RAASAY COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
PROJECT UPDATES:
Pontoons Still no progress to report. We understand that the Calmac authorities are unhappy about our
proposal to put a community pontoon at the harbour, but they have yet to be specific about
what our design would have to include in order for them to accept it.
Hydro Scheme
After a tendering process, Manitoba Energy was awarded the contract to design the micro-
hydro scheme and get planning permission for it. Being a local company, we are very confident
that Manitoba will be able to provide the community with a great deal of assistance. There will
be a public meeting fairly soon to let people know how the design work is coming along.
Raasay Community Association - Events Programme for 2015
Below are some dates for your diary. There may be a few more events which we will let you know about as they are confirmed.
We hope to have The Walking Theatre Company over in June or July to do outdoor performances of both a children's and adult's play - we have many fantastic settings for them on Raasay so it should be something a bit different to look forward to.
Saturday 14th February Games Night - more info to follow...
Friday 10th April Licensed Family Dance with the Kyle Keilidh Band
Friday 19th June Licensed BBQ
Friday 24th July Licensed BBQ with music from folk band Tarney Backle
Friday 14th August Licensed family Dance
January 2015 Following on from the successful social event in the Boathouse recently, there will be a public meeting to discuss how we can use this community asset more often and protect it from the weather. February 11th in the Hall, all welcome. West Highland College is using the Walled Garden to host a training session on how to set up a kitchen garden. See the section on training below for more details. Book early if you are interested in taking part, as it is likely to be a popular event.
News from Raasay Primary School
We are delighted to welcome our new Nursery pupil, Hamish to Raasay Primary
School. Hamish’s buddy for this year is Emily who will be helping to support him in
settling in.
As part of the Active
School initiative, Davie
Pringle will be visiting the
school every Wednesday
morning to deliver shinty
lessons to the pupils.
Mr Pringle was very
impressed with the level
of ability even at the first
lesson particularly in the
areas of passing the ball,
stopping the ball and
creating opportunities for
goal scoring.
We have several exciting opportunities lined up for the next few weeks including a
workshop and concert with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, our annual visit
to the Portree Community Pantomime and a whole day of ‘Drama Movement and
Learning’ delivered by the Tapsalteerie Theatre. In the meantime, if you would like
to keep up to date with all our activities and news, please go to our website
www.raasayprimaryschool.com .
P5-7 pupils are studying the First
World War and so far have
produced newspaper reports
detailing the events that led to
the start of the war. Also, as part
of their functional writing they
have been learning about the
importance of imperative verbs
within instructional writing by way
of creating an instruction sheet
on how to make a gas mask.
P1-3 have been very busy
studying toys from the past
and present. Pupils have
brought in their favourite toy
to share with the rest of the
class and have completed
passports for them. They have
also investigated what
materials their toys are made
from and have brought in
examples of toys from the
past which their parents have
very kindly trusted us with!
Rhona Campbell BVMS MRCVS 7B1 Lisigarry Place
Portree Industrial Estate
Portree
Isle of Skye
IV51 9BD
Veterinary Centre
Tel: 01478 611269 Veterinary Services and Animal Health Supplies
Farm and Companion Animals
Daily surgeries in Portree – Monday to Saturday
9-10am Mon-Sat
5.30-6pm Mon-Fri
Other times by prior arrangement
Please phone for an appointment
For our clients in Raasay we can offer the following:
‘Brookie’ can take over any required food/medicines on a Friday on the fish van. Please let us know if
anything is needed no later than Thursday lunchtime.
Stockists of Dog food.
15kg Vitalin Active £12.95 (VAT free)
12kg Vitalin Premium £34.88inc VAT
Adult,Puppy,Sensitive & Senior
Raasay School Reunion 31st July/1st August 2015 150th Anniversary.
Plans for Raasay School Reunion are underway with 70 having already registering an interest in
attending. Of these 45 are former pupils; 2 are teachers and the rest are partners.
The format is not yet fully worked out but will likely include a reception event, meal, speakers,
ceilidh and school visit. Any offers of assistance with planning and activities would be much
appreciated. Those who still intend to register an interest should do so as soon as possible as
there is likely to be a cut-off point. Please register by contacting
[email protected] or phone Sandy MacLeod on 01478 660 3381. When
registering please provide the following information– Name and maiden name if relevant, years
you attended the school, e-mail or alternative contact address and number. Please state if you
are bringing a partner and if so their name.
