LOCAL NEWS 28 JULY 2025

 

Kyle firefighter to get on his bike for 160-mile fundraiser

A Firefighter from Kyle is to aiming to shine a light on a crucial charity supporting crews across the UK by taking on an 160-mile cycle endurance test.

Daniel Elliot has been a member of the Lochalsh and Wester Ross Fire and Rescue crew for the past two and a half years serving out of the Kyle station.

The recent deaths of firefighters within the UK has moved Daniel to take on the task of cycling between even fire station across his patch and on Skye to raise money and awareness to support crews and their nearest and dearest as he explained to Radio Skye.

“A lot of people have not heard of the Fire Fighters Charity, it is support for firefighters if they become injured or – you never want to hear of this happening – if a firefighter’s loses their life in service, they are there to support their family.

“It is a good cause, if people could donate it would be great, just anything big or small would be much appreciated”

Daniel talking about his own involvement with the service, Daniel said: I joined two and a half years ago, as a retained firefighter in Kyle

“There were around four or five of us who joined at the same time as trainees, but before that time they were short of crew, and there was quite a lot of pressure for the crew that was there you know, having to keep the pump on all the time.

“It is good we have the numbers there now, and honestly if anyone is thinking about joining, most of the hours you are committing to you spend in your bed when you are covering. Once you get into the rhythm of it, it is really rewarding, and not a big tie at all.”

Daniel will take on his challenge on 16th August.

Kyle railway line to close for three weeks

A major £4.5m refurbishment project is planned for the Kyle of Lochalsh railway in the Highlands this Autumn which will see the cancellation of all service to and from Dingwall for three weeks.

The Kyle line stretches more than 50 miles from Inverness to the banks of Loch Alsh

The investment is part of Network Rail’s commitment to ensuring the long-term reliability and safety of Scotland’s Railway, with work scheduled to take place over a three-week period from 19 October to 10 November 2025.

Around 4.5 miles of track will be upgraded between Achnashellach and Strathcarron. Worn rails, sleepers and ballast (the stone which supports the track) will be replaced to keep services running safely and reliably.

To allow engineers to complete the work safely, no trains will operate between Dingwall and Kyle of Lochalsh during the three weeks, with details of rail replacement services to be shared in advance to help passengers plan their journeys.

Kate Forbes urged to attend community council convention

Representatives of community councils on Skye are calling for Deputy First Minister to attend a convention of community bodies across the Highlands set to take place in Inverness next month.

Radio Skye understands six Highland MSPS and three Highland MPs have accepted an invitation to attend the convention of community councils meeting, however Ms Forbes has declined due to a prior engagement.

Delegates representing community councils from across the Highlands are pushing for a pause on all major energy infrastructure applications in the region. They are also advocating for a pan-Scotland Planning Inquiry Commission and a clear National Energy Strategy from both the Scottish and UK Governments.

The chair of the convention, Highland councillor Helen Crawford said “Kate Forbes, as Deputy First Minister, is the most senior of our Highland parliamentarians and it is incredibly important that she attends, takes questions, and makes a contribution.

“Pretty well every other Highland MP and MSP from all parties have agreed to take part and she will be sorely missed if she doesn’t attend.

Dr Andy Williamson, Chair of Sleat Community Council has also urged MSP Kate Forbes to attend the upcoming convention in Inverness.

He said: “We understand the challenge of balancing a ministerial diary but this issue is critical to our community

Andrew Robinson of Skeabost Community Council has written to Ms Forbes on behalf of the 1,600 members of the Skye Windfarm Information Group urging her to make the Convention a priority.

Commenting on the Deputy First Minister plans to be on Skye for the West Highland Chamber of Commerce meeting on the same day, Mr Robinson said: ” I pointed out to her that there were no issues more important to the people of Skye than the encroaching industrialisation of our beautiful island by wind farms and energy infrastructure.

Mallaig defeat reigning champs to take top spot

Mallaig have taken over at the top of the West Highland Football league following a 5-3 win over Sleat in Lochaber.

Kinlochshiel followed up their surprise win over league leader Kings last win with a 2-0 win over Lovat and Skye men’s finished off their home matches in style with a 5-2 win over Beauly.

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