Local News – 2nd February 2026

Portree Hospital

The ‘Save Portree Hospital’ campaign group has hit out at what they are calling a ‘new low’ for healthcare on Skye, following the withdrawal of local diabetic services.

Under new NHS Highland guidelines, care is being centralised to Raigmore in Inverness—meaning patients may now face a three-hour journey for routine checks. Campaigners accuse the health board of ‘secretly implementing’ these changes without consultation, while the promised Portree care campus remains a pipe dream.

They have called on Local MP Angus Macdonald and MSP Kate Forbes to halt what the group describes as a total ‘disregard’ for the well-being of the people of Skye and Raasay.”

Edinbane Lodge

Skye’s culinary star is shining bright in New York City this week. Calum Montgomery, chef-patron of the award-winning Edinbane Lodge, has completed a high-profile residency at the Michelin-starred Restaurant Yuu in Manhattan.

The collaborative menu brought a true taste of the island to the States, even featuring a ‘Falasgair’ dessert that filled the New York kitchen with the scent of Skye peat smoke.

Cooking for a crowd of Hollywood actors and Broadway stars, Calum was joined by seventeen-year-old apprentice chef Domhnall Angus Bruce ‘Dangus’, whose talent earned a special nod from the team. It’s a massive win for island produce and the next generation of Skye’s hospitality talent.

Celtic Connections

Glasgow’s Celtic Connections has made history, concluding its 33rd year with a record-breaking one hundred and fourteen thousand attendees. Over eighteen days, the festival hosted sixteen hundred artists from thirty-five countries, cementing its status as the world’s premier winter music event.

With over two hundred sold-out shows, Creative Director Donald Shaw says the festival’s success sends a powerful message of global unity. The celebration kicks off a massive year for Glasgow, which is also set to host the Commonwealth Games and the Royal National Mòd later this year.”

Snow Moon

Stargazers across Skye were treated to a stunning sight last night as the ‘Snow Moon’ moved across the sky. While cloud and rain blocked the view for much of the UK, the West of Scotland enjoyed the best of the clear spells to witness the final full moon of meteorological winter. Historically named for the month’s heavy snowfalls, the Snow Moon reached its peak alignment overnight before finally setting at 8:00 AM this morning

Sport

It was a golden day for shinty in Balmacara as the Kinlochshiel 6’s Tournament brought the community together for a massive fundraising success. Over eighty players, from Under-14s to Over-40s, took to the pitch, raising an incredible three thousand eight hundred pounds for the club.

After a fierce day of competition, Gru and Minions emerged as champions, clinching a 3-2 victory over the MOD Maniacs with a dramatic golden goal in extra time.