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 –28th February 2022
In Alistair's Mini Bite below you'll find information on Alistair Danter's work as Project Manager for SkyeConnect.
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Recent announcements on the relaxation of legal restrictions related to covid have been welcome. However, we believe that there is still a need to be vigilant for the benefit of staff, businesses, visitors and our community. International events risk putting post-pandemic recovery on the back foot, which is not helpful.
Recent weather has also proved challenging for those of us who have to spend time outdoors…..meanwhile, life at SkyeConnect HQ continues at pace:
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Skye: The Island of Adventure and Discovery
Whether you’re looking to test yourself on a snowy expedition, get the adrenaline flowing on a freezing coasteering adventure, or looking to relax with local food, whisky and log fire… we’ve got something for you this winter!
Jobs Fare
As reported in the last mini bite (14th Feb) SkyeConnect has partnered with Highland Council, DWP and Developing the Youth Work Force to put on a Jobs fair in Broadford on the 16th of March from 9 am – 3 pm. Fifteen businesses and Public sector agencies have taken stalls and will be actively recruiting on the day. If you are looking for work, please come along. For further information contact eilidhmunro@skye-connect.com
Housing Issues
Businesses from all sectors are being asked to take part in a significant research project on the impact of housing issues on employers. The research will not only provide accurate data on the scale of the problem, it will also seek solutions that will inform future lobbying of Government’s and other public and private sector bodies. You can hear more about the issue and the details of the research through the Skyetime Podcast with Simon Cousins https://www.buzzsprout.com/852226/10135911
Any business interested in taking part in the research can access the survey here https://skyeandlochalsh.com/
Marketing
We have just started a collaborative project with the Adam Smith Business School at Glasgow University. A group of Marketing students will help us to improve our understanding of the different online research behaviours and motivations in decision making by potential visitors from the USA to Skye compared to those from the UK and Europe.
Net Zero
VisitScotland has announced an important training opportunity for businesses keen to be involved in moving their operations towards net zero. A series of free training workshops are on offer via https://www.visitscotland.org/news/2022/climate-emergency-training
Visitor Management
In the last mini-bite we reported on the Glenbrittle visitor management plan that was due to be considered by the Highland Council. We are pleased to report that the plan was endorsed by the Highland Council Tourism Committee at their meeting on 16th Minutes and papers can be seen at https://www.highland.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/4581/tourism_committee
Other significant papers ratified at the meeting included the Tourism Infrastructure report which made specific recommendations for Skye and Raasay. The fact that the Glenbrittle plan and 3 others have been endorsed should pave the way for similar plans to be developed for other ‘hotspot” locations and will give weight to funding requests to manage visitors in fragile areas. The Glenbrittle plan will add weight to calls for a Rural Clear Way through the glen which will give Highland Council greater powers to prevent illegal roadside parking along with appropriate enforcement procedures. While this work is not headline grabbing it reflects two key successes for SkyeConnect – successful lobbying for the reintroduction of a Ranger service on Skye and the retention of the Access officer position which 3 years ago was under threat from budget cuts.
Ferries
Contacts between CalMac, SkyeConnect, Road to the Isles DMO, Sleat Community Council and other user groups in recent weeks has resulted in additional sailings between the 14th and 24th The extra sailings target the local market as well as the day tripper market.
VisitScotland Managed Covid Support Scheme
We would like to draw the attention of Visitor Attractions, Marine and Outdoor Activity businesses that there are still funds available through the VisitScotland managed covid support schemes. Details can be seen at: https://bit.ly/3hqQgNm
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