Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

29 December 2009

Comhairle and Police Issue Winter Travel Warning

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and the Police are advising drivers in the Western Isles to take extra care over the next few days as low temperatures...

23 December 2009

Town Hall Proposals - 3D ‘Walkthrough’

3D ‘walkthrough’ showing the proposed changes to Stornoway Town Hall is now available...

18 December 2009

CNES and NHS Western Isles At Forefront Of National Development

The Outer Hebrides is leading the way on a new community protection initiative...

17 December 2009

Budget Discussions

Next year’s budget is being discussed at a meeting of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Policy and Resources Committee today...

15 December 2009

Town Hall Proposals Are To Increase Usage and Improve Facilities

Plans to refurbish Stornoway Town Hall are intended to increase civic and community usage of the facility and improve the building, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has stressed...

Slàinte Mhath From Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar!

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is encouraging people in the Western Isles to kick start 2010 with a new healthy and active lifestyle...

9 December 2009

Harris Tweed Industry Liaison Group

Action is needed now to address the ageing demographic of the workforce and future demand for Harris Tweed. That was one of the messages at a meeting this week of the Harris Tweed Industry Liaison Group...

8 December 2009

Exhibition Commemorating 30 Years Since The Opening Of Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar Main Building

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar will host a photographic exhibition to mark thirty years since the main Comhairle building on Sandwick Rd was officially opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II...

3 December 2009

Transmission Charging Hearing In European Parliament

A transmission charging hearing was held in the European Parliament this week where the case for fair rates for Island areas was made. The hearing was chaired by Scottish MEP Alyn Smith...

2 December 2009

New Website For Well Known Harris Business

Thanks to advice from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Live Hebrides service, a well known Harris company, AD Munro (Harris) Ltd. now has a brand new website to help with their business...

1 December 2009

Success For Stornoway Primary School In National Gaelic Writing Competition

Three pupils from Stornoway Primary School have been placed in first and second place in a national Gaelic writing competition...

Community Engagement Event In Barra

People in Barra will have the opportunity this Thursday to discuss how community aims and objectives can be achieved...

30 November 2009

Carloway School Wins Top Green Accolade From Yellow Pages

Pupils and staff at Carloway Primary School in the Isle of Lewis, are enjoying their new green accolade: Yellow Pages Recycling Champions for Scotland 2009...

Final Of BT Alba Gaelic Schools Debate 2009

The final of this year’s BT Alba Debate competition was held at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh between teams from Portree High School consisting of Anna MacMullan and Eilidh Robertson and Bishopbriggs Academy’s consisting of Eilidh Munro and Heather Kindness...

26 November 2009

Schools Investment Programme

Cllr Morag Munro, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Chair of Education and Children’s Services has welcomed an announcement from the Scottish Government that they will provide 50% of the funding for a new school or refurbishment at Daliburgh School in South Uist...

24 November 2009

Outer Hebrides PSP Bid Secures Scottish Government Support

An Outer Hebrides Public Social Partnership bid is among ten in Scotland to get the go ahead from the Scottish Government...

17 November 2009

Task Force Seeking Business and Community Views

The Hebrides Range Task Force is seeking views and opinions from business and the community over the economic future for the Uists and Benbecula...

Housing Meeting

Following a meeting with Alex Neil MSP, Minister for Housing at the Scottish Executive, Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Councillor Angus Campbell along with Councillor Norman MacDonald, welcomed the discussions which took place regarding housing issues in the Western Isles...

16 November 2009

Changes To Winter Maintenance Policy

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has made changes to its winter maintenance policy. When required, gritting will now begin an hour later, starting at 6.00am..

St Kilda Working Group: St Kilda Centre Feasibility Study

The St Kilda Working Group met on Thursday 12th November and considered representations made by groups from Uist and Harris regarding the feasibility study into a St Kilda Centre...

13 November 2009

Comhairle Welcome £1.5 Funding For Stornoway Regeneration

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar today welcomed the news that the Stornoway Regeneration Group had secured £1.5 million from the Scottish Government's Town Centre Regeneration Fund (TCRF)...

