Islanders' plea to replace "ruinous" school, care home, and hospital

The open letter urges all parties to "collaboratively formulate a plan", inviting the local MSPs, MP, and councillors, chief executives of NHS Eilean Siar and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, the cabinet secretaries for finance, health, education, and islands, as well as the First and Deputy First Ministers.

"We are facing significant challenges here on Barra and Vatersay, particularly concerning our schools, hospital, and care home," the islanders write. "All these facilities have been deemed unfit for purpose and are in urgent need of replacement.

"Castlebay school is in an unacceptable condition. Persistent leaks and flooding have led to extensive mould growth, rendering parts of the building unusable. The heating regularly malfunctions forcing children to wear outdoor jackets in class among a whole host of other issues. The building is deteriorating both structurally and visibly.

"Our elderly care home and hospital, both of which are in the same building are also in a sorry condition. In 2006 during a visit by the then Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon, it was acknowledged that these facilities needed replacement. Now nearly two decades later, we are still waiting. 

"Two years ago, our current plans were halted when we were told that no more NHS capital projects would proceed in Scotland until 2026. Since then, other projects have been announced, such as the Belford Hospital in Fort William and the refurbishment of another hospital within the Western Isles.

"We urgently need safe, modern, facilities. The ongoing delays are no longer acceptable, and we have now reached a critical juncture. It is essential that all our elected representatives unite and bring these three vital projects to fruition."

The letter is signed by councillors Kenneth MacLean and Iain MacNeil (both Barraigh agus Bhatarsaigh), two community councils (Northbay, and Castlebay and Vatersay), parent councils for Eoligarry and Castlebay Schools, and care service Cobhair Bharraigh.

Earlier this year, in a letter to First Minister John Swinney, Na h-Eileanan an Iar’s Labour MP Torcuil Crichton said: "Islanders seek urgent clarification on the status of St Brendan’s Hospital. A building that was deemed to be unsafe and unfit for purpose almost two decades ago still has no clear plan for replacement. 

"Funding for a replacement were hastily and shockingly withdrawn in 2023 leaving islanders who had worked for years on the plans bewildered and betrayed. I ask you in the strongest possible terms to re-establish plans and progress a new business case.

"The community’s fears for health provision are keenly felt, but they are not the only area of valid and pressing concern, given that both Castlebay Secondary School and the island’s care home are also in a ruinous state. 

"The delay of the promised Housing with Extra Care and the new school, both part of the previously planned and now shamefully abandoned Barra Hub are equally urgent requirements.

"The people of Barra feel isolated and neglected and in urgent need of your support."

This weekend, Western Isles’ SNP MSP Alasdair Allan is meeting signatories to "discuss the short and long-term plans for healthcare facilities in Barra, as this is now a separate project from the education, social care and leisure facilities being progressed by [the] Comhairle". He has also asked the Comhairle for a progress update following their planning application submission for the new school campus in December 2024.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar told us: “The delivery of improved education and leisure facilities to Barra and Vatersay remains the Comhairle’s priority capital project. Work is ongoing to progress the improvement of these facilities but the full realisation of these developments will rely upon a commitment of Scottish Government funding. With a series of frustrating delays and unmet commitments Barra and Vatersay has waited long enough for the delivery of new facilities.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The First Minister supports both the education and health projects proposed for Barra and Vatersay. Ministers recognise the frustrations at the delays to these projects and will respond to councillor MacLean’s letter in due course.”