Scottish Islands Network Newsletter

www.scottishislands.org.uk

July 2004

The Scottish Islands Network aims to promote, publicise and advance the interests of all Scottish islands.

Welcome to the latest Scottish Islands Network newsletter. In last month's edition, we asked you to help to determine the future development of the Network by visiting our website and completing one of our online membership and feedback forms. Thank you to all of you who have taken the time to do so - we received some very interesting comments and ideas, and I'd like to encourage those of you who have not yet submitted a form to visit www.scottishislands.org.uk and send us your views. So far, we have received 35 feedback forms. The majority of these (25 of them) were from people who would be prepared to pay some sort of subscription fee to the Network as members - however, it was pointed out by a few people that we cannot expect people to pay for just an e-newsletter, which contains information readily available elsewhere. Subscribers should also have access to other services.

There were some very strong views expressed about proposals for any formal membership structure - the majority of respondents disagreed that only representative and statutory members should be on any Management Committee for the Network. The idea behind this was that (in theory, at least) it would ensure that those elected to manage the Scottish Islands Network would already be elected or representative members of island community organisations or regional authorities and it would prevent people from pursuing purely individual interests.

However, there is a fair degree of cynicism about this approach and most of the respondents feel that ALL interested members should be eligible for election to a committee to ensure broader representation and a more 'grass-roots' as opposed to 'top-down' approach. Other more general comments referred to the newsletter itself and its value as a source of information about activities throughout the islands - but there were references to it having more of a West-coast bias (sorry Orkney & Shetland residents - I will continue to try to rectify this) and other comments suggest that we need to do more to raise our profile throughout all the islands and diversify our activities as a Network to become more pro-active on behalf of individual communities' interests.

I think you'll agree that there's plenty of food for thought there....and we'd like some more, so please get in touch with any comments / suggestions / ideas etc. Would you like to stand for election to a Scottish Islands Network management committee? If yes, get in touch and let us know by becoming a member and taking the opportunity to actively address the comments summarised above and determine the future direction that the Scottish Islands Network takes.

If you do visit the new-look Scottish Islands Network website to do so, you might also notice that the Links section of the site is gradually filling up. If you know of a website containing useful information relating to any of the Scottish islands that is not yet featured on the site, please let me know so that I can add it to the directory (email lisa or telephone 01478611285).

Keep an eye on the website - www.scottishislands.org.uk - as more information about the Network and our activities to date will be added during the next few weeks. All previous copies of the Scottish Islands Network newsletter are also available to download as Word documents on the website. If in future you would prefer to receive a quick email containing a hyperlink to the latest website downloads rather than a lengthy email containing the whole newsletter, please let me know.

RANT OF THE MONTH

Fuel Prices on the Islands

In last month's newsletter we picked up on a recent survey which found that petrol costs more in South Uist than anywhere else in the UK - with a litre of fuel costing 94.3 pence. This has prompted calls for a reduction in the fuel tax burden facing fragile rural areas which already face longer travel distances and higher costs. I thought it would be interesting to undertake a quick survey myself and find out more about the cost of fuel throughout the islands. I contacted a random selection of filling stations on various islands to find out how much a litre of unleaded fuel costs. The results were quite varied, but one factor common to all was that every island price was higher than the UK average which is currently 81.23 pence (according to the AA's Petrol Busters website - www.aapetrolbusters.com - at the time of writing).

It would seem that it's not only residents of South Uist paying through the nose for their fuel - and in fact there are islands where motorists have to pay even more than 94.3 pence. On Mull, the cheapest you can buy a litre of unleaded fuel for is 91.9 pence, while some petrol stations on the island it costs almost 96 pence per litre. On Islay, it can cost as much as 94.5 pence a litre.

But topping the chart at a whopping £1.05 a litre is the Isle of Colonsay (almost 30% higher than the UK average)!! It is also worth noting that the petrol station on Colonsay is run as a non-profit making enterprise by the local Colonsay Community Development Company. It is estimated that almost 80% of UK fuel prices goes to the Exchequer in the two taxes paid by drivers at the pumps - fuel duty and VAT. Between 1997 and 2000 there was a 37% increase in the cost of unleaded petrol - mainly due to increases in taxation. The last nine months alone have seen fuel prices rise by almost 10%. It is argued that these higher taxes are essential to deliver cuts in greenhouse emissions, but is this really a valid argument in areas of the Highlands & Islands where there are very few congested roads? This month a transport white paper proposing changes to the way drivers are taxed was released by the UK Government. A feasibility study has been launched to look at road pricing and will look at increasing the charges for using more congested roads and reducing the taxes levied on petrol. Hopefully this will pave the way for a more equitable charging system for those living in rural Scotland with few alternative modes of transportation available. Island roads are contributing little to the nation's greenhouse emissions in comparison with those in larger towns and cities, so why should islanders have to pay extortionate fuel prices as well as having to meet the additional costs of facing longer travel distances and higher transport costs? How much do you pay for your petrol - do you pay well over the average on your island? Please let me know...

