Local News – 26th January 2026

RNLI Burns Supper

The RNLI Burns Supper went a huge way into kickstarting their fundraising this month. With all the traditions covered on the night including an excellent address to the Haggis by John Finlayson who had already raised 14.5K on boxing day for both lifeboat stations. This year was a change of speakers with a passionate burns expert Kathryn Macfarlane giving the immortal memory, Daniel Cullen bringing the Toast to the lassies and Radio Skye’s Suzy Lee responding. The night saw dancing from the Skye Highland Dancers, Robbie Burns songs turned to Gaelic with Mod gold-medalist Iain Cormack and later a ceilidh with Katie Douglas and Angus Gilpin. Long standing volunteer and organiser Iain Beaton was delighted on the night. The event is expected to raise around 10K, with a final figure yet to be announced.

Primary School Enrolment

Online enrolment for Primary One officially opens today across the Highlands.

If your child turns five by the end of next February, you have until this Friday, January 30th, to register them for the new term.

You must enrol in your local catchment school first at highland.gov.uk/enrol, even if you plan to make a placing request. If you can’t get online, contact your local school directly for a paper form.

Local Music (SEALL)

SEALL is hosting a Valentine’s Ceilidh at An Talla Mòr on Friday, February 13th! Headlining the night is Glenelg’s own Calum MacAskill, debuting a brand-new trio to celebrate his first album.

The night also features local talent from Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and a late-night set from DJ Evan Masson.

Tickets go on sale this Thursday at 7:00 PM on the SEALL website.

Celtic Connections

Glasgow’s Celtic Connections has passed the midway point after a weekend that saw Orkney’s own The Chair and Gnoss sell out the legendary Barrowlands.

More than one hundred concerts have already electrified the city, but the festival is far from over. Yesterday, the spotlight shines on Kelvingrove Art Gallery for a star-studded Burns Night celebration.

Looking ahead to the final week, highlights include the Roaming Roots Revue at the Royal Concert Hall and the world premiere of Len Pennie’s new collaboration.

With over one hundred thousand fans expected by next Sunday, Creative Director Donald Shaw says there is still time to catch the magic. Tickets for the remaining shows are available at celticconnections.com.

Book Trust

The Islands Book Trust has launched its first book of the year, “The Man with the Horse,” chronicling Tony Bonning’s 2023 trek across the island with his grey cob, Chief.

The book isn’t just a travel diary; it’s a treasure trove of over one hundred supernatural tales and kelpie legends gathered along the road.

You can meet Tony at the official launch events at Portree Library on February 19th, and An Crùbh on the 20th. Admission is free, and signed copies will be available to help you relive their epic journey.

Badminton

The feathers are set to fly in Portree this March as the 2026 Badminton Skye Championships returns to the Fingal Centre.

Now the island’s largest annual badminton event, the Championships will see local favourites face off against top players from across Scotland on March 20th and 21st.

All eyes are on the court to see if anyone can snap the winning streak of Calum Craig. After his dominant “triple-title” sweep last year, Craig is the man to beat in the capital.

From high-stakes singles to fast-paced doubles, it’s a weekend of top-tier competition in a stunning Highland setting. Don’t miss the action as Skye crowns its next set of champions!