Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News - Wednesday 22nd July 2020

ENERGY CONNECTIVITY AND ISLANDS

Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar Representatives, meet Paul Wheelhouse MSP, Minister for Energy, Connectivity and Islands, to discuss several issues relating to broadband connectivity and ferry service arrangements.

Cllr Roddie Mackay, said: “The Minister was quick to reassure us that the Scottish Government’s R100 project, which guarantees superfast broadband for everyone in Scotland, will not leave anyone in the Western Isles behind.

Transport Scotland confirmed that in future, a careful process of consultation and financial consideration, would be taken before the procurement and undertaking of new vessels and large-scale harbour projects. They also confirmed that they would engage with islands’ communities before embarking on any new service changes. There was also a discussion on the new booking system and the need to ensure that it captured unmet demand.

Read more: Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News - Wednesday 22nd July 2020

Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News - Tuesday 21st July 2020

NEW ADVICE FOR FUNERALS

The Scottish Government has issued updated advice for funerals .Funeral services should be attended, by no more than 20 people. Numbers of attendees, will also be based on the size of the venue and its ability to maintain strict physical distancing measures, so the number able to attend, may be less than 20.

All attendees must maintain at least a 2 metre distance from each other at all times and should consider the use of a face covering, particularly if in an enclosed space.

Read more: Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News - Tuesday 21st July 2020

Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News - Monday 20th July 2020

HIGH STUDENT SUCCESS RATE IN ISLES COLLEGE

More students at Lews Castle College UHI this year completed their courses and achieved their awards than last year, despite having their studies disrupted by Covid-19.

Although College buildings were closed in March, students were able to continue their studies using a range of innovative and tutor-supported digital approaches. Student services staff continued to offer high levels of learning support, guidance, and counselling during this time with increased attention to students’ mental health and wellbeing.

The College had already seen an increase in student retention and achievement in 2018/19, well above the national benchmark; and, together with high levels of student satisfaction, that trend has continued in 2019/20.

The College is currently recruiting for a range of full and part-time courses from National Certificate level to postgraduate degree level. The full range of courses starting from August and September can be found on the College website – www.lews.uhi.ac.uk

Read more: Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News - Monday 20th July 2020

Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News - Friday 17th July 2020

BREAST SCREENING TO RESUME IN OUTER HEBRIDES

The Breast Screening Programme is to resume from August – beginning in Barra before travelling onwards to Lewis.
Provisional dates for the Breast Screening Mobile Unit’s visit have been scheduled as follows: Barra: 19th August – 25th August 2020.
Benbecula: 27th August – 2nd October 2020
Harris: 6th October – 15th October 2020
Stornoway: 20th October – 20th November 2020

Those who had been due to attend clinics that were cancelled in Lewis will receive an appointment when the Mobile Unit returns to Lewis.

Anyone who receives an appointment that they cannot attend, are asked please DO NOT go to the Mobile Unit but instead to call the Breast Screening Office on 01463 705416.

Please visit the NHS Inform site to find out more about Breast Screening at: www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/screening/breast/breast-screening

Read more: Isles FM News in association with Hebrides News - Friday 17th July 2020