Skye to face Kingussie in first Camanachd Cup semi-final since 2017
Skye Camanachd have been drawn against Kingussie in the semi-final of the Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup. It’s the first time Skye have reached this stage of the competition since 2017.
The Portree side knocked out Fort William in a closely fought tie at Pairc nan Laoch on Saturday. Fort took the lead through Ewen Campbell before Neil MacVicar levelled. Ruaraidh MacLeod and John Gillies made it 3-1 for the home side before Victor Smith pulled one back to set up a tense finish.
Speaking to Radio Skye, captain Ryan Harrison said:
“We are delighted with the result. There were some outstanding individual performances. Martin Pringle, for one, was probably the best I’ve seen him since I moved to Skye. Ross Gordon was just being as consistent as normal and Beans (Neil MacVicar) as well. Obviously Beans has taken an injury. We’ll just have to wait to see how long it takes him to recover.”
“We did make it hard for ourselves. There was some sloppy play from our defence which gave them opportunities, which we could have avoided, but we weathered the storm and came through with the three goals.
“We’ve definitely got new options now with John (Gillies) playing up front too.
“There’s a lot to look forward to. It’s going to be a busy three or four weeks with two semi-finals. We know we’ve got Kingussie on the 8th so we’re obviously looking to get as many Sgitheanaich down as possible to support us. The hard work starts now.”
Kingussie sit near the top of the Premiership and have been battling it out with Newtonmore for the league lead, while Skye have found themselves at the bottom of the table without a win, making their cup success a bright spot in an otherwise difficult season.
Kingussie’s never-say-die attitude was on display in the quarter-finals as they came from behind to beat Kinlochshiel 3-2 after extra-time at The Dell. Jay MacRae’s double for Shiel kept the visitors in front until the final 10 minutes of regulation time. Kingussie forced extra-time with two quick goals before Dylan Borthwick got the winner.
Skye last lifted the trophy in 1990 with a legendary 4-1 victory over Newtonmore at Fort William. The tie against Kingussie will be held on 8 August at The Dell. Holders Newtonmore will face Oban Camanachd on 15 August in the other semi-final.
The Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup Final will be held on 19 September in Oban.
Burton Morrison, President of the Camanachd Association, said:
“The Camanachd Cup always creates special occasions and this year’s semi-finals have all the ingredients to add another memorable chapter to the competition’s history.
“With Skye aiming to reach their first final since lifting the trophy in 1990, Oban Camanachd hoping to book a place in a home final for the first time since 1998, Newtonmore chasing what would be a record 91st appearance in the final, and Kingussie looking to reach a fifth consecutive final, there are some remarkable stories unfolding.
“Holding the draw at the Inverness Castle Experience, where the original Camanachd Cup is proudly displayed, is a fitting reminder of the rich heritage of our game and what this trophy means to clubs, players and supporters across the shinty community.
“We wish all four clubs the very best as they compete for a place in this year’s final.”
]]>Skye Camanachd’s season gets underway on Saturday with a trip to The Dell to face Kingussie.
The Pairc nan Laoch side are hoping to build on last year’s fifth place finish in the MOWI Premiership.
This year marks Ryan Harrison’s first season as captain. It’s the fullback’s third year at the club after moving to the island.
Men’s First Team Manager, Kenny MacLeod said:
“It was a really positive decision for us. A lot of players showed strong leadership qualities last season, so there was no shortage of captaincy options. With three internationals in the squad and a good mix of experience, it led to some healthy discussions within the management team.
“Since arriving on Skye, Ryan has really immersed himself in the club and the wider community. He’s a well-liked individual, respected in the dressing room and around the club, and he consistently leads by example through his attitude, standards, and performances.”
On whether his new role will change how he plays, Ryan says it’s business as usual.
“It’s going to be pretty much the same. Kenny always speaks about looking for leaders across the pitch. Let’s be honest, I don’t think anyone knows me for my skilful prowess on the shinty pitch. It’s more because they can hear me from a mile away. Because I play at fullback, he’s looking for somebody just to steer the ship a bit. We’re trying to build leaders all over the park now. I’m trying to pass on some of my knowledge that I have that the younger boys maybe don’t have yet.”
This Saturday’s tie against champions Kingussie will be a tough opener. But Ryan’s confident his team can put in a good performance.
