After decades of dedicated work to clean up our waterways, conservationists recently celebrated their return to every county in England and the chances of spotting an otter have now vastly improved. The success of Ring of Bright Water worked wonders for a species that until then had been regarded as vermin. Otters were illegally persecuted by fishermen and hunted with specially bred otter hounds until the practice was finally banned in 1981. Otters have now been found in over 90% of the Scottish sites surveyed, with healthy populations on the Clyde in Glasgow, and also in Aberdeen and Edinburgh. Today, some of the best places to see otters are around the coasts of Scotland especially Shetland, The Moray Coast and Kylerhea Otter Haven, Isle of Skye. For more information click here www.bbc.co.uk/nature/22286398

New research has questioned the established view of what is regarded as the only known example of a dinosaur stampede. But one Scottish scientist says he is interested, but not convinced, by the latest theory. In central Queensland, Australia, there is the Dinosaur Stampede National Monument. The monument is a former quarry where, since the 1960s, as many as 4,000 dinosaur footprints have been uncovered. In 1984, the tracks were identified by scientists as being the result of small creatures fleeing from a larger animal, possibly a predator similar to the Tyrannosaurus rex, about 95 million years ago. However, new research suggests the tracks were left by dinosaurs on their tippy toes as they waded through water. "The story is an interesting one," says Dr Neil Clark, of University of Glasgow's Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery. However, he adds: "I am afraid that I don't agree with the aquatic footprints." Dinosaur footprints from Skye Dinosaur footprints have been found on Skye Two years ago a BBC Two programme, Dino Stampede, examined the Australian site and interviewed Dr Clark as an expert on the subject. The programme used evidence of dinosaur footprints found at Valtos on Skye - Scotland's Misty Isle - to help explain what happened in Queensland. Dr Clark has previously described Skye as one of the world's most important palaeontology sites. Its standing is underlined by the number of finds from the Middle Jurassic, about 170 million years ago. Evidence of dinosaurs and ancient large reptiles from other periods have also been found on the island. They include more than 100 marks left by a lizard called Isochirotherium - also known as the hand-beast - 270 million years ago. 'Dogs walking' For more information click here www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-22465864

The second episode of the new BBC Scotland series Hebrides – Islands On The Edge is due for Broadcast on BBC1 on Monday 13th May at 9pm. It features a sequence described as an amazing pass-the-parcel ‘food chain’ shot in the South Skye. Super fast currents between Glenelg on the mainland and the Isle of Skye have become the site of a fantastic ‘floor show’ of aquatic and aeronautic displays from the local wild life… which can be easily watched from the local car ferry. Hebrides narrator, Ewan McGregor, describes the action: “The eagle puts on a show… he’s realised he needn’t hunt for his own mackerel. Ferryman Donnie Macdonald says of the eagle, which locals have dubbed Victor: “Keeps us busy all day, good entertainment for us as well and the tourists just love him, completely love him.” The four-part Scottish wildlife series has already been acclaimed as “one of the most beautiful films I’ve seen” by narrator Ewan MGregor. For more details of this programme look at our ‘Whats on Diary’

Talisker™, the famous Single Malt Scotch Whisky from the Isle of Skye, is to have a new family member. TALISKER STORM™ is an exuberant new expression of Talisker, calculated to delight and intrigue the many adorers of this celebrated island whisky: more intense and smoky, with enhanced and vibrant maritime notes, smoothly balanced with Talisker’s signature hot sweetness. Full gold in appearance, and assembled by Diageo’s master blenders from both rejuvenated and refill casks at different ages to deliver a perfect balance of vibrant distillery character and smoother woody richness, it is bottled at the traditional Talisker strength of 45.8% ABV, without an age statement. In price terms Talisker Storm sits between the Talisker 10 year old and the Talisker Distillers Edition expressions.How the whisky makers developed this stormy new addition to an already celebrated family of highly distinctive single malt whiskies is explained by Master Blender Dr Jim Beveridge: “We wanted to focus on distillery character - the bedrock of Talisker Storm. So we sought out some great mature Talisker, enriched and mellowed by time spent in carefully rejuvenated casks, and brought that together with some very fresh distillery character preserved by maturation in refill casks. The result is Talisker’s unique distillery character delivered by aged, mature whiskies, integrated in one vibrant dram.” Talisker Distiller Manager Mark Lochhead added: “Any new member of the Talisker family has a lot to live up to and I am proud to say that Talisker Storm does just that. The distinctive whisky we create with such passion and care here on Skye speaks very boldly of the dramatic island where it was born. Everyone here is delighted at the skill with which our malt masters have put together this vivacious new Talisker. Talisker Storm is indeed the right name for it!” Further exciting new expressions of Talisker will be launched later in 2013.

