Helen Sandison, originally from Kershader, South Lochs, was recently appointed as the Local Development Officer for the Lochs Community Development Group.

Speaking on her appointment:

Firstly, I am delighted to be back working in Lochs! From the outset, I can see there are a wide range of existing and potential future development opportunities around Lochs that utilise the communities natural and human resources.

My job is to try to support and co-ordinate these opportunities with the organisations and people driving them for the benefit of the area. To do this I need your help:

• get in touch if your group need any assistance or advice on specific projects please
• get involved in whatever way you can to let us know your thoughts on how you want to see Lochs thrive - be it Housing, Natural Environment, Tourism, Land Ownership, Local History, Community Facilities, Renewable Energy - let us know what matters to you.

You can take part through our forthcoming community meetings or through our Website. I look forward to working with you and hearing from you

The Scottish Executive has agreed to drop substantial sections from the controversial Crofting Reform Bill.

It follows pressure from the crofting community and the Scottish Parliament's environment committee.

Tha Urras Èireasort toilichte ainmeachadh gu bheil iad air Coille Ath Linne a cheannach, coille a tha suidhichte air gach taobh den rathad eadar Steòrnabhagh agus an Tairbeart mus ruigear Ath Linne ann an Eilean Leòdhais. Aig 625 heactair, is e a’ choille as motha ann an Alba leis a’ choimhearsnachd fhèin a bhitheas ann agus dh’fhoillsich an Urras planaichean dhan choimhearsnachd aig coinneamh ann an talla Bhail’ Ailein bho chionn ghoirid, mus deach seirbheis den toirt seachad oifigeil a chumail ann an Ath Linne. An dèidh sin chaidh taisbeanadh de phlanaichean an Urrais a dhèanamh dha na buidhnean eadar dhealaichte a bha an sàs ann a bhith a’ leasachadh a’ phròiseict chun na h-ìre seo.

Donnie Morrison from Habost received his MBE from Prince Charles at a ceremony in Buckingham Palace in November.

Donnie received his MBE in recognition of the 'tremendous work' he has done in the Western Isles within the ITC sector.