The Comhairle has welcomed the news that Hebridean Housing Partnership will be taking forward the development of 12 new social rented homes in Leverburgh, Isle of Harris. The new homes, to be located on Ferry Road, will provide a much-needed opportunity for the community, helping to address immediate housing needs in South Harris, as well…

Following a tender process Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has awarded Hebridean Air Services the contract to operate the Benbecula to Stornoway Air Service. The agreement with Hebridean Air Services will see the service return to three days of operation per week with passengers able to book return flights on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday. Passengers will…

Cllr Kenny Macleod, Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has paid tribute to former Councillor, Allan F Macleod who passed away at St Brendan’s Hospital, Barra, on 9 March. Cllr Kenny Macleod, said: “Allan F MacLeod served on the Comhairle from 1994 to 1999 as a member for Castlebay. Mr Macleod was Vice-Chair of the…

The Convener of the Comhairle, Councillor Kenneth Macleod, has paid tribute to former Councillor and Vice Convener, Mr Roddy Murray, who passed away aged 85 on 4 March 2024 in hospital in Inverness.  The Convener said: “Roddy Murray was a senior official of the Comhairle for many years, rising to the position of Depute Director…

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar joins Western Isles Employability and Developing the Young Workforce Outer Hebrides in celebrating Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2024, which starts today. Scottish Apprenticeship Week is an annual celebration of the positive impact apprenticeships have on apprentices, employers, and the local economy. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar currently supports a wide range of apprenticeships…

Cllr Paul Steele, Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Malcolm Burr, Chief Executive of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar met with Joe FitzPatrick MSP, Minister for Local Government Empowerment and Planning on Wednesday 21 February. The Minister advised at the meeting that the Comhairle would receive some extra funding from Scottish Government in addition to…

The Stornoway Welfare Fund, which amalgamated three existing trusts (Dr J L Robertson’s Bequest, Provost’s Coal Fund and the William Cook Mackenzie Trust), has recently been established. The Trustees of the Fund are the Councillors for the Stornoway North and Stornoway South Wards.  Trustees will meet quarterly to consider applications to the Fund. The Fund…

The Scottish Government published their Addressing Depopulation Action Plan (ADAP) last week to identify a pathway to implement measures and actions to reduce population decline through collaborating with local and regional partners. The Outer Hebrides, along with Inverclyde, are the only Scottish Local Authorities forecasted to have the more people leave the regions by the…

Cllr Donald Crichton, Chair of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Sustainable Development Committee has written to the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands to propose a Community Quota Pilot Scheme.  Cllr Crichton’s letter follows on from a discussion on the matter at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Sustainable Development Committee on the 6th of…