Journalist for The Telegraph, Caroline Shearing has written an article about her trip to the Isle of Skye. During her time here, Caroline manages to squeeze in lots of activities, from ferry crossings and wild swimming to boat trips into the heart of the Cuillins and longs walks to secluded beaches. After such a busy schedule it only seems right to give enough time to relax and enjoy the best that Skye has to offer when it comes to food and accommodation. Read Caroline’s day by day account here and don’t forget to book your next Skye adventure soon. www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destination/uk/scotland/106390/36-hours-on...Skye.html

Skye is Hilly but put in the effort in and the rewards are fantastic; sweeping roads past cliffs and sweeping shores, with views over the islands craggy escarpments and occasional Highland cow. The tarmac is surprisingly good in places and the main villages have great little pubs and villages. Read about these 3 new routes in the May 2013 issue of Cycling Plus; Old man in a Kilt, Through MacLeod Country and The Celtic Knot. Intrigued.... then get the magazine and read all about them now or contact Whitewave Activities for more information, their details can be found on our Outdoor Activities page here www.skye.co.uk/outdoor-activities.php

Launching Alec Finlay’s new work Còmhlan Bheanntan - A Company of Mountains. Contributors to the weekend will include; Hanna Tuulikki, Alison Lloyd, Caroline Dear, Meg Bateman, Mike Lates, musical performance by Wounded Knee and 7VWWWVW. Here is Where, a tribute to Tom Weir and performance lecture on volcanoes by Ilana Halperin, Karen Holmberg and Andrew Patrizio. This will be followed on Saturday evening by Ian’s Ceilidh in aid of Marie Currie, to be held at Seumas’ bar in Sligachan. Saturday 18 May & Sunday 19 May 2013 from 10.30 am & throughout each day Sligachan Hotel, at the foot of the Cuillins & Minginish Hall Portnalong, Isle of Skye Transport available between venues - Booking is essential. Check out Alec Finlays 14 Viewpoints on Skye here www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-22468161

The rugged terrain of the island may be an ideal background for a mountainous planet suggests the Sun newspaper. Other locations on the west coast are also being eyed-up for Star Wars Episode VII which is being which is being written by Michael Arndt with JJ Abrams, as director. The Sun quoted a source saying : Location bosses feel Scotland possesses stunning scenery perfect for movie backdrops. They will look great on the big screen and the rock formations will replicate the perception of mountainous planets. It will be the first time Star Wars has ever been shot north of the border. The sci-fi film is due to hit cinemas in summer 2015. Harrison Ford is being lined up for the movie as is Mark Hamill while 56-year-old Carrie Fisher is due to reprise her role as Princess Leia. Previous Star Wars movies have been filmed in Tunisia, Northern California and Watford. There is a planet called Skye in the Star Wars intergalactic territories - its capital is called the City of the Winged People.

A seminar on caves and rock shelters occupied in the Iron Age has proved so popular its organisers have decided to stream it on the internet. Highland Council said all the 140 places available for Saturday's free event were taken in a short time. The seminar will look at sites such as Skye's High Pasture Cave and Fiscavaig Rock Shelter. To try to meet demand for the event it will be webcast from 09:30 and remain available online for 12 months. People interested in following the talks over the internet have been told to go to the council's webcasting site.Many important discoveries and artefacts have been found here. more dteails and the webcast link are online here www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-22296689

Whales, dolphins and porpoises are to be photographed and their calls recorded during a new survey of marine life off Scotland's west coast. Scientists and volunteers will gather the data between May and September, when HWDT aboard yacht Silurain, will also seek to record behaviour and numbers of basking sharks. HWDT said 24 species of cetaceans - whales, dolphins and porpoises - can be found off Scotland's west coast, including species designated as national and international conservation priorities. The survey will involve photographing dorsal fins for use in identifying individual animals and to improve understanding of species' movements and interactions. Photo identification work has already catalogued 125 minke whales, some of which HWDT believe stay in Hebridean seas all year round. The waters also support the UK's only resident population of killer whales and two feeding and breeding hotspots for basking sharks, the world's second biggest fish. More details are available at this link www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-22198502.

