Skye health chair seeks answers from MSP on urgent care
The chair of SOS-NHS Skye has today (Friday 24th November) called on Kate Forbes to provide answers on the future of urgent care in the north of the island.
Fay Thomson, who leads the island pressure group, said it was up to Skye’s MSP to find a resolution to the uncertainty surrounding the provision – which was expect to extend to a seven-day service this month.
In June, a spokesperson for NHS Highland told Radio Skye that the urgent care provision would be extended to seven days a week from November with support from the Rural Support Team and Broadford Hospital.
However, with December just a week away, urgent care is currently open across just four days a week, while the local health authority has yet to confirm a date for the extension of the service.
Speaking to Radio Skye today, Fay Thomson said that islanders were tired of being involved in a cycle of meetings and went on to accused NHS Highland of breaking promises.
Kate Forbes said she shared SOS-NHS Skye’s frustration that not all recommendations in Sir Lewis Ritchie’s report have been delivered and they are still reactively battling to restore critical cover at Portree Hospital (pictured above.)
The former finance secretary said she was hugely grateful for the efforts of existing staff on the ground, and said that Advanced Nurse Practitioners completing their training should make a difference.
She also said she “hoped Sir Lewis’ recent report would have ensured that the matter of urgent care for North Skye would have been a top priority for the NHS Highland board – and said we are all seeking answers from the health board on this critical issue.”
Responding to Kate Forbes SOS-NHS Skye’s chair said it was incumbent on the MSP to get to the bottom of the situation.
Radio Skye has approached NHS Highland for comment on the service and are awaiting a response.
The SOS-NHS Skye meeting will be held on Monday (27th November) at 7pm at the Church of Scotland hall on York Drive in Portree.
Police from the Highlands and Islands Division are working to trace the next of kin for a Northern Irish man, who was found dead in accommodation in Drumnadrochit on Monday 9th October.
Henry Malceed Stewart, 67, who was originally from Belfast, had been staying and travelling between Inverness and Northern Ireland.
The police said there are no suspicious circumstances relating to his death.
Officers have been unable to establish his next of kin since then and are asking anyone who may be able to assist to get in touch.
Anyone who may be able to help can call 101, quoting reference 0298 of 9 October, 2023.
Skye Live co-founder leads tributes to Niteworks
The co-founder of Skye Live has paid tribute to Niteworks following the band’s announcement that next year’s gigs will their final shows.
Allan MacDonald, Christopher Nicolson, Innes Strachan and Ruairidh Graham set up Niteworks on Skye when they were 17, and have gone to cultivate a reputation as trailblazers in Gaelic music, forging traditional and electronic elements to great effect.
The band have entertained fans across Scotland, the UK, and Europe, and made their mark globally by performing at Edinburgh famous Hogmanay Party.
In a statement released via its social channels, Niteworks (pictured above) said they had made the decision with a heavy heart but it had never been a full-time venture for them.
They described their time playing together since the age of 17 as a blast and said never in their wildest dreams could they imagine where the band would have taken them.
Band members Allan, Chris, Innes and Ruairidh, said they had now reached a point in their lives where they have a few more responsibilities than when we started.
Speaking to Radio Skye, Skye Live co-founder Niall Munro praise Niteworks for their impact and influence on the island and beyond.
He said: “I’m a sure a lot of people feel sad.
“They have been a huge part of the traditional music scene over the last 10 years and a key player and feature of Skye Live from day one up until last year’s event.
“They will for sure leave a legacy behind. They’ve opened traditional music up to a whole new demographic through their fusion of genres, and that has been incredible to see – it’s been great to see them inspire so much of the younger generation.”
Niteworks will perform a small run of select shows in 2024 and said they would love to see as many fans at them as possible for one more dance.
They added that they had a huge amount of people to thank, and without the incredible support of their fans, none of this would ever have been possible.
Skye captain named Scotland’s top player
The newly crowned top shinty player in Scotland has spoken about her surprise at being named the country’s outstanding talent for the 2023 season.
Skye Camanachd Captain Caitlin MacLean (pictured below) was chosen as the Mowi National Division Player Of The Year at the Women’s Camanachd Association’s end of season awards.
Caitlin led Skye ladies to success in the Valerie Fraser Camanachd Cup Final, where they defeat holders and fierce rivals Badenoch in the semi finals before overcoming Glasgow Mid Arygll to triumph in the showpiece.
