CnES Consumer & Environmental Services

18/06/2026

⚠️ Clean Air Day 2026⚠️

Air pollution affects everyone’s health. It’s linked to a range of health problems throughout our lives – from premature birth and childhood asthma to heart and lung disease, diabetes and strokes in later life.

We may be exposed to higher levels of air pollution because of where we live, and children, older people and people with existing health conditions experience the health harms of dirty air more than others.

Find out more by following the link in the comments section ⬇️

18/06/2026

If you operate a short-term let property without the required licence, your listing may be removed by letting platforms and you could be reported to Police Scotland.

More details about the short-term licensing process is available in the comments section.

11/06/2026

‼️Biotoxins affecting Bivalve Shellfish in coastal waters in Loch Roag: Miavaig, Isle of Lewis ‼️

Food Standards Scotland has identified raised levels of naturally occurring biotoxins in bivalve shellfish during routine monitoring at Loch Roag: Miavaig

Eating shellfish such as mussels, cockles, or razor fish from this area may pose a health risk due to these toxins. As a precaution, the public is advised not to eat bivalve shellfish from Loch Roag: Miavaig until further notice.

⚠️Important: Cooking does not remove these toxins or make shellfish safe to eat ⚠️

Commercial shellfish harvesters in the area have been contacted by the Council.

10/06/2026

They have soared in popularity due to social media videos showing the unboxing. However, this has sparked a rise in fake versions. If you are going to buy one please use a retailer you can trust and check labels thoroughly.⚠️

Does your child love these squishy dumplings? They’re the latest craze – with unboxing videos gaining millions of views.

But their popularity and high demand mean lots of fakes are now available to buy. And the counterfeit versions may contain harmful levels of dangerous chemicals.

✓ Buy from trusted retailers if you can – fakes may not meet our safety standards
✓ Check for proper labelling – missing safety information is a sign it’s fake
✓ If the toy is damaged, leaking or smells unusual, stop using it
✓ Avoid buying for under 3s - they’re most at risk from dangerous toys.

More tips on buying safe toys: https://capt.org.uk/buy-safe-toys/

08/06/2026

‼️ Elementary Food Hygiene course ‼️

Wednesday 17 June in Benbecula

Please contact Kathleen at Western Isles Employability to book a place on the course.

05/06/2026

‼️ MyBins App Launched to support waste collection and recycling across the Western Isles ‼️

The Comhairle’s Zero Waste Western Isles team is working in partnership with MyBins to provide a free mobile app designed to help householders manage their bin collections and improve recycling across the Western Isles.

Available on both Android and Apple devices, the MyBins app allows residents to easily keep track of their bin collection days, access clear guidance on what materials belong in each bin and receive important service updates directly from the Comhairle.

The app also enables the Comhairle to send notifications to users, ensuring that households are quickly informed of any changes to collection schedules, such as disruptions caused by severe weather or vehicle breakdowns.

Users can set up convenient reminders, such as one the day before collection and another on the day itself, to help ensure bins are presented on time. For the best experience, users are encouraged to enable notifications.

As the Comhairle operates two separate waste collection streams, users should select the appropriate area within the app:
• Comhairle nan Eilean Siar – Lewis & Harris
• Comhairle nan Eilean Siar – Uist & Barra

Cllr Uisdean Robertson, Chair of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, said:
“The MyBins app is a simple and effective way to help householders stay on top of their bin collections while making it easier to recycle correctly. By providing timely reminders, clear guidance, and real-time updates, the app will help reduce missed collections, minimise contamination in recycling bins, and support our wider efforts to improve recycling rates and reduce waste going to landfill. It also strengthens communication with residents, ensuring they are kept informed of any service changes as quickly as possible.”

Householders experiencing issues with the app or noticing incorrect collection information are encouraged to contact the Zero Waste Western Isles team at: [email protected]

The MyBins app is free to download from both the Android and Apple app stores. Further information about the app is available in the comments section below ⬇️

02/06/2026

‼️ Elementary Food Hygiene course ‼️

Monday 15 June in Stornoway

Please contact Kathleen at Western Isles Employability to book a place on the course.

01/06/2026

Eat Safe Award for Uig Primary School, Isle of Lewis

Cllr Dr Frances Murray, Chair of the Community Safety Board, presented Uig Primary School with an Eat Safe Award during a visit to the school.

The Food Standards Scotland Eat Safe Award was presented to school cooks, Fiona Callan and Susan Springer and Head Teacher Ann Marie Beaton. (Pictured)

The Eat Safe Award is granted by the Environmental Health Service of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar in conjunction with Food Standards Scotland. The award is available to all establishments selling food directly to consumers.

The main aim of the scheme is to provide an incentive to food businesses to strive for food hygiene and food safety management standards beyond those required by law. It also helps consumers make informed choices about where to eat out by providing a recognisable sign of excellence in standards of food hygiene.

Cllr Dr Frances Murray, Chair of the Community Safety Board was delighted to hand over the award on behalf of the Comhairle. Cllr Murray said:
"The Eat Safe award is only presented to businesses that have achieved hygiene standards beyond those required by law, so their commitment has to be commended. I would encourage all businesses within the Outer Hebrides to aim for this award as it provides them with a valuable tool to reassure their customers of a continuing commitment to produce food safely."

Eligible establishments are assessed for the award as part of scheduled food hygiene inspections undertaken by officers from Environmental Health. Further details on the scheme are available on the Food Standards Scotland website, link in the comments section below.

29/05/2026

🔴 Safeguarding Alert 🔴

Viral Online Trend Causing Severe Burns to Children

A new trend has emerged suggesting that children and young people should microwave squishy silicone toys. After seeing online videos claiming this makes the toys softer and more pliable, when squeezed afterwards it results in severe burns.

We’re encouraging parents, carers, and staff to be aware of this trend and talk to young people about the risks of following "trends" seen online.

Don't search and push the algorithms. Read the information and guidance you need in the Safer Schools App and on our website.
🔗 https://zurl.co/QkHAU

29/05/2026

Fox’s Burton’s Companies (FBC) UK is recalling Arran Fine Foods Caramelised Red Onion Chutney because it may contain pieces of metal, making it unsafe to eat - https://bit.ly/3ROdbaQ