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Sealladh na Beinne Mòire Director Elections 2020

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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 six candidates have put themselves forward for election.

This year there are four vacancies on the Board. Calum Mac Millan has stood down in accordance with the Articles of Association rules on Director terms and there are three additional vacancies from early retirals this year.

Completed ballot papers must be returned to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Election Services, in the prepaid envelope provided, no later than 11am on Wednesday 4th November 2020 in order to be included in the count. The ballot papers will be counted by CnES election staff and once results are received we will announce the results on social media and issue a press release to inform the community.

Darren Taylor, Chief Executive of Sealladh na Beinne Mòire said;
“I would like to thank all the all the members of our community who have put themselves forward in such a turbulent year and wish them all the best of luck. SnBM looks forward to working with a full board in 2021 and moving forward together with the future plans and development for our islands.” 

The 2020 Candidates List is:

Candidate No. Candidate Name Proposer Seconder
1 Donald John Cameron Iain Archie MacNeil DJ MacEachen
2 Calum Scott MacAulay Calum MacAulay Alasdair Steele
3 Gill MacInnes William Justice Margaret Justice
4 Calum Mac Millan Calum MacDonald James John MacDonald
5 Donnie Steele Alistair MacAulay Mary Schmoller
6 Catriona Walker Kevin John Wild Christina Laing

 

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

Nominee – Donald John Cameron

Proposer – Iain Archie MacNeil; Seconder – DJ MacEachen

I am born and bred on South Uist and have spent my life immersed in the crofting community.  The Island culture and crofting are both very important to me and fit well with the ethos of community led ownership.

Having returned to the Island full time last year, after working internationaly in the oil industry, I have returned home to take over the running of our family crofts.  I am keen to see the potential of Stòras fullfilled, maximising current assets and actively pursuing the other opportunities already identified, whilst also being mindful of addressing the many issues that are important within our community.

I am keen to see an open and transparent organisation that delivers against a long term strategy for our community and islands, for both ourselves and future generations.

I consider myself to be an approachable individual, that if elected will strive to represent the community and ensure both the members and community are kept involved and informed on the future direction of Stòras Uibhist.

Nominee – Calum Scott MacAulay

Proposer – Calum MacAulay; Seconder – Alasdair Steele

Vision – To help manifest developments and procedures to increase the footfall of tourism to the island as well as encourage the coalition of all local business to create a prosperous future for the islands, in particular South Uist, Eriskay and Benbecula.

Having grown up on the Isles of South Uist through my secondary school yeras, I left the islands to study Mechanical Engineering in Coventry.  After University I had a 2 year placement at Rolls Royce aerospace before leaving to live in London to work in the financial sector.  I have been away from the islands, only returning on festive occasions for 11 years.  This I feel relevant as what I have seen is not so much the downfall of the area, but the lack of development, and the follow ups of any development that has already taken place on the isles.

The Outer Hebrides is a special place, and recently, having moved up permanently, I’ve noticed not only an increase of people wanting to visit the isles but also an increased interest in the community to support their local businesses.  This may be due to the recent pandemic and people realising how lucky we are to have a place like this on our doorstep as well as some of us being lucky enough to call it home.

I feel it is important to act on this to ensure the island sees maximum benefits over the next coming years.

What I will offer to the council is someone of a younger generation who is passionate for the island to succeed, has a front line perspective of what is and what is not working and who will endeavour to see positive actions to support the local community.

Nominee –  Gill MacInnes

Proposer – William Justice; Seconder – Margaret Justice

I’d like to be able to help the community progress and prosper through this continued success of the Stòras Uibhist group of companies.

To that end I’d like to offer my problem solving skills picked up from over 30 years in the telecoms and computer networking industry, including project management and SME ( Subject Matter Expert)

My family are from Eriskay and South Uist.

Nominee – Calum Mac Millan

Proposer – Calum MacDonald; Seconder – James John MacDonald

It has been a special privilege to represent members of SnBM since 2017 as we seek to return the community owned Estate to the ethos of community benefit.  It has been an interesting time.  The company has survived breakup and asset stripping, and we look forward to surviving and serving the best interests of the crofters and residents of the Estate area.

Much is made of needing to attract new people but we must also help those already here.  Fuel poverty and regeneration of croft houses and cottar sites so that these houses remain with the crofters, is an aspect that the Estate must help with in the form of soft loans and technical assistance, so that people can see their grandchildren in the grandfathers house, or use these houses as they see best, with that house repurposed for the twenty first century.  The Estate must set out to be facilitative, accountable and transparent and I shall continue to work to bring these principles into the workings of the Estate.

Nominee – Donnie Steele

Proposer – Alistair MacAulay; Seconder – Mary Schmoller

Having been a co-opted director for the last 8 months I have a far better understanding of what needs to be addressed, and how to take Stòras Uibhist forward. I have brought balance and energy to the board room. If elected for the next term, I will continue to look at ways to create sustainable jobs, continue to work on our drainage and crofting issues, look at affordable housing and energy opportunities.

