Highland upbring of former Lib Dem leader in focus

A documentary profiling the late former Liberal Democrat Charles Kennedy and how his Highland upbringing influenced his life and politics, is set to be shown. Charles Kennedy was 23-years-old when he stood in a fight for the Highland seat; Ross, Cromarty and Skye. Charles won and so began a 32-year career in politics. Charles rose…

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Watch out Talisker – there’s a new kid in town on Skye

Peter Ranscombe takes a sneak peak at Torabhaig distillery’s maiden whisky ahead of its release tomorrow. WHEN it comes to whisky, some locations and some distilleries go together like a horse and carriage – or maybe like a cask and bung. Think Orkney, think Highland Park (sorry Scapa!). Think Campbeltown, think Springbank (sorry again Glen…

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See more of Scotland’s lochs from your armchair

Those keen to see more of our country and its lochs will be able to do so next week, from the comfort of our television screens. In the first programme of a new series of Grand Tours of Scotland’s Lochs, Paul Murton explores the lochs of Skye. He hears tales of the singer Donovan and his…

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Raasay raising cash for hydro projects

ISLANDERS on Raasay are selling shares to raise £650,000 so they can build two hydro-electric schemes. The hydro projects on the Inverarish and Mine burns will together generate enough power for about 130 homes. Ross Gillies, a director of Raasay Community Renewables, the body behind the schemes, said: “We have raised over £300,000 in grants…

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Highlands and islands gift boxes launch

A GIFT box service dedicated to showcasing products from the Highlands and islands has been launched. A Whale of a Time brings together products from independent businesses spread across Inverness, Lochaber, Moray, Wester Ross, and Wick, as well as islands including Harris, Islay, Lewis, Orkney, and Skye. Its range of eight gift boxes stretches from…

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A Week in Whisky: Going, going, gone

THE Isle of Raasay Distillery has sold all its maiden single malt ahead of its release in November. Raasay, which lies off the coast of Skye, has sold 4,350 bottles through the internet, with the remainder of its 7,500-bottle run bought by retailers, restaurants and bars. The whisky is made with Scottish barley and is…

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We all scream for ice cream…

TWO Scottish ice cream companies are bringng a sweet splash of sunshine to the autumn. Mackie’s is going to give one fan a lifetime’s supply of ice cream, while Spar is stocking a further nine flavours made by Equi’s. The winner of Mackie’s “Simple Pleasures” draw will be named on Monday. They will get two-litre…

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Rural arts fundraising campaign launched

A FUNDRAISING campaign to help rural venues host live performances begins this morning. The “Keep Rural Arts Live” initiative aims to raise £20,000 through the Crowdfunder website. The campaign is being run by The Touring Network, which brings together artists and venues spread across Scotland. The money will subsidise lost income if venues have to…

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Work resumes on two iconic Skye tourist sites

VISITORS will be able to enjoy greater access to two of Skye’s iconic sites – once movement restrictions ease – after a pair of maintenance projects got underway again. McGowan, the principal contractor for repairs to 600 metres of footpath at the Old Man of Storr, has been putting stones into bags to be airlifted…

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Runrig’s last dance

Legendary Skye band Runrig will live stream their farewell concert film ‘The Last Dance’, free of charge between 7-10pm on 11th April. The 180 minute concert film captures Runrig’s farewell concert, filmed live in front of Stirling Castle in 2018 in front of an audience of over 50,000 fans. The film celebrates the end of…

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