MSP Fergus Ewing has this to say about the fuel costs which are discriminating against our island communities: 'Other countries have introduced measures to try to protect their island communities as well as mountainous and sparsely populated parts. These have in the past included a plethora of different approaches.  In Greece price ceilings were fixed.  In France community coops, and in islands communities in other EU states, VAT derogations have been mentioned. There is of course no escaping the fact that the throughput of each garage determines its survival.   If we want to do more than lip service to Island citizens, then measures to limit the cost of fuel are long overdue. The Scottish Parliament Enterprise and Life Long learning committee made a report on this matter, in the first session of Parliament.   However, the power to solve the problem rests at Westminster.   They have toyed with LPG, but this is not the answer, and in my own constituency in Inverness there has been difficulty for the business there providing LPG.   This was heralded by Brian Wilson MP as offering the chance for the Highlands and Islands to have the lowest fuel prices! His promise is now shown to be a hollow form of words. If a tiny fraction of the massive revenues which Gordon Brown received from tax on fuel were to be invested in our islands, to level the price of fuel, then I am sure neither he nor his civil servants down in London would notice the difference. Scotland has provided the fuel, from the North sea for the last three decades, and over £150,000 for every man woman and child has flowed to the south to be frittered away on all sorts of wasteful schemes. In Edinburgh, the Government forged ahead with the Holyrood palace, when a minute share of the £430 million could have made a real difference to our islands and remote rural communities. The information which you have collected is an indictment of the Government, and a Scottish Government - of any hue - would not in my view be allowed to get away with this.'

Fergus Ewing MSP.

NEWS

Western Isles Ferry Fare Pilot Proposed

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Western Isles Enterprise (WIE) are investigating plans for a pilot scheme to subsidise ferry fares for commercial vehicles travelling between Harris and North Uist and Eriskay and Barra. If the proposals do not contravene state aid regulations, then a 33% reduction in fares will be introduced for a 2-year pilot period. The comhairle and WIE will each contribute £75,000 towards the scheme, which they hope will help to safeguard existing businesses on the islands and encourage their expansion. When evidence of the anticipated net economic benefits is available, this will then be presented to the Scottish Executive in the hope of extending the reduced fares to all Caledonian MacBrayne ferry routes.

Public Enquiry Will Decide Oban Linkspan Debate

Lengthy talks between ferry operators Caledonian MacBrayne, the Scottish Executive, Argyll & Bute Council and groups objecting to Calmac's plans for a second linkspan at Oban harbour failed to reach any satisfactory outcome for all parties involved. Calmac is arguing for a second linkspan to cope with increasing volumes of traffic travelling on ferries to and from Oban and to act as a back-up in case the existing linkspan breaks down. The lack of a second facility is placing current ferry operations in jeopardy and curtailing plans to expand existing services. Islands currently served by ferries from Oban include Islay, Colonsay, Mull, Lismore, Coll, Tiree, Barra and South Uist.

However, other groups using the harbour who object to the idea of a new linkspan in principle have opposed the existing plans - arguing that they would create safety issues and reduce the berthing currently available for other vessels using the pier.

A lengthy public enquiry by the Scottish Executive will now determine whether or not the new linkspan will go ahead. If approved, the earliest the new linkspan could be installed would be 2006.

Highlands & Islands Airports Set to Break Records

Airports in the Highlands and Islands are on course to handle a million passengers this year for the first time. Throughout the region, airports have experienced a 14.6% passenger increase over the past year. Islay, Kirkwall, Stornoway, Sumburgh and Tiree airports have all experienced passenger growth but Barra and Benbecula airports saw small decreases in passenger numbers. If the current growth continues, Highlands & Islands Airports Ltd. are hopeful that people in the region will be able to enjoy even more choice in destinations and services in the future.

Caledonian MacBrayne Announces Fare Increases

Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne has confirmed that there will be a 2.5% fare increase for all vehicles from the start of the 2005 Summer timetable in March next year. This is the first time in three years that CalMac has raised the commercial vehicle rate, the last two years having been held with no increase for this sector. All the latest news from Calmac is available online at www.calmac.co.uk.

Work Underway to Ease Traffic Congestion at Wemyss Bay

A new marshalling system is being introduced and car parking removed at Wemyss Bay pier to increase safety and reduce traffic congestion. The Wemyss Bay - Rothesay ferry is one of the busiest in Scotland - carrying 750,000 passengers annually. A new vessel serving the route is scheduled to join the CalMac fleet next year, carrying 50% more vehicles than the vessels currently in operation.  To meet this expected increased demand, the company requires a marshalling area capable of accommodating more than 50 cars or a mix of cars and commercial vehicles up to the capacity of the new vessel. 

Free Ferry Travel for Islanders Requested

Following the welcome news from the Scottish Executive that it is committed to abolishing the Skye Bridge Tolls, Argyll & Bute Council is now calling for the introduction of free ferry travel to and from its islands for local residents. Transport is commonly regarded as the predominant issue affecting island economies and by reducing ferry fares or abolishing them altogether, the Council believes that island businesses would be better placed to compete with their mainland counterparts.

Calmac Ferry Routes will go out to Tender

The Scottish Executive has confirmed that ferry routes operated by Caledonian MacBrayne will go out to tender later this year. There was some uncertainty over the need for a tender exercise following the European Court of Justice's ruling that payments to companies providing essential services to governments should not be seen as State Aid. Since this ruling, revised guidelines on maritime state aids have been published. European State Aid regulations mean that Scotland's ferry routes have to be put out to competitive tender, because they receive £22 million worth of Scottish Executive subsides. Many fear that the tendering of the Scottish routes risks jeopardising the less profitable routes by fragmenting their operation. Calmac are confident that they will submit the winning bid for the contract - due to be awarded in 2006.

