What we saw in Skye and Raasay

It’s always a valuable experience to see first-hand the impacts of some of HIE’s investments, especially in more rural and island parts of the region, and the wider context of these investments. 

This week our chairman Alistair Dodds and I took the opportunity to visit Skye and Raasay, with Lochaber, Skye and Wester Ross area manager Alastair Nicolson. 

On Wednesday, we made four stops. First was the Vonin Group – a major manufacturer of high-quality fishing and fish farming equipment. They’re establishing a net washing service adjacent to the Mowi feed plant in Kyleakin. This will create 15 jobs, reduce road miles by using the existing pier, and support the aquaculture sector. 

In Broadford we reviewed progress at the industrial estate, where we are investing £2.7m, mostly with a local contractor, to develop eight new business units. This is part of our wider programme to create more flexible workspaces in rural locations to help local firms grow and attract new businesses. There’s already a lot of interest in the units which are likely to be available early next year.   

 In Portree we visited Skyeskins who make sheepskin rugs and discussed their plans for a new visitor centre and production unit at Crossal. It was interesting to hear how they support farmers and crofters from across the Highlands and Islands by purchasing what’s otherwise viewed as a low value item. They have the ability to trace the rugs back to their original farms/crofts proving their local provenance.  

Next, we visited the Isle of Skye Candle Company in the former Aros centre in Portree. Since its establishment in 2010, this company has grown steadily into one of the island’s biggest private sector employers with a workforce of 75. In addition to two retail outlets in Skye, it has shops in St Andrews, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Inverness. and supplies high-end retailers across the UK. It was heartening, if not surprising to hear of their ambitions for yet further growth. 

On Thursday we caught the ferry from Sconser to Raasay and enjoyed the views of the Cuillins under a cloudless blue sky.  

We visited Raasay House – a family-run hotel and outdoor activity provider. The team provides high-quality activities on land and sea while promoting environmental sustainability. It was inspiring to see how the centre balances adventure tourism with a strong focus on enhancing the environment.  As well as families they welcome school groups from the central belt and the Highlands. 
 

Our next visit was with the Raasay Development Trust, an organisation currently focused on addressing the most pressing issue on the island – affordable housing. Like many other parts of the region there is strong demand for labour from a variety of sectors and in particular on Raasay from the huge success of the new distillery.  

The trust is working on projects to provide affordable housing which will support population growth and strengthen the community. Five homes have recently been completed with a further six to go on site with Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association. RDT is also involved in refurbishment of several homes built for the iron-ore mine developed in the early part of the 20th century.  

Community housing in Raasay

The trust has also created a 20-berth pontoon for visiting boats and we also visited their micro hydro scheme. The trust emphasised the importance of their local development officer who is also currently working on a new location for the island’s shop. The passion of the team was inspiring, and we are confident that their efforts will have a lasting positive impact on Raasay.

The Isle of Raasay Distillery was our next call. Operated by R&B Distillers, this is an excellent example of how local production and sustainability can go hand in hand. Started less than 10 years ago the distillery now employs 47 people on the island, many of them under the age of 40. The island’s total population is under 200 so their impact has been transformational.  

They make gin and whisky which is bottled on site and have developed accommodation, restaurant and high-end visitor centre. Their focus on local production, provenance, net zero, quality and community regeneration is commendable. And, what a view across to Skye. 
  Raasay Distillery

We heard about how they are investing in efforts to reduce their carbon footprint and enhance their sustainability practices as well as grow their accommodation.Our last stop was in Sleat, with Gillian Munro the principal, Marsaili Macleod the deputy principal and Donnie Munro the development director from Sabhal Mòr Ostaig – the national centre for Gaelic language and culture. We discussed the growing interest in their courses, notably for teachers but also for learners both onsite and online.  SMO has led on the development of Kilbeg - Skye’s first new village in more than 100 years. The first affordable homes already have young families living in them, which is great news. It’s the perfect place to share the Gaelic language and culture across a mix of generations. Dìreach sgoinneil!

The two days showcased the significant progress and positive impact of HIE’s investments with our partners in the businesses and communities of Skye and Raasay. These initiatives highlight the potential for future growth and underscores our commitment to creating the conditions for thriving communities across the West Highlands and Islands.