12 November 2009

Comhairle Warn Of Bogus Email Scam

Trading Standards Officers at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar have receieved several complaints about an e mail purporting to be from HM Revenue and Customs...

Wiiga In Search For New Team Managers Ahead Of 2011 Natwest Island Games

The Western Isles Island Games Association (WIIGA) has announced their search for team managers ahead of the 2011 Natwest Island Game...

10 November 2009

Live Hebrides Host A Series Of Highly Successful Workshops

Live Hebrides have just completed a round of workshops throughout the islands which were very well attended...

Debt Recovery Policy

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has approved a new policy to recover outstanding Council Tax, Non Domestic Rates and other debts...

9 November 2009

Poisoning risk: consumers urged to check their cooker make and model (Trading Standards Institute)

An urgent appeal has been issued today to thousands of consumers who remain at risk from potentially fatal carbon monoxide poisoning in their homes despite concerted efforts by the manufacturer and trading standards to reach them...

5 November 2009

BT Gaelic Debate 2009 Semi Finalists Announced

Following an afternoon of tense and difficult debate, the four teams who will compete in the semi-finals of the BT Gaelic Debate 2009 have been announced...

Welcome As SHETL Opts For Subsea Connection

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar  has welcomed news that Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission Limited (SHETL) is to pursue a subsea route for the Grabhir/Stornoway connection...

2 November 2009

Contractor Sought For £2.1m Creative Industries And Media Centre In Stornoway

The Comhairle is seeking expressions of interest from building contractors for the redevelopment of a former Mill Building on Seaforth Road in Stornoway to create a new Creative Industries and Media Centre...

29 October 2009

St Kilda Working Group Recommendations Announced

Following an independent feasibility study, funded by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and LEADER, the St Kilda Centr...

27 October 2009

Launch Of ‘Sin Thu Fhèin’

‘Sin Thu Fhèin’ is a new two year inter-generational project, funded by Bòrd na Gàidlig, that explores concepts and memories of childhoods and growing up...

Final Preparations Underway For BT Alba Debate 2009

Final preparations are taking place ahead of the 2009 BT Scotland National Schools Gaelic Debat...

26 October 2009

Free Fire Safety Visit For All Homes In The Western Isles

Several Elected Members of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar have been working alongside the Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service in a new initiative...

23 October 2009

Safetywise Urge The Responsible Use Of Fireworks

As the 5th of November and Guy Fawkes events across the country approach Trading Standards and Fire Officers have now completed inspections ...

Shortlist Announced For Sgoiltean Ùra Project

Following on from the recent submission of planning applications for the five schools being built as part of the Western Isles Schools Project, Sgoiltean Ùra has recently announced the shortlists ...

21 October 2009

Another Prominent Milestone For Sgoiltean Ùra Project

The Western Isles Schools Project has reached another prominent milestone...

19 October 2009

Public meeting On Coastal Changes

Significant new reports by Scottish Natural Heritage on changes taking place on the Uists’ coasts are to be launched at a public meeting to be held in South Uist on Monday evening...

£50,000 Invested In Harris Tweed As Training Gets Underway

15 mill workers will be benefitting from bespoke training as the Harris Tweed Skills & Training Programme gets underway...

15 October 2009

Welcome News On Langoustine Certification

Commenting on the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification gained by Stornoway Western Isles Langoustine Fishery, Comhairle Leader Angus Campbell said...

13 October 2009

Stornoway Primary Pupils Placed in First, Second and Third Place!

In Saturdays fiddle group competition for children under the age of thirteen, Stornoway primary pupils were placed in first, second and third place!...

New Awareness Campaign Urges Public To Act Against Harm

Act against harm – that’s the message behind a new campaign designed to help protect adults living in Scotland who are at risk from harm or neglect.

More Success For Western Isles Competitors At Oban Mod

Junior competitors from the Western Isles have got off to a fantastic start at the Royal National Mòd 2009 in Oban...

