CBAB Ltd

Coimhearsnachd Bharraidh agus Bhatarsaidh (Barra and Vatersay Community) Ltd Community Development Company for Barra and Vatersay, Outer Hebrides

[CBAB Ltd @CBAB2]

It is no secret that access to housing is a major issue in the islands, and the current way of measuring housing demand heavily based on numbers on waiting lists is not accurately conveying demand. Data from those that live away, and demand from business and community organisations, is not recorded.

The survey titled ‘Home is calling, is housing stopping you?’ launches on Thursday 2nd July through the summer until the 1st of September 2026. The data gathered will help shape new approaches to measuring housing demand and inform future decision-making.

Public Survey -> https://t.co/nsOuXLkXye
Business Survey -> https://t.co/WalH4loA7Z
Community Organisation -> https://t.co/gltkXkwR3q

[CBAB Ltd @CBAB2]

Have Your Say On The Childcare Needs On Barra & Vatersay. The QR codes in the flyer below will take you to a short online survey, as well as one which will allow you to leave a voicemail for anyone who would rather have their say that way.
Please share to help gain an accurate picture of the impact the childcare issues have on Barra & Vatersay.

[CBAB Ltd @CBAB2]

Road Closure: Saturday 27th of June. Two sections of the A888 in Castlebay will be closed for the Barrathon half marathon and fun run.
The section of road between Castlebay School and the Nask junction will be closed between 10am and 10.30am with the section between Castlebay School to the Horve Rd junction closed between 10.30am and 1.30pm.

Details of the closure are available on the CnES website: https://t.co/CIxGfVlETs

[CBAB Ltd @CBAB2]

Job Opportunity: Summer Youth Development Coordinator - Barrra Youth Cafe. This is a fantastic opportunity to support local young people, get involved in exciting activities and adventures, and make a real difference in the community. £15 per hour. To request an application form and job description, email: [email protected]

[CBAB Ltd @CBAB2]

Exciting Job Opportunity: Project Coordinator - Barra Heritage Centre. Application Deadline: 17th July 2026.

[CBAB Ltd @CBAB2]

Are you a crofter in the Outer Hebrides? Species on the Edge are leading a new research project and they need your help!

The study is exploring the unique relationship between island crofting life, nature, and personal wellbeing. We’ll be carrying out one-to-one interviews this summer, expected to last an hour and a half, to hear your experiences, your stories, and to learn about your relationship with the land you work. Interviews can be in Gaelic or English and can take place indoors or outdoors on your croft, or online via video call.

Research into nature connectedness and wellbeing has been carried out among farming communities on the Scottish mainland, but never in the Hebrides. Crofting in the Outer Hebrides is distinctive — shaped by land, language, culture and tradition in ways that have no real parallel elsewhere — and we want to understand what that means for how crofters experience and relate to the natural world around them.

The findings will be used to develop a practical toolkit to help conservation organisations work more effectively alongside crofting communities, and to ensure that future nature conservation projects reflect the real needs and perspectives of local people.

To find out more or to get involved, contact Frances Simmons at [email protected] or call 01851 827310.

[CBAB Ltd @CBAB2]

Ticks can carry infections like Lyme disease, so it's important that people know how to protect themselves. Enjoy the outdoors - but take a few simple steps to stay safe and check for ticks daily, especially after time in long grass or undergrowth.
Prevent tick bites
Ticks don’t jump or fly - they latch on when you brush past vegetation. Reduce your risk by:
Wearing long-sleeved clothing and tucking trousers into socks to minimise exposed skin.
Choosing light-coloured clothing to spot ticks easily.
Sticking to footpaths and avoiding brushing against plants and long grass.
Taking extra care in dense vegetation.
Using an insect repellent that is effective against ticks.
After being outdoors
Adopt routine tick-checking practices after spending time outside.
Brush off clothing (and pets) before entering indoors.
Remove clothing once home.
Check your body carefully - look and feel for ticks.
Pay close attention to hidden areas like behind knees, armpits, and along the hairline.
Remove any ticks promptly to reduce the risk of infection, including Lyme disease.
Tick removal tools (available from vets and local shops) are the safest way to remove ticks.
If you find a tick
· Remove it quickly and carefully using a proper tick-removing tool.
· Don’t pull it off with your fingers - this can leave parts behind.
· The sooner it’s removed, the lower the risk of infection.
Plastic tick removal tools, which resemble a small claw hammer or credit card, are widely available in rural shops across the Western Isles.

[CBAB Ltd @CBAB2]

This is a wee reminder that this is your opportunity to have your say on the childcare needs of Barra & Vatersay.

[CBAB Ltd @CBAB2]

This is your opportunity to share your views on the childcare needs on Barra & Vatersay. Help shape the future of childcare on the island by sharing your views.