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.
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Blackford commissioned report seeks to unlock Scottish economy potential
A new independent report outlining vast opportunities to deliver sustainable economic growth in Scotland has been published today
The roadmap for a Scottish Green industrial strategy, which was commissioned by Skye and Lochalsh’s MP Ian Blackford, has been led Sir Martin Donnelly the former Permanent Secretary for the Department for International Trade, and Dominic Houlder, Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at London Business School.
The independent report’s core recommendation is that a Scottish Industrial Strategy Council should be formed, led, and accountable to the First Minister.
The paper contends that specific focus on higher education and alternative energy can help the Scottish Government fully deliver on the potential of the Scottish economy.
MP Ian Blackford said that the reports recommendations build on the huge assets that already exist in the Scottish academic sector as well as fully utilising the unfolding but immediate potential in green energy and industry.
During a brief conversation with Radio Skye this morning, Mr Blackford was asked how the proposals for numerous wind farms across Skye would fit in with the road map and whether he would comment on the calls by the Portree and Braes Community Trust and Portree Community Council for a public enquiry to assess the cumulative impact of the industrial scale turbine projects to be looked at as a whole.
In response Mr Blackford said it was his job to represent his constituents as he had done in helping to broker a good deal for the local community concerning the Glen Ullinish wind farm.
CalMac hits back at The Herald’s £400,000 bonuses claim
Ferry Operator CalMac has hit back at a claim published by The Herald newspaper that its give £400,000 in bonuses to its staff as entirely misleading and false.
The article published the Herald on its website on Thursday claimed that CalMac Chief Executive Robbie Drummond will get a £3,000 bonus, however CalMac said this was false as all directors will received nothing.
CalMac said that it had made a one-off payment to its staff of 1.5 per cent of their salary as a thank you for their efforts on behalf of our customers and the communities we serve.
The ferry operator said that the story published by The Herald was both misleading and contains inaccurate information which compelled CalMac to make a public statement to correct the record.
Lochcarron Camanachd past and present players to kick-off weekend of festivities
Lochcarron Camanachd will kick off a weekend of celebrations in the village with a shinty match between current and former players of the club.
The match is a 6.30pm throw up at Battery Park, and will be followed by a Ceilidh led by the Incredible Fling Band at Lochcarron Hall at 8.30pm
The annual Lochcarron Highland Games takes place tomorrow at Attadale Gardens.
Local Goverment minister set for Skye visit
Minister for Local Government Empowerment and Planning Joe FitzPatrick is set to visit Skye next week to speak local councillors and community group members.
The minister is expected to visit Uig harbour to find out about the redevelopment of the Skye Triangle Port and will also will visit Portree harbour which was the subject of an unsuccessful regeneration bid through the Levelling Up fund.
Mr Fitzpatrick, who was appointed as the Minister for Local Government Empowerment and Planning in March 2023 will be joined by the Deputy Chief Executive of the Highland Council during the visit on Monday.
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Rural Delivery Plan unveiled in new government strategy
Deputy First Minister, Shona Robison has committed to publishing a Rural Delivery Plan by 2026 as part of the Scottish Government’s new vision for the country.
On Tuesday, First Minister Humza Yousaf set out his strategy: Equality, opportunity, community: New leadership – A fresh start during a speech in the Scottish Parliament.
Within the Scottish Government’s new plan, Deputy First Minister Shona Robison says that the rural delivery plan will show how all parts of the Scottish Government are delivering for rural Scotland.
Outlining the plan, Ms Robison wrote: “As well as policies on agriculture, land reform, marine, and our Islands Plan, this will cover areas such as transport, housing, social justice, repopulation, digital connectivity and economic development.”
During his speech, Mr Yousaf also committed to:
- Delivering six new vessels to serve Scotland’s ferry network
- Investing up to £25 million to convert suitable properties into affordable homes for key workers in remote, rural and island areas.
- Investing £1.3 billion for the Scottish Child Payment over the next three years.
