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 – 13th June 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 grass is growing faster, visitor numbers are creeping up and the country is holding its breath in the run up to the ‘footy’. Portree residents are thanking their lucky stars that the choice to host the G7 summit went to Carbis bay in Cornwall and not the “Kings Port”. At SkyeConnect we have been watching trends, talking to businesses and working on the usual array of projects. Here are some of the highlights from the last couple of weeks.
Skyefari - 4x4 WILDLIFE WATCHING ADVENTURES.
A fantastic new Skye business to recommend to visitors.
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Hospitality Employment
The major issue for the hospitality industry at present is employment. The SkyeConnect hotels group will be hosting a session with new School coordinators for DYW (Developing the Youth Workforce) and local reps from the DYP on 22nd June at 10:30. The link to the meeting is here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87156031959?pwd=dFljSndlQUlnMmtwU1lTQy81bUdZUT09
Hotels of all shapes + sizes are welcome to attend. The discussion will focus on issues around employment, available support packages and other options including employer sponsorship opportunities. Employers are encouraged to list any vacancies on the Springboard website https://careerscope.uk.net/job-search/live-jobs/ This is being used by the industry across Scotland and the UK as the recruitment hub for the hospitality sector.
Catch-up session with Mark Crothall
A catch-up session with Mark Crothall of the STA revealed the organisation is lobbying hard on the industry’s behalf at both Scottish + UK Govt levels, requesting similar support to the agricultural sector where seasonal pickers can be brought in with temporary visas.
Marketing Webinar with VisitScotland on Thursday 17th June
To support local businesses we have set up a marketing webinar with VisitScotland on Thursday 17th June at 11 am called “Marketing Essentials post covid”. We know the market is slow, but consumer confidence is growing and there is a lot that individual businesses can do themselves to aid recovery. Signing up for the free event is through Eventbrite – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/post-covid-online-marketing-basics-from-visit-scotland-tickets-157687269869.
Skye & Raasay Investment Plan
Skye & Raasay Investment plan – Six workshops, facilitated by Design Scotland, and hosted by Highland Council, have moved the process forward to identify key development requirements for Skye & Raasay. Over seventy projects have been identified, which have to be linked to a delivery body. Everyone is invited to use the online questionnaire at https://www.highland.gov.uk/skyeraasay to share their views about the priorities for the plan.
Highland Region DMOs and the Highland Council Ranger Service.
Regular fortnightly meetings are now taking place between all Highland Region DMOs and the Highland Council Ranger Service. Communities are encouraged to make contact with the service to highlight areas where there are visitor management issues issuesaccessrangers@highland.gov.uk
Sustrans Cycle Network
Our Sustrans cycle network project officer, Mark Crowe, has been working with a new group of off road cycling enthusiasts to identify potential existing off road trails that can be linked across the islands to provide a bike packer network similar to the Wild about Argyll trails – identified at http://bikepackingscotland.com/argyll/
Men In Kilts on Amazon Prime Features Skye this week
Sunday 13th June episode episode of Men In Kilts (which can be watched via StarzPlay on Amazon Prime – catch up so you can watch it at any time! ) will feature Loch Ness, The Quiraing and Kilt Rock, where they abseil with local business https://www.skyeadventure.com
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