Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

23/06/2026

Bun-sgoil Thunga a’ Cur air bhog a’ Chiad Phrògram Rèidio a’ Comharrachadh 40 bliadhna de dh’Fhoghlam tro Mheadhan na Gàidhlig

Tha Comhairle nan Eilean Siar air leth toilichte a’ chiad phrògram a chur air bhog ann an sreath sònraichte de phrògraman rèidio air an dèanamh le sgoilearan a tha a’ comharrachadh 40 bliadhna de dh’fhoghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig anns na h-Eileanan Siar.

Tha a’ chiad phrògram, a chaidh a dhèanamh le sgoilearan Bun-sgoil Thunga ann an Leòdhas, a’ toirt sealladh do luchd-èisteachd air beatha na sgoile, san àm a dh’fhalbh agus san latha an-diugh. Tha am prògram ag innse mun dualchas beairteach aig foghlam Gàidhlig sa choimhearsnachd, agus a’ taisbeanadh na h-àrainneachd ionnsachaidh bheothail às a bheil sgoilearan a’ faighinn tlachd an-diugh.

Tha an sreath rèidio mar phàirt de Dhìleab na Comhairle, a tha a’ comharrachadh dà fhichead bliadhna de dh’fhoghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig air feadh nan eilean. Thar nam mìosan a tha romhainn, bidh prògraman eile air an dèanamh le sgoiltean air feadh nan eilean a bhios rim faighinn air-loidhne, gach fear dhiubh ag innse nan sgeulachdan eadar-dhealaichte aca fhèin mu fhoghlam Ghàidhlig, agus mar a chuir iad ris.

Tha prògram Bun-sgoil Thunga a’ sealltainn mar a tha com-pàirteachas làidir ann eadar sgoilearan, luchd-obrach, teaghlaichean agus a’ choimhearsnachd, agus tha na sgeulachdan aca air cuideachadh ann a bhith a’ toirt dealbh dhuinn air sgeulachd na sgoile.

Bu mhath le Comhairle nan Eilean Siar taing mhòr a thoirt do na sgoilearan, an luchd-obrach agus coimhearsnachd Thunga airson an obair ionmholta a rìnn iad air a’ phròiseact seo.

Thuirt Evelyn Coull NicLeòid, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar: “Tha am prògram seo a’ toirt sealladh àlainn dhuinn air Bun-sgoil Thunga, an dà chuid anns na bliadhnaichean a dh’fhalbh agus an latha an-diugh. Le bhith a’ comharrachadh 40 bliadhna de dh’Fhoghlam tro Mheadhan na Gàidhlig anns na h-Eileanan Siar, tha e iomchaidh gun cluinn sinn bhon òigridh fhèin, an luchd-teagaisg agus na coimhearsnachdan, a chruthaich, agus a tha fhathast a’ cur ris, an sgeulachd shoirbheachail seo. Tha sinn an dòchas gun còrd a’ chiad phrògram seo ri luchd-èisteachd agus tha sinn a’ coimhead air adhart ri bhith a’ cluinntinn mòran a bharrachd bho sgoiltean eile anns na mìosan a tha romhainn.”

Thuirt Carol Ann Nic 'IlleEathain, Ceannard Bun-sgoil Thunga: “Tha sinn air leth toilichte am prògram seo a chraoladh, agus tha sinn moiteil às ar sgoilearan agus an obair a rinn iad gus seo a chur ri chèile. Tha e air cothrom mìorbhaileach a thoirt dhaibh barrachd ionnsachadh mu eachdraidh na sgoile againn, sgeulachdan aig seann sgoilearan agus daoine sa choimhearsnachd a chluinntinn, agus meòrachadh a dhèanamh air mar a tha beatha na sgoile an-diugh. Tha sinn an dòchas gun còrd an sealladh seo air Bun-sgoil Thunga san àm a dh’fhalbh agus san latha an-diugh ri luchd-èisteachd.”

Faodar èisteachd ri Ar Sgoil, Ar Guthan….Sgoil Thunga air Youtube: https://youtu.be/Hz8Ga4mDKxM


Tong Primary School Launches First Radio Programme Celebrating 40 Years of Gaelic Medium Education

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is delighted to launch the first in a special series of pupil-produced radio programmes celebrating 40 years of Gaelic Medium Education (GME) in the Western Isles.