£259,000 for Argyll & Bute Transport Projects

The Highlands and Islands Strategic Transport Partnership (HITRANS) has provided £259,000 of funding for transport projects throughout Argyll & Bute. New projects receiving the funding include a new waiting room at the ferry terminal at Fionnphort in Mull and the introduction of new low-floor buses on Tiree and Bute. Find out more about HITRANS at www.hitrans.org.uk.

Shetland Development Trust Considers Further Investment in Ferry Company The Shetland Development Trust is carrying out a survey of the impact of the Faroese shipping company Smyril Line on the local economy. The company has reported significant increases in passenger traffic on the ferry Norrona, and has already received 12,000 more bookings than last year.

The Development Trust has already invested £4.2 million into Smyril Line and is now considering a further investment of up to £1 million to help the company realise its future plans. Although the ferry is doing well during the summer months, lack of traffic during the winter is still a problem - causing the company to lose £3 million last year. For daily email news updates from Shetland, visit www.shetland-news.co.uk.

Concern Over Portree Harbour Safety After Fuel Spill

Portree Harbour had to be evacuated earlier this month following a fuel spill. A BP tanker, delivering fuel to the island's depot at the end of the pier leaked 400 litres of fuel through the busy town centre and the harbour area. The pier was cordoned off and a number of buildings evacuated while firefighters from Portree and Broadford were called to the scene. The affected area was covered in foam until a specialist oil spill response team arrived later in the day. The incident has prompted renewed calls for a new access road to the pier which would take traffic away from the busy town centre. BP had to suspend deliveries of fuel to the pier by sea tanker earlier this year as the current pier is too small for their new delivery vessel to berth. Instead, there are now around five deliveries a week made by road tankers. All the latest news from Skye and the Western Isles is at www.whfp.co.uk.

New EC Fisheries Fund Announced

Proposals for a new Fisheries Fund to support sustainable fisheries and diversification have been announced by the European Commission. The new European Fisheries Fund (EEF) would make an average of 700 million euros available each year from 2007 - 2013. This new fund will succeed the existing Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG) and is aimed at allowing the recovery of fish stocks and encouraging the use of more environmentally-friendly equipment and practices in fishing and aquaculture and in processing and marketing of fisheries products. The new EEF will also provide aid for fishing regions most affected by job losses to help them diversify and strengthen their economic base. The Commission has also voiced support for a new rural development policy which includes the introduction of a new European Rural Development Fund - worth 13.7 billion euros per year from 2007 to 2013. The main objectives of the new policy are to improve competitiveness of farming and forestry; environment and land management; and improving quality of life and diversification.

Increased Funding for Environmentally Friendly Agriculture Announced The Scottish Executive has announced that it is to increase its annual spending on schemes that support environmentally friendly farming by more than £10 million to £42.3 million. The money will be made available through schemes including the Rural Stewardship Scheme, which offers funding to projects which support wildlife conservation on farms and crofts, and the Organic Aid Scheme, which helps farmers convert to organic farming and helps existing organic farmers to continue farming organically.

A further total of almost £700,000 has been awarded to farm businesses throughout the Highlands & Islands under the latest round of the Agricultural Business Development Scheme (ABDS). The scheme - which enables farmers to either restructure their business or undertake diversification projects - ends in 2006. So far more than £9.5 million has been awarded through the scheme which is co-financed by the Scottish Executive and the European Union. Information about the ABDS is at www.scotland.gov.uk/abds.

Orkney Agriculture Branches Out

The Agronomy Institute of the University of the Highlands and Islands based at Orkney College has been undertaking trials to produce medicinal plants which are particularly suited for growing in northern Scotland. The institute has recently signed a contract to supply arnica - a plant with powerful anti-inflammatory properties - to a German pharmaceutical company and is also working on a range of other high-value crops, for cosmetics, herbal remedies and pharmaceuticals. Many of these plants are a lot more profitable than traditional crops and the Agronomy Institute hopes to create a 'new agricultural revolution', which may expand throughout the Highlands & Islands if the market grows.

The Agronomy Institute opened in June 2002 and has been developed to provide a crop-based research and development facility for the Highlands and Islands - where agricultural diversification has been identified as a priority for economic development. For more information about the Institute, visit

www.agronomy.uhi.ac.uk.

Development Plans for Canna Announced

Plans to develop the economy and attract more visitors to the Isle of Canna have been announced. The plans have been developed by the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) who own and manage Canna and the adjoining island, Sanday, in conjunction with the islands' residents. The plans include the renovation of two derelict cottages to provide self-catering accommodation and the conversion of an existing self-catering property to a guest house. Lochaber Enterprise is providing a financial package of £75,650 towards the cottage conversions. Money from the Local Enterprise Company will also be used to help conserve 'The Canna Collection' - artefacts and archives collected by the Gaelic scholar John Lorne Campbell, who left the island to the NTS on his death. This conservation project will ensure that the Canna Collection remains on the island for future exhibition.

The feasibility of replacing the existing footbridge between Canna and Sanday with a vehicular bridge is also being explored with financial assistance from Lochaber Enterprise, Highland Council and Leader+. One of the main priorities for the development of the islands will be the provision of vehicular access. 

