Domestic abuse charges in Skye rise by 163 percent

Domestic abuse related charges reported to the Procurator Fiscal in Portree have risen by 163 percent in a year, according to new figures from the Crown Office.

The figures show 71 charges were reported in the area in the year to March 2026, compared with 27 the previous year.

The increase is considerably higher than the national rise.

Across Scotland, 34,586 domestic abuse related charges were reported, an increase of 14 percent on the previous year.

It is the highest annual total recorded in more than a decade.

COPFS says 91% of the charges reported across Scotland resulted in court proceedings.

The figures are based on charges rather than individual people. A single case can involve more than one charge.

Lord Advocate ‘concerned’ by increase

Lord Advocate Ruth Charteris KC has described the national increase as “concerning for all of us”.

She says protecting women and girls from abusive men will be a priority during her time in office.

The Lord Advocate said every charge reported to prosecutors reflects the suffering of a victim, with the overwhelming majority involving a woman harmed by a man.

She said prevention was essential, but that victims also needed the protection of the justice system.

She has promised a firm response from prosecutors, with cases pursued in a way that reflects the seriousness of the offending.

Calls for action

Scottish Women’s Aid says it cannot pinpoint the exact reason for the rise in the figures.

Its chief executive, Dr Marsha Scott, says increased awareness of domestic abuse and greater confidence in reporting are possible explanations.

But she says “any report of a domestic abuse offence is a cause for concern”, and that the figures are a stark reminder of the level of harm taking place every day.

She says urgent and consistent action is needed across services to ensure survivors and their children receive a response that maximises their safety.

Scottish Women’s Aid also says the majority of women never report their experiences.

More people seeking support

There has also been a significant increase in people contacting Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline.

Scottish Women’s Aid says contacts increased by 48 percent between 2024/25 and 2025/26, following a targeted awareness campaign.

Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or concerned about someone else, can contact Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline on 0800 027 1234.

Local support is available through Ross-shire Women’s Aid via www.rosswa.co.uk or by calling 01349 863 568.

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Second phase of Storr Centre complete

The second phase of Highland Council’s new facility at the Old Man of Storr is open.

The upgrade includes an extension to the shop and a multi-purpose venue which the local authority says can be used for community events and weddings.

The Storr opened in 2024

The project has received £550,000 from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.

Ionad an Stòir/The Storr Centre opened in 2024 and now employs seven people, with six full time posts and one part time.

ENVIRONMENT

As well as the extra space, the second phase also includes funding for Rangers to help preserve the environment. The Old Man of Storr is protected as part of the Trotternish Ridge Site of Specific Scientific Interest.

Jordan Young is one of the Rangers. He told Radio Skye:

“I do a range of things. Everything from just talking to people, to path maintenance, to surveys of the environment; everything outside related.

“Having a Ranger on site is a huge advantage because it stops people venturing off.

“I tend to just go and talk to people about the plants they’re walking next to and the environmental impact of the Storr.

“Most people come for the big pointy rock, which is lovely! But the amazing thing about the Trotternish Ridge is it is a Site of Specific Scientific Interest and there’s loads of flora and fauna that you just don’t get anywhere else.

The Old Man of Storr attracted 300,000 visitors in 2025

Asked about the impact of the second phase of the Storr Centre, Jordan said:

“It’s brilliant for me because it makes this fully self sustaining now, which is great. It pays for my job, as well as everyone else’s here, but it also pays for any infrastructure work on the Storr.”

Jordan Young – Ranger

RETAIL

The second phase also includes an upgrade to the shop with more local suppliers able to sell their products. Among them is Raasay Distillery which has helped create The Storr Whisky. Lochcarron Weavers are also making a unique tartan for the shop. Local designer, Iain Angus Design, has supplied The Storr with sweatshirts, hoodies, and tote bags.

John MacLean is Business Development Lead at the centre. He told Radio Skye:

“Our retail space is quite different from everywhere else. That’s what we want. We want it to feel different. They [tourists] might just want a small memento from their walk up the hill but we also find people buying all their gifts here.

“The light, the time of day you go out, the weather, it changes all the time. Everyone who works here doesn’t take it for granted.

