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Mini Bite – SkyeConnect’s Future, Business Community Open Day, Driving on Single Track Roads and more…

Over the past six years, SkyeConnect has been a strong and active voice representing the tourism industry and community on Skye, but we are now facing significant challenges due to recent cuts in government funding. We would like to understand what you’d like to see from SkyeConnect going forward. In the coming weeks, we will be contacting members and the local community to discuss how SkyeConnect can further support your business while advancing our community goals.

In this MiniBite

SkyeConnect: Supporting Destination Management Amid Funding Cuts And Growing Visitor Numbers

We want to speak with members of the local business community to discuss the future funding of destination management. Our current initiative to create a business and community led 10 year tourism strategy has backing and we would like to understand what you’d like to see from SkyeConnect going forward. SkyeConnect has been at the forefront of Destination Management since 2018, but, like other Destination Management Organisations (DMOs) across Scotland, we are facing significant challenges due to recent cuts in government funding. Remote Rural and Island DMOs are particularly vulnerable to these cuts due to the smaller pools of members available to financially support DMO activities.

Nearly 90% of local businesses, according to our latest survey, support a robust, locally-led tourism strategy. Together, we hope to ensure that Skye’s tourism is managed effectively for the benefit of all in our community. We invite you to engage with us to discuss how we can support your business and our community goals together. Join the discussion and helps us shape Skye’s Future.

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Local Business Community Open Day Hosted By Kennedy Accountancy

 

On Saturday 25th May 11am – 2pm, Kennedy Accountancy is hosting its inaugural Local Business Community Open Day – A blend of masterclasses, networking, charity fundraising, and family fun.

Local business owners from Lochalsh and Skye are all invited to engage in expert-led discussions on various business topics. The program features two insightful talks: a Social Media Masterclass by Rene Looper, director of social media agency Tuminds Inverness, who will explore social media strategies and the impact of AI on social media, and a session by Will Farnell on the real-life challenges and rewards of running, building and scaling a business. From record shop owner and band manager to accounting firm owner, business mentor, author and global speaker – Will’s journey is an interesting one. In addition to educational opportunities, enjoy networking, a raffle with fantastic prizes, and activities for the whole family—including a bouncy castle! This free event welcomes all local business community members. This is event is free to attend but donations are welcome to two local charities – Lucky2BHere and Skye and Lochalsh Mental Health Association. Please bring cash on the day for any donations you wish to give. All funds raised will be split between the two charities. Bring your family and join fellow business owners for a day of growth, learning, and fun. Register now to secure your spot. For full details please visit Eventbrite.

Driving Safely On Skye’s Single Track Roads

 

Many roads on Skye are single-track lanes, accommodating only one vehicle at a time. These roads feature designated passing areas or passing places, and there are a few rules on how to use them safely. SkyeConnect has created an information flyer that you can download and print to help educate drivers. These are ideal for bedroom folders to share with your guests, or to take with you on your Skye visit. The flyer is available on the MySkyeTime website with further information and a short info video. 

Also, a huge THANK YOU to Dunvegan Taxis for their support. Dunvegan Taxis paid for a 2500 run of the driving on single track leaflets which will be distributed around the island. Dunvegan Taxis is a private hire firm offering local runs, tours of Skye and airport or railway connection runs. Available 24 hours. Their tours are all fully tailored to suit each group. Larger groups can also be accommodated with advance notice. For further information on Dunvegan Taxis please contact Donda on 07584 191 131.

Scottish Certificate For Personal Licence Holders Refresher Event

 

TKM offers a comprehensive range of face-to-face and e-learning courses tailored for the hospitality and food and drink sector, covering everything from induction to advanced levels. Their next in person event is a Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holders Refresher and will take place on 23rd May at Dornie Hall in Lochalsh from 9.30am. This course is essential for anyone required to renew their personal licence under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005. For more details and to book tickets:

tkmconsulting.co.uk/food-hygiene-and-alcohol-licensing-courses/

 

Uig’s New Ferry Terminal Construction To Begin Early Summer

 

Construction is set to begin on a new ferry terminal at Uig on the Isle of Skye this early summer, following the awarding of the construction contract to Robertson Construction Northern. The project is anticipated to reach completion by Spring 2025.

This development is a key component of the broader initiative to enhance Uig Harbour. The new terminal will be situated on reclaimed land, positioned ahead of the current ticket office. Cllr Ken Gowans, Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, commented that the addition of a contemporary ferry terminal is expected to significantly improve the experience for all users of these facilities and will be beneficial to the circular economy of the Highlands with substantial local employment opportunities.

The project, with a budget of £3.5 million, is financed jointly by Transport Scotland and The Highland Council. The council’s Property Team is responsible for the architectural design and will oversee the construction activities on site.

Flogas And Calor Gas Delivery Issues Update

 

SkyeConnect has been closely monitoring and addressing the recent challenges associated with delivery of Bulk LPG gas to the area. These issues have been affecting businesses across the island with some forced to close temporarily due to late or failed deliveries. SkyeConnect, along with other business representatives on Skye, have been in contact with local MSPs and the CEO’s of both companies. Kate Forbes has personally written to both Flogas and Calor Gas to highlight the urgency of the issues and the impacts to businesses. Both companies have responded and an update on the situation is summarised below:

  1. Driver Resource Challenges: There is currently a shortage of ADR-certified (specialist hazardous goods) drivers in the Highlands, which has impacted delivery schedules. Efforts are underway to recruit more drivers in the Inverness area, with plans to increase driver numbers by 25%. Changes to scheduling processes are also being implemented to enhance delivery efficiency, especially to remote and rural locations such as Skye.
  2. Local Scheduling Improvements: The scheduling of deliveries is being shifted to Grangemouth to utilise local knowledge better. This change aims to mitigate the disruptions caused by the ferry network and the need for overnight stays by drivers, thus hopefully improving the timeliness of deliveries.
  3. Onsite Storage Review: A review of onsite storage capacities for some customers is being conducted. This may lead to a reduction in the frequency of deliveries, helping to stabilise supply.
  4. Supply Chain Issues: While there are no direct issues with the gas supply itself, the LPG supply chain is reliant on the Mossmorran natural gas liquids (NGL) plant in Fife, which can be prone to disruptions. Efforts are ongoing to communicate with the government to ensure a more reliable supply chain and to highlight the need for policy support for LPG and renewable liquid gases.
  5. Operational Investments: Significant investments are being made in new storage and supply facilities further south, which will enhance the reliability of the overall UK LPG supply.
  6. Customer Support: In cases of delivery delays, alternative arrangements such as providing cylinders through local stockists have been implemented.

SkyeConnect remains committed to working with suppliers and local authorities to ensure reliable and consistent LPG supply to the community. We appreciate the support and collaboration from all affected parties and will continue to provide updates on this matter as we get them.

 

Visit Scotland To Close Its Tourist Information Centres

 

VisitScotland has revealed plans to close its 25 information centres over the next two years, aligning with a new strategy aimed at engaging tourists during the planning stages of their trips. According to Visit Scotland, this follows a shift in visitor behaviour, with a growing preference for online research and bookings over traditional in-person visits to tourist offices. VisitScotland has committed to a digital-first approach, emphasising the importance of reaching tourists early in their decision-making process through digital channels.
The transition involves no compulsory redundancies, with the organisation providing options for re-skilling, redeployment, and voluntary redundancy to affected staff. All information centres will continue to operate as usual until the end of September. This move is part of a broader change that saw 39 tourist offices close between 2017 and 2019.

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