Skye and Raasay could face new controls on holiday lets under Highland Council plans

People are being asked for their views on plans to introduce new controls on short-term holiday lets across parts of the Highlands.

Highland Council has opened a six week consultation on proposals for two Short Term Let Control Areas (STLCAs), including one covering Skye and Raasay, Lochalsh, Lochaber, Wester Ross and Sutherland.

If approved, homeowners would need planning permission before changing a residential property into a secondary short-term let, such as an Airbnb, where the owner does not normally live in the property.

The council said the move was aimed at balancing tourism with increasing pressure on local housing.

Figures released as part of the consultation show that 13.6% of homes sold in Skye and Lochalsh between 2019 and 2024 were later converted into short-term lets.

Highland Council also said more than 38% of homes sold across the proposed rural control area during the same period were bought by people from outside the Highlands.

Portree has the highest concentration of anywhere in the Highlands, with more then 30% of homes operating as licensed short-term lets as of July 2025.

The authority said housing pressure in rural communities is contributing to wider issues including depopulation and falling school rolls.

Council convener Bill Lobban said tourism remained “vital” to the Highland economy and stressed the proposals would not amount to a ban on holiday lets.

He said: “What they allow us to do is balance tourism growth with local housing need by managing concentrations of short-term lets in areas where housing availability or neighbourhood amenity is adversely affected.”

The consultation runs until 23 June, with a drop in event due to take place in Portree on 25 May.

A separate proposed control area would cover parts of Inverness, where the council said large numbers of city centre flats had been converted into short-term accommodation.

Maternity services hit by housing issues in Skye and Lochalsh

A lack of accommodation across Skye and Lochalsh is having a marked impact on maternity service across the area according to a spokesperson for NHS Highland

Radio Skye understands that there are close to 20 women due to give birth in December, while the maternity unit at Broadford Hospital is closed and there is no midwife cover between 5pm and 9am due to vacancies.

In a statement to Radio Skye, a spokesperson for NHS Highland said there were currently vacancies for registered midwives to work across both the midwife led unit at Broadford and the community of Skye and Lochalsh.

The spokesperson went on to say that the local health authority was also hoping to advertise soon for a health care support worker in the near future to be part of the maternity team.

Addressing some of the key issues effecting recruitment, they went on to say that it remains a challenge to attract staff to come to work in this area, while another challenge centre on the availability of of accommodation both to rent and to purchase and the affordability of that accommodation.

The spokesperson said that the NHS have had great assistance with this from the local housing association and community members and are continuing to work in partnership with our public and private sector colleagues to address, as part of our infrastructure plans for the region.

Festival of Smalls Halls set to host a wealth of talent

Portree Post Office goes up for sale

Post Office Ltd is looking for applicants to purchase the Portree service which has been running two days a week since late March.

The advert on the post office website states that they are looking for a successful retailer to either purchase or incorporate a Post Office Main into their existing or proposed business.

The Skye capital service located in Wentworth was in abeyance from 9th February due to 30th March due to operational reasons.

It has been run on Thursday and Fridays from 9am to 5pm since then by Rob Wilson, who owns the Kyle Mace shop which includes the village post office.

The advert on the post office website states that they are looking for a successful retailer to either purchase or incorporate a Post Office Main into their existing or proposed business.

The exact layout and design will be agreed with the applicant to suit their business, while the estimated post office fees are estimated to be between £28,800 to £35,000 per year.

RagTag seek DJ for fashion show event

A social enterprise on Skye which promote mental and social wellbeing is seeking the services of a DJ for an upcoming fashion show.

RagTag is hosting its annual fashion show on Saturday 11th November at Kyleakin Hall but are currently searching for someone to provide a musical backdrop to the event.

During the event, RagTag will showcase upcycled and recycled clothes along with preloved clothes. Students from Lorraine MacLucas Performing Arts studio will put on a show alongside models from Ragtag and Kyleakin Connections.

Lochalsh Reuse & Recycle Hub, Hamish MacBus, Selkie Collective, and Ragtag will have stalls at the event.

RagTag are looking to secure the services of a DJ on the day to play background music and operate the OA system from 1pm to 4pm at Kyleakin Hall on Saturday 11th November.

For more information you can email – hello@ragtagskye.org

Skye Dance to mark 20-year anniversary

Island organisation SkyeDance will mark their 20-year anniversary by holding a celebratory showcase at the venue in Portree High School on the 28th October at 6.30pm.

