Highland Council launches Skye and Raasay childcare survey
The Highland Council has launched a Skye and Raasay childcare survey to gauge the needs of local families across the islands.
The survey follows on from a childcare crisis meeting held in Portree earlier this month, which was led by Tracy Mcilvor, the Highland Council’s early learning and childcare commissioner.
At the meeting, sixteen women from across Skye and Raasay – some of whom are pictured – expressed concerns over a dearth of after-school and holiday provision, which they said was or would soon affect their families and careers.
The closing date of the survey is Friday 7th July.
The survey can be accessed here.
New Skye-based transport director rules out tokenism
The north of Scotland managing director of Stagecoach, who lives in Skye, says he will not be a token appointment after joining the board of CalMac’s parent company.
Skye resident, David Beaton, who has worked in the transport industry for more than 35 years, will serve as a non-executive director of the board of David MacBrayne Limited .
Speaking to Radio Skye, today Mr Beaton said he was quick to address the matter of tokenism during his interview.
He said: “I wanted to make sure that David MacBrayne Limited and Transport Scotland weren’t just kowtowing to the public and pulling someone in from the islands just for the sake of it.”
“But the questions they asked at the interview and following that gave me an insight into their thinking and I quickly understood it wasn’t an exercise in keeping face.
They really are interested in what the islanders face day to day.
David Beaton told Radio Skye that phase two of the Uig pier redevelopment would likely be the hot topic at his first board meeting in July.
Skye and Lochalsh youngsters impress at European pipe band championships
The Lochalsh Junior Pipe Band and Skye Youth Pipe Band both earned top 10 placings at European Pipe Band Championships held in Aberdeen on Sunday.
The annual musical event, which attracts thousands of spectators was held in Aberdeen’s Duthie Park.
The Lochalsh Junior Pipe Band (pictured below) achieved seventh place in a field of 16 bands in its grade, and narrowly missed out on a prize by just one point.
The championships were final performance of S6 pipers Ellie and Sandy who bade farewell to the band after the competition.
Meanwhile, for some of the younger members of the Isle of Skye Youth Pipe Band, who are just finishing primary school, it was their first taste of competition.
Speaking to Radio Skye, Isle of Skye Youth Pipe Band Major Ian Ruari Finlayson said he was “absolutely delighted with the bands performance and with how fantastic the trip was from start to finish.”
The Skye Youth Pipe, (pictured below) secured 10th place in their grade against strong competitions at the championships.
Skye pupils’ bake sale raises over £400 for refugees
Pupils from Portree High School have raised more than £400 for a refugee initiative through a bake sale at the school.
The pupils took in a total of £425 as part of a project on refugees.
The money will go towards aiding the work of the Highlands Supports Refugees.
The pupils fundraising efforts have been praised by island group the Skye Fugees have have leading the refugee support efforts across Skye, Raasay and Lochalsh in tandem with Highland Supports Refugees.
Portree High School will welcome any further donations to the cause at its prizegiving ceremonies this week.
You can listen to the latest local news for Skye and Lochalsh live at the times below by clicking on the banner. 
Footage captured of Armadale Pier incident
CCTV footage of three people in wetsuits jumping off Armadale Pier last Saturday has been sent to port manager
The Sleat Community Council reported that the three people, believed to be to be teenagers, were seen jumping off the linkspan at Armadale Pier around 8pm on Saturday 17th June.
The teenagers were thought to have been accompanied by a lady wearing white trousers.
The incident is in breach of the UK Port Marine Safety Code and the CCTV footage has been passed to the port manager at CalMac.
The Sleat Community Council has asked all parents to make children aware of the dangers of such activity.
Police called to Strathcarron crash
Police were called out to a one-vehicle crash on the A890 between Kyle and Strathcarron on Thursday.
The incident was reported around 4.05pm, and the recovery of the vehicle was completed at 7.55pm.
No information on injuries have been reported
West Highland dementia team recognised with award nomination
A West Highland charity helping people with dementia has narrowly missed in the final of a technology award.
Alzheimer Scotland’s West Highland team were selected as finalists for the Ability Net Tech4Good Awards.
The awards celebrate organisations and individuals who use digital technology to improve the lives of others and make the world a better place.
The recognition centred on the team’s work across Skye, Lochalsh, Wester Ross and Lochaber in reaching people living with dementia and their cares living at home or in care homes, day centres etc
Speaking to Radio Skye, West Highland team member Lesley Hellon thanked her colleagues for their hard work.
She said: “We were finalists tonight, in the Tech4good Awards, due to the work we do for Alzheimer Scotland West Highland.
“A big thank you to my lovely colleagues Diane Cain Smith and Eleanor Brown whose work does not go unnoticed.
“We never won, but we brought the attention to what is available for people living with dementia and their carers. We are winners in my eyes, and the people we support.”
Skye man appointed to CalMac parent co. board
A Skye man has been appointed as a non-executive director of CalMac parent company.
David Beaton will serve as a non-executive director of the board of David MacBrayne Limited .
Mr Beaton was raised in Sutherland but has lived in Skye for the last 35.
He has been involved in the public transport sector since 1988 and is currently the north of Scotland managing director for Stagecoach.
Skye Ladies eye Valerie Fraser Cup semis
Skye Camanachd Ladies will play host Aberdour in Portree tomorrow (Saturday 24th June) with a semi-final place in the Valerie Fraser Camanachd Cup at stake.
Last weekend, Glasgow Mid Argyll, Glenurquhart and reigning champions Badenoch claimed three of the four spots.
Skye, who sit second in the National Division table and Aberdour, who are placed in seventh, will also be vie for points on Saturday as the match will count as league fixture as well as quarter-final tie.
The winner will face Glenurquhart in the last four.
The match is 2.30 throw up at Pairc nan Laoch.
You can listen to the latest local news for Skye and Lochalsh live at the times below by clicking on the banner.