“When the fixtures come out, that’s probably not the one anyone particularly wants, but we’ve got to play them at some point. We finished on a real high last year up here drawing with them. We’re hoping to carry that momentum on at the start of this season and give them a good game. We’ll see what happens on Saturday.”
With a long season ahead, the new captain reckons his side are well equipped for what’s in store.
“We’re pretty confident. At the end of the season, we were playing into October. I think the first couple of weeks, everyone is pretty glad to have a break from shinty. A couple of weeks after that you’re starting to get the itch back and now everyone’s just raring to go. We’ve been training hard, three nights a week since January. Everyone’s looking pretty fit, everyone’s looking pretty sharp so we’re all excited to be getting started.”
“Last year, most teams in the Premiership set the goal of either doing really well in the league or getting to a cup final. We had a really honest conversation with each other at the end of last season and asked ourselves what we were expecting. We decided to take it game on game. The potential that we’ve got is there and it’s just about us getting the right attitude for each game. We’re not going to say we want to get to the final of x, y or z, or we want to get in this place, I think we’re just going to focus on ourselves each week and put out as best a performance as we can.”
Elsewhere this weekend, Skye Camanachd Ladies travel to Spean Bridge to take on Lochaber. You can read captain Sarah Yoxon’s interview with Radio Skye here.
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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.
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below.
Strike action warning from Unite union
Calmac fleet repair bill sailing skywards
Award for Skye Sea Salt Company
Newly-secured Screen Machine adds Oban to visiting schedule
Sport
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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.
“𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝”
Alan Murray from Kilmuir, who is one half of the group Mist & Wing, has also been recognised in the nominations.
Alan, whose song ‘Fàilte gu Pàislig’ was chosen as the soundtrack to this year’s Royal National Mòd 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.”
𝐀𝐥𝐛𝐮𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫
Peatbog Faeries’ record ‘I See A World’ has been named in the album of the year category, while Eilean a’ Cheòl 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 £28,800 to £35,000 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, 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 “The 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.”
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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Uig harbour closes for major redevelopment
The second phase of major redevelopment works at Uig harbour is due to begin today with the Skye port now closed for a six-week period.
During the closure, the existing linkspan and support structures will be removed and will be replaced by a new linkspan on foundations which were constructed earlier this year.
The Highland Council who owns the island harbour have stated that the linkspan will be installed and commissioned for ferry services resuming on Monday 11 December.
The works are being undertaken by The Highland Council’s contractor, RJ McLeod.
During the outage the Skye Triangle Resilience Group, which includes the minister for transport and all project partners will continue to meet during the outage period.
Weekly updates will be posted on the Highland Council website.
Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne have put in place alternative travel options in place to support customers who would normally travel to and from the Skye triangle ports of Uig, Tarbert and Lochmaddy.
Full details can be accessed via the CalMac website.
Highlands MSP calls out UK Goverment for asylum mismanagement
Highlands and Island MSP Emma Roddick has urged the UK Government to provide financial support for local authorities as it presses ahead with plans to close asylum hotels.
Writing to UK Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick in her position as Scottish Migration and Refugees Minister, Ms Roddick said that a backlog in the asylum decision making process was down to mismanagement by the UK Government.
She stressed that consequences cannot be passed to local authorities without any support to manage them.
Ms Roddick stated that measures should be put in place now to ensure that the UK asylum system does not again reach a point of 175,000 people waiting for a decision
She has requested the urgent provision of funding to local authorities to support move-on associated with the backlog clearance.
Lochcarron Games donate £500 to Kintail rescue team
The Kintail Mountain Rescue Team have received a donation of £500 from the Lochcarron Highland Games committee for its service to the annual gala day.
Gary Lory, Secretary of The Lochcarron Highland Games presented the cheque to the team, who volunteered their time during this year’s games.
A spokesperson for the Kintail Mountain Rescue team said that such donations were vital to ensuring they remain ready to assist anyone in the event of trouble in the mountains.
Mountain safety underlined as clock go back
Mountaineering Scotland are urging people to be prepared before heading out into the hills following the end of British Summer Time.
The national governing body for hill walking, climbing, mountaineering is reminding people of the importance of packing a head torch, planning your journey, and checking the weather before setting out.
Ross Cadie, Senior Mountain Safety Advisor at Mountaineering Scotland, said that packing a fully charged and good quality headtorch was vital, and that walkers should also take spare torch with extra batteries if they were expecting or planning to spend time out in the dark.
