Mary Schmoller, Chairperson of Stòras Uibhist, and D.A. MacInnes, Clerk from Stoneybridge Township, are pleased to have reached a satisfactory conclusion with Scottish Water to a difficult matter that has taken up time over the last several years. The resolution also embraces Ormiclate & Bornish Sheep Stock Club.

Scottish Water representative Ewan Robertson expressed Scottish Water’s enthusiasm to reach agreement and to work with Stòras Uibhist and the local community to help deliver

important proposals to invest in the future of the island’s water supply.

The successful resolution of the dispute, supported by a Mediator, demonstrates that no issue is intractable and all parties were appreciative of the professional approach of all involved. No further comment will be made.

The post Stòras Uibhist and Scottish Water Mediation Success appeared first on Storas Uibhist.

The closing date for Director Nominations for Sealladh na Beinne Mòire, the community parent company that owns the South Uist Estate, has now passed and five candidates have put themselves forward for election.

There are three vacancies on the Board this year.  Mary Schmoller, Andrew Laing and Rory MacGillivray have stood down in accordance with the Articles of Association rules on Director terms.

Completed ballot papers must be received by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Election Services, no later than 11am on Wednesday 18th September 2019 for counting. The ballot papers will be counted at Talla an Iochdair, South Uist on that date from 7pm onwards, where you are invited to attend to watch the count and receive the results live.

Bruce Beveridge, Interim Chief Executive of Sealladh na Beinne Mòire said, “I am very pleased that five candidates have come forward for election.  It is important that the membership has a pool of candidates from which to elect directors. I strongly encourage the membership to take the time to vote in these elections, which are extremely important in setting the course for the company and community in the coming year.”
 

The 2019 Candidates List is:

Candidate statements giving their reason for standing and skills/knowledge that they can contribute to the Board.

The post Sealladh na Beinne Moire Director Elections 2019 appeared first on Storas Uibhist.

Stòras Uibhist are pleased to announce the successful recruitment of our Interim CEO, Darren Taylor.

Darren has worked for many years in commercial radio in the East of England. He brings considerable experience of running successful businesses and of developing strong and effective teams. As Managing Director of KLFM 96.7fm in King’s Lynn he was responsible for the station winning 2 prestigious Sony awards as ‘Station of the Year’ as well increasing its weekly audience by almost 50%.

Darren was also instrumental in establishing a Business Improvement District in King’s Lynn and has been chairman since its inception. He has also been a board member of the King’s Lynn Heritage Action Zone, King’s Lynn Cultural board and has been a patron of the Mayor of King’s Lynn’s charitable appeal for many years.

Darren has been married to Kate for over 20 years. They have one daughter, Evie who is getting married next year and is already planning a honeymoon on South Uist.

Speaking of his appointment as interim CEO of Storas Uibhist, Darren said ‘I’m absolutely delighted to have been given this opportunity. This is a very special job and I cannot wait to build on the successful work that Storas has already done and help to drive forward new and exciting initiatives. South Uist is a very close to our hearts and Kate and I are looking forward to getting to know the community and experiencing living somewhere so special’.

We very much look forward to welcoming Darren to the team and to the Island in mid-October.

The post Appointment of Interim CEO appeared first on Storas Uibhist.

Domestic Staff

Grogarry Lodge is looking to recruit two Domestic Staff to work through a busy winter season.
The post will include, but not limited to: housekeeping duties, kitchen porter duties, laundry duties, general admin tasks and waiting on guests.
Some previous experience is essential.
This is a seasonal post until January 2020, with an immediate start.
The post will require flexible working hours on a rota system.
The hourly rate of pay will be £9.00.

Domestic Staff Job Description

Further information can be obtained from Jennifer MacLeod, Office Manager, Stòras Uibhist, Oifis Storas, Daliburgh, South Uist HS8 5SS. Tel 01878 700101; jennifer.macleod@storasuibhist.com;

To apply for the post please submit a CV and covering letter to Jennifer MacLeod on the details above by 9am on 11^th September 2019.

The post Vacancy – Grogarry Lodge appeared first on Storas Uibhist.

SnBM Board met on Wednesday 11^th September and agreed that the General Meeting arranged for 19^th September and the AGM arranged for 26^th September should be postponed owing to an error resulting in some Members not receiving a paper copy of the call for the meeting on the 19^th, an email had been sent out but had not reached everyone eligible to vote.