The list of former pupils and teachers registered so far is as follows:
Name & Maiden Name
Sandra Smith Teacher
Wilma Duncan (MacLeod) Teacher & pupil
Sandy Macleod
James Gillies
Calum D MacKay
Andrew Gillies
Fiona Brown MacKinnon
Jane Macintosh MacBeath
Marie S Beaton
Anne Smith Beaton
Maggie Suitar MacLeod
Anne MacInnes MacLeod
Donald T Graham
Jackie MacLean
Alison Bouteloup Nicolson
Peggy Mullally MacLeod
Janet Fraser MacLean
Murdo MacLean
Jim MacKinnon
Fergie MacLennan
Christine Park MacLeod
Angela Relf MacLeod
Neilian Watson MacLeod
Iain MacKay
John MacLeod
Gina Ferguson
Morag Ferguson
Finlay MacLennan
Norma Crosbie MacBeath
Joan Jones MacBeath MacBeath
Lila Mackinnon MacBeath
Christina Young MacBeath
Donald J Graham
Donald M McLeod
Emma Mackay
Alistair Nicolson
Janet MacKenzie MacLeod
Norman Gillies
Joan Chiffers MacKay
Christine Philips Beaton
Helen Elvin MacLeod
Sandra Neill MacLennan
Hugh MacKay
Andrew P Tallach
Sheila M MacLean Graham
Michael Milne
Job Vacancies 2015
Various jobs with start dates between February and July 2015, and finish dates between August and October 2015.
We are a family business providing a unique island experience for staff & visitors. We offer amazing activities,
stunning scenery, fantastic food and warm and welcoming hospitality. Our visitors range from groups of adults or
children to families and individuals. We are looking for dynamic, creative, enthusiastic and self-motivated
individuals to join our small and happy team. Enthusiasm and drive are essential qualities, as are assertiveness
and a passionate personality… a sense of humour is a bonus too!
Hours are over 5 or 6 six day, statutory holidays. Opportunities to join in Sailing, Climbing, Kayaking,
Canoeing, Archery & Coasteering sessions. Unless otherwise stated please email C.Vs and the dates from which you are
able to work to [email protected]
Outdoor Instructors- Qualified Instructors required for the summer season in our unique centre situated on the
small Hebridean island of Raasay. We’re looking for self-motivated individuals able to work with initiative and
enthusiasm to deliver educational and fun activity sessions and courses. Instructors would be responsible for
maintenance of equipment, and will be required to assist in the day to day running of the centre at times. C.Vs
and the dates to [email protected]
Chef & Kitchen Assistants – To run the kitchen & cover chefs day off. To cook breakfasts, prepare lunches,
evening meals and baked goods. Responsible for maintaining a high level of hygiene at all times as well as
recording all cleaning and temperature control data.
Housekeepers - To ensure high standards of cleanliness, hygiene and tidiness in all bedrooms, corridors, function rooms, public areas and staff areas. To monitor laundry and cleaning stock levels and request orders when required.
Food & Beverage Supervisor - This is a completely hands on role and the successful applicant must excel in the
areas mentioned below. As well as outstanding hospitality skills they must also have the ability to manage a team.
Clear communication and a track record for excellent leadership is a must.
Bar, Cafe, Waiting & Front of House Staff – We have a small bar, café, and visitor information area. We cater for
a diverse range of customers and are open from 9am till 12 midnight. We are looking for people who are organised
and reliable. The right candidate must have plenty experience in bar work or waiting and be confident in their
customer service abilities. A 'can do' attitude and the ability to self-manage are essential. A great memory and
the ability to multitask are very desirable. Basically we are looking for people who can interact with our
customers whilst still performing their waiting duties seamlessly.
Reception Staff – Duties include: Selling Outdoor Activities to day visitors and residential guests, selling rooms and
activities over the phone (incoming) , answering email enquiries, transferring on-line bookings into our PMS,
liaising with instructors to maximise activity sales, being an information channel between departments/individuals
in the business, assisting with other tasks including financial recording and customer care. Successful applicants
must have accomplished office skills, a warm and welcoming telephone manner, must speak fluent English and
have experience in a similar environment. This person should be very confident using a computer and have
experience of using a range of software. Knowledge of booking/reservations systems and a passion for outdoor
activities or the outdoors is a real advantage.
