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 –22nd April 2022
In Alistair's Mini Bite below you'll find information on Alistair Danter's work as Project Manager for SkyeConnect.
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Easter is over and for some it exceeded expectations, for others it was disappointing. SkyeConnect would be very grateful if you could take part in our business barometer survey – see below – in order that we can accurately reflect / feed back to elected representatives and key public agencies on the state of our industry. Here are a few other snippets from SkyeConnect HQ:
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The Three Chimneys
SkyeConnect would like to welcome our new members at The Three Chimneys and wish them all the very best for the 2022 season.
Nestled on the shores of Loch Dunvegan with the dramatic backdrop of the Duirinish peninsula of Skye, lies the iconic Three Chimneys Restaurant and House-Over-By.
Chef Scott and his team continue to work closely with local crofters, suppliers, and fishermen to develop new dishes for their summer menu showcasing the freshest of ingredients available in Skye’s magnificent larder.
SCOTO Launch
SCOTO – Scotland’s new community Tourism organisation will be launching during the week 25- 29 April https://www.scoto.co.uk The organisation’s purpose is to provide a forum for networking, collaboration and learning about community tourism, to promote and raise awareness of what is on offer and to represent and provide leadership for the many community tourism enterprises in our network. Please check out their website and social media and if you can create a “Smiley T” please post and share it!
Local Footpath Data
We have some interesting footpath use data just in from The Highland Council Access Officer. For the first 3 months of the year activity on the Old Man of Storr was DOWN 14% while activity at the Fairy Pools was UP 12%. As part of the North Skye Iconic sites project, new real time footpath counters will be installed on all the sites. This will help to gauge usage and assist with planning path maintenance.
Quiraing Footpath Opening
Staying with footpaths – the official opening of the new footpath at the Quiraing will take place on the 13th of May at 1030. The new path will make the Quiraing all the more attractive to newly wedded couples, During the initial construction phase in November / December ’21, contractors witnessed 11 wedding photo shoots on site! Recent work as the weather has improved has focused on revegetation and interpretation work. We hope to have more news on this soon.
Staffin Community Trust Update
Some great news from Staffin Community Trust – Upgrades are happening at the harbour and slip way that will benefit the Visitor economy as well as local Fishing and aquaculture businesses. There has been excellent progress made on the enabling works. SCT faces a significant capital funding challenge to ensure the main harbour development goes ahead and is working hard to try and secure the money which will be required. More details here https://skyeecomuseum.com/latest
Business Confidence Survey
Participation in the Highland Tourism partnership quarterly meeting indicated mixed levels of optimism across sectors and geographies. Self-caterers and B&B operators reported a mixed picture with some very busy and others very quiet. There are also reports of businesses closing their doors. Our own business barometer survey has been released and can be found at https://bit.ly/3k63CQB. It will only take a few minutes to complete.
Skye, Raasay & Lochalsh Climate Pledge
Earlier this month we held a successful networking event at the Sligachan Hotel. Members heard a marketing update from Chris Taylor of VisitScotland and there was also a discussion on moving Skye, Raasay and Lochalsh to net zero. Building on visitor transport data through our on-going relationship with Edinburgh University Business school has estimated that on average, tourists bring over 570,000 cars, campervans and caravans to the area each year. These vehicles tour over 154 million miles on the island, generating 27,500 tonnes CO₂e. To offset this would require planting 5,000 hectares of trees – an area almost as big as Raasay! Please consider joining our climate pledge https://skye-connect.com/climate-pledge/
Come Join Us …
If you would like to join SkyeConnect, help promote our industry and your individual business, please visit www.skye-connect.com Membership includes a free listing on www.myskyetime.com with opportunities for links direct to individual business websites. There are NO COMMISSIONS on bookings taken through the site. We are also currently offering a free website listing for a year for any B&B or Self Catering business that installs an EV charger on their business premises. Visit Climate Pledge – SkyeConnect (skye-connect.com) for links for further information on grants and installation.
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