Thomas Taylor Edgar

Isles MSP Donald MacKinnon has secured a commitment from the First Minister to take another look at the case of Scottish Legal Aid being awarded to fund a court action against Bernera Community Association.

The imposition of a 200 per cent council tax rate on second homes has failed to have the expected impact, it has emerged.

Voluntary sector organisation Third Sector Hebrides has landed £277,500 of Scottish Government funding to help tackle the scarcity of childcare across the Western Isles.

Isles MP Torcuil Crichton has won Prime Minister Andy Burnham's backing for community energy companies to be given priority access to the national grid.

Businesses are warning of the "huge impact" from ferry disruption amid a fresh blow to the communities with confirmation that CalMac's usual car service on the Berneray to Leverburgh route will not return as promised.

Vets in Uist are urging crofters to vaccinate calves immediately following the first outbreak of Blackleg in more than 40 years. Multiple cases have been confirmed in northwest North Uist, with Southern Isles Veterinary Practice warning that rapidly growing calves are most at risk.

For the local news and events in the Western Isles, We Love Stornoway connects our island communities, highlighting key happenings and sharing positive stories.

A Shetland councillor has suggested islanders receive one free Loganair flight per year instead of the current air discount scheme.

Public health services in the Western Isles are under strain as key NHS Western Isles posts remain vacant, forcing teams to prioritise emergencies over routine prevention. A new Joint Health Protection Plan warns of reduced capacity, delayed laboratory results and rising demographic pressures.

Care homes in Uist and Barra are in danger of being left behind, with the level of required investment in the ageing facilities far outstripping budgets and no indication of when that will change.