CalMac – Radio Skye

Ferry redeployment cuts capacity on Mallaig–Armadale route until early August

MartyM — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 07:17:56 +0000

By Jamie McDonald

Ferry redeployment cuts capacity on Mallaig–Armadale route until early August

Ferry services between Mallaig and Armadale will operate with reduced capacity until at least 6 August after CalMac redeployed MV Loch Bhrusda to cover a vessel breakdown elsewhere in the network.

The move follows the withdrawal of MV Loch Portain from the Sound of Harris route after engineers identified gearbox vibration levels outside acceptable tolerances.

In an update shared with the Sound of Sleat Ferry Users Group, CalMac said Loch Bhrusda will transfer from the Mallaig–Armadale service to the Sound of Harris route from Thursday, where it is expected to remain while repairs to Loch Portain are assessed.

As a result, the Mallaig–Armadale crossing will operate a single vessel timetable with the MV Coruisk.

The disruption forms part of a wider reshuffle across the west coast ferry network, triggered by the loss of Loch Portain and planned maintenance on MV Hebrides.

On the Sound of Harris route, Loch Bhrusda will replace Loch Portain, although its smaller capacity means MV Glen Sannox will provide an inter-island service between Lochmaddy and Tarbert until 27 July. Additional passenger charter sailings will also operate between 22 and 24 July to ease demand.

Meanwhile, Hebrides is due to undergo three days of essential maintenance from 28 July, with Glen Sannox operating an amended timetable on the Little Minch route during that period.

The redeployment will also affect Mallaig–Small Isles services, where additional vehicle and passenger charter sailings will operate on 25 July and 1 August.

CalMac added that port staff are contacting affected passengers and apologised for the disruption caused by the changes.

MV Coruisk returns to Mallaig-Armadale route

MartyM — Wed, 06 May 2026 09:16:01 +0000

By Jamie McDonald

MV Coruisk returns to Mallaig-Armadale route

Communities in South Skye and the mainland have welcomed the return of the MV Coruisk after weeks of disruption.

Radio Skye reported last week on the impact the reduction in service has had on the local economy.

It follows the MV Isle of Arran’s return to the Oban-Craignure service after five weeks of repairs.

CalMac has been operating under significant strain, with several vessels undergoing repairs in recent weeks.

Community anger over Mallaig-Armadale ferry service

MartyM — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 15:04:40 +0000

By Jamie McDonald

Concerns raised over reduced Mallaig-Armadale ferry service

Locals on both sides of the Sound of Sleat say a reduction in ferry services between Mallaig and Armadale could have a major impact on local businesses and residents in the coming weeks.

Mallaig Community Council has written to ferry operator CalMac expressing concern about the level of service on the route between 27 March and 8 April.

The group says the withdrawal of vessels and delays elsewhere in the network will reduce vehicle capacity to around 30 cars per day each way, compared with the usual 250 to 300 cars.

Sandra McLean, chairperson of Mallaig Community Council, said the situation was already affecting the start of the tourism season.

She said:

“Mallaig Comunity Council is extremely concerned about the drastic reduction in ferry services on the Mallaig-Armadale route over the Easter holidays and the recent news that the Mallaig-Lochboisdale run will not commence before the 16th April. The systematic removal of essential vessels has left our community and local economy in an untenable position.

“The replacement vessels on the Mallaig-Armadale route are limited to 30 cars per day each way – capacity slashed by 90% and we are already seeing a wave of cancellations and a catastrophic loss of footfall at the very start of the season after a long winter.

“The narrative that these routes are ‘not a priority’ or a non-lifeline’ service is insulting to the businesses and families who have built their lives around it.

“CalMac must move away from its reliance on diverting vessels from their scheduled route and procure a fleet of dedicated relief vessels to cover breakdowns on the network.

“Mallaig community council urges CalMac to reconsider these deployments immediately and provide a resilient, permanent service that reflects the actual needs of our communities.

A CalMac spokeswoman said:

“Due to our services being stretched while several vessels are unavailable, it’s not currently possible to provide the level of service we would like to. This is understandably frustrating for customers and local communities, and we are sorry for the disruption.

