LOCAL NEWS JUNE 20 2023

 

MSP Forbes urges feedback on remote and rural healthcare

MSP Kate Forbes is urging people from across the Highlands to take part in a new inquiry on healthcare in rural and remote areas.

The Scottish Parliament’s Health, Social Care and Sport Committee launched a consultation last week, which aims to improve services across rural Scotland.

The member for Skye and Lochalsh said that healthcare is one of the most frequently raised issues with her and that she is in regular dialogue with both NHS Highland and the Scottish Government.

She cited healthcare provision in north Skye as one of the key live issues across the region.

Ms Forbes said that the inquiry is an opportunity for people across the Highlands to let the Scottish Parliament know how healthcare is functioning in their own locality – what’s working well, and what could be improved.

You can give your opinions by visiting the consultation page here.

Sir Lewis Ritchie on Skye for update on key healthcare report

The author of a crucial health care report for Skye, Lochalsh and South West Ross is in Portree today to assess the progress of the paper’s recommendations.

Sir Lewis Ritchie will join community members, health care workers, and senior management from NHS Highland at a meeting at the Tigh na Sgire Highland Council chamber in the Skye capital from 12pm to 2pm this afternoon (Tuesday 20th June)

There will be a full review of the report’s recommendations, including updates on the number of community beds across the area, and the provision of urgent care at Portree Hospital, which at present is restricted to weekends and bank holidays only.

Community rallies in support of family of Balmacara man

More than £2,500 has been raised to support the family of a man from the Balmacara area who died in a crash on the A87.

Thirty-seven year old Joe Dutfield died following crash on the A87, between Kyle of Lochalsh and Balmacara which happened on 1st June.

On Sunday, a group called Dutfield Family Friends set up a crowdfunding page with the aim of raising £5,000 to support Joe Dutfield’s family.

The campaign has raised more than £2,500 in just two days to support Mr Dutfield’s family.

For more information or to donate to the JustGiving, click on the image below.

Skye chef “blown away” by national award

Skye chef Calum Montgomery has said he has been “blown away” after winning the Scottish Chef of the Year accolade at the Scotsman Food and Drink’s Scran Awards.

Calum Montgomery, the chef-proprietor of Edinbane Lodge, was selected as the nation’s top chef at the award ceremony at Platform in Glasgow on Monday.

Reacting on social media, Calum thanked the judging panel and said he had so much respect for all his fellow finalists.

He added that he was genuinely blown away just to see his name alongside them.

In March, Edinbane Lodge received the coveted Restaurant of the Year honour at the Scottish Excellence Awards.

 

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