MALLAIG POOL AND LEISURE RE-OPENS AFTER SIGNFICANT REFURBISHMENT

Significant improvements have recently been completed at Mallaig Pool and Leisure, bringing exciting upgrades to this much-loved community facility and ensuring it continues to serve local residents and visitors for years to come. The renovation project has enhanced the centre's facilities, improved the fitness experience for users, and taken important steps towards a more sustainable future.
A key milestone in the project was the successful award of a £100,000 grant from the Highland Council Regeneration Fund. The funding was specifically allocated to support the upgrade of the gym and sauna, helping the leisure centre modernise its equipment and provide better facilities for the community.
Thanks to this investment, the gym area now features new and improved fitness equipment, providing a more modern and welcoming environment for members and casual users alike. These upgrades ensure that people of all ages and abilities can access high-quality equipment to support healthier lifestyles. Alongside the gym improvements, the new sauna installation adds another valuable wellness facility, allowing visitors to relax and recover after swimming or exercising.

The completion of the refurbishment marks an important moment for the centre, which is run with the support of dedicated staff, volunteers and a community-minded board. Throughout the renovation process, the team worked tirelessly to keep the project moving forward. While the leisure centre was closed it gave us the opportunity to rectify some of the smaller issues: changing rooms for example. Although they aren't exactly how we want them they have been improved hugely. Board members and staff alike went above and beyond, helping with tasks such as painting areas of the facility and moving equipment whenever needed to support contractors and minimise disruption.
Because we didn't think this was enough of a project we drained the pool in order for us to be able to fix some problem areas in the aging plant room. This was a huge undertaking but a vital one.
Special appreciation is also due to the local community and centre users. Renovation work inevitably brings disruption, and the patience and understanding shown by the public during the improvement period has been greatly valued. The support and encouragement from users highlights just how important the leisure centre is as a hub for health, recreation and social connection in the area.
Looking ahead, the centre is already working on its next major project, which will see 120 solar panels installed on the roof of the building. This ambitious step will help reduce energy costs and improve the environmental sustainability of the facility. By generating renewable electricity on site, the centre hopes to significantly lower its carbon footprint while ensuring the long-term viability of the pool and leisure services. The solar panel project has been funded through Scottish Governments Community and Renewable Energy Scheme. (CARES)
The wider improvements have been supported by a recent grant from SSE which will also support a recruitment drive to increase our current compliment of staff and provide vital training opportunities within our facility helping to strengthen and widen the service offered to the community and ensure the facility continues to develop for the future. These projects are part of an ongoing effort to ensure the facility continues to evolve and meet the needs of the community. Mallaig Pool and Leisure already provides a heated swimming pool, gym facilities, fitness classes and a sauna, supporting healthy lifestyles across the area.
With upgraded facilities, continued community support and a commitment to sustainability through the upcoming solar panel project, the future looks bright for this vital community asset. The latest renovations represent not just an investment in buildings and equipment, but an investment in the wellbeing and resilience of the entire community.
The management team would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the contractors who delivered the works, as well as to the staff and board members whose practical help ensured the project could be completed smoothly. Their commitment demonstrates the strong sense of community that lies at the heart of the leisure centre.
Special Thanks were also offered to The Friends of Mallaig Pool and Leisure, who continue to raise funds to support us, and who contributed the £5,750 required to replace the flooring in the gym.
Karen Calder, Centre Manager

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Hello!
This month's edition should come with a large DISCLAIMER! In the absence of an Editor, it has been put together by some of the committee, with support in the background from both Ann Martin and Ceri.
It might look a little different to the West Word you have grown to expect, but hopefully we have included everything that you would expect to see, and we have managed to squeeze in a few features.
Over the past few months, there has been much debate about the timing of West Word, and whether this still works. This month's deadline was 25th February, but we were chasing content on 6th March, to get the paper out as quickly as possible. It's an ongoing discussion, with one school of thought that contributors should have a full calendar month to report on, which results in the paper not being out until mid-way through the next month Others feel that the paper should be in the shops on 1st of the month at the latest, For this to happen, copy would need to be in mid-month prior to the month the paper hits the shelves. (mid March for April as an example). We'd really like to know which you, the readers would prefer-drop us a message on Facebook or email us if you have a preference one way or the other.
Our new Editor, Nic Goddard will start from the May edition so bear with us in the meantime!