8 October 2009

EU Island Regions Express Solidarity With Small Island States On The Issue Of Climate Change

The European islands’ regional authorities, which have recently met in Gothenburg in the framework of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions’ General Assembly, have voiced their support for the small island states’...

Islanders Prepare For Mod 2009

After months of dedication and preparation competitors and local choirs from across the Western Isles are in the final stages of practice ahead of the 2009 Royal National Mod.

6 October 2009

Success Of Macmillan Coffee Morning

On Friday September 25th 2009, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Sandwick Road building took part in the Annual MacMillan Coffee Morning and the magnificent sum of £1388.50 was raised...

Comhairle Welcomes Marine Harvest Discussions

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has welcomed initial discussions with Marine Harvest on the company’s future plans for the Western Isles...

1 October 2009

Welcome For Lewis Chessmen Exhibition

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has welcomed news that the Lewis Chessmen will be exhibited in the Western Isles in 2011...

29 September 2009

10 Years Of Childcare Partnership

The Western Isles Childcare Partnership today celebrated its tenth anniversary...

28 September 2009

Coping With A Changing Climate – Opportunities And Challenges

People living or working near the coast and with an interest in the environmental changes which are taking place are invited to attend CoastAdapt Workshops during early October in Benbecula and Stornoway...

25 September 2009

Finance secretary launches national business advice service in the Highlands and Islands

Business Gateway, the national business advice service, has been formally launched in the Highlands & Islands today by John Swinney MSP...

24 September 2009

Gàidhlig Gu Leòr - Là Fiosrachaidh Na Gàidhlig

A bheil ùidh agaibh ann am Foghlam Tro Mheadhan na Gàidhlig...

23 September 2009

£110m Schools Project Moves Ahead

Plans to build five new schools in the Outer Hebrides moved ahead today as Comhairle nan Eilean Siar agreed the design of the new facilities in principle...

22 September 2009

Benbecula Business Meeting

In early 2009 Comhairle nan Eilean Siar held meetings with local businesses to discuss the "credit crunch" and to identify what could be done to counter any negative effects arising from the financial crisis. It is now proposed to hold a follow-up meeting in Benbecula...

21 September 2009

Buy With Confidence Seminar

As part of this years National Consumer Week the Trading Standards service of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar ran a training seminar for the Buy with Confidence members from Construction Trades in the Islands...

17 September 2009

Comhairle Slams HIE’s £25m Investment

Highlands and Islands Enterprise should be investing in the fragile areas of the Highlands and Islands, not the already booming economy of Inverness, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has stated today...

Unlicensed Traders Tracked Down

Trading Standards Officers at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar want to thank the public and partner agencies for their help with tracking down unlicensed Doorstep Sellers in Lewis earlier this week...

15 September 2009

Success For Hebridean Range Task Force Campaign

The Hebrides Range Taskforce welcomes the Secretary of State for Scotland’s announcement that the MOD has rejected QinetiQ’s proposals to rationalise Command and Control functions at Hebrides Range on Benbecula...

11 September 2009

Grant Aid For Historic Buildings

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is offering grant aid to help the owners of historic buildings with essential repairs...

First Round Draw Announced for BT Alba Debate 2009

Plans are now well underway for the 2009 BT Scotland National Schools Gaelic Debate. The first two rounds will be held in An Lanntair in Stornoway on Tuesday and Wednesday the 3rd and 4th of November 2009. Sixteen schools from across Scotland...

8 September 2009

Success Story For Outer Hebrides Top Young Entrepreneurs

A young businesswoman has been named Outer Hebrides young entrepreneur of the year at the regional finals of the 2009 Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT) ‘Young Entrepreneur of the Year’ Awards...

4 September 2009

Civic Reception For Girlguiding Scotland Centenary

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar this evening held a Civic Reception to mark the beginning of the Centenary year of the Girlguiding Scotland movement. Present at the event were volunteers from...

3 September 2009

Economic Boost For Isles

The Western Isles economy will receive a £9m boost between now and 2011, through Comhairle nan Eilean Siar's capital programme and Housing investment, Councillors heard today...

