MySkyeTime

22/06/2024

Gorgeous picture of Skye from the BBC’s “Pictures of Scotland” article June taken by Siobhan McNeill and her daughter Hollie

📸😍⛰️

Read the full article at the link 🔗 below ⬇️

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cmllgp2gyzvo.amp

17/06/2024

🔔LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER FOR OUR VIRTUAL TOWN HALL TONIGHT 6.30pm-8.30pm - ONLY A FEW SPACES REMAINING 🔔

📢Skye and Surrounding Areas - Tourism Virtual Town Hall Event - Monday 17th June - 6.30pm-8.30pm📢

Please confirm your attendance by registering via the EVENTBRITE link below ✅

As Skye and surrounding areas, businesses, residents and the tourism economy navigate a period marked by unprecedented challenges and funding cuts, our unity and collective voice are more crucial than ever.

This "Virtual Town Hall" is for all who have an interest in making a difference to Skye, Raasay and Lochalsh's future and is designed for all members of the local business and tourism community to participate.

If you feel you can contribute in any way and want to be part of solving or bringing much needed attention to Skye’s most pressing issues, then we very much look forward to welcoming you and working with you.

SkyeConnect is committed to representing and advocating for the needs of local businesses and our community amidst these extremely trying times. In the past we have helped encourage positive change by bringing attention to our shared issues at local, regional, national and international levels.

Share your experiences and insights to help shape our advocacy efforts and activities over the coming months. This meeting is not just a forum to voice concerns, it is a strategic session to formulate an action plan through local collaboration that aims to address collective needs and issues.

As a collective, we are stronger and with improved collaboration and support, we can forge a path forward together that ensures local voices are heard by government ministers, the media, public agencies and other relevant parties so that community voices are heard.

Current Challenges:
🔵Significant influx of visitors, which, while beneficial in terms of the economy, has intensified several already pressing issues
🔵Staffing shortages across various sectors
🔵Infrastructure deficits that strain under visitor numbers
🔵Environmental impacts due to volume tourism
🔵Supply chain issues, high costs and availability problems
🔵A deepening housing crisis
🔵Economic strain, including the loss of funding for critical services like the Ranger Service, cuts to Destination Management and policies that are adversely affecting remote rural and island communities
🔵Proposed visitor levy which will further complicate the economic landscape
🔵Windfarms and renewable energy – how do we ensure appropriate community benefit and that the volume/scale of developments doesn’t negatively impact residents, the tourism economy and our landscapes

Full agenda available on our Eventbrite page.

We hope this will be the first of many "Virtual Town Hall" meetings and look forward to welcoming all who can attend and contribute to future positive actions.

Join us for the SkyeConnect Virtual Town Hall where we discuss all things Skye tourism in a relaxed and collaborative online setting.

12/06/2024

“From Loch Ness to the Cairngorms National Park as well as incredible islands like Skye and Mull, it’s understandable why the region has been placed so high.”

ONE Scottish area has been named among the most popular destinations in the UK for tourists...

11/06/2024

🔔MORE THAN HALF of the spaces are now gone for our Virtual Town Hall Event - if you are planning to attend, please register asap to avoid missing out on this timely local meeting 🔔

📢Skye and Surrounding Areas - Tourism Virtual Town Hall Event - Monday 17th June - 6.30pm-8.30pm📢

Please confirm your attendance by registering via the EVENTBRITE link below ✅

As Skye and surrounding areas, businesses, residents and the tourism economy navigate a period marked by unprecedented challenges and funding cuts, our unity and collective voice are more crucial than ever.

This "Virtual Town Hall" is for all who have an interest in making a difference to Skye, Raasay and Lochalsh's future and is designed for all members of the local business and tourism community to participate.

If you feel you can contribute in any way and want to be part of solving or bringing much needed attention to Skye’s most pressing issues, then we very much look forward to welcoming you and working with you.

SkyeConnect is committed to representing and advocating for the needs of local businesses and our community amidst these extremely trying times. In the past we have helped encourage positive change by bringing attention to our shared issues at local, regional, national and international levels.

