Kyle RNLI open day pulls in more than £3,700

The Kyle of Lochalsh RNLI fundraising has raised more than £3,700 for the live-saving charity

The maritime day return to the Kyle on Saturday after a four-year break due to Covid restrictions

The Lochalsh Junior Pipe Band playing a variety of tunes to entertain the large crowd who had gathered for the event. Kyle and Mallaig lifeboats were both in attendance, allowing people to get onboard and look around the different vessels, as well as putting on a display for the crowds in attendance.

UK Border Force and a UK Coastguard tug were also alongside, allowing everyone the chance to get onboard and explore these larger vessels.

The local kayaking club and Lochalsh Rowing club were both on hand to let people take to the water and try out the sports.

While the traditional Kyle to Kyleakin pier to pier race returned drawing in a field of 20 competitors

The day was rounded off with the annual Kyle Fire Brigade raft race which was won by the Kyle RNLI’s much to the delight of the spectators who has gathered to watch the spectacle.

Runrig members paid tribute to “indelible” impact of late frontman

Members of Runrig have paid tribute to former frontman Bruce Guthro who died last week aged 62.

Bruce Guthro died on Tuesday 5th September following a long battle with cancer.

The Canadian singer-songwriter joined the band in 1998 and was the lead vocalist for 20 years until Runrig’s Last Dance finale gig at Stirling Castle in 2018.

Founding member Calum MacDonald described Bruce as “our brother” and said the band were “devastated and heartbroken” that they will never share a song or stage with him again.

He added that it was profoundly comforting that “our bond with the music will last forever.”

Guitarist Malcolm Jones said that Bruce saved the bands career at a crossroads, and had left a wonderful legacy of music, memories, as a much-loved solo artist, band member, friend and family man.

Rory MacDonald, who was also a founding member alongside Skye musician Blair Douglas, said the final two shows at Stirling Castle were for him Bruce’s best ever performances as Runrig frontman.

He said that Bruce brought into the band aspiration from the get-go – as well as a starry charisma and that he touched people’s lives in an indelible way.

For social media post of the band members’ comments in full click here.

Highland Council launches Green skills fund

The Highland Council, is inviting businesses across the region apply for funding to support the costs of green skills training for their workforce.

The Chair of the Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans said that business across the Highlands often have to send staff south to secure training as they are unable to get the required training locally.

Councillor Gowans said that as part of the challenge fund, the council are also inviting training providers to apply for funding to invest in existing or new facilities to enable such training to be provided locally in Highland.

The challenge fund is also support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund

The fund is now open and an online briefing session for interested businesses and organisations will take place on Tuesday 19th September.

Applications must be submitted by 4th October.

Guidance on the Challenge Fund and details of how to apply are available on the Highland Council website.

Interested parties are invited to contact the Council on ukspf@highland.gov.uk to discuss their proposals and to register for the online briefing session.

Shiel defeat Skye in Primary Club Cup

Kinlochshiel overcame Skye in a seven-goal thriller in the Primary Club Cup held in Reraig last night.

Shiel edged out Skye 4-3 in the action-packed clash between the local rivals.

Kinlochshiel under-17s are in action tonight as they take on Inverness in Bught Park at 6pm.

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

Runrig “heartbroken” at death of frontman Bruce Guthro

Celtic rock band Runrig have said they are “heartbroken at loss of a dear friend” following the death of former frontman Bruce Guthro, who died on Tuesday aged 62.

The Canadian singer-songwriter joined the band in 1998 and was the lead vocalist for 20 years until Runrig’s Last Dance finale gig at Stirling Castle in 2018.

In a statement released on Wednesday evening, the band said that Bruce Guthro has died following a long battle with cancer.

Paying tribute to the much-loved singer, Runrig said that everyone associated with the group is heartbroken at the loss of a dear friend and special musical colleague.

They added that their immediate thoughts and prayers were with his family Kim, Dylan and Jodie.

Paying homage to Bruce, Skye band Valtos told Radio Skye that Runrig’s music was a vital part of their upbringings and the sound Bruce brought to the band was unmistakable, providing them with considerable inspiration over the years.

A host of other musicians and singers were also praising of Bruce as a person and his place within Celtic music

The band Skipinnish said that they and so many others owe Runrig a huge debt of gratitude for paving the way to the thriving Celtic Music scene of today.

They said Bruce was the voice of Runrig for twenty years and his passing marks a very sad day for music.

Composer and fiddle player Duncan Chisholm described, Bruce who he had known for more than 25 years, as “an absolute gentleman, an incredibly gifted singer and a true friend.”

