High Life Highland services highlighted at Skye and Raasay area committee

The work of High Life Highland, which delivers culture, music and leisure services in the region, has been praised by Highland Council’s Isle of Skye and Raasay Committee.

A report before the committee on Monday (1 December) detailed the services which Highland Council has contracted HLH to deliver on its behalf in Skye and Raasay.

Customer numbers have increased by 23 per cent since 23-24.

This includes a 51 per cent increase in services accessed digitally at the Skye and Lochalsh Archive centre; increases in the numbers using of library services at Broadford and Portree and a 15 per cent rise in those taking music tuition in schools.

HLH was established in 2011 to deliver services on behalf of The Highland Council and at the same time deliver savings and protect, improve, and develop services.

Chair of Highland Council’s Skye and Raasay Committee, Cllr John Finlayson, said: "The work of High Life Highland in our libraries, schools and sports facilities continues to deliver key provision which supports active lifestyles, health and wellbeing, Gaelic and culture throughout Skye and Raasay.

"It is positive to note the uptake in customer numbers across services, notably in culture and music.

"The figures show a temporary reduction in the delivery of the sports development programme, though we have been assured that this has been attributed to absence and limited data submission during the national reporting window to sportscotland.

"With operational capacity now restored we would expect to see an improvement in engagement levels in the future.

"All these efforts continue to support and complement the enormous work being taken by volunteers at groups and clubs across the ward area."

Each year, Arm’s Length External Organisation (ALEO) status saves The Highland Council £2.5 million through non-domestic rates relief.

HLH has consistently returned revenue savings for THC with recent (5 year) savings averaging £1.55 million per year. Savings have been achieved through income and efficiencies, whilst minimising service reductions.

The partnership has been hallmarked by HLH assuming responsibility for additional services at the request of The Highland Council, with 43 new services and facilities having been added to HLH since it was established in 2011.

Douglas Wilby, Director of Strategy and Performance at High Life Highland, said: "We recognise how crucial it is to provide affordable opportunities that inspire people to get active and enhance their health and wellbeing across Skye and Raasay.

"Working closely with our partners, we are excited to keep developing a diverse and vibrant programme of sport, leisure and cultural activities.

"Our commitment to supporting rural communities and making life better remains at the heart of everything we do."

Sport development on Skye and Raasay in the 2025–26 term will include projects which will:

• Identify barriers to participation and gather pupil voice on preferred activities
• Work to increase girls’ participation in sport.
• Establish a Skye & Lochalsh Sport and Physical Activity Network Group, bringing together community clubs, PE staff, leisure centre teams, coaches, Active Schools Coordinators, and youth development workers.
• Develop opportunities in young leadership and in access to coaching courses and qualifications.

The full report can be accessed here – item 5. https://www.highland.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/5275/isle_of_skye_and_raasay_committee