PORTREE LINK ROAD

Scottish Water has said work will start in the coming weeks to divert a water main ahead of the Portree Link Road construction.
The £1.9million project will connect the A87 and A855, easing the volume of traffic going through the centre of Portree.
Highland Council has told Radio Skye the road is expected to be completed by the Autumn.

CROFTING

Changes to the new Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill have been welcomed by the Scottish Crofting Federation.

The body says a number of key improvements have been made to the legislation, including stronger rules on environmental use, tighter compliance for owner occupiers, and new measures to prevent the unauthorised splitting of grazing shares.

But concerns remain over changes affecting common grazing. The Federation is warning against landowners being given more scope to object, potentially weakening the position of working crofters.

SCF Chief Executive, Donna Smith, said:
“Whilst we very much welcome the general path this Bill is taking, we will be urging the government to consider making significant changes to the Bill at stage 3 with respect to crofter led environmental initiatives on common grazings to ensure that any benefits derived from these belong to active crofters.
“The concern is that without this, there is a real risk that “green” lairds will take advantage of the situation and will try to force crofters into unfair agreements over carbon credits. We look forward to continuing constructive dialogue with both the Government and cross party MSPs over the coming weeks on these matters.”

The Scottish Government has been approached for comment.

FALASGAIR

Scottish Fire and Rescue has reminded crofters and land managers on Skye, Raasay and Lochalsh to take care around controlled burning.
The service is urging anyone planning a burn to notify the fire control room in advance, have a clear burn plan in place, and make sure enough people are available to manage the fire safely.
They’re also advising land managers to check weather conditions, ensure proper fire breaks are in place, and never leave a fire unattended until it’s fully extinguished.
Scottish Fire and Rescue has said anyone whose burn gets out of control should call 999 immediately.

RNLI

Volunteers at Portree RNLI have been involved in rescuing a person who fell in a remote sea cave on the Trotternish coast, once used as a hiding place by Bonnie Prince Charlie.
The Crew of the Stanley Watson Barker worked alongside the Scottish Ambulance Service and a Coastguard helicopter to bring the casualty to safety.
It comes after a busy week for the lifeboat, which was also launched on Tuesday in response to reports of flares near Dunvegan Head that turned out to be a false alarm.

MÒD

Entries are open for this year’s Royal National Mòd which is to be held in Glasgow in October. It’s the 12th time the city has hosted the event. Organisers are asking competitors – young and old – to come forward.
Iain Cormack, a former Mòd Gold Medal winner and newly installed conductor of the Portree Gaelic Choir said:
“On a personal level I’m very much looking forward to the National Mòd. I’m looking forward to being back in Glasgow for it. Obivoulsy a new challenge for me on a personal level conducting the Portree Gaelic Choir for the first time but we’ve made a pretty good start. We’re making good progress with our puirt à beul and also our own choice for the Margrat Duncan Memorial Trophy and we’re looking forward to starting on the prescribed piece in the coming weeks.”

New record wind gust for Skye weather station

Winds of 90mph were detected on weather stations on Skye last night as Storm Ashley made her presence known across Skye and Lochalsh.

The weather stations at Stein and Elgol recorded the 90mph gusts, whilst the Shulista weather station recorded a new October peak wind record gust of 86.8mph.

The Amber weather warning issued by the Met Office has now expired, but there will be some ongoing disruption to Calmac ferry services and Scotrail train services. Members of the public intending to use public transport today are being advised to check ahead with their travel operator.

The Highland Council is also asking drivers to take extreme care on the roads as wind blown debris may be affecting coastal areas in particular.

Stromeferry Bypass works to begin in November

Geo-Rope Ltd have been appointed by The Highland Council to carry out works on the rockface along the Stromeferry Bypass next month.

Works are expected to start on the 11th November, continuing until Christmas, with a five-and-a-half days a week working programme.

Traffic management systems including temporary traffic lights will be in place on the A890 road during this period, with no restrictions during the night or on non working days currently planned.

Two locations will be subject to works this year: the first at the Maman hill near Attadale, with the second between the avalanche shelter and Ardnarff.

Success for largest Royal National Mod in five years

Celebrations are underway in Oban following the largest Royal National Mod event for five years.

Spanning over 12 venues across the west coast town, Scotland’s premier celebration of Gaelic language, music, sports, arts and culture hosted approximately 10,000 visitors this year, an increase of 20% compared to last year.

The annual event is estimated to have generated over £2 million for the local Oban economy.

There were over 2,600 participants across 200 competitions.

