North West Skye FC – Radio Skye

LOCAL NEWS JULY 29

MartyM — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 09:33:06 +0000

Restrictions at Broadford Hospital following confirmed COVID-19 cases

NHS Highland is asking members of the public to only visit Broadford Hospital if absolutely necessary following a number of cases of Covid 19 inside the hospital.

The health board made the announcement on Sunday evening, describing it as a decision that has not been made lightly.

The statement added that: “(the health board) recognise this could cause a great deal of concern for patients and their loved ones during this time.”

Essential visitors should contact the relevant ward in advance to discuss arrangements through the hospital phone number: 01471 822 491

Public toilets in Kyle remain closed

The public toilet and shower facilities in Kyle of Lochalsh will remain closed until late August following damage caused by a burst pipe.

The public convenience building, operated by Kyle of Lochalsh Community Trust, had to close its doors on 6^th July.

Repairs are underway following claim insurance approval but are expected to take 4 weeks to be completed.

The nearest alterative public toilets are in Kyleakin, Broadford and Dornie, with users of the launderette facing a 45 minute drive to use other facilities in Portree.

Cancelled ferry sailings between Mallaig and Armadale

There’s disruption on the Mallaig to Armadale ferry route today due to MV Loch Bhrusda being redeployed to serve the island of Eigg.

The usual Small Isles vessel, MV Loch Nevis, was withdrawn from service on Sunday after picking up a foreign object in one of the propellers.

To help clear the backlog of traffic, MV Loch Bhrusda will operate an additional sailing to Eigg, meaning that some sailings are cancelled across the Sound of Sleat.

Visit calmac.co.uk to check if your sailing is affected.

RNLI Welly Walk challenge success

Portree RNLI has thanked people across Skye, Raasay and beyond for helping to raise around £3,000 for the life-saving charity.

On Saturday, the Portree volunteer lifeboat crew – which provides a 24-hour on call service for both islands – held its annual welly walk fundraising challenge.

The volunteers started their endeavour from the Raasay Distillery and walked down to ferry, sailed back to Skye, then continued their trek from Sconser all the way back to the lifeboat station in the island capital.

The fundraiser has so far generated around £3,000 for service, which is entirely reliant on donations to operate.

The crew thanked everyone who contributed along the way, describing the generosity shown as absolutely amazing. The Just Giving page will remain open for a further week where donations can still be made.

Photo credit: RNLI Portree

Sport

Sleat and Strath narrowly missed a win away against Mallaig on Saturday, with a 4 – 3 defeat at full time.

The Lochaber side were leading 1 – nil at half time after taking the first goal of the game at 15 minutes in, before the Skye team bounced back to 1 all with a goal by Ruairidh Spod Macleod at 48 minutes. Two further goals for Sleat and Strath were scored by Ben Yoxon and Robin Harvey.

Meanwhile, goals by Chris MacNab, Jordan Murchison and Alex MacDonald helped secure a 3 – 2 win for North West Skye against Fort William in Uig on Saturday, putting them second on the William Wilson League table.

You can listen to the latest local news for Skye and Lochalsh live on the hour Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm, and at 8.30am and 5.30pm, by clicking on the banner below.

LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 27 2023

MartyM — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 20:20:17 +0000

People facing “impossible choice of heating or eating”

The manager of the Skye and Lochalsh has warned that an increasing number of people could be facing the impossible choice of heating or eating this winter due to cost of living pressures.

Citizens Advice Scotland has today underlined a direct link between unaffordable energy bills and food insecurity.

According to new data released in the charity’s quarterly report, one in six people across Scotland seeking help with food insecurity have also sought advice on utilities, as Skye and Lochalsh CAB manager Morag Hannah explained to Radio Skye today.

“What the cost of living analysis shows is that there is a clear link between the unaffordable energy bills and food poverty,” she said.

“There is one in six people who have come to CAB in the past three months who need help with food, and also they are needing help with their utilities bills.”

Morag Hannah stressed to Radio Skye the current situation was only likely to worsen over the winter: “These are the figures for the summer and early autumn, and it’s more likely that we are going to see these numbers increase.

“And we continue to hear that saying of people are facing the impossible choice or heating or eating this winter.

