Skyetime

In the latest edition of the Skyetime Podcast, Simon Cousins and guests look at the affordable housing crisis in Skye and Lochalsh. The destination management organisation for Skye - SkyeConnect - has commissioned the most extensive research ever undertaken on the issue on the island.  The lack of affordable housing  is not only a major problem for islanders wanting a home, it is believed to be stifling economic growth in the area. To mark the launch of the Business Housing Needs survey, Simon talks to SkyeConnect Director, Clare Winskill, Neil Clapperton and Iain McIvor of the Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association and Duncan Stewart of 56 degree Insight, the Edinburgh Consultancy commissioned to conduct the research.The survey which can be found at https://skyeandlochalsh.com/ is open until the middle of March.

In the latest episode of the Skyetime Podcast, Simon Cousins looks at some of the issues surrounding the employment crisis facing the hospitality sector. His guest is the business development manager of West Highland College, Nigel Patterson. Nigel talks about their new approach to linking the college with local businesses and the assistance available for companies looking to recruit or train staff.

In the latest edition of the Skyetime Podcast, Simon Cousins meets members of the Highland Council Ranger service who have been working on Skye this summer. Nic Bullivant and Kris Pohl are two of the three Rangers who have to cover Skye's vast land mass helping and advising visitors and dealing with anti-social behaviour.

In the latest edition of the Skyetime Podcast, Simon Cousins visits Glenbrittle for the formal opening of the new carpark and toilet facilities at the Fairy Pools. The project has been made possible through a unique collaboration between the Minginish Community Hall Association, Forestry and Land Scotland, the Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland, Highland Council and the Scottish Government. The official opening was conducted by local MSP and Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Kate Forbes.

In the latest edition of the Skyetime Podcast, Simon Cousins talks to Gordon Campbell Gray, owner of The Wee Hotel Company that includes The Three Chimneys on Skye.Gordon's career has taken him around the world establishing 5 Star luxury hotels in places such as Beirut, Bahrain and Liberia. When he decided he wanted to spend more time Scotland he established The Wee Hotel Company and bought the Pierhouse Hotel in Port Appin, followed by The Three Chimneys.In the interview, Gordon talks about his career, his management ethos and his plans for the business when the hotels reopen later this month.This episode of the Skyetime Podcast is sponsored by Torabhaig Distillery and there's a chance to win a bottle of their first malt - the Torabhaig Legacy 2017.

In the latest episode of the Skyetime Podcast, Simon Cousins talks to Atlantic Rower, Mark Sealey who last month completed the Talisker Transatlantic Challenge, carrying the new Skye flag on the transom of the Force Genesis boat. His four-person team completed the 2800 nautical miles from La Gomera to Antigua in fifty days, despite significant technical problems along the way. In the interview, Mark talks about the physical and mental challenges of the journey including a scary encounter with an eighteen foot long Blue Marlin! The Skye sponsors of the Force Genesis team were: Macleod and MacCallumCuillin Hills HotelSitekitSpindrift Boat TripsSonas CollectionThe ChippyJansvansSkyeConnect

In the latest episode of the Skyetime Podcast, Simon Cousins talks to Janette Sutherland of SAC Consulting in Portree. Janette is involved in two collaborative projects with SkyeConnect. The first, thanks to a grant of £7700 from NatureScot through the ‘Better Places Green Recovery Fund, involves a feasibility study into creating a ‘Skye Foundation’ to provide visitor information about land management on Skye with a view to encouraging voluntary donations that will, in turn, fund projects to protect, preserve and restore Skye’s landscape.The second project is providing information for Crofters considering creating Motorhome stop-over pitches on their land. This information will include everything from planning issues to the infrastructure required to dispose of wastewater from Motorhomes. The project is funded by the University Innovation Fund from the Scottish Funding Council. After listening to the Podcast, anyone with a question can contact Janette directly by email – janette.sutherland@sac.co.uk

The Skyetime Podcast returns for Season 2 with guest Neil Mathieson, Chief Executive of Mossburn Distillers. Mossburn's Torabhaig Distillery on the Sleat peninsula of Skye has just released a limited edition first bottling called 'Torabhaig Legacy Series 2017'.Torabhaig is the newest distillery on Skye following Talisker as the only two legal distilleries on the island.Neil talks to presenter, Simon Cousins, about the journey to produce Torabhaig's first Malt and the challenges presented to the business by Covid-19, Brexit and the tariff dispute with the USA.