Office Administrator - Duties include: Maintaining filing systems, stationery/office supplies and office equipment.
Selling rooms and activities over the phone (incoming) , answering email enquiries, transferring on-line bookings
into our PMS, liaising with instructors to maximise activity sales, being an information channel between
departments/individuals in the business, assisting with other tasks including financial recording and customer
care. Successful applicants must have accomplished office skills, a warm and welcoming telephone manner, must
speak fluent English and have experience in a similar environment. This person should be very confident using a
computer and have experience of using a range of software. Knowledge of booking/reservations systems and a
passion for outdoor activities or the outdoors is a real advantage.
Handy Person - Looking after the general maintenance of the house. Fixing minor issues and assisting with
arrange of outside contractors where appropriate. A good working knowledge of joinery, electrics and plumbing as
well as a driving licence are essential.
Keep warm this winter with bags of coal 25Kg for £12
Kindler bags 2.25Kg for £4.50
and firelighters £1.25/pk
Check out our range of warming soups
Self serve instant coffee and soup also available to take
away if you're on the go. Perfect for the ferry trip!
Dirty Carrots now available
Christmas sweets now half price
Opening Hours
Shop Post Office
Monday 0900-1300 1400-1700 Monday 0930-1200 Tuesday 0900-1300 1400-1700 Tuesday 0930-1200
Wednesday 0900-1300 1400-1700 Wednesday 0930-1200
Thursday 0900-1300 1400-1700 Thursday 0930-1200
Friday 0900-1300 1400-1700 Friday 0930-1200
Saturday 0900-1300 1400-1700 Saturday 0930-1200
Sunday Closed Sunday Closed
Raasay Community Stores
29/30 Inverarish Terrace, Isle of Raasay IV40 8NS
01478660203 [email protected]
Community of Raasay Retail Association
2762RS
Lunch Club The monthly Lunch Club at the
Community Hall started in March 2011
following the closure of the Day Care
Centre on Raasay. We initially thought
that we would be catering for around 10
people but the lunch has been attended
by between 19 and 32 people on each
occasion since.
The Lunch Club usually takes place on the
third Wednesday of each month and is run
by a group of volunteers who work hard
to prepare and cook the food on site, set
up the hall and serve the guests. A
delicious lunch of soup with bread,
followed by dessert, tea and coffee is
served at a cost of £4 to regular attending
full time residents of Raasay and £6 to
visitors or those attending less regularly.
Although primarily set up for the more
senior residents of the island, we don't
have any strict age limits so if you haven't
attended before and would like to, please
get in touch with Ann Oliphant. Once we
know someone attends regularly we work
on the basis that your place is booked for
each month unless you let us know
otherwise. (Please do let us know if you
can't make it any time as this helps us
control the costs of the food and reduce
waste much better.)
Regular guests donate £1 per month to
the "pot" and last year some of this
money was used for a summer outing for
lunch at the Stables Restaurant at the Clan
Donald Centre in Armadale. We hope to
plan another outing for the spring this
year.
Christmas Lunch for the past few years
has been at Raasay House replacing the
December monthly lunch at the hall. We
have been very well catered for and
looked after and as well as being a change
of venue and a festive treat it also gives
the volunteers a rest and a chance to be
waited on themselves!
Tekela Koek is one of the volunteers who
has helped with the lunch club since it was
set up and has put in a lot of work leading
the kitchen in the preparation, cooking
and menu planning. We are delighted that
from January this year we are now able to
employ Tekela as the cook. We have done
this on an initial 6 month contract so that
we can monitor costs and ensure that we
can continue to offer the same quality of
food without having to increase the cost
of the lunches.
The rest of the lunch club volunteers will
continue to assist Tekela in the kitchen
and in setting up the hall and serving the
lunches. A huge thank you to all the
volunteers for their continued hard work
and enthusiasm, including those guests
who stay behind to help clear the hall
after lunch - and if you would like to
volunteer please get in touch!
Plus:
Holiday French 31st January 2015—10.00am to 3.30pm Nails & Beauty Taster Session 7th February 2015—10.00am to 4.00pm
Community Gaelic Classes No knowledge of grammar necessary! 11th February at 6.00pm to 7.30pm and run for six weeks
DSWA/LANTRA Level 1 Dry Stone Walling Course in Broadford on the 23rd, 24th, 25th, 30th, 31st March. Costs £350 (includes assessment & certificate costs)
De tha Dol? Talla Ratharsair: Arts & Crafts – Mondays 2-4pm.
