Islanders ‘badly let down’ by ‘ferry fiasco riddled with failures’

SCOTLAND’S islanders have been “badly let down” by “a ferry fiasco riddled with failures in governance, transparency, accountability, communication and record-keeping”. That’s the conclusion of the Scottish Parliament’s public audit committee in its report into the construction of Glen Sannox and the as-yet-unnamed “Hull 802”. The committee has called on the Auditor General for Scotland…

Read More

Young Islanders’ Network launched

CHILDREN and young people from Scotland’s islands will be sharing their views through a new Young Islanders’ Network (YIN), which was launched yesterday. The YIN has been set up as part of the Scottish Government’s national islands plan. The network will help to share young people’s views on how the plan is implemented. Ministers teamed…

Read More

Free bus travel for under-22s across Scotland

Young people and children can now access free bus travel, by applying for a National Entitlement Card (NEC). The Young Persons’ (under-22s) Free Bus Travel Scheme was announced in November 2021, offering young people across Scotland free bus travel. From today, young people aged five to 21 years can apply for a card to allow…

Read More

New online resource planned for wild swimming

A new project is aiming to develop an online resource for Scotland’s wild swimmers. The University of the Highlands and Islands has launched the project. SwimWild, a company which offers open water coaching, adventures and events, is working with Moray College UHI’s computing and digital media department to create a portal where enthusiasts can find…

Read More

Islay pub owner sparks community initiative

DURING lockdown, our beloved pubs and restaurants have been cruelly snatched away from us but, while some pub owners closed their shutters and awaited the easing of restrictions, David Graham of Ballygrant Inn on Islay saw this difficult time as a shining opportunity to help those in need. “At the start of the lockdown we…

Read More

Work resumes on two iconic Skye tourist sites

VISITORS will be able to enjoy greater access to two of Skye’s iconic sites – once movement restrictions ease – after a pair of maintenance projects got underway again. McGowan, the principal contractor for repairs to 600 metres of footpath at the Old Man of Storr, has been putting stones into bags to be airlifted…

Read More

Craft distilleries call for clarity on covid support

EIGHT of Scotland’s craft distillers have written to the Scottish Government seeking clarity on whether they qualify for support during the coronavirus pandemic. The group of spirit producers said that some of its members have been turned down by their local councils for the 12 month business rate holiday promised by Scottish ministers, while others…

Read More

Fishing set to return

The Scottish Gamekeepers Association has welcomed reports that the Scottish Government is set to ease some restrictions on local area angling when it sets out its framework and timetable for changes to lockdown on Thursday.  

Read More

This year’s Borders Union Show is cancelled

The Border Union Show 2020 has been cancelled due to the ongoing coronavirus situation. The Border Union Agricultural Society directors, trustees and staff, after taking careful account of the latest UK and Scottish Government and public health guidance, have announced the cancellation of the show, due to be held on July 24 and 25. With…

Read More

Cat campaign over reportable road accidents

A UK wide campaign group is aiming to have road incidents involving cats made a reportable offence in Scotland. As well as this, they want to make microchipping, and the scanning of, a mandatory requirement, Cats Matter campaign for these three issues and had a lot of success to date. They are currently working with…

Read More