HebCelt brings major economic boost to the islands
The major economic impact of the Hebridean Celtic Festival in Stornoway has been underlined by a new report which shows it brought £2.1 million to the local economy.
Western Isles
CalMac named ferry operator of the year
In a season blighted by breakdowns and delays to services, CalMac has been named "Ferry Operator of the Year 2018" at the National Transport Awards.
Building upgrades needed as north health boards fall behind rest of Scotland
The extent to which the north and north-east’s hospitals are falling behind the rest of Scotland has been laid bare in a new report.
Event held as Western Isles health professionals aim to prolong independent living
Over 100 people attended a learning together event aimed at exploring ways in which to better help patients in the Western Isles to live healthy, active and independent lives for as long as possible.
The tragic sunken Louisa fishing boat is back at sea
The fishing boat Louisa which sank in the Western Isles resulting in the deaths of three fishermen is back at sea.
Gay pride row as Western Isles Council refuses to fly LGBT flag
A row has broken out over the Outer Hebrides first gay pride march after the isles’ council refused to fly an LGBT flag in support.
Saving Barra bank is a ‘victory for common sense’
Barra's only bank has been saved in what has been called "a victory for common sense".
New exhibition highlights poignant story of Iolaire disaster
It was the worst maritime tragedy to befall those in the Western Isles, claiming the lives of more than 200 men.
Eastenders actor saved by Hebridean specialists while filming for TV programme
When you’re filming, the show must go on - and two island businesses helped a celebrity father-and-son team do just that.
Western Isles church leader slams pride parade
A church leader has attacked the first gay pride parade being held in the Western Isles as “sad and shameful”.
Verus Petroleum in £300m North Sea acquisition
Oil firm Verus Petroleum has agreed to buy stakes in a number of North Sea fields from a Japanese corporation for £300 million.
Landslide cuts off village as north prepares for more weather chaos
A huge landslide cut off an island community after days of heavy rain, with the north on alert for more weather-related chaos as it prepared for the onset of Storm Ali.
Drivers in the Western Isles urged to be careful when passing horses
Police in the Western Isles are urging drivers to be aware of vulnerable road users, particularly horses.
Prizewinners at Cannes and an Oscar contender are among the line-up for the Hebrides International Film Festival
Winners of top prizes at Cannes and a contender for next year’s Oscars sit alongside short films from Lewis and many others in this year’s Hebrides International Film Festival.
Politicians react as final proposals to redraw Scottish political map lodged
A north-east MP whose constituency could be removed by massive new proposed boundary changes has said he does not detect a “huge appetite” for a shake-up.
Stornoway Airport staff complete 90-mile challenge in less than 10 hours
Facing “horrendous midgies” and overcoming leg cramps, staff from Stornoway Airport completed a 90-mile “lighthouse2lighthouse” challenge in less than 10 hours.
Western Isle’s primary school look to the past in time lapse project
What a difference seven years makes.
Plans lodged for major development of 76 homes in Stornoway
A planning application has been lodged to build a major housing development in Stornoway.
UK Treasury Minister hears importance of Barra bank
UK Treasury Minister John Glen visited Barra yesterday to hear how the closure of its only bank would impact the community.
Heartbroken mum thanks those who tried to save ‘darling girl’ Hannah
The devastated mother of a Western Isles teenager who was found dead after a massive search has paid tribute to her “beautiful angel” - and thanked the people who helped look for her.
Major search under way in Stornoway for missing 17-year-old girl
A 17-year-old schoolgirl has spent her second night missing in the Outer Hebrides.
Council U-turn over Gaelic pupils after parents infuriated
Parent pressure over a controversial decision to re-organise Gaelic medium pupils into composite classes has resulted in Western Isles Council caving in.
Two reported in connection with series of thefts in Western Isles
Two people have been charged in connection with a series of thefts on South Uist and Benbecula.
Skye crash victim named as 54-year-old Ewen Mackay
The heartbroken family of a 54-year-old man who died in a serious four-vehicle crash on Skye have described him as a “devoted husband, father and friend”.
Lifeboats called to help Ullapool to Stornoway ferry after it breaks down in the Minch
A CalMac ferry had to be escorted into Stornoway by two lifeboats after it broke down in the Minch with hundreds of passengers and crew on board.
Western Isles townships announce plans to develop community-owned wind farms
Four crofting townships in the Western Isles hope to take advantage of the near-£600 million auction in their plans to develop community-owned wind farms.
Vision mooted for inter-island road link through Western Isles
An ambitious scheme to construct a road across the sea to inter-connect all the islands in the Outer Hebrides has been mooted.
Unions to meet BiFab owners for further jobs talks
Workers trade unions GMB and Unite said last night that they will fly to Canada to meet with BiFab owners DF Barnes for crunch talks with senior management.
Western Isles Council fined £12,000 after a boy was injured by hazardous chemicals
Western Isles Council has been fined £12,000 and ordered to pay £6,000 in compensation after a boy was injured by hazardous chemicals used to clean piers.
Community learning and development ‘needs to improve’ in the Western Isles
An Education Scotland inspection report has found there are “improvements needed” in the Western Isles’ community learning and development (CLD).
Island communities to benefit from £600m offshore wind fund
The UK Government has announced a £600 million support package for offshore wind power which could be “transformative” for remote island communities.
Runrig praise fans as Loganair launch more flights to cater for farewell concert demand
Runrig have expressed their gratitude to fans in the Western Isles after demand for their farewell concert was so huge it sparked additional flights.