On whether the centre is for people who live here as well as visitors, John said:

“We love seeing locals in the Storr Centre and on the hill. We want the locals coming. We’re here for them to come in and have a chat with. We’re hoping to do more things through our winter months where maybe locals have more time. We’ll try to do Christmas fares and things like that.

“This project is looking after tourism sustainably, but it’s also trying to give something back to the local community.

John MacLean – Business Development Lead

PARKING

Parking at the site has long been an issue with spaces at a premium. Double yellow lines have been painted along the road to stop people leaving cars on the verge.

Councillor John Finlayson

Asked whether the council would consider extending the car park, Councillor Finlayson said:

“Obviously, we don’t want to create too big an extension. Clearly, as we can see today, while the car park is full, there’s still overflow on the roads and that’s concerning in terms of a health and safety aspect. At the moment, we’re discussing the possibility of creating an extension to the car park so we can better manage the tourist numbers and all the traffic that goes past the site.”

TOURIST TAX

Council officials are keen to stress the economic benefit of the Storr Centre. It says the revenue generated by the project has exceeded expectations and The Storr could be used as a model for other tourist destinations. The local authority is expected to provide an update on its proposed visitor levy at a meeting later this month.

Over the summer, council officers have been holding “co-design” sessions with tourism and accommodation groups to figure out how the scheme would work in practice.

Councillor Ken Gowans

Councillors will review the progress made so far at a meeting on 25 August, including whether to charge visitors a flat rate or a percentage of their room cost.

A three month public consultation is likely to follow this autumn, though the so called ‘tourist tax’ is not expected to be introduced until 2028 at the earliest.

Councillor Ken Gowans is Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee. He told Radio Skye:

“Rather than put up Council Tax, it’s far better if we have a visitor levy that we can apply to people who come and stay here overnight.

“Skye in particular, it’s a really huge destination for people. We can see today, there are cars parked all over the place, we’ve had to work on the Fairy Pools, and we’d like to continue to do that. We can only do that with funding. By introducing what we think is a fair visitor levy, that tourists themselves are very happy to pay, that will ensure that there’s a fund there that we can tap into.

“Under the Scottish Government legislation, I think it’s quite important to note that any funds that are raised by the Highland Council in terms of visitor levy can only be spent to support tourism. It can’t be used for health and social care, or any other purpose.

“It’s all about making sure that we have an investment fund that we can apply to various projects across Highland.

Councillor Finlayson said:

“The whole issue around the tourist visitor levy tends to divide people. A consultation has taken place across Highland. We have got a special meeting of the council on 25 August to decided what the next steps are.

“Initially, a lot of people were against the whole idea of a percentage charge as part of the tourist levy. The government has changed its legislation around that so we now have the option of introducing a flat rate. I’m sure that’s something that will be discussed on the 25th and certainly from the industry point of view, that seems to be their preferred option.

The point about where does the money raised go if we do introduce a visitor levy, that has to go into infrastructure, it has to go into supporting the tourist industry.

Of course, the question around about should the money raised locally be kept locally, is another debate. Categorically, given how busy Skye is, I’d be pushing certainly for a large percentage raised on Skye to come back to Skye.

“From my conversations with the industry and with people doing AirBnb, if we are going down the route, a flat rate to me is more preferrable than a percentage rate.

A LONGER SEASON

The hike up to the Old Man of Storr is relatively accessible for most walkers. A standard trip takes around 1hr 15mins taking in roughly 2.5miles.

With 300,000 visitors in 2025, it remains one of Skye’s most popular sites.

John MacLean from the centre said September was the busiest month last year, demonstrating how the season in Skye continues to stretch further across the year.

The Glenelg-Kylerhea ferry has returned to service for the season.

The MV Glenachullish has had major work done over the winter with a full refit of the engine carried out at Kishorn.

“There’s a great deal of excitement when the ferry comes back because it changes the place.” – Jo Crawford, CEO of the Isle of Skye Ferry Community Interest Company

The vessel was built in 1969 and is the world’s last manually operated turntable ferry. At 18 metres, she can take up to six cars for the crossing between Skye and the mainland.

Speaking to Radio Skye on the first day of the season, Skipper Donnie MacDonald said it’s good to be back:

“We’re a bit rusty but we’re getting there.

“The boat has had a complete refit of the engine and all the damage has been repaired as well.