CHANGES AFOOT AT WEST WORD

After our appeal for support in the December West Word, we are pleased to say that we have managed to attract new advertisers and 'sponsors' for the paper. We also raised enough funds to 'Make West Word Full colour' and have outsourced the printing for the last two months. We hope you are enjoying the changes, even if there have been a couple of teething problems with timings. All of this means that West Word is on a much sounder financial footing than it was a few months ago, although we would always welcome more advertisers, so, if you have a local business, please consider using West Word!
You would have seen last month that Ceri has chosen to step down as Editor. She ended her tenure with the award of 'Community Newspaper of the Year' at the Highlands and Islands Media Awards. This was testament to the hard work Ceri has put in over the last year, pouring her heart and soul into West Word. She has introduced some subtle improvements to the layout and branding, and has put together some great features over the past year. We are very grateful to Ceri for everything she has done for West Word.
As we go to press, we have interviewed for a new Editor, and are delighted to report that Nic Goddard, who currently edits Dè Tha Dol, has agreed to add West Word to her portfolio.
Many of you will know Nic from the time she spent on Rum, regularly providing articles for West Word, and you may have seen her contributions in the Lochaber Times. Nic hopes to join us from the May edition, and she will introduce herself properly to those of you who don't know her, then.
Two of our Trustees, Ann Martin and Claire Wortley, have also chosen to step down at this point, and will be replaced by Jill DE Fresnes and Rev. Matthew Ross. Jill will be familiar to long term West Word readers, having been Editor herself for a number of years, before Ann took over, and having recently returned to the area to take ownership of The Old Library in Arisaig. Rev Matthew Ross has recently been appointed as Parish Minister for North West Lochaber Church of Scotland, and we are looking forward to getting to know him better. Before joining the Ministry, he started his career as a Parliamentary Researcher for Russell Johnston, who was MP for this area at the time, so his knowledge of West Lochaber goes way back; as Matthew himself pointed out, to the upgrade of the A830 from a single track road!
We also have a number of people who have volunteered to undertake some of the background tasks required to keep West Word operational and we are grateful to them for their support.
Claire joined the Board in September 2022, which coincided with Ann standing in as Editor while Kirsty, who was then Editor, had some time off for personal reasons. Claire has contributed mental health articles to the paper for a number of years, and we hope that this will continue.
Ann has been involved with West Word since its inception in 1994. She began as a Director of the Limited Company in July 1994, when the paper was just an idea, and was there when the first edition was published in November 1994. She resigned as a Director in 1999, to take over the role of Editor, a role she held alongside many other commitments, including working for Voluntary Action Lochaber for a number of years, until 2017. Throughout part of this time, from 2013, Ann also held the role of Company Secretary. When she handed over the Editorial reigns to Kirsty, she once again became a Director of the Company. As it became clear that being a Limited Company, without charitable status, was no longer the best model for a Community Newspaper, Ann oversaw the change from Limited Company to a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) in 2020. When Ann retired as Editor, a party was held for her in Astley Hall, on 17th March 2017, and West Word in April 2017, carried the following message from Ann;
"I have been very surprised and humbled by the number of cards, messages, emails and letters I have received on the occasion of my retirement as West Word editor. So many very kind things said and it is heartening to hear how highly West Word is thought of and what a difference it has made to some people. I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of it for the last 18 years and have got to know so many of you through it - I hope those friendships will continue. I am content to leave West Word in the capable hands of Kirsty, who I know will do a great job."
We hope that in the coming months, we will be able to organise an open afternoon, to thank Ann, Ceri and Claire for their contributions, and to introduce our new Editor and Trustees. In the meantime, we have asked Ann for some further thoughts on her time at West Word.
Ann writes: 'It's incredibly hard to step away from something that has been such a huge part of my life for the last 32 years - and as it seems to be hardwired into my brain I don't think you've quite seen the last of me.
It's the perfect time to go, with a new editor coming along, new committee, new look for the paper and, thanks to all the generous reactions to our fundraising, a firmer financial footing than we've had for a long time. There have been only six editors over these years, including Jacqueline who stood in for a short time during Jill's editorship and whose help and support over the last number of years has been invaluable and unwavering, and Paula Wilkinson who stood in when I was recuperating from an operation. It was a pleasure to work with Kirsty and Ceri who each brought something unique to the paper. Now we have come full circle with Jill back in the area and joining the committee, 27 years after she retired from the editor's chair, and the editorship passing to Nic who I worked with when she lived on Rum and contributed to the paper.
I'll still be contributing and helping if I can, and in fact now have time to dedicate to putting the new phone book together. I've been updating it for years as people sent in changes and can now do the final push!
It's been an honour to be so closely involved with West Word, something so deeply rooted in our community and I'm deeply grateful for the friendships and the shared purpose formed along the way. Thank you all for making it so rewarding.'

H&I Community Newspaper of The Year Award:
As part of West Word's prize for winning 'Community Newspaper of the Year' at the Highlands and Islands Media Awards, we were awarded £100 to be given to charity. Ceri has decided, with the support of the Directors, to split this £100, giving £50 each to the RNLI, and to 'The Listening Walk' to support the work of The Samaritans.
The West Word Board

KNOYDART

We have a very special Knoydart correspondent this month, after 11 year old Ivy noticed that Knoydart hasn't been featured in the west word recently and decided to write something for us!
How crazy that it is already the end of February! This month has gone very well with very decent weather and some great events such as a fun filled night of bingo in the hall and a great lesson of line dancing with Sammy, a few of us picked it up quite well, some better than others!
On the 7th of Feb people gathered at the community hall to have a maintenance and cleaning day which had a great turn out.
As most of you know it was pancake day and we were surprised to hear that some people didn't even now that pancake day was a thing, what!!
It has been great to see that the sun is setting later and coming up earlier, that little bit more brightness helps us get up in the morning. Despite the bad weather, on Sunday the 9th of February many people joined Knoydart foundation ranger service to go on a walk to Finlay's favourite tree and had some nice food when they arrived to warm up. The pub also had a special Valentine's meal for all the couples. I heard that there were some mystery dates!
Kai and Kodi turned 6 and little Fin also turned 1 and he had a party in the pub with many people around him to celebrate, Happy Birthday. That's about a wrap for what happened on Knoydart in February although I probably missed few things but hey ho. See you next time!
Thanks,
Ivy Dawn

ISLE OF CANNA

Somehow I cannot believe we are in March already! February whizzed by in a blur of sunshine and showers and here we are moving at a pace through Spring into Summer. The snowdrops came and went, wild garlic is already sprouting in the woods, daffodil leaves pushed up through the ground and are now flowering with the bluebells following closely behind. The grass is still in slumber and the mud is abundant.
There's new life on the farm too. A few more surprise calves have appeared which has made everyone happy. It's a busy schedule of daily feeding of the cattle for the farm team and getting on with fencing repairs.
We had a visit from Derek Alexander who is the NTS Head of Archaeology. He came with two PhD students to take peat core samples from our upland peat bogs. Amazingly, they can analyse each core sample and look for the presence of things like pollen grains to determine what life was like for islanders through the years. Derek also used LiDar to photograph Sgurr nam Ban-naomha (grassy slope of the holy women) which is known locally as The Nunnery.
Nathan, Davy, Margaret and William did their MCA Oil Spill Level 1 training. Rather like First Aid training, one hopes never to have to use it but we now have an understanding of what is required in the event of an oil spill and how to use the equipment we have here on island.
Our various projects continue. Work has started on a feasibility study for the Rhu Church. We are working on getting the last bits of funding for our community houses and Coroghan Barn has moved onto technical design with the architects, WTA, due to visit the island in May to work with the community on choosing interior materials. Planning and scheduling continues for our renewables upgrades. Who said 2026 was going to be a quiet year?
Our annual Canna 10K trail run takes place on Saturday 30th May 2026. If you would like to register for the trail run, please visit www.theisleofcanna.com/canna10ktrailrun-2026
Margaret Willington

