Fred Silver

Outer Hebrides

Editor at Scottish Islands Explorer

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Articles

Lochboiasdale ferry: new row over service cuts

5 days ago | welovestornoway.com | Fred Silver

After six months of severely reduced ferry service to South Uist, and just when the community was looking forward to the return of their own vessel and a full summer timetable, CalMac have decided to cut South Uist ferry services by 10% for virtually all of June and July. The two return sailings normally scheduled for Mondays have been reduced to just one, and that is directed to Oban, 86 miles and 2½ hours further away from the usual mainland port of Mallaig.
Scrap-metal put to good use by ship's crew

6 days ago | welovestornoway.com | Fred Silver

The crew on Calmac's MV Loch Seaforth on the Stornoway-Ullapool run have found an innovative way to support underprivileged children – by donating cash from selling scrap metal. They recently replaced 16 trestles onboard, essential for securing trailers during freight transport, as these had come to the end of their service life. Normally these would be destined to be disposed of in a landfill site.
Primary pupils to make a splash with fundraiser

6 days ago | welovestornoway.com | Fred Silver

Pupils in P6 and P7 at Sir E Scott and Leverhulme Memorial schools are preparing to swim 10k as part of fundraising efforts towards their trip to Abernethy Outdoor Centre, near Aviemore, next month. The children are looking forward to the school’s first post-Covid, off-island residential trip and are playing their part to reduce costs and ensure that the opportunity is there for everyone.
Veterans mark wartime date, 80 years on

6 days ago | welovestornoway.com | Fred Silver

Ayrshire veterans with a combined service of almost eight decades joined CalMac to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe. Members of the Saltcoats, Ardrossan and Stevenston branch of the Royal British Legion hosted a special event today (Thursday) onboard Arran’s main ferry route. Flags, bunting and posters decorated the vessel, while passengers watched a film of the celebrations across the UK on 8 May 1945, and chatted to veterans about their service.
Supplies 'reaching' Co-op stores as crisis eases

1 week ago | welovestornoway.com | Fred Silver

The Co-op is prioritising deliveries to rural and island-based stores as it works to minimise disruption caused by an ongoing cyber attack that has affected supply chains across its UK store network. The move comes amid growing concern over shortages in isolated communities, with some stores – particularly across the Scottish islands – reportedly running low on essential items.
Trade deals, investment boost for Isles, says MP

1 week ago | welovestornoway.com | Fred Silver

Once again, the Western Isles are at the centre of major developments in trade and industry. Labour MP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar Torcuil Crichton has hailed three big announcements in one week from the Labour government which will deliver a boost for the Western Isles economy. Plans to fund high speed broadband connections to rural areas, a £300 million investment in renewables and a trade deal with India will pay off in jobs and growth in the Western Isles, Mr Crichton said.
Co-op empty-shelves crisis is Scotland-wide, reports show

1 week ago | welovestornoway.com | Fred Silver

Reports from across the Highlands and Islands suggest the Co-operative Group is failing to grasp the extent of the unfolding food supplies crisis in remote areas where there are no alternative suppliers for families and businesses. This follows the cyberattack on the organisation's computers which have left it unable to respond to orders and organise deliveries. One Isle of Skye resident from an outlying village talked today on Facebook of the problems after a visit to Portree.
Lunch cancelled by power loss

1 week ago | welovestornoway.com | Fred Silver

An urgent message has been issued tonight (Wednesday May 7) about the cancellation of a regular lunch event in Stornoway. It's the Thursday lunch at the Fàilte Centre on Bayhead. The organisers say: "We are having to cancel our Thursday lunch tomorrow because we have lost power to our ovens and our heating. I would be grateful if you could tell everybody for us."
Air passenger numbers slump across Isles

1 week ago | welovestornoway.com | Fred Silver

There's been a slump in passenger numbers using all the airports in the Western Isles, according to air passenger figures issued by Highland and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL) today (Wednesday May 7). Almost 9,000 fewer people used the air services to and from Barra, Benbecula and Stornoway in the 2024-2025 reporting year, compared to the previous year – with Benbecula passengers down by more than 10%; Barra down 9.9%; and Stornoway dropping 4.2%.
Advocacy group shows off new look

1 week ago | welovestornoway.com | Fred Silver

Advocacy Western Isles recently welcomed over 60 guests to an open afternoon event at its office in Stornoway. The charity's trustees and staff hosted representatives from various agencies to introduce the staff team and new-look premises and launch updated informational literature, social media accounts, and fresh new branding. Mr & Mrs Matheson with Advocacy Western Isles Trustees The charity offers tailored support for adults and young people facing complex life challenges.

Journalists covering the same region

Michael Russell

Journalist and Writer at West Highland Free Press

Michael Russell primarily covers news in the Scottish Highlands, including locations such as Inverness and the Isle of Skye, Scotland, United Kingdom.