The latest news from Canna and the rest of the Small Isles is available at

www.road-to-the-isles.org.uk/westword.

Hydrogen Study Centre Proposed for Shetland

Shetland Renewable Energy Forum has been awarded £20,000 to investigate the feasibility of creating a hydrogen study centre in the islands. Billions of pounds are currently being invested in hydrogen research and the production of hydrogen technology throughout the world.

The study is being backed by Shetland Enterprise and Shetland Islands Council, who hope that high quality engineering jobs could be created in the islands if a study centre is developed. Work is already underway on Unst to develop Europe's first community-owned hydrogen production facility. The Promoting Unst Renewable Energy (PURE) project is a demonstration project showing how wind power and hydrogen technology can be combined to provide the energy needs for a remote rural industrial estate. For more information about the PURE project, visit www.pure.shetland.co.uk or telephone 01957 711 838.

Gigha Windfarm Gets Go-Ahead

A new £400,000 windfarm project on the Isle of Gigha is set to be a prototype for the community energy company being created by Highlands & Islands Enterprise to ensure that local communities gain direct benefits from renewable energy projects. The new windfarm will be run by Gigha Renewable Energy Ltd. (a company set up by the Gigha Heritage Trust which owns the majority of the islands' assets following a community buy-out in 2002) and is expected to generate as much as £80,000 a year. Any profits from the Windfarm will finance development projects on the island. The project is being supported with a grant of £82,000 from the HIE-administered Scottish Community and Household Renewables Initiative (www.est.org.uk/schri). HIE will also be purchasing £80,000 of shares in the new community-owned Energy company. Other funding for the project has come from Social Investment Scotland, The Lottery Fund's Fresh Futures Scheme and the Gigha Heritage Trust's own reserves. It is hoped that the new 3-turbine Windfarm will be operational by October this year. Visit www.gigha.org.uk for all the latest news from the island.

Mull & Iona Renewable Energy Forum Established

A new community group has been established to bring together representatives who can share up to date information on all forms of renewable energy and see how the islands of Mull and Iona can play their parts in promoting renewables without adverse impacts. It is hoped that the new Renewable Energy Forum will help islanders to make informed judgements about various renewable energy initiatives planned for the islands. The Forum is being managed by Mull Community Council.

Recycling facilities for Island households

Between them, Orkney, Shetland and Western Isles Councils are to receive almost £15 million from the Scottish Executive's Strategic Waste Fund to help boost recycling on their islands and reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. The funding will be used to develop and expand recycling facilities throughout the islands, increase kerbside collection schemes and implement general public awareness campaigns.

National Call Centre Creates Jobs in Lewis

A new national helpline to deal with consumer complaints has been launched by the Department of Trade and Industry at Shawbost in Lewis. The new pilot centre was based in the Western Isles following a strong lobbying campaign by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and has created 22 new jobs.

Sea Eagle Population on the Increase in the Islands

Scotland's sea eagle breeding population has experienced a 20% increase throughout the Western Isles over the last year and experts believe that the birds may be expanding their range to make a permanent home in the islands. The species was reintroduced to Scotland in 1975 on the Isle of Rum after being wiped out by man 100 years ago. When they reach breeding age the eagles establish a territory and stay there all year round. There are now 30 territorial pairs in the country.

Scottish Community of the Year Finalists Announced

The organisers of the Calor Scottish Community of the Year Awards 2004 have announced a shortlist of 13 finalists, having received hundreds of entries from throughout Scotland. Island communities are well represented again this year - with finalists including Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust, Tiree Community Business and last year's winners, Isle of Arran Community Council. This is the first time that the incumbent of the award has been given the opportunity to defend its title after judges agreed that the Community Council had submitted sufficient evidence of successful community-led initiatives not linked to their previous entry. The winners of the awards will be announced in late November at an awards ceremony in Edinburgh. For more information about the awards, visit http://www.prpartnership.co.uk/COY.

Countdown to the Island Games

There is one year to go until Shetland plays host to its biggest-ever event - the 2005 Island Games. The bi-annual event has been taking place since 1985 and it is expected that up to 3,000 people will travel to Shetland for the Games next July. The Island Games Association (IGA) was established to provide an opportunity for hundreds of young sportmen and women to from island communities to compete against other islanders and enjoy cultural exchanges. The IGA now has 24 island members - including Shetland, Orkney and the Western Isles. For more information, visit www.islandgames.net.

Castle Restoration Costs Jeopardise Public Ownership of Cuillins The estimated cost of refurbishing Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye has risen to £19 million - seriously jeopardising plans to create a charitable trust to manage it. Four years ago the castle's present owner, Clan Chief John Macleod of Macleod, caused great controversy when he claimed that he owned the Cuillin mountain range on the basis of a 16th century document and put it on the market for £10 million in an attempt to raise funds for roof repairs needed at the castle. After failing to find a buyer for the Cuillins, the Clan Chief offered to transfer them and his ancestral home to a new public trust which would take over responsibility for funding repairs to the castle. However this plan is now looking doubtful as Highlands & Islands Enterprise have said that the project would require significant private sector contributions if such an expensive scheme were to go ahead, but that they are continuing to work with the Estate and other agencies to examine other options.

