Skye – Radio Skye

Skye drink driver jailed after 115mph police chase

MartyM — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 11:06:43 +0000

8 SEPTEMBER 2026

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Skye drink driver jailed after 115mph police chase

A Skye man has been jailed for eight months after driving at up to 115mph while more than four times the drink-drive limit.

Police received a tip off about a car being driven dangerously at Breakish shortly before 4.30pm on 1 April 2026.

Officers later spotted the car travelling through Kintail and tried to stop it.

Tay Healy, 30, from Portree, failed to stop and a pursuit followed.

Tay Healy was jailed for 8 months. Credit – Facebook

He drove at high speed, overtaking other vehicles and crossing onto the wrong side of the road. An oncoming driver was forced off the road to avoid a collision.

Police abandoned the pursuit, but later spotted Healy’s vehicle near Urquhart Castle. He eventually stopped and was arrested.

A breath test found 107 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres. The legal limit is 22.

Healy admitted dangerous driving, drink driving, failing to stop for police, leaving the scene of a crash and driving without insurance.

He was also convicted of possessing two knives in a public place.

Sheriff Neil Wilson said the driving had come close to killing people and imposed a custodial sentence.

Healy has also been banned from driving for two years. He will have to pass an extended driving test before he can regain his licence.

Landowner payments put pressure on historic Glenelg-Skye ferry

MartyM — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 16:42:24 +0000

20 AUGUST 2026

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Landowner payments put pressure on historic Glenelg-Skye ferry

The ferry link between Glenelg and Kylerhea is facing financial uncertainty over an ancient legal agreement, its operators have claimed.

The service is run by a community interest company (CIC). The group is warning that an obscure entitlement held by the landowner on the Skye side is creating pressure.

Former financier Richard Oliphant of that Ilk owns the land. He holds a “rights to ferry” legal entitlement over the Kylerhea Narrows, which is said to date back centuries. Under the current lease, he is paid a percentage of the ferry’s annual turnover.

The CIC claims he received almost £10,000 last year as part of the agreement.

The MV Glenachulish is thought to be the last turntable operated ferry in the world

Jo Crawford is CEO of the Isle of Skye Ferry Community Interest Company. Speaking to Radio Skye, she said:

“We are in a situation which we believe is unfair and unsustainable.

“Last year we had a bumper year for the ferry company. He [Richard Oliphant] takes 5% of our overall turnover. Last year, that was close to £10,000.

“We’ve had a less lucrative year so far this year. Weather has played a part in that. Our costs are up. Including fuel, engine oil, and all those kind of things.”

“So, we’re looking to make less money, it would appear, compared to the same period last year. But he will still claim what he was able to claim last year. And for nothing. That’s the galling thing. It really is for nothing.

“The ferry company alone is solely responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the slipway at Kylerhea. He doesn’t have to put his hand in his pocket for that. We do.”

Ancient rights

The CIC signed a similar agreement with the Burton Property Trust, the landowner on the Glenelg side. However, that trust never charged the community and has since transferred its rights into community ownership.

The operators claim that Mr Oliphant has charged them since the community takeover almost 20 years ago, including during the 2020 Covid-19 lockdowns when the ferry could not run.

They also state the lease includes a “ratchet clause,” meaning the annual payment can never drop below the amount paid the previous year, regardless of bad weather or falling passenger numbers.

Jo Crawford said:

“£10,000 for us is an enormous amount of money. That’s somebody’s job. It’s possible employment or training opportunities for people within the community.”

Who is Richard Oliphant?

Richard Eric Laurence Oliphant of that Ilk is the 34th Clan Chief of the Oliphants.

Until 2003, the clan had been without a Clan Chief. Richard made the claim at the court of Lord Lyon, ending more than 150 years without someone at the head of the Oliphant clan.

A former City financier, he was born and brought up in Hong Kong. He was later educated in England and visited Skye as a child.

Community impact

The ferry company is a major local employer, supporting 22 jobs.

Operators claim the landlord has also blocked minor community developments on the Skye side, including plans to use an old phone box to sell merchandise.

The service has been run by the community since 2007. The CIC was set up after long-time ferryman Roddy MacLeod retired.

Radio Skye has contacted the Clan Oliphant Society seeking a response from Richard Oliphant of that Ilk.

Ferry redeployment cuts capacity on Mallaig–Armadale route until early August

MartyM — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 07:17:56 +0000

By Jamie McDonald

Ferry redeployment cuts capacity on Mallaig–Armadale route until early August

Ferry services between Mallaig and Armadale will operate with reduced capacity until at least 6 August after CalMac redeployed MV Loch Bhrusda to cover a vessel breakdown elsewhere in the network.

The move follows the withdrawal of MV Loch Portain from the Sound of Harris route after engineers identified gearbox vibration levels outside acceptable tolerances.

In an update shared with the Sound of Sleat Ferry Users Group, CalMac said Loch Bhrusda will transfer from the Mallaig–Armadale service to the Sound of Harris route from Thursday, where it is expected to remain while repairs to Loch Portain are assessed.

