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

Raasayschoolreunion@gmail.com 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 employment@raasay-house.co.uk

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 instructors@raasay-house.co.uk

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 raasaystores@aol.com

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: lloydraasay@gmail.com

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 alistair.danter@highland-opportunity.com 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