What’s your job? I’m the interim area manager for the North Hebrides, from the tip of Skye, to North Uist, the Sound of Harris, Lewis and Ullapool. I try to be a conduit between Calmac and the communities, to make sure community voices are heard and that we communicate with stakeholder groups. Day-to-day my job is about making sure our area teams are working together. My role is to manage the portside service - I don’t have control over decisions about whether a vessel sails.

Leverburgh Village Hall Two of Harris’ most important hubs have welcomed an injection of fund ing that will enable them to carry out critical renovations to put them in good shape for the future. Leverburgh Village Hall and Scalpay Community Heritage Centre are among the beneficiaries of the Scottish Government’s Islands Programme. Leverburgh Hall will receive £474,071 for its regeneration project and Scalpay CC receives £647,280. Both halls are over 20 years old and in urgen

Harris crofters are among many small farmers left frustrated at not receiving funding through the Government’s Future Farming Investment Scheme, a grant scheme intended to help improve the environmental efficiency of agricultural businesses. While guidance for the £21 million scheme stated that small and island based agricultural businesses would be prioritised, less than 1 per cent (0.65) of the funding pot was allocat ed to the Western Isles, with just four beneficiaries in

In our regular feature, we join a local for a tea break and find out how they spend their time - and their time off. This week, we welcome MP Torcuil Crichton, who popped in to the office after a visit to the Bays of Harris Reading the best newspaper on Harris! Please introduce yourself... I’m the Labour MP for the Na h Eileanan an Iar constituency. I’ve only been doing this job for 15 months, but I’ve been around politics in the islands since the 1980s. This role is a huge p

The Sir E Scott School choirs enjoyed a busy week at the Royal National Mòd in Fort William, which saw members competing in choral, solo singing, poetry and instrumental competitions. Three pupils won gold medals. Cailean MacLeod was first in Solo Singing Boys P4. Seumas Alasdair MacLeod won first and the prestigious Silver Kilt Pin in the 13-15 Solo traditional singing (boys) category, and Rosie Morrison won first prize for her clarsach performance in the Intermediate 1 (Gra

A survey of residents’ views about their local library and sports centre aims to set the scene for the future of critical local leisure services. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is inviting members of the public to take part in the community consultation. It wants to hear the views of local people on how libraries and leisure facilities can support health, wellbeing, learning and community life across the islands. Council Leader Paul Steele said: “Libraries and leisure facilities p

The cash machine in the Tourist Information car park in Tarbert (opposite Hotel Hebrides) is out of action for now, but locals are being reassured that the situation is temporary. News that the machine had been ‘de-cashed’ earlier this month caused concern that Tarbert might be about to lose another financial service, following the recent closure of the Bank of Scotland branch and the loss of the community banker. Responding to queries, Councillor Paul Finnegan has raised the

The gym at Leverburgh Community Hub has opened and its first members are making use of the new exercise facilities which include...

Tarbert shopkeeper John ‘Brownie’ Morrison’s exceptional contribution to community life has been recognised with the presentation of a...

In our regular feature, we join a local for a tea break and find out how they spend their time and their time off. This week, we welcome...

Silent auction link An online auction raising money for the Sir E Scott school choirs’ trip to the Royal National Mòd in Fort William is...

Since starting out in 2023, the Tarbert in Bloom team have been working to give the village a facelift that has left it cleaner, brighter...

Fañch Bihan-Gallic Bha Seanchas na Fèinne air leth cliùiteach sna ginealaichean a dh’fhalbh, agus tha cuimhne fhathast aig cuid air...

Harris Highland Dancing   It was a lovely summer of highland dancing for 13 dancers from across Lewis and Harris as the Claire Wilson...

Emma Holmes Mackinnon The South Harris Agricultural Show took place on Tuesday 29 July and was a roaring success! Even the...

In our regular feature, we join a local for a tea break and find out how they spend their time and their time off. This week, we welcome...

Based on the recent community consultations held by the Harris Forum across Harris, the first focus areas of the Local Place Plan are...

On Thursday 28 August, between 12:30 and 2:00 pm, an event open to women only will take place at the Harris Hotel in Tarbert. A...

Pupils at Sir E Scott primary school have played a key role in the creation of a new children’s book. They worked with author Louisa...

Harris Forum Based on the recent community consultations held by the Harris Forum across Harris, the first focus areas of the Local Place...