SnBM Board, to comply with good governance has by a majority vote agreed to combine both meetings for Friday 11^th October, giving the Director 28 days notice and the members 21 days notice of the said meeting.
It also complies with having an AGM within 15^th months of the previous one.

Improving Governance has been the consistent theme highlighted by all consultants over the last years and in that spirit the Board felt it was critical that the Articles were complied with to the letter.
It is proper to add the resolution proposed for the General Meeting to be heard at the Annual General Meeting, reducing the number of meeting people need to attend.

Notification letters will be issued to members no later than Monday 16th September.

The post Update: SnBM AGM appeared first on Storas Uibhist.

We are pleased to announce the results from last night’s live ballot count, with another fantastic turnout of 71.9% of Members having voted in the postal ballot organised by Electoral Services, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.  Both Andrew Laing, and Mary Schmoller have been re-elected to the board and we welcome back previous Director John MacMillan.

Andrew Laing said “I would like to thank the members for taking the time to vote for me and I am pleased to be re-elected to the board of Sealladh na Beinne Mòire.  I welcome the opportunity to move forward with the community towards a positive future.”

Mary Schmoller said “Thank you for voting for me, it will enable me to continue the restructuring work to progress the organisation.  Lochboisdale Ferry Terminal will remain our priority for the coming three years.”

John MacMillan said “I am pleased to return to the Board of Sealladh na Beinne Mòire and thank the community for voting for me.  I would like to thank the Stòras Uibhist staff and CnES election services for organising the elections and ballot count that took place last night.  I look forward to working with the board and staff for the benefit of our Community.”

Directors new term will commence at the close of the 2019 AGM on October 11^th until they will be required to stand down as part of the rolling process set out by the company’s Articles of Association.

The full results are as follows :-

Andrew Laing                400                  Elected

John MacMillan             344                  Elected

Johan M. MacRury        168                                         

Mary Schmoller             312                  Elected

Donnie Steele                 273     

Number of eligible voters – 817

Number of votes cast – 588

Turnout – 71.9%

Total number of votes found to be invalid – 2

We thank Rory MacGillivray for his input to the Board over his term in office and wish him well in his future endeavours.

We would like to take the opportunity to thank members for their continued support and voting in these important elections.  We would like to encourage as many community members as possible to become a member which allows participation in shaping the future of the Community going forward.

Our Annual General Meeting will be held on the 11th October at 7.30pm in Talla an Iochdair where we hope community members will be able to join us.

The post Sealladh na Beinne Mòire 2019 Directors Election Results appeared first on Storas Uibhist.

Sealladh na Beinne Mòire, a company limited by guarantee, was established to purchase the 93,000 acre
South Uist Estate on behalf of the community in 2006. It is the parent company of South Uist Estates Ltd,
an asset owning company, which in turn operates three trading companies, namely Stòras Uibhist Ltd;
Lochboisdale Development Ltd; and South Uist Renewable Energy Ltd. As a membership organisation its
remit is to deliver social and economic regeneration for the islands of Benbecula, Eriskay and South Uist.

Sealladh na Beinne Mòire is currently looking to recruit a Minute Secretary to oversee the process of
meetings for Sealladh na Beinne Mòire and it’s subsidiary companies. The post will require flexible working
hours, with the majority of Board meetings being held out with normal office hours. Applicants should have
previous experience of minute taking and must comply with strict rules of confidentiality. The postholder will
be required to work an average of (35 hours per month) and will be paid on a timesheet basis at £14.00 per
hour gross.

The role of Minute Secretary is to work closely with the Chair of Sealladh na Beinne Moire, South Uist
Renewable Energy, Lochboisdale Development Limited, South Uist Estates and Stòras Uibhist to facilitate
the Board of Directors’ meetings and project management. In particular the postholder will be required to:-

• Arrange venue and facilities for all Board meetings
• Prepare Agenda and briefing papers for Chair of meeting
• Issue Board papers at least 10 days in advance of meetings
• Attend and take minutes as a record of each Board meeting which will be a public record.
• Produce minutes timeously.
• Keep a record of action points
• Tracking actions raised at Board meetings and proactive follow up between Board meetings
• In conjunction with the Chair, agree final version of minutes for publication.
• Ensure approved minutes are published on the Storas Uibhist website.
• Ensure an accurate record of minutes and all Board papers are filed for audit purposes.
• Develop Annual General Meeting business planner’s in consultation with the Board and Committee Chairs.

