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 – 24th 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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Apologies all for the delay in the latest mini bite. Unforeseen circumstances resulted in a few missed deadlines.
We are not quite sure how to react to stories that Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg have agreed to a cage fight ……. But we have our own modest counter proposal as privileged inhabitants of part of the planet where it is still possible to hear the sound of silence. “World Silence Day” during which time the world wide web will be turned off for 24 hours, all news channels, social media and broadcasts will stop transmitting no newspapers will be published. For obvious local reasons the day selected should not be a Thursday! While we are still connected to the internet, here’s the latest news from SkyeConnect.
Short Term Lets Seminar
Following requests from operators who still have to submit applications for Short Term Let Licences, we will be hosting an online seminar with Gary Somers from the Highland Council Licensing team at 11 am on Wed 5th July. Registration is free via Eventbrite.
Summer Campaign
Our Summer season promotion on MySkyeTime with selected itineraries and a strong area focus on Sleat is now live. Visit the MySkyeTime website to see a wonderful video clip from the Torabhaig distillery and download a flyer for bedroom packs.
Footpath Counters
A couple of local stats verifying how busy the island is at the moment have been made available courtesy of THC footpath counters at the Old Man of Storr and Fairy pools.
Having data from footpath counters was key in enabling funds to be raised for footpath upgrades and environmental restoration works at both sites. THC have now been able to install counters at Duntulm Castle and Neist point which is great news. Data generated will be key in arguing for infrastructure funding for both sites. As we manage to make more destinations in the area resilient our goals of achieving a sustainable visitor economy become more realistic. The question remains what is Skye’s finite “carrying capacity” for visitors? Are we moving towards a ticketing model, already adopted in many locations from Peru to Mount Everest? No ticket, no entry?
Trotternish Ridge Regeneration Project
Work on the successful funding application to the Community Regeneration fund for footpath work and environmental protection at Meall na Suirmach on the Trotternish Ridge has begun with the project team making a site visit on Monday 26th June. The project itself is straight forward, the associated form filling mind numbing!
Visitor Levy Bill
The Scottish Govt have issued a Call for Evidence on the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill. Currently the deadline for responses is 1st Sept. Moves are afoot to extend this deadline given the importance of the legislation and the fact that this is the busy season for Tourism operators. The easiest way for local operators to make brief and general comments is via this link.
Short Term Lets Position Paper
In a fast moving situation, SkyeConnect has produced a position paper on STLs based on the finding of our recent survey. Any one interested in seeing the paper should contact info@skye-connect.com
Drug and Alcohol Forums
The Skye, Lochalsh and Wester Ross Drug and Alcohol Forum is hosting a networking and planning session on the 18th July at Kyleakin Village Hall from 10.30am – 1.00pm. The forum is keen to engage with businesses from the area. The aim of the session is to look at how groups, services and businesses can work together to tackle the drug and alcohol challenges facing communities, families and individuals in Skye and Lochalsh. Any business wishing to attend should contact jo.ford@slcvo.org
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