Share your experiences and insights to help shape our advocacy efforts and activities over the coming months. This meeting is not just a forum to voice concerns, it is a strategic session to formulate an action plan through local collaboration that aims to address collective needs and issues.

As a collective, we are stronger and with improved collaboration and support, we can forge a path forward together that ensures local voices are heard by government ministers, the media, public agencies and other relevant parties so that community voices are heard.

Current Challenges:
🔵Significant influx of visitors, which, while beneficial in terms of the economy, has intensified several already pressing issues
🔵Staffing shortages across various sectors
🔵Infrastructure deficits that strain under visitor numbers
🔵Environmental impacts due to volume tourism
🔵Supply chain issues, high costs and availability problems
🔵A deepening housing crisis
🔵Economic strain, including the loss of funding for critical services like the Ranger Service, cuts to Destination Management and policies that are adversely affecting remote rural and island communities
🔵Proposed visitor levy which will further complicate the economic landscape
🔵Windfarms and renewable energy – how do we ensure appropriate community benefit and that the volume/scale of developments doesn’t negatively impact residents, the tourism economy and our landscapes

Full agenda available on our Eventbrite page.

We hope this will be the first of many "Virtual Town Hall" meetings and look forward to welcoming all who can attend and contribute to future positive actions.

Join us for the SkyeConnect Virtual Town Hall where we discuss all things Skye tourism in a relaxed and collaborative online setting.

10/06/2024

Some interesting history about Skye’s volcanic past 🌋

Eruptions on Iceland are teaching vulcanologists about how the Inner Hebrides reacted to shifts in tectonic plates 60 millions years ago. And the evidence of volcanoes, d**e swarms and lava fields are evident today if you know where to look 👀

Eruptions on Iceland are teaching vulcanologists about how the Inner Hebrides reacted to shifts in tectonic plates 60 millions years ago. And the evidence of volcanoes, d**e swarms and lava fields are evident today if you know where to look, says Robert Muir-Wood

07/06/2024

EXPLORING TOURISM SUCCESS FACTORS OF THE SCOTTISH ISLANDS

The Moffat Centre are conducting a comprehensive survey aimed at gathering insights from both residents and visitors of the Scottish islands: the Isle of Skye, the Orkney Islands (the Mainland), and the Isle of Arran.

This survey is a crucial component of a research project aimed at identifying key factors that contribute to successful tourism on these islands.

Your participation is important as it will provide essential insights into how certain factors related to tourism impacts both local communities and tourist experiences.

The study seeks perspectives from two groups:
🔵Residents
🔵Visitors

About the Survey:
The research is funded and supervised by Glasgow Caledonian University.

Please note the following:
🔵Participation in this survey is voluntary, and your responses will be confidential.
🔵The survey should take no more than 10 minutes to complete.
By completing the survey, you consent to the use of your data for research purposes.
🔵We encourage you to take your time and provide thoughtful responses to each question. Your recent experiences and perspectives are particularly valuable in providing up-to-date insights into the tourism dynamics of these destinations.

Token of Appreciation:
As a token of gratitude for your participation, you will have the opportunity to enter a prize draw offering a chance to win a donation to a charity of your choice.

If you have any comments or questions about this study, please contact the researcher, Doriana Chodor, PhD candidate, at [email protected]

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Toggle navigation Load unfinished survey Resume later Caution: JavaScript ex*****on is disabled in your browser or for this website. You may not be able to answer all questions in this survey. Please, verify your browser parameters. Exploring Tourism Success Factors of the Scottish Islands Welcome t...

06/06/2024

With a little help from the glorious surroundings at Sligachan Bridge, local photographer Lynne Kennedy Photography has taken home a top prize at the Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year awards for her stunning image 'Let Them Eat Cake!'

The photograph shows a couple and their children eating cake on the historic Sligachan Bridge after getting married and it’s a beauty ⛰️ 🍰 📸 💍

Congratulations Lynne - absolutely fantastic work. If you’d like to learn more about Lynne and her work - please check out her page Lynne Kennedy Photography and her website at https://lynnekennedy.co.uk

Scottish photographer Lynne Kennedy has taken home a top prize at the Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year food photography awards for her stunning image 'Let Them Eat Cake!'.