A new documentary on Hebridean landscapes and wildlife narrated by Scottish actor Ewan McGregor could boost tourism, VisitScotland has said. The four-part series, filmed by Nigel Pope, paints a portrait of a year in the Inner and Outer Hebrides. VisitScotland said it hoped the film would help boost tourism in the region, with some scenes already featuring in tourism adverts aired across the globe. Hebrides - Islands On The Edge starts on Monday 21.00 on BBC One Scotland. It follows in the footsteps of other programmes which have helped to boost tourism in the region. Ewan McGregor in the voice-over booth for Hebrides: Islands on the Edge The series has been narrated by Ewan McGregor Island Parish, which was set on Barra, saw the local VisitScotland Information Centre's footfall rise by 10%. Children's programme Balamory, which was set in Tobermory on Mull, saw Calmac's passenger figures go up by as much 15.5% during the peak of its popularity. Mike Cantlay, VisitScotland chairman, said it offered a "golden chance to promote the Year of Natural Scotland". He said: "This documentary will continue to promote Scotland's landscapes, its wildlife and people in a magical light. "Our research shows that one in five visitors are influenced by seeing depictions of Scotland on film or television, so magnificent exposure such as this can only be a great thing.

The International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF) has been honoured with the Wildlife Conservation Award in the ITV’s British Animal Honours 2013. A glittering ceremony in London saw the presentation by Steve Backshall, who is a naturalist, writer and television presenter, but is possibly best known for BBC TV's “Deadly 60”. This is a brand new awards show to celebrate the achievements of the country’s most extraordinary animals and the people who work with them. The show is hosted by Paul O’Grady and will air on ITV on Thursday 18th April from 8pm. The Wildlife Conservation Award recognises the work of a person or organisation which has made an outstanding contribution to protecting British wildlife and IOSF was selected by a jury made up of animal experts, animal charities and celebrities. IOSF is in its 20th year and works at home and abroad to conserve the 13 species of otter. The charity has its headquarters on the Isle of Skye, and there is a specialist otter hospital which has cared for over 120 otters. In addition, IOSF provides help and advice for people caring for otters worldwide, and is currently helping with animals in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Belize. In the UK, IOSF has also worked to reduce otter road deaths and campaigned against the use of snares. Otters have been seriously injured in snares, and these are just those which are found. There has been much publicity in the British media recently about otters being everywhere, but the reality is that there are only about 10,000 in the whole of the UK. The IOSF appreciates the concern expressed by the fishing communities, and has established a working group with anglers and fish farmers to work on a solution to problems of otter predation. Amongst the charity’s international work there is a lot of concern about the impact of the illegal wildlife trade on otters. Dr Paul Yoxon, Head of Operations, said “No-one ever appreciates the scale of the illegal trade in otters for fur and pets. For every tiger skin found there are at least 10 otters but they are always overlooked. In some parts of Asia it is so bad that otters have disappeared completely. In March we held a workshop in Indonesia to train more scientists to do otter research work and education and public awareness. The big problem there is that otters are being taken from the wild in their hundreds for pets and we now have an Indonesian Otter Network who will work together and tackle this problem.” A special Otter Awareness Day is being held by IOSF on Wednesday 29th May and it is hoped that this will draw attention to the plight of otters worldwide.

It was announced this week that Skye has been selected in TripAdvisors top 10 islands to visit in the Uk, coming in at number 3 as well as being voted in the European top ten. These awards were based entirely on feedback given from millions of TripAdvisor travellers where Scotland racked up seven awards in total.

A documentary to be shown on New Year's Day will tell untold stories of the campaign to have the Skye Bridge toll abolished, BBC Alba has said. Within hours of the bridge opening, anti-toll protesters were arrested for failing to pay the £5 charge. About 130 people were later convicted in court. The Scottish Executive ended the toll in December 2004. Gaelic TV channel BBC Alba said a feature length cinema version of The Bridge Rising would be released later. The television documentary includes interviews with a campaigner who was jailed, the local police sergeant who arrested him, and the procurator fiscal who convicted him. David Hingston, the fiscal involved, has previously spoken out about the way campaigners were dealt with. See the full story here www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-20784974

