Skye mothers to hold candlelight vigil for people of Gaza

A group of mothers on Skye will hold a silent candlelight in solidarity with the people of Gaza in Portree next week

The Skye Mothers for the Children of Gaza Vigil will be held in Somerled Square on Wednesday 29th November at 6.30pm.

Dawn Campbell, who is one of the organisers, told Radio Skye that a group of local mothers have been moved by the plight of mothers and children in Gaza, and all other innocent civilians affected, and have decided to organise a silent and candlelit vigil for peace.

She said the vigil was a chance for people to show solidarity with mothers whose children are not sleeping safely in their beds at night.

She added that all are warmly invited to come along.

Meanwhile, island support group, the SkyeFugees has announced it will be hosting a pop-up shop to raise money for UNICEF’s Children in Gaza Crisis Appeal.

The event will be held at An Talla Mor at Sabhal Mor Ostaig College on Saturday 24th November between 4pm and 8pm

Kingussie “devasted” by loss of young star Calum Mackintosh

Kingussie Camanachd have said it is devasted following the sudden death of its young player of the year, Calum Mackintosh, who died aged just 20 from suspected heart failure on Saturday.

Calum Mackintosh, who was in his second year of a law course at Napier University, was a rising star at Kingussie Camanachd having represented the club from under-14s level.

Initially part of the second team this season, he broke his way into the first with a string of outstanding performances and went onto score in the Macaulay Cup Final, and started in the Camanachd Cup Final. He earned his first Premiership and Macpherson trophy medals.

Calum was unanimously chosen by the club’s coaches as the young players of the year for his impressive form across the season.

The club described Calum as a role model and one of life’s genuinely nice people.

They said that they are all devastated and said their thoughts are with all of his family.

Community priorities “vital” in Highland Council budget process

The Highland Council is inviting people across the region to take part in budget challenge to help inform proposals and decisions which will made in February 2024.

The Council anticipates a budget gap of up to £70 million in 2024-25 and £108 million over the next three years.

The convener of the Highland Council, Councillor Bill Lobban said: “It is vital that the council understands what is important to communities to help us make the right decisions as we plan ahead for the next three years.

“You can take part in the budget challenge and a related survey by visiting the Highland Council website.

Mànran to “kick-off 2024 with a bang” in Portree

Trad stars Mànran will take to stage at Portree Community Centre on New Year’s Day for special concert.

The seven-piece band will play in Portree hot off the release of their latest single Wild Mountain Thyme, which is set to raise money for charities supporting the homeless in Scotland this Christmas time.

Gary Innes of Mànran said the group were ready to kick off 2024 with a bang, and couldn’t wait “to see the lovely people of Portree for a big old party very soon.”

Clean sweep for Shiel ladies at WCA Awards

Kinlochshiel Ladies are celebrating a clean sweep at the Women’s Camanachd Association Awards having won the team of the year, coach of the year, and player of the year accolades for North Division 2.

Shiel romped to the title by winning all but one of their 16 matches and boasted the meanest defence in the division with just 21 goals conceded, and the most prolific attack having scored 111 goals across the league campaign.

Andrew MacKenzie was recognised at the awards for leading Shiel not just to the title, but also for steering them to success in the Mowi Challenge Cup which they successfully defended this season after first winning the trophy in 2022.

Shiel hot shot Lorna MacRae was selected as the North Division 2 Player of the Year for her attacking exploits. MacRae formed a lethal partnership with rising star Lexi Mackenzie, and plundered 20 goals for the Lochalsh club.

She told Radio Skye: “I am very grateful, that I was selected as player of the year, and I looking forward to next season.”

“Next season, we will be in the National Division, I don’t think it will be easy for us. We have done really well this year, the girls and the coaches have put in a lot of hard work.

“It is going to be a challenge, but it is definitely what we need.”

Portree girls take the spoils in inaugural Skye and Lochalsh five-a-sides

A team representing Portree have won the Skye and Lochalsh Female Football Club’s inaugural five-a-side tournament which was held in the Skye capital on Saturday.

The competition took place at the Fingal Centre and North West Eagles player Ceitidh McNab was named as the player of the year.

Speaking to Radio Skye coach and organiser Sarah Yoxon gave a lowdon on the action.

“It went really well, we were a little nervous at how successful it was going to be as we are just in the early stages of trying to increase participation of girls and women in football in the Skye and Lochalsh area.” she said.