ISLE OF RUM

It was mostly cloudy for the Saturday and Sunday nights for our dark sky festival, but we were not perturbed. A technology filled evening in the planetarium filled in with style. We were whisked around the solar system visiting distant moons and participated in the Apollo 11 moon landing and travelled out to the edge of the observable universe, a place so far away it looks sparsely populated despite being populated than more stars than there are grains of sand on Earth. On Sunday we got some tips on astro photography, the kids did some astronomy-based arts and crafts and used Cosmos Planetarium's VR headsets for an interactive experience.
The skies cleared on Monday, and we were blessed with stunning skies so out came the telescopes, binoculars and warm jackets for some star gazing. We implanted the photography tips and were able to take some pretty good pictures - with just a mobile phone and a small tripod. It was a great weekend, fun and informative and tasty food provided by Fliss and Rum shop. Next year we'll build on this and have more darkness based themed activities - the skies may not be clear all the time, but we can still learn a lot about the benefits of dark skies - for nature, culture and the human condition. The early morning swimming club is growing with four regulars now. It's always great to walk along the shore with Ali, as she points out all the birds -the pied wagtails have returned and were playfully dancing around the old pier and a lapwing was calling on the way back. There's a lot of Oyster catchers in the bay right now and Skylarks are passing over as part of their spring migration.
The rest of the month has been mostly quiet except for yet another new addition to the population. Sareth and Hywel are delighted to announce the birth of their beautiful baby girl, Clover - a sister for Dylan, Isobel and Edwin. Big thanks to the RNLI and the Scottish ambulance team for their very welcome assistance in this process.
Fliss Fraser

ISLE OF EIGG

The start of February was sunny, crisp and cold on Eigg - great weather for exterior building work and getting on with croft jobs - as well as beautiful walks and cold sea dips. The stars have been out in full force and the aurora dancing. Now, the snowdrops and crocuses are out, as well the first few daffodils.
Since we are reliant on hydro, solar and wind for our clean energy on the island, we had to be even more frugal with electricity use in the first half of the month, and some of the springs almost dried up! So, just as we were grateful for the dry weather, we were also somewhat relieved about the rain and wind that came back mid-month after almost four weeks! We've had some fun community events happening - such as the annual Eigg quiz written by Saira and hosted by Galmisdale Bay Bar and Cafe, testing how well we know each other, including things like our shopping habits! It was Labhaoise's 50th birthday on 14th Feb, the night of Dougal's annual valentines disco, so the hall was spectacularly decked out in all thing's sea-themed (to celebrate our most dedicated sea swimmer!) and so we danced the night away as sea creatures, sailors and pirates.
Some great news from Solas Eige, the charity set up to bring St Columba's church into community ownership and to restore the historic building - the deeds of servitude have now been updated so things are progressing towards the sale nicely. At the annual AGM of the History Society, Comunn Eachdraidh Eige, Camille also presented her research on 300 years of Church of Scotland History which will be exhibited in St Columba's church later in the year.
There has also been progress with the issue of car parking in Mallaig - after a vigorous representation from the Eigg community on the issue of 24 hour restrictions in the West Bay car park and a meaningful exchange with Mallaig Community Council and our local Highland Council councillors, we are pleased to see that Highland Council traffic officers will now carry out an Island Community Impact Assessment before making any changes to current restrictions. Island businesses would certainly suffer if visitor numbers went down due to parking restrictions, and it would also become very difficult for us to have a car on the mainland, which has long been a way for islanders to be better connected to important services.
The Eigg community send their condolences to the family of Charlie King, who passed this month. As our local Highland Councillor at the time of the buyout, "Charlie was a great help & support at the time of the buy-out & went on to represent the Highland Council on Eigg Heritage Trust's board of directors for the next 10 years" explains Maggie. As a celebration of Eddie, who we lost a year ago, we gathered for Spoons and Tunes on Saturday 21st in Lucy and Eddie's beautiful home - there was music into the early hours which we know would make Eddie proud!
A big congratulations goes to Eigg's felt artist and author, Libby, for publishing her book The Time Eating Goblin!
Here's her describing the creative process that led to its release:
"I first imagined The Time Eating Goblin many years ago while living on Bardsey Island, north Wales. Visitors would often ask me: 'Where does the time go?' and from that question the legend of the Goblin was born. I used to answer, 'It's The Time Eating Goblin that lives on the mountain.' Time seems to fly just as quickly on the Isle of Eigg, and it is here, over 20 years later, that I finally brought the Goblin's story to life with help from my daughter Rachael Marshall who turns out to be a whizz at illustrating. The Goblin even has his own instagram page, where you can follow his antics @thetimeeatinggoblin. Available to buy on the Isle of Eigg and my website libbygallifelt.co.uk A free Goblin in disguise comes with each book.
February is a great time to get creative, and the craft shop is preparing to open its doors again for another season. As we move into March the gear begins to shift as we prepare for late winter planting and the arrival of spring. The Forestry team are getting more trees in the ground and many of us are ordering our veggie and flower seeds.
Laurie King

ISLE OF MUCK

Hello Muck Calling......well this is the 'Limbo' month as not a lot can or does happen unless you are the Farm as the circle of life has already begun with tottie wee calves literally popping out all over the place and once again it's been a really wet time of year, so Colin and Ruth have been putting in some shifts getting round them all and remaining upright...last month's Ski trip obviously came in handy.
The School have had a pretty full calendar with a beach clean where so much salvage was collected quite a bit had to be manhandled back up the hill as the trailer was brimming but what a sense of satisfaction after seeing the difference they had made on the section of coastline....big thanks to Barrnaby who was at a loose end and went along to help and thanks to the farm for the use of a quadbike and the trailer.
The children also took part in a Joe Wicks programme and had a personal message from him, Millie wrote a passage about the experience...
"Throughout February, we decided to do Joe Wicks every day for Antarctica training. We also thought it would be good to raise money for our charities Ewen's Room and Rwanda Action. Today Joe Wicks sent us a video message to congratulate us for completing out February Fitness Challenge. I felt joyful so did everyone else. I felt glad to finish it because it was tiring."
His message was, "Well Done to you all for staying the course, keeping fit and still smiling."
We had a visit and a service held by our new Minister Mathew Ross who joins us from Haddington and a wee get together with a yummy meal provided by Jenny.
Well it's not long now before we move to the summer season Calmac timetable and you can be rest assured I will be all over the performance and reliability of the service which will be smoother with the Bhrusda being available to do Canna and Armadale runs hmmm.....I may have jumped the gun there but if we all cross our fingers, toes, eyes and cattle hooves I'm sure it will be fine.
That's it for this instalment, as reported not too much in the way of news or events....see you next time
Kind Regards,
Bruce Boyd

