackface ewe lamb, but reservewith his Cheviot tup.

South Harris ShowFine weather brought a busy gate to the South Harrisshow in Leverburgh with numbers topping 1500.

There was a buzz in Hosta as crowds descendedon the North Uist Agricultural Show, writesAnne MacLellan of North Uist Agricultural Society.

It was a beautiful sunny day andas a result the show was one ofthe busiest yet.

There was a huge variety ofentries in the home industries anddairy, home baking and preservessections. Despite the dry summerthere was an impressive display ofgarden produce with the prizewinning turnips the size offootballs from Hector MacAulay,Balemore drawing much attention.Jessie Morrison from CladdachKirkibost was the winner of theNew up and coming flower garden- a new class for 2012.

Sheep numbers were high butcattle and horses were lower thanlast year. The champion ofchampions (Cattle and Sheep) wasa Limousin cross bullock fromHugh MacDonald, 3 Hosta.Champion sheep was a cheviot ramfrom Alastair MacQuarrie,Corunna. The show committeewere indebted to Derek Campbellfrom Harris for standing in at shortnotice to judge the livestock.

There were many side shows andstalls including a new attraction,Heather’s Animal Corner whichgave visitors the opportunity towatch the pet calf being fed and toguess the age of the turkey. Heatheralso brought along a friendly goatand a very cheeky pet lamb.

The sausage makingdemonstrations provided by“Gordon the Butcher” fromQuality Meat Scotland (QMS)grabbed the attention of young andold. A BBQ by MacLean’s Bakery,the Sollas Ladies Tea Tent, the LiteBite and Sheila’s Ice Cream Vanensured all spectators were well fedand refreshed throughout the day.

The Show Committee would liketo thank all who supported andhelped to make the 2012 show sucha success – businesses for donatingraffle prizes and sponsoringclasses, volunteers who give oftheir time as stewards, the manyjudges, the Hosta Township for useof their land, Sarah Fraser – MC forthe day, the Highland Dancers whoentertained those waiting for theprize giving, stall holders and allthose who attended and exhibited.

We look forward to seeing you allagain in 2013.

Sgoil Lionacleit pipe band supplied the show music.

Angus John Mckenzie with his Zwartbles.

Angus Mackay with his champion cow with calf at foot.

NORTH UIST SHOW

Alastair MacQuarrie with his champion Cheviot cross ram.

Hugh Macdonald with his supreme champion calf.

Despite the dry summer the gardenproduce amazed everyone.

Peter Wilson whose German Short-hairedpointers Mara and Forrie won the dogshow.

7September 2012 Issue 7 - island news & ADVERTISER

CroftingCrofting

It will complement Machair Life’scurrent crop protection scheme whichuses scaring techniques to move thegeese away from the crops, and forwhich funding will end in 2014.

SNH will be administering anannual fund of £10,000 over the nextthree years for a team of fivemarksmen to take out at least 1000geese over a period of 20 daysbetween October and March.

Machair Life’s Goose co-ordinatorRory MacGillivray will co-ordinatethe team of marksmeninvolved in the AdaptiveManagement scheme.

Other voluntary effortshave been agreed withestates and gun clubs.

South Uist estate hasagreed to allow crofters toshoot more geeseprovided that theindividual is a competentshot and their efforts areco-ordinated by keeperNigel Taylor.

North Uist Estate is to

Invitation to all tomeet CroftingLaw specialistsBrian Inkster andEilidh Ross of Inksters.

Crofting todayand how itrelates to you

INVITATION

The Uist Greylag Goose Management Committee is to bepart of a trial Adaptive Management Scheme to reducegreylag goose numbers on the Uists from around 8,000 to2,500 over the next three years.

KilphederBRED

BLACKFACES

Contact: Iain MacDonald Tel: 01878 700866

❖

FORSALE

FORSALE

FORSALE

A small number of Ewe Lambsand Gimmers

PRIVATELY

Tup Lambs available

Shearlings and Aged Tups

Can be kept until required

291 KilphederLOCHBOISDALEIsle of South Uist

Visitors andenquiries welcome

❖

❖

❖

Connachan Bred Ewes

Blackface Ewe Lambs

Blackface Gimmers

Sire of Tup - £3200 Cuil

Arnicle Bred Ewes - Purchased Sept 2011

in the case of deer); to bring forwardthe open season to August 1 and allowdecoys to be used during August; andto permit the sale of goose meat.

At present, shot geese may not besold, but can be distributed free ofcharge among the community.

To stimulate demand for goosemeat and thereby create a market,SNH is looking into creating a chef-hosted demonstration event to showhow to cook the meat and to giveaway recipes and goose breasts.

continue their existing arrangementsto enable local shooting during unletperiods provided this is co-ordinatedby keeper Colin Newton.