04/06/2024

📢📢📢Skye Tourism Virtual Town Hall Event - Monday 17th June - 6.30pm-8.30pm 📢📢📢

Please confirm your attendance by registering via the EVENTBRITE link below⬇️

As Skye and surrounding areas, businesses, residents and the tourism economy navigate a period marked by unprecedented challenges and funding cuts, our unity and collective voice are more crucial than ever. This "Virtual Town Hall" is for all who have an interest in making a difference to Skye, Raasay and Lochalsh's future and is designed for all members of the local business and tourism community to participate. If you feel you can contribute in any way and want to be part of solving or bringing much needed attention to Skye’s most pressing issues, then we very much look forward to welcoming you and working with you.
SkyeConnect is committed to representing and advocating for the needs of local businesses and our community amidst these extremely trying times. In the past we have helped encourage positive change by bringing attention to our shared issues at local, regional, national and international levels.

We are therefore extending an invite to an “Virtual Town Hall” where your experiences and insights will shape our advocacy efforts and activities over the coming months. This meeting is not just a forum to voice concerns, it is a strategic session to formulate an action plan through local collaboration that aims to address our collective needs and issues. Your participation is always appreciated and right now, it is absolutely essential. As a collective, we are stronger and with improved collaboration and support, we can forge a path forward together that ensures local voices are heard by government ministers, the media, public agencies and other relevant parties so that Skye and surrounding area voices are heard.

Current Challenges:
Skye is experiencing a significant influx of visitors, which, while beneficial in terms of the economy, has intensified several already pressing issues:
· Staffing shortages across various sectors.
· Infrastructure deficits that strain under increased visitor numbers
· Environmental impacts due to the high volume of tourism
· Supply chain issues, leading to high costs and availability problems
· A deepening housing crisis
· Economic strain, including the loss of funding for critical services like the Ranger Service, cuts to Destination Management and policies that are adversely affecting island communities like Skye
· Proposed visitor levy which will further complicate the economic landscape
· Windfarms and renewable energy – how do we ensure Skye sees appropriate benefit and that the volume of windfarms being proposed doesn’t negatively impact residents, the tourism economy and our landscapes

Meeting Details:
Date: Monday 17th of June
Time: 6.30pm - 8.30pm
Platform: ZOOM vi the EVENTBRITE registration link below

Agenda:
1. Opening Remarks - Overview of current challenges facing Skye, its businesses and the tourism economy
2. Community Voices - A session for businesses to share their individual challenges and views
3. Discussion on Infrastructure and Environmental Concerns - Identifying critical areas needing attention and potential solutions.
4. Strategic Planning for Advocacy - Outlining key areas for SkyeConnect’s focus over the next six months
5. Collaborative Solutions and Resource Pooling - Exploring opportunities for joint initiatives and support
6. Closing Remarks and Action Plan

Join us for the SkyeConnect Virtual Town Hall where we discuss all things Skye tourism in a relaxed and collaborative online setting.

04/06/2024

Delightful story about local postie Declan Friel from Lochalsh who been photographing the sights and scenery of Skye whilst on his rounds 📸

He hopes to exhibit his photographs in the future ⛰️🐑🐮🏞️

Declan Friel, who moved to the Highlands from Glasgow last year, photographs the isle's sights and scenery.

02/06/2024

Service message from CalMac Ferries

Please be advised due to MV Coruisk requiring bunkers before departing for Mallaig in the morning and the transit time from Oban to Mallaig the 13:05 sailing departing Mallaig and 14:30 departing Armadale will be cancelled as a result of this.

The vessel is departing Craignure in the morning for Oban, taking bunkers then heading for Mallaig but timings are tight, and they will not be in the area in time to pick up the mentioned services.

Calmac apologies for the inconvenience this will cause to the community and customers.

https://www.calmac.co.uk/service-status?route=18

The Sleat Community Council

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02/06/2024

📣📣IMPORTANT - ROAD CLOSURES for the 40th Anniversary Skye Events: Half Marathon,, & 10K ‍⚠️⚠️

The Isle of Skye will be buzzing with activity on Saturday 8th June as we come to the end of Skye Gala Week and celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Skye Half Marathon & 10K.