In the latest episode of the Skyetime Podcast, Simon Cousins previews the Festival of Small Halls which takes place between the 26th and 28th of November. His guests are Marie Lewis, the Creative Director of Festival organisers, SEALL and musician Inge Thomson.Marie and Inge talk about the struggle for the the creative industries during lockdown and the challenges of putting on a virtual festival. Marie reveals details of the festival line-up and there are also two tracks from festival performer, Inge Thomson.

In the latest episode of the Skyetime Podcast, Simon Cousins talks to young entrepreneur, David MacDonald from Portree. David has a passion for the history, culture and wildlife of Skye. Prior to the Covid-19 lockdown he provided walking tours of Portree for visitors. He also builds websites and offers social media advice. His latest production is a new marketing tool for Skye's tourism industry.When he is not working on Skye his other passion is to travel to Nashville, Tennessee to write songs and perform in the home of the Country Music industry.

This week, Skyetime Podcast presenter, Simon Cousins talks to the Project Manager and two Directors from SkyeConnect - the official Destination Management Organisation for Skye and neighbouring areas. The organisation has just made the formal transition from a Limited Company to a Community Interest Company. As part of the process, SkyeConnect is now seeking to broaden island representation on the Board by recruiting a number of new Directors. Project Manager, Alistair Danter and Directors, Steve Smith and Gary Curley talk about the role of SkyeConnect and the rewarding experience of shaping Skye's future.

In the latest edition of the Skyetime Podcast, Simon Cousins reflects on a week of Government announcements and policy changes that will have a significant impact on the business community. His guest is Faye Macleod of Accountants, Campbell, Stewart Maclennan and Company. Faye unravels the detail of the extension of the furlough - and other support schemes - and examines the decisions many businesses will have to take in light of the news.

In the week that the 2020 tourist season draws to a close along with the furlough scheme that has provided much-needed income to tourism workers during the pandemic, Simon Cousins talks to Marc Crothall, the Chief executive of the Scottish Tourism Alliance.Marc talks about the dire situation facing the industry as losses mount up and support mechanisms fail to fill the gaps. Marc sits on the Scottish Tourism Recovery Task Force that has just published a list of recommendations and urgent action for the Scottish and UK Government. He outlines some of these recommendations and the urgent need for action.

In the latest edition of the Skyetime Podcast, Simon Cousins meets photographers Gill Williams and Geraint Ashton Jones who are collaborating on an underwater photography project in the waters around Skye. Gill is a retired police diver who spends her time diving beneath the waters to capture unique images. Geraint is retired from the Royal Navy and runs a commercial photography business. He takes Gill's raw images and uses post-production techniques to create the final images that are commercially available through their website www.belowtheskyeline.com

In the latest episode of the Skyetime Podcast, Simon Cousins talks to SkyeConnect Project Manager, Alistair Danter, about the plight of the hospitality and tourism industry on Skye following the latest Covid-19 restrictions announced by the Government. In the interview, Alistair reveals the details of a new survey of hospitality businesses and the work SkyeConnect is doing in terms of lobbying politicians for the financial support the sector needs. He also appeals for more businesses to share their stories to enable the organisation to build a bank of case studies to provide further evidence of the urgent need for support to enable the industry to survive the winter.

In the latest edition of the Skyetime Podcast, Simon Cousins talks to Fiona Campbell, the Chief Executive of the Association of Scotland's Self-Caterers. Fiona has been dealing with the fallout from the latest Government restrictions preventing multiple households from staying together in self-catering properties. She is also leading the sector's response to the Government's proposal to introduce legislation to license short-term lets across Scotland.

In this week's episode of the Skyetime Podcast, Simon Cousins meets designer and landscape artist, Peter McDermott. After art college, Peter entered the world of marketing in London as a designer. His life changed when on holiday in the west coast he spotted Aird Old Church in an Estate Agent's window. He bought it instantly and eventually moved from London. Today, the Old Church near the Point of Sleat is both a family home and a Gallery displaying Peter's landscape watercolours.

In the latest edition of the Skyetime Podcast, Simon Cousins meets the Chief Executive of OATS - the Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland, Dougie Baird. OATS is in the final stages of a major project to build a new carpark and toilet block at the Fairy Pools in Glenbrittle. Dougie talks about the challenges of the project and his hopes that Skye will lead the world in creating collaborations to improve infrastructure at some of its most iconic sites.