As an owner of Uist Gifts & Information, I have knowledge of the tourism sector that Stòras Uibhist can utilise to bring new money and opportunities into our area. As a community councillor for Iochdar and my work with the Uist association of community councils, I am aware of the needs and aspirations of the community.

It’s time to grow and move forward together, not dwell on the past.

Mòran taing

Donnie

Nominee –  Catriona Walker

Proposer – Kevin John Wild; Seconder – Christina Laing

I would like to join SnBM to share my experience and knowledge of running a community owned business.  In my 10 year managerial role at Eriskay Shop, I have demonstrated and fullfilled creative ideas that became projects – seeing those projects from start to a very satisfying completion.  I am an active crofter within the twonship of Drimsdale and a native gaidhlig speaker coming from the middle district of Ormicalte South Uist.

I would like to be given the opportunity to take your ideas to the board and hopefully make a difference to our community buy-out.

 

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Sealladh na Beinne Mòire Directors Election Results

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The 2020 annual director election for Sealladh na Beinne Mòire is now complete.

This year there were four (4) Board vacancies to be filled.

Members voted for 6 nominated candidates through a postal ballot organised under the auspices of the Comhairle.

Member turnout for the election was 54.7%

The four directors elected to the board are: Catriona Walker, DJ Cameron, Donnie Steele and Calum Mac Millan

One of the successful candidates DJ Cameron said “I am delighted to be elected. SnBM has so much to offer and I intend to bring positivity into the organisation’.

Donnie Steele said; ‘’I’m delighted to be elected on to the board to represent the best interests of the community. I can now build on my previous projects and ideas to help Stòras in a positive direction, and to bring some stability going forward. The potential is enormous and we have a great opportunity to deliver the best for our communities”

Another successful candidate Calum Mac Millan said “I would like to say thank you to the Comhairle for their organisation of the ballot and to the community for continuing to place their trust in me. I will work hard to deliver community benefits’’

 

The term of office for the new directors runs from 12th November 2020 at the close of the 2020 AGM until they are required to stand down as part of the rolling process which sees all the elected Directors stand down over any three year period.

The full results are as follows:

Nominee Votes received Elected/Not elected
   

 

Catriona Walker 

 

360 

 

Elected

 

DJ Cameron

 

290

 

Elected

 

Donnie Steele 

 

269 

 

Elected

 

Calum MacMillan

 

211

 

Elected

 

Calum Scott MacAulay

 

182

 

Not elected

 

Gil MacInnes

 

145

 

Not elected

SnBM Chairperson Mary Schmoller said ‘I would like to thank all the candidates for showing their support for Sealladh na Beinne Mòire and for putting themselves forward in the ballot.
We warmly welcome Catriona and DJ to the board and welcome back Calum and Donnie.

Our Annual General Meeting will be held on the 12th November at 7.30pm via Zoom and we hope to see another tremendous turnout. Further details can be found on our website.

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Mary Schmoller re-appointed as Chair of Sealladh na Beinne Mòire

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Following the recent elections to the board of SnBM and AGM on Thursday 12th November, Mary Schmoller has been re-appointed unopposed as Chairperson.

The board met via Zoom on the afternoon of Friday 13th November to discuss the appointment of the Chair and were in full agreement Mary should continue in the role.

Speaking of her re-appointment Mary said ‘I have relished the challenge of being Chairperson of SnBM and I look forward to working with the new board going forward. I would like to thank all the directors for the trust they have shown in me. We have some very talented people on the board of directors and some exciting plans for 2021’.

The board discussed some of their priorities for the coming year which include supporting job creation across Uist, support for business, improved Estate management and continued development at Lochboisdale.

The board also discussed plans to involve members at SnBM meetings in the future and further details of how this can be achieved will be shared with members in the coming weeks.

Following the AGM several questions have been submitted and answers to these along with a copy of the film presentation shown at the AGM will be available on our website shortly.

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Sealladh na Beinne Mòire Annual General Meeting 14th November 2020

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Questions from Members

In addition to the questions answered during the AGM on 12th November, the following 2 questions were received from members after the deadline of Friday 6th November for questions to be submitted but ahead of the AGM itself;

 
Q1 (Edited question) Could an update be provided on the future of Drimore Farm
A A new lease is with the Estate solicitors and it is anticipated it will be signed shortly. If the plans for the proposed Produce Partnership (Food hub) go ahead at Grogarry then it is proposed the farm steadings will be removed from the lease.
 
Q2 Some shareholders in the Milton area townships were paid over £55 as a “good will gesture” (CEO) by Storas earlier this year with a further payment promised later in the year. 
– What was the reasoning for the “good will” payments? This payment relates to the EE phone mast. It was decided that the Stòras’ share of monies received from EE in the summer of 2020 should be divided among shareholders.
– Was this payment made to all shareholders?  Yes
– Were similar payments made to shareholders in other townships? No, the payment relates only to the EE phone mast and therefore only applies to the Milton area township
– Who suggested the payments be made? CEO / Chairperson in consultation
– Did all directors approve the payments? Stòras Uist Finance Policy allows payments of this size to made at the discretion of the CEO without the need for approval of directors. However, the matter was discussed by the full board and no directors objected to the payment.

