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/ [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.