Local News from our Community Organisations

North Uist & Benbecula Locality Planning Partnership

While the weather may not have been on our side this year, work has been ongoing to bring some colour to Uist with our annual roadside flower planters

. With support from Western Isles Lottery double last years number, more than 20 planters have gone out across the island from Berneray to Eriskay. Work is ongoing with our invaluable community volunteers to replant and paint those that went out last year, during any window of sunshine we can find!

Uist in Bloom has also been able to cover some landscaping work in Balivanich; the entrance to Airport Beach has been cut back, and look out next month for the new information point being unveiled and soon to arrive picnic benches to further enhance the area.

We have also been brightening up Lochmaddy with bunting and flags in celebration of Comann Na Mara’s shoreline activities weekend in June. Again, rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of the fantastic group of volunteers who brought an entire programme of community activities to Lochmaddy for all ages to enjoy.

This July we are hosting open garden events to raise money for local charities. Local gardening enthusiasts have offered to open their gardens to the community to enjoy the garden, some light refreshments and good company.

As events will be weather dependent and therefore advertised at short notice, keep an eye on The North Uist and Benbecula Locality Partnership facebook page for dates and locations or call 07795510927.

Please do also get in touch if you would be interested in hosting an open garden to raise funds for your chosen charity, the partnership will organise the day for you, all you need to worry about are the flowers!

Comann na Mara

The St Kilda Yacht Race itself was cancelled at the last minute but the programme of shore-based events organised by Comann na Mara went ahead as planned. The colourful flags and bunting decorating the town cheerfully greeted everyone through the wind and rain. The ‘Herring Girls of North Uist’ Exhibition was well attended and received many favourable comments, ’Taigh Ciuil’, Taigh Chearsabhagh’s music evening, and the CnM ceilidh, were well attended and enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. There were 16 stalls at the table-top sale, and the Uist Pipe Band entertained the crowds, followed by the talented young Dochas Dancers, resplendent in their costumes. Lochmaddy Fire Station was open on the Saturday and visitors had the opportunity to tour the fire appliance and receive advice about home safety.

The Raffle raised £274 for CnM. CnM would like to thank everyone who contributed in any way.

North Uist Development Company

In June, Janet MacDonald, the last of the long line of distinguished head teachers in Lochmaddy’s Primary School, cut the ceremonial ribbon to formally open the Arainneachd Alainn Community Hub and Environment Centre in the former school.

Since coming into the ownership of North Uist Development Company the building has been extensively revamped as a new community asset and now houses an impressive exhibition celebrating ‘Our Island, Our Environment, Our Future’. NUDC has some office space for rent in the former school and is setting up hot desk facilities for those requiring an occasional working space with high-speed BT internet connection. A Community Room with projection facilities is available for talks and occasional events such as Comann na Mara’s ‘Herring Girls’ exhibition, still runnixng on days the Centre is open. Opening hours are posted on-line and at the Centre weekly, depending on the availability of volunteers. Anyone interested in volunteering is invited to email nudc@isleofnorthuist.com.

Comunn Eachdraidh Bheàrnaraigh

Berneray Historical Society is based in the old Nurse’s Cottage in Berneray on the main road on the east of Berneray, just beyond the fishing harbour.

One person in six in Berneray is involved in the work of the Society and in staffing the Cottage, and all are volunteers.

The Cottage is open from 11am to 3pm on week days and entry is free. There are two rooms packed with information about the people of Berneray, their stories and their lives.

You can learn about MacLeods of the 17th and 18th centuries, both the heroic and the unscrupulous. From the 19th century, find out about Giant MacAskill and measure your height against his. Read why Rory Bethune left Berneray and how he made his home in Cape Breton. Look at the everyday life of the 20th century and find out about the crofting year in the 21st century.

We hope you will visit us and see for yourself.