LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 22 2023

Fatal Accident Inquiry welcomed by partner of Loch Alsh fish farm worker 

The partner of a man who was crushed and drowned while working at a Loch Alsh fish farm has said she is relieved that a Fatal Accident Inquiry will be carried out.

Dornie resident, Clive Hendry (pictured), who was 58 at the time. drowned after he was crushed while transferring from a workboat to a barge at Mowi Scotland’s Ardintoul fish farm on February 18, 2020.

On Thursday 17th August, the Crown Counsel formally instructed a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) should be carried out to examine the full circumstances surrounding the death of Mr Hendry.

The decision follows on from the the prosecution and conviction of Mowi Scotland Limited for a breach of health and safety legislation in May 2023.

Clive’s partner of 28 years, Catriona Lockhart, (pictured) told Radio Skye she was relieved to finally hear that a FAI would be held as she still doesn’t know the facts of how Clive died more than three years and a half years on from his death.

Ms Lockhart said she hoped that the tragedy would lead to changes which would make the fish farm industry a safe place to work.

Responding to the decision, a spokesperson for Mowi Scotland told Radio Skye: “We continue to be devasted by the loss of our colleague and friend Clive.

“Since the incident, we have implemented the recommendations of investigative agencies and we will fully support the FAI process.”

Skye events to gauge views on 200-metre high wind turbine plans

The first of four public engagements concerning a proposal to site 47 wind turbines up to 200 metres high on Skye is taking place at Minginish Community Hall this morning.

The event began at 9am and will run to 1pm. A second public drop in will take place this afternoon at Struan Primary School from 4pm to 8pm.

The public drop-ins are being held by Muirhall Energy Limited, who have submitted a planning application to Scottish Ministers for the Glen Ullinish 2 Wind Farm near Struan.

Further events will be held at the Skye Gathering Hall in Portree on Wednesday (23rd August) from 4pm to 8pm, and at Dunvegan Village Hall from 11am to 3pm on Thursday (24th August.)

If approved, the wind farm would comprise 47 wind turbines with maximum tip heights of 200 metres with an indicative output capacity in the region of 310.2 Megawatts (MW), and replace the existing Glen Ullinish Wind Farm.

Muirhall said the events will allow their team to answer any question people may have about the proposal.

During the consultation period a full copy of the application documentation will be available for viewing at Portree Community Library and a further copy available at Struan Primary School – access can be requested through Struan Community Council,

A full copy of the application documentation can also be accessed through the Muirhall website.

Muirhall have emphasised that comments made to the project team at the drop-ins will not be representations to the Scottish Ministers.

Skye Camanachd receives £500 youth funding boost

Skye Camanachd has been chosen to receive £500 as part of a youth development fund which will benefit 10 shinty clubs across Scotland.

The island club was announced as one of the successful applicants of the MOWI Youth Development Fund, aimed at fostering the growth of shinty at the grassroots level.

A spokesperson for the Camanachd Association congratulated all the successful clubs and said the body remains committed to empowering youth development initiatives across Scotland.

The association added that it endeavours to ensure that shinty continues to thrive and inspire generations to come.

Highland Council apologises for bottle bank issues

The Highland Council has an issued an apology for problems with its glass bottle banks service across the region.

A local authority spokesperson said that its glass collection contractor was experiencing issues with glass bank emptying due to vehicle breakdowns.

The spokesperson said the council along with its contractor are working hard to empty the banks, but requested, that in the meantime, people should avoid leaving glass by the banks if they are full and retain it until the banks have capacity.

In an update on Tuesday morning, the Sleat Community Council said that bottle banks across the south of Skye such as in Broadford and Sleat had not been emptied for weeks.

You can listen to the latest local news for Skye and Lochalsh live at the times below by clicking on the banner. 👇