“We had four teams enter, and from the smile on their faces at the end of the day, I would say they all really enjoyed it!

“A team from Portree played against a team made up of girls from different parts of the island in the final. The Portree team won after a very successful day, going unbeaten throughout the competition.”

She added: “Looking forward, the club hopes we can build on this and provide more opportunities for females to play football in the Skye and Lochalsh area.”

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

Skye and Raasay to become Scotland next national park?

A committment made through the Bute House agreement means at least one new National Park will be designed by 2026.

Man arrest for Broadford bike theft

A 20-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a theft in Broadford by police officers in Kyle.

A large quantity of camping equipment, a mountain bike, and a bag were stolen from a common close within the Broadford area between Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th November.

Police were able to track the items via an air tag the owner placed on the bike, which allowed police to swiftly trace the bike near the pinged location.

Enquiries were conducted and Police were able to recover all the items and return them to the owner.

Wealth of Skye talent nominated for Scots Trad Music Awards

Skye bands Valtos and Niteworks are both in contention for the live act of the year at 2023 Scots Trad Music Awards
The nominations include a wealth of talent from across the country, including a strong contingent of musicians, singers, and songwriters from Skye.

Niteworks and Valtos have been included alongside acts such as Elephant Sessions, Trail West, Talisk in what will be a hotly contested field.

Speaking to Radio Skye, Valtos’ Martyn MacDonald said the band were delighted to be nominated in what has been good year for the islanders.

“It’s amazing, we’re absolutely chuffed,” he said.

“We won up and coming artist of the year last year, and we’ve had an absolutely fantastic year, but that has now landed us in with the big boys, there’s some heavy hitters in the category.

“It has been a good year all-round, so maybe we can finish it with a little award.

Meanwhile Skye talents Lana Phaeton and Eilidh Cormack have both been named as nominees in the the Gaelic Singer of the Year category.

“𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝”

Alan Murray from Kilmuir, who is one half of the group Mist & Wing, has also been recognised in the nominations.
Alan, whose song ‘Fàilte gu Pàislig’ was chosen as the soundtrack to this year’s Royal National Mòd in Paisley, has received a nomination in the field of new writer.

He told Radio Skye: “It is a lovely surprise to be nominated for Scots Trad Music Award, and especially the Sue Wilson New Writer Award, I was not expecting it.”

He added: “Scottish music means a great deal to me, and it is a joy to be involved in it every day.
“It is a real honour to be nominated, and I looking forward to attending the ceremony in Dundee and getting a chance to see everyone.”

𝐀𝐥𝐛𝐮𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫

Peatbog Faeries’ record ‘I See A World’ has been named in the album of the year category, while Eilean a’ Cheòl by Angus MacKenzie and the School of Daimh at the Arisaig Hotel have been been shortlisted for the community project of the year.

The ceremony will be held at the Caird Hall in Dundee on Saturday 2nd December.

Voting closes on Sunday 19th November, and votes can be cast by on the Scots Trad Music Awards site.

Scotland women excel against Ireland in tour matches

Scotland recorded two emphatic victories in their shinty camogie tour of Ireland

Scotland put a West Cork select side to the sword on Friday night by outscoring their Celtic cousins by nine goals to two, Kinlochshiel’s Lorna MacRae also score a point as as well as goal in the win.

Skye’s Caitlin MacLean, who captained the Scotland team was also on the scoresheet alongside club teammate Sarah Yoxon as seven different scorers propelled Scotland to a famous win.

On Saturday Lorna MacRae struck twice and also secure a point as Scotland won by 17 goals to two against Carbery Camogie, while teams earned two points.

Caitlin MacLean was also on target for Scotland as they secured back to back victories on tour.

Speaking to Radio Skye following the tour, Lorna MacRae spoke about her pride representing her country and linking up with a former teammate.

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

Portree Post Office extend opening hours for Christmas run-up

The Portree Post Office, which was in abeyance earlier this year, has announced an extension to opening hours in the busy run up to Christmas

The Skye capital service was on hold for close to two month earlier this year due to operational reasons, however in addition to its regular hours of 9am to 5pm on Thursday and Fridays, the service will now also be open on Monday and Saturday morning from 9am to 12.15.

At present, Post Office Ltd is looking for applicants to purchase the Portree service which has been run on a reduced service of two days a week since March by Rob Wilson, who owns the Kyle Mace shop which includes the village post office.