There will be up to 1000 runners on the road, and to ensure their safety, there will be rolling road closures in and around Portree between 10:15 am & 1:20 pm.

Please plan your trip accordingly ✅

🚘Check out the road closure maps below to see which areas are affected and for how long.
🚘Park your car in a convenient location where you can retrieve it easily after 1:20 pm.
🚘Consider alternative routes if you need to travel during the closure window.
🚘These are rolling closures, so not all roads will be affected for the entire duration.
🚘Consider parking outside the closure zone or planning your errands before 10 AM or after 1:20 PM.

The organisers apologise for any disruption and appreciate your understanding. These closures allow the event and celebrations to take place safely. Let's hope it’s a memorable 40th Anniversary for runners and spectators alike!

Show your support for the runners & cheer them on 👋

02/06/2024

As always, SEALL Events Skye have some fantastic shows coming up on Skye.

Their upcoming show featuring Elephant Sessions takes place in Portree on 7th of June at Portree Community Centre

Winners ‘Album of the Year’ MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards 2022 & 2017
Winners ‘Live Act Of The Year’ MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards 2018

From humble beginnings in the Highlands of Scotland, to playing around the world, Elephant Sessions create a progressive blend of intricate tunes with a bass and drum heavy backline. Their music combines the very best of trad, funk and electronica, resulting in a new and exciting sound!
Since exploding on to the scene, the band have made live appearances at some of the most notable venues and festivals across the UK, Europe, North America and Australia including Glastonbury, Byron Bay Bluesfest, Colours of Ostrava and multiple headline sell-outs at Celtic Connections!

The band’s first three albums were released to critical acclaim and amassed widespread radio play across the world. Their album ‘For The Night’ further built upon this success, charting at #3 in the Official Folk Album Chart and winning Album of the Year at the BBC Trad Music Awards 2022.

‘The versatility of Elephant Sessions is its strength. Passionate about their culture and their origins, these Scots are using their instruments like weapons to destroy clichés…We love them’
Rolling Stone Magazine

Absolutely superb…’
Chris Hawkins (BBC Radio 6 Music)

Tickets on sale now via the link below! Age 16+ (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult). STANDING EVENT.

https://fb.watch/ss572d5SWB/?

02/06/2024

The Scottish Women's Convention is coming to Isle of Skye and Kyle to hold their ‘roadshow ‘events.

This is a FREE event with refreshments and snacks provided. As sensitive issues are likely to be discussed, they aim to provide a safe, confident, and comfortable space to allow these experiences to be shared. These events are, therefore, only open to women to attend and from the age of 16years up.

Their ‘roadshow’ events take the form of informal roundtable discussions, where women can talk freely about issues that are important to them, in their local area. While the SWC asks broad questions, discussions are led by the women. A report is produced, which is sent to women who attended and to local and national politicians. It is hoped that the women will use the document to press for the change that they want to see within their communities. Information gathered then goes on to be included in Scottish and UK Parliament and Government consultations and calls for evidence, so that real women’s voices are heard as part of the decision-making process. Below are the areas we will be visiting and hosting a roadshow event in.

Monday 17th June 2024
6.30pm - 8.00pm
Ardvasar Community Hall
Isle of Skye
IV45 8RS

Wednesday 19th June 2024
11.30am – 1.30pm
Skye Bridge Studios
Kyle of Lochalsh
IV40 8DA

Friday 21st June 2024
11.00am – 1.00pm
Portree Community Centre
Isle of Skye
IV51 9BW

The Scottish Women’s Convention would love to invite all women from the area. They are keen to meet with and hear from as many women in the area and surrounding areas as possible.

The Scottish Women's Convention was set up by the Scottish Executive in 2003 in recognition of the need to ensure women's voices reached policymakers. They work to ensure that women throughout Scotland have an opportunity to be involved in activities and events. The information gathered is reported to key decision-makers at both local and national level. Working across Scotland, the organisation seeks to illustrate real women's views, experiences, and concerns on key policy areas.

