LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 6 2023

Short-terms lets regulations could “decimate” Highland sector

A Highland MSP has warned that the Scottish Government’s new short-term lets legislation could decimate the sector across the region.

MSP Jamie Halcro Johnstone, who took part in a protest at Holyrood on Tuesday against the regulations, said that the legislation would just inconvenience operators but fundamentally threaten their businesses and household incomes.

The Scottish Goverment has said the licensing has been introduced to ensure short-term lets in Scotland are safe and meet consistent quality standards, including having gas certificates and suitable electrical equipment.

However, the Conservative members went on to argue many owners who are running their businesses to make a little extra money or to supplement their salaries or pension were being asked to jump through multiple hoops – with potentially thousands of pounds of additional costs.

On Tuesday Skye and Raasay Councillor Ruraidh Stewart that around just said 3,500 of an estimated 10,000 short-term lets providers in the Highlands had so far applied for the scheme, which closes on 1st October.

 

Staffin police patrols carried out following excessive speed concerns

Police officers have carried out patrols in Staffin following concerns raised through the local community council regarding motorists driving at excessive speeds in the area.

The police stated that have warned several drivers about appropriate speed and considerate driving in rural communities.

To share concerns you may have about your local area, you can take part in the Your Police survey by visiting the Police Scotland website.

Lochalsh winter maintenance plans agreed at council area meeting

The Winter Maintenance Plan for Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh for this coming winter has been approved by members of the area committee, following a meeting on Monday.

Committee Chair, Councillor Liz Kraft, said it was it was important plans were put in place early to ensure the gritting policy, winter maintenance team and the equipment and supplies required are in place and ready to be implemented when the winter weather arrives.

Councillor Kraft is also encouraging the public to familiarise themselves with the gritting maps for the area specific to them which has been approved by the council.

She said that while it wasn’t possible for the council’s team to treat every road and path, the dedicated team “work tirelessly to best meet the needs of the area.”

Councillor Kraft said that the council are continuing to encourage Community self-help, under the council’s Winter Resilience Scheme, where communities can submit applications via their community council to carry out footway gritting operations.”

Skye under-17s captain “gutted” at narrow semi-final loss

Gutted, that’s how Skye Camanachd’s under-17s captain summed up his feelings following the team aggregate defeat to Fort William in the semi-final of the London Shield last night.

Captain Archie Miller struck twice for Skye in a 2-2 draw in Portree, but it was Fort William who progressed to the final 4-3 on aggregate on the back of their 2-1 win in the first leg.

Speaking to Radio Skye, Archie said: “I thought we were very unlucky, as we had plenty of chances to win it, but it never came off for us, it wasn’t our day.

“Fort William are very good on the break, and they took their chances well, better than we did and that’s what it came down to.

Looking ahead to what he believes will be a bright future for the team, he added: “I’m obviously gutted to have come out on the wrong side of the result tonight but there are plenty of positives to take as out of the 15 players tonight I am the only one the team will be losing next season.

“They are in a really good place for next season to build out what we have done this year – getting to the MacTavish Cup Final and London Shield semi-final.”

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