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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March 2, 2021
Mini Bite – from Alistair Danter – 2nd March 2021
In Alistair's Mini Bite below you'll find information on Developing Young Workforce Free Webinar for employers, an Introduction to Slow Tourism event, a new collaboration to support land managers and more...
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Visit Scotland Funding & Business Framework Fund
With all 13 business support funds administered by VisitScotland up and running we would urge all businesses to check out which funds are applicable to you https://www.visitscotland.org/supporting-your-business/funding
The Business framework funds being managed by Highland Council are also open, the only outstanding one being for B&Bs that pay Council Tax. We have been urging Highland Council to open this fund as soon as possible. We understand that there are still some eligibility criteria to be clarified by the Scottish Government.
Developing Young Workforce Free Webinar for employers 3rd March 11am
Following Brexit, we are all aware of the recruitment issues that many businesses will experience as the supply of European labour that is so vital for the Tourism industry has been closed off. It is widely recognised that we will need to make greater efforts to grow our own skilled workforce in the years to come. As an initial step, all employers are invited to join a free webinar explaining the Apprenticeship funding opportunity, supported through the Developing Young Workforce programme. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/apprenticeship-funding-opportunities-insight-session-tickets-141041588187
The session will take place the 3rd March (11am-12.30pm) and tickets are FREE. All event and speaker information can be found via the DYW website- https://www.dywwesthighland.org/opening-up-apprenticeship-opportunities-in-west-highland/
Introduction to Slow Tourism – Friday 19th March 10.30am
We have been working with UHI’s Centre for Recreation and Tourism Research to help local businesses develop ‘slow adventures’ on Skye and Raasay. The workshop will introduce operators to the slow adventure ethos and provide a guide on how to develop a Slow Adventure®.
There will be time for an open discussion and the opportunity to organise one-to-one product development sessions.
Businesses can register for the free event via Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/introduction-workshop-slow-adventure-friday-19th-march-2021-1030-1200-tickets-143932396673
‘Public Good’ Funding Partnership
Following a successful funding bid to NatureScot we are about to begin our second collaboration with SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) in partnership with that also NFU, SCF (Scottish Crofting Federation) and the Minginish Community Hall Association. This project is a feasibility into developing a ‘public good’ funding scheme supported by donations from visitors. The working title for this project is “The Skye Foundation”. Funds raised from the project will be used to support land managers whose livelihoods are impacted by visitors
Highland Tourism partnership meeting
A gathering of all Highland DMOs, Chambers of Commerce, Highland Council and Visit Scotland considered a proposal to create a Highland regional website + marketing organisation. The consensus of the meeting was that another marketing organisation for the Highlands was not helpful at the current time. The meeting recognised the value and importance of the Highland Tourism Partnership but that a ‘re vamp’ is probably overdue with a redefinition of roles of the Public sector and industry bodies. Visit Scotland and Highland Council are drawing up proposals to take a revamped organisation forward. Fraser Copeland of Lochaber Chamber/Outdoor capital of Scotland has offered to chair the organisation for a period of 18 months
Alastair Ross, Head of Policy at the Association of British Insurers Presentation
The SkyeConnect Board Meeting on the 25th of February was open to members for a presentation from Alastair Ross, Head of Policy at the Association of British Insurers (ABI). The decision to approach Alastair arose from concerns expressed by the Hotel sector group in relation to a lack of payouts for business interruption insurance policies held by members. The five points on the Supreme Court and High Court judgments on the FCA test case on business interruption insurance can be seen on the ABI website here. The ABI principles for handling business interruption claims related to COVID-19 can be found here along with other information on business insurance and COVID-19. Copies of ABI’s correspondence with the Economic Secretary to the Treasury John Glen MP is here . Following that letter of September 25th NFU Mutual has joined the other 12 ABI member firms listed in making a commitment not to deduct the Government grants from insurance claim settlements
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