A third question was received after the 6th November deadline but ahead of the AGM, which will not be answered as the board feel it to be inappropriate.



The following questions have been received since the AGM;

Q1 – What are the current plans for development of housing within South Uist?
A The new board are committed to supporting more affordable housing on the Estate and have tasked the CEO / staff to explore all options. Stòras will be working closely with the newly formed Uist & Barra Housing Group and will offer support to this group.
Q2 – What are the key economic recovery partnerships and  projects that the CEO and Development team will be focussed on?
A

There will be 2 main areas of focus. Firstly we need to ensure existing assets including Askernsih Golf Course, Lochboisdale Harbour and Grogarry Lodge are working as efficiently and effectively as possible. There is no sense in the Estate owning assets that are under-resourced and not producing the financial return they are capable of.

There are 3 main development areas; Firstly the proposed Produce Partnership / Food Hub initiative. It is hoped that Stòras will be able to access significant Islands Deal investment funding for this project.

Secondly, we will be exploring renewable energy initiatives including development of battery technology and tidal energy. Both of these involve development of new technologies and are long-term projects, but it is important that work is underway now.

The third main area of development focus will be dealing with the Climate Emergency and coastal erosion. We will be undertaking Estate research and mapping, commissioning drainage and fencing work, and supporting a proposed large-scale project led by Nature Scotland.

Q3 – Why was there not a vote at the AGM about appoint of auditors for 2020?
A

Given the technical difficulties of holding the AGM via Zoom it was decided by senior staff and the board that we could dispense with the need for a vote for the appointment of auditors. Similarly, it was decided we could dispense with the vote to confirm fixing of annual subscriptions.

Hardie Caldwell did an excellent job this year despite the difficulties of auditing the group of companies for the first time without being able to travel to Uist. Senior staff and the board of directors felt there was no need to consider using an alternative audit company and no need to vote on the re-appointment for the 2020 audit. Assuming we can dispense with Zoom meetings in 2021 it is likely that members will be able to vote on auditors appointment at the next AGM.

PROPOSED RESOLUTION

During the AGM our Chairperson Mary Schmoller made reference to a proposed resolution received from a member. This was received by email only 7 days prior to the meeting. It would involve a significant change to the governance and running of Sealladh na Beinne Moire and as such the board wish to discuss it in further detail before deciding whether to recommend if it should go forward to members to vote on.

A further update will be issued to members after the December SnBM board meeting.

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Notice – Avian Influenza H5N8

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Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) have notified us that one swan sampled on land owned by South Uist Estate has shown a positive result for Avian Influenza H5N8. Please, note that Defra policy is that the countryside remains open and unless there is a public health risk (or an animal health risk that cannot be mitigated) the site should remain open.

We would be grateful if you can report the finding of dead wild birds to the DEFRA helpline (03459 33 55 77).  We also have some further biosecurity information attached which you may wish to read through if you are a poultry keeper on the estate.  Similarly although visitors are limited to the island they should take precautionary measures with regards to cleaning of hands and footwear.

We do not have the exact location of where the Swan was sampled as we await further information from APHA.

More information available through the links below –

ScotGov Biosecurity Poultry Guide

DEFRA WD12

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Stòras Uibhist directors reply to Transport Scotland Enquiry on temporary service changes proposals

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On behalf of the community of South Uist, Eriskay and Benbecula the directors of Stòras Uibhist are horrified to see that yet again it is the South Uist / Lochboisdale route that is most affected by CALMAC’s decision to reduce the current ferry service.  Like all islands, our community depends on a reliable and consistent ferry service. The problems with reliability of the routes out of Lochboisdale are well documented and seemingly never-ending, and now we find ourselves in a totally unacceptable position of having only 2 ferries a week.

The Lochboisdale route is consistently, and it would appear deliberately, allowed to suffer at the hands of poor planning and decision making and this cannot be allowed to continue.

We are forced to ask why CalMac management appear to have no sense of the impact these decisions have on our community. Changes to the service, especially coming on the back of the period of disruption we have already had to endure, impact the lives of the entire community with food chain disruption, livestock feed supply problems, work and health visits to the mainland cancelled and more.

 

As a matter of urgency we would like answers to the following questions.

