Local News – 4th of February 2026

NHS Highland

NHS Highland is hitting back at claims it’s ditching diabetes services on Skye. The health board insists GP practices are still providing core care locally.

But campaigners from the Save Portree Hospital group say patients are being told most services will now be handled from Inverness, branding the move “a new low”.

NHS Highland says the changes affect only enhanced services, and that specialist diabetes care — including clinics — continues to be delivered on Skye.

Climate Change

“The Highland Council has officially challenged the Scottish Government’s new Climate Change Plan, demanding better support for rural and island communities. Climate Chair Kate Willis warns that net-zero targets must account for the Highlands’ unique geography and infrastructure gaps. The Council is now calling for ‘sustained investment’ and a guarantee that local residents—not just the national grid—directly benefit from renewable energy wealth.”

RNLI

The Portree RNLI volunteer crew was called into action in the early hours of Tuesday morning following reports of red flares near Dunvegan Head.

The lifeboat Stanley Watson Barker launched just after midnight, racing at twenty-five knots to reach Loch Pooltiel by 2:00 AM. After a thorough search of the area found no one in distress, the call was recorded as a false alarm with good intent.

Coxswain Stuart Nicolson praised the caller for doing the right thing, reminding the public to always dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard if they see anything suspicious at sea.”

Breakish Hall

Finally, it’s a big Happy Birthday to Breakish Hall which is celebrating it’s 100th anniversary this Saturday with a special ceilidh. The venue has long been at the centre of the community. Breakish local Ruairidh Graham will be MC’ing at the event this weekend.