Budgetary Pressures Will Mean Hard Choices

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar faces challenging times ahead in the face of budgetary pressures which will mean increasingly scarce resources being targeted at priorities, Councillors in the Western Isles heard today...

Success of Benefit Take-Up Campaign (CLAIM-IT)

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar's Policy and Resources Committee were today (Thursday) informed on the achievements of the Benefits Take-up Project, Claim It!..

Live Hebrides Website Goes Live!

The Live Hebrides project team have announced the launch of their new website which will give local businesses and groups...

St Kilda Centre Proposals

The St Kilda Centre Working Group has confirmed that three sites have been identified for futher investigation as the location for the potential St Kilda Centre...

Comhairle Sadness at Passing of Deputy Lord Lieutenant

The Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has expressed deep sadness at the death of a well known member of the Western Isles, Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Dr John A J MacLeod MBE of Lochmaddy, North Uist...

2 September 2009

Support For Upgraded Interconnector / Comhairle Approve Eishken Windfarm

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has stressed its support for Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission Limited (SHETL) in the business case they are presenting to Ofgem for a 450MW Western Isles electricity transmission link...

1 September 2009

St Kilda Centre Proposals

Proposals for a St Kilda Centre, which will aim to capture and celebrate the ‘spirit of place’ of the UK’s only mixed UNESCO World Heritage Site, have reached a further stage in development...

31 August 2009

Successful 1st Phase For Harris Tweed Fund

The Harris Tweed Investment Fund - created earlier this year to support continuity of work for more than 100 weavers - is to be expanded following a successful first phase...

28 August 2009

Comhairle’s Gaelic Committee – August Update

The Gaelic Language Implementation Committee of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar met on Thursday the 27th of August following their summer break of meetings...

21 August 2009

Trading Standards issue warning on Bogus Charity Collections

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar's Trading Standards service has issued a warning to householders in Lewis who have received a flyer through their letterboxes appealing for donations of unwanted clothing...

20 August 2009

Health Focus - Algal Blooms

The Comhairle's Public Health Team and Western Isles Health Board are trying to raise awareness on seasonal issues throughout the year. The focus for this month is the risk of exposure to Algal Blooms...

17 August 2009

Year Of Homecoming At Museum Nan Eilean

Museum nan Eilean are delighted to support Homecoming 2009, Scotland’s biggest ever celebration of culture and heritage...

14 August 2009

Community Urged To Give Their Views On Proposed Closure Of Uist Rocket Range

At a public meeting last night in Iochdar Hall on South Uist, the importance of having a strong, direct community response was once again emphasized if the present proposals for the range are to be overturned...

13 August 2009

New LEADER Innse Gall Field Officer for Uist and Barra

The community grant programme, LEADER Innse Gall, have established a permanent officer based in Uist. Donna Matheson has recently taken up the new post of LEADER Innse Gall Field Officer for Uist and Barra...

11 August 2009

Registrar General’s Annual Review Of Scotland’s Population

Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Angus Campbell, said: “After a period of relative population stability, it is disappointing to note that the latest figures for the Outer Hebrides show a reduction of 4.9% in the ten years from 1998-2008...

10 August 2009

Live Hebrides

Live Hebrides is the brand name of the Connected Hebrides project which is supported by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and European Regional Development Funding...

5 August 2009

Claim It!

The “Claim It” campaign, which was launched nationally in April 2007, was designed to seek and find individuals over the age of sixty in the Western Isles, who for various reasons were not receiving or claiming their due Welfare benefits...

4 August 2009

Meeting With Michael Russell Msp, Minister For Culture, External Affairs And The Constitution

A meeting took place yesterday between Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Councillors and Michael Russell MSP as part of the Minister’s visit to the Islands...

29 July 2009

Major Schools Project Reaches Further Milestone

The Western Isles Schools Project has reached a further milestone with expressions of interest now being sought from prospective construction and maintenance contractors to become involved in the Project,...

