Siuthad! is the primary seven transition programme funded and delivered by Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn (Galson Estate Trust), Urras Oighreachd Chàrlabhaigh (Carloway Estate Trust) and Urras Oighreachd Bharabhais (Barvas Estate Trust), and sees pupils from Sgoil an Taobh Siar, Lionel, Shawbost and Breasclete primary schools explore the outdoors, discover new areas and activities, and learn how to protect and conserve our environment, with the help of some local experts.

 

The three-day programme involves a variety of exciting outdoor activities in Shader, Arnol and Barvas, including mountain biking, canoeing, learning survival skills in a woodland session, a trip to a fank for a crofting session, loch walks, cleaning up our beaches and going back in time with a visit to Arnol Blackhouse.

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Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn and Urras Oighreachd Chàrlabhaigh started the transition programme in 2020, originally in partnership with the John Muir Trust, to ensure that the primary seven pupils from the four schools had a chance to meet one another before going to the Nicolson Institute, as well as learning about the area they come from and acquiring new skills. This year the programme is running under the new independent banner of Siuthad! meaning go on in Gaelic, for the first time, and is the first year Urras Oighreachd Bharabhais has been on board as an official partner.

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We are grateful to all partners and local experts for their support in putting on an unforgettable experience for these young people; Chris Barrowman, Simon Amos, Historic Environment Scotland, Stornoway Canoe Club, Horshader Community Development, Galson Motors, Scaladale Centre, Harris Tweed Hebrides, Hebridean Minibus and Ionad na Seann Sgoil.