There is a meeting in Stornoway on March 2nd about the continuing crisis with Isles Councils meeting with Cal-Mac representatives to see what steps they should be taking. Mallaig Harbour Authority Secretary Robert MacMillan said 'The Authority will take advice on their findings as to what we should be doing. To add to the difficulties there is now a shortage of disinfectant. The mainland will also be taking precautions. Many landowners and factors are closing hill walks, mindful that if the disease were to strike the Red Deer population it would be virtually impossible to cull them all to eradicate it.
Ski slopes are closed.
The Agricultural College has put out guidelines that farmers and crofters should let no vehicles or visitors past their gate which is a virtual siege situation. Apart from the appalling threat to animals the tourist season will suffer greatly if visitors are limited as to the places they can visit and walk. Our 'Burn's Night' was a great success thanks to Donna's piping, Andrew's 'Address to the Haggis' and his other readings, also to whoever it was who provided the words for several of Robbie's popular songs. Addresses to the Lassies and Laddies were given by Wes and Camille. At the end of January a party of divers arrived to buoy the channel which the Lochnevis would attempt to negotiate.