News Wednesday October 8th SNP membership doubles Scottish National Party membership in the Western Isles has more than doubled since the Referendum on September 18th, according to the islands’ Stornoway-based SNP office. The number of card-carrying members has jumped by more than 300, to 520, at the same time as 50,000 new people throughout Scotland joined. Membership of the SNP nationally is now at 78,000. MSP Alasdair Allan, who led the unsuccessful Independence campaign locally, said: “Nobody could have predicted that there would be this huge surge of people wanting to join the SNP. The partys membership in the islands has swollen to over twice its size of just a few days ago and this total continues to rise by the day. The referendum campaign has energised and motivated a new generation of people to become politically active in a way many have never been before. MSP joins BT campaign Meanwhile Alasdair Allan has added his voice to calls for BT to address broadband issues in the islands. Dr Allan has written to BT following a number of complaints about slow broadband connections and other problems in the isle of Lewis. He said: “A number of people have raised the issue with me about BT being unresponsive to long standing complaints. I have asked BT if they are able to respond to the individual complaints as well as the wider issue. I hope that BT will respond and find a solution.” Galson share offer Galson Estate Trust has announced a new share issue to support the building of two more wind turbines on the estate. Urras Energy is a new community benefit society established specially for the share initiative. Founder member Agnes Rennie said: “This is a unique opportunity in the community renewables sector as we have two important track-records to present. Firstly, one turbine is already operating and producing revenue and, secondly the community landowner has been supporting development activities in the area for over seven years. As well as a very competitive return on any investment made, you can be confident that your investment is both green and ethical.“ It’s hoped the Share Offer will raise £600,000 and the offer is timetabled to run until 16th January 2015. Share values are fixed at £50 and investors can spend as little as £250, which is the minimum investment, or as much as £100,000. Award for growing project Horshader’s Community Growing Project has been shortlisted for the 2014 Surf Awards for best practice in community regeneration. The team will meet judges early in November to show them around five large polytunnels in Shawbost and another in Dalmore. Members of the community have become allotment holders, while head gardener David Murdo Mackay, is busy getting a large range of produce ready to sell to the community. The polytunnels, known as Polycrubs, are native to Shetland and have been specifically designed to survive up to force 12 winds. Development manager Angela Macleod said, “Our project is a real grass roots initiative which reflects the aspirations of our community, and it is very rewarding to see the community benefit.” Annual lecture announced The 11th Angus Macleod Memorial lecture at Pairc School on October 23rd is to be given by Maggie Cunningham, chairman of MG ALBA. Maggie will reflect on how effectively Gaelic media have exploited new technology to develop programmes which reach a wider audience and will explore whether these developments have helped to sustain the language within the community. This years lecture will be given in Gaelic, with simultaneous translation on the night. The lecture will be followed as is customary by a closing prayer and Gaelic psalm. Mister Stornoway to be crowned (Se pios math a h-ann) And the Isle of Lewis committee of the Cancer Research Campaign are looking for men to enter their Mr Stornoway competition on Saturday 22nd November. They’re asking clubs, offices and organisations to nominate a man to represent them in this fun event for Cancer Research. If your colleague or partner is made of the right stuff, contact catherine.gmz@googlemail
Posted on: Wed, 08 Oct 2014 08:01:28 +0000
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