LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 24 2023

 Skye health chair seeks answers from MSP on urgent care

The chair of SOS-NHS Skye has today (Friday 24th November) called on Kate Forbes to provide answers on the future of urgent care in the north of the island.

Fay Thomson, who leads the island pressure group, said it was up to Skye’s MSP to find a resolution to the uncertainty surrounding the provision – which was expect to extend to a seven-day service this month.

In June, a spokesperson for NHS Highland told Radio Skye that the urgent care provision would be extended to seven days a week from November with support from the Rural Support Team and Broadford Hospital.

However, with December just a week away, urgent care is currently open across just four days a week, while the local health authority has yet to confirm a date for the extension of the service.

Speaking to Radio Skye today, Fay Thomson said that islanders were tired of being involved in a cycle of meetings and went on to accused NHS Highland of breaking promises.

Kate Forbes said she shared SOS-NHS Skye’s frustration that not all recommendations in Sir Lewis Ritchie’s report have been delivered and they are still reactively battling to restore critical cover at Portree Hospital (pictured above.)

The former finance secretary said she was hugely grateful for the efforts of existing staff on the ground, and said that Advanced Nurse Practitioners completing their training should make a difference.

She also said she “hoped Sir Lewis’ recent report would have ensured that the matter of urgent care for North Skye would have been a top priority for the NHS Highland board – and said we are all seeking answers from the health board on this critical issue.”

Responding to Kate Forbes SOS-NHS Skye’s chair said it was incumbent on the MSP to get to the bottom of the situation.

Radio Skye has approached NHS Highland for comment on the service and are awaiting a response.
The SOS-NHS Skye meeting will be held on Monday (27th November) at 7pm at the Church of Scotland hall on York Drive in Portree.

Police from the Highlands and Islands Division are working to trace the next of kin for a Northern Irish man, who was found dead in accommodation in Drumnadrochit on Monday 9th October.

Henry Malceed Stewart, 67, who was originally from Belfast, had been staying and travelling between Inverness and Northern Ireland.

The police said there are no suspicious circumstances relating to his death.

Officers have been unable to establish his next of kin since then and are asking anyone who may be able to assist to get in touch.

Anyone who may be able to help can call 101, quoting reference 0298 of 9 October, 2023.

Skye Live co-founder leads tributes to Niteworks

The co-founder of Skye Live has paid tribute to Niteworks following the band’s announcement that next year’s gigs will their final shows.

Allan MacDonald, Christopher Nicolson, Innes Strachan and Ruairidh Graham set up Niteworks on Skye when they were 17, and have gone to cultivate a reputation as trailblazers in Gaelic music, forging traditional and electronic elements to great effect.

The band have entertained fans across Scotland, the UK, and Europe, and made their mark globally by performing at Edinburgh famous Hogmanay Party.

In a statement released via its social channels, Niteworks (pictured above) said they had made the decision with a heavy heart but it had never been a full-time venture for them.

They described their time playing together since the age of 17 as a blast and said never in their wildest dreams could they imagine where the band would have taken them.

Band members Allan, Chris, Innes and Ruairidh, said they had now reached a point in their lives where they have a few more responsibilities than when we started.

Speaking to Radio Skye, Skye Live co-founder Niall Munro praise Niteworks for their impact and influence on the island and beyond.

He said: “I’m a sure a lot of people feel sad.

“They have been a huge part of the traditional music scene over the last 10 years and a key player and feature of Skye Live from day one up until last year’s event.

“They will for sure leave a legacy behind. They’ve opened traditional music up to a whole new demographic through their fusion of genres, and that has been incredible to see – it’s been great to see them inspire so much of the younger generation.”

Niteworks will perform a small run of select shows in 2024 and said they would love to see as many fans at them as possible for one more dance.

They added that they had a huge amount of people to thank, and without the incredible support of their fans, none of this would ever have been possible.

Skye captain named Scotland’s top player

The newly crowned top shinty player in Scotland has spoken about her surprise at being named the country’s outstanding talent for the 2023 season.

Skye Camanachd Captain Caitlin MacLean (pictured below) was chosen as the Mowi National Division Player Of The Year at the Women’s Camanachd Association’s end of season awards.

Caitlin led Skye ladies to success in the Valerie Fraser Camanachd Cup Final, where they defeat holders and fierce rivals Badenoch in the semi finals before overcoming Glasgow Mid Arygll to triumph in the showpiece.

Reacting to the award win, Caitlin MacLean, who also captains the Scotland international team, said she was surprised and humbled.

Looking ahead to 2024, the islander said that Skye had their sights on trying not only to retain the Valerie Fraser Camanachd Cup but also on wresting the league championship away from Badenoch.

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