This week's Bitesize Update Video

Reading Time – 3.5 mins or watch the video here – www.vimeo.com/476690698

In the week that saw England return to a full lock down, Scotland shift to a 5 tier Covid protocol system and the furlough scheme extended through to the end of March, SkyeConnect (like everyone else) struggled to keep up with the pace of change.

We launched our “Protect Skye” Track and Trace up https://protectskye.com/ and so far we have 30 sign ups – many thanks! Please spread the word. This app will create a QR code that can be used by any business at their shop door, reception or checkout. Customers scan the QR code with their smart phones and their presence in the premises is recorded securely. The details will be held for just 21 days and then deleted automatically.

Here are some other things that have been keeping the team on their toes:

– Preparations are underway for two on-line workshops for the Campsite and Hotel sectors to be delivered before the end of November. The workshop for the Hotels will include dedicated advice on social media, maximising benefit from furlough and accessing support from a new Government support scheme on energy saving investments. The Campsite workshop will focus on capacity issues for the sector given the likelihood that demand for campervan accommodation facilities is likely to remain high. We’ll also discuss energy saving investment opportunities and discussions on a collaborative project with the Scottish Agricultural College. Anyone wishing to attend either session should contact info@skye-connect.com

– Skye will be represented at the global B2B event Scotland Reconnect 2020 https://visitscotland.eventsair.com/scotlandreconnect2020 on the 23 – 25 November. This is a virtual trade fair replacing Expo 20 which had to be cancelled earlier this year. Our “pitch” went live at the end of the week and requests for appointments are coming in. The “Pitch” can be seen at – https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AyPGWfSA5QWaKM-PxaohgzRYgv6RaZn5/view?usp=sharing

– SkyeConnect staff attended the Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) AGM as members of the DMO panel. Key work that the STA will be focussing on in the coming months will include advocacy for sufficient funding for VisitScotland to continue promoting Scotland in order to maintain brand awareness, Investment finance from Banks (£20 million has been invested in the Tourism sector in recent months) and Government Policies to create a healthy operational environment for the sector.

– Due to administrative matters beyond our control we were unable to hold an EGM to ratify our conversion to a Community Interest Co. (CIC). Matters have now been resolved and the EGM will now be held online on Tuesday 10th November at 10 am. The agenda for the meeting can be found at Agenda While only existing members will be allowed to vote at the meeting anyone is welcome to attend. Requests for a link to join the meeting should be sent to info@skye-connect.com

– This week’s Skyetime Podcast features an interview with Accountant Faye Macleod, following a week of turmoil with dramatic changes to the Furlough scheme and the self-employed support schemes. You can listen to the Podcast presented by Simon Cousins at https://www.buzzsprout.com/852226/6248956

– And Finally, we have been contacted by the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA) which has launched a FREE two-month temporary membership offer. The offer has been launched to help mitigate the devastating effects of the Covid-19 crisis on the attractions sector and enable as many businesses as possible to access the support ASVA can provide.

Attractions taking advantage of the offer can: receive regular updates and news on what is happening within the attractions sector in Scotland; participate in ASVA’s training and development programme, which includes bespoke events and workshops tailor-made for visitor attractions; access resources and practical support to help them operate in a COVID-compliant manner; ensure their voice is heard in all major matters of policy at a national level; join ASVA’s LinkedIn community, sharing useful information and articles related to attractions management; and access special rates and promotions on goods and services provided by ASVA trade members. ASVA Chief Executive Gordon Morrison said: “In light of the extremely challenging circumstances that the Scottish tourism industry is facing, ASVA is keen to reach out to – and assist – attractions not currently in membership. ASVA continues to work exceptionally hard for the attractions sector as we navigate through this crisis.”

For further information on the free membership offers, contact Helen Henderson, ASVA Membership Manager at helen@asva.co.uk, Tel. 07458 306982.