Category: Press Release
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Local Government Financial Settlement 2024/25
The Scottish Government’s draft Local Government Financial Settlement for 2024/25 was published on 21 December 2023. Although the Comhairle’s funding increased, compared to last year’s initial Settlement, after taking account of the additional funding committed to the current year pay awards, there is a net decrease of around £1.5m. On Tuesday 16 January the Comhairle’s…
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Salvation Army Hall Made Available Following Road Closure
With the A859 road currently closed at Balallan and severe weather forecast the Salvation Army Hall, Bayhead, Stornoway has been made available as a warm space this evening. The Salvation Army will provide anyone that comes to the hall with hot drinks, snacks and toilet facilities while they wait for the road to reopen. Any…
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Food Supplies to Barra
Challenging weather conditions have meant that no food supplies have been delivered to the islands of Barra and Vatersay since Wednesday 17th January. With ongoing ferry disruption, the Comhairle is working closely with CalMac, The Co-op and local representatives to establish the best route to have supplies delivered as soon as possible. Any vulnerable families/individuals struggling…
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Severe Weather Warning Issued by Met Office
The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for wind covering the Western Isles from 18:00 tonight (23 January) to 08:00 Wednesday (24 January). The Met Office forecasts strong winds for the Western Isles with the potential for gusts in excess of 75 mph. The Met Office warning, states: “A spell of strong west…
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Schools Update – 22 January
We currently expect that schools will be open today as the high winds recede across the islands and the Amber Weather Alert has ended. Parents should prepare, however, for the possibility of disruption or delay to school opening or transport services in some areas, especially in Harris, Uists and Barra. Any issues will be communicated…
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Dìleab 2024: Leverhulme
Tro bhith a’ lìbhrigeadh phrògram leantainneach, adhartach, thairis air beagan bhliadhnaichean ann an com-pàirteachas ri sgoiltean, tha pròiseact Dìleab a’ deànamh cinnteach gu bheil òigridh nan Eilean Siar an sàs ann an ionnsachadh mu chànan, cultar, ceòl agus dràma ann an dòigh èifeachdach a tha a’ coileanadh nan amasan agus builean a tha air an…
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School Update – 19 January
School across the Western Isles are expected to be open as normal on Friday 19th January. There continues to be a risk of localised disruption as snow turns to rain in varying degrees across the islands. Schools will notify parents directly of any specific localised issues that may affect individual locations.
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School Update
Forecasts for Friday 19th January remain too unpredictable at this time to make early decisions about school closures. Officers will assess conditions in the morning and will decide on closures as early as possible, being mindful of early departure times for some pupils. Please monitor social media and communications in the morning for the latest…
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Eishken Road – Partially Blocked
The Eishken Road is partially blocked, approximately 5 – 6 miles from the A859, as a gritter has to be recovered. The road is still passable with a 4×4 vehicle. It is hoped the gritter will be recovered by tomorrow morning. Any updates on this situation will be provided once they are available.
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Bus Services – 18 January 2024
Due to continued adverse weather conditions, bus services across the Western Isles are disrupted or cancelled. Could all intending passengers please note the following update to bus services: W1 Ness – normal service. W2 Westside – service to resume at 13:05 Stornoway to Carloway and 13:45 Stornoway to Shawbost. W3 – Normal service from 12:30.…