FIOS COLUMN DECEMBER 2017

Several months ago the Lewis and Harris Deer Management Group was re-established and a new committee elected. The group’s objectives are to promote the sustainable management of deer in Lewis and Harris as detailed in a “Group Deer Management Plan”. UOG are represented on this group and are very pleased to see work underway to review the current situation, but also to consider ways to effectively manage the deer population moving forward. It is expected that further consultation work will be undertaken for Galson Estate in January and further details will be released as they become available. It is important we engage fully with this process as an informed plan will support effective and sustainable management.

We are very pleased to be able to offer a 12 month graduate placement through HIE’s ScotGrad scheme. We have successfully been part of the scheme for several years now, with our most recent graduate Fiona only leaving us in the Summer. This newly advertised placement if for a Marketing, Events and PR post and the post- holder will support UOG, but also other land trusts to maximise the marketing of their events aimed at celebrating the Year of Young People 2018. The closing date for applications is 7th January 2018. Visit the ScotGrad for more details www.scotgrad.co.uk or find details on UOG’s Facebook or Twitter

We are really looking forward to Tuesday 12th December as we will welcome Anne MacLellan to the business centre for an evening event. Anne owns a tourism business (Balranald Hebridean Holidays) in North Uist. Her business is situated in the heart of the Balranald Nature Reserve and we are keen to hear more about her business, her life as a crofter on North Uist and especially the engagement, impacts and opportunities that come from being situated at a Local Nature Reserve. Loch Stiapabhat LNR is clearly an asset to the Galson Estate and the evening will provide a time to discuss and ask questions in the context of our own LNR. The evening will commence at 7.30pm on Tuesday 12th December in the UOG Business Centre and everyone is most welcome to attend. Tea/Coffee will be served on arrival.

More information on the event can be found in this issue of Fios or visit www.galsontrust.com, follow us on Facebook or call the office on 01851 850393 / email: office@uogltd.com