On Monday, Skye and Lochalsh’s MP Ian Blackford was asked by Radio Skye about the current issues impacting the West Highlands and Islands, including the ferry network.
Meanwhile, Mairi Gougeon, minister for rural affairs said the government would create new crofting opportunities through the “delivery of the National Development Plan for Crofting and reformed the law, subject to agreement by parliament, to support the future of crofting.”
Ms Gougeon has also vowed that the government would continue to support six Scottish Islands, including Raasay and Barra, to become carbon neutral by 2040.
Mairi McAllan, cabinet secretary for net zero stated that, as part of Scotland’s “world leading commitment to be net zero by 2045”, a higher proportion of zero-emission vehicles would be delivered, while the electric charge network would be doubled to at least 6,000 points.
The First Minister also announced that the Deposit Return Scheme would be delayed and would begin from March 2024 rather than August 2023.
Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnstone, argued that the decision made the Scottish Green Party co-leader Lorna Slater’s position untenable.
Posting on social media, the Conservative member said: “Humza Yousaf announces U-turn by SNP/Greens on Deposit Return Scheme as disastrous rollout delayed until next year.
Surely Lorna “It’s happening, It’s happening” Slater’s position now untenable after months of damaging DRS uncertainty.”
Police appeal for information on A82 Invermoriston -Drumnadrochit crash
Police Scotland are appealing for information following a serious crash on the A82 which resulted in five people being taken to Raigmore Hospital.
The incident happened on the A82 between Invermoriston and and Drumnadrochit at 4.30pm on Monday and involved a grey Audi A4 and a blue Nissan Qashqai.
The driver of one car and the four occupants of the second vehicle were taken to Raigmore Hospital for treatment.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting incident 2485 of 17 April, 2023.
Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Phort Rìgh to begin defence of Cuach na Cloinne
Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Phort Rìgh will begin their defence of a nationwide football cup, involving more than 80 teams from across the country, next week in the Skye capital.
Cuach na Cloinne is the biggest sporting competition for Gaelic Medium Primary Schools across Scotland.
The tournament is a national five-a-side football competition aimed at young people all over the country with Gaelic in primary four through to primary seven.
In 2022, Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Phort Rìgh lifted the cup and will be aiming to defend their crown in 2023.
The regional competitions begin on Tuesday 25 April at Portree High School and will continue on Thursday 27th April at Sgoil Lionacleit, Benbecula and at the all-weather pitch at Smith Avenue in Stornoway.
Further regional heats will take place in Oban, Inverness, and Glasgow in May.
Chairman of Highland Council’s Gaelic Committee, Councillor Calum Munro said: “I am delighted that The Highland Council has been able to support Cuach na Cloinne for another year, and delighted to see the event returning with such strong interest from Gaelic Medium Primary schools across Scotland.
“I intend to attend the heats in Portree next week and I wish all the local teams every success. It’s so important to give these young Gaelic learners and speakers exciting opportunities like this.”
Cuach na Cloinne 2023 is funded by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and The Highland Council, with new sponsorship from Astar Media for prizes at the regional competitions, and organised by Comunn na Gàidhlig.
News by Adam Gordon.
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Bòrd Na Gàidhlig express serious concerns over HPMA plans
Scotland’s principal body for Gaelic language and culture has cited serious concerns over the proposed plans to introduce Highly Protected Marine Areas.
The Scottish Goverment consultation on its plans to introduce Highly Protected Marine Areas by 2026 closed on Monday 17th April.
Scotland’s current MPA network includes sites for nature conservation, protection of biodiversity and covers approximately 37 per cent of Scotland’s seas.
However, in its submission to the consultation, Gaelic body Bòrd Na Gàidhlig said it was seriously concerned that the introduction of HPMAs would cause a significant loss of employment in areas with a high percentage of Gaelic users.
Highlighting data for its Portree district, which covers Skye and mainland areas, BNG said there were 110 active registered vessels for fishing in the district, employing 149.
Bòrd Na Gàidhlig argues that the socio-economic impact assessment within the consultation did not appear to include the potential consequence loss of population from affected communities.
