Are you interested in the Natural History of the Outer Hebrides?
If so, this is the Society for you.
Curracag is the Gaelic word for Lapwing, the bird illustrated in the Society’s logo. The club was formed as far back as 1978 with the aim of promoting interest in (and conservation of) the archaeology, geology and wildlife of the area. Its remit is now mainly Natural History.
The two years following the storms early in 2005 have proved to be unusually quiet for Curracag, but meetings and events are again being planned for the 2007 summer season. Visitors to the Islands are always very welcome and there is a small entry fee to meetings of £1.50 – although of course there is no admission charge to members. These meetings, with talks, slides, etc. cover a wide variety of topics - of interest both locally and otherwise. They are advertised locally, and as widely as possible, but they are dependent upon the availability of speakers and so arrangements are sometimes inevitably “last-minute”.
Field work - Curracag is used as a vehicle to promote national surveys such as the Beached Bird Survey and the recording of mammals, insects etc, therefore opportunities arise to participate in these and to join in practical conservation tasks; trips are occasionally arranged for the summer months and these may include guided walks and visits to remote islands.
The Society is identified as a partner in the Local Biodiversity Action Plan and members are presently recording Bumble Bees, especially the Great Yellow Bumble Bee, and are involved in the mapping of sightings in the Outer Hebrides. It is hoped that involvement in biological recording will be expanded and a Small Grant Scheme has been set up to help members with expenses incurred on various Natural History projects. We are always seeking to expand our activities.
We are able to support production of various leaflets/publications for distribution to tourists and to the public in general and, in the recent past, this included the Outer Hebrides Bird Report. Also, we have been pleased to contribute in a small way to the soon-to-be-published new “Birds of Scotland” book; and likewise offer support to www.western-isles-wildlife.co.uk
The Society occasionally produces a magazine, The Hebridean Naturalist, which is free to members, as are the regular newsletters (approximately four a year) which keep members informed of activities which may be of interest to them. Contributions to The Hebridean Naturalist or to the newsletter, by way of articles, notes, letters or reviews, either in Gaelic or in English, are always welcome.
And, if your interests include photography, you will probably want to enter the Photographic Competition and Exhibition - now a regular and eagerly anticipated annual event taking place usually in January every year.
Subscription rates etc
Ordinary membership........ £8:00 Concession (Student, OAP, UB40, under 18)... £4:00
Family membership.......... £12.00 (one copy of newsletter etc.) Family concession................................................. £6.00
Corporate and schools... £12:00 Life (individuals only)....................................... £168:00
Membership - Support is not just local but comes from all over Britain and from the Continent too, and membership is increasing all the time. If you wish to become a member of Curracag, please send cheque, made payable to Curracag (Uist), to Curracag Membership Secretary, Mrs Lyn Lowe, Tigh na Mara, Cnoc-a-Lin, Isle of North Uist, Outer Hebrides, HS6 5DZ (tel 01876 510 725), or request an application form, especially if payment by Bankers’ Order is preferred.