Local detectorist Donald MacPhee was at Old Lochmaddy School on October 9 to speak about his experiences and finds metal detecting around Uist. A highly educational evening that revealed more of the intriguing history of the islands, as well as the varied travellers who have visited them, this was a highly informative and entertaining session, and everybody associated with Old Lochmaddy School thanks Donald immensely for taking the time to share his knowledge and finds.

Hannah MacDonald of Community Energy Scotland was at the Old Lochmaddy School last night to present information on the Islands Centre for Net Zero and Islands Community Action Network, two useful support platforms on the path towards decarbonisation. It was interesting to hear where issues reside and how Orkney, Shetland, and the Western Isles are communicating and collaborating. There was also a specific problem brought to the floor, illustrating how it is possible to reach out to ICNZ for assistance.

On Saturday ceramist Miranda Forrest stopped by Old Lochmaddy School to give a talk on developing pigments from the landscape, followed by a practical demonstration. Many thanks to all those who came along to learn more about the artistic potential of the Uist landscape - and of course to Miranda for her time and expertise.

Old Lochmaddy School is delighted to be hosting the SWI Exhibition and Sale this week. Beautiful bears, delicious jam, classy cards, and a variety of other handmade crafts and gifts, all complemented by great company.

Open 11am-3pm until Friday August 8, then 11am-1pm on Saturday August 9.

Saturday July 19 gave visitors the opportunity to learn more about the Lewisian Gneiss and the geology of Uist with a genuine geology expert. Dr Jean Archer 's talk included information on how the islands were formed and the specimens that can be found in the Western Isles, as well as a chance for the audience to get a hands-on encounter with the Arainneachd Alainn exhibition's rock collection. Jake Harvey was also present to introduce everyone to the techniques of artistically working with stone.

Thank you for everyone who attended and helped make the day a success.

Thanks to funding secured by board member Diane MacPherson and the design help of board members, volunteers and gardeners alike our garden is getting a much appreciated upgrade. The work carried out by our neighbour and gardener Abbie Thompson will change the layout of the garden space. Some of the improvements will include adding more planters, painting the walls, make and replace the door and a window on the glass dome, and add flowers and plants to make a sensory garden in Lochmaddy.

We also want to thank Calmac for gifting us one of their planters from outside the mart in Lochmaddy, George Leslie for moving the planter and John Macdonald all his help arranging this to be done and helping with the move.

This upgrade will run until next March when our garden should include new benches and planted plants, flowers and trees. We just wanted to share some of the photos of the work carried out so far!

Some other people we would like to thank are Ian and Gordan who are helping Abbie with the work, and the garden group for their help and suggestions composed of Catherine Macleod, Jean Archer, Ada Campbell, Gwen Evans, Diane MacPherson, Jessie Monroe, Joan Macdonald and Elaine Moloney.