The programme is now available to listen to on Youtube: https://youtu.be/Hz8Ga4mDKxM

Tong Primary School Launches First Radio Programme Celebrating 40 Y...

23/06/2026

It’s Game On as the 2026 Summer of Sport Launches in the Western Isles

The £20 million Scottish Government investment will give young people in the Western Isles the chance to get involved in different sporting activities on their doorstep.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, working in partnership with sportscotland, has secured funding from the national initiative to provide free and low-cost opportunities for young people locally as part of the national agency’s 2026 Summer of Sport.

Chief Executive of sportscotland, Forbes Dunlop, said: “At sportscotland, we believe that sport has the power to strengthen communities and change lives. The 2026 Summer of Sport campaign, made possible by Scottish Government investment, is a great example of what can be achieved when partners come together with a shared ambition to make sport more inclusive and accessible. We’re proud to play our part in helping more young people enjoy the benefits of being active as we celebrate a fantastic summer of sport.”

The £20 million initiative, funded by the Scottish Government and facilitated by sportscotland, will offer young people aged three to 26 the opportunity to get active and try something new.

This summer, it’s game on, the 2026 Summer of Sport is a unique opportunity for communities across Scotland to embrace the excitement of sport. Inspired by the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, both of which will showcase Scotland on the global stage, the Summer of Sport will inspire young people to take part, get active and begin their own journey in sport and activity.

With activities running throughout the summer and beyond, young people in the Western Isles will have access to a range of free events, helping remove barriers to participation and ensure more young people have the chance to get involved.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Sport and Health team is working with a network of partners, including Community Learning and Development, Education Attainment, Outdoor Learning and local sport groups and clubs, to ensure these opportunities are available to everyone, regardless of background. The funding will enable the delivery of activities designed to help young people develop healthy habits, build stronger social connections, and foster a lifelong love of movement.

Eric MacLeod, Senior Active Schools Officer, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar said: “We’re proud to support the 2026 Summer of Sport and bring exciting, accessible activities to young people in the Western Isles. This is a fantastic opportunity for children and young people to try something new, get active, and experience the joy of physical activity, whether it’s through sport, outdoor events, or community-based activities. Our goal is to make these opportunities available to everyone, regardless of background.”

Through these investments, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is working to ensure that the 2026 Summer of Sport positively influences as many young people as possible, fostering engagement in sport and outdoor activities across all communities.

2026 Summer of Sport Activities: https://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/leisure-sport-and-culture/sport-and-health/summer-sport

Find out more about the 2026 Summer of Sport: www.sportscotland.org.uk/2026

18/06/2026

Armed Forces Day 2026

The Armed Forces Day flag will be raised at events in Lewis, Harris, Uist and Barra on the morning of Monday 22 June.

Armed Forces Day takes place in June each year. It is a chance for the public to show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community.

Cllr Kenny Macleod, Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said: “Armed Forces Day gives us an opportunity to recognise the service of current and past members of the armed forces. I would encourage members of the public to show their respect and gratitude to past and present armed forces community and attend their local event. I would like to thank all involved in organising the commemorative events.”

Lewis

The Armed Forces Flag will be raised at an event in Perceval Square, Stornoway, on Monday 22 June at 10am. The Flag Lowering will take place on Monday 13 July at 6pm.

Cllr Kenny Macleod, Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar will deliver an address with Iain Macaulay, Lord Lieutenant of the Western Isles and armed forces representatives in attendance.

The Lewis and Harris Youth Pipe Band will be present.

Harris

The Armed Forces Day flag will be raised in Tarbert at 11am on Monday 22 June.

Uist

The Armed Forces Day flag will be raised in Balivanich at 11am on Monday 22 June.

Barra

The Armed Forces Day flag will be raised in Castlebay at 11am on Monday 22 June.

17/06/2026

JOIN US for an informal Open Night Recalling the Keep Nato Out campaign of the 1980s View a display of some of the highlights from the archive Talk by Angus McCormack, former Chairman of KNO Share your memories and reflections of the campaign Demo and overview of archive catalogue

16/06/2026

Keep NATO Out Archive Open Night at Museum and Tasglann nan Eilean on Wednesday 17 June from 5pm to 6:30pm.

