Ag obair dha eilean ar gaoil

Working for the island we love

Mini Bite – from Alistair Danter – 29th August 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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Visiting a ‘subdued’ but enjoyable Edinburgh Fringe brings home the fact that there is life outside of Destination Management, emphasised by the huge efforts that the entertainment sector is making to get back up and running.  The innovation in the world of event management as a result of Covid is inspiring.

Some bizarre supply chain experiences seem to be afflicting the nation – Nandos have run out of chicken, MacDonalds are looking for milkshakes and our cousins in Eilean Siar had no cat food for a couple of days……..we have been assured that no cats died! 

Back to Destination Management and here is a summary of activity from SkyeConnect HQ.

Quick Skip

Gaelic Whiskies and Gaelic Gins

Find and shop through the range of Gaelic Whiskies and Gins, finest blended and single malt Scotch Whisky from Pràban na Linne Ltd on the Isle of Skye.

These Whiskies are Unchilfiltered to retain all of the natural ingredients resulting in a smoother, softer flavour.

Update From Calmac

An Important announcement from Calmac with regards to changes to motorhomes standby processes. https://www.calmac.co.uk/faqs/before-you-go/changes-motorhome-campervans-caravans-standby-process These changes affect sailings from Armadale and Uig.  Please alert your guests.

Collaboration with Edinburgh University

Our relationship with Edinburgh University has taken a new turn with the opportunity arising to do some collaborative work with the Disability sector  https://www.citymaas.io.  Working with Edinburgh Uni and Citymass, we will be highlighting opportunities for businesses to enhance their ‘offer’ and to make their product more accessible to those with a wide range of disabilities. Please keep an eye on Mini Bite reports and news feeds for more information as this work develops.

Glasgow Caledonian University Survey – Creativity in Hospitality

While the pandemic has been a horrific experience for everyone, the creativity that has been unleashed by members of the hospitality industry is now the subject of serious research.  We would invite any business that has made changes to the way that they operate as a result of Covid to take part in a short survey that is being carried out by Glasgow Caledonian University. https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=9ygnx8pM_km8SUerAvepMLbrB6VkLBJDsMYKpIox6eNUNFY1NDA3WjRNOUQ3UkpWMU01NEI5MFZPVS4u

North Skye Iconic Sites Project

After an unfortunate delay, the funding document has now been signed for the North Skye Iconic sites project –  a collaboration between OATS (Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland), NatureScot, Highland Council, Staffin Community Trust, SGRPID, Minginish Community Hall Association and SkyeConnect.  Footpath improvement works and bridge construction will begin this autumn at the Quiraing and Fairy Pools with additional interpretation work and environmental regeneration taking place on all sites include the Old Man of Storr.

Scotland Food and Drink – Virtual Meet The Buyer Event

Scotland Food and Drink have launched a regional showcasing “Meet the buyer” event for the Highlands and Islands and North East which takes place virtually on 2 November.  The closing date for applications from suppliers is Sunday 19 September and for buyers Friday 15 October. Suppliers should be Scottish food and drink producers with high quality, market ready products and the ambition to reach new markets. Buyers could include regional retail, foodservice or wholesale buyers, from independent hospitality and catering to delis, farm shops, accommodation providers, visitor attractions, online market places and more. For more information visit https://foodanddrink.scot/showcasing-scotland-regional/

Isle of Skye Half Marathon

IT’S BACK ! The Isle of Skye Half Marathon takes place on 11th Sept,  details of Covid 19 protocols for the event can be seen at https://www.skyehalfmarathon.com/the-day/covid-19 Please share them with your networks and guests. Full details of the event can be seen at https://www.skyehalfmarathon.com

ScotSpirit Holiday Voucher Scheme

The ScotSpirit holiday voucher scheme was launched earlier this month with the purpose of supporting holiday costs for unpaid carers and low income families. Details can be seen at https://www.visitscotland.org/about-us/what-we-do/working-in-partnership/scotspirit-voucher-scheme Businesses willing to participate should register asap in order that the scheme can be up and running for the October Holidays.

Short Term Let Consultation

The Scottish Government’s consultation on short-term let licensing closed earlier this month and generated over 1,000 responses. It is in no small part that this level of response, with individual businesses and tourism stakeholders voicing concerns, that the Scottish Government have announced that they will delay the laying of their Licensing Order until November 2021. The Cabinet Secretary for Housing Shona Robison MSP set out their revised plans in a letter to the Scottish Parliament’s Local Government Committee which you can read in full here. In particular, it is worth noting the following:

 “We remain committed to getting this legislation absolutely right. Our intention to lay the Licensing Order in September was predicated upon the consultation only highlighting minor points for revision.  The consultation closed on 13 August and the Scottish Government received more than 1,000 responses to it.  Whilst many of the points raised are familiar from previous consultations, there are some points that require careful consideration, especially if the competency of the legislation is being questioned.  We also want to take the time to review all the consultation responses carefully to see what we can do to address genuine stakeholder concerns.”

Leadership Training Courses

A number of Leadership Training courses have been announced for individuals involved in Tourism initiatives.  Further details can be found at:

Communities leading in Tourism 

www.hie.co.uk/communitiesleadingintourism

Introduction to Tourism Leadership 

www.napier.ac.uk/study-with-us/short-courses/scottish-tourism-leadership-development-programme

Destination Leaders Programme

https://www.napier.ac.uk/courses/study-areas/tourism-hospitality-festival-and-events-management/destination-leaders-programme#Find%20out%20more%20about%20our%20Commercial%20Programmes

STA Autumn Conference

The Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) has announced dates for a 2 day autumn conference in November. Attendance is https://bit.ly/3yo9Jo6

Scottish Tourism Alliance DMO Forum

Attendance at the quarterly Scottish Tourism Alliance DMO forum gave us the opportunity to share experiences, problems and issues with DMOs from across Scotland.  Many problems are common, others – such as ferries – are west coast specific.  Recruitment and supply chain issues are affecting all businesses and sectors. The SkyeConnect Board has taken the decision following some lobbying from members to put on an employment / recruitment event early in 2022.

Skye Book Festival

Lastly we are pleased to help to promote an ‘old friend’ the Skye Book festival, taking place on line from 2nd – 30th September. Tickets are available at http://www.skyebookfestival.eventbrite.co.uk/

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