Newton syndicate in North Uist hasproposed an open day early next yearto allow other gun clubs to come andshoot for free.

Uist Greylag Goose ManagementCommittee says it would like to seechanges in existing legislation infuture, including the right of croftersto shoot geese for crop protection (as

For the first time this local goose group (including estates, crofters, shooting syndicates, and government agencies)can actively plan to reduce the population of greylags to a more manageable level - a significant departure fromprevious scaring schemes which sought to protect the machair crops.

Stakeholders join forces to reducegoose population by more than a third

Tuesday September 4

Hosta Hall,North Uist

Wednesday September 5

Dark Island Hotel,Benbecula.

Both sessions begin at7.30pm and refreshmentswill be offered

When Kirstie Smith left Sgoil Lionacleit lastyear, she was painfully shy and lacking inconfidence.She knew she wanted to pursue a career in admin

- but the goalposts seemed too high. She tried acouple of weeks on the Skills Development

Scotland Get Ready for Work scheme, but found it hard to settle.Finding herself at a loss, Kirstie even considered going back to

school. But she heard about Cothrom’s Modern Apprenticeships,and how she could join the scheme as a Trainee Admin Assistant.

Full of self-doubt and anxiety, Kirstie took the plunge, andbecame Cothrom’s receptionist for a year, learning on the job, andearning an SVQ3 level qualification at the end of it.

Now Kirstie, 17, is the first to arrive at Cothrom each day. Full ofnewfound confidence, she carries out her duties as receptionist,answering the telephone and welcoming visitors, responding toemails and carrying out various other tasks as instructed by the staff.

She says the Modern Apprenticeship was a turning point for her.Kirstie said: “When I first came I was shy, I didn’t talk, I

couldn’t ask for help. But now I have the confidence to talk topeople and help them. The staff at Cothrom have helped andsupported me. I’m about to finish my year, and it will leave a biggap in my life.”

Kirstie wants to stay on the islands, and says she will look for an

admin job. She already has an interview for a post, quite anachievement for someone who a year ago was all at sea with herself.

“I couldn’t have written a personal statement to back up myapplication a year ago,” she says.

Kirstie added: “I recommend anyone thinking about anapprenticeship to go for it. Your employers will help you and teachyou. You face challenges, but you deal with them.”

If you’re aged 16-24 and would like to get into work and learnon the job, a Modern Apprenticeship could be for you. There aremany opportunities in different fields - all you need to do is get intouch for a chat with Cothrom’s training co-ordinator, AgnesMacDonald on 01878 700910.

EMPLOYERS: How a Modern Apprenticeship could help your businessCothrom administers Modern Apprenticeships on behalf of

local employers in Hospitality; Business and Administration;Management and Children’s Care, Learning and Development.

But the apprenticeships aren’t limited to these subjects.Cothrom recently facilitated an agricultural apprenticeship for 17year old Micheill Iain MacRury with Oatridge College andNorman D MacAskill & Son, Drimore Farm, South Uist.Micheill attends the college for a week every quarter, and workswith Mr MacAskill the rest of the time.

Mr MacAskill said: “Someone with Micheill’s ability would bevery welcome in any industry. I hope more employers will bewilling to share their place of work with youngsters to help themget work later on.”

Get in touch with Cothrom’s training co-ordinator AgnesMacDonald to see how the scheme could work for yourbusiness on 01871 700910.

EDUCATION

� ARE YOU AGED 16-24 AND AT A LOOSE END?

� NOT SURE HOW TO GET ON TO THE WORK LADDER?

Our Modern Apprenticeshipscould be just the answer

Contact Agnes MacDonald, Training Co-OrdinatorTEL: 01878 700910

E: agnes.macdonald@cothrom.net www.cothrom.net

Hands-on practical experience with local

employers. Stay on the Islands and learn as you

earn. Your springboard to the career you want.

Learning practical skills close to home - A Modern Apprenticeship couldbe the best move you ever make

N CENTRALIt’s no secret that the Outer Hebrides are asource of constant creative inspiration tomusicians, writers - and of course visual artists.

Perhaps you’re one of those whose creative drive buzzes at fulltilt as you move around the islands, observing and sensing,photographing and drawing.

If you feel the time has come to recognise and develop yourinner artist there are courses available through Lews CastleCollege UHI, based in Taigh Chearsabhagh museum and artscentre, Lochmaddy.

The centre offers two highly-acclaimed courses, a NationalCertificate in Art & Design, and a BA (Hons) Fine Art.PERFECT FOR FLEDGLING ARTISTS

The National Certificate is an Open Access course, led by AnneMackenzie. Anne, originally from Uist, is a graduate of Grey’sSchool of Art, Aberdeen where she also did her PGCE. Shehas been involved with the development of art teaching at TaighChearsabhagh since the very beginning.