“Mallaig-Armadale is a valued service, and we recognise how important it is. We are working hard to ensure that the route is covered in these difficult circumstances, but this will often require us to move vessels around the network.

“We have chartered a replacement vessel for Mallaig-Armadale until MV Coruisk returns on 8 April. The intention had been for MV Loch Bhrusda to operate on this route, but the vessel must remain on the Sound of Harris service while MV Loch Portain is delayed in annual overhaul.

“We are keen to engage with communities in Mallaig and south Skye about the ferry service for the remainder of the summer timetable and will ensure that this is arranged as soon as possible.”

LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 1

MartyM — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 08:10:37 +0000

Strike action warning from Unite union

Highland Council staff working in waste and cleaning services will strike for eight days in August if a pay deal is not reached.

Unite the union has announced the impending strike action involving waste workers, street cleaners and recycling centre operatives.

If a pay deal is not reached before Wednesday 14^th August, workers across 18 Scottish councils, including Highland Council, will strike from 5am on Wednesday 14^th August for eight days.

The union welcomed positive pay talks held earlier this week with Shona Robison MSP, Cabinet Secretary for finance and local government, and The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA). However, the union warned that unless there is an improvement on the current 3.2 percent offer, strike action will go ahead.

Calmac fleet repair bill sailing skywards

The cost of repairing and maintaining the Calmac ferry fleet has trebled in the past five years, new figures have shown.

A freedom of information request by the Scottish Liberal Democrats has found the annual bill in 2023-24 was £41.2million.

This is an increase from £15.5million in 2018-19 and £26.6million in 2022-23.

Several vessels, including the Arran ferry MV Caledonian Isles and Cumbrae ferry MV Loch Shira, have been out of service for a number of months due to requiring substantial repairs.

Six new major ferries are due to enter service with the company in the coming years, along with a new fleet of smaller electric ferries.

Award for Skye Sea Salt Company

The Isle of Skye Sea Salt company are celebrating their latest award, with their Sea Salt Crystals and Flakes taking centre stage.

The One Star Great Taste Award comes after what the company describe as a year of dedication and hard work, and focusing on new goals and creative endeavours.

Newly-secured Screen Machine adds Oban to visiting schedule

The Screen Machine is adding a new destination to its tour schedule following the closure of a cinema in the town.

The mobile cinema, which was recently secured financially for the coming years, will return to Oban following the closure of the Oban Phoneix Cinema.

Oban was previously on the visiting list until 2012 when the Phoenix Cinema opened. It will now serve the town again on a trial period, with the frequency and duration of future visits to be kept under review.

Sport

In football, Kyleakin won 4 – 2 against Portree this week in the William Wilson league after their game in Kyleakin.

The South Skye team are currently fourth on the table with 11 points, with Portree sitting at the bottom with 5 points.

In shinty, the Kinlochshiel men’s team will take on Caberfeidh at home this weekend in the Mowi Premiership, while the women’s team will take on Skye Ladies in the WCA Mowi National Division. The Skye Camanchd men’s second team will head to Drumnadrochit to play Fort William in the Sutherland Cup semi final.

You can listen to the latest local news for Skye and Lochalsh live on the hour Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm, and at 8.30am and 5.30pm, by clicking on the banner below.

LOCAL NEWS JULY 29

MartyM — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 09:33:06 +0000

Restrictions at Broadford Hospital following confirmed COVID-19 cases

NHS Highland is asking members of the public to only visit Broadford Hospital if absolutely necessary following a number of cases of Covid 19 inside the hospital.

The health board made the announcement on Sunday evening, describing it as a decision that has not been made lightly.

The statement added that: “(the health board) recognise this could cause a great deal of concern for patients and their loved ones during this time.”

Essential visitors should contact the relevant ward in advance to discuss arrangements through the hospital phone number: 01471 822 491

Public toilets in Kyle remain closed

The public toilet and shower facilities in Kyle of Lochalsh will remain closed until late August following damage caused by a burst pipe.