24 July 2009

Receptions Held For Island Athletes

The Convenor of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Councillor Alex MacDonald, last night held a Reception for the competitors, sponsors, and organisers of the Western Isles Island Games team,...

14 July 2009

Comhairle Express Disappointment Over Cal Mac Decision

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar have expressed deep disappointment at the decision by CalMac to run Sunday sailings between Stornoway and Ullapool as form 19th July 2009...

13 July 2009

Hebrides Range Task Force Website

The Hebrides Range Task Force has set up a website to provide up-to-date information on developments relating to the work of the group and to provide a forum...

9 July 2009

Task Force In Talks With Scottish Secretary

The Hebrides Range Task Force met with the Secretary of State for Scotland, Mr Jim Murphy, today in Benbecula to hold further discussions regarding the Ministry of Defence proposals for the area which could result in the loss of 125 defence related jobs...

Comhairle’s Gaelic Committee Meet On South Uist        

The Gaelic Language Plan Implementation Committee of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar met on Tuesday the 7th of July 2009 at Kildonan Museum, Isle of South Uist...

7 July 2009

St Kilda Centre Consultation

Proposals for a St Kilda Centre, which will aim to capture and celebrate the ‘spirit of place’ of the UK’s only mixed UNESCO World Heritage Site...

2 July 2009

Hebrides Range Task Force

The Hebrides Range Task Force today welcomed Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth, John Swinney, to Benbecula for talks on the future of the base and other facilities...

29 June 2009

Email Scam

Trading Standards Officers at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar are warning consumers about a scam email purporting to be from HM Revenue and Customs...

Sums Don’t Add Up In MoD’s Range Plans

The Chairman of the Hebrides Range Task Force, Mr Angus Campbell, has questioned the Ministry of Defence’s financial forecasts in their plans to wind down operations in the Uists and St Kilda...

24 June 2009

New Task Force Demands Retention of 125 Jobs in the Hebrides

Economic Impact Assessment Underway The determined fight to retain defence jobs in Uist has begun in earnest. The Hebrides Range Task Force (HRTF) has agreed...

22 June 2009

Council Benefits Uptake Team Reach The £1m Mark

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, supported by the Scottish Government’s Fairer Scotland Fund, have been providing benefits uptake services primarily for the over 60s in the Western Isles...

Scottish Hydro Electric Thanked For Advise And Funding

A Partnership meeting hosted by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and TEAS: The Energy Advisory Service, was held in Stornoway recently to recognise the funding and support given by Scottish Hydro Electric...

19 June 2009

LEADER INNSE GALL - Community Funding Information Events

LEADER Innse Gall will host a series of Information Events throughout the Islands, at the end of June, to inform people about what financial assistance is available...

ARMED FORCES DAY 2009

The first ever Armed Forces Day will take place on Saturday 27 June 2009 and is a national event to show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community...

Public’s views sought on Draft Supplementary Guidance for Large Scale Wind Energy Developments

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has recently published draft supplementary guidance for potential large scale wind energy developments, and is seeking the public’s views on the document...

Comhairle Sadness at Passing of Former Councillor

The Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has expressed deep sadness at the death of former Councillor Norman Macdonald...

17 June 2009

Ministry Of Defence Jobs At Uist Test Range

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is co-ordinating efforts to fight any proposed job cuts at the MoD Uist Test Range. The Comhairle has been in dialogue with the MoD...

16 June 2009

Community Engagement Workshop

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Education Department will host a series of workshops later this month to discuss future educational provision in the Outer Hebrides...

Future Jobs Fund

The Western Isles Employability Partnership is seeking innovative ideas from employers throughout the Western Isles in order to take advantage of opportunities arising from the Future Jobs Fund...

12 June 2009

Isles FM goes Global!

For the first time listeners across the globe will have the opportunity to listen to the local community radio station, Isles FM...

10 June 2009

Trading Standards Reminder Regarding Doorstep Traders

The Trading Standards Department at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar are issuing a timely reminder to consumers in the Western Isles concerning Doorstep Traders...