News in Brief

• Mallaig Pool and Leisure and the Road to the Isles Facilities Group have both been awarded funding from the SSE Hydro Community Fund in the latest round of approvals. The Road to the Isles Facilities Group has been awarded £50,000 to improve the access to Morar Games Field and the playing surface. The project, in conjunction with Morar Community Trust and Morar Games Field Management Committee, will pay for the current access to be widened to two lanes, surfaced in part with asphalt and the car park area refurbished. The playing surface will have the moss removed, be fertilised and re-seeded, among other works. The improved access will open up the underused area to further development. Mallaig Pool will use their award as part of their bigger development plans, detailed on the front page.
• There has been a strong response to the recent parking consultation, which included proposals for West Bay Car Park in Mallaig from local community councils and other organisations. The proposals for West Bay would have seen mandatory charges for parking in West Bay; with half an hour's free parking, and then a minimum charge of £3. They also proposed a maximum stay of 24 hours and no overnight parking for camper vans. Discussions on parking have been ongoing with The Highland Council since 2021, and the proposal swould have placed restrictions on West Bay without consideration of East Bay. While most people locally recognise the need for changes to the way parking is managed, there was a real concern about imposing changes to West Bay in isolation, and especially not allowing any longer stay parking in West Bay. It was also felt that Mallaig was being penalised, as the charges were proposed to be 24hours a day. This would have meant that any groups using the Community Centre in the evening would have been subject to charges, when other car parks within the Highland Region, notably those in Fort William, only have charges imposed between 8am and 6pm. Thankfully, The Highland Council have recognized the strength of feeling, and have agreed to withdraw the proposals for West Bay from the Parking order so that more consultation can be undertaken. Any new proposals will be advertised at the same time as the proposed On-Street Traffic Regulation Order for East Bay. While these are required to be processed as separate statutory Orders, the Council has agreed that they will be coordinated and presented together to ensure a transparent and joined-up approach to parking management within Mallaig.
• Meanwhile, eight spaces within West Bay have been designated as 'Permit Parking Only' for CalMac staff. This was done without any community consultation, and the spaces are currently lying empty.
• The Mallaig/Armadale Ferry issues are still to be resolved. After the Sound of Sleat Ferry Users' Group made their feelings clear on the matter, Mallaig Community Council has also issued a press release outlining their concerns. CalMac issued a statement on Friday 6th March, indicating that the MV Loch Bhrusda would not return to Mallaig until 15th May. As a result, The MV Coruisk will operate a single=vessel service form its return on 8th April until 16th May. While the date of the MV Coruisk's return has been brought forward a few days from 11th April, it will still leave the route without a CalMac vessel over the Easter weekend, and there is no detail as yet on charter vessels for the route. The delay in the return of the MV Loch Bhrusda will also have an impact on the Small Isles service, as she was due to support the MV Lochnevis to provide services to the Small Isles on Saturdays.
• Residents of Lochaber are being encouraged to have their say on an Integrated Transport Plan for Fort William. The consultation runs until 13th April, and a drop-in session will be held at the Nevis Centre, Fort William, on Tuesday March 17th. You can find more details on the plan, and access the consultation from https://hitrans.org.uk/your-chance-to-have-a-say-on-fort-william-integerated-transport-plan/

Mallaig Lifeboat Log

The first shout of the year got our volunteer crew out of their beds and into action as the pagers sounded in the middle of the night. The Mallaig lifeboat was requested to launch by HM Coastguard at 3.53am on 26th February. A casualty on the Isle of Rum required urgent assistance, and so the lifeboat crew transported the Scottish Ambulance Service over to carry out an assessment. It was decided that the casualty would be brought back to the mainland for onward care. The lifeboat returned to Mallaig and was ready for service again by 6.40am.
There's lots going on at Mallaig lifeboat station thanks to the community of volunteers. We're looking for your involvement in this years pirate themed Gala Day on 30th May.
The station would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to volunteer Ann Currie, who is stepping down after giving over thirty years of service to the lifeboat. She's dedicated her time to working in the shop, which involved being Manager for a number of years. Thirty years of service is an incredible achievement, and we are deeply grateful for Ann's loyalty, hard work and support. We wish her all the best.
Talking of the RNLI shop… We're reopening the doors from the 2nd March! The shop will be open Monday - Saturday, 11am - 3pm each week. Our Shop Manager Juliet has told me that there are quite a few discounted items in there so head along for a nosey.
We're excited to launch the date and theme for this year's Gala Day… On Saturday 30th May we will be hosting a pirate themed day full of fun to raise vital funds for the RNLI. We'd love for you to be involved; there's spaces for local crafts people, a fancy dress competition and more! Save the date and info will follow.
Our Chief Fundraiser (and West Word Treasurer), Simon Bradshaw is taking on the Three Peaks Challenge in April to raise funds for the RNLI. More details on Page 3.
Jessica Logan

News from Mallaig Harbour

This month we have to start by acknowledging the sad passing of Charlie King, who died on 8th February, a few weeks short of his 84th birthday. Charlie initially joined the Board of Mallaig Harbour Authority as a representative of the Community Council in May 1984, and his first meeting was also Robert MacMillan's first as Secretary to the Board. From the outset, he always ensured that anything done by Mallaig Harbour Authority had a wider community benefit, and at his first meeting, tenders for the Breakwater extension to the Steamer Pier were tabled - at a cost of £1.666 million. The contract was awarded to Tawse, who indicated that they would bring fill material from the quarry at Bourblach. 'Mr King commented that it would be preferable if the fill material were taken from an area which could subsequently be used to the community's advantage.' Ultimately, fill was taken from the site of the High School, which enabled wider benefit to the village.
In May 1985, Michael Currie was appointed as Chair, and Charlie was appointed as Vice-Chair, a position he held for 30 years, until June 2015, when he became Chair. By this time, the Board had been reconstituted, and each Board Member could only serve two, three-year terms, with a third by exception. Charlie retired from the Board in June 2021, having served for a total of 37 years. During this time the Harbour changed beyond recognition, with firstly the breakwater that now forms the ferry pier; and the creation of West Bay. This included the car park and the site Mallaig and Morar Community Centre stands on, which Charlie worked with The Highland Council, Nevis Estates and Mallaig Harbour Authority to achieve.
This was followed by the linkspan for the ferry, and the Outer Harbour development, which was opened by HRH The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, in July 1998. In October 1998, the second Feis na Mara was held on the Harbour. The first had been held on the site of the Community Centre in 1997 and had prompted local people to get together with the idea of building a new community centre on that site. Charlie supported the efforts to raise funds for the Community Centre, and a lease with the Harbour Authority for a period of 50 years was agreed to make the Community Centre a reality. Charlie was also involved with negotiations to bring both EWOS and MOWI to the Harbour, and to build the Marina. He Chaired the Board through the development of the Masterplan, and the Harbour Authority's 50th Birthday in 2018.
There will be other tributes in West Word which talk about his wider impact on the community, Lochaber and the Highlands. I am in the privileged position to have worked alongside Charlie throughout my whole career, from the Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust in 1998 to my role at the Harbour Authority, and involvement in many voluntary groups (including Feis Na Mara) along the way. Throughout the whole time, Charlie's was always the voice of reason, and of pragmatism. He had a way of getting people to work together, and of getting things done. As Councillors, when he and Michael Foxley set their mind on something, they were a formidable team! Despite his retiral, Charlie still kept a watchful eye on what was going on at the Harbour, berating me recently about the canopy on the High Tower Light not having been repaired! He will be sorely missed.

