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 – 1st April – 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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Our interest in Romance and Fantasy (see Mini bite 11th March ’23) was further heightened by news of a Chinese start-up company – Siweifushe – founded by Zhao Jianbo, a student from the Beijing Film Academy. Inspired by lockdown isolation and frustrated by the lack of physical intimacy in video calls with his girlfriend, Zhao invented a long-distance kissing machine that transmits users’ kiss data collected through motion sensors hidden in silicon lips, which simultaneously move when replaying kisses received. The “MUA” (priced at 260 yuan ($38) is named after the sound people commonly make when blowing a kiss. It captures and replays sound and also warms up slightly during kissing, making the experience “more authentic”. Having gained your attention with that wee snippet here’s some even more important information !:
STL Survey
We have produced a short survey for B&B and Self-Catering Operators to gauge progress with the application process for a STL License. The survey will take just a couple of minutes and will provide vital data for our advocacy activities on the issue. The survey can be found here.
Spring Conference
The SkyeConnect Spring Conference and AGM will take place on the 27th April at Sligachan Hotel – more information to follow!
Skye Roads
The state of Skye’s roads has been a hot topic in recent months. Despite the best efforts of The Highland Council some stretches are still in a dangerous state. After hearing from members about the impact this is having on visitors suffering damage to their cars and the reputational damage to the visitor economy, the Board of SkyeConnect has written an open letter expressing strong fears over the potential for loss of life when our roads get even busier. The letter has been picked up by many local and National publications. Look out for the P&J, and Scotland on Sunday this weekend (25th/26th March.
Windfarm Development
The recent SkyeConnect Board meeting approved a position paper on Windfarm development in our area, anyone wishing to receive a copy should contact info@skye-connect.com
MySkyeTime App
MySkyeTime – Our recently released Visitor Management app is showing encouraging levels of downloads with 165 from the App store and 122 from Google play in just under a week. We have had downloads from as far afield as Dubai and Hongkong. A5 flyers promoting the App (recycled paper) – perfect for bedroom folders and information racks – are available through the Icentre in Portree or contact info@skye-connect.com if you would like to collect a bundle.
Spirit of the Highlands
Our friends at the Spirit of the Highlands and Islands project are looking for photos of Loch Beag and Kilmuir (NW Skye) If anyone has any please send them to info@spiritofthehighlands.com . All photos will be credited.
Training Opportunities
We have been notified of a couple of great training opportunities for local businesses through West Highland College. For further details or to book a place on these courses, please go to this website.
Emergency First Aid at Work – Portree – 18 April
A one-day practical course ideal for low hazard environments (offices, shops, etc) or where there is a business requirement for a first aider trained in emergency first aid at work. The course is suitable for those working at any level, aged 16+ in any sector. Certification on completion valid for 3 years.
Certificated Scottish Personal Licence Holder courses – Portree – 28 March and 28 April
A one-day course providing participants with an overview of licencing legislation and their role and responsibilities as a Personal Licence Holder. Mandatory qualification for those applying to become a Personal Licence Holder and may also benefit those with supervisory responsibilities in licensed premises. REHIS certificated course.
For any other queries related to business development training courses contact business.whc@uhi.ac.uk or call 01397 874874
Housing Matters
LSHA have 8 properties for let in Kyleakin. All are brand new and commutable to Slèite, Broadford and Lochalsh. Any local folk or employers interested contact details can be found here.
Academic Research
Throughout the year we are contacted by students and academic institutions investigating a range of issues affecting Skye as a tourism destination. While we try to be as helpful as possible it is time consuming work and we are not always in a position to oblige. If anyone can help with the following request please could you respond to the email address below. Jenika Katz, a University of Strathclyde PhD researcher, is looking for business owners and frontline workers to discuss staff turnover in hospitality and tourism businesses. All conversations will be confidential. If you are interested, please contact Jenika.katz@strath.ac.uk .
New Members
Finally, we would like to extend a warm welcome to new SkyeConnect members, Tim and Blair Hunter Davies from “The Dunvegan”
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