The public convenience building, operated by Kyle of Lochalsh Community Trust, had to close its doors on 6^th July.

Repairs are underway following claim insurance approval but are expected to take 4 weeks to be completed.

The nearest alterative public toilets are in Kyleakin, Broadford and Dornie, with users of the launderette facing a 45 minute drive to use other facilities in Portree.

Cancelled ferry sailings between Mallaig and Armadale

There’s disruption on the Mallaig to Armadale ferry route today due to MV Loch Bhrusda being redeployed to serve the island of Eigg.

The usual Small Isles vessel, MV Loch Nevis, was withdrawn from service on Sunday after picking up a foreign object in one of the propellers.

To help clear the backlog of traffic, MV Loch Bhrusda will operate an additional sailing to Eigg, meaning that some sailings are cancelled across the Sound of Sleat.

Visit calmac.co.uk to check if your sailing is affected.

RNLI Welly Walk challenge success

Portree RNLI has thanked people across Skye, Raasay and beyond for helping to raise around £3,000 for the life-saving charity.

On Saturday, the Portree volunteer lifeboat crew – which provides a 24-hour on call service for both islands – held its annual welly walk fundraising challenge.

The volunteers started their endeavour from the Raasay Distillery and walked down to ferry, sailed back to Skye, then continued their trek from Sconser all the way back to the lifeboat station in the island capital.

The fundraiser has so far generated around £3,000 for service, which is entirely reliant on donations to operate.

The crew thanked everyone who contributed along the way, describing the generosity shown as absolutely amazing. The Just Giving page will remain open for a further week where donations can still be made.

Photo credit: RNLI Portree

Sport

Sleat and Strath narrowly missed a win away against Mallaig on Saturday, with a 4 – 3 defeat at full time.

The Lochaber side were leading 1 – nil at half time after taking the first goal of the game at 15 minutes in, before the Skye team bounced back to 1 all with a goal by Ruairidh Spod Macleod at 48 minutes. Two further goals for Sleat and Strath were scored by Ben Yoxon and Robin Harvey.

Meanwhile, goals by Chris MacNab, Jordan Murchison and Alex MacDonald helped secure a 3 – 2 win for North West Skye against Fort William in Uig on Saturday, putting them second on the William Wilson League table.

You can listen to the latest local news for Skye and Lochalsh live on the hour Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm, and at 8.30am and 5.30pm, by clicking on the banner below.

LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 28 2023

MartyM — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 19:34:51 +0000

Re-opening of Uig Harbour hit by delay

The re-opening of Uig Harbour is set to be delayed by five days due to outstanding critical works at the Skye port.

The Highland Council announced today – Tuesday 28th November – that the harbour will reopen on Saturday 16th December rather than the scheduled date of Monday 11th December.

The council have said the decision was taken in consultation with its contractor RJ McLeod, and partners Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL), Transport Scotland and CalMac.

The local authority said that the progress of the redevelopment had been hampered by Storms Ciaran and Debi which has resulted in delays to the removal of the existing fender system and installation of the new fenders.

The chair of the council’s economy and infrastructure committee, Councillor Ken Gowans said: “While alternative plans require to be extended for a further short period, this will enable the works to be completed safely and to a high standard.”

Dunvegan play park bid receives £30,000 boost

A community project to build a new play park in Dunvegan has received a significant boost through £30,000 allocated by Highland Councillors in the Eilean a’ Cheò ward.

The Dunvegan Community Park project is being led by a sub-committee of the Dunvegan Community Trust.

The play park group said it was delighted to receive the boost to go towards its fundraising efforts which moves it a step closer towards its goal.

To date it has fundraised £4,000 through events and community support, while the group is set to launch a crowd funding campaign this week. The Dunvegan Community Trust has made an application to the Community Regeneration Fund.

The total cost of the park is estimated at around £180,000,

Skye school worker questions Unison pay deal

A pupil support assistant on Skye has expressed her disappointment with Unison’s acceptance of a pay deal from COSLA and said she was prepared to fight on for a fair offer.