“I’ve been doing this nearly 25 years. I started off doing the ropes when I was in school on my holidays.”

The weather for the first crossing was particularly dreich. But that didn’t dampen the spirits. Donnie’s trusty collie Spot was on hand to help out too.

Skipper Donnie MacDonald

Jo Crawford is CEO of the Isle of Skye Ferry Community Interest Company. She said:

“It’s the biggest overhaul in 20 years of community ownership. We’ve had a major engine overhaul which requires stripping down the original Kelvin T6 engine and replacing everything and getting it all sorted out and then rebuilding it. We’ve also done lots of welding and taken out big patches of the hull that were thinning over the years and replacing them with new bits. It’s been really tough and very expensive.”

Trust crew member Spot

Despite the cost of the repairs, Jo said it has all been worth it:

“It’s all part of the preservation of this historic ferry. It’s an old boat and it’s going to need a lot of TLC. Some years more than others!

“Glenelg is a one road in, one road out community so without the onward journey that the ferry provides, we would have far fewer visitors and that in turn supports our local businesses like the community owned shop, the hotel, other accommodation providers, and the brewery. These things all thrive because of the amount of people that come and that’s down to the ferry service.

“For local people, there’s a great deal of excitement when the ferry comes back because it changes the place. It makes it more vibrant. It means you can get to the supermarket and it’s only a 10 mile journey as opposed to a 50 mile round-trip so it makes life just a little bit more vibrant and a little bit easier for local people.”

The crew at work

Piper Roddy Shanks did the honours as the boat came alongside at Glenelg for the first time this year. The Skye Boat Song rang out across the Strait.

Piper Roddy Shanks

Donald Shanks is Chair of the Board of Directors for the organisation. He said:

"It's good to see the boat back in the water. The lads have worked very hard.

"It's the only way to travel to Skye!"

Listen to Jamie McDonald's report on the first day of sailing below.

Skye councillor hits back at claims local authority is at fault for Portree public toilet closure

A local councillor has responded to criticism of Highland Council following a story published by Radio Skye about the continued closure of the public toilets in Portree.

“If you are one of those keyboard warriors out there for once try to write a fact rather than just make something up.”

In a Facebook post, Councillor Drew Millar said the local authority carried out repairs shortly after the incident that led to the facility shutting in December, and insisted the ongoing delay is down to the electricity supplier responsible for installing a new meter.

The toilets have been closed since a water leak left the building without power at the end of last year.

Mr Millar said work was completed within a week of the leak by council contractors.

However, he claimed the electrical supply company has missed several scheduled appointments and has not provided a date for the work to be completed, despite what he described as continued pressure from the council.

Councillor Drew Millar

He also criticised what he described as inaccurate claims online following Radio Skye’s report, urging people to check the facts before blaming the local authority for the continued closure.

Writing on Facebook, he said:

“Despite continuing pressure from Council the company are still unwilling to supply a date when they will fit the new meter. As I am writing this I am hoping for a latest update. So please if you are one of those key board warriors out there for once try to write a fact rather than just make something up.”

The original story featured concerns from Portree business Siaway, who said visitors are regularly asking to use their facilities.

Highland Council says public toilets are not a statutory responsibility for local authorities.

Drew Millar’s Facebook post in full:

“It seems this is another stick to beat the Council with when the blame quite clearly is with the supplier, or in this case the non supplier, of the electricity meter.

Following the water damage at the end of last year all remedial works were carried out by local contractors with the installation of a new meter the final component needed to finish the job.

Despite continuing pressure from Council the company are still unwilling to supply a date when they will fit the new meter. As I am writing this I am hoping for a latest update. So please if you are one of those key board warriors out there for once try to write a fact rather than just make something up.

FACT : Highland Council carried out the necessary repairs, within one week following the water leak back in December 2025, since then we have been waiting for the electrical supply company to attend and replace the electric meter, they have failed to show up to at least four appointments and we are continuing to chase them.”

Police in the Highlands and Islands are warning dog owners to be vigilant as incidents of livestock worrying continue to rise.

The problem occurs when dogs chase, attack, or scare farm animals. It poses an added risk to animal welfare during the lambing and calving season.

PC Anna Jones of Kyle Police Station told Radio Skye:

“It can have serious consequences. Even well trained dogs can cause harm if they’re off the lead or not under control near livestock.

