The 50th anniversary of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar will be marked with commemorative
events at Barra Heritage Centre this Wednesday evening and at Sgoil Lionacleit the
following day.
Both events will give elected members, current officers, former officers and members
of the public the opportunity to hear stories and share memories of five decades
of the Comhairle.
Admission is free to attend and all are welcome. The events commence at 6pm and food
and refreshments will be available.
The forum in Barra is being held in partnership with the Islands Book Trust. Former
comhairle officer, Alasdair Maceachen will deliver a keynote presentation which will
be followed by a Q&A session.
The Uist event will follow a similar format with local insight given into the impact
the comhairle has had on the area.
An earlier similar event was held in Stornoway Town Hall where the commemorative
publication, “50 Years of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar” was officially launched. The
book will be available for sale at the Uist and Barra events.
Each of the book’s 17 chapters focuses on different aspects of the Comhairle’s work
including “Education: On-Island Learning, “Gàidhlig: an Integral Asset”, “National
and International Dimensions” and “Challenges and Controversies.”
In the foreword Paul Steele, Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Cllr Kenny Macleod,
Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar says: “As we approach the 50th anniversary
of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar it is right that we mark some of its achievements and
milestones, to reflect on the highs and the lows, the difference which the Comhairle
has made to people’s lives in contrast with what went before, and to ponder future
challenges. We hope you enjoy sharing in the journey.”
Uist and Barra events to mark 50 years of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
8 June 2025