The NC course was established in 1997, and as Anne explains,can act as a stepping stone to a career in the creative visual arts.

She said: “The course has been a huge success, with manystudents going on to graduate with full degrees from here andother art schools in the UK.

“Our students are now teaching, working for arts organisationsand participating in worldwide residencies. The course opensso many opportunities for people.”

Many students come to the NC course with little or no formal artexperience, but quickly find their feet.

Anne said: “The course is very nurturing, with small numbersand plenty of tutor contact time.

“One of its most important functions is to help people preparetheir all-important Portfolio which they need to go on to artschool or for the onward progression of their careers.”MOVING ON - A FULL DEGREE

The BA (Hons) Fine Art is run by Sophie Morrish, who took overas course leader this year.

Originally from Hampshire, Sophie graduated with B.A. Honsfrom Chelsea School of Art, and went on to do a postgraduatedegree at the Royal College of Art in London. She later ran theillustration department at Glasgow School of Art and taughtthere for 12 years.

She is a perfect example of the artist who falls in love with thebewitching Hebridean environment, coming to the islands first in1995 from London. She made up her mind to find a way of livingand practising her work here, something she achieved full time,in July 2007.

Sophie says she plans to build on the existing environmentalfocus of the BA, placing the natural, human and cultural historyof the islands firmly at its core.

Traditional skills, lens-based media and contemporary technologyare explored through a series of taught modules over the firstyear, with second year students moving towards ‘self-directed’creative work- their focus based on individual areas of interest.

Further & HigherEducation ArtOpportunities for2012-13 sessionA small number of placesare still available for theLCC/UHI NC Art & Designand B.A. Fine Art LevelOne courses at TaighChearsabhahgh,North Uist.

For B.A. Fine Art courseinformation contact courseleader sophie.morrish@lews.uhi.ac.uk(01876 500871)for National Certificate inArt & Design contactcourse leaderanne.mackenzie@lews.uhi.ac.uk (01876 500871)or visit Lews Castle collegewebsite: www.lews.ac.uk

Application forms can bedownloaded from:www.lews.uhi.ac.uk/studying-at-lcc/apply/lcc-application-form

DEVELOP YOUR CREATIVITY - COURSES STILL AVAILABLE BASED IN NORTH UIST

DEVELOP YOUR CREATIVITY - COURSES STILL AVAILABLE BASED IN NORTH UIST

Sophie said: “Our students are encouraged to consider carefullyhow they perceive their immediate and wider-surroundings, theislands are much more than just a beautiful landscape”.

“By exploring and investigating in depth, students develop a widevariety of approaches to expressing their creative identity.”

The first two years of the four-year course are delivered at TaighChearsabhagh, after which students can opt to continue theirstudy at Moray School of Art UHI in Elgin, or apply to degreecourses at any other UK art school.

Entry to the BA requires a minimum of three Higher gradeor equivalent passes, or a recognised Access programme.

Mikki Finnigan working in the2nd year studio, 2012.

Drawing installation, detail,Penny Curry, 2011.

Detail from “Langass Wood”Morag Montgomery 2012.

10

PeoplePeopleisland news & ADVERTISER - September 2012 Issue 7

A picture of the Callanish stonesfirst drew Monica Weller to theOuter Hebrides, and chancemeeting on a small ferry in theislands was the moment that shefelt a connection with the people.

of my emotions,” Monica said.After a long career in

management, she began writingsmall articles for magazines andlocal newspapers.

She also exhibited her black andwhite images to great success.

The Hebrideans is the result of herwork on the islands as she attemptsto capture ordinary people in theireveryday lives. The faces of thepeople in this book could be from the1800’s or the present day, there is atimeless quality about them. Monicanow hopes to publish her next bookHebrideans Two, in which she willcapture images of the youngergeneration on the islands.

Her latest book, The TwilightConnection, is a pictorial history ofher family and an attempt to havesomething positive in print toremember her family roots. Monica’snephew is the Hollywood actorRobert Pattinson and because of thisthe family have experienced thenegative intrusion from the press.

The Twilight Connectionacknowledges the family yet invites thepublic to see them in an ordinary way.

Monica was out and about in Harriswhen the first copy came out and waschased down by a helpful parcel vandriver who left the book in Monica’sshed for her to pick up. Monica wasstruck by this and commented at thetime: “It all seemed a million milesfrom the glitzy Hollywood and itsformidable machine!”

Follow Monica on Facebookor to see her book,http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/3111583.

Harris nurse leads team GBcare at Paralympics camp

Ellen McDougall, 36, from Scarista is thelead nurse at Team GB’s holding campat Bath University, looking after asquad of more than 400 athletes.

She started work on August 16 and willremain with the team throughout the games.

She said: “I’m lead nurse for the camps,based in Bath, and there is a nursing teambased at the Games. We work inconjunction with each other.

