LOCAL NEWS JULY 3
Written by MartyM on 9 July 2024
Goverment to hold crofting consultation event in Skye
The Scottish Goverment is set to hold a series of consultation events across the Highlands and Islands in July and August to help shape plans for reforming crofting.
The first of 15 meetings will be held this evening at the Kingmills Hotel in Inverness from 7pm to 9pm.
Across the next two months people from Oban to Shetland will be encouraged to share their views on proposals concerning entry into crofting, use of common grazings, strengthening residency and land use, and enhancing crofting commission.
The Portree Community Centre will host a consolation event on Wednesday 17th July from 7pm to 9pm.
Agriculture minister Jim Fairlie said that the Government wants to that legislation enables and supports the sustainability of crofting, crofters and crofting communities, while allowing for modernisation, innovation, diversification and adaptation to help meet today’s and tomorrow’s climate and environmental challenges.
He added: “The consultation proposals range from relatively small technical changes to significant innovations and I would encourage everyone with an interest to respond to the consultation or come to one of the meetings if they are able.”
Countdown to the general election
Voting in the 2024 general election is set to open tomorrow (Thursday) with candidates completing their final day of campaigning across the length and breadth of the Highlands today.
A total of 14 candidates are standing for election across the two Highland constituencies of Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, and Inverness, Skye, and West Ross-shire.
In the Inverness, Skye, and West Ross-shire constituency seven candidates are standing, there are in alphabetical order:
Drew Hendry of the Scottish National Party; Dillan Hill of Reform UK, Angus MacDonald, Scottish Liberal Democrats,
Peter Newman, Scottish Greens; Darren Paxton of the Socialist Equality Party; Michael Perera of Scottish Labour Party; and Ruraidh Stewart from the Scottish Conservative and Unionist party.
For the first time, voters will need to show photographic ID to vote in a UK parliamentary general election.
Screen Machine to increase reach of mobile cinema
The operators of the Screen Machine have said they are delighted that they will now be able to visit more small communities thanks to alterations to the famous mobile cinema vehicle.
During July and August the screen machine will be able to bring cinema to four more island and a further location on the mainland, which have not been visit for at least 12 months, thanks to financial support from First Stage Studios.
The locations will include the Gigha, the Isle of Cumbrae, and the Isle of Eigg.
Fiona Fowler, is the General Manager, of Regional Screen Scotland which operates the screen machine.
Speaking to Radio Skye today, she said she was delighted that the Screen Machine would be broadening its reach across the country.
Heb Celt festival fast approaching
Just over two weeks remain until this year’s star-studded HebCelt festival kick-offs at Lews Castle in Stornoway in what will be the 27th year of the annual event.
Celtic icons Skipinnish will top the bill on Thursday 18th July. Skipinnish are celebrating 25 years at the heart of the Scottish traditional music scene in 2024, with Lewis local Norrie MacIver set to lead some anthem singalongs for his native crowd.
James will make their HebCelt debut on Friday 19th July as they perform in the Hebrides for the very first time, while also performing for the first time at HebCelt are Del Amitri. The alternative rock band who formed in Glasgow in 1980 headline the main stage on Saturday 20th July.
The international music event which will take place from 17th to 20th July, will welcome over 80 artists to perform, with attendances of over 18,000 expected across the week.
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