  • When do the proposed changes start and finish? To inform our community of ‘Temporary service change’ without any indication of a timetable for resumption of normal services is simply not acceptable.
  • Why has this decision been taken after several months of lockdown in the very week that the Scottish Government have announced plans for a reopening of the economy?
  • What has changed with CalMac re subsidies as this is a heavily subsidised route as a lifeline service?
  • What consultation has been undertaken with the community? It appears to have been announced as simply a ‘fait accompli’ which is not good enough.
  • What provision has been made for chilled / perishable food delivery? We know in the past that increased traffic to Lochmaddy when the Lochboisdale route is not in service has left food lorries sitting on Uig pier unable to cross to the Uists.
  • All indications are that when lockdown is eased, tourism and travel in Scotland will increase dramatically. Our community employs many people in this sector of the economy and we must be fully prepared and ensure that our tourism economy can take full advantage…while at the same time ensuring local ferry users continue to have access to the routes. Therefore what provision is being planned to accommodate the additional volume of traffic once lockdown is eased?
  • If no additional provision is made, are CalMac working to retain a number of vehicle bookings for every ferry from Lochboisdale and Lochmaddy to allow local bookings? It can be extremely difficult to get onto ferries at present in peak summer months for vital work and appointments. 
  • Why has the popular and hard-fought Mallaig to Lochboisdale route been scrapped altogether? At the very least we call for a reduction in the fares during this period of ‘temporary change’ to reflect the loss of the option to use the Mallaig route. We would must stress that the Mallaig route is the preferred option amongst many in our community and we would urge its reinstatement at the very earliest opportunity.
  • Have the Mallaig Harbour Authority, Mallaig Councillors and the wider Mallaig community been consulted about the service change as this route brings significant economic benefit to their local community?

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Stòras Uibhist Directors Respond to Disrupted Ferry Service in South Uist

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On behalf of the community of South Uist, Eriskay and Benbecula the directors of Stòras Uibhist wish to express their extreme disappointment of the latest disruption to our ferry service.

As Stòras pointed out in February it is impossible to reach any conclusion other than South Uist is yet again the ‘forgotten island’ and that the route out of Lochboisdale can simply be sacrificed at the drop of a hat without any care for our community. Indeed it seems that CalMac have no interest whatsoever in our community’s economic and social wellbeing.

Meanwhile if that were not enough, we now understand that the Lochmaddy to Uig route has been operating without its mezzanine level, reducing capacity and further impacting the ability of islanders to go about their daily lives and business.

As a matter of urgency we call on CalMac, the Scottish government, our council, elected representatives and all other relevant parties to address the problem once and for all. Our islands have suffered enough during the last 14 months without further disruption and inconvenience simply because of one broken down ferry elsewhere on the CalMac network.

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Stòras Uibhist delighted to welcome CMAL engineers to the Island

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CMAL’s Senior Civil Engineer Campbell MacIver along with representatives from Jacobs Engineering were on site at Gasaigh last week as the next phase of work for the new ferry terminal gets underway.

Over the next 12 months  engineers carry out detailed tidal and topographical studies along with community consultation meetings.

The new terminal will see all ferry operations relocated to Gasaigh and will include new marshalling yards and a ticket office. It is expected that the terminal will be completed by 2025.

Stòras Uibhist Chief Executive Darren Taylor said ‘ We are committed to working closely with CMAL to ensure the new terminal is built and operational as soon as possible. The recent well-documented problems with our vital ferry service have highlighted the need for further investment from Transport Scotland and we are pleased to see the next stage at Gasaigh  getting underway’.

Lochboisdale Development Limited’s Chairman Calum Mac Millan said ‘ the new ferry terminal is just the start of our plans for further developments at Gasaigh. We believe there is enormous potential in South Uist for a number of industry sectors including the off-shore wind sector to take advantage of our superb harbour. We will be working in partnership with a number of agencies to do everything we can to bring jobs and investment to Lochboisdale’

Photo shows L to R Chief Executive Darren Taylor, Lochboisdale Development Limited Chairman Calum Mac Millan, Peter Mulcachy and Ian Derrett from Jacobs and  Campbell MacIver from CMAL

For further details contact Darren Taylor 07771 687032 or Calum Mac Millan 07976 416816

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Stòras Uibhist delighted to support RSPB’s eagle initiative

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Stòras Uibhist has partnered up with the RSPB to assist on a project to support the re-introduction of sea eagles to the Isle of Wight as part of work carried out by the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation.

Two sea eagle nests on South Uist that had twins in them had had one chick removed and these birds were then flown down to the Isle of Wight from Storonway.

Most sea eagles, like golden eagles, normally lay two eggs and have two chicks to start with but normally one chick dies due to lack of food or is killed by it sibling.  Research has shown this type of conservation work has no impact on eagle populations.

Chairperson of Stòras Uibhist Mary Schmoller said ‘’we were delighted to support our friends at the RSPB in this important work. Sea eagles are one of the UK’s rarest species and we wish the Isle of Wight project the very best of luck’’.

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A statement from the board of Stòras Uibhist Re Ferries

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Our community has suffered significant and long-lasting damage as a result of almost continual disruption of the Lochboisdale to Mallaig ferry service this year. There is no question that this route is viewed as ‘dispensable’ by CalMac. Each time there is a problem elsewhere on the network, it is the South Uist service that is cancelled.

On Friday of last week we were appalled to see that once again the Lochboisdale service has been cancelled with no regard for our needs because of a problem further afield, this time with the North Uist service.