As a result, the Mallaig–Armadale crossing will operate a single vessel timetable with the MV Coruisk.

The disruption forms part of a wider reshuffle across the west coast ferry network, triggered by the loss of Loch Portain and planned maintenance on MV Hebrides.

On the Sound of Harris route, Loch Bhrusda will replace Loch Portain, although its smaller capacity means MV Glen Sannox will provide an inter-island service between Lochmaddy and Tarbert until 27 July. Additional passenger charter sailings will also operate between 22 and 24 July to ease demand.

Meanwhile, Hebrides is due to undergo three days of essential maintenance from 28 July, with Glen Sannox operating an amended timetable on the Little Minch route during that period.

The redeployment will also affect Mallaig–Small Isles services, where additional vehicle and passenger charter sailings will operate on 25 July and 1 August.

CalMac added that port staff are contacting affected passengers and apologised for the disruption caused by the changes.

First South Skye Nature Festival to be held

MartyM — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 08:46:48 +0000

By Jamie McDonald

First South Skye Nature Festival to be held

The South Skye Nature Festival takes place between 24-26 July, with a packed programme of talks, workshops, guided walks and outdoor activities.

The event is organised by Sleat Nature Group and features more than 40 events, most of which are free to attend.

The programme includes expert talks on Skye birds, the mysterious corncrake of north Skye, sea trout, the role of amphibians and reptiles, the sounds of nature, species reintroduction, marine protected areas and why biodiversity matters.

Practical workshops will cover bird identification and surveys, coastal and woodland foraging, and cetacean identification. There will also be the chance to make a mat from beach rope.

Guided walks include a look at the ferns of the Plock, Gaelic in the Scottish rainforest at Leitir Fura, the landscapes and nature of Knock and Ord, and woodland and peatland restoration at Tormore and Broadford. Kayaking sessions will also take place around Skye’s shores.

On Saturday evening, Ocean with David Attenborough will be screened at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, followed by a Q&A.

The festival hub will be at An Crùbh, with stalls and displays from organisations including British Divers Marine Life Rescue, Fishing For Litter, Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Trees for Life, Skye and Lochalsh Rivers Trust, Whale and Dolphin Conservation, the RSPB, the British Trust for Ornithology, the Blue Marine Foundation, CLIMAVORE, Forestry and Land Scotland, and others.

For the full programme and to reserve places, visit the Sleat Nature Group website.

Skye kickboxing success for Kara Taylor

MartyM — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:06:17 +0000

By Jamie McDonald

Skye kickboxing success for Kara Taylor

Sixteen year old Kara Taylor has achieved her 3rd Degree Black Belt in Modern Karate and Kickboxing. She’s only the fourth to do so and the youngest ever in the association.

She was given the prize at a competition on Saturday 27th June in Portree.

A five hour grading session was judged by Kash ‘The Flash’ Gill who is the founder of the International Freestyle Association (IFA) Kickboxing Club. A four time World Champion, Kash told Radio Skye he’s incredibly proud of Kara.

IFA Skye and Lochalsh is run by Antony Davies who Kash also thanked for his efforts in keeping the sport alive here.

L-R: Cole Taylor, Antony Davies, Kara Taylor, Kash Gill

Listen to the full interview with Kara below.

https://radioskye.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/KARA-TAYLOR-KICKBOXING-INT-TX.wav

Norwegian Sámi windfarm campaigners visit Skye

MartyM — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 13:32:13 +0000

By Jamie McDonald

Norwegian Sámi windfarm campaigners visit Skye

Two Sámi campaigners from Norway are visiting Skye this week to discuss their opposition to a major wind farm development on traditional reindeer grazing land.

The visit has been organised by the St Andrews Centre for Critical Sustainabilities in partnership with the Skye Windfarm Information Group (SWIG) and the Breakish Windfarm Action Group (BWAG).

Elle Rávdná Näkkäläjärvi, an elected member of the Sámi Parliament, and filmmaker Johannes Vang are visiting the island from 10 to 12 June. The pair have been involved in campaigning against the Fosen Vind wind farm, which has been at the centre of a long running dispute over Indigenous land rights.

Protests in Norway (Credit – Birk Øren, Aurinko Film)

Mr Vang documented the Sámi resistance movement in his 2025 film For Our Rights. A public screening of the documentary, followed by a discussion, will take place at Broadford Hall on Thursday evening.

During their visit, the campaigners will also tour existing and proposed wind farm sites on Skye.

Elle and Johannes in the Radio Skye studio

Nick Ferguson, chair of BWAG, said there were “many parallels and shared experiences” between the impact of wind farm developments on traditional Sámi grazing land and concerns raised by some communities in the Highlands.

Listen to the interview with Elle and Johannes below.

https://radioskye.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Johannes-Vang-Elle-Ravdna-Nakkalajarvi-INT-TX.wav

Watch the trailer for For Our Rights below.

