LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 20 2023
Written by MartyM on 20 October 2023
Maternity services hit by housing issues in Skye and Lochalsh
A lack of accommodation across Skye and Lochalsh is having a marked impact on maternity service across the area according to a spokesperson for NHS Highland
Radio Skye understands that there are close to 20 women due to give birth in December, while the maternity unit at Broadford Hospital is closed and there is no midwife cover between 5pm and 9am due to vacancies.
In a statement to Radio Skye, a spokesperson for NHS Highland said there were currently vacancies for registered midwives to work across both the midwife led unit at Broadford and the community of Skye and Lochalsh.
The spokesperson went on to say that the local health authority was also hoping to advertise soon for a health care support worker in the near future to be part of the maternity team.
Addressing some of the key issues effecting recruitment, they went on to say that it remains a challenge to attract staff to come to work in this area, while another challenge centre on the availability of of accommodation both to rent and to purchase and the affordability of that accommodation.
The spokesperson said that the NHS have had great assistance with this from the local housing association and community members and are continuing to work in partnership with our public and private sector colleagues to address, as part of our infrastructure plans for the region.
Festival of Smalls Halls set to host a wealth of talent
Top Scottish musicians are set to perform seven-night showcase across Skye and Lochalsh shores as The SEALL Festival of Small Halls proudly returns for its sixth year.
The festival will take place between Friday 17 – Saturday 25 November 2023.
Musicians Lori Watson, Jarlath Henderson, Ingrid Henderson, Murdo Cameron, Mike Vass, Ali Levack, Megan MacDonald and Hannah Moule will each perform for four or five nights of the festival, both individually and as part of a curated ensemble making each night of the festival unique.
The events take place across the breadth of the region’s small halls and the festival will open and close with ceilidhs.
SEALL’s Festival of Small Halls will for the first time be under the direction of new Creative Director Jamie Sutherland
He said the acts set to perform at the festival were an incredible line-up of talent ready to animate our small hall stages
‘ It is a pleasure to announce Small Halls Festival 2023 today as part of the future SEALL portfolio. We have an incredible line-up of talent ready to animate our small hall stages’
Events Co-ordinator Ruari Gordon said that line-up has been developed to bring breadth of style, tradition and quality to the events, ensuring this will be a festival to remember.”
Portree Post Office goes up for sale
Post Office Ltd is looking for applicants to purchase the Portree service which has been running two days a week since late March.
The advert on 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 Skye capital service located in Wentworth was in abeyance from 9th February due to 30th March due to operational reasons.
It has been run on Thursday and Fridays from 9am to 5pm since then by Rob Wilson, who owns the Kyle Mace shop which includes the village post office.
The advert on 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 exact layout and design will be agreed with the applicant to suit their business, while the estimated post office fees are estimated to be between £28,800 to £35,000 per year.
RagTag seek DJ for fashion show event
A social enterprise on Skye which promote mental and social wellbeing is seeking the services of a DJ for an upcoming fashion show.
RagTag is hosting its annual fashion show on Saturday 11th November at Kyleakin Hall but are currently searching for someone to provide a musical backdrop to the event.
During the event, RagTag will showcase upcycled and recycled clothes along with preloved clothes. Students from Lorraine MacLucas Performing Arts studio will put on a show alongside models from Ragtag and Kyleakin Connections.
Lochalsh Reuse & Recycle Hub, Hamish MacBus, Selkie Collective, and Ragtag will have stalls at the event.
RagTag are looking to secure the services of a DJ on the day to play background music and operate the OA system from 1pm to 4pm at Kyleakin Hall on Saturday 11th November.
For more information you can email – hello@ragtagskye.org
Skye Dance to mark 20-year anniversary
Island organisation SkyeDance will mark their 20-year anniversary by holding a celebratory showcase at the venue in Portree High School on the 28th October at 6.30pm.
The group will showcase local dance talent, who will performing in various styles of dance.
Tea, coffee and cake will also be available, along with the opportunity to win some raffle prizes sourced by local businesses.
Skye and Shiel players set for Scotland action
Scotland Squad travel to Belfast ahead of the Mowi Scotland Shinty Hurling International against Ireland.
Kinlochshiel’s Finlay MacRae is poised to achieve his 20th cap, while fellow Shiel player Duncan Matheson and Skye Captain John Gillies are set to win their second and first caps, respectively.
Saturday match at Páirc Esler in Newry, which is a 3pm throw up, will be the first meeting of the nations in the traditional crossover clash since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Speaking to Radio Skye ahead of the match, Skye Camanachd Captain John Gillies said: “I am really looking forward to having the shinty – hurling international back this year for the first time in four years.
“I would say it has been missed but it is definitely good it is back.
“I am honoured to be getting my first call-up for the senior squad on the back of what has been a good year for Skye, and for me personally. Staying up in the Premiership was the main objective, but also getting to a major final.
“It is a different type of game, and obviously we will have to adapt, they are very fit and physical over there, it will be a good experience and one I will relish and hope to have more of.”
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