Bobaidh Brussel Sprout, the new 'Fas Fallain Friend' created by winning pupil Christopher Mackay of Sheilibost School, has been adapted to join its seedstick family.

The seedsticks are expected to arrive

shortly and will continue to be used to encourage younger people to gain an interest and become involved in growing fruit and vegetables.

For further information please contact Mary MacLean, Fas Fallain Manager.

'Back to Basics' was the theme when Fas Fallain visisted Sheilibost School in Harris, to award two of their pupils first and second prize in a recent competition.

The competition was aimed at finding a new 'Fas Fallain Friend', who would then be turned into a seedstick to join .

the already highly popular and innovative family which includes Coinneach Carrot, lachie Lettuce, Seonaid Strawberry, Mairi Mint and Tormod Tomato.

Pictured above is Christopher Mackay, Primary 5, with Mary MacLean, Fas Fallain Manager, who was awarded first place for his 'Bobaidh Brussel Sprout' entry.

For further information please contact Mary MacLean, Fas Fallain Manager.

A large number of families took part in the big 'FOOD IS FUN!' event held on 12th June at the Bridge Community Centre, Stornoway.

Families with young children, and expectant parents, attended the event which encouraged families to choose more healthy foods, and show how food can be fun, sociable, easy to make, and inexpensive.

Children received a range of fun activities, games, story-telling, and a free goody bag which included

colouring paper, crayons, 'Healthy Veg Gang' growing kits, and a t-shirt. Parents relaxed by enjoying a number of food demonstrations, receiving their Family Recipe Collection pack, whilst also having the opportunity to speak to Health Professionals in informal surroundings.

The event was organised by the Healthy Visiting Team (Lewis and Harris) in partnership with Health Promotion, and a range of NHS Western Isles departments, local groups and agencies. For further information please contact Health Visitors Dorothy MacDonald or Donna MacKinnon, tel. 01851 709842

Staff from NHSWI's Health Visiting team, Dietietics Service, and Health Promotion Department, and the Early Years/Childcare Partnership of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, all

completed the 'Certificate in Nutrition and Health' from the Royal Society for Public Health.

All participants achieved either Credit or Honour status, and were informed they were the highest achieving group who have completed the Course to date.

The Course has provided the candidates with additional knowledge to enhance work already being undertaken with children, families and childcare providers regarding nutrition and health. For further information please contact Tina Burgess, Senior Health Promotion Officer.

A competition aimed at under 12's was launched during July/August 2009 to create the next 'Fas Fallain Friend'. Posters were distributed to schools and there were prizes for the top 3 winning entries.

Entrants were asked to draw a picture of their favourite fruit or vegetable, and explain why they had chosen it in no more than 30 words.

For further information please contact

Mary MacLean, Fas Fallain Manager.

The 'Fas Fallain Friends' series has been created to make growing fruit and vegetables a more fun and enjoyable experience.

The seedsticks; 'Coinneach the Carrot',

'Lachie the Lettuce', 'Tormod the Tomato', Seonaid the Strawberry and Main Mint, have recently been launched and further 'Fas Fallain Friends' are planned for the future.

A number of events will be held over the next year and all will use food as a vehicle for community engagement.They will take the form of social events and involve as many of the different cultures living on the Western

Isles as possible.

A working group is in the process of being set up and is representative of a multi-cultural Western Isles.