The John Muir Trust work party from 16th-20th June 2008 carried out a power of work once again. Following several annual clean-ups Hushinish beach was cleared in a morning and the volunteers were able to focus on the remoter beaches further round the coast at Traigh Mhelein and Crabhadail. Large amounts of plastic, ropes, buoys and nets were gathered for removal, tidying up this beautiful but relatively inaccessible area. The volunteers also carried out work clearing culverts on the track to Loch Bhoismid and footpath repairs on the Urgha-Maraig track. Thanks to all who took part and see you again next year!
Rheinigeadal Footpath - Phase 2 Complete
Major improvements were made to the second half of the Reinigeadal to Urgha footpath over the winter led by Chris Harris of contractors Pathology. A combination of ditching, cross drains, water bars and resurfacing have made a big improvement to the path, making the walk even more enjoyable than in the past. The completion of the contract has highlighted one or 2 places for improvement that were not noticed when much of the rest of the track was like a river! It is hoped that this work can be carried out in the near future.
Kyles Scalpay Biomass
The Trust planted 25000 trees on 2.5ha of land at Kyles Scalpay in April as part of a trial to investigate the practicalities of growing wood crops for fuel. Similar projects are taking place at 2 other sites in the Outer Hebrides to identify the best growing conditions and techniques.
The project was a challenging one on a site that was very wet and overgrown with rushes. Cultivation was carried out by a 13t excavator which opened up ditches between old lazy beds and turned surface material to create beds suitable for planting. Poplar sticks were easy to plant, simply being pressed into the soil. Willow, alder and sycamore were shorter at planting and required some protection from weeds. Most were therefore planted through plastic, with some being planted in bare ground. The ones planted in bare ground are now considerably shorter and some are hard to see amongst weeds. The added advantage of planting through plastic was that extra moisture was available for the young trees in what was the driest spring in living memory.
It is hoped that the first wood can be harvested in 3 years time when the willow and poplar should have grown well enough to be coppiced. It will then be suitable for drying, chipping and burning in solid fuel boilers.
North Harris Trust Calendar 2009
A 2009 North Harris Trust calendar is now available for purchase. They will be sold in various outlets throughout Harris and in the trust office. The calendar consists of interesting, old and new photos and views of North Harris. There are also various adverts for local shops, cafes, hotels, island cruise trips, etc. Keep a look out for a copy either for yourself, family or friends. They will be priced at £6.50 each. Calendars can be ordered at the office. Postage will be additional. Payment can be made by cash, cheque or credit/debit card. E-mail: admin@north-harris.org or phone 01859 502222. Below are a couple of pictures featured in the calendar.
Relief map and t-shirts
We also have a relief map of North Harris for sale at just £4.00. Postage is an additional £1.20. The map is A2 size and in colour. If you would like a copy please contact the office. They are also for sale in selected outlets in Harris.
Trust t-shirts are available too with the Trust logo on the front. They are in black and white. Sizes available are Children - age 3-12 years and Adult - Small - Large.
“A Future for North Harris”
The Trust have now published a book. The book is written by Janet Hunter and is called “A Future for North Harris”. Janet Hunter gives a brief history of the former North Harris Estate and an account of the events which led up to the buyout. The book is priced at £10.00 with an additional £1.20 postage. Cheques can be made payable to The North Harris Trust. Books can be ordered from the Trust Office, Room 6, Old Hostel, Tarbert, Isle of Harris, HS3 3BG, 01859 502222 or e-mail: admin@north-harris.org
North Harris Trust Marathon
The North Harris Trust are to sponsor an inaugural Harris Marathon this year. The marathon route starts at Amhuinnsuidhe Castle in North Harris before heading for the village of Tarbert. Once runners have completed a lap of Tarbert they then continue onto South Harris where they carry out a loop of the “Golden Road” through the Bays of Harris before rejoining the main road & returning to the finish line in Tarbert. It is to be held on Monday 26th May. This is part of Hebridean Marathons. There will also be a Callanish Stones Marathon and a Stornoway half Marathon on Saturday 24th May. For further details, entry forms, bus times please contact the office on 01859 502222 e-mail admin@north-harris.org or 01851 706271 e-mail tony.robson@which.net
Tiorgha Mhor hill race - Saturday 9th August 2008
The 2008 Tiorgha Mhor hill race was held on Saturday 9th August with just 6 competitors taking part. The morning’s weather was very disappointing with heavy rain, misty conditions and a slight breeze. At 12.45pm the runners were taken up to the starting point, thankfully by then the rain had eased off.
First across the line was Tom Smith (Lochaber Athletic Club) in a time of 49min12sec, coming in second was Anesti Davenhill with a time of 49min21sec, third place was Stuart Simpson (Ochill Hill Runners) in 54min48sec, fourth place was Neil MacRury in 1hr 02min 08, fifth was Neil Turner in 1hr 04min 41sec and sixth was Coinneach Morrison with a time of 1hr 09min 28sec. First local was Coinneach Morrison (SRAC).
North Harris Trust 2008 Grand Concert and Dance
The 5th Anniversary Grand Concert & Dance this year took place on Friday 11th April. It was a very successful concert followed by a very well attended dance. All who attended said it was the best concert so far with a great line up of artists. Featured artists included, Art Cormack, Blair Douglas, Maggie Macdonald, Iain “Costello” Maciver, John Murray, Freddie Mackenzie, Tom and Donnie, Annabel & Mairi Maclennan, Donald Iain Maclennan, Neil Mackay, Noel Eadie, Angus Alex Macdonald, and Archie Mackillop. “Best in the West” finished the night with a superb dance.
Community Development Fund
The development fund received 11 applications during the year and awarded or committed to award £10,350. The fund has been allocated £12,500 for the coming year again. A review of the guidance notes and the application form is being carried out to place some emphasis on the aim of assisting businesses particularly, and to stress that the intention of the fund is to be a final contributor to a funding package, making a project possible.
Woodlands Scheme
The Forestry at Glen Langadale is up and running, much of the focus over the next few months will be on ensuring that the forestry Schemes proceed successfully. Several local men are working there – hand digging mounds for the tree saplings. There is a long walk out and back to get to and from the site. The trees will be planted in autumn. Members of the community will be asked to help those trees during a Community Tree Planting Day. The next stage will be at Glen Meavaig and that plantation is closer to hand but equally hard work.
NHT Staff
The posts of Estate Administrator and Development Officer, have been further, partially funded, by the HIE/CLU, for a further two years. This will allow the Trust to continue to progress the range of activities under way and to eventually become self-sustainable.
We now have another two members of staff on board. A Land Manager was appointed in October and we also now have an administrator trainee, who is on placement with us through the Western Isles Rural Opportunities.