Barra & Vatersay Community Ltd

Are you interested in becoming an Outdoor Ranger on the Isle of Barra & Vatersay? If so, email [email protected] for more info.

DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER KATE FORBES TO REFLECT ON GAELIC CENSUS RESULTS IN ONLINE SEMINAR. On the 13th of November, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes will take part in an online seminar discussing the 2022 Gaelic Census results. The seminar, hosted by Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture, will see a panel come together to reflect on the Gaelic census results and their relevance to the Scottish Languages Bill currently being debated in parliament. Kate Forbes will be joined by Iain Mac an Tàilleir (Sabhal Mòr Ostaig) and Wilson McLeod (Professor Emeritus, University of Edinburgh) as they discuss key data surrounding Gaelic in Scotland and the impact these insights have on the proposed legislation. The event will be chaired by Dr Gillian Rothach, Principal of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. Dr Gillian Rothach, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Principal, said: ‘When we think of census results, there is always a focus on numbers and data. However, behind these numbers are Gaelic speaking communities and people working towards a united aim to improve the use and provision for Gaelic within Scotland. As Scotland’s National Centre for Language and Culture, we support and enable healthy debate surrounding encouraging and - at times - challenging insights into the status of the language. We also want to encourage positive discussions around opportunities arising from the census insights, particularly as Gaelic has seen surprising levels of growth in some areas of the country. Our seminar will bring together a brilliant panel to reflect on the wider opportunities and challenges the Gaelic language faces and how these are approached in the Scottish Languages Bill.’ Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “The 2022 census marked a turning point for Gaelic, with a rise in speakers for the first time in over 50 years. We are determined to maintain this growth while taking focused action for those communities where the census showed a decline in Gaelic use. “As part of this seminar, I will reflect on the Scottish Languages Bill which is being progressed in Parliament. The Bill includes measures to strengthen Gaelic education in secondary school and create a system to enable all parents to apply for Gaelic early learning and childcare services.” More information about the online event and how to reserve a place can be found at https://bit.ly/48OEJS8

Whole Farm Plan Meeting - Barra This is an in-person meeting to help crofters in Barra get ready for the new requirements being introduced from 2025. The meeting will provide detailed information on the changes coming in the transitional period for the new support payment system from 2025 and over the next few years. We will look at the five plans and audits contained within the whole farm plan, what crofters need to do to comply with each element, and provide support to help you plan how best to achieve full compliance for your own business within the timeframe available. We will explore what you might be able to do yourself, what assistance you may need, and what support is currently available. There will also be plenty of time for all your questions. Castlebay Hall Wednesday 6th November 7:00pm To book email [email protected] or call 01870 602 336.

Volunteer Directors Needed Barra and Vatersay Environmental Services Ltd (BVES) seeks volunteer directors to help maintain and develop its work. BVES operates a service level agreement on behalf of CNES, supervising residential waste deposited in skips by the community at the Garrygall Recycling Centre. The role of the director would be to help oversee this service and to look at how the service might be developed to improve how Barra and Vatersay work to reduce, reuse and recycle waste. It would suit individuals with an interest in recycling, the environment and the role of the community in managing environmental issues. BVES is a wholly owned subsidiary of Coimhearsnachd Bharraidh agus Bhatarsaidh Ltd. If you are interested in finding out more or in becoming a director, please don't hesitate to get in touch by emailing Marina at [email protected]

We are now working in partnership with Foundation Scotland who will be administering our Spagan Fund going forward. The Fund supports community-led activity on Barra and Vatersay. To apply to the Fund or find out more please go to: https://lnkd.in/gv9XqZ8P

Summer means longer days, nicer weather, trips away and more time outdoors. But, it can also mean an increase in seasonal mishaps and illnesses. Be prepared and view summer NHS health advice to keep you and your loved ones safe and well. https://bit.ly/4d7pX9U

An exciting opportunity has arisen to recruit an inspiring and innovative CPN Team Leader for our Community Mental Health Team based in Balivanich, Isle of Uist. For more info: https://bit.ly/46mLcCc