Skyetime

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. 

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