Reacting to the award win, Caitlin MacLean, who also captains the Scotland international team, said she was surprised and humbled.
Looking ahead to 2024, the islander said that Skye had their sights on trying not only to retain the Valerie Fraser Camanachd Cup but also on wresting the league championship away from Badenoch.
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North Skye urgent care under the spotlight
The provision of urgent for north Skye is set come under the spotlight at First Minister’s Questions at Holyrood today.
Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston will ask about the service which was expected to increase to seven days this month.
Since August this year, the urgent care service based at Portree Hospital has been operational from 8am until 8.30pm four days a week, on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Mr Halcro Johnstone will ask the cabinet secretary to tell him and his constituents in north Skye “when they will get this vital service back in Portree – for 7 days a week – as they have been promised?”
In an update in early November, a spokesperson for NHS Highland told Radio Skye that its team are continuing to work towards establishing a seven-day service.
However, they said that was dependent on a number of factors, including having sufficient staff who are able to deliver care at an advanced level.
Generation Game fundraiser to honour Harris
Emergency services personnel from across Skye and Lochalsh are joining forces to raise funds for a specialist piece of equipment to aid children living with cancer across the Highlands.
Workers from the local fire brigade, police, ambulance service and the local hospital are holding a Generation Game style event at Kyleakin village hall this Saturday to raise funds for a special pump which allows chemotherapy treatments to be administered out with hospital.
The emergency services members are holding the fundraising in honour of nine-year-old Harris Morrison who has been courageously fighting ill health all his life and was diagnosed with cancer towards the end of 2019.
Harris underwent intensive treatments at the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital for close to two years before returning home to Skye in 2021.
Sadly, Harris has has a recurrence of his cancer. Unfortunately there are no treatment options and he is now receiving palliative care.
The organisers of the fundraisers said that Ruth and Peter, Harris’ parents, have been nothing but positive and incredible throughout what has to be the most difficult thing to face as parents.
The funds raised through the Generation Game night will be used to purchase a Computerised Ambulatory Delivery Device (CADD) pump which allows children to attend special occasions and have time at home whilst still receiving treatments via the pump.
It also enables symptom control to be administered at home during the last days of life.
The Generation Game event group are fundraising for Harris pumps that will be available in Raigmore Hospital for children with cancer in the Highland area so it does not have to be borrowed from Aberdeen hospital and will remain a legacy of this brave young boy.
The cost of one pump is £5000 and the group are also seeking donations to its raffle or auction which will be both be drawn on the night
The Generation Game Event will be held at 7pm on Saturday (25th November) at Kyleakin Hall.
Forbes calls for bespoke approach to tackle Highland housing crisis
Kate Forbes is calling for greater flexibility in housing policy rather than a one size fits all approach to tackle the challenges facing people in the Highlands
Speaking during a debate on the housing emergency in Scotland in Holyrood on Wednesday, Skye and Lochalsh’s MSP contended that bespoke solutions were needed to solve the distinct issues affecting people in her constituency.
Ms Forbes also argued that more attention should be paid to organisations like the Communities Housing Trust, which she described as exemplary.
Since being established in 1998, the Communities Housing Trust have worked on more than 120 community-led projects and seek to actively tackle repopulation.
The debate was led by Labour MSP Mark Griffin who has questioned the scale and speed of the Scottish Government’s plans for housing.
The Scottish Government has committed to delivering 110,000 affordable homes by 2032 – with at least 10 per cent in remote, rural and island areas.
However, Mr Griffin has asked that the government set an interim target for 5,500 houses to be completed in rural areas by 2026.
According to figures from the National Statistics Publication for Scotland, there were more than 39,000 homeless applications across the country from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023.
The figures represented an increase of nine per cent on the previous year’s figures.
Of those applications more than 32,000 applications were assessed as homeless which accounted for more than 53,000 people – a 10 per cent increase on 2021-22.
Highland has ranked as the sixth highest local authority out of 32 in Scotland for homeless applications from 2019 to 2023.
Niteworks’ Farewell: 2024 gigs to band’s last shows
Skye band Niteworks has today announced that 2024 will be their final year as a band.
In a statement released today via its socials, the band said they had made the decision with a heavy heart but it had never been a full-time venture for them.
They described their time playing together since the age of 17 as a blast and said never in their wildest dreams could they imagine where the band would have taken them.
Band members Allan, Chris, Innes and Ruairidh, said they had now reached a point in their lives where they have a few more responsibilities than when we started.
