Local News – 19th January 2026

Clan Donald Lands Trust

A major turning point has been reached for one of the Isle of Skye’s most iconic landmarks. The Armadale Castle and South Sleat Estates have been sold in a joint deal between the Clan Donald Lands Trust and the Hutchison family.

The acquisition by Armadale Estate Ltd marks a shift to private family stewardship. The new owners—who are themselves members of Clan Donald—pledge to protect the land for generations, focusing on sustainable forestry, tourism, and green energy.

Annelise Hutchison says it is a “privilege” to take on the responsibility, adding: “We are committed to ensuring that the heritage, landscape, and community remain at the heart of all future plans.”

For the community, the Museum of the Isles will stay open at its current site through at least 2026. The Trust will eventually rebrand as the Clan Donald Heritage Trust to focus on a new, modern home for its collections.

Trust Chair Ranald Macdonald welcomed the sale, stating: “We look forward to working with the Hutchisons in a spirit of partnership… helping to shape a sustainable future for South Sleat and Armadale.”

Mòd

The Royal National Mòd has hit a six-year high, injecting nearly four million pounds into the Lochaber economy.

Official figures released today show over nine thousand people flocked to Fort William last October—a four percent increase on the previous year. The festival supported 69 full-time jobs, with local businesses reporting a major boom in trade. Beyond the money, the report highlights a massive surge in language pride, with over seventy percent of attendees now inspired to use Gaelic more often in their daily lives.

The premier celebration of Gaelic culture now looks toward Glasgow, which is set to host the event this October.

Celtic Connections

Tens of thousands of fans have descended on Glasgow for a “picture-perfect” opening weekend of Celtic Connections.

Crowds were wowed by over eighty events, ranging from country legend Emmylou Harris to a powerhouse set from RuMac at SWG3. Tiree’s own Skerryvore helped kick off the celebrations, proving why they remain a festival favorite. Tonight, the spotlight turns to a massive all-star tribute for folk icon Dick Gaughan, featuring Billy Bragg and Deacon Blue.

With over one hundred thousand attendees expected through February 1st, you can find the full line-up and ticket details at celticconnections-dot-com.

Light Up Portree

Finally a successful opening weekend of Light Up Portree’s temporary ice rink at the community centre, hundreds of families and people of all ages took to the skates with this unique event for the island. Brought to Skye by Wonder Ice who provide ice skating experiences to areas who don’t have a family to enjoy a bit of winter fun. Organiser Lorna Cormack from the Light Up team was delighted with the response from the local community saying it was fantastic to see so many people having fun. The group have invited youth clubs and young carers to take part in sessions this week allowing as many young people to opportunity to enjoy skating for the first time.