In the latest edition of the Skyetime Podcast, Simon Cousins visits one of Skye's most popular visitor attractions - Skyeskyns. The business has been tanning sheep fleeces and creating a range of luxury goods since 1983. Simon meet the latest member of the Hartwell family to run the business - Jess Hartwell - and takes a tour of the tanning operation.

In the latest edition of the Skyetime Podcast, Simon Cousins meets the Bristol Gulls. The Gulls are a team of four female rowers preparing to take on the Talisker Atlantic Rowing Challenge. The three thousand mile race starts from La Gomera in the Canary Isles on the 12th of December and will take between 35 and 55 days to reach the finish line in Antigua. As part of their training they brought their boat Vaquita to Skye to spend a week circumnavigating the island, with the new Skye Flag painted on the stern of the boat. During a break in training Simon sat down with the Gulls to talk about their epic adventure.

In the latest episode of the Skyetime Podcast, Simon Cousins visits Skye's youngest Distillery - Torabhaig - where the distillers are producing a heavily peated, single malt whisky in a beautifully restored farm steading overlooking the Sound of Sleat. It is expected that the first bottling of Torabhaig will take place next year after the first casks have been maturing for three years.The Distillery also has a shop, cafe and visitor centre. Simon is taken on a tour by visitor centre manager, Anne O'Lone and meets some of the passionate staff eager to share their knowledge of the distillery.This episode has been sponsored by Torabhaig Distillery.

In the latest edition of the Skyetime Podcast, Simon Cousins is in Portree for the historic unveiling of Skye's official flag. After a year long competition and public vote, the winning flag was finally raised by 9 year old designer, Calum Alasdair Munro from Kilmuir.As well as hearing about Calum Alasdair's passion for flags and the inspiration behind his design, Simon talks to competition organiser, Keith MacKenzie of the West Highland Free Press, Alistair Danter of SkyeConnect and the Honorary Vexillologist with the Court of the Lord Lyon of Scotland, Philip Tibbetts.

In the latest edition of the Skyetime Podcast, Simon Cousins visits one of Skye's great social institutions, Seamus' Bar at the Sligachan Hotel. Simon meets directors, Deirdre and Gary Curley along with some of their staff, to talk about the history of the bar, its close affiliations with the climbing community, its support for Mountain Rescue volunteers and the challenges of operating a bar and restaurant in line with the Government's Covid-19 guidance.

In the latest edition of the Podcast, Simon Cousins take Skyetime on the road to visit a unique woodland outdoor learning centre - Corry Capers. The facility just outside Broadford is run by the Broadford and Strath Community Company. It provides free after-school and school holiday childcare. Corry Capers aims to allow local children to reconnect with nature and develop a greater awareness of the environment. The project received over £160,000 of funding from the Aspiring Communities Fund. Eventually, the team plan to market Corry Capers as a commercial activity for families visiting the nearby campsite.Simon meets the Outdoor Learning Centre Manager, Tracy Keenan along with play-workers, volunteers and, of course, the children who adore their woodland play and learning environment.

In the latest edition of the Skyetime Podcast, Simon Cousins talks to the newly appointed editor of the West Highland Free Press, Keith MacKenzie. The employee-owned newspaper has just re-launched its print version after three months of only publishing online after the Coronavirus lockdown hit sales and advertising.In the interview, Keith talks about the challenges posed by Coronavirus and how the Free Press has covered one of the biggest stories on Skye in recent years with the devastating impact of Covid-19 on the Home Farm care home in Portree.Keith also talks about his plans and aspirations for the newspaper as he publishes his first edition with a reassertion of the three key campaigning pillars of the West Highland Free Press - An Air, An Canan, 'S Na Daoine - the land, the language and the people.

In the latest edition of the Skyetime Podcast, Simon Cousins talks to the Chief Executive of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority, Gordon Watson. In the interview Gordon talks about the development of the park over the last 18 years. He describes some of the tools the park uses to manage the visitor experience and deal with irresponsible or anti-social behaviour, and how some of these practices might be applied on Skye. He also explains the importance of investment in infrastructure and the vital role of the Ranger Service and volunteers in managing the visitor experience.

In the latest edition of the Skyetime Podcast, Simon Cousins reveals the results of a year-long economic impact assessment of the tourism industry on Skye along with detailed visitor, business and resident surveys.Simon talks to the report authors, Professor John Lennon and Marina Martinolli of Glasgow Caledonian University's Moffat Centre - the UK's largest University-based research centre for the travel and tourism industry.The research was commissioned by destination management organisation, SkyeConnect and Simon gets the reaction of Project Manager, Alistair Danter to the report's extensive findings.

