Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP Alasdair Allan has praised the efforts of local fire crews tackling moorland blazes across the Western Isles.

Since Wednesday, services have responded to a high number of call-outs, often working through the night, to bring muirburn under control.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has warned of an ‘extreme risk’ of wildfires on the West Coast due to sustained easterlies and sunny periods which have dried out the moorland.

Alasdair Allan MSP commented:

“The fire crews are to be praised for their efforts in helping protect life and property. Many individuals are volunteers, attending call-outs after a full day’s work only to be up all night fighting the blazes. Several of the fires have been of considerable size and in difficult to access areas.

“Fire crews, alongside the coastguard, have also been busy assisting with vaccination clinics. In the current pandemic, we should avoid any actions which may put our emergency services under any unnecessary pressure.

“I would urge people to refrain from undertaking muirburn under the present extreme conditions. With the forecast high winds, a controlled burn can easily get out of hand and turn into a fast-spreading wildfire.

Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP Alasdair Allan and MP Angus MacNeil have written to UK Government Fisheries Minister George Eustice MP to ask that he meets with island fishermen to hear first-hand about the crisis facing the industry. 

The EU is an important export market for island produce, particularly seafood which is worth millions of pounds to the local economy. Since the UK left the EU single market and customs union on 1 January, exports have been disrupted by a range of regulatory issues and delays at the border. 

These issues have heaped more pressure on fishing businesses already trying to cope with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Alasdair Allan MSP commented:

“The current crisis facing the fishing industry is really concerning. The last few weeks have seen prices collapse, produce left behind and vessels told not to go out to sea.

“The UK Government has labelled these issues as “teething problems.” The reality is that they are a direct consequence of the deal they struck with the EU – to the detriment of the fishing industry. While the announcement of a compensation scheme for seafood exporters is welcome, the level of funding will be a drop in the ocean compared to the damage done and it doesn’t remove the Brexit red tape exporters now have to face. 

“UK Government Ministers should face up to the consequences of their actions and hear directly from fishermen in the Western Isles about what has happened in the last few weeks.”

Angus MacNeil MP commented:

"This is a problem of Westminster and the Brexiteers' making and it is for Westminster and the Brexiteers to sort."

Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP Alasdair Allan has welcomed the news that NHS Western Isles is now well underway with vaccinations for over 80s.

If you are in this category and have not yet attended an appointment, you should arrange a vaccination appointment by calling 0808 196 8383. Alternatively, a friend of relative can arrange an appointment on your behalf.

The vaccine roll-out comes amidst an increased community response to the viral outbreak in the Isle of Barra. At a meeting of the Barra & Vatersay COVID-19 Forum on Monday, 18 January, the collective efforts of the community and public sector workers were commended. Most members of the community are now voluntarily adhering to Level 4 restriction guidance.

Alasdair Allan MSP commented:

“The COVID-19 vaccination programme is going well in the Western Isles. This is paired with the expansion of testing, including asymptomatic testing, for Barra residents.”

“In the Western Isles, the number of first doses given to health workers and those most vulnerable to the virus is now into the thousands. As the programme gathers pace, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all those who are working late and long hours, and going above and beyond, to achieve this response.”

Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP Alasdair Allan has voiced his concern at the growing COVID-19 outbreak in Barra and Vatersay.

10 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed over the course of this week, with 2 islanders requiring treatment in hospital and a significant number of people identified as close contacts having to self-isolate.

The islands MSP this morning attended a meeting about the outbreak with NHS Western Isles, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and community organisations and representatives in Barra.

Alasdair Allan commented:

“The outbreak in Barra is really concerning and highlights how quickly the virus can gain hold. With ten confirmed cases and many dozens more self-isolating, this represents a huge impact on the island.

“While it’s obviously a very worrying time, I hope that people can draw strength from the exceptional community response and the knowledge that dedicated people in the NHS and elsewhere are working hard to help deal with the cluster. It is particularly welcome that testing has been expanded to include asymptomatic close contacts. 

“Non-essential travel is prohibited and I understand from Police Scotland that they have been carrying out periodic checks on ferry queues on both sides of the Minch, and particularly for Barra.

“I would urge everyone to please be on your guard, comply with the public health guidance and stay at home. If you develop symptoms please book a test by phoning 01851 601 151 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..”