Niteworks will perform a small run of select shows in 2024 and said they would love to see as many fans at them as possible for one more dance.
They added that they had a huge amount of people to thank, and without the incredible support of their fans, none of this would ever have been possible.
Attadale Gardens chosen as Scotland’s best
Attadale Gardens has been announced as Scotland best in a Royal Horticultural Society Competition.
Attadale was chosen as Scotland winner RHS Regional Partner Garden of the Year
Custodian Joanna MacPherson, whose family have lived at Attadale for three generations, said: “It’s wonderful to have the hard work of the entire gardening team recognised again by our enthusiastic visitors. We are so pleased to get their kind and enthusiastic feedback.
Photo: members of the Attadale Gardens team with the award.
New farming funding for women and young people
Scotland’s Rural Affairs Secretary has announced a new fund to help women and young people develop careers in the farming sector.
Mairi Gougeon, who announced the support on Wednesday, said the funding would provide successful applicants with £500 each to help pay for practical training courses relevant to farming and crofting.
Speaking at the Royal Highland Centre, the Rural Affairs secretary said that supporting the next generation of farmers was imperative for the agriculture sector to continue to innovate and thrive.
She added that the Government was committed to helping women and young people stay in rural communities by equipping them with the necessary skills to pursue careers in farming and crofting.
For more information on The Next Generation and Women in Agriculture Practical Training Funds, click here.
Skye Mountain Rescue Team boosted by £1,200 brownies fund
The Isle of Skye Brownies have been commended by the Skye Mountain Rescue Team after raising more than £1,200 for the life-saving organisation.
The Skye brownies raised a total of £1,254 for the charity.
A spokesperson for Skye Mountain Rescue described the efforts as outstanding, adding that currently three out of every five rescues in Scotland are funded by donations from the public.
The said that without such generous support as that from the brownies the emergency service would not being able to exist.
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MSP Forbes “did not use WhatsApp” for Covid decisions
Former finance secretary Kate Forbes has said she did not use WhatsApp when it came to making decisions about Covid-19
The Skye and Lochalsh’s MSP comments come amid a request by the UK Covid-19 inquiry for the Scottish Goverment to submit 14,000 WhatsApp messages to the investigation.
The Scottish Government had been asked to disclose private messages containing discussions on key decision-making through
a legal notice under the Inquiries Act 2005. Under the notice individuals are instructed to hand over evidence, with those who refuse facing jail or a fine.
Kate Forbes was appointed as the Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy a month before the first UK lockdown in March 2020. She held the role until March 2023.
In a statement sent to Radio Skye, a spokesperson for Ms Forbes said “Kate has fully participated with the Scottish Covid Inquiry, and has already made an extensive initial submission.
“Kate has retained and submitted all relevant correspondence about decisions made during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“She did not use WhatsApp messages to make decisions about Covid-19.”
At First Ministers Question, the leader of the opposition, Conservative MSP Douglas Ross claimed that the Scottish National Party brought in an auto delete policy, not just after being told not to do so by the UK Covid inquiry, but after Nicola Sturgeon had set up a separate Scottish inquiry.
First Minister Humza Yousaf told the parliament that the Scottish Goverment were in the processing of sending all 14,000 WhatsApp messages to the inquiry, and defended his predecessor Nicola Sturgeon who has said has been transparent throughout her tenure as leader.
On Monday, Tuesday Nicola Sturgeon said Ms Sturgeon said she did not “manage the Covid response by WhatsApp” that she has got nothing to hide”
Portree to host Skye and Lochalsh local democracy event
People across Skye and Lochalsh are being invited to have their voices heard at a local democracy event on the island
Democracy Matters 2 event which will take place at the Portree Community Centre on Tuesday 14th November from 12pm to 2pm.
The session will be hosted by Skye and Lochalsh Council of Voluntary Organisations and Scottish Community Development Centre (SCDC) and is part of national Local Governance Review which is looking across all of Scotland’s public services to consider how power and resources should be shared between national and local government.
The discussion will be facilitated by the Scottish Community Development Centre (SCDC). A light lunch will be served at 12.00noon and the discussion will take place between 12.30pm and 2.30pm.
Scottish Goverment pledges £250,000 to support people in Gaza
The Scottish Goverment has pledged a further £250,000 to towards aid relief efforts to support displace people in Gaza.
An estimated 1.4 million people have been displaced in Gaza by conflict and military evacuation orders.
