Encouraged by the success of our short exhibition in Taigh Chearsabhagh during the summer of 2001, which over two hundred people attended, we helped organise a larger venture called "An Seol Mara - The Ebb and Flow of the Tide". This was a joint venture between Comann Eachdraidh Uibhist a Tuath, The Grimsay Boat Project and Comann na Mara.

The exhibition shows the many aspects of marine life and the fishing industry that has existed on these islands through illustrated displays and videos. These videos introduce the viewer to the rich diversity of the marine environment including the Loch nam Madadh underwater video (in both Gaelic and English), an underwater film shot around St Kilda and about the fishing industry both past and present. A special series of postcards and greeting cards are available at selected outlets throughout the Western Isles.

An aquarium tank is now maintained in Taigh Chearsabhagh. It contains local salt water species.

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In the summer of 2001 the SIAT Countryside Ranger was employed for part of his time by Comann na Mara, during which time he initiated a series of guided walks around the shores of the Lochmaddy SAC. These guided walks focused on introducing the marine environment to visitors and highlighted the unique features of the SAC.

Each of these walks left from Taigh Chearsabhagh and lasted approximately two hours. During the season of 2001 forty-five people attended these walks .

On evaluating this information , Comann na Mara and the Countryside Ranger identified the need to increase the level of walks provided around the SAC and to introduce a much broader level of information about the SAC, its wildlife and the Natural Heritage of the Hebrides.This was achieved by providing sixteen guided walks around the SAC during the summer season of 2002. One hundred and twenty two people attended these walks.

Also during the summer season of 2001, Comann na Mara desired to trial boat trips in and around the SAC. These boat trips provided visitors to the island with an opportunity to experience the marine environment and its wildlife from the comfort of a boat.

There was a great demand for these boat trips and after a successful trial in 2001 using a RIB provided by the Uist Outdoor Centre, the boat trips were expanded in 2002.

During the month trial in July, five boat trips were completed. A total of sixty passengers enjoyed this opportunity to experience the offshore islands of the Hebrides and its wildlife. After each boat trip visitors were asked to fill in evaluation sheets about the whole experience and from this feedback it was hoped to further expand these boat trips.

During the months August to September 2002, Comann na Mara in association with Donald Archie Nicholson, Lochmaddy, provided boat trips using a working fishing boat. These trips were introduced to allow visitors to experience the working environment surrounding the Lochmaddy SAC with regards to the fishing industry.

These trips were well attended and took place late afternoon or early evening. A total of eighty-five people attended these events. Donald Archie's expertise of fishing and working in the surrounding waters and the SAC was well relayed to all boat trippers with hands on experience of fishing with lines and rod for pollack and mackerel.

Live interpretation was provided on creel lifting and the techniques involved in the fishing industry. At the end of each boat trip the catch of fish and prawns were divided amongst each of the day-trippers and this was well received by all. These boat trips were very successful and allowed families to participate in a group activity. Visitor feedback identified the value of this activity and the thrill factor that catching your own fish brought the young and old. Top

2007 - Dr Graham Saunders (leader of the group who carried out the recent statutory review of Lochmaddy Bay) on "Hidden Secrets of Lochmaddy Bay SAC" (Classified )

2006 - Dr John Goold, University of Whales - "Wales of Scotland".

2005 - Prof. Graham Shemield, Dunstaffnage - "Underwater around UK".

2004 - John Dunn, Marine Lab Aberdeen - "Remarkable theories on fishing".

2003 - Dr Richard Shelton, Pitlochry Lab - "Salmonella at Sea".

2002 - Dr Calm Duncan, Marine Conservation Society - "Cetaceans"

2001 - Dr Martin Sayer, Dunstaffnage - "Artificial Reefs".

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Contact :

Comann na Mara
Taigh na Hearradh
Lochmaddy
Isle of North Uist
HS6 5AE

Tel 01876 500224