In the latest edition of the Skyetime Podcast, Simon Cousins talks to hotelier, Clare Winskill about her varied career that has included time as an intensive care nurse and an insolvency lawyer in London. Her childhood love of the West Highlands eventually led her to Elgol where she runs Coruisk House with her partner, Iain. Clare is also a Director of SkyeConnect and has strong views on tourism post Covid-19.Simon also talks to Sergeant Bruce Crawford of Police Scotland about the role of officers during lockdown and how they will be managing the increased population as visitors start to return to Skye.

In the latest edition of the Skyetime Podcast, Simon Cousins talks to two young stars of the Skye food scene - Calum Montgomery of Edinbane Lodge and John Coghill of the Hebridean Inn.The two chefs reveal the career paths that brought them to where they are now and reflect on the impact of Covid-19 and the lockdown that closed their businesses so soon after they had opened.In the week when the Scottish Government relaxed social-distancing rules for the hospitality industry, Calum and John discuss their plans for re-opening their restaurants to customers.

In the latest edition of the Skyetime Podcast, Simon Cousins talks to Hugh Macleod of Dunvegan Castle and Gardens about the immense business challenges posed by Covid-19 and the plans for a partial re-opening of the visitor attraction this summer. The estate also runs the Glenbrittle Campsite and Hugh explains his tentative plans for the remainder of the year. Simon also meets Becky Milne of Camping Skye in Broadford, to discuss how the site will operate once it is opened. And, with an anticipated boom in camper-van visits this Summer and Autumn, Simon talks to Catherine Bunn about the work her company, Highland Campervans, is doing along with the industry body CAMPA to educate people hiring Campervans to minimise their impact on rural and island communities.

In the latest episode of the Skyetime Podcast, Simon Cousins examines the detail and impact of new Government guidance on the operation of hospitality and tourism business in the aftermath of Covid-19 lockdown. His guests are three SkyeConnect directors and managers who also run hospitality businesses. Chair, Dave Till is the manager of Skyeskyns shop and visitor attraction. Project Manager, Alistair Danter has two self-catering units and Gary Curley is a director of the Sligachan Hotel and Seamus' bar. They each give their assessment of the impact of the new operational guidance.Simon also speaks to David MacDonald of SkyeConnect about a new marketing website for the islands activity and experience providers - myskyetime.com

In the latest edition of the Skyetime Podcast, Simon Cousins talks to Stine Selmer Andersen of Visit Greenland. As the tourism industry plans for a potential re-opening on the 15th of July, Simon examines how Skye and other remote locations could learn from the development of the visitor experience on the world's biggest island. Greenland is over 1300 times the size of Skye but there are many similarities. Greenland has actively promoted adventure and environmental tourism. With limited international travel to Greenland this year, Visit Greenland has had to refocus its marketing effort on the domestic market with some innovative approaches to encouraging islanders to holiday at home.

In the latest edition of the Skyetime Podcast, Simon Cousins talks to Trish Rogers of Skye Climate Action about some of the environmental positives that have come from the Covid-19 lockdown. In the last three months there has been a greater emphasis on sourcing locally produced food, a move to more home-produced food and community sharing of plants. This trend of sourcing more locally produced food has been a real boost for Roger Whiddon of the Isle of Skye Fresh Produce Company. When lockdown struck and hotels and restaurants closed, 90% of his business disappeared overnight. However, through the Skye and Lochalsh Food Link Van and a network of ten distribution hubs, Roger has been able to establish direct sales to consumers. In the interview, Roger talks about his career, establishing the business on Skye, trying to survive without Government support and his hopes for the business once lockdown is lifted.

In the latest edition of the Skyetime Podcast, Simon Cousins talks to Jack Macfarlane, a former RAF medic who spent thirty years dealing with epidemics and health emergencies around the globe. He is now using his wealth of experience to work with Skye Community Response through the Covid-19 crisis. In the interview, he explains how SCR has managed to source more than 60,000 pieces of PPE for local health and care workers and also looks ahead to the challenges the community will face when lockdown is eased.Simon also speaks to Mark Crowe of the Skye Bike Shack who has seen a huge increase in business as cycling booms during lockdown. Mark has also been appointed Project Officer for a newly funded initiative that aims to establish a network of safe walking, cycling and wheeling routes throughout Skye.

