LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 3 2023
Written by MartyM on 8 November 2023
Portree Post Office extend opening hours for Christmas run-up
The Portree Post Office, which was in abeyance earlier this year, has announced an extension to opening hours in the busy run up to Christmas
The Skye capital service was on hold for close to two month earlier this year due to operational reasons, however in addition to its regular hours of 9am to 5pm on Thursday and Fridays, the service will now also be open on Monday and Saturday morning from 9am to 12.15.
At present, Post Office Ltd is looking for applicants to purchase the Portree service which has been run on a reduced service of two days a week since March by Rob Wilson, who owns the Kyle Mace shop which includes the village post office.
The post office website states that they are looking for a successful retailer to either purchase or incorporate a Post Office Main into their existing or proposed business. The post office fees are estimated to be between £28,800 to £35,000 per year.
The new Monday and Saturday service, which is in addition to the Thursday and Friday hours, will be led by John Nichols who has close to a decade’s worth of experience working at the Portree branch.
Skye-based international otter charity to mark 30-year anniversary.
The team leading an international charity based on Skye are set to mark its 30th anniversary this month by heading Mexico for training workshop
The International Otter Survival Fund will celebrate the 30th year of caring for otters worldwide on 16th November. To mark this achievement the IOSF is heading to Mexico for a training workshop for people throughout Central America.
The small passionate team has headquarters in Broadford on Skye and connects with hardworking otter conservationists worldwide, and regularly forms new networks.
Many global issues affect wildlife today from habitat loss, pollution, climate change to all problems associated with poverty. In addition, otters often face conflict with fishermen who view them as a problem.
However, the IOSF cite a lack of awareness as the biggest threat. This is particularly the case in Central America where few people are working on otters and conservation of their habitat.
Dr Paul Yoxon said “The conservation of otters is not a sentimental luxury. They are at the top of the food chain and use both the water and land and so both habitats have to be in pristine condition.
“This is essential for all species, including man. Caring for the individual otter and holding it in your hands focusses your mind on the bigger picture of the threats to otters from pollution, loss of habitat and hunting.”
He added: “Today more than ever otters need our help and we will never let them down.”
Skye captain to lead Scotland in Ireland shinty-camogie tour
The Scotland women are set to face a West Cork Select this evening in the first match of the Women Camanachd Association tour of Ireland.
Scotland will play two international as part of the shinty camogie tour, with the clash against West Cork Select taking place at Bandon with a 7pm throw-up.
Saturday with see Scotland travel to Clonakilty to take on Carbery Camogie in a 3.30 throw up.
The Scotland squad features a quartet of players from Skye Camanachd’s Valerie Fraser Camanachd Cup winning team have been called up to the Scotland Squad to face Ireland next month.
Cup winners Sarah Jane Ferguson, captain Caitlin MacLean, Sarah Yoxon and Rhianna Kirk will be part of the national team.
Kinlochshiel’s Lorna MacRae, who helped her side win the National Division 2 title and the Mowi Challenge Cup has also been selected to represent her country,
Speaking ahead of the internationals, Skye Camanachd’s Caitlin MacLean, who will captain Scotland said that it was a nice surprise being made captain.
She said it will be an honour to be captain this weekend and to play alongside all the girls.
Touching on the togetherness in the squad she added the a number of more experience players would be able to steer the newer players in the right direction but all the girls are experienced shinty players so hopefully we will adapt well.
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