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.
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.
| UistLocalEnergyPlan.pdf |
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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. You can download the ranger leaflet here, with plenty of useful information and guidance on the local environment in Uist. |
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Uist Energy in Motion
NUDC was involved in a project called Energy in Motion in 2018/2019: a project to encourage people to use electric vehicles for journeys in Uist; see https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Community-Service/Uist-energy-in-motion-2162611760677178/. The project aimed to:
Two new electric fast chargers are now operational in Uist as a consequence of this project: 1 in North Uist at the Claddach Kirkibost Centre, and 1 in South Uist at Cothrom. The project was also successful in encouraging EV update across the islands, and seeded a website providing EV guidance - https://energyinmotion.scot/
NUDC was involved in a project called Energy in Motion in 2018/2019: a project to encourage people to use electric vehicles for journeys in Uist; see https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Community-Service/Uist-energy-in-motion-2162611760677178/. The project aimed to:
- - To educate people in Uist about carbon emissions and how electric vehicles (EVs) could reduce carbon footprint on the islands.
- - 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 2 new rapid chargers on the island one in North and one in South to facilitate charging vehicles throughout the islands.
- - EV testing events for people to come and try an electric vehicle, this is 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: 1 in North Uist at the Claddach Kirkibost Centre, and 1 in South Uist at Cothrom. The project was also successful in encouraging EV update across the islands, and seeded a website providing EV guidance - https://energyinmotion.scot/
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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. |
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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. As can be seen from the image on the left, North Uist now has good 4G coverage across most of the island through the EE network, with some patchy coverage in some areas. Further masts are planned which should help with improving areas with patchy coverage. |
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Influencing Activities
The NUDC Board of Directors are regularly involved in activities relating to advocating key priorities of the local community. Such examples include 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. |
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North Uist Development Company, Claddach Kirkibost Centre, Isle of North Uist, HS6 5EP.; [email protected]
Company No. SC383175; Charity No. SC041709
Company No. SC383175; Charity No. SC041709