The group will showcase local dance talent, who will performing in various styles of dance.

Tea, coffee and cake will also be available, along with the opportunity to win some raffle prizes sourced by local businesses.

Skye and Shiel players set for Scotland action

Scotland Squad travel to Belfast ahead of the Mowi Scotland Shinty Hurling International against Ireland.

Kinlochshiel’s Finlay MacRae is poised to achieve his 20th cap, while fellow Shiel player Duncan Matheson and Skye Captain John Gillies are set to win their second and first caps, respectively.

Saturday match at Páirc Esler in Newry, which is a 3pm throw up, will be the first meeting of the nations in the traditional crossover clash since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Speaking to Radio Skye ahead of the match, Skye Camanachd Captain John Gillies said: “I am really looking forward to having the shinty – hurling international back this year for the first time in four years.

“I would say it has been missed but it is definitely good it is back.

“I am honoured to be getting my first call-up for the senior squad on the back of what has been a good year for Skye, and for me personally. Staying up in the Premiership was the main objective, but also getting to a major final.

“It is a different type of game, and obviously we will have to adapt, they are very fit and physical over there, it will be a good experience and one I will relish and hope to have more of.”

You can listen to the latest local news for Skye and Lochalsh live at the times below by clicking on the banner. 

YouthSPACE attendee Charlie surprised youth mentor Robert and station manager Suzy with the cheque and donation during the recent Balmacara Gala.

The money will be used to buy new equipment for the training scheme.

If you’re aged 16 to 24 and are interested in radio, film and media training, or would like to take on a new challenge to help improve your confidence, visit the website to find out more about YouthSPACE: www.radioskye.com/youthspace

Urgent care centre plans “totally unacceptable”

The chair of SOS-NHS Skye has described new plans to extend urgent care at Portree Hospital as unacceptable and argued that the group were not consulted as part of the process.

Urgent care at the Skye capital hospital is currently provided at weekend and bank holidays only.

However, NHS Highland recently confirmed to Radio Skye that urgent care will be delivered from Portree Hospital four days a week from August and then extended to seven days a week from November.

Speaking to Radio Skye following an SOS-NHS Skye meeting on Monday night (26th June) chair Fay Thomson said: “I think the overall feeling is one of great disappointment and frustration.

“Certainly there was unanimous agreement that the proposals for urgent at the Sir Lewis Ritchie steering group meeting were just totally unacceptable, and there is real concern that there was no consultation whatsoever with the community before the proposed times of urgent care were announced.”

Radio Skye asked if the proposals were not the best viable solution, given the recruitment challenges faced by NHS Highland.

Ms Thomson said: “That is certainly not our observations…the basic fact is there was a service in 2018 from 8am to 11pm, and presumably some on-call overnight, so it is something that was provided in Portree for many years.”

Louise Bussell, NHS Highland’s Senior Responsible Officer for the Skye, Lochalsh and South West Ross redesign commented to Radio Skye after the meeting on Skye, where the proposal were announced.

She told that station that there was a general feeling of positivity about moving forward and she thanked the local communities for working with NHS to develop sustainable services in the area.

Views sought on new tourist levy bill

The Scottish Parliament is seeking views on a new visitor levy bill that would empower local authorities to introduce a small additional charge to overnight visitors.

Holyrood’s local government, housing and planning committee have open up a online forum for people to share their views on the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill.

In February, Councillor Ken Gowans who chairs the Highland Council’s economy committee, said the levy would bring in an estimated £5 to £10 million per year of revenue to the council to support the tourism sector, and improve infrastructure and enhance the visitor experience.

If approved the bill would not be implemented by the Highland Council until 2026.

Councillor Gowans said the council would use that time to undertake extensive consultation with its partners, communities, and stakeholders to assist in the Levy’s introduction across the Highlands.

New study finds Lochalsh bays among most polluted

Balmacara Bay has been ref flagged as one of most polluted areas according to an aerial photo study of Scotland’s waters.

Scotland’s Coastal Rubbish Aerial Photography (SCRAPbook) used aerial photography collected by light aircraft to identify visible macro litter on the coast.

A team of citizen scientists assessed the images for data intensity and litter types.

The Lochalsh Community Council has reported that the evidence show its coastal area, particularly Balmacara Bay and areas of Kyle, as some of the most polluted shores with marine litter registering a score of five – the highest on the intensity scale

The Moray Firth Coastal Partnership will be in the area for a week over August to help clean up our shores.