Further information can be obtained from Jennifer MacLeod, Office Manager; jennifer.macleod@storasuibhist.com
and Chairperson, Mary Schmoller; mary.schmoller@storasuibhist.com

Applications require a covering letter, explaining your suitability and experience for such a role, along with your CV to Jennifer MacLeod on the details above or by post to:

Jennifer MacLeod, Office Manager, Oifis Storas, Daliburgh, South Uist, HS8 5SS.
Copy to be sent to Chairperson, Sealladh na Beinne Mòire Oifis Storas, Daliburgh, South Uist HS8 5SS.

The closing date for applications is 9.00 a.m on Thursday 17th October 2019

The post Minute Secretary ~ Sealladh na Beinne Mòire appeared first on Storas Uibhist.

Stòras Uibhist have realised that the wrong version of the joint statement was released. The correct final version is now available below:

As the membership are aware, there have recently been differences between board directors. The board is now very pleased to announce that these have been resolved.

The AGM motion for the removal of Angus MacMillan as a director of SNBM has now been withdrawn.

Mr Angus MacMillan accepts the release of the Assurance Report and acknowledges the cash flow issues were not caused by the current board of directors. He also accepts that the recent media campaign has been detrimental to the reputation of directors, the company and the wider community.

Mary Schmoller, on behalf of the board, assures everyone that the full board is now determined to move forward in the best interests of the entire community.

The post AGM Update ~ Removal of Motion appeared first on Storas Uibhist.

Whole Tenderloin                     £22.00 per kg

Whole Loin                                £17.20 per kg

Fillet Steaks                               £17.20 per kg

Saddle on bone                         £15.40 per kg

Haunch Steaks                          £12.00 per kg

Haunch off Bone                       £10.40 per kg

Shoulder rolled                         £10.40 per kg

Haunch on Bone                       £9.40 per kg

Shoulder on bone                     £9.40 per kg

Diced Steak                               £6.00 per kg

Mince                                         £5.50 per kg

The post South Uist Estate Venison appeared first on Storas Uibhist.

Stòras Uibhist has announced a series of new initiatives and projects for 2020 following a board meeting last week.

Headlines include a commitment to install fuel tanks at the Gasaigh harbour, further investment in the Askernish golf course and the restarting of the community fund, together with recruitment of new staff to work alongside CEO Darren Taylor. The organisation will also be working in close partnership with CMAL and the Scottish Government on the new ferry pier planned to open on Gasaigh in 2023.

Chairperson of Sealladh na Beinne Mòire, Mary Schmoller, said ‘2020 will be all about driving the organisation forward, consolidating the assets we have and planning for the future. I am particularly excited that the Community Fund will be making money available to support drainage and pest control issues. At our heart we are a crofting community and it is important that we work together with the wider community’.

The new fuel tanks at Gasaigh will allow Stòras Uibhist to capitalise on the growth the harbour is experiencing in both commercial and leisure craft usage. CEO Darren Taylor said; ‘At the moment boats are having to refuel either on the mainland or other islands. The new tanks will allow us to service this growing market and provide the harbour with very useful income’.

Mr Taylor continued; ‘The Community Fund will officially re-open in the spring and will compromise of 3 different elements. There will be a fund to support local charitable and voluntary groups. There will also be money available to support local businesses, and this year a new pot of money will be available to support drainage and pest control activities. Full details will be available on the Stòras Uibhist website shortly’.

Meanwhile, after more than 13 years of involvement with Stòras Uibhist, Mr Angus MacMillan has announced his intention to resign from the board.

Mary Schmoller said; ‘Everyone at Stòras Uibhist would like to place on record our thanks to Angus and we wish him well. However, we refute the accusation that the board lacks ambition and we believe our plans for 2020 and beyond demonstrate this. We are recruiting new staff, embarking on new projects and we are committed to delivering the organisation’s goals. Since the AGM in October board meetings have been positive and productive. We do not accept the comments that we have ignored Articles of Association or that company law has been flouted’.