Unison member Amy McNab (pictured left) works as a PSA at Portree Primary School. She has been one among hundreds of school and nursery workers across the country who has taken strike action in protest at the pay offer to non-teaching staff by the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA).

However, on Monday the Unison union announced that more than two thirds of its members had voted to accept to accept the latest pay deal.

The pay package, which will increase the wages of its lowest paid employees by £2,000 a year, is materially the same offer as proposed before the strike action which took place in September and November.

However, it now includes the backdating of a pay rise to April for all staff rather than some, and a firm committment to achieving a minimum rate of pay of £15 per hour for all local government workers by 1st April 2026,

Reacting to the vote, Skye PSA Amy McNab told Radio Skye – full comment below – that she was frustrated at the outcome and had voted against the offer.

Meanwhile, COSLA resources spokesperson, Councillor Katie Hagmann said: “Throughout this challenging process, we have listened carefully to our trade unions, met all their asks, and worked with Scottish Government to put an incredibly strong half a billion pound pay package forward.

“For the sake of everyone in our local government workforce, who are delivering essential frontline services, I am pleased that the pay offer has now been accepted by all of our trade union colleagues.”

Highlands MSP to “keep up pressure” on NHS Highland

Conservative MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston has pledged to keep up the pressure on NHS Highland until services are fully restored at Portree Hospital.

The Highlands and Islands representative’s comments follow NHS Highland’s announcement that the urgent care service at the Skye capital facility will extend to seven days a week from the first week in January 2024.

Reacting to the news, Mr Halcro Johnston said: “I raised the lack of seven-day-a-week urgent care cover at Portree only last week with the heath secretary, and so I welcome news that some progress has been made.

“This is a step in the right direction, however, making a promise is not the same a delivering on it. There can be no complacency.”

He went on to stress: “The campaign has experienced too many false dawns already, and so I will keep up the pressure until I see services fully restored and the community’s needs are met”.

Gaelic language plan “vital” says health chair

The chair of NHS Highland has said its news five-year Gaelic language is crucial to the communities across the region.

Under the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005, NHS Highland has a statutory duty to play its part in promoting the language.

NHS Highland Chair, Sarah Compton-Bishop, said: “It is vital we raise awareness for the Gaelic language as it is an intrinsic part of the rich culture of the Scottish Highlands.

“As the biggest employer in Highland, Argyll and Bute there are many opportunities and benefits to promoting the Gaelic language across our area.

She added: “The plan will enhance patient experience for our Gaelic speakers across NHS Highland, as well as the patients we serve from the Western Isles.”

Dunvegan and Glengarry elect new community councillors

Eight candidates has been selected to serve on Dunvegan Community Council following the results of an election which was declared on Monday by the Highland Council

In total 224 postal votes were returned from an electorate of 503, which represents a 44.5 per cent return.

The members who were voted in are: Mandy Boswell, Donna Campbell, Sarah MacAskill, Lana Macintosh, Phillipa MacRae, Sylvia Meyer, Laura Shirley and Tim Wallis.

Meanwhile, Glengarry’s community council has also be established following a postal vote.

Overall, 211 votes were returned from a possible 341, which accounts for a return of 61.9 per cent.

A total of eight members were elected with Kevin Sutherland polling the highest number of votes at 150.

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

LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 17 2023

MartyM — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 11:27:41 +0000

Campaign for Gaza ceasefire “not over” says Blackford

Skye and Lochalsh’s MP Ian Blackford has the campaign to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza is not over despite the defeat of a motion by the SNP in the House of Commons on Wednesday.

Fifty six Labour MPs defied the party whip and voted for the SNP amendment to the Kings Speech calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, however MPs voted 293 to 125, a majority of 168, to reject the SNP’s motion.

A spokesperson from Israel’s Foreign Ministry has said that around 1,200 people were killed by Hamas militants during attacks on October 7th, while around 240 people are being held hostage in Gaza by Hamas.

Since the attacks of October 7th, Israeli forces have carried out ground and air strikes within Gaza.