Registration details are in the image below ⬇️

30/05/2024

📣 IMPORTANT - HIGHLAND COUNCIL SUSTAINABLE TOURISM STRATEGY LAUNCHED FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION - PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR VIEWS ARE HEARD BEFORE 25th of JUNE 📣

The draft Strategy is now available for public feedback. The consultation will run for a period of six weeks and will end at midnight on Tuesday 25 June 2024.

Use the following link to read more about the strategy and link to the consultation feedback form.

https://www.highland.gov.uk/news/article/16057/sustainable_tourism_strategy_launched_for_public_consultation_–_may_2024

The Highland Council is looking for views from Highland residents, businesses and visitors to feed into the Council’s Sustainable Tourism Strategy.

The purpose of the strategy is to set out and better coordinate the wide role in which The Highland Council plays in supporting a sustainable and thriving tourism industry.

It will set out the Council’s vision and priorities for tourism in Highland, and how the Council will help to achieve these and best support the industry with the many opportunities and challenges it faces. The strategy will also provide the basis for decision making on how available resources are best utilised.

The Council is specifically seeking feedback on four key areas:
🔵The strategic context
🔵Our vision and priorities for the region
🔵The Council’s role in tourism
🔵Delivering the strategy

If you require a paper version of this survey, or are having any issues with the online version, please email [email protected].

09/04/2024

Now that the season is fully underway we would like to share some posts from our members.

If you are a member, please tag us in any promotional posts you would like us to share on MySkyetime or get in touch via [email protected]

We kick things off with House of Juniper who have an opening party for their new restaurant, The Sprig, this Thursday ⛰️ 🍽️ 🍾

THE SPRIG OPENING PARTY 🥂🎉

Join us for Prosecco & delicious canapés on Thursday 11th of April from 4-10pm for our opening party!

*No booking required. Our kitchen will be closed for the party but the bar will be open 🥂

02/03/2024

A new Gaelic Tourism Strategy has been launched by VisitScotland . The strategy highlights an increasing interest in the Gaelic language and culture, from both domestic and international visitors, which creates opportunities for tourism and events businesses across Scotland.

Visit Scotland worked alongside representatives from the Scottish tourism industry and partners including the The Scottish Government, Creative Scotland and Historic Environment Scotland to develop this new strategy which sets out five strategic priorities:

🔵to increase awareness of industry opportunities associated with Gaelic opportunities
🔵to support the creation of Gaelic experiences through skills and training for the tourism industry
🔵to increase visitor awareness of Gaelic and maximise opportunities to promote the language, culture and heritage
🔵establish connections between tourism and other sectors, identifying opportunities for collaboration
🔵develop research and insights

A new Gaelic Tourism Strategy for Scotland has been launched today (20 February) as part of Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week).

20/02/2024

In a few short months, Skye will look like THIS! ❤️

Get planning those summer escapes, mini breaks, hikes, swims and adventures! Head to our website (link in bio) for a deep dive on all things Skye. We’ve done the legwork - all you need to do is turn up 🥾🥃⛰️🦅

02/02/2024

Snowdrop days are special days hosted in the beautiful grounds of to celebrate the end of winter! We loved the snow and the cosy nights in the pub but the sign of these hardy little flowers gets everyone excited for spring, sun and adventures 🌱☀️

The gardens are open on the 10th, 15th and 20th of Feburary - 10am til 2pm. So take a walk, meet your friends for a slice of homebaked cake, or shop for plants and flowers - all proceeds from these days will be donated to a local charity 🫶

30/01/2024

Looking for a last-minute break on The Isle of Skye?

Barabhaig Cottage is our delightful self catering traditional stone croft house which enjoys a stunning position on the shores of Camuscross Bay, a nice, gentle one mile stroll along the coast from Hotel Eilean Iarmain.

We have a few available dates for short stays (minimum 3 nights) so please check our website for more information!

https://www.barabhaigcottage.co.uk/

30/01/2024

Here are 10 of the most beautiful places on Earth — from cascading waterfalls and towering mountains, to tropical islands and picturesque cities.