The Mod will be hosted in Lochaber in 2025.

Sport

In the MOWI Premiership league, it was 2 – 2 up at Pairc nan Laoch on Saturday for the Skye Camanachd v Lovat game, which was also being played for the Thomas Ferguson Memorial Cup.

The goals for Skye were scored by Ross Gordon, with Marc MacLaughlin reaching the back of the net for Lovat.

The Skye Mens 2nd team won 3 – 1 against Beauly in the Mowi North Division 1 league. Goals by Shockie MacLennan, Angie Gilpin and Ali Stewart secured the win for Skye, with the Beauly goal coming from Sean Stewart at 35 minutes.

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

Man charged following Skye crash

A 59-year-old man has been arrested and charged following a one-vehicle car crash in South Skye on Friday.

A Police Scotland spokesperson told Radio Skye they were made aware of a crash involving a single vehicle on the A851 north of Teangue on Skye around 11pm on Friday 1st December.

One man was taken to hospital for treatment following the incident.

The spokesperson said the 59-year-old has been arrested and charged in connection with a road traffic offence.

He is due to appear at Portree Sheriff Court at a later date.

Water supplies restored to south Skye residents

Drinking water supplies have been fully restore to around 200 residents of Broadford, Breakish and Harrapool following disruption cause by two burst water main pipes.

Scottish Water reported that the burst water pipe had been located outside the Hebridean Hotel in Broadford at around 9pm on Sunday evening.

A spokesperson for Scottish Water told Radio Skye that around 200 customers had been affected during the outage.

Bottled water was provided for affected customers throughout the period of disruption, and supplies were fully restored around midday on Monday (4th December).

Scottish Water apologised for the inconvenience and wished to thank customers for their patience while the repair was undertaken.

Eilidh Cormack makes history with Scots Trad Award win

Skye artist Eilidh Cormack has been named as the Gaelic singer of the year at the MG Alba Scots Trad Awards.

She was chosen as the top singer at a ceremony in the Caird Hall in Dundee on Saturday night (December 2nd).

She claimed the prize ahead of an array of talented vocalists including fellow islander Lana Phaeton, three-time nominee Joy Dunlop, and ‘Clearances Again’ star Donald Francis MacNeil.

The win sees Eilidh Cormack join an elite club alongside North Uist star Julie Fowlis as one of only two singers to have won the accolade twice since the awards were established in 2003.

Speaking to Radio Skye, she said she was delighted.

“I’m just over the moon to have receive the award. The ceremony was brilliant, the atmosphere was fantastic. Everyone was so supportive of one another and that’s what it’s really about,” she said.

Reflecting on 2023, the Sian singer said it was the most positive period in her career to date

She said: “This has been my best year yet with Sian, Valtos, and Niteworks, as well as touring Europe for the first time alongside Assynt. I’m just excited to see with what comes next and to carry on with the madness!”

Meanwhile, Trail West emerged as the winners in the live act of the year category against the likes of Skye acts Valtos and Niteworks.

Eilean a’ Cheòl by Angus MacKenzie and the School of Daimh at the Arisaig Hotel were both shortlisted for the community project of the year but were pipped by Fèis Rois Ceilidh Trail.

Vatersay fisherman Donal Francis MacNeil and Skipinnish were awarded the Original Work of the Year for their powerful protest song ‘Clearances Again’ against the threat of HPMAs to island communities.

Skye santas brave winter snap in aid of island charities 

One hundred and 86 people took part in the annual Skye Santa Dash in Portree on Saturday in aid of two island charities.

The participants donned their Father Christmas costumes as well as an assortment of other fun outfits for the seasonal race which this year raised £350 for the Skye branch of Cancer Care UK and the Skye and Lochalsh Citizens Advice Bureau.

Rory Turner crossed the line first to win the dash overall, while Edie Munro was the first under-12 home in the race.

Jessie MacLeod, Hazel Willoughby, Indie Simmister all completed the course in the five and under category.

Fiona Baker, race director for organiser Isle of Skye Events said the team were absolutely thrilled with the turnout and enthusiasm for the Skye Santa Dash this year.

She said it was fantastic to see so many people getting festive and in such great spirits.

Morag Hannah, manger of the Skye and Lochalsh Citizens Advice Bureau said she was delighted  that the CAB had been chosen as a partner charity for the Skye Santa Dash.

She added: “It’s not just about the money, but also the awareness that we are indeed a local charity. As the cost of living crisis continues for many, we’re seeing higher demand and cases are often more complex with people seeking help at a point of crisis. Many of our staff are volunteers so this support is very much appreciated.”

