Skye is Scotland’s second most popular destination. The data shows that visitor numbers continue to grow each year and now exceed pre-covid levels. It is alarming that a destination like Skye faces the real possibility of not having a body...
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Mini Bite – from Alistair Danter – 13th July 2021
In Alistair's Mini Bite below you'll find information on Alistair Danter's work as Project Manager for SkyeConnect.
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The first complete week of July ’21 and if you are wondering where is the year going join the gang!
In the fortnight that the Chinese Communist party celebrated it’s 100th birthday President Kim Jong Un of North Korea dismissed senior officials for ‘incompetence and irresponsibility’ related to pandemic prevention, North Korea however told the WHO that it had no recorded cases of Covid 19 ….. while on Skye & Raasay the sun shone and visitor numbers started to grow visibly.
This edition of the mini-bite has been delayed by a few days to accommodate the official opening of the Fairy pools carpark and toilets. You can find out more by clicking on the link to the Skyetime Podcast below. Here’s what else has been happening at Skyeconnect HQ:
Quick Skip
The Tales of the Last Ferryman
Daily performances on 21st July- 8th August depart at 4pm from The Legend of Saucy Mary’s Restaurant, Kyleakin
Employment Matters – Hospitality Careers Promo
With the support of Simon Cousins, our ‘comms’ contractor we have put together a small video promoting employment in the hospitality sector on Skye. The promotion is part of a national campaign developed by the STA (Scottish Tourism Alliance) in conjunction with VisitScotland, that will run from 5 July to 15 August.
Visit Scotland – https://bit.ly/3yXHMEn
Employment Matters – Hotels & Restaurants
At the last SkyeConnect Hotels and Restaurant sector meeting we heard presentations from the DYW (Developing Youth Workforce) Portree High school coordinator Claudia Pech. DYW has now put in place ‘The young Person’s Guarantee Scheme’. We are hoping that as many employers as possible will sign up and develop links with our two High schools and West Highland College. More information can be found HERE
Business Health Surveys
With the steady growth in visitor numbers we still have conflicting reports across all sectors on levels of business activity – we have developed a very quick “rain check” for different business sectors + would be grateful if you could take the time to complete a survey relevant to your sector. The links to the surveys are
Arts & Crafts Businesses- Click Here
Marine Operators – Click Here
B&B & Self Catering – Click Here
Outdoor Activity Operators – Click Here
Restaurants, Cafes & Takeaways – Click Here
Hotels – Click Here
Furlough Support
As the Government furlough scheme starts to close down, if you’re claiming on or after 1 July 2020 for 16 or more employees under the job retention scheme, there are new forms and guidance, these can be found here.
Sgitheanach Joins our SkyeConnect Team
A big welcome to Eilidh Munro who has joined SkyeConnect as our new Membership Coordinator, Administrator and bookkeeper. A Sgitheanach and Business Studies Graduate from Abertay University, Eilidh has held a host of positions in the Hospitality sector, most recently with Snoozebox – The Portable Hotel. Prior to joining SkyeConnect, Eilidh held the position of Print Estimator/Office & Accounts Administrator at Strathprint in Broadford. Eilidh’s position consolidates a number of different roles formerly carried out by hard working volunteers and part time contractors. We are grateful for the funding from HIE (Highlands and Islands Enterprise) to support Eilidh’s position.
Skyetime Podcast
The latest edition of the Skyetime Podcast features the official opening of the Fairy Pools carpark by Kate Forbes, MSP
North Skye Shuttle Bus Service – Please Promote to Your Guests
Old Man of Storr, Fairy Glen, Fairy Pools Click Here For Timetables
Bus services 57A, 57C run from Portree to the Old Man of Storr part of normal year round circular Trotternish service
Shuttle Bus service T57 runs from Portree to the Old Man of Storr (28/6 – 13 /8 – No Saturday or Sunday service)
Adult single £ 2.15 Child single £ 1.10
Return £ 3.20 Return £ 1.65
Shuttle Bus service T 56 runs from Portree to the Fairy glen (28/6 – 13 /8 – No Saturday or Sunday service)
Adult single £ 4.25 Child single £ 2.15
Return £ 6.35 Return £ 3.20
Shuttle Bus service T54 runs from Portree to Fairy Pools (28/6 – 13 /8 – No Saturday or Sunday service)
Adult single £ 4.55 Child single £ 2.30
Return £ 6.80 Return £ 3.45
NB – There is a maximum of 8 passengers per bus. No dogs or bikes are allowed but there is spoace for one wheelchair and one pushchair.
Short Term Let Consultation
The consultation is now open and runs until 13th August https://consult.gov.scot/housing-and-social-justice/short-term-lets-draft-licensing-order-and-bria/ The relevant documents from scot.gov are listed at the bottom of the page. We are currently working out the best way to facilitate discussions on the issue locally, so watch this space!
Visitscotland ‘Staycation’ Promotion – “Now Is Your Time”
The current VS marketing initiative targeting the stay cation market can be seen here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONpC1uM3P3g. The promotion is based on insights which indicate that nostalgia could drive increasing numbers of visitors to turn to holiday experiences from the past or seek ‘modern twists on old favourites’.
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