Tiree Celebrates Official Opening of An Talla

Tiree residents recently celebrated the official opening of the island's new community hall - An Talla. The new hall cost £677,000 to build - £10,000 of which was raised by the local organisation established by islanders to secure the new hall. For more information about the modern all-purpose building, visit www.antalla.co.uk. Further information about the hall's official opening is also on the Tiree Online News website www.isleoftiree.net.

Buteman Goes Online

The Isle of Bute's local newspaper, The Buteman, is celebrating its 150th Birthday this year. The paper's website has now been re-launched - providing the ideal place to keep up to date with the latest news from the island. Visit www.buteman.com.

Plans for Rat Eradication on Canna

The National Trust for Scotland is considering employing an experienced team of specialists from New Zealand who scale cliffs and other high places to eradicate rats on the island of Canna, which it has managed since 1981. The rats have been damaging the island's seabird population - feeding on eggs and chicks. The Trust previously employed the New Zealand team to reduce the number of rats on Lundy Island in the Bristol Channel, where the rodents were threatening to eradicate the island's puffin population.

Major Capital Investments Announced for Shetland

Shetland Islands Council has announced that it is to release around £90 million for capital spending on projects throughout the island region. The Council hopes to stimulate new business activity with the construction of a new cinema and music venue, a new secondary school in Lerwick and a bridge between Lerwick and the island of Bressay. The money comes from the Council's reserves - built up over the last 25 years from oil revenues.

Jack McConnell Optimistic About Highlands & Islands

First Minster Jack McConnell travelled to the Isle of Skye's Gaelic college last month to deliver the 13rd annual Sabhal Mor Ostaig lecture. During his speech, the Minister spoke of a 'renaissance' taking place throughout the Highlands & Islands and he was very upbeat about the regions social and economic future. The First Minister pointed out that recent economic and population growth has combined with an increasing confidence in cultural identity and creative expression which has led to a profound reversal of the Highlands & Islands fortunes. Land Reform, the impending renewables revolution, broadband technology, increasing numbers of Gaelic-medium teachers and record investments in transport were all referred to as factors which were helping to reinvigorate the region. However, the Minster did accept that some areas of the Highlands & Islands - Sutherland, Caithness, the Western Isles and parts of Wester Ross, Lochaber and Argyll have not benefited from the renaissance of recent decades Following the Minister's speech, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar expressed concern that his comments may have created a false impression of the Western Isles' prosperity. To demonstrate the vital need for the Western Isles to continue to receive European financial assistance, the Comhairle will be inviting Scotland's seven MEPs to visit the more outlying parts of the islands - which are in most need of assistance. The First Minister's speech is available in full at www.scotland.gov.uk/News/News-Extras/210.

Skye & Lochalsh Abattoir Plans Discussed

A new steering group has been established to explore the possibility of re-establishing an abattoir for Skye & Lochalsh - looking at issues such as supply and demand for local meat. Representatives from the food production and distribution sector in the area recently travelled to the Isle of Mull where they met members of the Mull & Iona Community Trust who run a pioneering community butcher and abattoir. The study trip was funded by Leader+.

In the Western Isles, there have been important talks between Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and the owner of the South Uist abattoir aimed at preventing the permanent closure of the facility which has been running at a loss. The Comhairle hopes to help the abattoir by including it in its business support scheme.

Virtual School Proposed to Meet Demand for Gaelic Teachers Highland Council is involved in plans to create an internet-delivered curriculum to improve the provision of Gaelic-medium education in secondary schools. There is currently a serious shortage of Gaelic-medium teachers at secondary level, but it is hoped that the scheme would draw on the expertise of individual teachers throughout Scotland who offer their subjects in the language to prepare a wide curriculum which can then be delivered to participating schools via the internet.

European Award for Innovative Gaelic Learners' Course

An Cùrsa Inntrigidh, the supported distance-learning course produced by Sabhal Mòr Ostaig for complete beginners of Scottish Gaelic, is one of seventeen UK projects to be awarded a European Award for Languages in recognition of its innovative approach to language learning. The Award, which is a European-wide initiative supported by the European Commission, recognises creative ways to improve the quality of language teaching, motivate students and make the best of available resources. It also requires that award-winning initiatives serve as a potential source of inspiration for projects in other contexts, languages and even other countries. An Cùrsa Inntrigidh, which began as a pilot course only 3 years ago, has proved a tremendous success with learners and currently has over 150 students enrolled worldwide. Written by Iain Taylor and Murdo MacLeod, the course combines a range of distance learning material with new media and technologies and aims to give learners the confidence to speak practical Gaelic by prioritising speaking and listening skills.

Representatives from Sabhal Mòr Ostaig will attend the Award Ceremony at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on the 27th September as part of a special celebration of the European Day of Languages.

More information about An Cùrsa Inntrigidh is online at http://inntrig.smo.uhi.ac.uk/.

Major Viking Settlement Discovered in South Uist

What is thought to be the largest Viking settlement ever found in Scotland has been uncovered at Bornias Machair in South Uist by archaeologists and students from Cardiff University. Excavations have revealed an extensive settlement of at least five or six separate farmsteads - dating back to the Iron Age.

