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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