The funds will be used to help people in Gaza access food, water, shelter and medical supplies through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency’s Flash Appeal (UNRWA)
The support will be distributed through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency’s Flash Appeal (UNRWA)
More than 1,400 Israelis were killed by Hamas on October 7th, since then more than 8,805 Palestinians have been killed according to the Gaza Ministry of Health.
Police highlight risk of daily scams
The Highlands and Islands Police are asking people to keep vigilant for frauds and daily scams by issuing advice on what to look for.
Police Scotland says it receives reports of Frauds/Scams daily, with phone scams proving an easy way for criminal to con people out of their money.
The police have asked the public to be aware of banks scams where a scammer may ask for you pin number of tell you to give your bank card to a courier – this something your bank would never do.
Scammers may also pretend to be a member of the HMRC and claim that there is an issue with your tax refund or an unpaid tax bill – they may leave you a message and ask you call and also ask you to reveal personal financial information – which the real HMRC would not ask of you.
The Police say no to any request if you are unsure and contact the real service in question later.
Five-a-side tournament for girls
Skye & Lochalsh Female Football Club are hosting a girls only indoor football tournament in Portree this month
There will be two competitions within the tournament – one for 10 to 13 years and – and another for 14 to 18 year olds – both will be contested in five-a-side format.
The tournament will be held at the Fingal Centre in Portree on Saturday 18th November.
Anyone who would like to get involved can email slffc@hotmail.com
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A second preliminary hearing of a fatal accident inquiry into the death of a Loch Alsh fish farm worker is set to take place at Inverness Sheriff Court later this month.
Dornie resident, Clive Hendry (pictured), who was 58 at the time. drowned after he was crushed while transferring from a workboat to a barge at Mowi Scotland’s Ardintoul fish farm on February 18, 2020.
On Friday, the first initial hearing concerning Mr Hendry’s death was held at Inverness Sheriff Court.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Court and Tribunal Service told Radio Skye that a further preliminary hearing is set for 27th November at which substantive dates for the inquiry will be confirmed.
It followed on from the the prosecution and conviction of Mowi Scotland Limited for a breach of health and safety legislation in May 2023.
Clive’s partner of 28 years, Catriona Lockhart said she hoped that the tragedy would lead to changes which would make the fish farm industry a safe place to work.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Court and Tribunal Service told Radio Skye that a further preliminary hearing is set for 27th November at which substantive dates for the inquiry will be confirmed.
The committee of a Skye charity have paid tribute to its late chairman as unique and generous to anyone in need
Alasdair Nicolson established the Skye branch of Cancer Research UK alongside his wife Helen in 1986. The couple’s efforts helped to raise more than £1 million for cancer research
He died on October 24th after a long illness aged 81 and his funeral took place in Portree Monday.
The charity’s fundraising efforts have included regular events such as its annual sale of work auction in Staffin, which generated more than £24,000 in one day in 2019, to the recent edition – the North Skye tractor run from Uig to Staffin.
Alasdair and Helen Nicolson were both award The British Empire Medal in 2016 for their tireless work in the community
Praising Alasdair as their much-loved chairman, the committee said that Alasdair was generous towards anyone he knew was in need and added that he was unique, and will not be forgotten.
Scotland’s Finance secretary has failed to clarify whether next year’s freeze on council tax rates will have an impact on local authority jobs or services.
Addressing the matter at Holyrood this afternoon, Labour MSP Mark Griffin first asked the cabinet secretary for finance, Shona Robison what the estimated cost of the freeze would be and if the government could guarantee that this freeze wont lead to any redundancies, reduction of services, or increases in any other council charges
Responding to the question, the finance secretary did not provide any assurances.
The first minster has said that the freeze will benefit every council tax payer in Scotland at a time when rising prices are putting significant strain on household finances.
Council Leaders contend that the freeze on council tax is a serious breach of the verity house agreement between local government and the Scottish Goverment which was signed in June this year.
Councillor Derek Louden is the chair of the Highland Council’s Resources Committee: “Council tax freezes have a long term negative impact on local authority budgets and effectively widen the budget gap in the coming years.
The Highland Council is faces a budget gap of £60 to £70 million in the next financial year and up to £100 million over the next three years.
Radio Skye’s flagship charity drive Cram The Van begun today in what is its 10th year of supporting families across Skye and Lochalsh.