He also recommended packing extra warm layer and adding thicker, better waterproofs amid colder, wetter, and windier weather.
Donald MacRae, Vice Chair of Scottish Mountain Rescue said if you are lost, in need of assistance or in an emergency in the mountains, dial 999 ask for the police then mountain rescue.
Volunteer teams will assist any hour, any day, any weather.
End of an era as MacLeod bows out at Skye
Saturday marked the end of an era for Skye Camanachd as men’s first team coach Kenny MacLeod signed off after three years at the helm and seven years as coach with the club.
Skye may have lost 4-0 to the newly crowned champions Kingussie, but Kenny MacLeod brought his three-year tenure leading the first team to close having guided the islanders to National Division glory last season as champions before securing their premiership status in their first year back in the top flight.
Paying tribute to Kenny MacLeod following their final game of the season away to Kings, the club commended him for his “dedication, passion, perseverance, and commitment,” as not only as first team coach but also during his previous roles coach of the under 17s and the second team.
Under-30s claim Glenelg memorial cup
Glenelg under-30s took the spoils against their older counterparts on Saturday an annual memorial match held in honour of a former player and fan of the club.
The Memorial Cup celebrates the life of Alasdair Davidson who served as a fully committed left half for the club as well as village shopkeeper for many years.
Alasdair Davidson remained a loyal supporter of the club after he stopped playing.
The annual cup was conceived by his sons James and Angus and first took place in 2011.
Commenting after the match, James Davidson said that the game was a great reflection of the competitive edge that his dad had and was played in good spirits.
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Skye’s Niteworks play Royal National Mòd finale
Award-winning Skye electro band Niteworks brought the 2023 Royal National Mòd to an end with the closing concert in Paisley Town Hall on Saturday night.
Niteworks Ruraidh Graham said it was a privilege to be closing this year’s Royal National Mòd in Paisley.
He went on to say: “It’s great to see how it has been evolving in recent years with a host of fringe activities that are pulling in new audiences, and we are thrilled to be a part of that with this gig.”
Meanwhile, Skye’s Iain Cormack (pictured above) has been reflecting on his success at Gaeldom’s premier cultural festival where he to home the coveted men’s gold medal
Speaking to Radio Skye, he said it was a proud moment to have his family and friends in attendance at the competition.
“The song that I sung in the final, it was my own choice, was Fàilte don Eilean Sgitheanach, which was written by Neil MacLeod of Glendale, and was sung by my dad 40 years ago when he won the gold medal. It was an absolute joy to win to win signing the same song he sung all these years ago.
“My friend and family, so many of them were there, which was great, it was just great to be able to share that with them. And I can’t thank people enough for all their messages, it has been very kind.”
Highland Council to address multi-million pound budget gap
Highland Council members are set to hold discussions about a budget gap which could rise to £70 million during a full meeting of the local authority on Thursday.
In September councillors were informed that the projected budget gap for 2024/25 could be as high as £70 million.
Inflationary pressures, costs of materials changing, availability of supplies and suppliers have been identified as some of the key challenges facing the council.
Members are expected to assess a number of options that might be available to fund future capital spending at a meeting of the full council on Thursday.
In September, the Highland Council agreed a five-year capital programme valued at £343 million, which includes £161.5 million for its school estate, £45.5 million for its estate asset management, and £41.7 million for road repairs and modifications.
Portree High Breakfast Club receives “significant” funding boost
A breakfast club providing a free grab and go food for Portree Hugh School pupils has been boosted by a significant donation through the local community council.
The Portree Youth Club announced today the free provision for pupils attended the Skye capital school will continue until the Christmas holidays thanks in large part to a donation from the Portree and Braes Community Council.
A spokesperson for the Portree Youth said the large donation will ease the financial burden on the organisation and allow the club to continue the free breakfast provision in cooperation with Skye Youth Development and Portree High School.
The free grab and go and breakfast are available at the small canteen at Portree High School from 8.30 to 8.50 from Monday to Thursday.
Shiel ladies end season to remember on a high
Kinlochshiel ladies have ended a season of unprecedented success with a 11-1 win over Strathspey in North Division 2 on Sunday.
Niamh Morrison and Katie MacRae fired a brace apiece, while Lexie MacKenzie scored seven goals to take her tally to 64 for the season across all competitions.
