What's on where and when this month?

In a variation on our usual ’Tea Break’ feature, we join a local for a hot beverage break and find out how he spends his time - and time off. This week, we welcome Dougie, one of Santa’s helpers. Please introduce yourself... I’m Dougie Dan, one of Santa’s rep-resentatives on the Western Isles. My job is to keep an eye on all the little boys and girls and report back to the boss. I also help out with important pre-Christmas duties such as (ahem) acquiring creels and advising C

Renovation work on Leverburgh Village Hall is moving a step closer, with full funding for development plans now secure. The closing date for contractors to submit tenders to complete the work is this week (Friday) and a planning application has been lodged with the council. The regeneration is set to include replacing the roof, installing a new heating system and updating the internal layout of the building to make it more energy efficient. Scalpay In Scalpay, work on the Com

Photo C. Morrison Christmas celebrations are in full swing across Harris, now that the community festive lights have been switched on in both Leverburgh and Tarbert. In Tarbert, residents gathered on Monday, December 1 to sing carols around the village Christmas tree at its new location outside the Deli. The rain held off just long enough for the big switch-on, when the light show was activated remotely by nine-year-old Lydia - with a little help from Mickey Mouse and a minio

The calendar for the rest of December will be available next week

In our fortnightly feature, we join a local for a tea break and find out how they spend their time - and their time off. This week, we welcome Kate Langley, a double bass player (in her free time) whose day job is all about helping others get into work. Please introduce yourself... I've recently taken up a dual post as the DYW (Developing the Young Workforce) Co-ordinator for Harris and an Employability Training Officer. What’s your story so far? My family moved to Harris in

A giant red squirrel has taken up residence in the picnic area next to Tarbert Post Office - and while the iconic Scottish species may not be a frequent visitor to Harris in its live form, it is hoped that this sculpture of one will be a fixture of the landscape for many years to come. The heart-shaped work of art was installed in its new home by Tarbert in Bloom, who received it as a dona-tion from Norpower. It was initially part of the Highland Hospice Art Trail and now sta

The talents of young musicians from Sir E Scott school were recognised in the Western Isles Young Musician of the Year competition, which saw students from Harris compete across instrumental and singing categories at the event in Stornoway on November 14th and 15th. Junior finalists from Harris The Young Singer of the Year competition was held at the Nicolson Institute on the Friday evening, with instrumental competitions at Primary, Junior (S1-3) and Senior (S4 up) level tak

Enjoying the Ice (J Martin) This Christmas season will be the final outing for the current Scaladale ice rink, which is due to be retired at the end of the winter. The plastic rink is set up in the outdoor centre’s barn at Ardvourlie, at the end of each Autumn. It is the only one in the Western Isles and has been a popular festive attraction with families, schools and youth groups from across Lewis and Harris for over a decade. However, after several years of use, the rink an