“The athletes are pretty much self-caring but we’re there for any injuries orillness that occurs. The squads have been

arriving, and we have clinics for themwith doctors, nurses, phsyios, anythingthey need.

“We have already seen the first squadsoff to the Olympic Village in Londonwhere they will continue theirpreparations. That was an emotionalmoment, waving them off. You’re part ofit and you want it to go well for them.”

When IN&A spoke to Ellen she was inthe middle of working with the powerliftingteam, and had already seen several squadsoff to London in tiptop form- including

cerebral palsy 7-a-side, visually impaired5-a-side, shooting, archery, seatedvolleyball, goal ball, table tennis and bocca.

She said: “There is an amazingatmosphere with the athletes looking fowardto performing in front of a home crowd.Paralympics means parallel Olympics, andthe thing to remember is that it’s not aboutdisability, but ability.”

Ellen, originally from Cumbria, did hernurse’s training in Merseyside and early ondiscovered a vocation for disability sportsnursing when she was recommended for

work at the Wheelchair Tennis Open inAmerica in 1996.

This experience grew into a passion, andEllen was invited to Athens 2004 as part ofthe core medical team looking after theBritish Paralympic squad. She was the firstUK nurse ever to have been involved inWinter Paralympics, working for the Britishteam in Turin in 2006 and going on to theVancouver Games in 2010.

Ellen and her husband came to live inHarris in 2009. She currently works in theSpecials Ward of Western Isles Health Board.

As IN&A goes to print,one inspirational Harris woman is busyworking amid the excitement and drama of the Paralympic Games.

Ellen proudly sportsher Team GB top inLeverburgh before

heading for theParalympics.

Monica Weller with her latest book.

Surreywoman’stimelessimagesof Harris Lesley Buchanan

Perhaps it was a sense of destiny asshe looked down her camera lens at awoman with three small children.That moment started her long loveaffair with Harris.

Monica, fromSurrey, visits theisland at leasttwice a year andhas compiled abook, TheHebrideans, froma mixture ofphotographs and daily blogs. Thestunning images are a timelessreflection of island life.

“My photographs are an extension

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11

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!SCOTS IN THE SPANISH CIVIL WAR:NO PASARAN ! (They shall not pass)

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in association with the Piping Times

For further information contact Gus Macaulay, chair CNM on 07828 105 423.

Uist’s Society of the Sea is seeking sixnew pipe tunes to celebrate the uniqueland and seascape of the Outer Hebrides.

Six categories with a minimum of two parts each:� Slow Air � March (any time signature)� Strathspey � Reel� Hornpipe � Jig

Composers can enter as many categories asthey like, but only one tune per category.

Entries should be emailed to:

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composer’s name, address, mobile number

and email address by November 30, 2012.

One prize of £100 per category.Results announced Feb 1 2013 in Piping Times.

Winners Concert at the Oran Mor,Glasgow in June 2013 as part of WestEnd Festival, and concert in Lochmaddyat a later date.

MusicMusic

Uist pupils will be taking part in a series ofmusical workshops this month,culminating in a concert in Sgoil Lioinacleit.

The residency is run by National YouthOrchestras of Scotland (NYOS) composerand outreach worker, Eve Harrison, withmembers of NYOS’ chamber orchestraCamerata and the involvement of young localfolk musicians.

The team will be working with Balivanich,Paible and Sgoil Lionacleit pupils throughoutthe week starting on Monday September 17.

Their work culminates in a recording andconcert of a new piece composed by MsHarrison, entitled Anticipating the Light.

Ms Harrison and two members ofCamerata visited Uist in June to start work onthe composition with the input of Uist pupils.

The public concert takes place in SgoilLionacleit theatre on Friday September 21, at7.30pm and features Mairi Therese Gilfedderon solo fiddle, along with 20 Cameratastudents and 15 Lionacleit pupils. Theconductor is Garry Walker and theprogramme includes the new composition andworks by Bartok, Beamish, Haydn andMozart, all with roots in various folk cultures.

Caroline Bergius (left) and RebekkaHartmann during a recent tour ofCornwall.

Music on the IslesSeventeen young Germanmusicians are attending Musicon the Isles this month tonurture their musical talent ina Hebridean setting.

The Berneray-based chamberand orchestral music course isnow in its 12th year, run byharpsichordist Caroline Bergiuswith violinist Rebekka Hartmann.

This year a harpist, hornplayer, bassoonist and sopranojoin the regular cohort of stringplayers. The students are aged11-18, and will showcase theresults of their intensive musicstudies in two concerts inBerneray Hall, on Friday

September 7 and SaturdaySeptember 8, at 7.30pm.

Ms Bergius, from Dunoon, isan acclaimed pianist andharpsichordist. Last year shereceived an exceptional award,the Cross of the Order of Meritof the Federal Republic ofGermany for her services toyouth and music.