The organisation said it was a significant omission as a loss of population in areas with relatively high numbers of Gaelic users could have a significant negative impact on the language and culture.
Skye and Lochalsh MSP Kate Forbes said the HPMA plans should be scrapped and a feasibility study into devolving marine powers to local authorities should be commissioned instead.
In March, Neil Robertson, spokesperson for the Ross, Sutherland, Skye, and Lochalsh Fisherman’s Association told Radio Skye the plans were hopelessly flawed and many working in aquaculture were angry and bewildered.
Conservative MSP for the Highlands and Islands Jamie Halcro Johnstone said: “It is vital that we protect jobs and livelihoods in these fragile rural and coastal communities, and local SNP MSPs must play their part in opposing their government’s plans.
“Ministers in Edinburgh should drop these proposals and go back to the drawing board to develop an evidence-based approach which can be delivered in agreement with our fishing industry and local coastal communities”.
The Scottish Goverment has stated that the Highly Protected Marine Areas will aim to add to the established MPA network by:
- facilitating ecosystem recovery and enhancement
- enhancing the benefits that coastal communities and others derive from our seas
- contributing to the mitigation of climate change impacts
- supporting ecosystem adaptation and improving resilience
Speaking to Radio Skye on Monday, MP for Skye and Lochalsh, Ian Blackford wished to stress that at present Highly Marine Protected Areas had been proposed and were not legislation but said that jobs must not be put at risk if the plans were to be progressed.
Man arrested in SNP finance and funding investigation
Police Scotland have today arrested a 71-year-old man in in connection with the ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party.
In a statement, Police Scotland said that the man is in custody and is being questioned by Police Scotland detectives.
A report will be sent to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
Police Scotland have urged the public to exercise caution if discussing the matter on social and to abide by the Contempt of Court Act 1981.
As the investigation is ongoing, Police Scotland said it is unable to comment further.
On 5th April, former SNP Chief Executive Officer Peter Murrell was arrested and then released without charge as part of the Police Scotland investigation.
Skye to face Glenurquhart for place in MacTavish Cup Final
Skye Camanachd men have been drawn against National Division side Glenurquhart in the semi-finals of the MacTavish Cup.
The islanders secure their place in the last four in style with a thumping 5-1 win over Beauly away on Saturday.
Ross Gordon opened the scoring in the fifth minute for Skye, but Beauly drew level in the 18th minute through Ross Brindle.
However, in a fine second half showing from Skye, Ruraidh MacLeod hit a 12-minute hat-trick before Jordan Murchison put the cherry on top for Skye with their fifth goal in the 78th minute.
Lochcarron Primary School pupils had the pleasure of making the draw for the semi-finals on Monday.
Kenny Seel and Maura Mackenzie drew Skye to play National Division outfit Glenurquhart at home, while heavyweights Newtonmore and Kingussie will lock horns for the second final spot.
Skye will host Glenurquhart on Saturday 13th May at Pairc Nan Laoch in Portree at 2.30pm. Newtonmore will welcome Kingussie to the Eilean on the same day for a 3pm throw up.
News by Adam Gordon.
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The statement from the company, which is responsible for the operations of post office counters business and services, follows on from the temporary closure of the Skye capital service last week.
The current postmaster first announced on Wednesday 8th that the Portree Post Office would be closed as a safety precaution due to ill health and would reopen on Friday 10th February.
However, in a social media post published on Thursday 9th February they confirmed that the service would remain closed while a relief postmaster was being sought.
Radio Skye contacted Skye MP Ian Blackford about the matter on Friday 10th February
Today (Tuesday 14th February) Mr Blackford’s office shared a statement concerning the closure with Radio Skye from Post Office Counters Limited.
Responding to the closure, a spokesperson for Post Office Counters Limited said: “We understand how important Post Office services are to communities and I’m sincerely sorry for the inconvenience and concern caused by the closure, especially to those customers who must travel further to access the services they require, whilst the branch is closed.
