News Thursday June 6th Fuel Poverty ‘Scandal’ Fuel poverty levels in the Western Isles are ‘a scandal’ says the islands’ MP, after a new report by Scotland’s Rural Collehe. The SRUC survey found that the highest level of fuel poverty is in the Western Isles, with 76% of people over the age of 60 in fuel poverty. A household is defined as being in fuel poverty if it needs to spend 10% or more of income on all fuel use in order to heat the dwelling to an acceptable standard. Angus MacNeil MP said: “Fuel poverty in an energy rich country like Scotland is an absolute scandal. The wind-chill factor is a major challenge in our islands, makes our islands feel far colder and means that our pensioners require more energy to heat their homes.” Creel fishing grants 28 creel fishermen in the Western Isles have been awarded £56,000 between them as part of a £400,000 support package from the Scottish Creel Support Fund. The fund was launched to help creel fishermen experiencing hard financial times, due to a combination of the extreme weather, which can lead to a loss of fishing gear and a reduction in catch. Duncan MacInnes of the Western Isles Fishermen’s Association welcomed the support, which he said showed a “fair geographical balanced distribution of funds throughout Scotland, to assist those that experienced exceptional circumstances and reduced profits in 2013.” Island summit in Kirkwall Representatives of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar were in Kirkwall this week for a meeting of the Ministerial Working Group looking at powers for Scotland’s island areas. The meeting was chaired by Derek Mackay, Minister for Local Government and Planning, and was the sixth meeting attended by Leaders and Chief Executives of the three islands Councils, Orkney, Shetland and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.After the meeting a spokesman said the Group is “well placed for finding final agreement”. A prospectus is due to be published when final agreement has been reached on a range of issues specific to island areas. Air route survey A survey on Enhanced Air Services between Stornoway And Aberdeen is part of a study that has been commissioned by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), and which will run until June 23rd. Cllr John Mackay, Chair of Transportation and Infrastructure Committee at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said, “This survey provides the public an opportunity to share their views on air services between Stornoway and Aberdeen, a route which is essential to many islanders, including those who work in the North Sea. I would like to encourage all residents, businesses and visitors to the Western Isles to take part.” Next hospital works The next phase of building work at Western Isles Hospital is set to start on June 9, with the refurbishment of Clisham Ward. Carpets will be replaced with vinyl floor coverings, and the ward will be redecorated, with lighting and electrical fittings upgraded. Patients currently cared for in Clisham Ward will be moved either to Erisort Ward or to a bay in the Day Surgery Unit, which will be temporarily renovated. Relatives of patients will be kept up to date as the work progresses.
Posted on: Thu, 05 Jun 2014 08:30:00 +0000
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