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 – 3rd December 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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The Scottish Tourism Alliance’s Autumn conference in Edinburgh saw many old friends meeting up after nearly 2 years. The event featured stimulating speakers from around the world discussing everything from the importance of story-telling to well-being and mental health. It was sobering to hear that we are on a five year recovery journey from the pandemic with many speakers warning ‘this is not over yet’. Another clear message was that quality over volume should be our goal in recovery as this will benefit both host communities and the industry.
It was encouraging to hear the importance of DMO’s like SkyeConnect in gathering data which resulted in the tourism and hospitality sector being one of the highest recipients of Government support during lock down. Re-energised by the conference, it was back to work at SkyeConnect HQ…………
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Christmas at Skye Bridge Studios
The team at Skye Bridge Studios are beginning to feel very festive! They have an incredible line up of feel-good festive fun this December including films, live theatre, music and more!
For more information and to book tickets visit their website.
Grant Support – Mountain Bike Scotland
Mountain Bike Scotland announced grant support for enhanced bike facilities for accommodation providers welcoming cyclists – details to be found at https://bit.ly/3deQaq2
IT Based Visitor Management Tool Collaboration
SkyeConnect’s collaboration with Edinburgh University to develop an IT based visitor management tool saw a series of on line calls with the local community and public agencies – Trusts, Individuals, Attractions, the Police, Nature Scot etc. Thanks to everyone that responded to invites to the discussions.
Zero Waste Scotland Update
Contacts with colleagues at Zero Waste Scotland indicate that a lot of businesses are installing heat pumps right now. Details of cash back grants for businesses wishing to install the technology in their premises can be found at cashback grants along with a comprehensive buyers guide. Zero Waste Scotland attended Cop 26. Their video depicting work supporting businesses response to climate change received a lot of attention and can be seen on their Linkedin page here
Sabhal Mor Ostaig – ‘Gaelic Awareness for Tour Guides’
Two one-day “Gaelic awareness for tour guides” courses are being put on by Sabhal Mor Ostaig on the 10th and 11th Dec 9:15am to 4:15 pm. The courses will include a contribution from Tobar an Dualchais/Kist o’ Riches, Scotland’s online resource of audio recordings of the nation’s cultural heritage including access to songs, music, history, poetry, traditions and stories. There is no charge for the course, but numbers are limited to 12 each day on a first come first served basis. Book your place through Gaelic Awareness Days For Tour Guides – Sabhal Mòr Ostaig (uhi.ac.uk)
STL Legislation Update
The Short Term Let saga continues, the consultation report and updated Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment have been released by the Scottish Government. For full details of how the B&B and Self Catering sectors will be affected by this legislation and the actions that operators can take visit https://www.assc.co.uk/short-term-let-licensing-act-now-to-protect-your-business
IF YOU ARE A SELF CATERING OR B&B OPERATOR THIS LEGISLATION WILL AFFECT YOU, YOU NEED TO TAKE ACTION NOW.
Work with West Highland College
We recently spent three days meeting businesses face to face in the company of West Highland College Business manager Nigel Patterson discussing employment, recruitment and training issues . A number of businesses have now signed up for support with modern apprenticeships with the college while others have agreed to a a training needs assessment audit to identify an annual programme of short training courses for staff ……. All funded for FREE by WHC. Some sector-specific businesses were introduced to the services of the colleges Advanced Manufacturing Centre https://www.whc.uhi.ac.uk/news/new-centre-offers-manufacturing-support-and-expertise-at-zero-cost.html which is available to any manufacturing business in the West Highlands. Anyone wanting further information on potential staff training with the college should contact Nigel.Patterson.whc@uhi.ac.uk
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