 We have written to the Minister for Transport and CalMac demanding urgent answers as to why there has been no consultation with our community and why the Lochboisdale service is seen as less important than other services. The treatment we receive from CalMac is a disgrace and must change.

 Stòras Uibhist will continue to do everything within our power to represent our community and put maximum pressure on the government, Transport for Scotland and CalMac.

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Sealladh na Beinne Mòire Director Elections 2021

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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 4 candidates have put themselves forward for election.

This year there is one vacancy on the Board. Norman MacAskill has stood down in accordance with the Articles of Association rules on Director terms after serving for 3 years although he is standing for re-election along with Agnes Dehu, Gilbert MacInnes and Kevin Morrison.

Completed ballot papers, which will be sent out week commencing 18th October, must be returned to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Election Services, in the prepaid envelope provided, no later than 11am on Wednesday 10th November 2021 in order to be included in the count. The ballot papers will be counted by CnES election staff and once results are received we will announce the results on social media and issue a press release to inform the community.

Darren Taylor, Chief Executive of Sealladh na Beinne Mòire said;

“I would like to thank all of the candidates who have put themselves forward for election and wish them all the best of luck. Our organisation is all about community engagement and involvement and it is encouraging to see so many people putting themselves forward this year.

The 2021 Candidates List is:

Candidate No. Candidate Name Proposer Seconder
1 Agnes Dehu Tiag MacInnes Catherine Walker
2 Norman D MacAskill David Peter Buckland Mary T MacInnes
3 Gilbert MacInnes Jennie MacInnes Margaret Justice
4 Kevin Finlay Morrison Angus A MacMillan Christine MacQuarrie

 

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

Nominee – Agnes Dehu

Proposer – Tiag MacInnes; Seconder – Catherine Walker

I am excited to announce my candidacy for a position on the Stòras Uibhist Board of Directors. My motivation for standing for election to the Stòras Uibhist Board of Directors stems from my commitment to playing a positive role in the community.

Having lived and worked here for 8 years, I feel very much part of the Uist community. Through my work as a teacher, and presently as Tagsa Uibhist’s Care Manager, I have a deep understanding of the aspirations and challenges of people here. I have extensive experience of reporting to a Board of Directors, and I have a good track record in putting strategies and plans into action. I understand the role of a manager, and what challenges and fulfilment this role can bring. I am very aware of the huge benefits of working in collaboration with other organisations, where each can work to its strengths and support the aims of the other. In a small community, this is vital.

Having lived and worked in Poland, France, and Scotland, and being fluent in several languages, I have an internationalist outlook. I understand the special appeal of Uist for visitors. I’d like to bring new ideas into the tourism industry. There is so much untapped potential. Whilst tourism is a key economic driver in Uist, it is vital to put measures in place to ensure responsible tourism, for example, infrastructure for camper vans, promoting our culture and protecting our environment.

For the sustainable future of our community, it is extremely important to create career paths for young people in particular, and to provide housing solutions. Uist is a spectacular place to live and raise a family but moving here can be a challenge due to the lack of jobs and housing.

As a new Director, I would be able to contribute to responsible tourism initiatives, HR development, listening to employees’ feedback, building trust, developing internal and external communication, and opening up channels of communication between members, employees and the Stòras Uibhist Board of Directors.

Nominee – Norman D MacAskill

Proposer – David Peter Buckland; Seconder – Mary T MacInnes

I have been proud to serve as a director for 3 years and would welcome the opportunity to continue the work Stòras has been doing and play my part in future developments.

I have been closely involved with the support that has been made available for our crofting community this year, including drainage projects, our important goose scaring project and the Nespora testing for cattle that Stòras has funded in partnership with the Southern Isles Veterinary Practice.

As chair of SURE I have worked closely with Stòras staff to negotiate a new PPA which secured the price we get for our power for the next 3 years at the highest level available on the market.

If I am lucky to be re-elected I will continue to act as a strong voice for the crofting community while at the same time ensuring Stòras persues key economic devleopment policies that will benefit our whole island.

Nominee – Gilbert MacInnes

Proposer – Jennie MacInnes; Seconder – Margaret Justice

I’m originally from Eriskay but I’ve spent most of my life in the South of England.  I work in Telecoms and computer networking – mostly working from home.  We moved back to South Uist at the end of 2018 to be nearer the rest of my immediate family (my mother and two sisters having moved back 2016/2018).

As I expressed a wish to be more involved in the community life of the Islands I was asked to be treasurer of Eriskay Hall and secretary of the Orasay Fishery Group.

I feel I can offer a different view on the workings of the company and I hope my technical and organizational skills will come in handy.

Nominee –  Kevin Finlay Morrison

Proposer – Angus A MacMillan; Seconder – Christine MacQuarrie

I would like to be considered for a position as a director at Stòras Uibhist as I feel that a younger voice with my life experiences on the board will help to diversify opinion on key issues such as housing, crofting, employment, transport and business development.