She said: “I received thishonour on the basis of thechamber music courses onBerneray, which offerspecialised training to younginstrumentalists who go on totake up music as theirprofession.”

Ms Hartmann, from Munich,is one of Ms Bergius’ former

pupils. With many national andinternational prizes to her name,she has just been awarded theEcho Classic prize for best soloviolin CD of the year, ‘The Birthof the Violin’ featuring works byearly masters. She hasperformed as a soloist withmany leading world orchestras,and plays an AntonioStradivarius violin from 1675.

North Uist’s Julie Fowlis was invited to ared carpet reception at the US premiere of‘Brave’, which features her voice on thesoundtrack.

The makers of the film, Disney Pixar werecaptivated by Julie’s Gaelic singing whilethey were doing the research for 3Danimated movie, and contacted her torecord two songs for the sound track.Julie told IN&A:“It was great to be involvedin ‘Brave’ - I enjoyed working with thecreative team in the US and am delightedwith how the songs fit into the film and into Patrick Doyle’samazing score.

“The fact that they decided to use a Gaelic language track fortheir worldwide TV campaign and trailers shows their commitmentto Scottish culture, and in particular Gaelic culture; the TV advertwas first broadcast during the Oscars ceremony in the US to anestimated audience of 40million people, which is amazingconsidering how few Gaelic speakers there are by comparison.”

Red carpet: Julie at theUS premiere. Her dress isby top Scottish couturierSandra Murray.

Julie attends Brave premiere

Cou

rtes

y of

Deb

orah

Col

eman

.

Music residencyanticipates thelight

September 2012 Issue 7 - island news & ADVERTISER

12 island news & ADVERTISER - September 2012 Issue 7

Gaidhlig/GaelicGàidhlig/Gaelic

Bha mi a’ cnuasachd ann andràthair an-diugh ‘s fhuair mileabhar an ‘discharge’a fhuair mosheanair, Eairdsidh MacIllFhialain, no Eairdsidh MòrHougheagearraidh, mar a b’fheàrr a b’aithnichear e, an GrapaMòr mar a b’aithne dhòmhs’ e.

Bha e san Arm eadar 1941 ‘s 1947.Rugadh Eairdsidh ann an 1903, marsin bha e na bu shine na a’mhòrchuid san Arm aig an àm. Co-dhiù fhuair e deagh theisteanas : ‘a

diligent and conscientious workerwho has carried out his dutiesmost satisfactorily....... Highlyrecommended for civilemployment’. Bha e ann an seirbhisslàinte an Airm. Cha robh mibuileach cinnteach carson, achcleas gu leòr eile à Uibhist, chuir eseachad ùine ag obair ann anospadal -eanachainn, Dykebar annam Pàislig, cho fad ‘s as fhiosrachdhomh, agus ‘s dòcha air sàilleabhaois cuideachd.Gu dearbh chùm

iad deagh ghreis e, ‘s teaghlach òggun mhàthair aig an taigh,chaochail mo sheanmhair ann an1942. Bha piuthar aige, Magaidh, abha ga cosnadh ann an Sasainn, ‘sthill i dhachaigh a ghabhail cùramna cloinne. Co-dhiù, ‘s e duine mòrcòir a bh’ ann. Chaochail m’ athairnuair a bha sinne ‘s gu dearbh esangu math òg, ‘s bha mi fhìn ‘s momhàthair ‘s mo bhràithrean ‘s anGrapa Mòr ‘s an Grapa Beag(Dòmhnall Chaluim Bhig) ‘s

Flòrag , piuthar m’ athar ‘s an duineaice Bob à Morningside ann anDùn Èideann a’ fuireach san taigh,ged a bha Bob ‘s Flòrag air falbhgreisean leis gun robh Bob san RAF.Bha an dithis bhodach gu mathèibhinn còmhladh, cha robh iad agaontachadh ri chèile air mòran.Bha Eairdsidh gu math mòr maChassius Clay no Muhammed Alimar a b’ fheàrr a b’ aithnichear e,ach cha robh an dòigh a bhiodh ea’ dannsa mun cuairt a’ còrdadh le

Dòmhnall, fear a bha math ledhùirn na latha. Bidh cuimhn’am gu sìorraidh an latha a bha iada’ coimhead air an ‘Grand Prix’ air antele. Bha na càraichean a dol muncuairt aig astar, ach co-dhiù chaidhan ceòl air feadh na fìdhle lecàraichean a’ bualadh ri chèile ‘s adol nan teine. ‘ S ann a thuirtEairdsidh Mòr ‘ ah uill uill, ansealladh tu air sin, nach eil sin fhèinmaslach, nan gabhadh iad air ansocair cha bhiodh sgiorragan aca!