Announced at Goldsmith’s Hall, London on 29 November by Loyd Grossman and Lucinda Lambton, David MacLean graciously accepted the ‘Beyond the Call of Duty’ award at The Hudson’s Heritage Awards 2012. THE PRESTIGIOUS HUDSON AWARDS RECOGNISE THE UK’S TOP HERITAGE ATTRACTIONS and their vital contribution to the UK tourism industry across 11 categories with only a select few short-listed in each category: hudsons-awards.co.uk/this-years-winners/ David MacLean said; ‘I am very honoured to receive this award for our garden on the Isle of Skye. It was exciting and a bit overwhelming. I would like to thank Hugh MacLeod, Janet Clarke, my great team at Dunvegan and the many years of dedication from my wife Rosemary as well.’ Hugh MacLeod, Estate Director said; ‘Janet Clarke, myself and the entire team at Dunvegan Castle & Gardens are thrilled that David’s impressive career in horticulture spanning some fifty three years has 2 been recognised in this way. Having first met David when I was five years old when he worked for my father, my respect for the man and his green-fingered talents has grown ever since. Since succeeding my father in 2007, I have had the privilege of working closely with David on the major garden design and landscaping works at Dunvegan which is producing the desired wow factor for our 100,000 visitors each year. David MacLean is a profoundly modest man of exceptional ability and this award is thoroughly deserved.’

An independent survey will help public bodies to assess demand for the resumption of air services to and from Skye. The survey forms part of a wider review commissioned by Highland Council, transport body Hitrans and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). HIE said the online survey would be available from Thursday. In a statement, the public bodies said the airfield would require a substantial upgrade if it was to be made available for scheduled flights. A spokesperson added: "This survey will help assess the potential for air services, which destinations would be most in demand and what frequency a potential air service to and from Skye and Lochalsh could have. "We hope that as many people and businesses as possible complete the survey so we can get as accurate a picture as possible of what the likely demand for such a service could be." The final report on the review is expected to be published in early 2013. For more information click here www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-20432504

Skye-based musical genius, Blair Douglas, has assembled an impressive array of musicians and singers for Leanaidh Mi (I Will Follow), his recently released new album. Recorded in Nashville and Scotland, utilising modern communications technology, the album contains 13 original tracks - 6 new Gaelic songs and 7 instrumentals including a bluegrass version of Blair's timeless classic, Kate Martin's Waltz. Leanaidh Mi is the latest in a line of original, innovative and hugely appealing albums from the 2008 Scots Trad Music Composer of the Year and Saltire Award winner. Celtology, Beneath the Beret, the ever-popular A Summer in Skye and Mànran - a book of Blair’s compositions - were released by Macmeanmna. Runrig’s Ridge Records released Angels for the Ashes and Stay Strong. As with Blair’s previous albums, Leanaidh Mi is entirely self-penned. The range and originality of his music is breathtaking and while Stay Strong, for example, was considerably influenced by the Cajun tradition, Leanaidh Mi makes a delightful connection between bluegrass/country music and the Gaelic idiom. Musicians from both sides of the Atlantic feature on Leanaidh Mi. Cathie Ann MacPhee, Kathleen MacInnes, Kathleen Graham and Ian Smith sing his newly penned compositions.

Chef/Director Michael Smith and Head Chef, Kevin MacLean, have been invited by the Monte Carlo Whisky Society, to prepare a St Andrew’s Day Banquet for Prince Albert of Monaco and his esteemed guests at the famous Hermitage Hotel in Monaco, highlighting fresh, Scottish food and cooking. The fund-raising event for Prince Albert’s charitable fund is supported by Talisker whisky and connoisseur Charles MacLean will present a whisky tasting on the night. Prince albert plans a return visit to Scotland in the spring of 2013 when we hope he will be able to fulfil his plan to dine at The Three Chimneys.

Our members, The Three Chimneys Restaurant, have retained their 3 Red Rosettes for the 12th year in succession in this year's AA Restaurant Guide. Many congratulations must go to Chef/Director Michael Smith and Head Chef, Kevin MacLean for their relentless efforts and hard work to maintain and develop our consistent position as one of the best, most popular restaurants in the UK.

There has been a buzz on Skye this week with a film crew filming on location. The film 47 Ronin is an 18th century set story centered on a band of samurai who set out to avenge the death of their master. The outcast Kai (Reeves) joins a group of Samurai, led by Kuranosuke Oishi (Sanada), who seek vengeance on Lord Kira (Asano), who killed their master and banished the group. The Samurai embark on a journey whose challenges would defeat most warriors. The film is set for release on the 25th December 2013.

Having won our category at the 2011 awards we are delighted to be shortlisted as a finalist in the 2012 Highlands & Islands Tourism Awards due to be annouced at a glittering ceremony on Friday 5th October. We would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate The Red Roof Cafe, The Glenview Inn and Balmacara Mains Guesthouse for their positions at Finalist in their categorys, and wish everyone good luck. We have our fingers crossed for a good night for Skye and Lochalsh once again!