He would also have been glad to see Alex MacLellan of Highland Access Limited, climbing the light on 3rd March to remove the debris from the old canopy, making it ready for a new canopy to be fitted! We were all mesmerised watching.
Around the Harbour, work is continuing on the overnight ferry berth. More of the circular cells have been dug out, and the concrete anchor blocks installed to tie in the piling. RJ McLeod are still on track to have the works completed by the end of May, which was the original contract date, but slightly later than they had initially hoped. This is going to mean a bit of disruption from the works for the start of the summer ferry timetable. We noted last month that there was disruption to the ferry deployment at the start of the season, and we have now been made aware that the MV Loch Bhrudsa will not return to the route until at least 16th April. CalMac are trying to source charter vessels for the route for both cars and passengers. Without charter vessels, there will be no service on the Mallaig/Armadale route from the start of the summer timetable on 27th March, until the MV Coruisk's anticipated return on 11th April, which includes Easter. The Sound of Sleat Ferry Users' Group has real concerns about this, and you can find out more on their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/soundofsleatferrygroup.

It often feels at the moment that there are more challenges than opportunities, and this has been the case locally, with uncertainty around both the steam train and the ferries creating difficulties for those engaged in tourism. However, I was invited to a strategy session organised by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the West Highland Chamber of Commerce on 19th February. Having the opportunity to engage with others from throughout the region, to try and develop a shared 'mission' for the area was really useful. It is always good to get a different perspective on things, and to focus on the positives for a change!
We've had a busy month in terms of Aquaculture around the Harbour, with an average of 20 tankers a night for salmon landings, as well as smolts being loaded through the Harbour, treatment vessels for the Loch Nevis sites, and one of Ferguson Transport's vessels, the 'Leslie Anne' loading feed alongside Inverlussa's 'Havilah'. With the stub berth out of action due to the overnight ferry berth works, this has meant a bit of juggling, both in terms of berths and workspace on the harbour itself.
North West Marine have had to delay their repairs to the pontoon as bad weather elsewhere has meant that they have been unable to get their vessel on site. We are still hopeful of having the repairs complete before the Marina reopens in April.
Jacqueline McDonell ~ 01687 462154

On and Off the Rails

Hello, it's me again. I'm starting this month with a date for your diary! On Wednesday April 1st 2026, Mallaig Railway Station platform will be the place to be, even if it is pouring with rain, blowing a gale etc. etc. On that date, an event will be held to commemorate and celebrate the first fare-paying passenger train, hauled by a steam locomotive, to traverse the newly opened section of branch line between Banavie and Mallaig; a line that had been built over a period of four years, from 1897 to 1901.
In the article below, originally published in the March 2026 edition of 'Lochaber Life; Jason Dennis and Hegge Hermaes have perfectly captured why, on April 1st, we should all congregate at Mallaig Station and pay homage to the 125th anniversary of that first train. Hopefully the day will be fair, and there will be flags, bunting, and floral adornments (well I'll try!), along with a celebratory Piper to welcome and witness the invited guests, dignitaries and amused fare-paying passengers on the lunch-time Scotrail train into Mallaig. They have given me permission to reprint the article in full. Make yourself a cup of tea, read on and be inspired to come along and witness the first event of many throughout the coming months, as we celebrate 125 years of the West Highland Branch Line joining up to the West Highland Main Line.

125th Anniversary of the Mallaig Railway
The Mallaig Extension to the West Highland Railway was built from Banavie over a four year period, from 1897 to 1901. It took the hard graft of thousands of navvies, led by Robert MacAlpine & Sons as contractors, and Glasgow-based Simpson and Wilson as engineers. On 1st April 1901, the first train arrived in Mallaig from Fort William. It ran to time, and was scheduled to connect with steamers to Portree and to Stornoway. This was a railway designed to provide a transport link to the western isles.
April 2026 therefore marks the 125th anniversary of the Mallaig railway, and as is appropriate, there will be a full year of celebratory events. This is courtesy of Friends of the West Highland Lines and the West Highland Community Rail Partnership, working in partnership with Network Rail, Scotrail, Glenfinnan Station Museum and local lineside communities.
The celebratory programme will kick off on 1 April with a grand unveiling at Mallaig Station. The National Transport Trust has found the Mallaig Railway worthy of one of its prestigious ' Red Wheel' plaques.
The National Transport Trust is a national charity established to promote and encourage the preservation and restoration of Britain's unique transport heritage in all its forms. Their plaques mark key locations around the UK which have significant value in British Engineering and transport history.
The Mallaig Railway is particularly famous for its extensive use of mass concrete, which was a novel building material at the time. It was viewed with great suspicion by many. It is thanks to the work of pioneering engineers like Simpson and Wilson, and the audacious contractors like Robert McAlpine and Sons, that the world's engineers gradually started to put increasing trust in concrete as the 20th century progressed.
Now, 125 years later, we intend to celebrate their achievement in style. Get in touch with Glenfinnan Station Museum via the website (glenfinnanstationmuseum.co.uk) if you want to take part, contribute or be kept informed.