I have a vast experience in working with community groups, charitable organisations and local authorities for the betterment of local communities both as an employee and volunteer. I have expertise in communication, intergenerational work and have a vast knowledge of the physical and mental health agenda which is key for community members who may feel isolated and unheard at the present time following an extremely difficult 2 years.

I have been heavily involved in the Resilient Uist group that delivered medication and shopping to community members shielding and isolating throughout the Covid 19 pandemic. I was also one of the main organisers of our first Lochboisdale Food and Drink festival that took place in September 2021. This was put in place to help give local businesses a boost following a fairly tough 2 years.

I have also recently had experience of starting my own business and believe I can contribute and support the board with knowledge of issues that matter to our ever-growing network of small businesses on island.

I’ve much to learn about all the ins, outs and workings of Stòras Uibhist at present but promise to immerse myself in the organisation, listen to the opinions of members from all backgrounds and work alongside the other board members to create a clear pathway of support to the community going forward.

 

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Sealladh na Beinne Mòire Directors Election Results 2021

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The 2021 annual director election for Sealladh na Beinne Mòire is now complete.

This year there was one (1) Board vacancy to be filled.

Members voted for 4 nominated candidates through a postal ballot organised under the auspices of the Comhairle.

Member turnout for the election was 51.7%

Norman MacAskill was re-elected to the board with 170 votes.

Speaking of the result Norman MacAskill said, ‘I am delighted to have been re-elected to the board and I look forward to continuing to play my part in the progress the organisation is making and to continue to speak as a strong voice for everyone across our community’’.

The full result was as follows:

Nominee Votes Received Elected/Not elected

 

Norman MacAskill

 

170

 

Elected

 

Kevin Morrison

 

149

 

Not elected

 

Agnes Dehu

 

89

 

Not elected

 

Gilbert MacInnes

 

27

 

Not elected

SnBM Chairperson Mary Schmoller said ‘Standing as a candidate takes courage and I would like to thank Kevin, Agnes and Gil for showing their support for Sealladh na Beinne Mòire and for putting themselves forward in the ballot. I would like to encourage all of our community to become members of SnBM so they are eligible to vote in future elections.

We warmly welcome Norman back to the board  

Our Annual General Meeting will be held on the 18th November at 7.30pm at Southend Community Hall and we hope to see another tremendous turnout. Further details can be found on our website.’

 

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Mary Schmoller re-appointed as Chair of Sealladh na Beinne Mòire

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The Directors of Sealladh na Beinne Mòire are pleased to announce that Mary Schmoller has been reappointed as Chair of both SnBM and South Uist Estates Ltd.

Mary, who has served as a director for 10 years said ‘I am delighted that my fellow directors have once again given me their support. We have a number of exciting projects in development and I believe 2022 will be a great year for us. And as we announced at our recent AGM, the Community Fund will re-open in early 2022 with full details being shared with members early in the New Year’.

DJ Cameron has been appointed as Vice Chair to SnBM and South Uist Estates.

Calum MacMillan was reappointed as Chair of Lochboisdale Development Ltd with fellow directors Mary Schmoller, Donnie Steele and Andrew Laing joining him on that board. Calum said ‘Lochboisdale harbour is a vital asset and has an important role to play in our development plans. I look forward to working with our team at the harbour and the LDL board to continue with the work that we have done in the last few years’.

Norman MacAskill will continue to chair the board of South Uist Renewable Energy along with Catriona Walker, DJ Cameron and Mary Schmoller. Norman said ‘Our windfarm operation is vital to the success of the whole organisation. As well ensuring we maximise financial return from this asset, I look forward to exploring other renewable energy opportunities as well as continuing to lobby for an upgrade to the existing interconnector’.

 

 

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SnBM Community Fund to re-open March 2022

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Stòras Uibhist is delighted to confirm the SnBM Community Fund will re-open to applications in March 2022.

Applications will be welcomed for projects that deliver lasting benefit to the South Uist Estate including new income generation, new business start-up, land development, tourism and heritage promotion, training, equipment and local events.

The deadline for the first round of applications is Tuesday 1st March 2022.  We recommend you contact Deirdre Steele, Community Fund Officer, to discuss your project, timescales and funding requirements in advance of submitting an application.  Application forms and guidance notes are available to download from the Stòras Uibhist website and an electronic version of the form is available on request from the Funds Officer.

We hope to give decisions on applications within 4 weeks.

Future application deadlines will be 3rd May, 1st July, 1st September and 1st November 2022.

For further information please visit www.storasuibhist.com/community-fund or Contact Deirdre Steele at deirdre.steele@storasuibhist.com or on 07385 922371.

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Stòras Uibhist open letter to Transport Minister re Lochboisdale ferry issues.

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Dear Ms Gilruth

 

Congratulations to your appointment as Minister for Transport. I wish you every success in the role.

I write on behalf of the directors of Stòras Uibhist, the community landlord responsible for the largest community buyout in Scotland.

Stòras Uibhist owns and manages the South Uist estate which consists of the islands of South Uist, Eriskay and a large part of Benbecula.

On behalf of our community I must express our continued frustration and extreme disappointment at the ferry service from Lochboisdale to Mallaig and Oban.