JOIN US for a Keep Nato Out Archive Open Night
Do you recall the KNO Campaign of 1979-1990s? Come and share your reflections.
Wednesday 17th June 5pm-6.30 pm at Museum & Tasglann nan Eilean learning room, Lews Castle, Stornoway
Including:
• Talk by Angus McCormack, former Chairman of KNO
• View some of the collection highlights
• Share your memories of this and other peace campaigns
• Demo of archive catalogue

16/06/2026

Honour for former Comhairle Chief Executive

Malcolm Burr, former Chief Executive of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has been awarded an OBE for Public Service.

Malcolm has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours list for his work as Chief Executive of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Convener of the Electoral Management Board of Scotland.

Malcolm served as Chief Executive of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar from November 2005, having also worked in the former Strathclyde Regional Council, and Orkney Islands Council. He stepped away from the role of Chief Executive earlier this year following 20 years of service.

Malcolm is the Convener of the Electoral Management Board of Scotland, a role he has held since July 2018.

Malcolm Burr is joined on the Honours list by Isabella Cameron, Head of Kitchen, Grogarry Lodge. Isabella has been awarded the honour of Medallist of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) for services to Hospitality and to the Rural Economy in South Uist.

Cllr Kenny Macleod Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar said: “This award is well deserved recognition for the outstanding quality of Malcolm Burr’s work and his contribution to the public services of the Western Isles and Scotland. On behalf of the communities of the Western Isles, I thank Malcolm Burr for his years of service and congratulate him on this honour.”

Malcolm Burr said: “I would like to thank those who took the time to nominate me for this honour. For me, it acknowledges the hard work and dedication of Members and officers, past and present, in Local Government in the Comhairle and elsewhere, and the voluntary service of members of the Electoral Management Board for Scotland since its establishment in 2011. Many thanks also for all the kind messages received; these are very much appreciated.”

15/06/2026

Road Closure Notices

Francis St

A section of Francis St, Stornoway, adjacent to the old Sportsworld building , is due to be closed for service connection works from 15th to 19th June. Pedestrian access will remain open.

Luskentyre
Surface Dressing works on the Luskentyre village road will result in traffic delays on Monday 15th June. The lack of passing space will restrict traffic flow. Vehicular access into the village will not be available between 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 4pm. Vehicles may exit the village during this time. Access will be available for emergency service vehicles. Works are weather dependant.

11/06/2026

Local MSYP Attends 84th Sitting of the Scottish Youth Parliament

Ross Irving, Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYP) for Na h-Eileanan an Iar recently attended the 84th Sitting of the Scottish Youth Parliament in Stirling, joining young representatives from across Scotland to discuss key issues affecting young people.

Members took part in workshops on a range of topics including the proposed social media ban for under 16s. Ross is keen to hear from local young people on this issue. Young people, parents and interested adults are invited to complete his short survey.

MSYP short survey for young people, parents and interested adults: https://forms.office.com/e/yg6YPFmr7b

Ross’s attendance ensured that the views and experiences of young people in our area were represented at the national level, helping to influence decisions and campaigns that matter to Scotland’s youth. To find out more about youth opportunities or to contact our MSYP contact Community Learning and Development [email protected]

09/06/2026

Homecare & Reablement Assistant, Harris
31.5 hours per week, permanent post
£26,185 – £27,187 per annum ( inclusive of £2,551 Distant Islands Allowance )

The Home Care and Reablement Service is looking for care staff who are caring, compassionate and reliable to join our team of skilled staff to support people living in our communities and enabling them to continue living at home. The service aim is to ensure a very good or excellent standard of care and support is provided at all times, based on person centred planning, compassion, dignity, respect and trust. If you would like to make a difference in the lives of people living in your local community this post could be for you. This is an extremely rewarding role and is highly valued by the recipients of the service and the wider community.

Further information and details of how to apply: https://myjobscotland.gov.uk/councils/comhairle-nan-eilean-siar/jobs/homecare-reablement-assistant-harris-5033-475028

05/06/2026

Leader’s Update – A Focus on Collaboration

With a Scottish Parliament Election, the annual budget setting process and a packed schedule of meetings, 2026 has already been a busy year for Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. I would like to thank the Comhairle Officers for their work during this period - particularly the Comhairle’s election and finance teams.