“These incidents can lead to injury, distress, miscarriage and even death for some of those animals.

“The impact on farmers can be significant so it’s something to bear in mind coming into the season.

“The increase in tourism in this part of the country will lead to a lot of people coming here who aren’t fully aware of the consequences of having dogs off the lead.

“More awareness is needed.”

Anyone found guilty of livestock worrying could face:

• A fine of up to £40,000
• Up to 12 months in prison
• In some cases, landowners may legally shoot a dog to stop an ongoing attack

Businesses in Portree are raising concerns over the continued closure of the public toilets in the village.

Highland Council says the facility has been shut since the 10th of December after a water leak damaged the electric meter, leaving the building without power.

The electricity company contracted to do the work is yet to complete the repairs.

Local businesses say tourists are regularly asking to use their facilities, adding to the strain during busy periods.

Tom Eveling owns the Siaway pizza place. He said:

“We contacted the local council as well as Kate Forbes MSP and I believe things are moving in the right direction, albeit probably too slowly for some.

“These things do take time as there are some local issues involved.

“It is frustrating for all concerned that a local hub for Skye like Portree has no public toilets at present. Heading into a new season, considering the island received in the region of a million visitors a year.

“I know other less busy areas provide these amenities and also charge for them. It seems a no brainer to avoid any potential chaos whilst also earning some revenue at the same time.”

The local authority points out that public toilets are not a statutory function of the council.

Police recover drugs and weapons during Skye search

A woman has been arrested after officers searched a property in Skye as part of an investigation into alleged drug dealing.

The raid took place on Thursday 26 March. A quantity of drugs was recovered as well as several illegal weapons.

A woman was arrested at the scene and has since been released pending further enquiries.

A romance fraudster who conned men out of tens of thousands of pounds has been jailed for more than seven years after being arrested on Skye.

According to the Daily Record, police body-worn camera footage released after the sentencing shows officers arresting Gemma Kingsley at a property on the island.

Kingsley, 50, was sentenced to seven years and seven months in prison at Swindon Crown Court this week.

The court heard she deceived several men over a number of years, persuading them to spend huge sums while claiming she was due to inherit a large amount of money from a relative.

Sentencing her, Judge Jason Taylor KC said she had “woven a web of lies” while funding an extravagant lifestyle.

The Daily Record reports that Kingsley was arrested on Skye in June 2025 after being stopped for speeding.

The UK government is ending a visa-free arrangement that allowed foreign sheep shearers to work in the UK.

The scheme, which has been in place since 2012, allowed workers from countries like New Zealand and Australia to provide seasonal work.

Visas have been extended for the 2026 shearing season, but from now on overseas shearers will need to apply for a visa.

The concession will end on 30 June and will not be renewed in 2027.

The UK Government has urged the industry to train up more people here.

The season in the UK runs from May to August, making it difficult to sustain full time jobs in the sector.

If sheep aren’t shorn they can be at risk of skin infections.

Jake Sayles from Dun Flashadder Cottage Croft is Group Secretary of NFU Scotland representing Loch Duich, Skye and the Western Isles. He told Radio Skye:

“It’ll have an enormous impact.

“Shearing is a very complex and technical skill.

“It’s learned by good instruction and repetition. Unfortunately I’ve had great instruction but not the repetition that these guys who come from abroad have.

“They’re extremely experienced professionals who can get through an awful lot of sheep carefully and quickly, which is great for livestock owners because they get their sheep sheared to welfare standards but also we get the wool.

“Without these kinds of people coming over we’re going to have a gap in terms of the capability to shear the sheep.

“I also think there’s something missing. When folk from New Zealand and Australia come over here, they bring their own experiences and their own background in agriculture which gets mixed in with our own communities.

“I think that’s really important as well as getting the work done.”

“There are so many shearers on Skye who will be able to attribute their interest and experience to a Kiwi or an Aussie shearer who has been over here.”

A Highland councillor has resigned from a key planning role after being told his comments about wind farms on Skye could be seen as bias.

Drew Millar stepped down as chairman of Highland Council’s North Planning Applications Committee following advice that he may have pre-judged renewable energy applications.

