LOCAL NEWS 28 MARCH 2023

Uig ferries resume after days of disruption

Ferries services through Uig harbour have resume today (Tuesday) after several days of disruption to sailings on the Skye Triangle route.

The 7.30am sailing from Lochmaddy, arriving in Uig at 9.15, was the first scheduled on the route today.

Sailings through the Skye port were diverted last Thursday (23rd March) after it emerged that vehicles greater than 10 metres in length were unable to travel through it.

The diversion came just hours after Uig harbour reopen from a nine-week closure for vital redevelopment works to prepare for a new linkspan.

On Monday, the Highland Council announced that works to modify the temporary bridge had been completed.

Councillor Ken Gowan, who chairs the Highland Council’s economy and infrastructure committee, said that the local authority appreciated the “patience of the communities and businesses who use the route and apologises for the disruption experienced, particularly for those impacted with the temporary length of vehicle restriction.”

A spokesperson for CalMac said: “We appreciate the closure period has been a testing time for our communities, businesses and customers and thank you for your continued patience and support.”

 

Portree Post Office transfer completed

Everything is now in place to reopen the Portree Post Office this week.

That’s the message from Rob Wilson who took over the responsibility for the Skye capital service on Monday.

The Portree Post Office has been in abeyance since 9th February due to operational reasons.

However, Mr Wilson owns the Kyle Mace shop and runs the village post office, will oversee the running of the service on a two-days a week basis from this Thursday (30th March).

The Post Office will be open from 9am to 5pm on Thursdays and Fridays uninterrupted to allow customers to also access services during lunchtime hours.

On Monday, Rob Wilson spoke to Radio Skye about the reopening.

 

 

MSP Forbes thanks Highlanders for support

Skye, Lochaber, and Badenoch MSP Kate Forbes has today thanked well-wishers from across the Highlands for their support during her bid to become the new SNP leader.

On Monday, Ms Forbes lost out to health secretary Humza Yousaf in the race to succeed Nicola Sturgeon by 48 per cent to 52 per cent of the votes.

Praising those who supported her during the campaign, Ms Forbes said: “It’s been difficult to keep up with the number of messages that have been coming in from across the Highlands over the past month or so, but they are all genuinely appreciated and helped to spur me on.

“Knowing that I had such support in my home patch made a huge difference – leadership campaigns are never easy.

“My mantra for the campaign was how I’ve always approached my role as constituency MSP, in that I am there to represent everyone, and to try and do that as well as possible.”

She added: “It wasn’t to be this time, but I hope I’ve done the Highlands proud.”

MSPs will hold a vote on Tuesday to decide if Mr Yousaf is confirmed as Scotland’s next First Minster.

 

Sweet taste of success for Skye baker

A Skye baker has been crowned the winner of the first Highland Shortbread Showdown.

Paul Mackintosh from MacKenzie’s Bakery in Portree came up trumps with his shortbread flavoured with salted caramel and sea salt sourced from the Isle of Skye Sea Salt Company.

Paul Mackintosh took the title at the grand final held at Inverness Cathedral on Saturday.

Paul claimed his place at the prestigious event after qualifying through the Skye and Lochalsh regional heat held in Dunvegan.

Remarking on the Skye baker’s winning creation, Head judge Craig Wilson aka the Kilted Chef said: “When you add sugar in the right quantity with a little bit of sea salt – it’s an absolutely amazing combination and put a smile on our faces.”

Speaking after his victory, Paul said: “It was a fantastic weekend and build up to the final in Inverness. When I saw all the different shortbread presented in Inverness Cathedral, I did not think for a minute we would win!

“It really was amazing to see so many different shortbreads from all over the Highlands, which really does show that it is the home of the shortbread.”

Paying tribute to those who helped contribute to the win, he said: “On a personal note, I would like to pay tribute to my fantastic staff, my shop manager Marie Nicolson and to all our loyal customers in Skye.

“Special mention to my Auntie Mary Flora Clark and my wee granny Joyce Macdonald (pictured above) for passing on the baking skills over the years – I’ve gifted the trophy to them.”

News by Adam Gordon.

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