Highland Opportunity (Investments) Limited support helps community radio station flourish
An award-winning community radio station serving Skye and Lochalsh has praised support from Highland Opportunity (Investments) Limited (HOIL), The Highland Council's business loan company, which has helped sustain and develop key services during a period of growth and success.
Through the Community Enterprise Loan Fund, HOIL has provided financial support to Radio Skye, helping the station continue its Cultural Journalist programme and navigate short-term cashflow challenges, enabling it to build on its vital role at the heart of the local community.
Established in 1995, Radio Skye began broadcasting from one room in Aros before moving to purpose-built studios in Portree in 2004. Rebranded from Cuillin FM in 2020, today it is an award-winning, community-owned radio station and registered charity, serving Skye and Lochalsh. Broadcasting 24 hours a day across FM and online platforms, it provides local news, music, community information and Gaelic programming, supported by more than 40 dedicated volunteers.
A key milestone was the appointment of a grant funded full-time Cultural Journalist in 2022, to expand cultural programming, promote local artists and strengthen community storytelling. In May 2024, Highland Opportunity (Investments) Limited (HOIL), The Highland Council's business loan company provided a bridging loan to assist with salary costs for the extension of this post, whilst grant funding was awaited. HOIL subsequently approved a further 12-month loan extension in June 2025 to alleviate cashflow pressures following unexpected repair costs.
Through investment in expanded signal coverage, diversification of income streams, including an on-line retail shop and purchase of an outside broadcasting van, Radio Skye has strengthened its long-term sustainability. In September 2023, the station created an additional valuable revenue source, with the installation of two holiday pods adjacent to the studio,
Radio Skye's ongoing commitment to Gaelic culture, community engagement and initiatives, such as the Cram the Van Christmas Appeal and YouthSPACE training programme, demonstrate support for the culture and communities of Skye and Lochalsh. Radio Skye’s remarkable growth and community impact were recognised nationally in 2025, when Radio Skye won Station of the Year at the National Community Radio Awards, one of the most prestigious accolades in the UK community radio sector.
Radio Skye's is a powerful example of how community radio can enrich lives, strengthen local identity, and sustain culture in rural Scotland. From humble beginnings in a small room in Aros to national recognition as an awarding winning Community Radio Station, Radio Skye continues to be a powerful voice for Skye and Lochalsh, celebrating the people, culture and communities that make the region unique.
HOIL Chair, Councillor Jackie Hendry said: “We welcomed this opportunity to help Radio Skye (Cuillin FM) with a bridging loan to enable expansion with the addition of a new Cultural Journalist pilot programme. Being a small commercial operation, the station has worked hard to help local community groups have free airtime and advertising as well as providing interesting content for their increasing numbers of listeners. We wish them continued success with their radio station – being a popular and valuable part of their community.”
The Community Enterprise Loan Fund managed by HOIL provides accessible and affordable finance for community organisations across the Highlands and is one of several funds we can use to help projects across the area.”
Radio Skye Station Manager Suzy Lee added: “We were delighted to be supported by HOIL to continue our pilot project to have a full-time journalist as part of our staff. This gave us the opportunity to increase our local news coverage and connect more meaningfully with our community, bringing hyper local stories to light and allowing more people to know what is happening in their area, as well as having their say.
“Since having the funding and completing the pilot programme we now have a dedicated full-time journalist, Jamie McDonald, who has excelled in broadcasting news for the radio, social media and online. He has been a huge asset to the station and is now part of our YouthSPACE team mentoring our young trainees in news writing and production.”