You will be aware that the entire CalMac ferry network is under severe strain and is quite simply not fit for purpose. There is a desperate need for both significant investment and a complete overhaul of the management structure to place the needs of the island communities at its heart. At the moment the communities that rely on ferries for their very existence feel excluded and ignored. This must not be allowed to continue.

More specifically I must draw your attention to the particular problems with the Lochboisdale service. I wrote to your predecessor Graeme Dey in August of last year and asked why the Lochboisdale service is considered to be dispensable by CalMac. This service is continually ‘bumped’ when there are problems elsewhere on the network and it appears to our community that our service is simply viewed as ‘the one that doesn’t matter’ / ‘the go-to service to cancel’.

I received a reply refuting this claim, but it is quite obvious with the latest cancellations for practically the whole of March that this is indeed the case.

Cancelling this service causes enormous problems for our community. Having to travel via North Uist and Uig adds massively to transport costs, notably for our commercial and haulage sectors. Accessing vital services or travelling for work for islanders becomes significantly more difficult and travel for tourists is much less appealing meaning our tourism sector, already decimated by Covid, continues to struggle at the expense of those islands with a more reliable service.

No doubt someone at Calmac head office is looking at a map and assuming that we can simply make do with a service from North Uist. This is not acceptable.

We are a realistic and pragmatic community. We know the ferry network will not be fixed overnight and there is no magic wand. Until the investment is found and structural changes are implemented we are simply asking to be treated fairly. Last year CalMac made positive noises about chartering additional ferries to improve reliability but this appears to have come to nothing. Can you please assure me that a genuine effort is being made by CalMac because it surely cannot take 6 months or more to find a suitable vessel.

Stòras Uibhist therefore calls upon you to look at again at the decisions being taken regarding the Lochboisdale service and insist that CalMac treat this service on a par with all other island services.

Yours Sincerely

 

Darren Taylor

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SnBM Community Fund

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We are delighted with the response to the re-opening of the SnBM Community Fund.  Thank you to all who have enquired and applied so far.

The first round awards have been approved towards the following organisations and projects;

 

£3,230   Comann Eachdraidh Eirisgeidh  – Eriskay School Regeneration Project, Phase 1

£1,000   Croft & Cuan – Ready Meal Production

£4,000   Iochdar Community Council – Slighe an Iochdair

£1,000   Lasgair Bike Hire – E-bike purchase

£500      Uist Community Riding School – Towards equipment to hold tiny tots and seniors coffee mornings

 

We also received an application from Lucky2BHere to install an Automated External Defibrillator at Lochboisdale Harbour as part of their development plan, however Lochboisdale Development Ltd have agreed to cover the cost of this.

 

We are pleased to confirm the addition of a significant new Outcome;

Address climate change through delivering or promoting environmental protection and development practices”

 

The SnBM Board are particularly keen to support local business start-ups and existing businesses.  Please get in touch to discuss your project or idea.  Email deirdre.steele@storasuibhist.com or call 07385 922371.

 

Our next deadline for applications is Tuesday 3rd May 2022

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SnBM Community Fund – May Recipients

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Well done to the following organisations who were successful with their applications for support from the SnBM Community Fund;

£1,000   Crafty Macs – Business Start Up

£3,000   Hebridean Kiltmakers – Island Kilt Hire Stock

£5,000   Long Island Retreats & Larder – Business Start Up

£1,000   UHI Outer Hebrides – ‘Sgeir nam Portan’ Community recording and excavation at Kildonan

We look forward to seeing progress on these projects in the near future.

 

Thank you to all who have enquired and applied so far to the SnBM Community Fund.  The next deadline for applications is this Friday, 1st July 2022.  The following deadline will be Thursday 1st September.  Email deirdre.steele@storasuibhist.com or call 07385 922371 / 01878 700101.

The SnBM Board are particularly keen to support local business start-ups and existing businesses.  Please get in touch to discuss your project or idea.

Email deirdre.steele@storasuibhist.com or call 07385 922371.

Our next deadline for applications is Thursday 1st September 2022

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Lochboisdale Ferry Business Impact Report

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Lochboisdale Ferry Business Impact Group was set up in direct response to the loss of the Lochboisdale – Mallaig ferry service between 17th– 30th May 2022.  This additional loss after an excessive number of cancelations between November and March moved the group to action an investigation and commission an economic impact survey to ascertain the resulting damage to the economy of Uist & Barra when the Lord of The Isles (LOTI) is removed from its route.

The survey, which was sent to 395 businesses across Uist & Barra, ranging in industries from accommodation, food producers, IT, retail and more, returned staggering findings that 91% of the businesses were affected by the period of cancelled sailings, and concluded a loss of £648,000 to the local economy for those 14 days, an income that can never be re-couped.

This survey provided a clearer picture of what the financial repercussions are for each time South Uist is left without a direct connection to the mainland.

The assessment shows that for each day of cancelled sailings Uist suffers a loss equivalent to almost 2.5x full year’s average salary on Uist (£46,285 a day).