Oide Gàidhlig Eairdsidh Caimbeul, a’ sgrìobhadh lemeas, mu sheanair, Eairdsidh Mòr Hoghagearraidh.

I was rummaging around in a drawertoday and found my grandfather’s‘Discharge Book’.

My grandfather was Archie MacLellan‘Eairdsidh Mòr Hogheagearraidh’ as hewas better known , I knew him as ‘GrapaMòr’. He served in the Army between1941 and 1947. He was born in 1903. So hewas a bit older than the majority of thoseserving at the time. Anyway, he was given agood testimonial : ‘a diligent andconscientious worker who has carried outhis duties most satisfactorily..... Highly

recommended for civil employment’. Heserved as an orderly in the Royal ArmyMedical Corps. I’m not quite sure why, butin common with others from Uist, heworked in a psychiatric hospital, Dykebarin Paisley, as far as I know. His age mayhave been a factor as well. He wasn’tdischarged until 1947, even though mygrandmother died while he was abroad in1942, leaving a young family. His sister,Margaret (Magaidh) was in service inEngland, and came home to look after thefamily. He was a big, kindly man. My

father died when we were very young, hewas very young himself, and my mother,brothers and I and both grandfathers,Grapa Mòr and Grapa Beag (DòmhnallChaluim Bhig) and our aunt Flora and herhusband Bob, from Morningside inEdinburgh, lived together. Bob and Florawould be away from time to time, as Bobwas in the RAF.

The two elderly men were very funnytogether, and didn’t agree on much. Archiewas a big fan of Cassius Clay, orMuhammed Ali, as he came to be known.

Donald, who was a bit handy with his fistsin his day, couldn’t be doing with him, toomuch dancing around, Donald would havegone about things in a more direct manner!I’ll always remember the day they werewatching the Grand Prix on the television.The cars were flying around at speed andthen a number of them went out of control,colliding with each other and bursting intoflames. Archie’s comment was ‘oh well,isn’t that just a disgrace, if they would stopspeeding they wouldn’t have thesecrashes!’

Eairisdh Mor/ Big ArchieEairdsidh Mòr Hougheagearraidh/Archie MacLellan, Houghharry.

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CampaicheanSradagan /SradaganCamps 2012O chionn ghoirid chruinnich buidhneanòigridh aig dà champa Sradagan aigIonad Sgaladail sna Hearadh.

Abair gun robh deagh spòrs aca leiomadh cur-seachad; coiseachd ‘gorge’,boghadaireachd, cèilidh dannsa, snàmh,farpais cheist is mòran eile. Chaidh iadcuideachd a dh’fhaicinn DùnChàrlabhaigh agus Taigh-dubh Àrnoilagus bha cothrom gu leòr aca eòlas achuir air caraidean ùra. Bha nacampaichean air fad tro mheadhain naGàidhlig agus bha sinn air leth toilichte lena fàilte a fhuair sinn bho na Hearaich, andà chuid na fheadhainn a chuidich sinn lecòcaireachd aig an ionad agus ancoimhearsnachd san fharsaingeachd.Taing mhòr cuideachd do Alasdair àSgalpaigh a tha ruith an ionad chosgiobalta agus le eòlas ionadail sònraichte.

Groups of young people recently cametogether at two Sradagan camps at theScaladale Centre on the Isle of Harris.

They had a great time with lots ofactivities such as gorge walking, archery, acèilidh, swimming, a quiz and much morebesides. They also went to see the CarlowayBroch, Arnol Black House and had plentyof time to get to know new friends. Thecamps were run entirely through themedium of Gaelic. The welcome andhospitality from the Hearaich was great,both those who came to help us withcooking at the centre as well as the widercommunity. Thanks also are deserved byAlasdair from Scalpay who runs the centreso well and with his extensive localknowledge.

Gaelic tutor Archie Campbell writes fondly of his grandfather,Archie MacLellan of Houghharry.

13

SportSport

Uist & Barra JFC

The team, made up of 24 players and 6adults, kicked off their competition onWednesday August 8 against pre-tournament favourites Mervue United.

An impressive display from the classyIrish outfit resulted in a comfortable 5-0 winover the islanders.

In true Uist and Barra style the teamresponded with a dominant 5-0 win overSouth Cavan on Day 2 of the competition. First half goals from Neil Sinclair and AllyDownie gave the islanders a much neededconfidence boost going into the break.Second half goals from Ali MacDonald and

Calum Murray added to Ally Downie’ssecond of the game to give the islanders animpressive victory.

Day 3 began with a morning kick off againstlocal side Salthill Devon. The islanders startedslowly and fell 1-0 down in the first half. Afew assertive words at half time from managerIain ‘Donyards’ MacDonald shook the sideinto life and they came out fighting in thesecond half. After a well worked teammove ‘Deege’ Wilson was brought down inthe box and Ally Downie calmly stepped up tobury the penalty. Two late goals from NeilSinclair and Joseph MacInnes ensured theislanders got all three points.