Shiel lost just one match en route to claiming the North Division 2 title and Mowi Challenge Cup
Skye Camanachd ladies seconds secured just their second win of the league campaign with a 3-0 victory over Strathglass.
Leah MacLeod, Lilidh Campbell, and Donna MacKenzie were on the scoresheet in the islanders victory.
Scotland lose out in Ireland shinty-hurling clash
Newtonmore’s Steven MacDonald put in a man of the match performance for Scotland despite the Scots losing out to Ireland in the Shinty Hurling international in Newry on Saturday.
The More’ star scored three point but Scotland fell to a 22-14 loss against their Celtic counterparts in the first international since the pandemic.
Kinlochshiel’s Finlay MacRae earned his 20th cap for the national team during the match in Northern Ireland.
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Maternity services hit by housing issues in Skye and Lochalsh
A lack of accommodation across Skye and Lochalsh is having a marked impact on maternity service across the area according to a spokesperson for NHS Highland
Radio Skye understands that there are close to 20 women due to give birth in December, while the maternity unit at Broadford Hospital is closed and there is no midwife cover between 5pm and 9am due to vacancies.
In a statement to Radio Skye, a spokesperson for NHS Highland said there were currently vacancies for registered midwives to work across both the midwife led unit at Broadford and the community of Skye and Lochalsh.
The spokesperson went on to say that the local health authority was also hoping to advertise soon for a health care support worker in the near future to be part of the maternity team.
Addressing some of the key issues effecting recruitment, they went on to say that it remains a challenge to attract staff to come to work in this area, while another challenge centre on the availability of of accommodation both to rent and to purchase and the affordability of that accommodation.
The spokesperson said that the NHS have had great assistance with this from the local housing association and community members and are continuing to work in partnership with our public and private sector colleagues to address, as part of our infrastructure plans for the region.
Festival of Smalls Halls set to host a wealth of talent
Top Scottish musicians are set to perform seven-night showcase across Skye and Lochalsh shores as The SEALL Festival of Small Halls proudly returns for its sixth year.
The festival will take place between Friday 17 – Saturday 25 November 2023.
Musicians Lori Watson, Jarlath Henderson, Ingrid Henderson, Murdo Cameron, Mike Vass, Ali Levack, Megan MacDonald and Hannah Moule will each perform for four or five nights of the festival, both individually and as part of a curated ensemble making each night of the festival unique.
The events take place across the breadth of the region’s small halls and the festival will open and close with ceilidhs.
SEALL’s Festival of Small Halls will for the first time be under the direction of new Creative Director Jamie Sutherland
He said the acts set to perform at the festival were an incredible line-up of talent ready to animate our small hall stages
‘ It is a pleasure to announce Small Halls Festival 2023 today as part of the future SEALL portfolio. We have an incredible line-up of talent ready to animate our small hall stages’
Events Co-ordinator Ruari Gordon said that line-up has been developed to bring breadth of style, tradition and quality to the events, ensuring this will be a festival to remember.”
Portree Post Office goes up for sale
Post Office Ltd is looking for applicants to purchase the Portree service which has been running two days a week since late March.
The advert on 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 Skye capital service located in Wentworth was in abeyance from 9th February due to 30th March due to operational reasons.
It has been run on Thursday and Fridays from 9am to 5pm since then by Rob Wilson, who owns the Kyle Mace shop which includes the village post office.
The advert on 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 exact layout and design will be agreed with the applicant to suit their business, while the estimated post office fees are estimated to be between £28,800 to £35,000 per year.
RagTag seek DJ for fashion show event
A social enterprise on Skye which promote mental and social wellbeing is seeking the services of a DJ for an upcoming fashion show.
RagTag is hosting its annual fashion show on Saturday 11th November at Kyleakin Hall but are currently searching for someone to provide a musical backdrop to the event.
During the event, RagTag will showcase upcycled and recycled clothes along with preloved clothes. Students from Lorraine MacLucas Performing Arts studio will put on a show alongside models from Ragtag and Kyleakin Connections.
Lochalsh Reuse & Recycle Hub, Hamish MacBus, Selkie Collective, and Ragtag will have stalls at the event.
RagTag are looking to secure the services of a DJ on the day to play background music and operate the OA system from 1pm to 4pm at Kyleakin Hall on Saturday 11th November.
