Harris youngsters enjoy a fun-packed summer playscheme

Harris Voluntary Service ran its busiest playscheme yet over the summer holidays, with young people from across the island enjoying a range of activities which enabled them to explore outdoors, learn new skills, be active and creative - and have a lot of fun.

The playscheme took place over the middle four weeks of the holidays, with participants aged from two to fifteen choosing from a selection of activities including boat trips, surfing lessons, beach play, crafting, dancing and adventuring.

With 342 bookings altogether, the programme was a significant expansion on previous years’ offerings, thanks to contributions from the community, volunteers giving their time and funding from the Comhairle’s Coastal Communities Fund and the Western Isles Development Trust.

While every day offered something different, some of the children’s favourite moments included getting soaked with sea spray during the boat trips, surfing in the sunshine on Niseaboist beach, exploring with the Scaladale team, visiting the (South Harris Show) Sheepdog Trials and a craft-themed tea party to mark the start of the Commonwealth Games.

An intergenerational afternoon was a new addition, with young people joining the elderly residents of Harris House in Tarbert to dance (the Macarena) and have a chat.

"Bringing generations together strengthens our community. Sharing time, fun and laughter connecting different ages together within one community. We did just this when we visited the Harris House Care home as part of our dance and movement activity," says HVS Manager Sandra Fraser.

"I am proud of the Harris Voluntary Service staff and our incredible team of volunteers for organising such a fantastic range of activities for children and young people in our community,” said HVS Director Barbara MacKay.

“None of this would have been possible without the generous funding and continued support from Western Isles Development Trust and Coastal Communities, and we are extremely grateful for their contribution."

The opportunities provided were possible thanks to the support of local businesses and organisations, many of whom shared their resources at low or no cost.

Thanks are due to Tarbert Community Centre, Leverhulme Community Hub, the Scaladale Centre, local police, fire, coastguard, RNLI and ambulance teams, Catriona Hill, Leverburgh Sea Safaris, South Harris Show, Harris Golf Club, Harris Glass Studio, Surf Lewis and Harris, Harris FC Community Minibus, Western Isles Libraries, Nook and Scranny, Pursuit Hebrides, Back Football and Recreation Club, the Deli, The West Harris Trust, the North Harris Trust, OCS, and Harris House.

The support of the Western Isles Development Trust and Coastal Communities Fund was fundamental in helping us deliver our four-week summer playscheme.  Without this funding, the playscheme would not have been possible.

We thank all our volunteers who took part, as always volunteers are at the heart of our community.  We appreciate every person who gave their time to support the playscheme project.

We would also like to make a very special mention to Kathleen Duce (Volunteer Centre Western Isles - Harris) for her continued support towards Harris Voluntary Service.  Her work and connections strengthen volunteering networks and support the many people here in Harris to make a difference.  

• Harris Voluntary Service exists to support the community of Harris and facilitate the work of other community groups and organisations. Projects include holiday playschemes, a community newsletter, the Harris food bank, payroll support for carers and fundraising support for local groups.

• HVS is on the look-out for volunteers to help with our playscheme and year-round youth work. If you have time to get involved, or would like to propose or host an activity, please get in touch via admin@harrisvs.org.uk