Contacts;

Darren Taylor, CEO, 01878 700101 / 07717 687032

Mary Schmoller, Chairperson Sealladh na Beinne Mòire 01878 710283

The post Stòras Uibhist Announce Exciting Plans for 2020 appeared first on Storas Uibhist.

Community Beach Clean Up on Friday 24th January 2020

The post Community Beach Clean-Up following Storm Brendan appeared first on Storas Uibhist.

BECOMING A DIRECTOR AT STORAS UIBHIST 

As you may be aware, Duncan Aitken resigned recently as a director of our main board, Sealladh na Beinne Mòire.
The chief executive and directors would like to place on record their thanks to Duncan for his hard work and support as a director.

For the time being the board will continue with 5 members and review over the next couple of months.
Duncan’s resignation means there will now be 3 director vacancies later in the year with one of our current directors automatically stepping down as per our articles.
If you would like further information about roles and responsibilities of our directors and how you could get involved, feel free to contact our chief executive, Darren Taylor, for an informal chat.
If there is enough interest, we are also looking to organise a training session in good time before the election.

A’ DOL AIR BÒRD-STIÙIRIDH STÒRAS UIBHIST

Mar a bhios fios agaibh ’s dòcha, tha Donnchadh Aitken air a dhreuchd mar stiùiriche air a’ phrìomh bhòrd againn, Sealladh na Beinne Mòire, a leigeil dheth.
Bu mhath leis a’ Cheannard agus na stiùirichean eile a chur am follais gu bheil iad taingeil airson na h-obair chruaidh agus airson na taic a thug Donnchadh na ùine mar stiùiriche.

Anns an eadar-ama, leanaidh am bòrd le còignear bhall agus nithear sgrùdadh air a’ sin anns na beagan mhìosan a tha romhainn.
Le Donnchadh a’ leigeil dheth a dhreuchd, bidh 3 beàrnan ann nas fhaide air a’ bhliadhna le aon dhe na stiùirichean a tha ann an-dràsta a’ fàgail a’ bhùird, a rèir ar riaghailtean.
Ma bhios sibh ag iarraidh barrachd fiosrachaidh mu na dreuchdan agus na dleastanasan aig na stiùirichean againn agus mu mar a dh’fhaodadh sibh a dhol an sàs ann, cuiribh brath chun a’ Cheannard againn, Darren Taylor, airson còmhradh neò-fhoirmeil.
Ma bhios ùidh gu leòr air a nochdadh aison a leithid, tha sinn ag amas air seisean trèanaidh a chur air bhonn ann an ùine gu leòr ron taghadh.

The post Sealladh na Beinne Mòire – Director Update appeared first on Storas Uibhist.

We would like to invite various local businesses to tender to supply Askernish Clubhouse with pre packed sandwiches and wraps.

We would be looking to have this service running from 1^st April to 30^th September.  This would be for one year in the first instance, but we would be hoping to repeat annually.  We would like a selection of fillings, including vegetarian options.

The quantity required would fluctuate at busier times of the season and we would hope we could run orders on a weekly schedule dependent on visitor numbers.

Should you have any queries or would like to discuss further please contact Office Manager, Jennifer MacLeod on jennifer.macleod@storasuibhist.com

We would like to receive costings, including delivery to the clubhouse,  along with your proposed selection of sandwiches and wraps by no later than 9am on Monday 24^th February. 

The post Invite to Tender ~ Askernish Clubhouse appeared first on Storas Uibhist.

Following the recent resignation of John MacMillan from the board of Sealladh na Beinne Mòire, the board are pleased to announce that Donnie Steele will be joining a co-opted director until the next round of elections.

Donnie was ‘next in line’ after the elections of 2019 with 273 votes.

He brings knowledge of the tourism sector as well as small scale project management.

Donnie’s recent successes include re-opening and bringing back to life the old tourist information building in Lochboisdale as ‘Uist Gifts & Information’, which promotes the Islands exceptionally well. He also works closely with Visit Scotland and Outer Hebrides Tourism to promote tourism within the Islands.

He gained official recognition for the South Uist Flag, and designed and put into production the new official Isle of South Uist tartan.

Donnie is a keen advocate for enhancing Health and Wellbeing within our Islands and gives his spare time to various charities. He worked on the Well Connected Communities project with Support in Mind Scotland and The National Rural Mental Health Forum and more recently the Highlands and Islands Connections project.

