Claddach Kirkibost Centre
NUDC have assisted Urachadh Uibhist (UU); who run the Claddach Kirkibost Centre and Saoghal Beag Nursery; for several years to help develop the Centre and the space left vacant by the nursery’s move to the new Sgoil Uibhist a’ Tuath in August 2017. A key aspect of the successful recent developments at the Claddach Kirkibost Centre has been driven by EU LEADER funding for a Manager, which NUDC supported by applying for the funding for the position. Since acquiring the funding, and UU appointing Rhoda Maclennan-Trusswell as Manager, the Centre has come on leaps and bounds including the establishment of the new children's soft play which had been previously proposed by NUDC.
Prior to these more recent exciting developments, the Kirkibost Fitness Hub opened its doors, and has proved a big hit with the North Uist community as the only gym in North Uist - 50 members signed up in the first few weeks. You can find its Facebook page here. The fitness hub has a variety of equipment, including running machines, cross-trainers and exercise bikes. Level-3 Fitness Instructor Tom Rossi provides safety inductions in the correct use of the machines to each new member, who then have access to the gym whenever they like. The idea for the fitness hub was developed by NUDC, who took up the offer of the equipment from the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, who upgraded their fitness facilities at Lionacleit and Castlebay. As well as providing a valuable local service for North Uist, the fitness hub generates a revenue for the Claddach Kirkibost Centre, home of the popular Cafe and Hebridean Kitchen, and a popular meeting venue for local groups. NUDC and UU also developed the dedicated space for hairdressing and beauty therapy, which is now actively used throughout the week.
Prior to these more recent exciting developments, the Kirkibost Fitness Hub opened its doors, and has proved a big hit with the North Uist community as the only gym in North Uist - 50 members signed up in the first few weeks. You can find its Facebook page here. The fitness hub has a variety of equipment, including running machines, cross-trainers and exercise bikes. Level-3 Fitness Instructor Tom Rossi provides safety inductions in the correct use of the machines to each new member, who then have access to the gym whenever they like. The idea for the fitness hub was developed by NUDC, who took up the offer of the equipment from the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, who upgraded their fitness facilities at Lionacleit and Castlebay. As well as providing a valuable local service for North Uist, the fitness hub generates a revenue for the Claddach Kirkibost Centre, home of the popular Cafe and Hebridean Kitchen, and a popular meeting venue for local groups. NUDC and UU also developed the dedicated space for hairdressing and beauty therapy, which is now actively used throughout the week.
Langass Woods
Urras nan Craobh Uibhist an Tuath (The North Uist Woodlands Trust) manage the community owned woodland at Langass, having secured grant funding from LEADER, Awards for All, and from the Comhairle's Community Regeneration Fund in order to create better access, paths, and a looped walk. NUDC provided support in the early days of the project, which is now a community and visitor attraction.
Lochmaddy Hospital Redevelopment
NUDC spent considerable effort in developing a project to meet the needs of the local community at the old Lochmaddy Hospital site. Unfortunately the core aspects of the project proved unviable, and the board of An Torc Ltd - the community group set up to drive the Lochmaddy Hospital project forward - announced that it was not able to progress the planned project. The site has since been purchased by MacInnes Bros Ltd, a local company, and it is understood they are currently developing concepts for the site.
Read more about the Lochmaddy Hospital Redevelopment here.
Read more about the Lochmaddy Hospital Redevelopment here.
North Uist Broadband and 4G
NUDC have been lobbying hard for several years for the community to benefit as widely as possible from the roll-out of high speed fibre broadband in North Uist. Broadband is currently being rolled out across the Uists, with Grimsay now having one of the fastest fibre broadband connections in the UK. Improvements in broadband connections will certainly help the economic development of North Uist. EE secured the contract to deliver emergency services on the 4G network, and have been installing masts throughout the islands.
St Kilda Viewpoint
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The St Kilda Viewpoint is a dry-stone construction on the southwestern slopes of South Clettraval in North Uist, next to the military road, and provides binoculars and a panel with viewpoint indicators for visitors towards the Monach Islands and St Kilda beyond. It was developed by the North Uist Partnership, the precursor to NUDC, and has been managed by NUDC. It was officially opened in 2009.
