Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

08/09/2026

Westside Water Update

Due to the continuing issues affecting water supplies across the west of Lewis, Sgoil an Taobh Siar and Sgoil Shiaboist will be closed to pupils again tomorrow (09/09/26). Staff will work to make learning available for pupils online and communication will be issued to parents directly from the schools. Sgoil Bhreascleit is expected to be able to open tomorrow as it is benefitting form a redirected water supply.

This is a continuing situation and circumstances can change quickly. Please be alert to any updates to communications in the morning.

Updated information including water bottle collection points can be viewed on the Scottish Water website:

Posted: Tuesday 8th September – 19:25hrs Next Update: Tuesday 8th September – 22:30hrs Customers in HS2 areas to the West side of the Isle of Lewis may be experiencing an interruption to their water supply. This is due to an issue which was identified this morning at West Lewis Water Treatment W...

08/09/2026

Westside Water Supply Issue

Sgoil Bhreascleit, Sgoil Siabost and Sgoil an Toabh Siar have been closed today because of water supply issues affecting the Westside. Scottish Water has issued a statement on the situation and will provide further updates on their website.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has notified parents and carers of the closures and will provide the public with information on any further service disruption.

Posted: Tuesday 8th September – 08:30hrs Next Update: Tuesday 8th September – 12:00hrs Customers in HS2 areas to the West side of the Isle of Lewis may experience an interruption to their water supply this morning. This is due to an issue which has been identified at the water treatment works in...

07/09/2026

Athlete Travel Award Scheme

The Athlete Travel Award Scheme for October 2026 to April 2027 is open today, Monday 7 September 2026.

The Athlete Travel Award Scheme supports travel costs to allow elite pathway athletes from the Highlands & Islands to gain better access to competitive and developmental opportunities on the mainland.

This is the first application available for the 2026 to 2027 period with up to £750 made available to successful candidates. The competition period being applied for is from 1 October 2026 – 1 April 2027.

Athletes who applied for the previous application can also apply for this round, as long as they can provide evidence to support their application.

This round of applications must be submitted by Monday 21 September (9am) and will be considered soon after.

The application and accompanying guidance can be found on the CNES website in the Sport & Health / Community Sports Hub section.

The Islands Athlete Travel Award Scheme allows Athletes from the Outer Hebrides the opportunity to benefit from the program designed to support travel costs in the islands.

04/09/2026

Safe Levels of Shellfish Toxin in Loch Roag

The Comhairle's Environmental Health team has been notified that the raised levels of naturally occurring bivalve shellfish biotoxins at Loch Roag: Miavaig have returned to safe levels.

The warning against eating shellfish from this area has now been lifted.

04/09/2026

Positive Care Inspection for Trianaid

The Care Inspectorate has published its assessment of Trianaid Care Home, following an inspection carried out in July 2026.

The inspectors praised Trianaid’s support for people and the quality of its leadership team giving very good Grade 5 assessments for both areas inspected.

The inspectors highlighted five key messages following the inspection:

• People told us that they benefited from warm and compassionate care.
• Families were very happy and felt a strong sense of belonging in the service.
• Leaders were highly knowledgeable and strived for continuous improvements.
• The staff team had developed strong meaningful relationships, which supported people in the right
way for them.
• The service was part of the community which meant people felt connected.

Emma MacSween, Chief Officer, said: “We welcome this inspection report which clearly demonstrates the high quality of the service delivered at Trianaid Care Home. The inspector identified several key strengths, most importantly highlighting the warm and compassionate care delivered to our residents. I would like to thank the inspectors, residents, and families for their cooperation throughout the inspection process and our care home management and staff team for their continued hard work and dedication.”

02/09/2026

Bho neart gu neart

Ma tha thu a’ dol bho neart gu neart, tha seo a’ ciallachadh gu bheil thu a’ dèanamh adhartas ceum air cheum. Ma nì thu do dhìcheall ’s gun obraich thu air sgil no laigse a choreigin, tha fhios gun tig piseach ort an ceann streath – fiù ’s ged a bheir e greis.

Tha luchd-obrach Ionad Spòrs Leòdhais a’ dol bho neart gu neart a thaobh leudachadh cleachdadh na Gàidhlig agus len cuid obrach ann an Spòrs is Cur-seachad. Nach tèid sibh a-steach ach am faic sibh an dreach snasail ùr a th’ air an gym agus beagan cabadaich fhaighinn sa Ghàidhlig?

This means ‘from strength to strength’. If you put the effort in and do your best, you can improve any skill and overcome any obstacle in your way, even if it takes a while.

ISL staff are going from strength to strength in their work in Sport and Leisure as well as increasing and normalising the use of Gaelic. Why don’t you pop in to see how they have transformed the gym and have a wee chat in Gaelic?

Listen here: https://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/news/2026/bho-neart-gu-neart

31/08/2026

Western Isles Development Trust Small Projects Fund 2026

The Western Isles Development Trust is launching the 2026 Small Projects Fund to distribute £15,000 for small projects across the Western Isles.

The fund will open for applications at 9am on 1 September 2026. Once the fund has been expended it will close. There is no restriction on successful applicants from previous funds applying.

Applications are invited from community groups for a maximum of £1,500 in grant funding. To be eligible an application must meet at least one of the WIDT’s objectives and show benefit to the community.