Extra Capacity
Scotrail is sometimes adding an Explorer carriage to the last train into Mallaig at night (except Saturdays), which also means the first train out of Mallaig each morning except Sundays, for the next few weeks, until it is taken off to be replaced by another two-car 156 for the summer season. In the meantime, I can hear the clacking of a three-coach train as it quietly winds its way into Mallaig, and the newly-appointed night cleaner is having to clean the interior and exterior of three carriages for the price of two! The Explorer carriage has more leg room and better heating, which we have needed recently with the bitterly cold East winds. The seagulls definitely appreciate the extra carriage on the last train into Mallaig at night, staying on the roof until it loses its heat!

Freeze on Rail Fares Revealed
On Friday 13th February, 2026, Scotland's First Minister, John Swinney, along with Transport Secretary, Fiona Hyslop, and Scotrail Managing Director, Joanne Maguire, visited Edinburgh Waverly Railway station to announce a year's freeze on rail fares. Holding a very large 'Fares Frozen' Scotrail ticket, they took part in a photoshoot. The announcement, which is for the 2026/27 financial year was made ahead of the first vote on the SNP's budget, in April 2026, and followed an increase of 3.9% in April 2025. Mr Swinney told the Press Association, "The Government recognises the challenges that people face with the cost of living at the moment, so we're looking for every step we can take to try and help people. We've decided to freeze rail fares for the next year, so there will be no annual increase in rail fares, and what that will do is, for example, help commuters to afford their daily travel to and from work. 'Fares Frozen' will help keep more money in passengers' pockets" he added.

View from Westminster - February 2026
Sometimes I feel like a 'lone voice in the wilderness' when I write my "On and Off the Rails" column, so how pleased was I that our MP had devoted his whole column in West Word last month to 'Scotrail's Failings' as he quite rightly put it, on our West Highland Line currently. Thank you, Angus.
Sometimes I despair that, as locals who know how wonderful train travel through our local scenery can be, the experience is not backed up by a suitable fleet of trains to travel in, which are warm and have catering. Our wonderful train crews go out of their way to assist passengers, without any bother, and make up for the poor infrastructure we have in the fleet of 156's that are not due to be replaced for another 10 to 15 and even then, by 158's fomr other routes, which will be 30 years old before we get them!
Network Rail are constantly improving our railway line. The passenger experience just needs to be improved, making the on-board experience more comfortable so that car drivers can be enticed off the road and onto the train to enjoy the views!

Breaking News!
West Coast Railways (Carlisle) has gained planning permission to take over the disused Upperby depot for its steam locomotives and rolling stock. It will construct a new 150yard long shed with open sides to protect them, and suggests that it could be open to the public. The original buildings were demolished in 2016.
Presumably - I hope- this project will commence after the debacle of fitting Central Door Locking (CDL), standard on other passenger trains, to the carriages hauled by the Jacobite Steam Train, has been resolved, allowing the Office of Road and Rail (ORR) to move on the issue of non-compliance. West Coast Railways applied for an exemption from the regulation in 2024, which was rejected by the ORR. A new application has now been lodged by an associated company, which would cover the Jacobite, to permit the West Highland service to continue while CDL is installed over several years. Jacobite Executives have said that they were waiting to see the progress of the application before deciding on this year's (2026) services, although the ORR has said it could take four months to assess. That could delay the start of the season.
An ORR spokesperson said, "We have not received an application from West Coast Railways. We are assessing an exemption from Regulation 5 of the Railway Safety Regulations 1999 submitted by another company in the same ownership group." The ORR stated that applications for exemption, "must demonstrate either that equivalent risk controls to CDR being fitted are in place, or that a time bound programme of work is in hand for fitment of CDL. Where an exemption is granted on the basis of CDL being fitted, a train operator may run the vehicles under the exemption so long as other methods of secondary door locking are in place and being operated effectively in the meantime."
As we go to press, tickets are still not available for the 2026 Jacobite season, which is due to start on 1st April.
See you on the train, or at the platform!
Sonia Cameron

OBITUARIES

Anne Cameron (Arisaig)
Anne Cameron, a well-known resident of Arisaig, passed away at home at the grand old age of 95.
Anne was born in Fort William and grew up in Tarbolton and Prestwick, Ayrshire, with her Mum, Dad and younger sister Mary.
Growing up during the war years, Anne remembered vividly the sky lit up during the blitz on Clydebank in 1941. After leaving school, she trained in Glasgow as a primary teacher, making lifelong friends there and often holidays were spent with some of these friends cycling and hitch-hiking in Europe and she would also visit her Aunt Flora at Moss of Keppoch, travelling up to her by train. It was there she met Angie, allegedly getting his attention by falling off a hay cart! They married in 1954 and set up home in Arisaig, initially at Quality Cottages and then Mains farm, where Anne, Hugh, Jim and Gus soon arrived.

In 1964, Anne returned to teaching by taking up the post of headmistress at Glenfinnan Primary School and during her time there she taught all 7 classes, touching the lives of many of the children (from school pupils through into adults). When in Glenfinnan, she was involved within the local community raising money and organizing the children's and old folks Christmas parties (where space was always made for Jimmy (the well-known local tramp)). Anne also enjoyed dancing with Angie at the Stage House tap room dances and also at Glenfinnan House.
Anne took early retirement after 19 years teaching as the school role had no new children coming through to attend. So, with this, Anne and Angie moved back to Arisaig in 1983 to her late Auntie Flora's croft at Moss of Keppoch. She became Nana when her first grandchild, Maria was born followed by Anne and Heather, Neil, Jamie, Eve and Maisie. Later, her great-grandchildren Kian, Greg, Archie, Ailsa, Effie and Rosa came along.
She became involved in Arisaig's' local community in various ways over the years, continuing fundraising and organising parties, whilst also being on local committees for the lunch club, the Astley Hall, Arisaig Primary and StMary's Church. All of her voluntary work was recognised when she was invited to Edinburgh in 2003 as an unsung heroine of which she was chuffed to bits.
Dancing and Music were an important part of her life. Nana and Papa loved to go to dances in the Hall (even Lochailort Castle in its hey-day), where they were known to often be leading off the dances. As well as going dancing, Nana also taught line and ceilidh dancing to locals in the hall. Ever the teacher, she also became a pupil and went to fiddle classes and piano lessons and was often seen at the kitchen table playing her own keyboard. She enjoyed singing too, joining in with Arisaig Americana's singing group and joining in with the singing session at Arisaig's train station. For a time, she also went to Gaelic classes in Mallaig and at one point, she was recognised as the oldest Zumba dancer in town!
Nanas' culinary concoctions were legendary within the family. Waste not, want not, she would quote, while putting together the oddest food. Heather remembers brown soups and egg whites for pudding…
Nana lost Papa in 2009, after 55 years together. With her typical resilience, she never lost her spirit, always out and about, to the WRI, whist and lunch out on a Wednesday. Nana was always interested in everyone and everything, having a great zest for life and a wide knowledge of anything and everything that caught her interest and Nana always had an opinion on things, saying exactly what she thought 'not having a filter' as Eve put it!
At home, Nana enjoyed her garden, whilst also having a liking for fake flowers in the house too! She'd make sure she walked every day 'to the grid', she enjoyed watching TV detective and news programmes, reading, knitting and doing puzzles. She loved going out even for a wee latte and scone, she just loved being around people and hearing their news and having 'a wee chat'.
Nana (not just to family) touched the lives of many through her teaching and socialising. She has left us all with many cherished and happy memories. Although we are all very saddened, we can celebrate a long life, very well lived.