James Bond film stars are to appear at UK locations used in the 007 movies to mark the 50th anniversary of the franchise. Former Bond girls, including Eunice Gayson, Britt Ekland and Shirley Eaton, and villain Richard Kiel are also among the cast for the 007 Days of Bond tour. The locations include Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland, Penbryn Beach in Wales, and Stoke Park in England. The latest film, Skyfall, will open in cinemas next month. Some of the scenes for that feature were shot in London and also Glen Etive, the White Corries and Dalness Lodge in the Highlands. Check out the BBC News feature here www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-19560645

A huge congratulations goes to The Sligachan Hotel on Skye has picked up the title of Whisky Pub of the Year in the Good Pub Guide’s 2013 awards. The Sligachan, in the village of the same name, is famous among tourist, locals and hill walkers/climbers alike. With a whisky gantry containing some 350 whiskies, the hotel bar has a whisky for almost every day of the year according to the Guide. Check out the full list of award winners here: www.thegoodpubguide.co.uk/eng/AWARDS/National-Awards-2013.

Our members The Glenview Hotel, in Staffin, are ‘honoured’ to have been shortlisted for ‘Restaurant of the Year’ at the upcoming Highlands & Islands Food and Drink Awards. The award ceremony is now in its eighth year, encouraging food and drink business’ to be innovative, forward thinking and collaborative. All of the winners will be announced at the awards dinner and ceremony on Friday the 19th October at the Drumossie. Good luck from everyone at www.skye.co.uk!!

Deputy Editor Islay MacLeod of 'Scottish Review' has named Stein, on the north west of Skye as her favourite village on the island. Click here to view Islay's photos of Stein. www.scottishreview.net/IslayMcLeod10.shtml

This exciting new challenge event is brand new to Highland Hospice this year. Prepare to be stunned as you complete this biathlon amid some of the most beautiful scenery on offer in the Highlands. Starting at the Sligachan Hotel, a 9.5 mile walk/run will take in sights including the Cuillin Hills, River Sligachan, the Bay at Camasunary, Soay and the Cuillin Ridge. Then cycle 27.5 miles starting in Kilmarie and passing Loch Slapin and Broadford. A rewarding hot meal will be waiting for you at the Sligachan Hotel, where you will also have the opportunity to join ‘Iain’s Ceilidh’, a popular and lively Highland Hospice fundraising event which is held annually at the hotel. Please note, there is a registration fee of £20 and you must be aged 16 or over to register.

Scottish Natural Heritage have urged hill walkers to check online before heading out during the stag stalking season, which runs until the end of October. For more information on Deer Stalking in your area please check out the following website www.outdooraccess-scotland.com/hftsh

This year's Blas Festival have a number of shows on Skye, which are featured on our 'What's On' page - why dont you have a look at the full programme here and see if you can catch another of the shows off island. www.blas-festival.com/uploads/1/1/3/4/1134031/blas_2012_final.pdf

The life and work of the great Skye novelist Allan Campbell McLean will be celebrated at a special event at the Skye Book Festival – Fèis Leabhraichean an Eilein. This year marks the 90th anniversary of the birth of the author of ‘The Hill of the Red Fox’ and ‘The Year of the Stranger’. Those and other classic Skye novels were written by McLean while he lived in Trotternish in the 1950s and 1960s. “Allan Campbell McLean’s writing has proved timeless,” said the Skye Book Festival committee chairman Donald MacDonald. “Several of his Skye novels are as popular now as ever. “But he was also known and liked as a man throughout Skye. We intend this event to reflect not only his great books, but also his decades spent living in this island, which he loved and which continues to appreciate him in return.” The Allan Campbell McLean Night at the Skye Book Festival will feature Duncan MacDonald’s documentary film ‘An Gàidheall Gallda / The English Skyeman’. There will also be readings from his work by local children, and a talk followed by an open discussion of McLean and his work featuring former friends and colleagues and the author’s son, Gus McLean, who was born in Skye. Also, Dr Jane Goldman will lead what has been described as the first public discussion on novelist's Virginia Woolfs decision to use the island as a setting to her novel. Click on the following link for more information: www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-18841429

Skye based contemporary landscape artists Diana Mackie has been formally invited by Gerald Walker, on behalf of ING Discerning Eye Exhibition to exhibit 4 pieces of work at The Mall Galleries, London. The exhibition will take place between 15th and the 24th November with exhibitors being invited to a private viewing on the 15th November. The exhibition comprises both publicly submitted works and works independently selected by six prominent figures from different areas of the art world: two artists, two collectors and two critics. Diana is very excited to have been asked to participate. Have a look at the website to see previous year entries www.discerningeye.org/index.php