Treasure island

Scores of islanders in North Uist and Berneray are set to celebrate after it was revealed, during a Facebook Live video, that HS6 5 is the winning postcode sector in January’s Postcode Millions draw.

The full winning postcode will be revealed on Friday 31 January. Players in the islands have already been told they have won a minimum of £10,000 each.

The £3 million prize will be divided between each of the lottery’s players in the postcode sector. Those playing with the full willing postcode will take home the biggest cheques.

North Uist and Berneray had a combined population of only around 1,600 at the time of the last census. More than 60 per cent of the local population are Gaelic speakers. 

It is the first time the Postcode Lottery team have visited the Western Isles and a special event is being held at Carinish Village Hall to mark the occasion.

Former X Factor contestant and People’s Postcode Lottery ambassador, Danyl Johnson, will be on hand to reveal the prizes and present the cheques.

Danyl said: “I thought this job had taken me all over Britain, but I have never travelled to the Outer Hebrides before.

“I have heard so much about the islands and I can’t wait to get there. Handing out cheques will make the trip even more special. 

“It’s going to be a day to remember for everyone involved. I reckon there’ll be a real party atmosphere at the village hall.

“Congratulations to everyone in North Uist and Berneray – I’ll see you soon!”

The islands are renowned for their landscape of white sand beaches, lochans and machair - a rare coastal habitat known for its vast array of colourful wildflowers and abundant birdlife.

People’s Postcode Lottery was created solely to raise funds for charities and players have now raised more than £500 million for thousands of good causes. These include Maggie’s cancer care centres, the British Red Cross and the Woodland Trust. A minimum of 32% of the price of every ticket goes to charity.

Local good causes have also benefitted from player support. Volunteering Hebrides recently received £19,861 to support people who are housebound due to physical or mental health issues. The project helped people who may otherwise have experienced social isolation to connect with each other.

Lorna Menzies, Managing Director at People’s Postcode Lottery, will be travelling to North Uist to ensure the cheques are safely delivered to players at a special event in Carinish Village Hall. 

Lorna said: “Postcode Millions is our biggest prize - £3 million every month. It’s always great to see neighbours winning together, but this event is going to be even more special because of the Hebridean location. The £3 million will be shared between players from North Uist and Berneray so it’ll have a big impact on a small community. It’s the first time the team have had the chance to visit the Western Isles for Postcode Millions and we can’t wait to get there. 

“Our players have now raised more than £500 million for charities and good causes, such as Maggie’s, the National Trust for Scotland and the National Museums of Scotland, so there really is a lot to celebrate.”

The Postcode Millions draw was held on behalf of Postcode Animal Trust. It supports charities which promote animal welfare and conservation.

1,600 population figure from 2011 Census data