Charlie King (Mallaig)
I've observed many councillors over the years; some specialise in self-promotion; others push their party or shelter behind it. Charlie King represented his people and nothing else. At the very least, everyone from Corpach west owes him a huge debt of gratitude. But Charlie's strategic roles stretched across Lochaber and the Highlands and Islands. He was also known and respected at a national level.
Driving the completion of the Mallaig Road was a major achievement. Charlie acted with fellow-councillor Michael Foxley to achieve this, drawing support as necessary.
Charlie was focussed and worked quietly but effectively behind the scenes to get results, avoided grandstanding and working at getting headlines for himself, as we see nowadays. He formed alliances based on common cause across the Highlands and thus trust was built.
His constituents certainly saw his worth and he was almost always returned unopposed. Previously a Lochaber District Councillor, in the Highland Council Charlie was from the period when 7 out of the 8 Lochaber councillors had Highland-wide roles; just think about that. Lochaber councillors either as chair or vice chair of major Highland-wide committees; Social Work, Roads, Housing, Planning, Fire Board, Police, Budget Working Group, etc.

Reflections from the Road: Scotland to Ukraine

We arrived on the fourth anniversary of the war - great timing, I know.
Life moves on and attention shifts elsewhere, but on the ground in Ukraine, where the temperature was sitting at -11°C, the reality hasn't changed.
Demand is growing for simple things like fold-away foil blankets - anything that can help prevent hypothermia on the frontline.
Last week we delivered 17 jeeps, driving more than 2,400 km to western Ukraine. This time the journey took us along the edge of winter across eastern Europe, with an earlier stop in Germany, passing Colditz as the dark nights and long days pushed drivers harder than usual. The vehicles were stuffed to the roof with supplies including medical kits, chest seals, bandages, wheelchairs, camouflage nets and fishing nets. By the time we finished loading, you genuinely couldn't see out of the back windows.
The border crossing is an education in how to pack a car. You pack and sometimes repack if called upon by border guards on both sides of the Ukrainian-Polish crossing. We made a detour to the outskirts of Lviv for an impromptu drop-off of medical supplies to a Rotarian contact before continuing to Kolomyia, where I handed over the keys to my Freelander. It was received by a rehabilitating soldier on behalf of his unit. These vehicles are vital; they go straight to the frontline where they are used to extract wounded soldiers quickly and get them to safety where nothing else can reach. At dawn in Kolomyia, the remaining few of us drove back to Lviv to pay our respects at the near-capacity Field of Mars cemetery.
At 9am a loudspeaker crackled, and then the metronome began. Tick. Tick. Tick.

Each second rang out across the street, slow and deliberate, echoing off the buildings. You've never heard anything like it. A mechanical heartbeat laid bare for everyone to hear. Cars halted where they stood. Conversations died mid-sentence. People stopped on the pavement, heads bowed, hands still.
For sixty seconds the whole street seemed to hold its breath as the ticking counted the minute aloud. Relentless and hollow, until the final second fell and Lviv slowly remembered how to move again.
"Thank you" feels like a very small phrase, but I'm deeply grateful to everyone helping me get closer to our first fundraising target. Every donation helps keep these life-saving vehicles and supplies moving to where they're needed most. The link to donate is https://bit.ly/4o4cWmz.
If you can donate, thank you. If you can't, please consider sharing the convoy updates - it really does help keep the wheels turning.
This haul is a long and heavy one, but as long as I can, I will keep going.
The next convoy sets off on 23 April.
From Scotland, with love.
Jackie Robertson

Watoto Children's Choir Visit Mallaig

On Wednesday, 18th February, Mallaig was treated to a truly memorable evening of culture, music, and celebration as we had the privilege of welcoming the Watoto Children's Choir to our community. Having travelled all the way from Uganda, the children delighted everyone with their energy, talent, and joyful spirit. The event was organised and hosted by Home Church, who were honoured to facilitate the choir's visit to Mallaig. The choir is made up of children and young people who have been supported by the Watoto community, receiving the love and care needed to help them rise above their circumstances, ready to make a difference in the world as they become Africa's future leaders. The visit to Mallaig was part of a three-month tour, performing songs from the choir's new album, "Better Days-There Is Hope".
The children arrived on Wednesday afternoon, stepping off the bus into a flurry of snow - a magical and unforgettable welcome to the village. It was a pleasure to show them around Mallaig and spend time getting to know them ahead of the evening's performance. We are especially grateful to the eight host families who generously opened their homes to accommodate the children and choir members during their stay. Your warmth and hospitality made a lasting impression and ensured the group felt truly welcomed and cared for. The concert itself was a wonderful success, with a full house at Mallaig and Morar Community Centre, and almost every chair in the building pressed into use! A special thank you goes to our very own Stella Nova, who opened the evening with a fantastic performance as a warm welcome to the choir. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who donated baking - your contributions were greatly appreciated and helped make the event even more enjoyable for all.

