Fred Silver

Outer Hebrides

Editor at Scottish Islands Explorer

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Articles

Musical tribute to the late Douglas Leadbitter

5 days ago | welovestornoway.com | Fred Silver

The varied and eclectic musical life of the late Douglas Leadbitter will be celebrated on Thursday 19 June with a grand inaugural fund-raising concert to launch a new island-based charity, the Douglas Leadbitter Legacy. Taking place at The Nicolson Institute, at 7pm, the concert will feature performances by Douglas’ friends, pupils, and musical colleagues - including the Stornoway Singers, and Douglas’ folk group Alchemy.
Body recovered near Back

5 days ago | welovestornoway.com | Fred Silver

In an announcement made by Police Scotland last last evening (Sunday June 1) it was stated that "around 6.10pm on Sunday, 1 June, 2025, the body of a woman was recovered near to the village of Back, Isle of Lewis. The family of 58-year-old Alison MacDonald, who had been reported missing earlier in the day, has been informed. There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
Police appeal to trace Alison MacDonald

6 days ago | welovestornoway.com | Fred Silver

Police Scotland said this afternoon (Sunday June 1) that they are appealing for help to trace Alison MacDonald, aged 58, who has been reported missing from Back on the Isle of Lewis. Alison was last seen between 10am and 11am today (Sunday, 1 June) in the Lighthill area of Back. Alison is described as 5ft 2in tall, of slim build with long blonde hair. When she was last seen she was wearing a turquoise jacket.
Aaron, 9 hits heights with fund-raise challenge

1 week ago | welovestornoway.com | Fred Silver

Nine-year-old Aaron Macdonald from Sandwick is an inspiration to his peers and wider community, having demonstrated his generosity and kindness of spirit when he decided to take on a steep challenge to raise funds for his local school and hospital. Aaron decided to set himself a personal challenge to climb the highest mountain in the Western Isles: the Clisham on Harris – which stands at 799 metres (2,621 ft).
Emergency Department opens on Wednesday

1 week ago | welovestornoway.com | Fred Silver

The new Emergency Department at Western Isles Hospital will open for service on Wednesday, June 4 at 9am. It had previously been planned to reopen for service on Monday June 2 – however, the date has been slightly delayed while final works and checks are carried out. The Acute Assessment Unit will remain in the Day Surgery Unit (level 2) in Western Isles Hospital until the AAU reopens in its original location on Monday June 9.
New homes become available in Leverburgh

1 week ago | welovestornoway.com | Fred Silver

The first phase of work on a scheme for new homes in Leverburgh has been completed. Hebridean Housing Partnership say they are pleased to announce the completion and handover of the first phase of five houses. "This site is named Lèana an t-Sruith which is the local name for the general area of the new housing development. This first phase contains a mix of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom houses. The final phase is expected to be completed in October 2025.
Sea Eagles 'pose worst threat to island lambs'

1 week ago | welovestornoway.com | Fred Silver

Predation by white tailed sea eagles this lambing season appears to have reached unprecedented levels, says the Scottish Crofting Federation. SCF is asking the Scottish Government to take decisive steps to limit further damage. When SCF asked crofters earlier this year about what poses the biggest threat to newborn lambs, the two most frequent responses were the weather and predators. With lambing now over for most, the weather this year has not been much of an issue.
MSP in plea to UKGov: Sort out risk of power charge crisis

1 week ago | welovestornoway.com | Fred Silver

SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Alasdair Allan, has called for called for clarity from energy suppliers and the UK Government as to the date on which the signal to old RTS electricity meters will be switched off, and whether a phased approach will be taken. The call follows repeated attempts by many island customers to get suppliers to come to replace RTS meters in advance of the previously stated deadline of 30 June.
200,000th passenger for airline gets flight vouchers

1 week ago | welovestornoway.com | Fred Silver

Loganair, Scotland's airline, is celebrating a key milestone at Benbecula Airport, having now carried more than 200,000 customers on its flights from the airport. This highlights the ongoing importance of regional connectivity for the Western Isles. To mark the milestone, Loganair surprised Shona Currie, 38, from North Uist, with complimentary flight vouchers ahead of her journey to Wales to visit The Dreaming, Charlotte Church’s retreat space.
Kathryn gets major post at Stones centre

1 week ago | welovestornoway.com | Fred Silver

Kathryn Lamont Smith is being appointed as the new Heritage Manager at the Calanais Visitor Centre, Urras nan Tursachan (The Standing Stones Trust) announced yesterday (Tuesday May 27) Bringing extensive experience from previous roles at An Lanntair and UHI North West and Hebrides, Kathryn will, the trust says, be crucial in developing and delivering impactful heritage and engagement programs for both the site and the local community.

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