“Regretfully, Portree Post Office had to close for operational reasons beyond our control. I can assure you that we want to restore service to the area as quickly as possible and we’re working closely with the postmaster and the landlord of the property, to enable the branch to reopen.”
The added that they were “currently exploring the option of reopening Portree Post Office with a temporary postmaster” but stressed that it may prove difficult due to the “remote location of the branch.”
The spokesperson concluded by saying that they hoped Mr Blackford was reassured that they were taking the matter seriously.
And added that they would “of course update stakeholders and the community as the situation progresses, and as soon as we have a confirmed proposal to restore service.”
The spokesperson recommended that customers could continue to access the service they require at an alternative branch, the nearest being Struan Post Office (Struanmore, Struan, Isle of Skye, Highland, IV56 8FG).
The Struan post office operates from 10 am to 12.30pm every day except Sunday.
The Post Office in Uig, based in Rankins Supermarket, meanwhile, is open from 9am to 1pm every day except Sunday, while the Carbost Post Office is open from 9am -12pm on all weekdays except Wednesday.
Customers who use the Portree Post Office for electricity tops should contact their energy provider for advice.
Article by Adam Gordon
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The rejection of an ambitious £50 million bid to transform Portree’s historic waterfront has been described as “a massive blow” to the island capital by a Skye councillor.
The proposal led by the Portree and Braes Community Trust was submitted by the Highland Council in July 2022 to the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund.
More than 100 projects were awarded a share of £2.1 billion from round two of the government’s flagship Levelling Up Fund, which was announced on Thursday 19th January, including 10 projects across Scotland.
Nearly £27 million has been guaranteed for a new roll-on, roll-off ferry for Fair Isle in the Shetland Islands. The service is a lifeline for the island, supporting its residents, visitors and supply chains, and without its replacement the community will become further isolated.
The vision to transform Portree harbour area, included plans to redevelop the 200-year-old pier built by Thomas Telford, while other aspects of the bid focused on a new access route from Bayfield, a breakwater, pontoons for leisure craft and a safe embarkation point for the RNLI.
Disappointment
Reacting to the news, Portree and Braes Community Trust development officer, Fiona Thomson told Radio Skye that it was disappointing not to see Portree on the list of projects receiving support from the Levelling up fund, especially given the urgent need for investment in Portree harbour, however she believes the verdict was not entirely surprising as it was a hugely competitive fund.
She added that the bid was strong and nothing more could have been done by the community or the Highland Council to change the outcome.
Councillors John Finlayson and Calum Munro told Radio Skye they were both extremely disappointed by the decision, and paid tribute to the hard work behind the bid by the community and council officers. The local members also expressed concern over future source of funding of projects in rural Highlands and Islands.
Meanwhile, fellow islands councillor Drew Millar described the decision as a “massive blow to the future of Portree”
Highlighting the long-running need for the redevelopment of the asset, councillor Millar told Radio Skye said that the harbour improvement had been on the agenda since before the inception of the Highland Council along with improvements to Bayfield and the Portree Link road.
However, he went on to say that he was sure the decision didn’t signal the end of the dream and added that he would be contacting MSP Kate Forbes and MP Ian Blackford over the next few days to see where and how the plan could be taken forward.
Major initiative for the whole of the islands
In an interview with Radio Skye on Thursday, Skye MP Ian Blackford said that the decision was “deeply disappointing” as the harbour plans were a “major initiative not just for Portree but for the whole of the islands.”
Mr. Blackford went on to say: “This was a well thought through bid that was put in, and I think what I am going to have to do with the Highland Council is to make sure we engage with the officials in the Levelling Up department, and I think consideration should be given to putting in a revamped bid for round three, which will be coming, but I think it is important that we take stock of where we are.”
Asked by Radio Skye if he could have done more to push the bid, he said: “I made sure I lobbied the secretary of state, Michael Gove quite aggressively to make sure we got this on the table…”
Full interview with Ian Blackford
Article and interview by Adam Gordon.
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