While singer Julie Fowlis said that Bruce was “such a gifted singer and a powerful performer.”

She added that it was a great privilege to sing with him onstage and backstage over the years.

Former bandmate Peter Wishart said “He was just the nicest person you could ever hope to meet and a joy to perform with.”

Highland Council survey findings prompt third childcare crisis meeting

A third childcare crisis meeting is set to take place on Skye following the findings of a Highland Council survey

A childcare survey of more than 100 parents and guardians across the island has revealed a demand for provision for children under three as well as term-time and holiday childcare for kids of school age.

The Highland Council informed community representative Claudia Pech that the vast majority of respondents – 68 had children attending early learning childcare or school close to Portree, while 15 were in the Dunvegan area and eight in the Sleat area.

Ms Pech said that council has stated its committment to finding solutions to the very difficult childcare situation on Skye and are proposing another meeting with parents before the end of September to discuss the way forward.

She added that work is also ongoing with the Scottish Childminding Association to try and recruit childminders, and engagement with other providers is ongoing, together with the option for local authority school aged childcare provision.

The meeting will follow on from two separate forums held earlier this year by the Highland Council and Skye’s MSP Kate Forbes.

Financial risks to Scotland’s colleges greater now than in 2022

Risks to the financial sustainability of colleges across the country has risen in the past year, according to a new report by Audit Scotland.

The public body assessor said that risks to colleges had increased since 2022, with rising staffing costs the colleges’ biggest financial pressure.

Audit Scotland said that amid a real terms funding reduction of 8.5 per cent since 2021, effective, affordable workforce planning was now a greater than ever priority and challenge for colleges.

Although significant changes to how the college sector operates have been recommended by recent reviews, the report contends that the Scottish Government and the Scottish Funding Council urgently need to build on their ongoing work to help colleges plan for change now, and make best use of available funding so that they are sustainable for the future.

The report states that staff costs accounted for more than two thirds – around 70 per cent – of the sector’s expenditure in 2021-22.

It added that changes to staffing are one of the main levers for colleges to manage their costs.

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

Runrig drummer to lead special 50 years celebrations at trad event 

Runrig drummer Iain Bayne is set to be join by an array of trad stars to mark the 50th anniversary of the iconic band at the Hoolie in the Hydro event.

Scotland’s biggest night of traditional music, Hoolie in the Hydro will return to Glasgow this December following the success of last year’s inaugural event.

The festival will be held at Ovo Hydro in Glasgow on Saturday 9th December 2023,

The all-star line-up featuring some of the top names on the Scottish music scene, such as Mànran, Celtic rockers Wolfstone, and festival favourites Trail West, plus a special collaboration that will celebrate 50 Years of Runrig, featuring an array of special guests.

Runrig’s Iain Bayne was a key part of the band’s success across nearly three decades.

He will lead a special collaboration to celebrate the band’s milestone alongside trad heavyweights Julie Fowlis, Duncan Chisholm, and Gary Innes.

Highland Council approve net zero strategy

The Highland Council’s Net Zero Strategy  recommended by its Climate Change Committee has received full approved by the local authority

The stratgey was given the green light by members during a full meeting of the Highland Council on Thursday

The Net Zero Strategy Group comprising senior managers working across Council services, will be accountable for developing a full costed, action plan for consideration by 14 December 2023.

Within its net zero strategy the Highland Councils has pledged that

• All new homes consented from 2024 to use net zero emissions
• Emissions will be reduced by at least 75 per cent by 2030
• Emissions will be reduced by at least 90 per cent by 2040

Community board calls for radical overhaul of ferry contract

The Ferries Community Board has welcomed the Scottish Parliament’s report on the need for a modern and sustainable service for Scotland.

The report was published this week by the parliament’s Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee.

The Ferries Community Board said it agreed that future structures to manage ferry services must be fully accountable to ferry-dependent communities, as well as Government and Parliament.

It also welcomes the recommendation that young people in ferry-dependent communities should have concessionary fares for ferries.

However, independent body wants to see a radical overhaul of the contract itself with revised measures of success and far greater accountabilities to the communities served by the ferry services in Scotland.

Gaelic plan sets out five-year aims for Highlands

The Highland Council has endorsed a refreshed Gaelic Language Plan for 2023 through 2028 at full meeting of the local authority

Councillor Calum Munro, Chair of the Gaelic Committee, said the committee has work to ensure that the plan met statutory obligations whilst being innovative and accessible.

The Skye and Raasay member said the council’s aim is to ensure that Gaelic is recognised as an asset and enhances our cultural, economic and social wellbeing in the Highlands.

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