In Alistair's Mini Bite below you'll find information on Alistair Danter's work as Project Manager for SkyeConnect.
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Mini Bite – from Alistair Danter – 30th 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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“There was not and never could be a good garden at Dunvegan”. That’s a quote from mother of the 23rd Chief of Clan Macleod 1773. In 2022 the Castle gardens won the coveted RHS Partner Garden award for Scotland. As a metaphor for persistence in business development and the Tourism industry it’s hard to beat. The story was relayed by Iain Langlands, Finance Director of Dunvegan Estate, at the recent SkyeConnect conference where the issue of making Skye a year round visitor destination was discussed. We will get there! Two other great presentations from Skye Adventure and the Torabhaig Distillery demonstrated local business efforts at diversifying their product offers for the shoulder months. It was a great discussion. During the Conference morning session we had presentations and plenary discussions on the concept of a Foundation for Skye funded by voluntary visitor donations. If you have view on this please email info@skye-connect.com
Staff
Anyone still looking for staff? We have a list of contacts who would be interested in working on Skye collected through our website. The list is available for SkyeConnect members. Anyone requiring a copy should email info@skye-connect.com
Suppliers
We have developed a new business sponsors / suppliers page The page is available as both a suppliers directory and promotional portal for suppliers. Any supplier interested in taking a slot / discussing further sponsorship opportunities should email info@skye-connect.com
Adventures on Skye
We are currently working on a Spring / Early summer “Adventures on Skye” promotion that will include suggested itineraries and special promotions. This will form a regular quarterly promotion. While the campaign is still a work in progress, the current page can be seen here. It will focus on SkyeConnect current member businesses. Any members interested in taking part in future promotions should contact alistair@skye-connect.com Once live the campaign will include promotional flyers that can be downloaded for bedroom packs and emailed to guests. The campaign will also be accompanied by an influencer blog.
MySkyeTime App
Our target of 500 downloads of the MySkyeTime Visitor Management App within 6 weeks of launch was surpassed with 548 downloads being recorded. While geographical location of those downloads from Apple are not currently available, we can reveal that Google Play downloads were made in the UK – 185, USA 11, Germany 5, Australia 1, “others” 5
Countryside Rangers
Countryside Rangers for 2023 – It’s good to report that for 2023 there will be 2.5 rangers covering Skye. Coverage will be divided between North Skye (Trotternish and Dunvegan), Mid Skye – (Glen Brittle, Elgol, Broadford to Portree) and South Skye (Sleat together with Lochalsh). Give them a wee toot if you see them on the road!
Footpaths
Some important environmental protection information to share with guests. In recent years SkyeConnect has been working with a number of public agencies on environmental protection initiatives at popular locations. In sensitive areas we have requested that people keep to the repaired footpaths, a small survey carried out last year indicated:
· With no interventions (signage etc) 62% of walkers left the paths
· With small signs 52% left the path
· With signage + knee high stakes and ropes 6% left the path – YES WE WERE AMAZED!!
We will now be adopting the 3rd option using knee high timber posts and neutral coloured rope in popular locations to persuade people to stay on the path and allow habitat adjacent to paths time to recover. PLEASE ask guests to observe roped off areas in popular locations.
Businesses
All business owners historically in receipt of non domestic rate relief are reminded that they have to re-apply for the relief. There is more info on this website.
A business support webinar for businesses of all sizes has been organised by the STA to offer clarity and ultimately empower businesses in the sector to take charge of their energy strategy. Access to the event is free via Eventbrite
Two useful business support pages have been created/updated on the STA and VisitScotland websites respectively:
https://scottishtourismalliance.co.uk/industry-support-hub/ and https://toolkit.visitscotland.org
We encourage business to check out both pages.
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In Alistair's Mini Bite below you'll find information on Alistair Danter's work as Project Manager for SkyeConnect.
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