The Radio Skye YouthSPACE team delivered the famous red toy bins to shops from Kyle to Uig for the community to drop in brand-new toys that can be given to local families at Christmas time.
Over its ten years Cram the Van have donated thousands of new toys and gifts so this year the team at Radio Skye are hoping that people who can donate will, to help those who are in need.
This year’s 24 Hour Live Broadcast which kicked off the fundraising has already raised just over £1,500 with just over another £2500 still to find to make sure there is enough money to but gift vouchers and extra toys and toiletry gift packs.
Station Manager Suzy Lee said: “Christmas is a special time of year, its heart-breaking to think there are families who are not able to afford to buy presents for their children.
We know through our partnership with Skye and Lochalsh Citizens Advice Bureau that is has been yet another difficult year with people finding it hard to make ends meet. In the last three years we’ve seen our numbers triple, so we are just so pleased to be able to do our bit and encourage the community to take part.
She goes on to say ‘We are always overwhelmed by the support in the community, so many wonderful presents have been donated across the years, it’s a real honour to be part of the team delivering Cram the Van in its tenth year, we receive such lovely feed back from our partners.
Morag Hannah, Bureau Manger of Skye and Lochalsh Citizens Advice Bureau said: “Christmas is a magical time but its also a really expensive time, especially now, many children may have to go without this Christmas so if you’ve ever considered giving a gift to a child who might not have otherwise received one, now is the time.
In a broadcast for 24 Hour Live MSP Kate Forbes said ‘I’m absolutely behind Cram the Van Christmas Toy Appeal, in a year when families are struggling with the cost of living crisis, this is an opportunity to gift brand new toys to children. It’s a great appeal, but this year in particular, it might be more important than ever.”
They will have big red toy bins at the following locations around Skye and Lochalsh where you can drop them off:
Rankins, Uig
Portree Co-op (Woodpark Road)
Broadford Co-op
Kyle Co-op
Staffin Stores
Kyle Post Office
MacIntyre’s Toy Shop, Portree
RBS, Portree
Cozy Corner Café, Balmacara
Lochcarron Food Centre
Radio Skye Studio, Portree
The red bins will be out in shops for four weeks from Wednesday 1st November until Monday 6th December. These donations will be distributed to local families by our partners in good time for Christmas.
Click here for more information on the Radio Skye Cram the Van campaign.
Befriending Service Volunteers Needed
The Skye and Lochalsh Council of Voluntary Organisations are appealing for befriending volunteers on Skye
Volunteers are being sought to to visit to visit patients in Broadford Hospital who have limited social connections. Those volunteering would be able to commit to two visits a month for six months.
Befrienders are also needed to join a bank of volunteers to visit a person at home after hospital for a block of six weeks, making a minimum of three visits during that time.
Volunteers will not become involved in personal care and domestic tasks such as shopping or cleaning.
Interested parties contact Samantha-Jo McArthur at befrienders@slcvo.org.uk
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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 11th 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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Community welcomes support from MSP in campaign against pylon route
A leading campaigner against plans which could see super plyons sited in south Skye has welcomed the support of Kate Forbes MSP following a meeting today.
Ms Forbes met with community members from Kyleakin, Kylerhea, and Glenelg who have expressed concerns over the Skye Reinforcement Plan and its impact on the environment, wildlife, the community, and the Glenelg to Skye Ferry which is being led by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks.
Under the proposals, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks. has submitted two routes whereby 160 kilometres of new overhead line and underline cabling between Ardmore 30km north west of Portree to the Fort Augustus substation would be sited.
The route will be determined by Scottish Ministers.
Catriona Knox, is the secretary of the Kylerhea Community Forum, welcome the support of Kate Forbes but hope that it would amount to more than just words.
Majority of residents against wind farm says Breakish survey
More than 90% of residents surveyed in the south Skye community of Breakish are opposed to current proposals for a wind farm development comprising nineteen 200-metre-high turbines.
The survey was carried out by the newly formed Breakish Wind farm Action Group (BWAG) following two public meetings attended by ninety residents.
Breakish Wind farm Action Group said that in a community of just sixty-five dwellings, the survey results demonstrated the depth of feeling as details emerged of the scale of the proposed windfarm.
The proposal, which is currently going through a pre-planning scoping phase, is being led by Lomond Energy on behalf of Swedish developer, ARISE.
Two vehicle crash in Staffin road layby
One driver has issued with a fixed penalty notice following a two-vehicle crash which occurred between Staffin and Portree this afternoon.
