Depopulation statistics for the Western Isles

The depopulation statistics revealed earlier have projected a gloomy future for the islands unless there is a radical change.

Council inter island air service policy "up in the air"

During the Budget setting in 2013 when the option to cut the air services between Stornoway and the Southern Isles was considered, the SNP Group fought to save these air services  and moved to save all the flights. Despite their efforts  the Council did not support them and reduced the flights to 3 days a week to Benbecula, and cancelled all flights to Barra.

Labour need to apologise for transport blunders

Councillor Donald Manford :

I note from last week's Guth that Labour representatives have finally admitted that a ferry service in winter to Mallaig is unworkable. We have always been aware that Mallaig is a very dependable destination for vessels smaller than MV Lord of the Isles but, entirely unsuited to large vessels.

Comhairle Transport Disconnect

Travel through the Comhairle nan Eileen Siar, local government area, is now more "cost-effective" when routed through Glasgow.

Hebrides Through Flights only via Glasgow

It has emerged that Western Isles Council, Leader  Cllr Angus Campbell, has instructed its Chief Executive to investigate if Public Officials have travelled from Stornoway to Barra via flights through Glasgow.

Truth will prevail

At the last council meeting, 30 councillors voted to give officers the green light to restore the Stornoway/Benbecula flight to 5 days. Nine of these 30 councillors voted (by way of amendment) to include Benbecula/Barra also.

Isolating Islands

Isolating Islands.

My sincere thanks for your tireless efforts to reintroduce the air service.  My thanks also for highlighting the controversial but all too real issue of isolating island communities.  Of course it is true that people do not wish to be where they are not welcome but that is not true of the Hebrides, the council attitude does not reflect the view of the people of the Western Isles on this issue.  

Bid to save Barra flights by SNP thwarted by Council Administration

A move by SNP councillors John A Maciver and Kenny Macleod to try and get the Comhairle to reinstate the Barra-Benbecula air service was blocked by the Council administration on Thursday.

Should the council hold meetings in Uist and Barra?

Should the council hold at least one meeting a year down in Uist and Barra?

This question was asked at Policy and Resources committee meeting on the 28th November by SNP Councillor Gordon Murray.

SNP Group winning for the Outer Hebrides

Transport infrastructure on the islands got a tremendous boost last week when the Scottish Government announced an investment of £1.9 million in the next financial year to limit the increase for hauliers on the Western Isles and the introduction to a three year winter pilot ferry service stating next month between Loch Boisdale and Mallaig after having listened to the SNP Group on the Comhairle's campaigns.

Plane service u-turn by council - if only they had listened to the SNP Group

MACNEIL WELCOMES TALK OF COUNCIL U-TURN ON AIR-SERVICES