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 – 10th June – 2023
In Alistair's Mini Bite below you'll find information on Alistair Danter's work as Project Manager for SkyeConnect.
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We’ve had three weeks without rain and sunshine almost every day – that feels like some sort of record for Skye! Visitor numbers are also buoyant, and businesses are busy but as we all know this does not mean that life is without problems – staffing, supply chains, housing, pressure points at hotspots – all issues that SkyeConnect is concerned with and works hard to address through engagement, advocacy and lobbying. One issue we were not expecting to be asked to address is the apparent recent shortage of eggs in the Portree Coop! That seems to stretch the role of Visitor Management a little too far!
Here’s a few snippets of what we have been doing:
Slow Skye Campaign
The SkyeConnect Travel Trip + entertainment guide Spring flyer on Slow tourism is now available through the ICentre in Portree or just download from our website. if you want to print off and put in bedroom packs or on notice boards. If you are asked for advice from guests on places to visit/ things to do etc please direct them to our inspirations page. Anyone wishing their business to feature in the next edition for “summer” please get in touch. It will be out soon.
Skye Connect
Our Social media editor and blogger, Affy Thomson has been hard at work writing some great articles on slow tourism and experiencing all that the area has to offer beyond the popular hotspots. You can read her work in the Skye Magazine which is now available. Please pick up a copy and share it with guests.
Short Term Lets
The Short term Let issue continues to make headlines. This week the Court of Session confirmed that the City of Edinburgh Council’s short-term let licensing policy is unlawful – full details of the decision can be found here.
Skye Foundation
A couple of SkyeConnect Directors had a catch-up call with Kate Forbes, MSP this week. Discussions ranged from plans for a Skye Foundation or Trust, an Abattoir for Skye, Short Term Lets, the Transient Visitor Levy Bill and funding mechanisms for Skye’s Infrastructure and Visitor Management.
H.I.E Funding
HIE have made a welcome announcement on funding support for businesses seeking to reduce their carbon footprint. The scheme can be found here.
Samaritans
We have been contacted by the Portree and Braes Community Trust who are working with the Samaritans to develop Health and Wellbeing support for local people and businesses. The dedicated West Highlands and Skye project brings a freephone Service 24/7 on 116 123 for anyone needing to talk. The project also offers fully funded training. Learn more about Samaritans Scotland’s West Highland & Skye Project on their website.
WHFP Writing Course
The WHFP have contacted us with information that may be of interest to aspiring news writers. Places are available on a two-hour NUJ Zoom course, “How To Be A Great Newswriter”, on Thursday 15th June. This course is funded by the Scottish Government and is open to all, so please feel free to share this information with colleagues, freelancers and community journalists. You do not need to be a member to attend. If you would like a place on this course, please contact Keith Mackenzie at the WHFP as soon as possible keith.mackenzie@whfp.com
Scotland’s Greatest Escape
Nominations are now open for Scotland’s Greatest Escape . The TV show is returning for a second series to BBC Scotland. It doesn’t matter if you applied last year – there have been a few tweaks to the format meaning that everyone is in with a shout of taking home the top prize. Businesses can self nominate or be nominated through the BBC website.
Scottish Tourism Alliance Survey
The Scottish Tourism Alliance’s (STA) latest industry survey is now live here. The survey is seeking to capture the current business environment that the tourism industry is operating in and looks at members’ views on business performance and confidence, the labour market, and future trading outlook. Data resulting from the survey is vital for representing industry views. Please take just a few minutes to respond here.
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