The news that Marine Harvest　propose to create more than 40 jobs in the Westerns Isles, mostly based around Barra, is very encouraging.

This announcement is, of course, a very positive development for Barra and the Western Isles. Fish farming is one of the most important sectors for the Western Isles economy, and we need to encourage all companies who have an interest in this area.

I have spoken to the company and will be keeping in touch with them, as this is an opportunity for much needed economic activity in the islands. Although Marine Harvest plans are at a fairly early stage they hold out the prospect for new work on the island, something I know people in Barra will greet particularly warmly.

I got a very unusual opportunity last month – to play chess with the actual Lewis chessmen. The occasion was the launch of the news that a major exhibition of the chessmen will tour Scotland from 2010.

The tour will include an extended visit to the Western Isles from April to September 2011 when 30 pieces of the Lewis chessmen collection, including 24 from the British Museum in London, will be displayed in Museum nan Eilean in Stornoway.

The Scottish Government have provided funding and support to allow this exhibition, the Lewis part of which is timed to coincide with the Year of Island Culture, to be displayed once more on the island where the chessmen were discovered in 1831.

The Scottish Government continues to argue that London should give more of the chessmen back to Scotland permanently and that Lewis should see exhibitions of them on a longer term basis.

Artifacts like this always mean a hundred times more in context and the Lewis Chesmen have always been a symbol for the islands. I look forward to seeing them here.