The group also looked into the other services across the Calmac fleet and found that not only is the Lochboisdale sailing disproportionately removed, the timetabled sailings show that in terms of population South Uist has an inadequate number of weekly sailings. South Uist, Eriskay and Benbecula has a population of 3,200 and only 10 sailings a week, compared to other islands such as Mull which has a population of 2667 and 209 sailings across its multiple routes. This would suggest Calmac prioritise day-tripping tourist numbers over the island residents it is contracted to serve.

The group are focused on finding solutions, using the finding of the assessment to push for a more reliable service with transparency from all parties. The group have requested the following:

  • Plan B: A clear contingency plan for all disruptions. Whilst Calmac did deploy the mezzanine deck on the already fully booked Lochmaddy sailing and an additional boat across the South of Barra, this was done many days after the cancellations were announced and as such bookings were already lost and not retrievable.

A reasonable request is to have a well-known contingency plan that is actioned directly with any cancelation or removal of service.

 

  • Transparent information on cancellations: Clear information on what the safety parameters are around sailing conditions and the LOTI. There seems to be a lack of consistency with what is classed as “adverse weather” and as such the group would like Calmac to provide more information in the case of a cancelation, explaining exactly why the weather conditions exceed the safety parameters of the LOTI.

 

  • Change of Calmac T&C’s: Currently when a sailing is cancelled due to technical issues Calmac cover the expenses for the passenger caught up in the event. However, there is no compensation for the loss of bookings to the accommodation and service providers facing cancelations in this case. The group would like to see these terms changed so that the impact on the island economy is less effected.

 

  • Compensation: With an understanding that Calmac are fined by Scottish Government for not completing their contracted services, the group see it more suitable that the fine be transferred directly to the community as the ones who are affected. How this money is spent should be up to the islanders and with the purpose of recovering the damage done to the local economy.

 

The group have met with Dr Alasdair Allan MSP who has forwarded the groups solution ideas and questions to Transport Minster Jenny Gilruth, Calmac’s Robbie Drummond and CMAL’s Kevin Hobbs. The group have also requested a meeting with each party.

The following are comments from the group in relation to the results of the survey:

 “No ferry means no income, no jobs, no people”

“Uist is speedily advancing in many industries such as renewables, heritage, food and drink production with 2 new distilleries being built and even a Space Port in the plans. Uist is not held back by lack of ambition or capability, but by Calmac, CMAL, and Scottish Government treating our lifeline connection as expendable

“Uist is home to a strong Gaelic Culture, without a strong direct lifeline to the mainland that culture will quickly dilute and eventually evaporate with islanders forced to move their businesses and families to the mainland. It’s akin to a modern-day clearances”

 

The Lochboisdale Ferry Business Impact Group will continue to push for the service that South Uist deserves to protect its businesses, economy, communities and culture.   A submission will be made to the Cross Party Parliamentary Group.

Loss of CalMac to Southern Isles Economic Assessment Report

Comments and suggestions can be sent to ferryimpact@storasuibhist.com

 

Christina Morrison

Lochboisdale Ferry Business Impact Group

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SnBM Community Fund – July Recipients

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Well done to the following organisations who were successful with their applications for support from the SnBM Community Fund in the last round;

 

£500      Comann na Gaidhlig – Tachartasan Samhraidh  

£900      Comann each nan Eilean – Là Fèill Mhìcheil          

£2,000   Jamie MacKenzie Bricklayer – Equipment purchase

£5,000   Lochboisdale Marine Services – Towards purchase of boat for Leisure Excursions

We look forward to seeing progress on these projects in the near future.

 

Thank you to all who have enquired and applied so far to the SnBM Community Fund.

The next deadline for applications is Tuesday, 1st November 2022.

 

We have revised the application form and reduced the number of questions asked, making the process less onerous. 

For further information please just get in touch.

Email deirdre.steele@storasuibhist.com or call 01878 700101.

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Lochboisdale Strategic Visioning Questionnaire

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G+GA have been commissioned by Lochboisdale Development Ltd to undertake a strategic visioning exercise for Lochboisdale.

The purpose of the exercise is to create a clear vision for the future of Lochboisdale and develop a strategy to achieve this.

To start this process we need YOUR input. This questionnaire will help us to investigate the key challenges and opportunities currently facing Lochboisdale and direct the vision for the future of the village.

Answer each question by giving a rating on a scale from 1 to 7.
1. lots of room for improvement – 7. very little room for improvement

We have provided some prompts to help. If you are answering as a group you should agree the rating between you. There is a space for you to record the reasons for your answers.

Your responses should reach us by 21st October 2022. You can drop your response in to Stòras Uibhist office/letterbox, drop it into Croft & Cuan in Lochboisdale or email your response to our Community Engagement Officer Christina Morrison on details below:
Christina Morrison
Lochboisdale Strategic Visioning Community Engagement Officer
christina.morrison@storasuibhist.com

Download the questionnaire here!

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