The Uist Access Archaeology Group recently secured £4,800 from the Awards for All grant scheme which will be used to allow the group to hold events and meetings and produce a leaflet detailing the wealth of archaeological sites in the Uists. The Archaeology Group is open to everyone and hopes to provide people with an opportunity to learn more about local sites and properly conserve, create access to and interpret the islands' most significant archaeological sites. For more information about the Access Archaeology Group, contact Kirsty Campbell at the North Uist Partnership on 01876 580390 or email Kirsty_nup@tiscali.co.uk. For all the latest local news from the Uists, subscribe to Am Paipear - see www.uistonline.com for more information, or contact Christian Atkin on 01870 603299 / email here.

In Lewis, a team of specialist archaeologists is being re-hired by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to investigate several inaccessible Stone Age settlements around the coast as part of the Severe Terrain Archaeological Campaign (STAC) - a project funded by the comhairle, Historic Scotland, the Society of Antiquaries and the Russell Trust.

Unst New Home for Modern Viking Longboat

A modern Viking longboat, stranded in Lerwick harbour for the last 4 years is to be relocated to Unst, where it will commemorate the site of the first Norse landing in Shetland. Shetland Amenity Trust has raised £32,000 to purchase the Swedish wooden boat, The Skidbladner - abandoned in Lerwick in 2000 when adverse weather conditions prevented its voyage. The boat will be put on display as part of the Viking Unst Project - aimed at highlighting the importance of the island as the first place where the Norsemen landed in Shetland. The Project will also involve a major archaeological project to investigate the earliest activities of Vikings on the island - which appears to have the greatest concentration of Viking settlements anywhere in Shetland. Shetland Development Trust has awarded £60,000 to the 3 year project which will cost in the region of £900,000. Find out more about the project and The Shetland Amenity Trust's other activities at www.shetland-heritage.co.uk/amenitytrust.

St Kilda Marine Environment Gains World Heritage Protection

The St Kilda World Heritage Site has been extended to include the surrounding marine environment. The archipelago was first designated as a World Heritage site in 1986 for its landscape and the wildlife it supports. The new designation, awarded by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) means that the site now covers 225 square kilometres with the islands at the centre. A bid to consider the islands as a cultural heritage site because of their lost crofting communities is also being considered by UNESCO. For more information about the islands and their recent designation, visit www.kilda.org.uk.

True Cause of St Kilda Infant Deaths Identified

For more than a century midwives on the now uninhabited island of St Kilda have been blamed for the island's tragically high infant mortality rates. It was thought that midwives use of seabird oil on newborn babies umbilical cords was the reason for 80% of the infants born on the island between 1830 and 1880 dying after being infected with neonatal tetanus. However, recent scientific studies carried out by the Edinburgh University Medical School have revealed that the bacteria infecting the babies did not come from the fulmar oil as previously thought. Tests have found that the island's soil contained high levels of heavy metal pollution and it is this, combined with the burning of peat that is likely to have caused ill-health amongst the St Kildan population.

Anger as Lenders Refuse to Accept Applications from Islanders First-time buyers in the Western Isles are already struggling to get their first foot on the property ladder due to growing demand for housing in the islands which is pricing them out of the market. Despite the recent upturn in the local housing market, a number of mortgage lenders have been refusing to accept applications from the islands! The lenders involved are under the false impression that the housing market in the Western Isles is less buoyant than elsewhere in the UK and are worried that it is harder to shift properties in the area. It is hoped that a new housing scheme in Stornoway will help several young first-time buyers in Lewis. The project to create 18 one and two bedroom new low-cost flats is being financed by Communities Scotland – the Scottish Executive's housing and regeneration agency at a cost of £460,000. The flats will cost between £35,000 and £42,000 and the applicants considered will be first-time buyers on a low income who live or work in the area.

Great News for Harris Tweed Industry

A massive order for Harris Tweed has been placed by multi-national sportwear producer, Nike. The company has ordered 9,500 metres of the fabric for a new range of ladies' footwear. Weaver Donald John MacKay of Luskentyre in Harris has had to sub-contract work to the tweed mills at Shawbost and Stornoway to enable him to meet the October deadline for the order, which will create work for 20 local weavers. The order is a massive boost for the tweed industry which has gone through lean times in recent years.

Divers Explore Waters Off Rum to Assess Dangers of Oil Spill

A group of divers from Oban recently led an environmental expedition to the waters off the Isle of Rum, where they surveyed marine life in the Minch. Divers from the Argyll-based Dalriada Diving Club, Perth Sub-Aqua Club and the Marine Conservation Society joined forces to assess the potential impact of an oil spill in the Minch, which many fear is being used by too many oil tankers. It is estimated that 20% of all UK crude oil passes through the narrow corridor of water between Skye and the Western Isles and every month 400 bulk carriers and tankers transporting oil and other chemicals pass through.

The Minch is home to several species of dolphins, whales, grey seals and numerous bird species and is considered by the World Wide Fund for Nature to be of world class conservation value.

New Bus Service Introduced Between Oban and Mallaig

A new bus service has been introduced to cut the journey time between Oban and Mallaig and link Skye and the Small Isles with the Isle of Mull. The new Mallaig and Oban West Highland Flyer leaves from Station Square in Oban 6 days a week at 9.45am - arriving in Mallaig at 12.15pm. The bus then departs Mallaig just after 6pm to arrive in Oban in 8.40pm. Tickets are available on the bus or from tourist offices in Mallaig and Oban or the ferry office in Craignure, Mull.