She added: “The demand for utilities advice is the highest from those from the poorest backgrounds, which underlines the need for targeted support.

“The Autumn Statement was a missed opportunity to deliver that additional support, households already facing real problems will see the price cap for energy bills as well.”

Last week it was confirmed that the energy price cap would increase by £94 on 1 January 2024.

The Quarterly Cost of Living Analysis report also found that 37 per cent of those needing crisis support advice also needed advice related to food banks.

Meanwhile, single parent households are twice as likely to seek utilities advice as they are advice generally. The CAB network also continued to see higher levels of demand for cost-of-living related advice from single, non-pensioner households, and council rented tenants – particularly in areas such as crisis support, food insecurity, debt, and utilities.

The Citizens Advice Bureau is running ‘Worried this winter’ a campaign that encourages people to seek advice if they are worried about energy bills or the cost of living this winter.

People can visit the campaign page to find an option that works for them.

Further highlighting the support, the Skye and Lochalsh CAB, can offer, Morag Hannah told Radio Skye: “It costs nothing to check our advice, and you can end up, hopefully, better off financially.”

The SLCAB free phone number is 0800 028 1456.

For more info on how to contact the Skye and Lochalsh CAB, just click here.

North Skye urgent care to extend to seven days in January 2024

NHS Highland has today announced that a seven-day a week service at the urgent care centre at Portree Hospital will begin in January.

In a statement sent to Radio Skye this morning, a spokesperson for the local health authority said the seven-day service will commence in the first week of January 2024 and will be operational from 8am to 8.30pm, daily.

The spokesperson said that NHS Highland’s plan to extend to the provision to seven days a week by the end of October was always contingent on its Advanced Nurse Practitioners attaining their qualifications to work as autonomous practitioners.

They added that the introduction of the service in January rather than October was due to a combination of sickness absence and delays in completion of qualifications.

Reacting to the announcement, Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnstone said: “Having raised this with the health secretary last week, I’m pleased to see some progress being made.

“However welcome, though, making a promise is not the same as delivering on one.”

Meanwhile, retired Skye paramedic and SOS-NHS Skye group member Neil Campbell said the move was a “step in the right direction” but added that it was “still nowhere near the 24/7 walk in service promised by NHS Highland.”

NHS Highland has stated that it is facing significant staffing challenges across the region and in particular Skye. The spokesperson said that the Skye recruitment group -a joint enterprise between NHS Highland and the Friends of Portree Hospital – is working hard to influence and positively impact on this.

They said that NHS Highland is continuing to work in partnership with colleagues in Scottish Ambulance to provide additional resilience to the Urgent Care service as well as our local GPs.

And concluded that its priority is to deliver safe and effective care for its patients, and that anything that would compromise this, for example staffing shortages, would be at the forefront of its decisions that may involve any change to service provision.

Skye pop-shop raises £1,200 for children of Gaza

A pop-up shop run by a Skye refugee support group has raised £1,200 to aid the people of Gaza.

The initiative led by the SkyeFugees took place at An Talla Mor at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig College on Friday – 24th November (pictured below).

The sum will be donated to the UNICEF’ Children of Gaza Crisis Appeal.

Mountain accidents survey aims to aid rescue teams

Mountaineering Scotland has launched a survey to assess accidents caused in the mountains to help produced better resources to educate people on safety before venturing into the hills.

The survey is aimed at people who have self-evacuated, or needed help from someone or an organisation. No personal details will be collect and all information provided will be anonymous.

The organisation said it hopes that the information gathered will lead to better education resources and ultimately, less pressure on the mountain rescue teams and the loved ones of those involved.

West is best as Skye side break their Highland league duck

North West Skye coach Paul Rees has praised his side’s collective will to win as “outstanding” following the club’s first-ever victory in the Highland Youth Development League in Portree on Sunday.

The islanders, who are playing their maiden season in the regional competition, opened the scoring through a penalty by Ross MacLeod to lead Inverness Athletic at half-time.

North West Skye scored a further two goals to increase their advantage to three by the hour-mark thanks to a brace from man-of-the-match Ruari Preston.

The Highland capital club struck twice to narrow the deficit to just one goal, but the Skye side held firm to earn their first points and win of the campaign.

Commenting after their victory, coach Paul Rees said: “It was more than deserved.