Images below taken by the SCRAPbook project detail the intensity of the pollution found.

SEALL appoints new creative director

Skye-based cultural body SEALL has announced the appointment of a new creative director

Jamie Sutherland is currently the Music Programme Manager at Edinburgh’s Summerhall Arts Venue and will take up the post in September.

Gareth Morgan, Chair of the SEALL board, described Jamie as an outstanding individual who he said will bring innovation, creativity, and leadership to SEALL in this key role.

Commenting on his appointment, Jamie Sutherland said he was thrilled and delighted to take on the role of Creative Director at SEALL.

He added: “The opportunity to move up to this beautiful part of the world is one my family and I couldn’t pass up! I look forward to meeting and working with the brilliant team and board at SEALL.”

You can listen to the latest local news for Skye and Lochalsh live at the times below by clicking on the banner. 

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.

For more information or to donate to the JustGiving, click on the image below.

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.

You can listen to the latest local news for Skye and Lochalsh live at the times below by clicking on the banner. 

Skye school takes on 500-mile defib challenge

Pupils from Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Phort Rìgh and Sgoil Araich have today taken part in a 500-mile walking challenge to raise money for a community defibrillator.

The school pupils were joined by parents and staff as they undertook the challenge from the Skye Camanachd club house in Portree.

Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Phort Rìgh aim is to raise £2,000 for a defibrillator through the Skye-based charity Lucky2Bhere, which has place more than 700 life-saving devices across Scotland.

Radio Skye went along to the Skye Camanachd clubhouse this morning for the start of the challenge.

Here is Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Phort Rìgh head teacher Flora Guidi talking about the school’s fundraising enterprise.

To find out more or donate to you can visit the fundraising page here.

NHS Highland “sorry” over departure of key Skye health care worker

NHS Highland has today praised the work of a long-serving occupational therapist on Skye who left her job after she claims she was denied full-time hours.

Anne Marie Ferguson worked as an occupational therapist on Skye for a decade helping patients discharged from both Broadford and Portree Hospital.

On Tuesday she told Radio Skye that she left her job after her her request to increase hours from 25 to 37 a week to meet the demands of her job and managed increased cost of living were rejected.

The former healthcare worker said that while she had no choice but to leave the NHS, she feels she has let her former colleagues down.

A statement sent to Radio Skye today, a spokesperson for NHS said: “We are sorry that Anne Marie has moved from her post as occupational therapist as she was a valued member of the team locally.

“Over the past few years, we have increased the local team’s capacity by 25 per cent to meet clinical need.

“Although we currently do not have vacancies in the occupational therapy team on Skye we are working with local teams to consider where we can use peoples’ skills and expertise in wider roles across clinical areas.

“I am sorry that this was not yet an option for Anne Marie at the time she left the Board.”

Police appeal for information on fatal Strathcarron crash

Police are appealing for information following a fatal road crash in Strathcarron on Tuesday night.

Police received a report of a Volkswagen Polo colliding with a bridge on the A890 at Strathcarron at 9.05 on Tuesday night

Emergency services attended and the 79-year-old male driver of the car was pronounced dead at the scene.

The road was closed for several hours as crash scene investigators conducted enquiries at the scene.

Sergeant Alasdair MacKay said: “Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the crash and I would appeal to anyone who may have been in the area around the time of the incident to contact us.”

Sergeant McKay asked for those with dash cam equipment to check their footage as it could hold images which would assist with the police’s enquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 3769 of 23 May 2023.

Highland public toilet map shows lack of baby changing and disabled provisions

The Highland Council has today published a map detailing public conveniences across the local authority region.

The number of Comfort Scheme providers -providing public convenience facilities is set to increase by more than 30 per cent from 42 to 55 with new 3-year agreements in place.

However, of the 12 public toilets located across Skye, only two, in Glendale and at the Old Man of Storr, provide both baby changing and disabled facilities, while in Lochalsh, Glenelg is the only convenience stop to offer both provisions.

The results of a survey conducted by the Highland Council found that 14 per cent of the current comfort schemes are located in Skye and Lochalsh, while 27 per cent of all the comfort scheme operators were on the NC500.

You can listen to the latest local news for Skye and Lochalsh at the times below by clicking on the banner. 

The Portree Post Office is set to reopen on a two-day a week basis from this Thursday (30th March).

