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.

Council Budget 2016 - Hillcrest

Having listened to the budget consultations, the SNP Group on the western Isles Council were disappointed that councillors did not support their amendment to oppose any future cut to Hillcrest.

More on the Outer Hebrides Energy Supply Company

This is in response to the council administration's press release on the appointment of consultants to provide business planning support for the establishment of an Outer Hebrides Energy Supply Company.
Councillor Gordon Murray : "I welcome the Comhairle's announcement today regarding the establishment of an Outer Hebrides Energy Supply Company.

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.

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.

SNP draft budget to amend proposed council administration budget

SNP amendments

1)Not to implement the following:

C35 Laxdale School Transport reduction of contracts servicing Laxdale school

C78 reduction of the provision of Itinerant teachers

C77 reduction of Community Transport

C63 reduction of Trade Union Representation


2) To introduce the Living Wage

3) Street  lights to continue until midnight in winter

4) To fund the changes detailed from balances already identified by members

Proposed : Gordon Murray
Seconded : Rae Mackenzie