Colonsay Maintenance Cutbacks Cause Concern

Argyll & Bute Council appears to have abandoned regular outdoor maintenance of the play area surrounding the primary school and at the graveyard on the Isle of Colonsay - leaving both to overgrow and look neglected. Private arrangements had to be made by the island's school teacher to have grass surrounding the school cut back. Islanders are understandably concerned that they are not getting their council tax's worth from the local authority. All the latest news from Colonsay is at www.colonsay.org.uk/corncrake/cornframe.html.

Arran Community Council Campaign Continues

Arran Community Council has drawn up a petition against Scottish Water's plans for new sewage systems for the island which will involve pumping sewage to holding tanks then shipping it off the island. Similar systems have caused problems in other communities throughout Scotland and the Community Council is calling for work on Arran to be halted until more suitable plans can be made. The completed petition will be submitted to the Scottish Parliament.

Concerns Over Outdated Sewage Systems in Western Isles

Sewage systems in some areas of the Western Isles are so outdated that they are preventing any new housing developments from taking place. Scottish Water have stated that they are 'acutely aware' of the problems and the constraints they are causing and claim to be actively addressing the issue. They are currently undertaking a £1.8 billion investment programme throughout Scotland to ensure better quality drinking water and environmental standards - prioritising upgrades to assets which are in poorest repair or furthest from full compliance with current legislation. However, as mentioned in the previous article, Scottish Water's new sewage systems have not been without their problems...let's hope a similar fate is not in store for the Western Isles if they get their much-needed upgrades.

Island Authorities Get Together for Training

Shetland Islands Council recently welcomed delegates from Orkney and Western Isles Councils to attend training on issues surrounding the Supporting People funding initiative. The initiative was launched in 2003 and aims to provide good quality housing support services. Shetland is one of the first local authorities in Scotland to arrange cross authority training on this subject - giving staff the opportunity to find out about how things are being done in the other island authorities. A follow-up event is planned for Orkney later this year.

NOTICEBOARD

Eigg Residents Association Information Request

The Isle of Eigg Residents Association have received an award from the Rural Voices Programme (funded by the Scottish Executive) to investigate possibilities for a virtual school on the Isle of Eigg. It is hoped that vacant space in the currently unoccupied schoolhouse could be used for this project.

We hope that if this project gets off the ground Eigg Virtual school facilities would have benefits for the following user groups:

- High school children, who currently have to board with families on the Mainland - If Eigg Virtual School was a reality these children could pursue at least some of their High school careers from Eigg.

- Those undertaking further education. Many of the UHI courses which are currently on offer at Learning Centres throughout the Highlands using video conferencing could be available here, allowing islanders top take their education to degree level without leaving home - particularly relevant to mature students with family or work commitments.

- Improved access to IT facilities for Primary School pupils, develop links with other Primary Schools, and possibly share teaching expertise in specialist areas. We would be really pleased to hear from other island communities with similar issues – or maybe there is someone out there who has already trodden this path. If so it would be great to hear from you. Email Sue Hollands here or Sue Kirk here.

World Youth Congress Coming to Scotland

Young people aged between 18 and 25 are being encouraged to apply to participate in the third World Youth Congress, taking place in Stirling from 30 July – 8 August next year. Around 600 young people from 120 countries - including 100 from Scotland - are expected to attend the congress which is held every three years (previously in Hawaii and Morocco). The event provides a valuable opportunity for young people to make their voices heard and share their experiences on an international stage. The theme of the Congress is 'A Caring Society in a Sustainable World' and one of the outcomes of the event will be the preparation of a policy document by the young delegates which recommends how governments can better target resources to improve the world we live in. This document will be presented to the United Nations General Assembly. For more information about the event and how to apply to take part, visit www.scotland2005.org.

DTA Scotland's 1st Annual Conference

The Development Trusts Association (DTA) Scotland will be holding its first annual conference on Monday 30 August at the Drumossie House Hotel in Inverness. The Conference, entitled 'Creating Wealth in Communities', aims to bring together a wide range of individuals and organisations who are committed to community led regeneration and will feature keynote speakers and workshops exploring Land Reform, Preservation Trusts, Asset Based Development & Renewable Energy. The event will also provide opportunities to meet a wide variety of people from all over the country and learn about the work of individual development trusts from all over Scotland. For more information about the event, contact Aileen Tulloch on 0131 220 2456 or email here.

NHS Out of Hours Services Consultation

NHS Highland is carrying out a public consultation into proposed changes for Out of Hours healthcare services. The way that medical services are delivered throughout the Highlands & Islands at nights, weekends and on public holidays is about to undergo a major change – with the roles of nurses and paramedics being developed and enhanced and GPs taking on more specialist roles. The proposals are outlined in the document 'Caring for You' which is available to download on the Rural Gateway website at www.ruralgateway.org.uk/download/338/draft-201-20june.pdf.

You have until Friday 3 September to respond to the consultation by emailing ooh@haht.scot.nhs.uk or writing to NHS Highland, Assynt House, Beechwood Park, Inverness, IV2 3HG. For more information, contact NHS Highland on 01463 717123. Key to the changes will be the introduction of the new NHS 24 telephone service as patients' initial contact with the new Out of Hours Service.