The Skye capital service has been in abeyance since 9th February due to operational reasons.

However, on Sunday, Rob Wilson, who owns the Kyle Mace shop which includes the village post office, announced that he would be bringing post office services back to Portree on Thursday and Fridays.

Commenting to Radio Skye on Sunday night, Mr Wilson said he would be in Portree for the transfer of the service on Monday with the shop due to reopen on Thursday 30th March.

Mr Wilson said that the service would be run on Thursdays and Fridays between 9am and 5pm.

He said that to enable customers to use the service during lunchtime there would be no breaks in service and the post office would be fully operational throughout the eight-hour period.

In a statement sent to Radio Skye, a Post Office spokesperson said: “We are pleased to announce that Portree Post Office is to re-open on 30 March at the current location.

“We know how important a Post Office is to a community and a part-time service will allow us to restore Post Office services as soon as possible. The branch will be open on a Thursday and Friday from 9am – 5pm.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused by being unable to provide a full-time service at this time. The same range of Post Office services will be available.

They added: “Alternative branches are Struan, Uig, Dunvegan and Broadford and there are outreach branches at Sconser and Edinbane. Customers are recommended to visit postoffice.co.uk/branch-finder to see these locations, opening times and services provided.”

Earlier this month, Radio Skye heard from fellow island services trying to bridge the gap during the pause in service at the Portree Post Office.

Gillian Brown, the resident postmistress in Uig, said that the north Skye shop had experienced levels of custom like that seen at Christmas time, while Megan and Adam MacDonald, who run the Post Office in Broadford, said there had been a five-fold increase in business.

Uig ferries suspension continues

The suspension of services at Uig harbour will continue today as the Highland Council seeks to resolve issues with the temporary bridge at the Skye port.

In the meantime, CalMac are instead operating a daily service between Lochmaddy and Ullapool.

The ferry operator took the decision to divert sailings away from Uig on Thursday after it emerged that vehicles greater than 10 metres in length were unable to travel through it.

The closure came just hours Uig harbour reopen from a nine-week closure for vital redevelopment works to prepare for a new linkspan.

CalMac has said it is pressing the harbour authority Highland Council to resolve this matter as quickly as possible so that we can resume our services to Uig.

For more information, please visit the CalMac website here.

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Shinty: mixed fortunes for Skye and Lochalsh sides

MacTavish Cup

There were mixed fortunes for the local shinty sides across Skye and Lochalsh this weekend with Skye men’s first team progressing to the second round of the MacTavish Cup, while Shiel men’s first fell to defeat.

Skye Camanachd prevailed in extra-time in a 3-2 away win against Fort William, while Shiel were eliminated by Newtonmore after enduring a 2-0 loss.

Skye opened the scoring thanks to Ross Gordon but the islanders were pegged back five minutes later by the home side who equalised through a Victor Smith penalty.

The scores remained levelled until the 56th minute when Jack Fraser struck to put Fort William ahead. With 15 minutes to play Skye drew level courtesy of James Pringle, whose goal took the game to extra-time.

In the 112th minute Sam Stubbs scored Skye’s third goal to seal their place in the second round.

Skye have been drawn against Beauly this afternoon in the quarter-finals.

Beauly secure passage to the quarter finals with a thumping 5-1 win away to Strathglass.

Kinlochshiel tough start to the 2023 campaign continued at the Eilean on Saturday as they fell to a 2-0 defeat against Newtonmore.

Craig MacLeod and Craig MacIsaac scored as the Lochalsh side suffered their third successive loss this season.

The other MacTavish Cup ties see Lochaber  take on Newtonmore, while Lovat will entertain holders Kingussie at Balgate.

North Division 1

Skye seconds lost 4-3 away to Kingussie despite a spirited performance in which they came back twice from 1-0 and then 3-2 down.

Ruraidh MacLeod scored twice and Archie Miller was also on the scoresheet for Skye.

WCA North Division 2

Shiel ladies earned a 2-0 away win against Glenurquhart thanks to goals from Lexie MacKenzie and Alaina MacLennan in either half in their WCA North Division 2 clash.

The victory puts Shiel third in the table with two wins from their first two games.

Skye ladies second team endured a game to forget as Inverness ran riot to claim a 9-2 win at Bught Park thanks in large part to four goals apiece from Isla McNeil and Kamryn Hughes.

News by Adam Gordon

You can listen to the latest local news for Skye and Lochalsh at the times listed below by clicking on the banner