50kw wind turbine planned

The Trust has submitted a planning application to install a 50kw wind turbine on Scarista common grazings. The Harbon turbine will be approx 33m to blade tip which is about twice the height of 2 existing 5kw turbines in the area.

The Trust is proposing this project in order to assist it in becoming self-sustaining with a predicted revenue of £45,000/year before running costs and borrowing charges. If planning permission is granted it is hoped to install the turbine in summer 2013.

Community Enterprise Centre Unveiled

The Trust unveiled plans for a major development at Rubha Romagaidh near Horgabost at a community meeting on Tues 13th November. The well-attended meeting with over 40 local people present heard of plans for a community enterprise centre, affordable housing, plots for self-build, community horticulture and hook-ups for camper vans; all potentially powered by a 50kw wind turbine.

The outline plans were presented by Alan Dickson of Rural Design architects from Skye who have the task of delivering a muti-use site that will be a keystone development in regenerating the local area. The presentation was well-received and a number of suggestions were given by the community, with 76% of the respondents rating the project as either "excellent" or "good". People were asked to rate the indivdual elements of the project and the highest scores were received for the wind turbine, community space, affordable housing and business space.

Another meeting will be organised with the community in January to present more detailed proposals before a planning application is submitted to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.

New Administrator in Post

The Trust is pleased that Linda Green has started work as administrator for the Trust. She will be working 1-2 days per week handling general administration including crofting issues, invoicing and payments etc. Any general enquiries for the Trust can be directed to Linda. Her email is admin@westharristrust.org

Designing a Better Future

The Trust has taken a significant step forward with the appointment of architects Rural Design of Skye to carry out feasibility and design work on a site at Rubha Romagaidh, Horgabost. There is currently a severe lack of opportunities for new housing, business and community enterprise, and development of this unique site looking across to Taransay could address these.



Looking down on the site (centre) and across to Taransay

Options for the 3ha site include business/community space, housing and community horticulture. Rural Design will work with the Trust and the local community to develop a scheme that addresses community needs while also respecting the local landscape and National Scenic Area within which the development will be sited. The Trust is looking for the highest quality of design and Rural Design have a track record of producing quality designs in sensitive locations.

There will be full community consultation throughout the process and it is intended to produce a site masterplan and apply for planning permission in principle before the end of the year. If this is granted it is hoped to develop detailed plans with a view to commencing building works in 2014.

Administrator vacancy

Administrator (Part-time)

 The West Harris Trust is seeking to recruit an administrator for general duties including maintaining records, processing invoices, handling general enquiries and crofting administration. The post will involve flexible working for an average 1.5 days/week

Salary: £16,700 (pro rata)

Closing Date: 24^th August

For further information on the post and to apply please contact:

Duncan MacPherson, Commercial Development Manager, West Harris Trust, Seallam, Northton, Isle of Harris HS3 3JA Tel: 01859 520785 dev@westharristrust.org

The West Harris Trust is registered as a charity in Scotland - SC041920

JMT Beach Clean

Thanks to all who the volunteers who took part in the first John Muir Trust work party in West Harris. The team of about 15 came on Friday 1st June, having spent the rest of the week doing footpath repair and other work for the North Harris Trust. Their task with us was to clear an area of shoreline at Aird Grodanais (beyond Luskentyre beach) of decades of rubbish - mainly plastics and ropes. The team worked at a prodigious rate, gathering about 15 big bags of waste and then dragging them to 1 point on the shore for uplift.

One long time volunteer unfortunately slipped on the shingle and fell awkwardly, dislocating 2 fingers. However after a trip to hospital in Stornoway to have them put back in place he was able to drive his campervan that evening, showing that Borderers are about as tough as Islanders!

 Thanks are also due to the squad from the Marine Harvest shore base in Ardhasaig who collected the rubbish from the shore on 19th June.

West Harris Weaver is a Face of British Fashion

Harris Tweed has seen a huge increase in demand over the last few years, nationally and globally. As well as being awarded an MBE Last year, Mr DJ Mackay - Luskentyre Tweed Company on Harris, is featured on one of the flags created in honour of HM The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and to celebrate all things GREAT about the British Fashion Industry. The flags can be seen on Oxford Street. The flags "pay homage to the unsung heroes that put the GREAT into Great British Craft and Design - Find out more about the Faces in the Flags below".

http://www.oxfordstreet.co.uk/fashion-flags/

We are delighted with Donald John and Maureen's success over the years. 

For more information on this iconic cloth -which can only be produced on crofts in the Outer Hebrides - please look at the links below.

 www.harristweed.org

 https://www.facebook.com/harristweedauthority