05 June 2009

Comhairle Confirms Opposition To Sunday Ferries for Lewis and Harris

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has confirmed to Cal-Mac Ferries that the local authority is opposed to the introduction of Sunday ferries for Lewis and Harris...

01 June 2009

Connect To The Benefits Of Broadband

Organisations in the Outer Hebrides are set to benefit from an awareness campaign aimed at stimulating the uptake of broadband, irrespective of the service provider a business or organisation chooses...

Comhairle Appoints Joan Mackinnon As Director of Education and Children’s Services

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar today appointed Joan Mackinnon to the position of Director of Education and Children’s Services...

28 May 2009

Trading Standards Warning

Trading Standards Officers at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar have repeated warnings about worthless guarantees following several enquiries about the issue this week...

26 May 2009

Make Your Mark In European Elections

Residents of the Outer Hebrides are being urged to make their mark in the European elections on the 4th June...

21 May 2009

Trading Standards Warning

Consumers should beware of guarantee offers that can turn out to be worthless, say Trading Standards Officers at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar...

20 May 2009

Community project, Na Mo Chuid Aodaich

The first evening of the community project, Na Mo Chuid Aodaich, was held on Friday the 15th of May 2009 in the North Lochs Community Centre, Leurbost...

19 May 2009

Surface Dressing

Surface dressing operations in Lewis and Harris start on Thursday 21st May for approximately 3 weeks...

Comhairle Approves Community Owned Windfarms

At a meeting of the Environment and Protective Services Committee, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar today approved four community owned wind farm projects in the Western Isles totalling an output of 18.6MW...

18 May 2009

Future Strategy For Provision of Education in the Western Isles

All parents of children receiving their education in Western Isles schools and members of the wider community are invited by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to engage in discussion about the future strategy for provision of education in the Western Isles...

14 May 2009

Ferries Consultation 

The Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Mr Angus Campbell, has responded to an announcement from Cal-Mac Ferries Ltd regarding consultation on ferry services...

13 May 2009

"Colours of Nature"

The "Colours of Nature" is the theme for this year's Scottish Biodiversity Week Nature Photographic Competition...

12 May 2009

Stornoway Traffic Regulation

A new traffic management system for Stornoway Town centre comes into effect as from Monday 18 May...

11 May 2009

Islands, Moutains And Sparsely-Populated Areas To Set-Up Fighting Group In Future European Parliament

An initiative aiming to set-up a parliamentary inter-group gathering Members of the European Parliament representing various EU regions beset by permanent and severe geographical constraints was announced in the Western Isles of Scotland last week...

7 May 2009

Call For Strategic Grid Connection Plan

The Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Mr Angus Campbell, has urged the UK Government to put in place a strategic UK National Plan for Grid Connection...

5 May 2009

Reducing the risk of infection from E.coli 0157 in people in rural areas

Ensuring good hand washing before eating and drinking has been recommended as the most important advice on reducing the likelihood of illness from E.coli 0157 in rural communities...

1 May 2009

WARNING : ALGAL TOXINS

There is a raised level of algal toxins occurring in Traigh Mhor, Barra at present...

27 April 2009

29th Annual Assembly Of The CPMR Islands Commission Stornoway 7th-8th May

The 29th Annual Assembly of the Commission of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR) Islands Commission will take place in Stornoway on Thursday 7th to Friday the 8th May...

Additional Funding for Insulation Projects in the Western Isles

Two new funding initiatives will assist householders in the Western Isles improve energy efficiency measures and reduce fuel poverty...

RET Promotion

The Comhairle is aiming to assist local businesses to promote the Road Equivalent Tariff (RET) scheme to their customers...

16 April 2009

Comhairle Urges Minister To Make Positive Decision

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has urged Jim Mather, Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism, to use his visit to Stornoway as an opportunity to approve the proposed Eisgen windfarm development...

30 March 2009

The Charles de Gaulle Bursary Prize

Eilidh Henderson, a fifth year pupil at Castlebay School in Barra, has won one of the five prestigious Charles de Gaulle bursary prizes of £1000.

