LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 12 2023

Kyle RNLI open day pulls in more than £3,700

The Kyle of Lochalsh RNLI fundraising has raised more than £3,700 for the live-saving charity

The maritime day return to the Kyle on Saturday after a four-year break due to Covid restrictions

The Lochalsh Junior Pipe Band playing a variety of tunes to entertain the large crowd who had gathered for the event. Kyle and Mallaig lifeboats were both in attendance, allowing people to get onboard and look around the different vessels, as well as putting on a display for the crowds in attendance.

UK Border Force and a UK Coastguard tug were also alongside, allowing everyone the chance to get onboard and explore these larger vessels.

The local kayaking club and Lochalsh Rowing club were both on hand to let people take to the water and try out the sports.

While the traditional Kyle to Kyleakin pier to pier race returned drawing in a field of 20 competitors

The day was rounded off with the annual Kyle Fire Brigade raft race which was won by the Kyle RNLI’s much to the delight of the spectators who has gathered to watch the spectacle.

Runrig members paid tribute to “indelible” impact of late frontman

Members of Runrig have paid tribute to former frontman Bruce Guthro who died last week aged 62.

Bruce Guthro died on Tuesday 5th September following a long battle with cancer.

The Canadian singer-songwriter joined the band in 1998 and was the lead vocalist for 20 years until Runrig’s Last Dance finale gig at Stirling Castle in 2018.

Founding member Calum MacDonald described Bruce as “our brother” and said the band were “devastated and heartbroken” that they will never share a song or stage with him again.

He added that it was profoundly comforting that “our bond with the music will last forever.”

Guitarist Malcolm Jones said that Bruce saved the bands career at a crossroads, and had left a wonderful legacy of music, memories, as a much-loved solo artist, band member, friend and family man.

Rory MacDonald, who was also a founding member alongside Skye musician Blair Douglas, said the final two shows at Stirling Castle were for him Bruce’s best ever performances as Runrig frontman.

He said that Bruce brought into the band aspiration from the get-go – as well as a starry charisma and that he touched people’s lives in an indelible way.

For social media post of the band members’ comments in full click here.

Highland Council launches Green skills fund

The Highland Council, is inviting businesses across the region apply for funding to support the costs of green skills training for their workforce.

The Chair of the Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans said that business across the Highlands often have to send staff south to secure training as they are unable to get the required training locally.

Councillor Gowans said that as part of the challenge fund, the council are also inviting training providers to apply for funding to invest in existing or new facilities to enable such training to be provided locally in Highland.

The challenge fund is also support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund

The fund is now open and an online briefing session for interested businesses and organisations will take place on Tuesday 19th September.

Applications must be submitted by 4th October.

Guidance on the Challenge Fund and details of how to apply are available on the Highland Council website.

Interested parties are invited to contact the Council on ukspf@highland.gov.uk to discuss their proposals and to register for the online briefing session.

Shiel defeat Skye in Primary Club Cup

Kinlochshiel overcame Skye in a seven-goal thriller in the Primary Club Cup held in Reraig last night.

Shiel edged out Skye 4-3 in the action-packed clash between the local rivals.

Kinlochshiel under-17s are in action tonight as they take on Inverness in Bught Park at 6pm.

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