Isles well and truly open for business
WE ARE all fortunate enough to live and work on the Isle of Skye and Raasay.
Over many years, these islands’ residents have built up the tourism industry so that Skye boasts a warm welcome, excellent hospitality and a unique experience.
Nearly everybody on the islands is linked in some way to tourism, and the economic opportunities of the tourism industry support the rural and remote communities of Skye, Raasay and beyond.
The tourist industry can be a relatively unpredictable one and so it concerns us to see sensationalist stories in the Press, for a second year running, which could jeopardise the jobs, businesses and income of local people.
We would hate to see an industry which has taken many years to develop undermined by a few stories which don’t fairly depict the efforts of hardworking people across the area.
Whilst it is true that some areas are busy, it is no more so than the North Coast 500 or the likes of Morar Sands.
We are in the business of making Skye an even better place, by targeting public investment in infrastructure, growing local businesses and ensuring that visitors want to return.
For example, in the last year alone, the Fairy Pools has secured funds to build a car park and toilets to make access easier for visitors and locals alike. The road and car park at Neist Point have been improved, roadside parking has been secured at the Quiraing, work on a car park extension at Storr will begin before the summer is out, and there is a new viewing platform at the Lealt Gorge.
Businesses, communities, the Highland Council and SkyeConnect are working exceedingly hard to offer the best visitor experience.
The Isle of Skye and Raasay, like many areas of the Highlands and Islands, are home to communities whose future is dependent on good jobs, steady incomes and business opportunities. Tourism makes a critical contribution to the local economy and, indeed, the wider Scottish economy, and indirectly enables people to live, work and raise a family on the island.
As such, we write to categorically assert that Skye and Raasay are well and truly open for business. KATE FORBES, MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch. Endorsed by 100 businesses on Skye and Raasay