Free school meals for P1-3 introduced

Monday 5th of January saw all school pupils from primary one to three become eligible for a free school meal.

Press statement regarding Living Wage debate at Full Council on Thursday 4th December

At a full Comhairle meeting on Thursday evening SNP Councillors Gordon Murray and Rae Mackenzie proposed an amendment that the Comhairle backdated the introduction of the Living Wage for the Comhairle's lowest paid employees to 2013. This move was however defeated by 20 votes to 7. The remaining four Councillors were absent from the meeting.

Pensions and the legacy of a No vote

It is sad to see Westminster treat pensioners so badly as the UK State pension is now the lowest in the developed world.

Yes vote guarantees 100% crown estate revenues to western isles

Today saw the launch of the prospectus for Our Islands Our Future and the culmination of the hard work done by the three island council leaders and Derek Mackay MSP, Scottish Minister for Local Government and Planning in the Scottish government.

SNP Councillor John A.  Maciver, present at the launch of the prospectus, was delighted with the announcement from the First Minister that 100% of Crown Estates revenue would be retained in our Islands.

"This is fantastic news. We had hoped for 80% but to get 100% is excellent. This would mean that after a YES vote in the referendum, income from our coastlines such as our huge marine renewable energy potential will be kept in the islands rather than going down to UK Treasury, which happens at present.

"Only a Yes vote in September will allow us to reap all the benefits of our vast resources."

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.

Crofting and why a YES vote is vital

2013 was the year that saw an incredible turn of events whereby the Westminster Government denied Scottish farmers and crofters and amount of 230 million Euros.

Scottish Government invests £500k in the Outer Hebrides to the Gaelic School Capital Fund

SNP Councillor and chair of the Gaelic Committee, John A Maciver, welcomed the news that the Scottish Government is going to put £500.000 into Gaelic medium education in the islands.

Mitigating the severe welfare cuts from Westminister

Another welcome announcement for the Outer Hebrides was the confirmation of £160,000 given by the Scottish Government to the Comhairle to mitigate the UK Welfare Reforms.

Scottish Government Housing Minister visit

The SNP group of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar welcomes the news that the Scottish Government have announced an additional 650k towards the building of new houses in the Western Isles.