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 post office fees are estimated to be between £28,800 to £35,000 per year.

The new Monday and Saturday service, which is in addition to the Thursday and Friday hours, will be led by John Nichols who has close to a decade’s worth of experience working at the Portree branch.

Skye-based international otter charity to mark 30-year anniversary.

The team leading an international charity based on Skye are set to mark its 30th anniversary this month by heading Mexico for training workshop

The International Otter Survival Fund will celebrate the 30th year of caring for otters worldwide on 16th November. To mark this achievement the IOSF is heading to Mexico for a training workshop for people throughout Central America.

The small passionate team has headquarters in Broadford on Skye and connects with hardworking otter conservationists worldwide,  and regularly forms new networks.

Many global issues affect wildlife today from habitat loss, pollution, climate change to all problems associated with poverty. In addition, otters often face conflict with fishermen who view them as a problem.

However, the IOSF cite a lack of awareness as the biggest threat. This is particularly the case in Central America where few people are working on otters and conservation of their habitat.

Dr Paul Yoxon said “The conservation of otters is not a sentimental luxury. They are at the top of the food chain and use both the water and land and so both habitats have to be in pristine condition.

“This is essential for all species, including man. Caring for the individual otter and holding it in your hands focusses your mind on the bigger picture of the threats to otters from pollution, loss of habitat and hunting.”

He added: “Today more than ever otters need our help and we will never let them down.”

Skye captain to lead Scotland in Ireland shinty-camogie tour

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

Skye Camanachd captain speaks out after Kingussie call-off 

Skye Camanachd captain John Gillies has called for the rules to be upheld properly after the islanders’ match against Kingussie was called off at short notice on Saturday

The Camanachd Association reported on Saturday morning that Kingussie, who were due to host Skye in the Mowi Premiership at 3pm, had not contacted the referee regarding the postponement.

Kingussie could face a two point deduction.

Generations come together at the Lochcarron Highland Games

Four generations of the MacPherson family lead the Isle of Skye Pipe Band as they opened up the Lochcarron Highland Games on Saturday at Attadale Gardens

The Games Chieftain, 90-year-old Ewen MacPherson (pictured) helped to kick-off the festivities by entering the area on his lawn tractor to mark the occasion.

The Games once again offered a wide range of music, entertainment and sporting event for those in attendance to enjoy. However, the tug of water competition fell foul of the weather and had to be cancelled due to a deluge of rain on the day.

Photo credit: Isle of Skye Pipe Band

Skye and Lochalsh club claim eighth place at Ullapool regatta

The South Skye and Lochalsh Coastal Rowing Club earned an eighth place finish from a field of 27 teams in their boat Saucy Mary (pictured) at the Ullapool Coasting Rowing Regatta at the weekend.

Club chairperson Claire Dorman told Radio Skye: “This is our first full year of competing with our boat and we have made great progress.

“Last year we joined in with other teams in ‘the rest of the world’ boat coming in last most of the time. But this year we are in the middle of the field, and competing in finals! The weekend was a real step forward for us.”

She added: The conditions were truly awful!

“We had scorching sun then torrential rain and thunder and lightening. But it didn’t dampen our spirits.”

If anyone, over 16, would like to join the club and participate in coastal rowing, you can the club through its Facebook page or email: southskyeandlochalshrowing@gmail.com

 Kinlochshiel ladies eleven the dream at league summit

Kinlochshiel ladies extended their winning run to 11 matches with a whopping 8-1 over Inverness B at Reraig on Sunday.

Lexie MacKenzie hit a hat-trick, Isabelle MacKenzie scored a brace, while Katie MacRae, Lorna MacRae, and Poppy Glasgow were also on target for Shiel.

The Lochalsh side have won all of their matches to date in the WCA North Division 2, and now hold an eight-point lead over Inverness B.

Shiel have fired in 70 goals across those matches, and out with the league they also have the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup to look forward to – a competition that they are looking to defend having won it in 2022.

Lexie MacKenzie and Lorna MacRae have been in red hot scoring form this season, contributing 44 goals between them for Shiel

Cup glory for Glengarry 

Glengarry celebrated a historic success as they lifted the Camanachd Association Single Team Cup with a 3-0 win over Kilmory

Captain Nick Dalgety lifted the trophy for Glengarry after a brace from Raymond Robertson and a Shaun Nicolson goal earned them the win over Kilmory at An Aird in Fort William.

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