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.
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Alan Murray from Kilmuir, who is one half of the group Mist & Wing, has also been recognised in the nominations.
Alan, whose song โFร ilte gu Pร isligโ was chosen as the soundtrack to this yearโs Royal National Mรฒd 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.”
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Peatbog Faeries’ record ‘I See A World’ has been named in the album of the year category, while Eilean a’ Cheรฒl 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.
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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 ยฃ28,800 to ยฃ35,000 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,ย 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 โThe 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.โ
Skye captain to lead Scotland in Ireland shinty-camogie tour
The Scotland women are set to face a West Cork Select this evening in the first match of the Women Camanachd Association tour of Ireland.
Scotland will play two international as part of the shinty camogie tour, with the clash against West Cork Select taking place at Bandon with a 7pm throw-up.
Saturday with see Scotland travel to Clonakilty to take on Carbery Camogie in a 3.30 throw up.
The Scotland squad features a quartet of players from Skye Camanachd’s Valerie Fraser Camanachd Cup winning team have been called up to the Scotland Squad to face Ireland next month.
Cup winners Sarah Jane Ferguson, captain Caitlin MacLean, Sarah Yoxon and Rhianna Kirk will be part of the national team.
Kinlochshiel’s Lorna MacRae, who helped her side win the National Division 2 title and the Mowi Challenge Cup has also been selected to represent her country,
Speaking ahead of the internationals, Skye Camanachd’s Caitlin MacLean, who will captain Scotland said that it was a nice surprise being made captain.
She said it will be an honour to be captain this weekend and to play alongside all the girls.
Touching on the togetherness in the squad she added the a number of more experience players would be able to steer the newer players in the right direction but all the girls are experienced shinty players so hopefully we will adapt well.
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