Football – Tuesdays @ 7pm.
Knitting Bee - Thursday evenings @ 7:30pm. All
welcome.
Saturday 14th February: GAMES NIGHT! See
posters etc for more information
LUNCH CLUB – next lunch: Wednesday 18th
February 2015
RHCC AGM on 24th Feb at 7.30 pm. Notices and
agenda will be up and circulated at the
appropriate time.
Contact details for the hall bookings: Katherine on 01478 660233/358 or Ann on 01478 660388 Community Hall £10 Monthly Deal
Raasay Community Association's £10 monthly
sports deal is running again. The deal includes
unlimited use of the hall for £10 per month
when used by a family or group of a maximum
of 4 friends. Please book the hall, as usual, by
contacting Katherine Gillies on 01478 660233.
The key is available from the shop during
opening hours, other arrangements can be
made if the booking is made out of shop hours.
Please note that some conditions apply, so it is
important to call Katherine and discuss your
options first.
Local Services: RDP Surgery every Wednesday 10-12. Or by appointment.
NHS Nurse – 9am to 5pm 660204. Emergency calls must be made through the normal emergency channels 999 or NHS 24. Doctor Surgery – Wednesday mornings. Appointment to be made through Portree Medical Practice on 01478 612013. VET SURGERY: – Rhona Campbell, Veterinary Surgeon. (01478 611269) Recycle Rag Bag Raasay Primary School. Please place all items of clothing securely inside a bag.
Pensioner’s Bus Service – Contact Sally 660389. 2nd Thursday of each month. Next trip: 12th February 2015 Refuse collection: alternate Wednesdays. Next collections due: Green Bins: 11th & 25th February; Blue bins 4th & 18th February 2015 Mobile Library every third Wednesday – next due dates: 11th February
Murdina Hairdresser – Alternate Thursdays: (07799315756)
The Alexander Technique – Call Winnie Ireland on 660227.
Coal will be delivered fortnightly to Raasay. Coal lorry also delivering/selling garden coverage. Split fuel logs £35 a load for community members from RHCC: 660226
Isle of Skye Fish van deliveries weekly on Friday afternoons.
CHURCH SERVICES
Free Presbyterian Church – Sundays 12noon & 6:00pm Free Church of Scotland – Sundays 12 noon & 5:00pm. (Check Church noticeboard for any time alterations) The Episcopal Church Service - 2nd Tuesday of each month at 10:15 in the Community Hall, followed by refreshments and fellowship.
Wednesday Morning Open Office: If you have any questions for RDT, or an idea for a local project or business, please feel free to drop in at the office on Wednesdays between 10:00 and 12:00. At other times it is best to make an appointment or phone ahead as the office may be closed or busy. Next Newsletter deadline for articles, adverts and notices: Wednesday 25th February 2015. Remember, this is your Newsletter: if you have news, ideas, items for recycling, adverts or anything you would like included please contact Lloyd on 01478 660358 or email: [email protected]
RAASAY DEVELOPMENT TRUST
Useful Contact Numbers Business Gateway/Highland Opportunity /Princes Scottish Youth Business Trust: Alistair Danter, Tigh na Sgire, Park Lane, Portree, Isle of Skye, IV51 9EP Tel: 01478 611501, Mob: 07921 758451 E-mail [email protected] MP: Charles Kennedy MP 5 MacGregor’s Court, Dingwall, IV15 9HS Tel: 01349 862152 MSP: Dave Thomson MSP Thorfin House, Bridgend Business Park, Dingwall, IV15 9SL. Tel: 01349 864701 www.twitter.com/@davytmsp
Local Councillors: Hamish Fraser, 8 Scullamus, Breakish, Isle of Skye, IV42 8QB Tel: 01471822929 John Gordon, 3 Mill Park, Staffin Road, Portree, Isle of Skye, IV51 9EY Tel: 01478611783 Drew Millar, Ibrox, 6 Carndearg Place, Portree, Isle of Skye, IV51 9PZ Tel: 01478612895 Ian Renwick, Lochside, Brookside, Clachamish, Portree, Isle of Skye, IV51 9NY Tel: 01470 582386