Gaza’s official source for the death toll since those attacks began, the Hamas run-health ministry said that as of Monday evening, 11,240 people had been killed, including 4,630 children

Mr Blackford told Radio Skye that the SNP’s call for an immediate ceasefire were in line its own values and those of our constituents.

He revealed he has received almost 1000 emails from constituents who are desperately worried about this situation and are demanding a ceasefire now.

Mr Blackford, the SNP’s former leader at Westminster, told Radio Skye that The party will continue to press for an immediate ceasefire and will continue to put pressure on Westminster to do the right thing. This is not over and we will not give up.”

Scottish Government considers direct award of new ferry contract

Scotland’s Transport Minister has said the next ferry contract for Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services could be a direct award rather than through a tendering process.

In a statement on the ferries services contract at Holyrood on Thursday, Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop said the the government are considering two options including a direct award to the current operator.

A direct award, known as a Teckal Arrangement, would see the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services given to CalMac.

Ms Hyslop said, that while no decision had been made, a direct award route would help change the ethos of the service by “shifting the focus from a commercial arrangement to a model more focused on the delivery of a public service.”

She added that Transport Scotland officials will also be holding a series of engagement events later this month on Arran, Mull, Islay, Skye and Lewis; followed by a public consultation commencing in December.

The drop-in on Skye will take place between 6pm and 8pm at Talla Mhor at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig College on Tuesday 21st November.

Council’s 20-mile per hour schemes under review

A 20-mile per hour speed limit introduced on roads in Skye and Lochalsh could be reversed in some schemes according to the Highland Council.

A report presented at today council’s environment and infrastructure committee stated there had been consideration for reverting some roads or sections of them back to the original 30mph speed limits.

The committee has said that criteria provided by Transport Scotland may see some roads revert back due to factors including road width, use within communities, speed compliance, and the views of the local community.

Balmacara, Broadford, Carbost, Dornie, Durinish, Dunvegan, Edinbane, Kyle of Lochalsh, Kyleakin
Portree, and Staffin have are included in the initiative.

The council will launch a public consultation survey in December for a six-week period to assess the current scheme extents and obtain public feedback on the 20mph speed limit implementation.

The initial survey will allow communities to comment on roads they wish to see assessed for inclusion in the scheme, whether they believe the new reduced limits are benefiting their community and look at whether they think it is appropriate to return certain roads to their original limit.

The full statutory consultation for the permanent Road Traffic Regulation Order will be held in late summer 2024.

Transport grants boost for Sleat and Glenelg communities

Communities in Sleat, and Glenelg and Arnisdale have been awarded more £13,000 between them as part of transport grants approved by the Highland Council on Thursday.

Twenty eight community transport initiatives across the Highlands have been awarded a share of £358,850 by the Highland Council to support them with the important role they play in delivering lifeline services to their local communities.

The Glenelg and Arnisdale Bus User Group has been allocated £6,500 for across 2023/24, while the council has recommended an annual award of £8,500 for the group for 2024/25.

Meanwhile, the Sleat Community Trust has been granted an award of £6,000 towards community transport for this year and a recommended sum of £5,000 for 2024/25

The chair of the council’s economy and infrastructure committee, Councillor Ken Gowans said the role of community transport providers is vital, and he welcomed the diversity of projects and activities spread across the Highlands which he said addresses local unique circumstances and opportunities.

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

LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 20 2023

MartyM — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 11:05:14 +0000

Broadford and Strath community bodies back calls for wind farm inquiry

The Broadford and Strath’s community council and community company have released a join statement calling for the Scottish Government to listen to the people of Skye before determining the future of wind farm developments on the island.

At present there are proposals from myriad multi-national companies to site new wind farm developments across Skye, which, if all approved, would see more than 140 new turbines built, some up to 200 metres in height.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Board of the Broadford and Strath Community Company and the Broadford and Strath Community Council voice its support of for calls by the Portree and Braes Community Trust and Portree and Braes Community Council for a public inquiry to be carried out into the scope and scale of the planned developments

The south Skye bodies argued that the scale and ownership of the windfarms currently being proposed are a huge threat to the islands biggest assets the landscape, the environment, and natural heritage.