He said “there was no need for any more wind farms on Skye” during discussions on a project proposed for a site in his ward at a meeting in January.

Speaking to Radio Skye after his resignation, he said the move had not been entirely his own choice. “The decision wasn’t solely mine.”

He linked the situation to a discussion on plans for a wind farm at Balmeanach in the North West of the island, explaining: “We had a discussion about an application for a wind farm at Balmeanach in Skye a couple of months ago. I moved that we refuse the application.”

The proposal from developers Wind2 is for nine turbines to be erected near Edinbane with a maximum height of 150m (492ft). Councillors rejected the application at the meeting in January.

Council officials had recommended approval.

Millar said his comments during that meeting were later challenged. “Basically, I said that I didn’t see there was any reason for the wind farm on Skye. We are producing far more electricity than we needed in Skye, but also the whole Highlands of Scotland.”

At the time Wind2 said it was disappointed by the decision.

Proposed site for the Balmeanach wind farm

Planning committees make decisions on major applications, including energy infrastructure, in a quasi-judicial role.

That means councillors must avoid any perception they have already made up their minds before hearing all the evidence.

Millar added that legal advice suggested his remarks could be seen as bias: “The legal advice from the Highland Council was that people would have a perception that I was against wind farms and that I should really consider my position.”

Despite this, he maintains he did not pre-judge the application and pointed to his track record. “I still think that legal were wrong and that my voting record on any green energy applications in the last four years has usually gone with the officers’ recommendations.”

Ultimately, he said he stepped aside to avoid undermining the committee. “I decided that to protect the integrity of the committee, and the decision making process, it would be the best option for me to do that.”

He was critical of how wind farm developments are delivered, arguing: “The only people that are getting benefit out of more wind farms are the financiers who will take billions out of our island and hand back a few pennies.”

While he stressed he is not opposed to renewable energy in principle, he suggested a different approach. “If they want to build wind farms, build them offshore where it doesn’t affect the beauty of the island.”

Councillor Drew Millar

He also raised environmental concerns about the Balmeanach proposal, saying: “It’s about the environmental damage. Over the forty years, they reckon there would be over thirty white-tailed eagles killed and there would be some damage done to the golden eagle population too.”

On infrastructure, Millar argued that energy production is outpacing capacity. “They’re producing so much electricity that they’re having to pay people not to produce it.”

He added: “We know there’s a need for electricity, but the end result is that we’re producing far more than Scotland will ever need and we’re paying the highest prices for electricity. Something is wrong there.”

Looking ahead, he called for a pause in further developments. “Why don’t we look at a moratorium to say, ‘stop’? Let’s get the infrastructure in place first.”

Millar also suggested the wider planning system is under strain. “Highland Council planning service is swamped with applications of all sizes for green energy. It seems to be out of control.”

He said he may yet challenge the legal advice that led to his resignation, adding he had received a differing opinion from his own legal counsel.

Finally, reflecting on the wider atmosphere around planning decisions, he described increasing pressure on members. “A lot of councillors are quite concerned about the way things are going. They feel quite nervous when they’re being accused, shouted at, ridiculed and attacked on social media, as well as in public meetings.”

But he said criticism did not affect him personally: “It doesn’t worry me. I couldn’t care less. They can say what they like about me.”

Highland Council said councillors are required to follow strict rules when taking part in planning decisions.

In a statement, a spokesperson said: “Councillors have agreed to abide by the Councillors’ Code of Conduct.

“Section 7 of the Guidance on the Code sets out in detail the expectations and obligations upon elected members when participating in quasi-judicial decision making such as planning applications.”

They pointed to national guidance which states: “The Key Principles set out at Section 2 of the Code, in particular Integrity, Objectivity, and Openness, are of particular importance where you are taking decisions on quasi-judicial or regulatory matters.

“The decisions you take will often have a significant impact on the applicant and others.”

The statement added that such decisions are often subject to scrutiny and potential legal challenge.

Quoting further guidance, the spokesperson said: “When making quasi-judicial or regulatory decisions, you must do so objectively and with an open mind. Your decision should be made in accordance with the law, your Council’s policies and should be based solely on the merits of the case.”

They added: “While officers may offer advice, adherence with the Code is entirely the personal responsibility of the member.”

You can listen to the full interview with Drew Millar below.