Ishbel MacIver of Skye Cancer Care said: “We really appreciate the fundraising Skye Events do for the local community and we’re very happy to have been chosen as one of the nominated charities.

“The funding will support three local clinicians on a 10-week end of life challenges and palliative care course run by the University of Glasgow, as well as the purchase of a new chair for Portree Hospital.”

Crowdfunder pulls in £300 for Dunvegan play park

A project to revamp the play park in Dunvegan has received more than £300 in donations in two days through a fundraiser.

A sub-committee of the Dunvegan Community Trust is currently raising funds to transform the existing Lochside play area in Dunvegan into a vibrant and exciting community park.

On Friday, the play park group launched a crowdfunder and so far £330 has been raised

The team behind the project have said as well as being as safe and fun place to go, the park will also be a step towards combating rural deprivation, fostering community spirit, and creating a nurturing environment for all ages in Dunvegan.

In November, the play park received a significant boost through £30,000 allocated by Highland Councillors in the Eilean a’ Cheò ward.

The total cost of the park is estimated at around £180,000.

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

MSPs to debate housing crisis 

MSPs will seek solutions to Scotland’s housing emergency during a debate at Holyrood today.

The government’s record has been under increasing scrutiny in recent months, with Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnstone stating that housing issues are being acutely felt across the two regions.

The Conservative MSP has said the housing crisis is depriving rural areas of young people to be able to live and work locally, and their active participation in community life is vital.

The Scottish Government has committed to delivering 110,000 affordable homes by 2032 – with at least 10 per cent in remote, rural and island areas.

While through its Rural and Islands Housing Action Plan the government’s pledges include:

• Supporting affordable and community-led housing delivery
• Bringing more empty homes back into use
• Providing more homes for key workers
• Commissioning research on affordable home ownership in rural and island areas

However, Labour MSP Mark Griffin who is leading the debate has asked that the government set that an interim target for 5,500 houses to be completed in rural areas by 2026.

Winter jags: drop-in clinics announced

NHS Highland has announced further drop-in clinics for winter vaccinations across Skye and Lochalsh and the West Highlands.

Drop-in clinics will take place at Portree Community Centre this week on Thursday 23rd November and Friday 24th November between 10am and 12pm and 1.30 and 4.30.

And on Wednesday 13th December between 5pm and 6.30pm

Drop-in clinics will also be held at Applecross Community Hall on the morning of Tuesday 28th November from 9.30 to 11.30 and, at Torridon Community Hall, also on 28th November, from 2pm to 4pm.

Appointments are not necessary for any of the drop-ins clinics.

Council tenants’ input “vital” in rent consultation

The Highland Council is asking all tenants to share their views on the rent they will pay next year as part of a consultation.

Last year it was agreed to keep the rent increase at four percent which was significantly below the level of inflation.

This year amid ongoing challenges brought by the cost of living crisis, the council has produced an information sheet for tenants detailing the options being proposed for the year ahead.

The local authority has said it is vital that they gather views from tenants especially as they may have been affected by the council’s suspension of non-essential repairs

The rent consultation will run in Highland until 11 December 2023, and the feedback received from tenants will inform a report for the Council’s Housing and Property Committee to consider when they set the level of rent and service charges in January for council tenants for the year 2024/25.

You can take part in the survey here.

Skye talents to open Beat the Drum show

Young Skye talents Ali MacFarlane and Iain Cormack will take the stage at the Portree Community Centre tonight in support of leading Runrig tribute act Beat The Drum.

Ali MacFarlane starred at this year’s Skye Live Festival and was awarded the Provost of Falkirk medal at the Royal National Mòd in Paisley.

She will be join by fellow islander Iain Cormack who made headlines with his performance at the Mòd as he claimed the coveted men’s gold medal performing Fàilte don Eilean Sgitheanach – forty years on from his father Arthur Cormack’s success with the song at Gaeldom’s premier cultural festival.

Skye’s Edinbane Lodge named among world’s elite eateries

Award-winning Skye eatery Edinbane Lodge has been included a list of top restaurants across the globe.

The north Skye establishment features in the La Liste 2023, which charts the top restaurants across the world through more than 300 sources from travel guides to press and consumer reviews.

Edinbane Lodge has been ranked as the third best restaurant in Scotland and among the world elite.

In June, 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.

Calum claimed the Scottish Chef of the Year accolade at the Scotsman Food and Drink’s Scran Awards.

