What is SkyeConnect?
Destination Skye and Lochalsh has been re-constituted under a new name : SkyeConnect
Following a number of meetings over 2016/2017, the Directors have reformulated the organisation to fit the present-day business needs of Skye’s ever-growing and diversifying tourism industry in our rural area. Going forward there will be a strong focus on developing new business out-with the main summer months and training support for the industry.
The views and concerns of the resident population of Skye need empathy and consideration. Attaining wider acceptance that “tourism is everyone’s business” is an important factor in our close-knit community and we wish to engage everyone.
SkyeConnect will be a local membership organisation, creating a single voice and working collaboratively with the areas which neighbour Skye.
In recent years, a number of local tourism associations have developed on the island, promoting specific areas. In addition, some Community Councils have become more immersed in tourism and local business associations and Community Trusts have also developed to promote the interests of their own communities. Communication between these various groups could be stronger and SkyeConnect wish to help and share knowledge, if possible.
The interim Directors of SkyeConnect are Shirley Spear, Anne Gracie, Ian McKay and Rob Ware with Project Manager Alistair Danter. Additional Directors to complete the Board were annnounced in June 2018. See the 'Directors' page for further information.
SkyeConnect will be:
- A recognised, strongly branded and local membership “hub” organisation with the needs of the business and wider community of Skye and Raasay at its heart.
- A strong, single voice for the whole business community with staff support.
- Able to build and sustain daily channels of communication for all who live and work in the area, working in partnership with IsleofSkye.com.
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There to ensure regular connections and stronger representation between the local business community with Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership, VisitScotland and the Scottish Government.
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Developing an administrative hub for planning and executing projects to enhance business all-year-round and the wider visitor experience throughout the area. -
Recognised as a strong organisation capable of accessing funding for projects specific to improving and building business for the economic development and sustainable future of SkyeConnect and the wider Skye community.
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Actively build membership, participation and joined-up thinking amongst the whole business community. -
Developing closer association and collaboration with neighbouring, like-minded, business and tourism associations.
Supported by Highlands & Islands Enterprise, Visit Scotland, the Highland Council, Business Gateway, HITRANS