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 – 8th October 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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The days are flying by and the nights are drawing in but our lives at SkyeConnect are as busy as ever with some long term projects coming to fruition in the areas of Transport and Visitor Management. A huge amount of our work is taken up with meetings, building relationships and asking “could you please organise, contact, ask etc…..”! It is slow, doesn’t make exciting reading….. but has to be done. The feedback we receive from Mini bite reports is often illuminating and also gives us a chance to correct any misconceptions or misinformation. Please do not hesitate to get in touch via info@skye-connect if there is anything in our reports that you do not understand. Here are a few snippets from the last couple of weeks:
Autumn Business Survey
As announced in the last Mini bite, SkyeConnect is conducting an Autumn Business confidence survey that is important for all sectors. We know that there are many surveys circulating at the moment but we would be very grateful if you could take some time to complete the questionnaire (it takes 10 – 15 mins). It helps our advocacy work with elected representative and public agencies. The survey can be found here.
Autumn Business Event
A date for your diaries – 16th Nov 1:30 – 5:30 pm at Seamus’ Bar, Sligachan “Reunite, Regroup, Recover” will have some “dangerous ideas” for getting business through the cost of living crisis and challenges of the next 6 – 18 months. The event is an opportunity to meet fellow operators, share stories, problems and ideas. Tickets will be available shortly through Eventbrite.
Energy Matters
Energy bills are on every business’s mind at the moment. Updated Government support on energy bills can be seen here
Highland Economic Recovery
We attended the recent Highland Economic Recovery Group meeting in Inverness. The meeting, coordinated by the regions’ Chambers of Commerce and attended by key public agencies, focussed on the housing issue. It is great to report that findings from the Business Housing needs survey that SkyeConnect promoted earlier this year has now been combined with 2 other studies from Lochaber and Cairngorm. The results are driving discussions at local, regional and national levels. Housing associations are reviewing their allocations policy, regional funding support is being considered for construction of mid market rent properties and the results from the 3 surveys have been shared with the Scottish Government.
Skye Cycle Network
We had meetings with both Sustrans and the steering group supporting the work looking at the development of a cycle network across Skye using lengths of old road. A final report with recommendations, route options and selection criteria will be released shortly. Sustrans will be coming to Skye in November for a series of meetings to take the proposals forward.
Visit Scotland Business Support
Details related to the ‘cost of doing business’ support available from VisitScotland can be found here.
Cruise Conference
We will be attending the Scotland’s cruise conference. What Works for Tourism 2023 will explore the issues which arise for Scotland’s communities from the re-establishment of cruise tourism. The event is at the Marriot Hotel*, Glasgow Road, Edinburgh EH12 8NF, between 1300 and 1700 on Tuesday 8th November 2022, and is supported by Cruise Scotland.
Short Term Lets Licensing Advice
For those in the self catering sector succinct advice on what you need to know about STL licensing can be found here.
Free MySkyeTime Listing for EV Charging Point Providers
Welcome to “The Pipers Hut”! The business has secured a free listing for installing an EV charger. We are happy to offer a free listing for a year for any business on Skye within the Tourism sector that installs an EV charger on their premises for guest usage.
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