The application form (containing the full details of the Fund) will be available on the Western Isles Development Trust website. A list of beneficiaries of all WIDT’s funds is also available. https://widt.co.uk/

28/08/2026

Stornoway Abattoir Open for Bookings

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is encouraging members of the public in Lewis and Harris to utilise the facilities at Stornoway Abattoir.

Stornoway Abattoir is open from 31 August 2026 until 18 December 2026; booking can be made now by calling 01851 706733.

Stornoway Abattoir is the only council run abattoir facility in the United Kingdom and provides an important service to local crofters.

Benefits of Using the Local Abattoir
• Vets monitor the overall welfare of animals to ensure that they are healthy and treated humanely.
• Vets carry out post-mortem checks ensuring they don’t contain anything harmful like Hydatid Disease – a parasitic infection that causes cysts to grow in the liver and other organs of humans.
• All carcasses are checked and stamped to ensure that they are fit for human consumption.
• The abattoir has regular audits from Food Standards Scotland and Quality Meat Scotland, ensuring everything is being handled safely and hygienically.
• There have been cases of people getting ill from eating infected meat from animals not killed in a slaughterhouse.
A spokesperson for Comhairle nan Eilean Siar said: “Members of the public in Lewis and Harris planning to kill livestock are encouraged to contact Stornoway Abattoir to make a booking. Stornoway Abattoir currently operates at a loss. Increased usage of the abattoir will support the continued availability of a safe, hygienic, and regulated abattoir facility in the Western Isles.”

Abattoir Charges for 2026 (incl. QMS levy and VAT)

Kill Only
Sheep 12 months - £44.50
Goats - £40.50
Cattle - £185.50
Pigs 75kg - £134.00

Additional Charges
Cutting Charge - £12.00
Vacuum Packing Charge - £25.00

26/08/2026

Become a Volunteer Children’s Panel Member

Children's Hearings Scotland (CHS) is currently recruiting volunteer Panel Members across Scotland, including the Western Isles. Panel Members play a vital role in supporting children and young people by making decisions that are in their best interests during Children's Hearings. CHS are looking for people aged 18 and over who can demonstrate empathy, compassion and strong listening skills.

Panel Members come from all walks of life and represent communities throughout Scotland. They are dedicated volunteers who uphold the rights and wellbeing of infants, children and young people. Working as part of a panel, they listen carefully to those involved in the hearing and make legal decisions that will help shape a child's future. Ensuring that the child or young person remains at the centre of every decision is fundamental to the role, as every outcome can have a significant impact on their life.

CHS provides a comprehensive training programme, supported by an experienced team who will guide you throughout your journey to becoming a Panel Member.
Applications are open from Wednesday 26 August 2026 and close at midnight on Wednesday 23 September 2026.

To find out more about the role, the training provided and the difference you can make, visit www.chscotland.gov.uk Applications can also be submitted through the website.

Online Information Sessions

CHS will host a series of online Information Sessions via Microsoft Teams for anyone interested in becoming a Panel Member. During the session, participants will:
• Hear directly from a current Panel Member about their experiences in the role.
• Learn about the training and support provided by CHS.
• Find out more about the application process.
• Have the opportunity to ask questions.

Information Session Dates

Thursday 27 August 2026 - 6.00pm to 6.45pm (Microsoft Teams)
Thursday 17 September 2026 - 12.30pm to 1.15pm (Microsoft Teams)

To reserve a place at one of the online Information Sessions, please visit www.chscotland.gov.uk

For further information about the recruitment campaign or the Children’s Panel in Eilean Siar, please contact Marina Macaulay ([email protected]) (01851 822613).

26/08/2026

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Home Care & Reablement Recruitment

Cllr Paul Steele, Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and current Home Care staff are encouraging individuals interested in the career to attend the Comhairle’s Home Care & Reablement Recruitment event in Stornoway Town Hall on Thursday 27 August from 10am - 3.30pm.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Home Care staff and Reablement Service is looking to recruit care staff who are caring, compassionate and reliable to join the skilled team who support people to continue living at home.

The event will give people a chance to chat to current Home Care staff about the job and receive application and interview support from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s HR and Employability teams.

The recruitment event in Stornoway will be replicated in Uist on Tuesday 29 September.

Cllr Steele said: “This is a chance to take up an extremely rewarding role that is highly valued by the recipients of the service and the wider community. The Home Care service is high performing and makes a hugely positive impact on the lives of individuals in our communities. If you want to join the team come along to the Comhairle’s recruitment event for a chance to speak to current carers and receive application support and advice.”

Members of the Home Care and Reablement team, Iona, Joan, Holly and Danielle have spoken about their roles to encourage others to attend the event and join the homecare team.

Iona Macleod said: “I would genuinely say that homecare is one of the most rewarding jobs you could do. If you have a big heart, a caring personality and plenty of humour homecare will be a very rewarding, worthwhile, and meaningful career choice for you.”
Joan O’Donnell said: “It is very rewarding. Knowing you have supported the service user to continue living in their home gives a lot of satisfaction. You see them each day and you build up trust with them. It's a good feeling at the end of the day leaving the service user comfortable and happy as possible.”

Holly Waddington said: I feel I am making a difference to someone's life and being able to provide clients with dignity and the comfort of living in their own home makes it a very rewarding job.

Danielle Pickard said: “I would recommend homecare to anyone who genuinely enjoys helping people. It's not always easy, and some days can be challenging, but it is one of the most rewarding careers. Every day is different; you meet amazing people and can make a real difference in someone's life.”

Learn more about working in home care. https://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/adult-health-and-social-care/work-homecare-and-reablement