The final group game against Foyle Harpssaw the Derry side open the scoring early inthe second half. A number of other chancesfell their way but they were unable to convert.The islanders punished them for this when, ininjury time, Ally Downie coolly finished aone on one to send his team into the final.

The final pitted Uist and Barra against oldfoes Mervue United. Despite the gallantefforts of the islanders they were eventuallybeaten 4-1 by the deserved champions. Centreback Carl ‘Dodos’ MacPhee had equalised inthe first half to give Uist and Barra a glimmerof hope but they were outclassed in the secondhalf by the talents of Mervue.

ERISKAY 3IOCHAR SAINTS 2Eriskay lifted their first piece of silverware in 12years after a nail-biting final at Sgoil Lionacleit.

Iochar Saints look to have secured

their second successive league title

following a month where they took

maximum points from all their

matches.

Saints defeated nearest rivals Eriskay

by the odd goal in five when the sides

met over in Eriskay, with comfortable

victories over North Uist by 8 - 0 and

Southend by the 6 - 0 and a 5 - 0

victory against Benbecula. Only Barra

provided any real stiff opposition to

the champions elect but they also

succumbed to the Iochar side losing

by 3 - 1.

Eriskay have been on the tails of

Saints since the start of the season but

the defeat at home to Saints and

following a rather surprising 5 - 2 away

defeat to Benbecula their title chances

are all but disappeared. But Eriskay did

have some joy with wins over

Southend by 5 - 2 and North Uist 6 - 1

and another home win over Barra in a

high scoring encounter which saw

Eriskay win 6 - 4.

Benbecula and Barra have

consolidated mid-table positions with

both sides having a very inconsistent

season especially Benbecula who on

their day can beat anybody but then

they can also be on the receiving end

of some surprising defeats. Benbecula

defeated both North Uist and

Southend comfortably by 8 - 0 and

5 - 2 but suffered defeat at the hands

of Saints 5 - 0 and Barra 4 - 1 and a

close encounter in Eriskay ended in a

4 - 4 draw. Barra meanwhile have kept

up a solid home form with high

scoring wins over North Uist 6 - 1 and

Southend by 8 - 2 but once more their

away form has dipped with defeat in

Eriskay and also to Saints but they did

muster up a win over Benbecula.

Southend and North Uist are fighting

it out for the wooden spoon with both

sides well adrift of the fourth placed

side having cancelled themselves out

with victories against each other.

It’s North Uist who find themselves at

the basement with only four matches

remaining of the season.

The Uist and Barra Junior Football Clubrecently returned home from Ireland asrunners up of the 2012 Umbro Galway Cup.

GALWAY CUP RUNNERS UPReporter: Alasdair MacDonald

FIXTURES:Custom Prints Uist & Barra LeagueNorth Uist v Southend, Barra v Eriskay,Saints v Benbecula

UIST & BARRA LeagueNorth Uist Utd 0 Barra 8Barra returned from Paible with all three points and

a hat full of goals too boot, Craig Ferguson with a

hat trick and strike partner James Davidson with a

brace along with a double by “Zander”Davidson

followed the opening goal by Stephen “Screech”

Davidson made the long journey worthwhile.Kate Jenkins, first lady in the Beinn Lee hill race.

R J MacLeod SummerCup Winners

Reporter: Archie MacCorquodale

UIST & BARRACustom Prints League

Uist & Barra League TableP W D L F A GD PTS

Saints 16 14 1 1 73 16 57 43

Eriskay 16 10 2 4 62 35 27 32

Barra 17 8 2 7 67 48 19 26

Benbecula 16 8 2 6 48 31 17 26

Southend 17 3 0 14 29 88 -59 9

North Uist 16 2 1 13 21 82 -61 7

UIST HILL RACESUist’s famous August hill races attracted strong fields, with manyrunners from the mainland coming to make a weekend of the BeinnLee race in North Uist, followed by Ben Kenneth in South Uist.

Craig Mattocks from Edinburgh’sHunter Bog Trotters (HBT) won bothraces, Beinn Lee in 46.01, and BenKenneth in 35.52. First lady inBeinn Lee was Kate Jenkins, HBT, in52.48. Charlotte Wild also from

Edinburgh was first lady in BenKenneth with 43.20.

Ben Kennethladies winnerCharlotte Wild.

Winner of both racesCraig Mattocks.

September 2012 Issue 7 - island news & ADVERTISER

Welcome to Paw Prints, where your animals get their chance to shine.

PawPrintsPawPrints

Poppy is a three year old apricot toy poodle.

She lives with Melanie and Allan Maclean

in Balivanich, Benbecula.