26 March 2009

New Bus Services Come Into Effect 

In the face of increased tender prices and high fuel costs, the Comhairle has invested an additional £600k in bus services which will be introduced as from tomorrow (27th March)...

24 March 2009

Engaging With The Outer Hebrides Community Planning Partnership 

Members of the public are invited to a meeting of the Outer Hebrides Community Planning Partnership (OHCPP) in the Council Chamber, Sandwick Road on Thursday 26th March at 7.30pm...

Comhairle Supports WWF Earth Hour

At the start of March this year Seamus Cunningham, a pupil at the Nicolson Institute in Stornoway and a supporter of the World Wildlife Fund...

20 March 2009

Celebrations For Library's First Ten Years 

Since Stornoway Public library opened ten years ago, over 1.1 million books and CDs have been loaned to the public, enough to reach to the edge of the Earth’s atmosphere if laid end to end...

Stornoway Public Library Celebrate Success of New Music Initiative 

Babies, toddlers and their parents were gathered together on 20th March at Stornoway Public Library to celebrate the success...

18 March 2009

Nicolson Institute Powerpoint Presentation 

Some of the proposed features for the new Nicolson Institute are now available to view in a Powerpoint presentation available at ...

Happy Birthday Stornoway Library! 

Stornoway Library is celebrating its 10th birthday in Cromwell Street with a programme of celebratory activities...

16 March 2009

KEEP TRADE LOCAL 

Keep Trade Local - that's the message from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar as part of an ongoing campaign to help sustain the local economy in the Outer Hebrides...

13 March 2009

Scam Letter Warning 

Trading Standards Officers are warning consumers about a scam letter circulating in the Western Isles...

5 March 2009

Planning Consent Sought for The Nicolson Institute 

An application for Outline Planning Consent for a project which will see the replacement of The Nicolson Institute has now been submitted...

3 March 2009

Rural Development Programme Open For Applications

The LEADER Innse Gall programme is open for enquiries and applications from today. LEADER is part of the SRDP (Scottish Rural Development Programme) allocation and...

Class Sizes In Western Isles

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has confirmed that whilst class sizes in the Western Isles are generally small, they have not reached the Scottish Government target of all class sizes of 18 and under...

Seminar On The Recorded Memory Of The Western Isles: Archives And Records

On Tuesday 3 March 2009 a Seminar was held in the Cabarfeidh Hotel, organised by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, on the theme of “The Recorded Memory of the Western Isles: Archives and Records”...

Response To Launch of Rural Schools Bill

The Comhairle welcomes the comments made by the Minister that "The Bill will leave the consultation and decision making processes squarely and rightly in the hands ...

2 March 2009

WaveNet buoy launched off coast of South Uist

Lobbying from the Middle District and Iochdar Flood Action Groups as well as CoastHebrides has finally paid off with the successful launch last week of an additional WaveNet buoy...

A’ Mhuir Mhòr/The Big Sea

117 young children from nurseries and croileagain all over Uist and Barra came together recently for a special event in Sgoil Lìonacleit Theatre and Castlebay High School...

Ferry Services Review Meetings

Cllr Donald John Macsween has called for people to turn out to ferry consultation meetings being held throughout the islands...

25 February 2009

Comhairle Welcomes And Supports Protest About Unfair Energy Pricing By Electricity And Gas Companies

Councillor Norman Macdonald, Chairman of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Environment & Protective Services Committee, has confirmed the Comhairle’s full support for Consumer Focus Scotland...

24 February 2009

Castlebay School Making Good Progress 

The new headteacher of Castlebay School and her staff have received welcome encouragement through the publication of a follow-through report...

20 February 2009

Bank Charge Reclaim Services 

Trading Standards Officers at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar are warning consumers to be aware of cold calls from companies claiming to be able to reclaim bank charges...

Comhairle Welcomes Success Of The Ulpan Gaelic Learners Programme 

On Monday 23 February 2009 at 7.00 p.m., Lews Castle College and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar will host an open Ulpan evening...