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

Royal National Mòd to kick-off in Paisley

Folk band of the year, Breabach will kick-off this year Royal National Mod at the opening concert in Paisley tonight.

Scotland’s premier Gaelic festival returns to Paisley for the first team since 2013

Competitors from a range of ages from Skye, Raasay, and Lochalsh will be taking part including choirs from Strath and Portree.

In 2022, singers Ruraidh Gray from South Uist and Annie MacDonald from Staffin claimed the prestigious Mod Gold Medals.

The annual celebration of Gaelic linguistic and Cultural heritage was first held in 1892 and has taken place each year in October since with the exception of during the two world was and the Covid Pandemic.

Police enquiries into all-terrain vehicle damaged in Kingsburgh

Skye and Raasay National Park status to be explored

The Skye and Raasay council ward is one of 10 areas to have submitted early expressions of interest in becoming a National Park through a representation made by local councillors.

The process to determine the location of Scotland next National Park has begun with communities and organisations being invited to submit their proposals.

Nominations for a new Park will be driven entirely by local communities and organisations, and all areas of Scotland are eligible to submit proposals.

Councillor Calum Munro told Radio Skye that the councillors had submitted an expressions of interest to found out more about the process including all the pros and cons of National Park Status so that local people could have an informed discussion on the matter.

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

Breakish Wind Farm Q&A to take place on Radio Skye

Radio Skye is set to host a question and answer session on plans for a new 20-turbine wind farm in south Skye

On next Thursday’s breakfast show (19th October) we will be hosting a question and answer session about proposals for a new wind farm in Breakish.

Lomond Energy are finalising designs for the development on behalf of Swedish company Arise AB. If approved the site would comprise 20 turbines, 180 metres in height.

Steve Macken, the co-founder of Lomond Energy will be in the studio in person from 8.30am to 9am and we will put your questions to him about the proposal.

To submit a question, you can  email adam@radioskye.com or send a message or voice note by WhatsApp to 01478 611234 starting the message with Breakish Wind Farm.

Please submit questions before 12noon on Wednesday 18th October.

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

Niteworks to close Royal National Mòd

Skye band Niteworks have been announced as the closing act at this year’s Royal National Mòd

The Celtic-electronica group have been chosen to bring the Scotland’s premiere Gaelic musical and cultural event to a spectacular close at Paisley town hall on 21st October

The concert will be Niteworks’ only Scottish venue gig of the year and is the first time that they will have played to audiences in Paisley.

The performance comes off the back of the band’s 2022 sell out Scottish tour which saw more than 6,000 tickets snapped up for venues including Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

Highland Council leader welcome visitor levy bill

Leader of the Highland Council has welcomed the Scottish Government on its intention to introduce a bill to allow local authorities to introduce a local tourist levy.

If passed by the Scottish Parliament, the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill will give councils the power to apply a levy on stays in overnight accommodation based on a percentage of the accommodation cost.

All money raised would have to be reinvested locally on facilities and services substantially for or used by visitors, enhancing the tourist experience and benefitting local communities and their economies.

Raymond Bremmer, leader of the Highland Council said: “The Highland Council has long supported the idea of a tourist levy to enable the local authority to invest in local infrastructure and is a commitment in our Council Programme.

“The introduction of the Bill is good news and means we can now plan for the introduction of this local levy following approval of the Bill by Parliament.”

Under the plans, councils would be required to consult communities, businesses and tourism organisations before putting a visitor levy in place. They would also have to consult on how any revenue raised should be spent.

The proposals follow public consultation and form part of the New Deal for Local Government which gives councils greater financial flexibility and strengthens local democracy.

The Scottish Government has also invited representatives from the tourism industry, COSLA and other partners to join an expert group to consider how it could best be implemented if passed.

Kyleakin goalie set for final match

Kyleakin Football Club goalkeeper Craig Wilson is set to make his final appearance in the local league after nearly two decades playing.

Craig started playing in the Skye and Lochalsh league at the age of just 13 and went on to join Kyleakin FC at 19 where he spent 11 years as the club’s number one.

Tonight he faces Kyle in his last match for the reds before moving away to the Western Isles.

Reflecting on some his favourite memories from his time competing in the league, Craig told Radio Skye: “Winning the two league titles with Kyleakin were the highs.

“Both of them pretty much went down to the last game of the season – they were pretty good.

“We beat Sleat 5-2 on my 21st Birthday to win the league.”

The Elgol resident also praised the role of coach David Bucher for his work at Kyleakin and football coaching across the community.

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