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. 

 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.

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

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 and Raasay Councillor stress need for health care progress

The need for progress in urgent care and bed provision across north Skye has today been underlined by Skye and Raasay Councillors at an area committee meeting.

Speaking at this morning meeting Councillor Calum Munro paid tribute to the community for its hard work in protecting services but stress the need for Sir Lewis Ritchie’s recommendations to be implemented for the sake of the island.

“Seven or eight years ago, there were moves to close Portree Hospital, and it was a huge community effort led by SOS-NHS Skye and the wider community which saved the hospital and eventually brought Sir Lewis Ritchie to come and review the situation,” he said.

“We must remember that Sir Lewis Ritchie report is not simply an aspiration it is a binding document which the NHS Highland Board committed to as part of the full business case to build Broadford Hospital.”

All four Skye and Raasay members agreed that increasing community beds and providing 24/7 care and was crucial.

Assessing the steps taken since the 2018 Ritchie report, Conservative councillor Ruaridh Stewart highlighted a steep decline in bed provision

“At that point (2018) there were 71 community beds and there was commitment and need to increase that to 77 beds for Skye. Like my [fellow] members Councillor Finlayson and Councillor Millar [have said] there is this frustration in the community, because the current situation falls far short of this recommendation, there is only 41 community beds available at the moment.

“And, as has been mentioned before, the urgent care service is only available at weekends and bank holidays.

“The provision of care beds, it leaves our vulnerable and elderly residents without that care accessible to their community.

“It puts families on Skye in a really difficult position, they have either go to provide that support themselves or they have to witness their loved ones sent away to distant care homes scattered across the Highlands.

“It is really crucial that we do provide the necessary resources, staffing and infrastructure, roads, it has all been covered here, to fulfil the promise of quality health care services here that there has been a commitment to…”

“The pace of action does seem to be causing frustration in the community…. there is this view that this (recommendations) have been kicked into the long grass and that’s something that we can’t allow to continue.”

NHS Highland’s former chief officer Louise Bussell said that recruitment continued to be a considerable obstacle when it came to care beds across the area.

“In relation to bed capacity, you are absolutely right, we have massive challenges with recruiting – pretty much most of our staff at Home Farm (care home) are agency staff, and that is entirely because we can’t recruit.

“We have repeatedly tried various different methods of recruiting, both to support worker roles and to substantive. We have more luck in the hospital with support workers, but again we have challenges with recruitment of registered staff…”

Council backs quiet routes on Skye and Raasay

During Monday’s area committee meeting, councillors gave their back to the introduction quiet routes on Skye and Raasay.

The temporary traffic regulations orders will see 60 miles per hour section reduced to 40 mile per hours zone on the Armadale to Tormore route in south Skye and the Inverarish road on Raasay.

The speed limit on the routes will be fixed at 4om miles per hour for a period of 18 months.

Creative Arts Festival Portree holds open night

The premier night of the UHI West Highland’s Creative Arts Festival Portree take place in the Skye capital tonight.

The grand opening is being held between 5.30 to 7.30, the Portree campus.

The exhibition will include work from students across creative disciplines and levels – including Contemporary Art Practice, Sculpture, Photography and Drawing.

Ahead of the festival, UHI Portree Art and Design lecturer Meg Miller, pictured above, spoke to Radio Skye about the importance of the event for the students.

“It is a very important part of the course at this stage where they are engaging with the public and other creative people.

“They are going to get different perspective and viewpoints are they are going to be picking up on some of those, so it should be great.

Skye hockey teams make debut in Ben Wyvis Festival

Skye Junior Hockey teams took part in the Ben Wyvis Hockey Festival for the first-time last Friday May at Dingwall Academy.

Two teams participate in the competition – Skye Cuillin the more experienced side, and Skye Storr a side comprising beginners to the sport.

The Skye squad was organised by Portree Active Schools Sarah Ross along with coach Angie MacGilvray who along with parents accompanied the teams to the festival.

Event organiser Paula Barlow from Ben Wyvis Primary School and Dingwall Academy was keen that more high schools get involved in the secondary age leagues as at present only three high schools across Highland compete.

Speaking to Radio Skye about the tournament, Skye hockey coach Angie MacGilvray said: “This is the first time that we have participated in the Ben Wyvis Hockey Festival and we were delighted to have two young teams representing Skye.

“There were 14 primary school teams from across the Highlands participating in the event at Dingwall, and for most of our players in was their first time competing at a tournament of this nature, they all did fantastically well.

“Our Skye Cuillin team came third in their league with some great play and really good goals and our young Skye Storr team showed great determination against very tough opposition in their league.

She added: “It was a fantastic experience for us all and it is great to be part of a Highland hockey community.

“Where are really grateful to Sarah Ross who supports our hockey activities through the Highlife Highland programme and we are looking forward to more game and tournaments in the future.”

Fort William to host Royal National Mòd in 2025

Fort William has today been announced been as the host for Royal National Mòd 2025

The Lochaber town has been selected as the venue for Gaeldom’s premiere event for the ninth.

The annual celebration of Gaelic language and culture will run from 10th to 18th October.

A total of 2,100 participants from across the world took part in a total of 200 competitions at the 2022 Royal National Mod held in Perth.

Around 7,500 people are estimated to have visited Perth for the festival and its thought to have contributed around £1 million to the local economy.

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.