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The Udal Project - A Walking Tour Through The Ages
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NUDC collaborated with the Comhairle and Comann Eachdraidh Uibhist a Tuath (CEUT) to create an audio tour app that unlocked the amazing archaeological sites of the Udal peninsula, bringing benefits to the local communities at Grenitote and Sollas. Created by CMC Associates, the app works by using the visitor's GPS signal to automatically trigger information at points of interest.
Read more about the Udal Project here. The app is available free to download here. |
Uist Rangers - Conserving Our Islands
NUDC established a partnership with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Stòras Uibhist and RSPB Scotland to submit a funding application to the NatureScot Better Places 2 fund in 2021 which included revenue to fund a ranger service across Uist for the tourist season and funding to improve infrastructure across Uist. This was in response to community needs that have been expressed over recent years, including concerns over increasing tourism and the need for visitor management. The application was successful. Two rangers were recruited and employed, both of whom had considerable experience in environmental conservation and environmental activities - Anna and Emma.
The rangers delivered a range of activities and supported visitor conversations to take an active role in embedding understanding of the fragile local environment and the importance of protecting it. Beach cleans were well attended and the rangers were welcomed by the local community, quickly adapting to island life. Their dedication and passion lead to a very successful project and the local community were disappointed their position had to come to an end due to the funders requirements. A number of recommendations are detailed in the report, including the need for a permanent ranger service in Uist.
You can download the report here, and the ranger leaflet containing information on the local environment in Uist here.
The rangers delivered a range of activities and supported visitor conversations to take an active role in embedding understanding of the fragile local environment and the importance of protecting it. Beach cleans were well attended and the rangers were welcomed by the local community, quickly adapting to island life. Their dedication and passion lead to a very successful project and the local community were disappointed their position had to come to an end due to the funders requirements. A number of recommendations are detailed in the report, including the need for a permanent ranger service in Uist.
You can download the report here, and the ranger leaflet containing information on the local environment in Uist here.
Uist Local Energy Plan
NUDC led a partner group of organisations during preparation of the Uist Local Energy Plan. The main partners were Community Energy Scotland and CnES. The final plan is available for download below:
| uist_local_energy_plan_-combined.pdf |
Uist Energy in Motion
NUDC was involved in a project called Energy in Motion in 2018-2019, which encouraged people to use electric vehicles (EVs) for journeys in Uist. The project aimed to:
Two new electric fast chargers are now operational in Uist as a consequence of this project: one in North Uist at the Claddach Kirkibost Centre, and one in South Uist at Cothrom.
- Educate people in Uist about carbon emissions and how EVs could reduce the carbon footprint of the islands.
- Promote EVs and inform the community about the grants/interest free loans available for the purchase of vehicles and home charge points.
- Encourage the younger generation to think about climate challenge issues and the benefits of EVs as an alternative form of transport.
- Develop a owners forum for current EV owners on the islands to share experiences and encourage future development.
- Install two new rapid chargers on the island - one in the north and one in the south - to facilitate charging vehicles throughout the islands.
- Create EV testing events for people to try an electric vehicle, coupled with fuel efficiency training suitable for all types of vehicles.
Two new electric fast chargers are now operational in Uist as a consequence of this project: one in North Uist at the Claddach Kirkibost Centre, and one in South Uist at Cothrom.
Influencing Activities
The NUDC Board of Directors are regularly involved in activities advocating key priorities of the local community, with examples including letters and petition support to HIAL on the proposed centralisation of Air Traffic Control systems from Benbecula to Inverness; letters to the Chief Officer of the Western Isles Integration Joint Board on the centralisation of all Uist dental provision into the Uist & Barra Hospital; and numerous activities regarding the current ferry provision and associated infrastructure.
NUDC will continue to strive to support the local community in campaigning for island services and against issues the local community feel will impact their quality of life.
NUDC will continue to strive to support the local community in campaigning for island services and against issues the local community feel will impact their quality of life.