Following a busy and uplifting evening, the choir enjoyed a well-earned rest with their host families on Thursday morning. They later spent time together at the community centre, sharing meals, playing games, and simply enjoying being children. Some members of the group also took part in the Circular Walk and enjoyed a game of football at the pitch, making the most of their time in Mallaig. Mallaig was described by the group as "peaceful" and "chill" - high praise indeed, and a wonderful reflection of our special community. We are deeply thankful to everyone in the village who came along to support the event. Your presence and encouragement meant so much to the children and were a true reflection of the warmth and generosity of Mallaig. It was truly a blessing to have the choir with us.
Their message of hope in Jesus, shared so powerfully through song and testimony, was an encouragement to us all. We pray that the seeds of faith and joy planted during their visit will continue to have an impact on our community. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome the Watoto Children's Choir back again in the future.
If you are interested in finding out more about the Watoto Children's Choir or Home Church, please visit our Facebook pages: Homechurch Lochaber or Home Church Scotland. We would be delighted to answer any questions you may have.
Donna Fairlie

VIEW FROM HOLYROOD

Kate Forbes, MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch

It feels slightly surreal to say this is to be my last column for West Word. It has been an absolute pleasure to have had the opportunity to write this column over recent years. I would also like to extend a huge congratulations to all involved at the paper for winning the 'Community Newspaper of the Year' for 2025 at the Highlands and Islands Press Ball and Media Awards - a fantastic achievement.
There are a good number of significant projects I have been glad to see grow and come to fruition during my time as your MSP.
It will not be a surprise that I start by mentioning the ongoing work for the new Belford Hospital. As so many of you well know, it has been a long and arduous journey to reach the point where construction of the new hospital is scheduled to begin in October 2027. I am incredibly grateful to the local campaigners who have worked so tirelessly with NHS Highland to ensure the Lochaber community's voice is heard. My office and I still engage with the regular community stakeholder group which is facilitated by NHS Highland, and it is encouraging to look back and see how far this project has progressed.
The Mackintosh Centre in Mallaig has been open again for well over a year now and this has been a huge win for the local community. I know how much this vital service was missed by residents and their families, along with staff, while the centre was closed. I was pleased to work with NHS Highland and community representatives to ensure a resolution could be found to re-open the care home.
I am assisting residents of Glenfinnan with overtourism and transport issues and have been doing so for the last few years. I have worked with the local Community Council, the Community Company, Glenfinnan Station Museum, and relevant stakeholders including the National Trust for Scotland, VisitScotland, Highland Council, Transport Scotland, Network Rail, ScotRail, HITRANS, Shiel Buses, Forestry and Land Scotland, Police Scotland, West Highland Chamber of Commerce, and local elected members - to name but a few! Most recently, I have asked Highland Council if they would implement a weekend bus service from Fort William to Glenfinnan, potentially including a park and ride, to encourage visitors to use public transport rather than their own vehicles to help ease congestion in the village. Also, the Community Company are exploring options to build an overflow car park at Callop.
I have enjoyed my trips to the Small Isles and have always received a very warm welcome. I have been able to assist with affordable housing plans on both Rum and Canna. On Rum, these plans include the provision of key housing for school and nursery staff which will help secure the future of the school and the community.
On Knoydart, it has been great to see the work carried out by the community with their affordable housing plans which have been supported by Highland Council and the Communities Housing Trust. I have seen first-hand Knoydart Renewables' hydro project which provides electricity to those living around Inverie Bay. I have also experienced hospitality at the community-owned pub, The Old Forge. It is a brilliant example of locals working for the benefit of the entire community. While on the topic of affordable housing plans, I have been delighted to see the progress made in Mallaig and Arisaig. These homes will help to provide vital opportunities to retain residents and those working in the communities.
As lockdown restrictions for COVID-19 started to ease a few years ago, I was invited to join the B8008 working group which was set up to discuss traffic congestion and wild camping because of the influx of visitors travelling along this road - particularly to some of the stunning beaches on this stretch. It has been a productive way to raise the serious concerns of the community councils and local councillors with those responsible for the management of these popular sites.
As I close on this final column, I would like to thank everyone who has contacted me during my time as your MSP. I have thoroughly enjoyed the different discussions I have had over the last ten years, and it has been wonderful to meet so many of you.
I am of course still happy to assist and if there are any issues you would like to raise with me, please do get in touch. Le deagh dhùrachd/with best wishes,
Kate
kate.forbes.msp@parliament.scot

Birdwatch February 2026 by Stephen MacDonald

A mostly dry and cold spell during the first two and a half weeks, with easterly winds prevailing. A wetter, milder spell with a more westerly airflow until the last couple of days of the month. Still the usual winter birds around, but with the invrease in daylight, birdsong noticeably increased as the month progressed.
The Whooper Swans were at Loch nan Eala on the 28th, the first since mid-January. Still flocks of Greylag and Canada Geese around Back of Keppoch and Traigh. By the last week of te month, Canada Geese were seen back at Loch Ailort, prospecting for nest sites. Wigeon, were reported from the Morar Estuary, Loch nan Ceall and Loch Ailort.
Red-breasted Mergansers were on the Morar Estuary and Loch nan Ceall. Goosanders were regular on Loch Morar and several were seen on Loch nan Ceall. On a couple of occasions mid-month. A single Long Tailed Duck was seen on several occasions on Loch nan Ceall, and both Slavonian and Little Grebes were present throughout the month.
Increased sightings of both Curlew and Redshank as birds move back to breeding areas. Up to three Greenshank and two Bar-tailed Godwits were on the Morar Estuary. Woodcock were seen around Arisaig, Camusdarach and Morar. Several reports of Snipe, mostly from Morar and Camusdarach.
Six Redwing were seen at Camusdarach on the 6th. Several Mistle Thrushes were seen by Traigh Farm, feeding in the fields. An increase in the number of Blackbirds reported in some gardens, with at least seventeen feeding in a Morar garden on the 18th.
Numbers of Siskins increased as the month progressed, and Red Buntings were seen back at breeding sites by the Morar river at the month end. Yellowhammers were back on territory around Arisaig at the same time.
Dippers were seen at the Morar river on several occasions, but just one report of the Kingfisher.
Several reports of Sparrowhawks from Arisaig, Morar and Invercaimbe.
Finally, a juvenile Goldfinch ringed in Portree, Skye on the 14th December 2024 was re-trapped in a Morar garden on the 8th February 2026.