Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News - Wednesday 1st July 2020

PUBLIC TRANSPORT BUS SERVICES

Phase 2 of public bus services, begins in the Western Isles today. Moving to Phase 2 provides increased services, but capacity remains significantly limited, to allow for physical distancing. During this time, travel at peak times is still to be discouraged, unless travelling to and from work.

The services currently being provided for key workers, is now integrated with the new services. In order to manage safe numbers, passengers wishing to use the Phase 2 public bus services, will be required to book a seat for the majority of services.

Timetables and contact details for local bus operators, are available on the Comhairle website. Face coverings are now compulsory, on any form of public transport and passengers will only be permitted, to travel on public transport if they are wearing appropriate face covering.

Read more: Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News - Wednesday 1st July 2020

Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News - Tuesday 30th June 2020

CORONAVIRUS BUSINESS SUPPORT SCHEME

The Scottish Government’s, Coronavirus Business Support Scheme, has paid out nearly £8 million to businesses in the Western Isles. The government has brought forward the deadline for submission of applications to 10 July 2020.
Eligible businesses must ensure that applications are submitted before this date.
The 3 categories of grant are aimed at supporting businesses, through protecting jobs, preventing closure and assisting with recovery:
Small Business – grants of up to £10,000 are available to businesses in receipt of specific categories of rates relief.
Retail, Hospitality and Leisure – grants of up to £25,000 for businesses with properties in these sectors and with Rateable Values in a specified range.
A recent change to the scheme has extended the grants to tenants of ratepayers of business properties, where they can show that a lease is in place, staff are employed and that they have a business bank account.

Read more: Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News - Tuesday 30th June 2020

Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News - Monday 29th November 2020

FACE MASKS IN HOSPITAL

As from today, following the release of new national guidance, it will be a requirement for all staff, patients attending for appointments, and visitors, to wear a face mask, in clinical areas in hospitals in the Western Isles

At Western Isles Hospital in Stornoway, Ospadal Uibhist agus Bharraigh in Benbecula and St Brendan’s in Barra, everyone will be asked on arrival, to remove any face coverings they are wearing. Masks, along with alcohol based hand rub and bins, will be located outside clinical departments in the hospitals.

NHS Western Isles Nurse & AHP Director/Chief Operating Officer, William Findlay, stated: “This new measure is important because it is recognised that some people are unaware that they have the virus and do not have any symptoms. The use of face masks in clinical areas will help to prevent transmission of the virus, from the person wearing the face mask, to other people.”

Read more: Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News - Monday 29th November 2020

Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News - Thursday 25th June 2020

ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar have approved a Plan, to aid the recovery of the economy of the Outer Hebrides.

The Plan in partnership with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), focuses on three key areas– a community recovery, a green recovery and a digital recovery. Under each of these themes a range of actions have been identified

The Recovery Plan sees collaboration with key sectors of the economy.A series of economic forums will be established to gather industry intelligence and to allow the private sector, to help influence and focus the direction of recovery efforts. A high-level Outer Hebrides wide economic forum is anticipated with forums in Barra, Uist and Harris to ensure recovery efforts are being prioritised across all the islands.

Cllr. Roddie MacKay, Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said:
The Comhairle and HIE have sought to be proactive in support of businesses by delivering the various Government support schemes and developing a local, tailored support package for any business, that may have been ineligible for the Government schemes”.

Read more: Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News - Thursday 25th June 2020