Bus Contracts Awarded - 2 Routes To Be Retendered 

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has provisionally awarded almost 80 contracts for bus routes in the Outer Hebrides. The contracts are worth in the region of £3.7m per annum ...

19 February 2009

Comhairle Sets Budget For 2009/10 

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has unanimously agreed its budget for 2009/10, retaining Council Tax at Band D at £1024. If all local authorities maintain the freeze...

17 February 2009

Comhairle Reaffirms Commitment To New Schools Project  

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar will deliver on its commitment to build five new schools in the Outer Hebrides. That was the message following an informal meeting...

16 February 2009

ROYAL NATIONAL MOD WESTERN ISLES 2011  

A local Mod Committee has been elected to co-ordinate and organise Mod nan Eilean Siar 2011 which will see the Mod return to the Western Isles for a fifth time...

12 February 2009

Gaelic Committee Meeting 

Following on from the meeting of Comataidh Buileachaidh Plana Canan, the Gaelic Committee of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Chair of the Committee, Councillor Agnes Rennie said...

Schools Decisions Extremely Disappointing 

Responding to an announcement that the Scottish Government was not giving consent for Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to proceed with closing four S1 S2 secondary schools, Comhairle Leader Angus Campbell said..

11 February 2009

Outer Hebrides LEADER Funding Programme 

Applications for the new round of LEADER funding will be accepted from 2nd March 2009 and the Programme will be fully operational by late March 2009...

10 February 2009

Comhairle Set To Approve £2.195m Capital Grant Schemes 

Communities and community enterprises across the Outer Hebrides are set to receive good news this week...

6 February 2009

Congratulations To Gaelic Shorts Winners

The Outer Hebrides Community Planning Partnership (OHCPP) has congratulated the three Western Isles schools who have won through to the finals of FilmG...

5 February 2009

Comhairle Opens New Customer Service Access Point

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Hall (Monday 2nd February) today opened a new service access point within Stornoway Town Hall...

3 February 2009

Development Partner Sought For Lews Castle

Lews Castle Trust is seeking a development partner to maximise the commercial potential of a project to repair and re-use Lews Castle in Stornoway...

2 February 2009

Key Strengths Highlighted In Comhairle's Education Service But Challenges Ahead

An recent inspection of the Education functions of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar by HMIe has resulted in a largely positive report. Five key strengths are identified...

30 January 2009

Action Needed To Deliver on Renewables Study

Commenting on the publication of the Scottish Government’s Renewable Energy study for the Outer Hebrides, Comhairle Leader Angus Campbell said...

27 January 2009

HTIF Moves Forward

Weavers are being urged to let their Mills know they are available to take on work as Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Harris Tweed Investment Fund scheme fund moves into the next phase...

22 January 2009

Wave Power Project

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has welcomed an announcement that the Scottish Government has consented a wave power proposal at Siadar on the west side of Lewis...

20 January 2009

Comhairle Sets Up Harris Tweed Investment Fund

An innovative pilot scheme set up by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to boost the Harris Tweed industry and protect the employment of weavers is set to get underway...

Local Business Commends Comhairle

Speaking after meetings organised by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to discuss ways of coping with the global economic downturn, James Pedrana, CEO of UBC Group Ltd who employ 130 tradesmen and staff throughout the Hebrides said:...

19 January 2009

GAELIC GALORE - Gaelic Information days

Comunn na Gaidhlig and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar are combining forces on Saturday 17 January 2009 in the Sports Centre, Stornoway and on Saturday 31 January 2009 in Sgoil Lionacleit, to bring together a wide range of Gaelic organisations for Gaelic Information Days...

16 January 2009

Severe Weather Warning

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Northern Constabulary are monitoring weather conditions in the Outer Hebrides as high winds are expected tomorrow night through to Sunday morning....

13 January 2009

Comhairle Works With Business Against Economic Decline

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s efforts to mitigate the downturn in the economy of the Outer Hebrides are continuing this week with seminars...