Community empowerment and the case for change.
When asked to contribute to this column, I panicked! I’m more comfortable with a microphone in a hall than I am with a keyboard and a blank page. I began by musing upon what drives and shapes me, the main strands are: my Community; my Christian faith and the Gaelic language.
I’ve spent most of my 70+ years in Uist. As I cast my mind back, I reflect on the enormous changes that I have seen. I marvel at the progress that has taken place in our Islands whilst I’m mindful of the challenges Uist faces to continue being an idyllic place to live, work and visit.
At twelve years of age, I left home to attend school in Daliburgh, which seemed like going to the other side of the planet. At 16, along with my peers, I travelled across the sea to continue further education in Fort William and later, onwards to Glasgow. As innocent, penniless teuchters, our teenage years on the mainland felt very far from the comfort of the croft and shores which we knew as home. It was a time where leaving wasn’t optional, but mandatory for education and training.
I returned to Uist in the mid 70’s, as the Glory Years were unfolding with exciting change taking place. Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar was established and ably led by two wise clergymen: Rev MacAulay of Stornoway and Fr Callum MacLellan of Benbecula Parish. They successfully reassured communities on either side of the Sound of Harris that by working together, their ambition of equal opportunity and prosperity could be achieved. This unity overturned centuries of history!
European funding flowed into our Islands bringing causeways, fish-farming, crofting improvements and social projects. Sgoil Lìonacleit was opened, job opportunities became available. Crofting and community life rubbed alongside good day jobs. I had the chance to build a home, raise a family, run a croft and live in a vibrant community. I worked as a teacher and generally, life was good.
The good times did not last and by the 90’s, policies of centralisation crept in, almost by stealth. The first painful realisation was the closure of Daliburgh Hospital, much against the will of the people. Hundreds travelled to Stornoway to protest and were met by only a closed door. Another example of unfulfilled ambition is, that today, little two-way road exists south of Grimsay. More recently we have seen our dental services, mental health services, support for children among other things become depleted or non-existent. Anecdotes from patients travelling across land and sea to hospital are concerning. Yet, we read of great opportunities and services available in Stornoway, I wonder what Mgr Callum and Rev MacAulay would say and do about that!
Our representatives try to fob us off by saying there are not enough funds available. Uist is entitled to services and it’s their duty to change the hearts and minds of those who control policies and resources. Somehow, it doesn’t feel like they’re reaching us at the moment; maybe new strategies are required.
Over time, I’ve been privileged to participate in community initiatives and I’m fully aware of the difference they make. Community work is demanding and hugely rewarding, people of all ages who are involved in a wide range of organisations do a remarkable job. Equally amazing are those who work for the organisations, with little job security and few progression pathways as these posts are generally project funded.
Last week the power of membership came to life in South Uist. Dissatisfied members of Stòras Uibhist presented a challenge to their Executive. Following due process, a group of members were granted an Extraordinary General Meeting – a skilful campaign was undertaken and a motion for a secret vote was prepared. Although the proposed motion was not carried, the campaign without doubt, made an impression locally and nationally – a wake-up call for Stòras Uibhist.
The voices of crofters were not as plentiful at the meeting as I was expecting. Crofter Iseabail MacDonald from Ormiclate powerfully articulated her case and showed the impact of deer on her life. How bizarre that 400+ votes were submitted without people hearing the carefully crafted arguments for and against the motion? Stòras members are great policymakers while sitting by the Rayburn but they need to make their views heard aloud!
Life isn’t easy for the Stòras Board. New ideas are risky, costly and take a long time to develop – sticking with the old feels safer. Often there may be no right or wrong answer to problems, but solutions can be negotiated. Members rightly should challenge constructively, praise as appropriate and in general be supportive to encourage trust across the whole organisation.
It’s past the middle of Lent, the season to abstain, repent and be more charitable. Uist people are brilliant at coming forward in unity to worship and give support to those who need it. For myself every Lent, I struggle with giving up chocs, Facebook and hot toddies and strive to stay awake to finish my prayers!
What of the Gaelic language? In my role as Chair of Bòrd na Gàidhlig I often hear of Gaelic being described as an economic asset, of its tangible and intangible benefits and of cultural tourism. Sometimes I think “b’eòlach mo sheanair air cultural tourism!”
Gaelic and Uist are hugely important to each other nowadays. Across the world, we are held in high esteem as one of the special places where Gaelic is spoken in daily life. Gaelic needs learners, reluctant speakers and stalwarts. We’re all in it together and I encourage those of you who have lost your confidence in speaking it to give it a go – let it come out! Are families happy with the Gaelic offer in Sgoil Lionacleit and UHI Outer Hebrides? If not, it’s time to speak up! Your children only get one shot at education!
I have been closely involved with developing Cnoc Soilleir – the world-class new facility which is bringing much-needed jobs and ‘buzz’ to the South End. The sheer dedication, determination and leadership demonstrated by Ceòlas has resulted in transformational change. Already, the building is very busy with people gathering for a host of reasons. More is still to come!
Our community has a very high percentage of employment delivered by the third-sector or voluntary groups. Such precarious circumstances make our economy extremely fragile. Running
organisations, securing funding and recruitment is tough, but we manage it.
We are a stoic, resilient and innovative community and will thrive and progress if the necessary infrastructure and resources are directed to us. We must be prepared to speak up strongly and politely – NOW.
