Routine testing for care workers needs to be rolled out says Cllr Gordon Murray

 Stornoway North councillor and leader of the Comhairle SNP group, Cllr Gordon. Murray has written to MSP Alasdair Allan asking him to urge the Scottish Government to implement routine testing for care workers.

Cllr Murray stated: “ I have had representations on this issue and there are huge concerns locally and nationally about testing for care workers.”

In his letter, Cllr Murray wrote:

“You will know that we have a large populace of those who need care and we are extremely grateful for the quality of care that is delivered every day by our care workers even in the most challenging times.

Yet care workers are not getting routinely tested even though they are in contact with our most vulnerable people, whether in care homes or when they visit multiple houses in a day through the home care service This is also a concern for carers who would not wish to be carrying the virus to any of their patients.

I would ask you to urge the Scottish Government to implement regular testing for our care workers as soon as possible so that these concerns are addressed.”

New Deputy leader for Comhairle SNP Group

 Comhairle nan Eilean Siar SNP Group are pleased to announce that Cllr Calum Macmillan is the new deputy leader of the group.

This comes after Harris and South Lochs Cllr John Mitchell decided to stand down for personal reasons..

Group leader, Cllr Gordon Murray stated:”Although very sad to see Cllr Mitchell step down, I am delighted to see Calum step up to the plate.”

“He is an excellent hard working councillor who is very able and experienced and it is great to have someone of his calibre as deputy leader.”

Councillor for Barra, Vatersay, Eriskay and South Uist, Calum Macmillan responded: “ I am looking forward to my new role in the group in very challenging times."

SNP Councillor raises the issue of housing for young islanders

 Councillor Rae Mackenzie hopes that the Comhairle will further discuss and review policy in retaining young islanders and helping them to purchase houses on the island.

At the last council, Cllr Mackenzie raised the question of people from outwith the islands buying up homes, many as holiday homes,  resulting in young locals unable to compete and communities becoming ghost villages.

Cllr Mackenzie stated : “I understand that this is a case of willing seller and willing buyer, and that huge council tax increases for second homes would not be a deterrent. Surely something could be done to provide help for young people living here- or young islanders wishing to return, to be assisted in some way..”

This led to an interesting discussion with a number of councillors taking part and suggesting that public bodies and grazing committees be approached to discuss the possibilities of providing land for this purpose..

Cllr Mackenzie added : “ It is crucial that we make it easier for our young to set up home here and do all we can as a local authority to facilitate that.”

CNES SNP Group supports calls for increased capacity in Skye interconnector

Comhairle nan Eilean SNP Group support the calls from Stornoway Community Council for a speedy resolution to the interconnector issue and to use this opportunity to increase the capacity to allow community turbines the chance to generate 24/7 rather than having to compete for space.

.Group leader, Cllr Gordon Murray stated : “ We wrote to SSE about increasing capacity of the Skye interconnector in February 2015. “

“Way back in 2010, SSE were ‘exploring with the National Grid to allow for additional generation to connect utilising the existing transmission circuit that connects the Western Isles via Skye..

“I sincerely hope that the Comhairle will take on board what the SNP group have been campaigning for years now and exercise their influence and make this additional capacity happen while the interconnector is getting repaired.”

“There would be massive benefits to the communities who need support in these challenging times.