SnBM Chair Mary Schmoller said ‘I am delighted Donnie has agreed to join the board and I look forward to working with him over the coming months. His passion for South Uist is well known and he brings a number of excellent skills and attributes. I would also like to take this opportunity to place on record my thanks to John MacMillan’.

If you would like further information about roles and responsibilities of our directors and how you could get involved, feel free to contact our chief executive, Darren Taylor, for an informal chat on 01878 700101 or email darren.taylor@storasuibhist.com

The post Sealladh na Beinne Mòire – Director Update appeared first on Storas Uibhist.

The directors of Stòras Uibhist are delighted to announce that interim CEO Darren Taylor has been appointed to the role permanently.

Darren joined Stòras Uibhist in October 2019 and has overseen a period of re-organisation as well as the recruitment of a new finance manager and a new development manager. Plans for 2020 include work on drainage improvements, pest control and development projects at both Lochboisdale Harbour and Askernish Golf Club. The Community Fund is also set to reopen.

Chairperson Mary Schmoller said ‘The board look forward to working closely with Darren over the coming months and years. It is important to have stability and strong leadership at the top of the organisation and Darren brings this.’

Darren added ‘Working at Stòras is a dream job and I am delighted the board have offered me the position on a permanent basis. We have a fantastic opportunity to drive all aspects of the business forward in 2020 and I look forward to working with the board, our staff and also the wider community across the Estate. Living on South Uist is a fantastic experience and it’s great to know that I will be here for a long time to come.’

The post Chief Executive to take up role on permanent basis appeared first on Storas Uibhist.

Stòras Uibhist are helping to coordinate a list of volunteers across Eriskay, South Uist and Benbecula who would be willing to support those in the community who cannot get out and about at the moment and who might need extra help and support.  This could be anything from checking on neighbours to delivering food and medicine for those who are self-isolating.  We know there are other organisations across the islands who will also be doing this and we will look to share your details with them, so you should be happy for us to do this.

In the first instance could you please email your name, contact number and which part of the Estate you are based in / could help in to info@storasuibhist.com

Additionally, if you know of someone who might need an extra check from a friendly face now and again or particular help with shopping etc, please email us or contact Stòras on 700101 and we will do our best to help, subject to the Government advice of course. (Please do not post names and details on Facebook).

Meanwhile please think about those businesses across the estate who will inevitably be affected by the current situation. Wherever possible and while always following government advice, we would urge everyone to shop locally and support local businesses. It will really make a difference to our friends and neighbours.

The post Community Support During Coronavirus Crisis appeared first on Storas Uibhist.

As we are following current government guidelines all staff members are now working from home as far as possible.

Finance & General enquiries – info@storasuibhist.com

Crofting enquiries – amanda.macmillan@storasuibhist.com

Grogarry Lodge enquiries – info@grogarrylodge.com / jennifer.macleod@storasuibhist.com

South Uist Fishing enquiries – fishing@storasuibhist.com / sheena.macmillan@storasuibhist.com

Askernish Golf Club enquiries – info@askernishgolfclub.com / allan.macdonald@storasuibhist.com

Lochboisdale Harbour enquiries – info@lochboisdaleharbour.com / donald.currie@lochboisdaleharbour.com

Development enquiries – deirdre.steele@storasuibhist.com / hayley.pryor@storasuibhist.com

Please stay safe and we will continue to monitor the situation and keep you updated.

From all the Stòras Uibhist team

The post COVID-19 – Contact Details appeared first on Storas Uibhist.

Everyone at Stòras Uibhist sends our best wishes to our community at this difficult time. The directors and staff hope you are all safe and well.
While posting this we wanted to take this opportunity to give you a quick update on a few issues:

Golf; Askernish Golf Course remains closed, but some limited course maintenance is able to continue subject to government guidelines on essential work. We look forward to being able to welcome members and visitors back once lockdown restrictions are eased, hopefully later in the summer. Our members have been very supportive and understanding during these difficult times and we are very thankful for all their support. At the moment we are unsure if the Askernish Open can go ahead at the end of August as we await further Government advice and regulations. We will update you as soon as we know more.