Police Scotland told Radio Skye that the penalty was handed out after a two-car crash in a layby on the A855 between the Old Man of Storr and Portree.
No injuries have been reported.
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Scottish Goverment “hindering” new Skye school build
Skye and Raasay Councillor Ruraidh Stewart accused the Scottish Goverment of hindering the construction of new primary school for Broadford and said there is no further room for delay on the project.
At present, the Highland Council is not able to precede with its current plans, or plan for future capitals projects, until the Scottish Goverment announces round three of Learning Estate Investment Programme.
The decision was expected to be made in December 2022.
Commenting to Radio Skye, Councillor Stewart described the conditions of the current school building at Broadford as deplorable, and claimed that surveys had revealed a third of the students at the school suffer from breathing problems due to dampness.
Meanwhile, the delay in the LEIP funding award also affects the pathway for a much-needed new primary school for Dunvegan.
The school building in north Skye has been affected by flooding and recurring damp and mould.
In an update sent to MSP Kate Forbes on Wednesday, which has been shared with Radio Skye, Scottish Education secretary Jenny Gilruth said that further time was needed to decide which projects would form part of phase three.
She said the delay was due to impact of market volatility on current projects and price increases.
Ms Gilruth said, and it is important that we get them right. However, I am committed to announcing the successful phase 3 projects as soon as possible.
Contentious HPMA plans halted
Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition Mairi McAllan has today halted controversial plans to introduce Highly Protected Marine Areas in Scotland’s water.
Ms McAllan made the announcement during a ministerial statement to Scottish Parliament on Thursday afternoon (29th June@
The minster said responses to the original consultation will continue to be analysed and that a further update would follow the summer recess.
Reacting to the announcement, Skye and Lochalsh’s MSP Kate Forbes welcomed the decision and urged island communities to continue to engage with future marine protection consultations.
Ms Forbes said it was a welcome change in tack by the Scottish Government.
But added that it was now critical that any new proposals for marine protected areas consider communities’ views, fishermen’s lived experiences and the importance of a truly just transition.
Scotland’s current Marine Protected network includes sites for nature conservation, protection of biodiversity and covers approximately 37 per cent of our seas.
However, the Scottish Government planned to introduce HPMAs in 10 per cent of Scotland’s seas.
Portree Nursery has today closed it waiting list for children under three due to staffing ratios and industry guidelines.
A spokesperson for the nursery said that the decision had been made with regret but had to be taken because of care inspectorate restrictions of the number of children attending at any one time.
Earlier this week the Highland Council launched a childcare survey to gauge the needs of parents across Skye and Raasay.
The questionnaire followed a childcare crisis meeting held in Portree earlier this month.
Portree Nursery announced the news via social media.
Opening of new Skye playpark delayed
The opening of a new £120,000 play park on Skye is set to be delayed due to issue concerning insurance.
The Matheson Place Play Park group which is overseeing the project, is part of the Portree and Braes Community Trust.
In an update today, the group said that signage was still to be installed while a few minor need to be resolved to satisfy the insurance policy.
The group said the hope to have the issues addressed by the end of the week so the park in Portree could be open on Saturday in time for the school holidays.
However, the group which has been led by Portree resident Tiffany Maberley – pictured above left with fellow volunteer Fiona Stoddart – said that official opening of the park would take place in either July or August to allow more time to organise the celebration.
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MSP Forbes urges feedback on remote and rural healthcare
MSP Kate Forbes is urging people from across the Highlands to take part in a new inquiry on healthcare in rural and remote areas.
The Scottish Parliament’s Health, Social Care and Sport Committee launched a consultation last week, which aims to improve services across rural Scotland.
The member for Skye and Lochalsh said that healthcare is one of the most frequently raised issues with her and that she is in regular dialogue with both NHS Highland and the Scottish Government.
She cited healthcare provision in north Skye as one of the key live issues across the region.
Ms Forbes said that the inquiry is an opportunity for people across the Highlands to let the Scottish Parliament know how healthcare is functioning in their own locality – what’s working well, and what could be improved.
You can give your opinions by visiting the consultation page here.
Sir Lewis Ritchie on Skye for update on key healthcare report
The author of a crucial health care report for Skye, Lochalsh and South West Ross is in Portree today to assess the progress of the paper’s recommendations.
