LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 2 2023

Report outlines stark challenges facing rural and island communities

Slow population growth, ageing populations, second home ownership, and a lack of affordable housing for locals are just some of the stark challenges faced by island and rural communities according to a new report.

The Rural and Islands Report 2023, published on Tuesday (1st August) was conducted by researchers at Scotland’s Rural College

It found that on average remote mainland areas as well as islands are faced with some of the most significant demographic challenges such as slow population growth; ageing populations; and fewer young children which leads to a long-term shrinking of the economics of such communities.

According to the report, second home ownership appears to be driving house price inflation in many rural areas, with 51 per cent of residential transactions in Island and remote local authorities being cash sales – compared to 27 per cent in larger cities.

The researchers, through the report, have refined the Scottish Government’s eight-fold rural-urban classification to provide a better focus on our most peripheral communities.

The Rural and Islands Report 2023 is the first in a series of annual reports funded by The Scottish Government to support its work on implementing a Rural Delivery Plan.

Survey to assess number and needs of Skye and Lochalsh veterans

A new survey has been launched to assess the number of veterans across Skye and Lochalsh and they help they may need.

The questionnaire is be run by the Skye and Lochalsh Veterans Steering Group led by former armed forces serviceman Jack MacFarlane, who served in the RAF for 30 years  and Thomas Wilson, who served in the 1st Battalion, The Parachute Regiment for six years.

Jack and Thomas both live on Skye.

Jack MacFarlane said that that his recent interactions with a number of agencies, health and government representatives have highlighted that they are significantly under-estimating how many veterans reside in Skye and Lochalsh.

More information can be obtained through Skye and Lochalsh Council of Voluntary Organisations website.

SQA to provide new support package for students

The Scottish Qualifications Authority is to provide a new support package for students including a direct appeal service ahead of next week’s exam results.

Thousands of young people across Scotland will receive the results on Tuesday 8th August.

This year, in recognition of the continuing impact of the pandemic, the SQA will provide a package of support for students.

This will included modifications to course assessments, an exam exceptional circumstances service, a sensitive approach to grading and a direct appeals service. These measures help to ensure fairness for learners, while maintaining standards and the credibility of qualifications over time.

The SQA say that the measures to ensure fairness for learners, while maintaining standards and the credibility of qualifications over time.

SQA’s Candidate Advice Line will be available on Results Day from 8am to 6pm, then Wednesday 9 August to Friday 11 August from 8:30am to 5pm.

The line can be reached on 0345 279 1000.

Cornwall Shinty Club to take on Skye mixed team as part of Scottish tour

The Cornwall Shinty Club enjoying themselves at their sponsor The Old Inn in Carbost during their visit in 2022.

Cornwall Shinty Club are set to face a mixed Skye Camanachd side tonight in Portree as part of its annual Scottish Tour.

The southwest club has close connection with the island and is sponsored by the Old Inn in Carbost, where some of the players camped next to last night.

Speaking ahead of the game, Cornwall Shinty Club Jack Fitt told Radio Skye: “This is the second year on the trot, we have kindly been sponsored by The Old Inn on Skye.

“We are obviously really excited for our game against Skye, it is one of the highlights of our tour.

“I should be tight match, I think they have put together a fairly solid mixed side to face us.

“We have quite a young side, a good few players who have only been playing for a year or too, but there is smattering of experience in our team.

“Hopefully we’ll give them a good run for their money!”

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