In the statement, Broadford and Strath’s community council and community company acknowledged the need for renewable energy.

The statement read: “We know that windfarms will happen. However, we would like to see this take place on our Skye community’s terms.

“We would like the Skye community as a whole to decide where turbines are placed and the size of turbines. We want to see job creation and opportunities to help reduce depopulation.

“But most importantly we would like to see the majority of any windfarms developed on Skye to be community owned.”

Angus Og cartoon exhibition to tour Highlands

A new pop-up exhibition of the Skye and Lochalsh Archive Centre’s Angus Og Cartoons is set to go on tour across the Highlands and Islands.

The ‘Angus Og: Out of the Archives Tour’ will feature specially selected Angus Og cartoons which spark discussion about Island and Highland futures, open to all members of the public, and is suitable for all ages.

Angus Og was created by cartoonist Ewen Bain and his adventures were based on the fabled Isle of Drambeg in the Utter Hebrides. Angus Og began in the Bulletin and was published in the Daily Record from 1960 through to 1989.

Catherine MacPhee (pictured above) High Life Highland’s Archivist at Skye and Lochalsh Archive Centre, said: “The Angus Og cartoons are important not just for the Isle of Skye, but as part of Scotland’s social history.

“As well as being nationally well-known and loved, the iconic cartoons featuring wily characters relate to social-political issues that are still poignant today, including: the loss of language, impacts of tourism, and social imbalances.

She added: “The tour is set to be a pop-up exhibition of specially selected Angus Og cartoons, alongside opportunities for people to get creative and vocalise issues presently affecting their local community.

“All staff and volunteers involved in the ‘Out of the Archives Tour’ are looking forward to meeting with communities across the Highland Council area to hear local views and share some of these fun Angus Og stories together.”

The tour begins on 4th October in Mallaig and will also visit Kilmuir Hall on 19th October and Raasay Hall on 5th November among its seven-venue tour.

CalMac ‘Island Crossings’ documentary to return

A new series of the CalMac documentary island crossings has been commissioned by the BBC.

The first series went behind the scenes to report on the working lives of the crew and staff who serve west coast communities across the network. It also focused on many of the people and communities which depend on CalMac, exploring their way of life and livelihoods.

Robbie Drummond, Chief Executive of CalMac, said: “We are delighted with the success of series one, and are really looking forward to providing more insights into how CalMac operates.

“I really welcome the opportunity for us to give a true reflection of the lengths our people go to, to provide the best service we can for our communities and customers, highlighting the service that our colleagues provide every day even in challenging circumstances.”

Nature Restoration Fund offers £25,000 towards projects

A nature restoration fund of up to £25,000 per applicant has extended its deadline to October.

The Highland Council have extended the deadline for applicants to apply for the first decision making round of of Nature Restoration Funding for 2023/24 to 12 noon on Wednesday 4th October 2023.

The chair of the council’s environment and infrastructure committee, councillor Ken Gowans said: “Eligible applicants can apply between £2,000 – £25,000 towards nature restoration projects.

“Over the last two years, 50 projects have been delivered throughout Highland ranging from the creation of wildflower meadows, tree planting initiatives, wetland creation, and the removal of invasive non-native species.”

Established by the Scottish Government, the Nature Restoration Fund is a capital fund designed to help support projects that will deliver nature restoration, safeguard wildlife, and tackle the causes of biodiversity loss due to climate change.

All projects should be completed by the end of June 2024. The minimum grant support available is £2,000 and the maximum is £25,000.

For more information, click the link.

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

LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 16 2023

MartyM — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 08:31:36 +0000

Concerns raised as essential signage blocked from view

Concerns have been raised in Sleat over the obstruction of essential signage due to overgrown vegetation.

The Sleat Community Council have reported the issue to the Highland Council three times. It affects the 20 mph flashing warning signs that slow traffic during school opening hours at Bun Sgoil Shlèite.