For more information you can email – hello@ragtagskye.org
Skye Dance to mark 20-year anniversary
Island organisation SkyeDance will mark their 20-year anniversary by holding a celebratory showcase at the venue in Portree High School on the 28th October at 6.30pm.
The group will showcase local dance talent, who will performing in various styles of dance.
Tea, coffee and cake will also be available, along with the opportunity to win some raffle prizes sourced by local businesses.
Skye and Shiel players set for Scotland action
Scotland Squad travel to Belfast ahead of the Mowi Scotland Shinty Hurling International against Ireland.
Kinlochshiel’s Finlay MacRae is poised to achieve his 20th cap, while fellow Shiel player Duncan Matheson and Skye Captain John Gillies are set to win their second and first caps, respectively.
Saturday match at Páirc Esler in Newry, which is a 3pm throw up, will be the first meeting of the nations in the traditional crossover clash since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Speaking to Radio Skye ahead of the match, Skye Camanachd Captain John Gillies said: “I am really looking forward to having the shinty – hurling international back this year for the first time in four years.
“I would say it has been missed but it is definitely good it is back.
“I am honoured to be getting my first call-up for the senior squad on the back of what has been a good year for Skye, and for me personally. Staying up in the Premiership was the main objective, but also getting to a major final.
“It is a different type of game, and obviously we will have to adapt, they are very fit and physical over there, it will be a good experience and one I will relish and hope to have more of.”
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Line up announced for Skye Live 2024
Some of the biggest names in traditional music will take to the stage at the annual Skye Live festival next year, with Tide Lines headlining the opening concert.
Festival-goers will return to The Lump in Portree between Thursday 9th and Saturday 11th May 2024.
Tide Lines will be joined by Scottish singer NATI for the opening concert on the Thursday night, with artists including Beinn Lee, Beth Malcolm, HEISK, Niteworks, Skerryvore, Malin Makes Music and Peatbog Faeries taking to the stage over the weekend.
Young musicians from the Ceilear Ceilidh Trail and resident festival DJs will also feature on the lineup.
Tickets go on sale to the general public at 8am on Friday 29th September.
Attadale Gardens in running for award
Attadale Gardens near Strathcarron is taking part in a competition to find the nation’s best Royal Horticultural Society Partner Garden.
It’s the third year of the competition, which recognises the positive impact that exercise and nature can have on mental health. The theme for this year is ‘Feel Good’ and the RHS are looking for UK gardens that have lifted the mood of visitors – either during in-person visits or through photos and videos.
Voting closes at midday on the 29th September and the public can vote online at rhs.org.uk
Local shinty stalwarts remembered
Two local shinty teams are mourning the loss of former players and supporters of the respective clubs.
A spokesperson for Skye Camanchd said that the club was shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Richard Stoddart, who represented Skye in the 1970s.
Richard made an impromptu debut against Kinlochshiel amid a shortage of first team players but soon became a mainstay in the side. He was part of the Skye Camanachd team which finished as runners-up both in the 1971 Sutherland Cup and in North Division 2.
Despite playing just half of the season in the 1972-73, Richard scored 11 goals to finish among the top six marksmen in the league.
In 2022, he was recognised for contribution, both on and off the field, by being made a Skye Camanachd Vice-President at the club’s 2022 annual general meeting.
Meanwhile in Wester Ross, Lochcarron Camanachd have expressed their sadness at the death of long-time supporter Gary “Foxy” Morrice over the weekend.
Both Gary’s sons, Lachlan and Calum, play on the Lochcarron team.
In a statement posted on social media, the club described Gary as “one of a kind” and said:
“(Gary) would often be found at the side of the pitch supporting the team and getting the craic with everyone. He will be very much missed by his many friends in the community.”
Foodbank service at risk unless more volunteers found
An appeal has been launched by a local foodbank group to find more volunteers to help deliver their service.
The Community Foodbank – Skye & Lochalsh, an independent and voluntary organisation, work with local partners and agencies across Skye, Lochalsh & South Wester Ross to offer food and supplies to those in need.
However, the South Skye service is currently unable to operate at normal capacity due to a lack of volunteers.
Members of the community are being asked to come forward to help with the service, particularly as the organisation works to a flexible time commitment arrangement for volunteers.
Visit skyefoodbank.co.uk to find out more about volunteering.
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