05 November 2007

Kyleakin Youth Hostel

As you may have heard the Youth Hostel is being put up for sale before the end of the year and interest in purchasing it has been expressed by Lochalsh & Skye Housing Association.

This is the latest blow to the commercial life of the village. The old Calmac building at the head of the pier, despite strenuous efforts by the Community Council, was purchased and converted into holiday accommodation. The Kings Arms has now closed for the winter and has been put on the market and there is also a possibility that early next year the Royal Mail may close the post office and the Bright Water Centre are considering moving out of the village.

Currently as well as providing backpacking accommodation the Youth Hostel offers internet access, showers and laundry facilities to visiting yachts and if it closes they will go elsewhere.

The Community Council has had correspondence with both the Youth Hostel Association and the Housing Association and we have also approached the LEC who have allocated a consultant to advise us on possible ways forward.

The Community Council believe that there may be an opportunity to do something to redress the situation but we cannot do it alone. We need your help, your ideas and your views. We have arranged a meeting in the Community Hall at 7.30 on Thursday 15th November. Come along and have your say (or just listen) NOW before it is too late.

Yours sincerely

M G Taylor

Secretary – Kyleakin & Kylerhea Community Council

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