Sir Lewis Ritchie will join community members, health care workers, and senior management from NHS Highland at a meeting at the Tigh na Sgire Highland Council chamber in the Skye capital from 12pm to 2pm this afternoon (Tuesday 20th June)
There will be a full review of the report’s recommendations, including updates on the number of community beds across the area, and the provision of urgent care at Portree Hospital, which at present is restricted to weekends and bank holidays only.
Community rallies in support of family of Balmacara man
More than £2,500 has been raised to support the family of a man from the Balmacara area who died in a crash on the A87.
Thirty-seven year old Joe Dutfield died following crash on the A87, between Kyle of Lochalsh and Balmacara which happened on 1st June.
On Sunday, a group called Dutfield Family Friends set up a crowdfunding page with the aim of raising £5,000 to support Joe Dutfield’s family.
The campaign has raised more than £2,500 in just two days to support Mr Dutfield’s family.
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Skye chef “blown away” by national award
Skye chef Calum Montgomery has said he has been “blown away” after winning the Scottish Chef of the Year accolade at the Scotsman Food and Drink’s Scran Awards.
Calum Montgomery, the chef-proprietor of Edinbane Lodge, was selected as the nation’s top chef at the award ceremony at Platform in Glasgow on Monday.
Reacting on social media, Calum thanked the judging panel and said he had so much respect for all his fellow finalists.
He added that he was genuinely blown away just to see his name alongside them.
In March, Edinbane Lodge received the coveted Restaurant of the Year honour at the Scottish Excellence Awards.
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Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Phort Rìgh to explore extra childcare provision
Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Phort Rìgh is exploring the possibility of providing pre-school and after-school childcare amid growing demand across Skye.
Discussions were due to take place at this week’s Comhairle nam Pàrant meeting at the school on proving pre-school Gaelic Medium childcare up to three years and wrap around Gaelic Medium after-school care for pupils from primary one through to primary seven.
The issue has come to the fore in recent months thanks to the efforts of Portree midwife Hannah Fraser who has shone a light on the need for greater childcare provision.
Earlier this month, Ms Fraser who has two children under the age of three, told Radio Skye she was struggling to arrange childcare for her 10-month-old son Fergus in time to return to work from maternity leave in May.
The Skye healthcare worker told Radio Skye she had reached out to other mums on the island and said she has been overwhelmed by the responses of many local women facing similar challenges.
Ms Fraser has approached Skye and Lochalsh’s MSP Kate Forbes to discuss what can be done to tackle the issue.
In April, a spokesperson for the Highland Council told Radio Skye that the local authority had been working with the Scottish Child Minders Association to support its ongoing recruitment campaign aiming to establish new childminders in specific remote and rural areas of Scotland.
The spokesperson said that Skye and Raasay ward had been highlighted as an area in Highland which would benefit most from the promotion of childminding as a career option in communities.
They added: “There are currently a number of options for childcare in Skye in the Portree, Shleite and Broadford communities. The Council continues to engage with partners and the community on steps to address the challenges on childcare in the area.”
Former Rangers star to give football and faith talk on Skye
The former Rangers and Trinidad and Tobago international footballer Marvin Andrew is set to visit Skye later this month to deliver a talk in conjunction with several churches across the island.
Marvin Andrews was a key part of the Livingston side which won the Scottish League Cup in 2004 before singing for Rangers.
He made 53 appearances for the Ibrox side during which time he helped them to win the Scottish Premier League title and the Scottish League Cup.
The defender played in the 2006 World Cup Finals for Trinidad and Tobago including against England in the group stage of the tournament.
The sportsman will speak about his faith and football on Sunday 21st May at Portree High School at 3pm.
The event is a part of a joint venture involving the Skye Bible Church, Xcel Church, the Church of Scotland, and the Free Church of Scotland.
U-15s Football: North West and Lochalsh kick off season with wins
Lochalsh started the Skye and Lochalsh under-15’s league season in fine fashion with a superb 6-1 win over Broadford.
The statement win puts the mainland outfit top of the league after the opening match.
Meanwhile, in the Skye capital, North West Skye defeated local rivals Portree 3-2 on Wednesday night.
Portree struck through Ruairi MacLeod and Donal Preston but North West earned all three points at the King George V thanks to a Jake Bold brace and a Cailean Dunkel goal.
The next round of fixtures will take place on Wednesday 3rd May when Lochalsh will host Portree in Kyleakin, while North West and and An-Ath Leathann will lock horns on the same evening.
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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