“For this afternoon’s performance, but also for the commitment and togetherness the lads have shown all along so far this season.”

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

LOCAL NEWS JULY 24 2023

MartyM — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 10:21:29 +0000

NHS Highland “fully committed” to Skye nursing home recruitment

NHS Highland has said it is fully committed to attracting and retaining health care staff amid criticism from a Skye pressure group over vacancies at the island Home Farm nursing home.

SOS-NHS Skye has called in question NHS Highland’s recruitment process for 12 health care assistant posts at the Portree nursing home, which they claim have not be advertised or open for application for May.

However, NHS Highland has told Radio Skye is working hard to advertise post as continually open rolling adverts and set up special local recruitment pages on its website.

Ruth Fry is the local health authority’s head of communications and engagement.

She told Radio Skye: We are working closely with our colleagues in recruitment to be able to advertise more posts as a continually open, rolling advert.

“To help people navigate to particular locations within Highland on the national Job Train website we have set up links to different localities from the NHS Highland corporate website careers page.

“A short-life working group involving the community has been formed to focus on NHS recruitment in Skye, and we are fully committed to working together to attract and retain health and care staff.”

Radio Skye has approached SOS-NHS Skye for response to NHS Highland’s statement.

Balmacara Gala Day creates a buzz within local community

Circus performers, sporting events, live music, and sushshine were just some of the attractions at the second annual Balmacara Gala held in the village on Saturday.

Radio Skye were kindly invited to be part of the festivities on the day.

As well as being a great day out for locals and visitors to the village, the Balmacara Gala Day also acted a fundraising event for the Old Mill Hall restoration project.

Mardi Wood (pictured) is the organiser and chair of the fundraising committee for the Friends of Balmacara Old Mill Hall.

Speaking to Radio Skye, she said: “It is only our second Gala, but we are learning all the time, but I think there has been a wonderful turnout – it is just a lovely community feel.

“I think that everyone has engaged in buying into it, which is really nice.

Skye Mountain Rescue call-out captured in BBC ‘Close Call’ show

A call-out by the Skye Mountain Rescue Team to find a missing walker during Storm Otto has been featured on a new BBC programme.

The Skye MRT was involved in the search for Dr John Pike who was rescued after surviving two night on open hillside above Loch Coruisk with a broken femur during Storm Otto.

The rescue has been documented in the BBC’s close call show, which can viewed on its catch-up service.

Skye and Shiel ladies one game away from cup glory

Skye Ladies knocked out holders Badenoch to reach the final of the Valerie Fraser Camanachd Cup Final following a 4-2 win in Spean Bridge on Sunday

Sarah Yoxon scored twice and Rhianna Kirk and Donna MacKenzie also struck for the islanders as they put their greatest rival to the sword in a memorable victory.

Kinlochshiel Ladies, meanwhile, are one game away from defending the Challenge Cup after a thumping 16-0 win Dunadd in Ballachullish.

Lorna MacRae and Lexie MacKenzie hit 11 of the goals between them as Shiel made it 14 wins from 14 across all competition.

Shiel men’s cup dreams dashed

Kinlochshiel were edged out Kingussie as their dreams of lifting the Artemis MacAulay Cup were dashed with a 2-1 defeat on Saturday.

Archie MacRae opened the scoring for Shiel but the reds were pegged back just before half-time and then conceded with 20 minutes remaining, which proved to be decisive.

However, the Lochalsh side will have the chance to gain revenge next month when they take on Kingussie in the semi-finals of the Camanachd Cup on 5th August.

Sleat and Strath tighten grip at the top of West Highland league

Reigning champions Sleat and Strath strengthened their lead in the West Highland Football League with a 5-1 win over Portree at the King George V playing field on Friday (21st July).

Connaire Yoxon, Cameron MacLeod, and Robin Harvey scored within the last eight minutes of the first half to put Sleat in a commanding position after what had been a largely even encounter until then.

Portree struck back on the hour-mark courtesy of a 40-yeard screamer from Nick Spencer reduce the deficit to two.

Cameron MacLeod scored with 10 minutes to go, though, to re-establish the visitors three-goal cushion before Mike Dunn fired in his first goal for the club to make it 5-1.

That victory coupled with North West Skye and Mallaig 1-1 draw, means that Sleat are now seven points clear at the summit.