Extras wanted in Skye for major production

MartyM — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 07:57:31 +0000

By Jamie McDonald

Extras wanted in Skye for major production

A casting call has been launched for a major film and television production due to begin filming later this year.

Casting Collective is seeking extras from Skye, Inverness, Aberdeen and Mull. The agency said no previous acting or film experience is required.

Applicants must be aged 16 or over, have completed National 5 qualifications, or the equivalent, and be legally entitled to work in the UK.

The company said successful candidates would be paid at industry rates.

Skye has featured in a number of Hollywood productions in recent years.

In April, Radio Skye reported that scenes for a reboot of the cult film Highlander were being shot in the north of the island.

Skye and Raasay could face new controls on holiday lets under Highland Council plans

MartyM — Tue, 12 May 2026 09:52:03 +0000

By Jamie McDonald

Skye and Raasay could face new controls on holiday lets under Highland Council plans

People are being asked for their views on plans to introduce new controls on short-term holiday lets across parts of the Highlands.

Highland Council has opened a six week consultation on proposals for two Short Term Let Control Areas (STLCAs), including one covering Skye and Raasay, Lochalsh, Lochaber, Wester Ross and Sutherland.

If approved, homeowners would need planning permission before changing a residential property into a secondary short-term let, such as an Airbnb, where the owner does not normally live in the property.

The council said the move was aimed at balancing tourism with increasing pressure on local housing.

Figures released as part of the consultation show that 13.6% of homes sold in Skye and Lochalsh between 2019 and 2024 were later converted into short-term lets.

Highland Council also said more than 38% of homes sold across the proposed rural control area during the same period were bought by people from outside the Highlands.

Portree has the highest concentration of anywhere in the Highlands, with more then 30% of homes operating as licensed short-term lets as of July 2025.

The authority said housing pressure in rural communities is contributing to wider issues including depopulation and falling school rolls.

Council convener Bill Lobban said tourism remained “vital” to the Highland economy and stressed the proposals would not amount to a ban on holiday lets.

He said: “What they allow us to do is balance tourism growth with local housing need by managing concentrations of short-term lets in areas where housing availability or neighbourhood amenity is adversely affected.”

The consultation runs until 23 June, with a drop in event due to take place in Portree on 25 May.

A separate proposed control area would cover parts of Inverness, where the council said large numbers of city centre flats had been converted into short-term accommodation.

Struan wildfire brought under control

MartyM — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 13:12:28 +0000

By Jamie McDonald

Struan wildfire brought under control

Fire crews tackled a wildfire near Struan over the weekend, during a period of “extreme” wildfire risk across parts of Scotland.

The grass fire broke out at around 14:30 on Saturday and was brought under control within two hours. Three crews attended the scene.

The warning, which covered western areas of Scotland, remained in place until midnight on Sunday.

The Struan incident was one of several fires reported across the country.

No injuries have been reported in any of the incidents.

Photo – Simon Finch

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service had urged people to take extra care during the heightened risk period, warning that dry conditions can allow fires to spread quickly.

Firefighters say Scotland is facing a growing threat from wildfires, particularly in spring when dead vegetation can easily ignite. Last year was the worst on record for wildfires, and crews warn the risk to rural communities is increasing.

What do the candidates for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch stand for?

MartyM — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:11:23 +0000

By Jamie McDonald

What do the candidates for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch stand for?

The Scottish Parliament election is on Thursday 7 May 2026. There are six candidates standing for the seat of Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch. You can listen to an extended conversation with each one of them below.

Hustings
There’s also an opportunity to put your questions directly to the candidates at the Radio Skye Hustings on Thursday 23 April at the Skye Gathering Hall. The event starts at 7pm and will be broadcast live on Radio Skye. It is free to attend. No booking is required.

Constituency
The constituency has been held by the SNP’s Kate Forbes since 2016. She has taken the decision to step down as an MSP, and as the Deputy First Minister in the Scottish Government. You can hear more about why she decided to do so here.

How does voting work?
Scotland has a form of proportional representation called the Additional Member System (AMS). Voters record two votes in the polling booth, or by post. One for a constituency MSP. One for a regional MSP. There are 129 MSPs altogether. 73 constituency MSPs and 56 additional regional MSPs (7 per region).
Some parties decide to run in both the constituency and the regional list. Others choose one or the other. For the Radio Skye Hustings, we have invited those running as contituency candidates only.

Andrew Baxter – Scottish Liberal Democrats

https://radioskye.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Andrew-Baxter-interview-tx.mp3

Helen Crawford – Scottish Conservatives

https://radioskye.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Helen-Crawford-interview-tx.mp3

Laùra Hänsler – Alliance to Liberate Scotland

https://radioskye.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Laura-Hansler-Interview-TX-.mp3

Islay McCay – Scottish Labour

https://radioskye.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Islay-McCay-interview-tx.mp3

Eilidh Munro – SNP

https://radioskye.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Eilidh-Munro-interview-full-tx-16.4.26.mp3

Jon Whitton – Reform UK

https://radioskye.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/John-Whitton-interview-TX.mp3