Wild Scotland

The Tourism and Environment Forum (www.greentourism.org) has been working with wildlife tourism businesses to form the new wildlife tourism association, Wild Scotland. This ambitious group of businesses believe that Scotland could be Europe's number one wildlife destination, and plan to raise the profile of wildlife-watching opportunities in Scotland. Central to Wild Scotland is the importance of quality, responsibility and enjoyment. For more information visit www.wild-scotland.co.uk

Gatliff Hebridean Hostels Trust

The Gatliff Hebridean Hostels Trust is a not-for-profit voluntary organisation with charitable status, based in the Western Isles to maintain a chain of Crofters' Hostels throughout the islands. The Trust aims to provide hostellers with the opportunity to get to know the communities, their language and culture, the scenery and natural environment of the islands. The Trust is currently involved in the operation of 4 hostels at Berneray (North Uist), Garenin (Lewis), Howmore (South Uist) and Rhenigidale (North Harris). For more information about the Gatliff Hebridean Hostels Trust, visit www.gatliff.org.uk, email here or write to The Gatliff Hebridean Hostels Trust, 30 Francis Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Western Isles, HS1 2ND.

Imagine the Clyde Waverley Cruise 22 June

People and places are key to a great event and when the venue is the Waverley, last ocean going paddle steamer in the world, then you know its going to be special. You may recall the cruise being mentioned in our last newsletter. Well, 300 people came for a trip ‘doon the water’ to talk about the Clyde and regeneration on 22 June when the air was buzzing with reminiscences, information and ideas. This innovative event was created and organised by Margaret Wright founder of Imagine Scotland, a network of people committed to ‘bringing about change to the pattern of relationships in Scotland and to work together to build the Scotland we all want’. The response from participants to the day and the informal setting has been enthusiastic: 'I really enjoyed the day and think it's an incredibly interesting thing you are doing. It's unusual to go to something that allows things to emerge organically and I really liked how the whole thing was predicated on conversation. As several people I spoke to said, holding the event on a boat was inspired as it meant people HAD to talk to each other!’ Margaret is already receiving feedback that things are moving significantly forward for people as a result of being on board that day.The Waverley cruises throughout the West Coast of Scotland and is available for charter. Margaret Wright was up on Skye earlier this month and she popped in to see me here at the Scottish Islands Network office. We imagined what it would be like to do something similar around the islands – having the opportunity to connect people and places and creating an opportunity to bring people from not only the islands together but also those in the central belt and in national organisations who support the Islands in their work to come and experience the islands and talk to people who live and work there in a relaxing atmosphere conducive to creative thought. What do you think about this idea? Please let me know and this is something we can think about pursuing. The Imagine the Clyde event was initiated and sponsored by Margaret Wright through her facilitation business and Stewart Wright of Doricmor an art publisher –both Margaret and Stewart were brought up on the Clyde. The day was also supported by Scottish Enterprise and the Firth of Clyde Forum. Many individuals also donated free tickets so that the event could be as inclusive as possible. More information about the event is online at www.imaginescotland.com. If you want to bring people and places together in an imaginative way that really makes a difference or are interested in Imagine Scotland /Imagine the Clyde contact Margaret Wright by email here or by phoning 0131 554 9037.

AWARDS & GRANTS

£15,000 for Marine Conservation Projects

Argyll & Bute Council's Marine and Coastal Development Unit has £15,000 available to support small scale projects that relate to the Firth of Lorn and Loch Creran marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). The Unit hopes to encourage innovative ideas that will directly benefit the SACs and the communities living next to them.

The funding, which was obtained from European funding programme WHELK Leader +, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Council, is part of an initiative to promote local and visitor awareness and understanding of these exceptional marine areas. It also aims to increase access to the sites and complements the work of the Argyll Marine SAC Management Forum.

The deadline for funding applications is 31 August. For more information, contact the Marine and Coastal Development Officer, Shona McConnell on 01631 565745 or email here.

More information about the marine SACs is at www.argyllmarinesac.org.

Environment Agency Water Efficiency Awards 2005

Now in their fourth year, the Water Efficiency Awards recognise, reward and celebrate those organisations in the public, private and voluntary sectors that are helping to conserve our precious water resources through water efficiency activities. Projects should be innovative and demonstrate a new and creative approach either in terms of technology, management or awareness raising and should take into consideration wider environmental impacts. Water must have been saved, but there is no lower limit in terms of volume of water saved and / or financial savings. The closing date for entries is 30 July 2004. To request an entry form telephone 01733 311644 or email a.thorley@ukceed.org.

Alternatively, contact the Scottish Islands Network on 01478611285 or email here and I will forward you an application form.

That's all for this month - these newsletters just keep on getting longer! Thank you for all of your contributions.

Before I go - some of you will recall that the European Small Islands Network is having its annual conference here in Scotland this year on the Isle of Eigg. As part of this event we are organising an Open Day on Friday 3 September to give people the opportunity to get together and find out more about life on small islands elsewhere in Europe and the work of the European Small Islands Network. If you are interested in taking part in this event and would like more information, please contact me on 01478611285 or email me here. Please note that space constraints mean that the numbers involved have to be strictly limited, so places at the Open Day will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Cheerio for now, Lisa

DISCLAIMER

Please note that the views expressed in this newsletter are for general information and they are not necessarily the views of the Scottish Islands Network.

The Scottish Islands Network

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