14 island news & ADVERTISER - September 2012 Issue 7

A Taste of Scottish Goodness

Tel:01870 610205 Fax:01870 610216managercarnanstores@aol.com

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Please call Gillian to inspect our facilitiesor to discuss individual requirements on:

We are a small family run Boarding Kennels who wantto look after your pets as you would.

Email your hi-res photos to pawprints @islandnewsandadvertiser.com

with your name and address, your pet’s name and anything you’d like to say about them.

Then look out for your photo on IN&A’s Paw Print page over the coming months!

N A M E T H E

Freddie Dougal aka Squeaky lives withJenny Taylor and four fellow Westies in ArdHeiskgeir, North Uist.

Ruby and Sooty relaxing at home in Daliburgh,South Uist. They live with Flora MacDougall.

A rare moment of Paddy sitting still, aloveable wee rogue. He lives in Carnan,South Uist with Neil and Mary MacDonald.

Haribo looks cool in shades on a hillwalk in

Harris. He lives with John Walsh in Scalpay.

Jig loves a cuddle. She is training to be aworking dog and lives with Marion Fergusonand Andrew Brown in Balivanich, Benbecula.

This pretty kitty turned up at Carnan Stores,South Uist as a stray and liked it so much shedecided to take up residence. She quicklyendeared herself to staff and customers - andwithin weeks produced four adorable kittens.The kittens have got homes to go to, but Mumwill stay put in the shop. The only thing is - shehasn’t got a name.

So Carnan Stores is offering £15 voucher tospend in the shop for the person who thinks upthe best name for their new mascot. She issweet-natured, playful, a great mum and a goodhunter.

Send your suggestions to:managercarnanstores@aol.com by September21 2012, and you could be the lucky winner!

CarnanSTORES CAT!COMPETITION

SOLUTIONS:ACROSS:7) Moor,8) Dictator,9) Immortal,10) Daft,11) Vinyl,13) Pontoon,15) Head man,17) State,20) Play,21) Unevenly,23) Assorted,24) Dome.DOWN:1) Doom,2) Priory,3) Edits,4) Icy look,5) Bandit,6) Confront,12) Idealist,14) Faculty,16) Dry rot,18) Trendy,19) Needy,22) Lime.

15September 2012 Issue 7 - island news & ADVERTISER

THE ADVERTISER

At the heart of the Community

Open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm

Telephone: 01876 510257Bayhead, North Uist

� Wide selection � Friendly service

� Local meat, fish, eggs and seasonal veg

� Fresh baking � Daily papers

� Fuel

CLUES ACROSS

7) Grassland (4)

8) Ruler (8)

9) Eternal (8)

10) Foolish (4)

11) Disc (5)

13) Flat-bottomed boat (7)

15) The boss (4, 3)

17) Utter (5)

20) Participate (4)

21) Not uniformly (8)

23) Various (8)

24) Hemispherical roof (4)

CLUES DOWN

1) Grim fate (4)

2) Monastery (6)

3) Amends text (5)

4) Cold glance (3, 4)

5) Outlaw (6)

6) Challenge (8)

12) Perfectionist (8)

14) Facility (7)

16) Fungal infection (3, 3)

18) Stylish (6)

19) Deprived (5)

22) Citrus fruit (4)

Available from this month onwardsWhole or half carcass @£1.25/lb

Delivered to Stornoway Orders taken now

NorthUist Estate Office, Lochmaddy, North Uist

VENISON

Tel: 01876 500329

CONTACT

Combined crosswordCRYPTIC ANDCOFFEE TIME

Solutions on page 14

CLUES ACROSS7) Othello and a

barren waste (4)8) Imperious leader

with no royal connection (8)

9) One of those on Olympus (8)

10) Almost totally lacking in intelligence (4)

11) Man-made materialfor covering chairs (5)

13) Gambler’s game takes him across the river (7)

15) Tribal chief, always a bloke at the top (4, 3)

17) In which we all live under its government (5)

20) If you want to know the state of this, join the game (4)

21) Distributed unfairly so one gets more than another (8)

23) Composed of a variety of types, sizes or sorts (8)

24) Concave folly for the millennium (4)

CLUES DOWN1) Swings of mood

changed bygloom sums up bad news (4)

2) For monks in a sacred place, the prior consideration (6)

3) Bits and pieces thrown on the cutting room floor (5)

4) Frozen water in her eyes as she regards me (3, 4)

5) The single armed type can be very expensive to run (6)

6) Take the problem to its souce and face the fraud (8)

12) One who can only see the perfect way to perform (8)

14) Group of related, learned departmentswithin the university (7)

16) Fungal affliction that thrives in damp,unventilated areas (3, 3)

18) With it, way out and right up to the minute (6)

19) Another name for the condition of thepoor (5)

22) Good for gin, gardens and disposing of bodies(4)

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