In the latest edition of the Skyetime Podcast, Simon Cousins talks to Highland Councillors, John Finlayson and Calum Munro, about the challenges they have faced during the Covid-19 crisis. They also share their pride in the way the people of Skye have responded and come together to help the most vulnerable in the community.Simon also talks at length to Anne Gracie Gunn, the owner of the Sonas Collection of hotels on Skye. In the interview, Anne reveals the many business and personal challenges she has had to overcome in her career. Her positive attitude and determination to 'survive' through any challenge will be an inspiration to many business owners struggling to stay afloat during the current lockdown.

In the latest edition of the Skyetime Podcast, Simon Cousins talks to the Chief Executive of VisitScotland, Malcolm Roughead, about how the tourism industry will recover from the Covid-19 crisis. In the interview Mr Roughead not only describes the various stages of the recovery plan, he also sets out his own thoughts on what tourism might look like in the future.

In the latest edition of the Skyetime Podcast, Simon Cousins interviews Kate Forbes, MSP. As well as representing Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch in Parliament, Kate is the Cabinet Secretary for Finance in the Scottish Government, with responsibility for providing financial support to the economy during the Covid-19 crisis.In a wide-ranging interview, Kate talks about her formative years growing up in India, her early political career and being thrust into the limelight to deliver the Scottish Budget in 2020 following the resignation of Derek Mackay. She also talks about the process of providing support packages for businesses and addresses some of the criticism from parts of the tourism sector that are currently unable to access support. During the interview news broke about the extent of a Covid-19 outbreak in a Portree Care Home. Kate gives her reaction to the news along with her advice to constituents.

In the latest edition of the Skyetime Podcast, Simon Cousins talks to the Chair of NHS Highland, Professor Boyd Robertson and the Deputy Medical Director (Community), Dr Paul Davidson about how Skye's health services are coping with the Covid-19 crisis. Island builder, James MacQueen, describes how the construction industry will emerge from lockdown. Accountant Faye Macleod outlines on-going problems with the Government's Job Retention Scheme and Garry Munro of RBS describes the support the bank is giving to business and personal customers.

In a special edition of the Skyetime Podcast, Simon Cousins talks to Ross, Skye and Lochaber MP, Ian Blackford, about the handling of the Covid-19 crisis by UK and Scottish Governments. In the interview, Ian reveals details of a frank conversation with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, and talks openly about his fears for the Skye community and the importance of protecting all businesses through the crisis. Tomorrow (22nd April), Ian will be holding the UK Government to account at Prime Minister's Questions at the start of the new 'virtual' Westminster Parliament

In the third Skyetime Podcast, Simon Cousins, shares more stories and information to help the community of Skye through the Covid-19 crisis and lockdown. This week Fiona Thompson and Sophie Isaacson of Skye Community Response describe the work of the organisation in looking after the vulnerable and sourcing vital PPE for local healthcare workers. Kenny MacKinnon of gotostkilda.co.uk and Andi and Vicki Dunkel of SkyeXplorer Boat Trips explain how the marine tourism sector is struggling under lockdown. Finally, Fiona Campbell, Chief Executive of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers describes the growing anger, frustration and mental health issues among her members. To share a story, ask a question or to sponsor the Skyetime Podcast email simon@simoncousinsmedia.co.uk

In the second Skyetime Podcast, Simon Cousins, shares more stories and information to help the community of Skye through the Covd-19 crisis and lockdown. This week Marc Crothall, the CEO of the Scottish Tourism Alliance, describes the process of negotiating with Government ministers to secure the financial support needed by tourism businesses of all sizes. Sam and Mark Crowe of the Old Croft House B&B and Skye Bike Shack, share their experience of going from financial security to the breadline in a matter of weeks. Accountant, Faye Macleod, offers advice to companies applying for Government support and Rosie Woodhouse describes the dramatic surge in demand at the island’s foodbank. To share a story, ask a question or to sponsor the Skyetime Podcast email simon@simoncousinsmedia.co.uk Please note, all information contained in this episode is accurate at the time of publication.

In the first of a new Podcast series, Simon Cousins examines how Skye tourism businesses are coping with the Covid19 lockdown. The guests are Alistair Danter of SkyeConnect talking about the work of the organisation in lobbying for business support........Gary and Deirdre Curley of the iconic Sligachan Hotel on how they are coping with the crisis........ Euan Smith - employment Lawyer with Macleod and MacCallum on the operation of the Government's Job Retention Scheme.......and Catherine De Vries of Sleat Community Trading - a community shop adapting to the crisis by offering a free delivery service to vulnerable members of the Sleat community.