30/01/2024

29/01/2024

🚨 🚨 📣 IMPORTANT SURVEY 📣 🚨 🚨

DESTINATION MANAGEMENT AND A LONG-TERM STRATEGY FOR SKYE ⛰️

Our survey work provides strong and accurate data for decision makers.

In our visitor levy survey last year, the business community told us overwhelmingly that money raised by the levy should be spent on Skye and administered by the destination management organisation as opposed to centrally in Inverness by the Highland Council.

Scottish Government cutbacks mean the core operational funding that SkyeConnect and other DMOs across the highlands need to function is set to cease.

This comes as the latest bridge data reveals visitor numbers are continuing to grow - increasing pressures on our infrastructure and environment.

🚨We have made it clear to Government that defunding DMOs at this time will have a lasting detrimental impact on our industry and our island.🚨

SkyeConnect was established six years ago to counteract Skye’s negative image as a tourist destination and to help manage the impact the industry has on the island, its residents and environment. During this time, SkyeConnect have been actively involved in many key issues and initiatives affecting our tourism industry and communities including:

🔵SkyeConnect, established with core funding from HIE, has been instrumental in spearheading over 40 projects since our first public meeting in January 2018.
🔵Lobbying for the support needed to prevent businesses closing and forever damaging our most important industry during the COVID crisis.
🔵Developing IT infrastructure and technology to monitor and manage visitor numbers at key hotspots.
🔵Developed active travel schemes and worked towards an integrated transport system to reduce the number of vehicles on our roads.
🔵We have been at the forefront of lobbying on business rates, the Short term let licensing legislation, sustainable tourism, and the visitor levy amongst many other key issues.
🔵Other key initiatives include the Trans Skye cycle route, secretarial and coordination support for the North Skye Iconic Sites group and the Integrated Transport group's scoping study by ARUP. The North Skye Iconic sites group has expanded its initial work at the Fairy Pools, Old Man of Storr , Quiraing and Fairyglen to include other significant footpaths and developing hotspots – Bothers Point, Rubh Hunnish, Claggan and others.
🔵Our business housing needs survey carried out in 2022, not only highlighted housing need together with defendable statistics but contributed to studies from other areas of Highland (Lochaber and Cairngorm National Park) enabling THC to present a detailed regional perspective to the Scottish Government on the need for funding and resources for investment in housing.

📣 We now need your help as we begin the process of drafting a long-term tourism strategy for Skye. This survey is just the first step in establishing the future role and purpose of SkyeConnect. We appreciate your time in completing the survey and look forward to inviting you to a series of consultation and engagement events through 2024. 📣

With thanks,
The Team at SkyeConnect

20/01/2024

For anyone who knows Skye, community is the heartbeat of the island.

In our most recent newsletter, we highlighted a project that we are thrilled to support. The Dunvegan Community Trust has formed a subcommittee dedicated to fundraising for a new playpark, aimed at children aged 1-12 in the local community.

Unfortunately, our current playpark is deteriorating, and it's vital that we provide a safe and enjoyable space for our children. Skye's great outdoors is a treasure, and we believe our children deserve a fantastic park to channel their boundless energy.

This park is not just about swings and slides; it's a step towards combating rural deprivation, fostering community spirit, and creating a nurturing environment for all ages in Dunvegan and beyond.

We're proudly supporting this cause. As a token of our appreciation, anyone who donates more than £10 from today until the end of the campaign will be entered into a raffle to win an overnight stay with dinner for two at The Three Chimneys!

If you can, please consider supporting this meaningful project. Your generosity brings us closer to giving our children the play area they deserve.

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/dunvegan-park

17/01/2024

SEALL Events Skye are putting on some really lovely events in Skye this Spring! Tickets will sell fast so start planning your trip now! 😍🎻

Head to www.myskyetime.com for ideas on where to stay, what to eat and how to make the most of your precious time here.

17/01/2024

A new podcast from CalMac Ferries

12/01/2024

New Article | Jurassic Skye
With the help from Dugald Ross from Staffin Dinosaur Museum we have put together an article detailing the finds that has made the Isle of Skye a palaeontological location of world importance.
https://www.isleofskye.com/skye-guide/history/jurassic-skye