Fishing; Our lochs remain closed for fishing at the moment. As with Askernish, limited maintenance work is continuing and we are keeping the situation under review and will be guided by, and follow, Government advice.

Gamekeeping; Our gamekeeping team are continuing to work across the estate, following government advice and best practice on social distancing. They have been busy with pest control including crow trapping, geese shooting where possible and egg destruction, moving on deer twice daily (early morning and evening) along with maintenance and habitat impact assessment work. Greylag goose are on the general licence as of the 1st April 2020, allowing the shooting all year round and destruction of nests by hand. If townships wish to liaise with our keepers on goose control, please contact us via info@storasuibhist.com

We would also ask you to be aware that the current dry spell means a high risk of wildfires.

Venison; We have venison available from the Stòras Uibhist office. Card payment can be made over the phone and social distancing rules will be followed when you collect. Call 01878 700101 or email info@storasuibhist.com

Lochboisdale Harbour; The harbour is closed to all non-essential visiting vessels. We would ask the public to respect this and not use the harbour for any leisure-related activity.

Main office; To follow social distancing best practice, our office in Daliburgh is closed except for venison sales. Some staff have been furloughed and while our administration functions are continuing, please be aware it may take longer than normal for us to respond to enquiries. If you need to contact us, you can find details on our website.

 On Friday 1^st May the board of directors and senior management took part in a virtual training session organised by the Institute of Directors. This was a fascinating and very useful session and the board look forward to continuing the work later in the year when the IoD trainer is able to visit us in person.

The post COVID-19 UPDATE appeared first on Storas Uibhist.

Further to our recent update on what is happening across the estate please see below further details on deer management;

During these difficult times of COVID19 our gamekeepers have been presented with more challenges than in a typical year.  They have continued to push deer from townships in the areas most impacted, but have not been able to remove / shoot deer due to restrictions on our ability to sell on to either game dealers or local businesses. Our team is working hard cross the estate not only dealing with deer but continuing their pest control work addressing raven, crow and geese issues.  

We appreciate that deer can present a significant problem and our keepers continue to do the best they possibly can in difficult circumstances. It is also important to note that SNH have classed deer stalking and culling as a non-essential activity in present circumstances. 

During the season 2019/20 the annual cull was as follows: 48 stags, 74 hinds, 25 calves.  The inflated number of hinds culled is part of the Deer Management plan to reduce the herd size over 3 years to 200 hinds/200 stags which we hope to achieve by the end of 2020/21 season. 

Many estates have been forced to furlough keepers and suspend land management activity. Stòras Uibhist is fortunate that we have not had to do this although we do have one member of the team currently away from work, and we would ask that the community is mindful is there is only a finite amount of work our team are able to do.

In these difficult circumstances your understanding and support is very much appreciated.

The post Deer Management Update appeared first on Storas Uibhist.

Our AGM this scheduled for Thursday 12^th November. At the moment Covid19 restrictions and guidelines mean it is likely this will have to take place via a video meeting rather than in person. We will continue to monitor, and follow, government advice and keep you up to date.

This year we have 4 vacancies to join the board of directors, with Calum Mac Millan’s term coming to an end as set out in our company Articles of Association and a further three spaces to be filled from current vacancies.

We would like to  encourage as many people as possible to represent their community and stand for election to sit on the board of Sealladh na Beinne Mòire.  Training on the role of a director and good governance will be provided upon election.

Being elected as a director gives you a direct say in the direction and policies of the organisation. This will be more important than ever as we enter the ‘post-Covid’ world and look to help and support our community and our economy.

If you would like an informal discussion about directors’ roles and responsibilities, please call our CEO Darren Taylor, in confidence, on 01878 700101

Below is the timetable for this year’s elections;

• Director nominations Open – Friday 2^nd October
• Director nominations Close – 12pm Friday 16^th October  
• Elections open – Monday 19^th October 
• Elections close – Wednesday 4^th November
• AGM – Thursday 12^th November – Southend Community Hall, 7.30pm

In order to stand or vote in the election process you must be a full member, with a residential address held on the electoral roll within the estate area.  There is still time to become a member ahead of the election, which can be done online http://storasuibhist.com/members-information/become-a-member/ or contact us on info@storasuibhist.com.   Please could we encourage all to support our community company by becoming a member.

The post AGM Update & Election Timeline appeared first on Storas Uibhist.