Lewis baby bank founder celebrated for her community commitment

An island midwife who is the driving force behind a church-based baby bank supporting families in need has been honoured with an award in recognition of her service to the community.

Joanne Murray-Stewart of Uigean Manse on the west coast of Lewis is the latest recipient of the Community Award from the Scarr-Hall Memorial Fund, which was set up by international businessman Ian Scarr-Hall in memory of his late mother.

Mrs Murray-Stewart, who is married to Rev Hugh Stewart, the minister of Lochs in Bernera linked with Uig, set up the Oisean a' Chalman (Doves Corner) baby bank in December 2019 with the help of a £5,000 grant from the Church of Scotland.

Oisean a' Chalman now assists dozens of families, as well as the elderly, across the Western Isles who are experiencing challenge by providing items such as clothing, shoes, winter jackets, nappies and bottles.

Support can be accessed directly or via referrals through other agencies, with many of those turning to Oisean a' Chalman being families who are working and do not meet the threshold for benefits, but still require a little help to bridge the financial gap.

In Mrs Murray-Stewart's nomination for the award, the Scarr-Hall Memorial Trustees commented: "She organises frequent events for the congregation, runs the Sunday Club and practically single-handedly, runs the Banca Paiste Oisean a' Chalman Baby Bank [Doves Corner Baby Bank] which provides assistance in absolute confidence to an ever-increasing number of recipients throughout the Western Isles.

"In addition to all this, she also facilitates a support group for bereaved mothers in Lewis and Harris, who have lost a child in infancy or before birth – all this while holding down her job as a midwife.

"There has never been a more worthy recipient of this award for Voluntary Community Service."

Mr Scarr-Hall has been a regular visitor to the Western Isles since the 1960s and has owned Amhuinsuidhe Castle on Harris where he now lives since 2003.

The chairman of property management services company George S Hall, which operates throughout Europe and the US, he set up the Scarr-Hall Memorial Fund in 1988.

He said: "I remember my mother as a humble, gentle Christian soul who quietly gave herself to our Lord's service all her days.

"She was a humble ‘giver' continuously prioritising the needs of others.

"Today, the fund distributes awards to similar ‘givers' who constantly give without seeking recognition.

"Joanne is a most worthy recipient of this award."

Uig Kirk Session echoed Mr Scarr-Hall's comments, stating: "We extend our congratulations to Joanne Stewart, on being this year's recipient of the Scarr Hall Memorial Award for voluntary service to the community.

"We sincerely thank her for her selfless service, in the Lord's name, to assist and be a blessing to others."