Kyleakin are up to fifth after thrashing Kyle 7-2 on the mainland, while Portree Juniors continued their fine season with a 1-0 win in Lochaber against Fort William thanks to the league’s current player of the month, Paul MacKinnon, who scored to maintained their position in third.

Sleat’s Robin Harvey produced a player of the match performance in their 5-1 win against Portree.

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

LOCAL NEWS 26TH APRIL 2023

MartyM — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 09:30:10 +0000

Skye model ship fetches £30,000 for Cancer Research at auction

A model of a cruise liner ship which was on display for years at Portree Hospital and a Skye arts venue has sold for £30,000 at auction in London in aid of Cancer Research UK.

The intricately handcrafted model of the S.S Atlantis – contained in a glazed wooden case – is believed to have been made by English toy manufacturer Bassett Lowke circa 1929.

Helen Nicolson, one of the founding members of the Skye branch of Cancer Research UK, told Radio Skye that the charity was approached by the team at the Aros Centre in Portree, where the model had last been on public display, to ask if the charity would like it.

Mrs Nicolson accepted the donation on behalf of the charity and stored it in a shed.

However, a year ago, Donald MacKenzie, a cousin of Mrs Nicolson’s husband Alasdair, decided to do some research into the model and found Charles Miller Ltd auctioneers in London, who specialise in maritime objects.

The model went up for sale on Tuesday as part of a selection of maritime and scientific models, instruments, and art at an auction by Charles Miller Ltd in London.

It was valued at £12,000-£18,000 but exceeded expectations by going for an incredible sum of £30,000.

Mrs Nicolson, who was watching the sale unfold by webcast, told Radio Skye “it was incredible”, and said that all those involved in the Skye branch of Cancer Research UK were “very pleased about it.”

She added that the sale would not have happened had it not been for the hard work and research undertaken by Donald MacKenzie from Appin.

All the funds, after commission, will go towards Cancer Research UK.

Skye and Raasay to receive roads funding boost

An extra £1.5 million of funding from the Highland Council is set to be awarded for Skye and Raasay roads, pending agreement by members at a meeting next week.

The Highland Council’s economy and infrastructure committee will decide on the distribution of the extra finance for road repairs at a meeting on Thursday 4th May.

Commenting on the potential award, Skye and Raasay Councillor Drew Millar said the local councillors had put their case forward forcibly to the administration leaders with strong support from the Ward 10 roads manager.

Councillor Millar, said if the funds are approved, the total the spend on the “badly deteriorating road network” will be closed to £2.7 million.

He went on to say: “I am delighted with the commitment shown by the Administration to allocate the funds this year to where the needs are greatest rather than sticking to the allocation formula used for the normal annual funding. We will all see a massive difference in the ward over the next 10 months.”

North West Skye go top in West Highland football league

North West Skye have moved to the top of the West Highland Amateur Football League with a 5-2 win over Portree at the King George V playing field last night.

The win was Graham Campbell side’s third on the spin with the team having scored 20 goals across all competitions in those three matches.

North West have seven points so far and sit one ahead of Mallaig and reigning champions Sleat who were also in action last night in the Skye capital.

Sleat also scored five but were pushed all the way by a dogged Portree Juniors side. Late goals from Cameron MacLeod and James Robertson earned the south Skye club a 5-2 win which took them to six points and joint second in the table.

West Highland Amateur Football League table

Shiel star Alaina joins Camanachd Association

Kinlochshiel star Alaina MacLennan has joined the Camanachd Association as its regional development (east) and welfare officer.

The Shiel ladies’ player joins the national shinty organisation after recently completing her degree in BA (Hons) Sports Coaching and Development at the University of the West of Scotland.

Alaina has been an important player for the table-topping North Division 2 side, who have won five on the trot.

She was on the scoresheet in Shiel’s 10-1 thrashing of Lovat on Sunday, as they cemented their position as league leaders, and has four goals already this season in the league.

Commenting on her appointment, she said she was very excited to start in her new role with the Camanachd Association.

She added: “I have a massive passion for developing and promoting shinty and can’t wait to work alongside the clubs and local authorities to increase shinty participation and opportunities throughout the communities.”

News by Adam Gordon

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