In a post on social media, the Sleat Community Council said:

“Despite three separate online reports to the The Highland Council since before the end of the summer term the Bun-sgoil Shlèite southbound 20mph warning sign is still partly obscured by overgrown trees.

“With the summer holidays continuing for many and our roads remaining busy, it is disappointing that the council reporting system has failed the community.”

The community council are asking drivers to use extreme caution when approaching the school.

Car versus motorbike in road traffic accident on A855

There was severe disruption on the road near the Achachork junction today after a road traffic accident.

Long queues formed on either side of the accident, with motorists being advised to avoid the area and use the diversion routes.

A police spokesperson told Radio Skye:

“Around 11.25am on Wednesday, 16 August 2023, we were called to a report of crash involving a car and a motorcycle on the A855 near Portree. Emergency services are in attendance.”

Man jailed after HGV hits Inverness pedestrian

A 33 year old man from Harris has been jailed for three years after the lorry he was driving struck a woman in Inverness in March 2021.

The woman required emergency surgery to amputate her leg after being crushed by the wheels of the HGV.

The driver, John Campbell, was over the legal alcohol driving limit and has also been banned from driving for seven and a half years.

Corran ferry service off… again

The Corran ferry service has ben cancelled for vehicles just over 24 hours after it started sailing again.

An ongoing issue with the steering system onboard relief vessel MV Maid of Glencoul means that vehicles are unable to be carried across the Corran Narrows.

The operators of the service, The Highland Council, has advised local communities that the 48 year old ferry requires new parts which could take several weeks to source.

A passenger only service is in operation with vehicles being forced to use alternative routes. Full contingency measures can be found on the Highland Council website: Corran Ferry passenger service update – Wednesday 16 August | The Highland Council

Warning of disruption to Skye Calmac ferry route

National ferry operators Calmac Ferries has confirmed that the final week of the summer timetable will be released in two phases.

Contingency measures are also being put in place due to the ongoing absence of major vessel MV Hebridean Isles from active service.

On the local Skye routes, there will be some disruption as the fleet transitions from the summer to winter timetables.

A single vessel service will operate between Mallaig and Armadale on the 20th, 21st and 22nd October with MV Loch Fyne as MV Coruisk will be redeployed to the Clyde.

Phase one of the remaining summer timetable is available to book from today, 16th August, with phase two following on the 23rd August.

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

LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 10 2023

MartyM — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 16:10:49 +0000

MSP intervenes in Raasay freight service discussions

Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP Kate Forbes has secured more time for discussions on small freight delivery on the Sconser to Raasay ferry route in an 11^th hour intervention to find a workable solution for the community of Raasay.

With less than a fortnight’s notice and during the peak tourist season, ferry operators CalMac had imposed a deadline of 14 August to require all deliveries to the island to arrive between certain specified time slots – none of which accommodated fresh goods arriving early in the morning before the ferry is sailing.

Kate Forbes MSP raised the situation urgently both with Robbie Drummond at CalMac as well as the Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop.

Diverse project reaches for the Skye to protect Skye three iconic sites for the future

The Skye Iconic Sites Project (SISP) is now officially complete following crucial restoration work at the most popular sites within the region. Managed by Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland, the project has involved incredible work over the past three years to protect habitats and improve the visitor experience at the Fairy Pools, Old Man of Storr and Quiraing.

Dougie Baird CEO of Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland said:

“It has been an incredible effort from all partners over the past three years on the Skye Iconic Sites Project and we are delighted that work on all three sites is now complete

Kate Forbes met parents in Portree today in a special childcare crisis meeting

The meeting took place at 10am in the Skye Bible Church.

At present, Portree Nursery has frozen its waiting list for children under three due to demands and care inspectorate ratios.

Dunvegan Fire Station launch new music video

The crew from the Dunvegan Fire Station have created a new music video starring local firefighters in a novel approach to attract new recruits.

Crew member Louis Barabbas is the driving force behind the video.

He directed the piece and performed in the video which showcases the personality and lighter side of the crew.

You can watch the video here: Things Are Hotting Up – YouTube

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