The start of this year has also seen significant change for the organisation with the departure of former Chief Executive Malcolm Burr and the appointment of Martin Joyce. I would like to again thank Malcolm for his 19 years of outstanding service. Martin brings significant and valuable experience to the Chief Executive position, we have already had extensive discussions on the challenges and opportunities facing the Comhairle and our islands, I look forward to working closely with him on these matters.

In the last few months, pre-election guidance has put a restriction on what we as politicians can say and what the Comhairle can do. During this period, it’s natural that you hear less of the work we are undertaking on your behalf. Now that we have returned to “business as usual” I want to provide an update on the work I have undertaken since the election and my plans for the remainder of this term of the Comhairle.

I recently had the pleasure of joining colleagues from Orkney Islands Council and Shetland Islands Council on a trip to London to provide evidence to the Scottish Affairs Committee. The focus of our meeting was connectivity, including interisland and island to mainland fixed links. Work on fixed links has the potential to transform our islands and it is hugely encouraging to see Government engage in real meaningful discussions on this important issue.

I would like to thank Torcuil Crichton MP for his hospitality and for giving us access to Prime Minister’s Questions. Watching on made me very grateful for the collaborative nature of the Comhairle chamber.

It was welcome to be joined by our island colleagues as we gave evidence. The three Island authorities have already shown the value of collaboration in our work to achieve the Islands Accelerator Model. The Islands Accelerator Model will invest hundreds of millions of pounds in our three island communities and work to realise the potential of this funding is ongoing.

On the topic of funding this month also saw the first meeting of the Stornoway and Lewis Pride in Place Community Board, established to deliver the Pride in Place fund. This meeting marks a step forward in the delivery of the £20m Pride in Place programme in the area. At its inaugural meeting, members agreed the Board’s governance arrangements and proposals for initial consultation with residents, groups and others over the Summer as part of the development of the Pride in Place Investment Plan.

Progress with the £20m Community Regeneration Partnership programme is accelerating. This will fund a range of projects in Uist and Barra, including investment of over £8m into roads improvements, along with a commitment to an Outer Hebrides Housing Investment Fund for the whole of the island chain.

I am also looking forward to the imminent completion of the Calanais Stones Visitor Centre this Summer. The Island’s Growth Deal funded project is an excellent example of the Comhairle and other partners working positively together to secure a significant match funding package.

As well as collaboration between Councils and with our communities it is important that the public sector of our islands continues to come together and collaborate on our shared aims and in response to our shared challenges. Scottish Government has a strong focus on Public Service Reform and we will play our part by continuing to develop our work on the Single Authority Model. These areas are important and collaboration within the local Public Sector is the right approach to achieve progress across these areas and to deliver positive benefits for all. In meetings with our partners and through the Community Planning Partnership I will continue to encourage this collaborative approach.

In 2025 I outlined 6 priority areas that I have listed below. I feel strongly that focussed work on these 6 areas will provide positive benefits to the island economy, the standard of living and ultimately tackle depopulation by creating more opportunities for people to live and work in the Western Isles.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Priorities
• Western Isles Renewable Energy Dividend
• Housing Opportunities and Innovation
• Gàidhlig
• Family Friendly Support
• Connectivity Enhancement
• Climate Resilient Infrastructure

On priorities, work to deliver the Comhairle’s priority capital project – the Barra and Vatersay Community Campus is ongoing. In February the Comhairle and NHS Western Isles received confirmation that the project will be capital funded by the Scottish Government, subject to budgetary and business case approval processes. The facilities within the Barra and Vatersay Community Campus are essential and delivery of the project should be a priority for all organisations. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar will continue to work closely with NHS Western Isles and Scottish Government to ensure that the BVCC project continues at an appropriate pace and meets the required criteria. Further updates will be provided to Members of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and the public as this important, innovative and collaborative project progresses.

As we look to achieve progress in these priority areas over the coming months and years it is vital that we focus on our overarching challenge, funding. I continue in my role as Leader of the Independent Group of Council Leaders at COSLA. In this role I have and will continue to make the case for increased funding to all Scottish Councils and an allocation of a greater share of that increased funding to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. Funding mechanisms that rely too heavily on population measures will continue to penalise Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, a situation that simply cannot continue. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar will again make this case direct to Government and on behalf of the Comhairle I will continue to work on this matter with COSLA colleagues.