Port Napier Sinks! 
Last night, the cargo liner requisitioned by the Admiralty the mine laying duties, the Port Napier, sank in Loch Na Beiste, by Kyleakin. This disaster occurred following the outbreak of fire on board while the ship was at anchor by Kyle. At the time the Pier was full of mines manufactured all over Britain, and transported by train to Kyle to be loaded on board. To prevent a massive explosion, the ship was towed to the deep and safer waters of Loch Na Beiste, where 40 unprimed mines were jettisoned overboard.
However the crew were forced to abandon ship when some of the remaining mines exploded and ship sank. Fortunately, all the crew escaped unharmed by swimming ashore and walking back to Kyleakin, where they were warmly received by the local residents.
Watch Out for Spies! 2nd April 1942
The importance of Kyle of Lochalsh as a naval base for the British fleet is highlighted by the installation of a submarine net between Eilean Ban and Kyleakin to prohibit the entry of U-boats. The steel net, or boom, can be drawn aside like a curtain to form a gate. British submarines can pass through by signalling "boom control", to the operating ship, to open the gate. Further deterrents include 8 barrage balloons which can be quickly raised into the air on steel cables operated by winches, when an alert is called. The balloons prevent enemy aircraft flying low to attack naval positions. Two anti-aircraft placements above Loch Na Beiste and opposite on the Plock of Kyle give further protection. All local residents and visitors have been issued with identity passes to move within this restricted military zone. Do your duty, be vigilant, keep a lookout for strangers-they may be spies.
Last Ferry to Skye 16th October 1995 
Today the last ferry to Skye sailed, marking and end of an era of ferry service between Kyle and Kyleakin. Hundreds of people turned out for this historic event. The demise of this service is due to the opening of the Skye Bridge. SKAT, Skye & Kyle Against Tolls, formed as a protest group to rid the Bridge of its tolls and held its first public protest at midnight on the Bridge.
A Ferry Crossing from A Summer in Skye by Alexander Smith 1865 "the craft was crank, and leaked abominably, but their was no help,... I received slap in the face from a gush of blue water, and emerged, half-blinded, and soaked from top to toe. Urgh, this sea-waltz is getting far from pleasant."
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Copyright (c) Ray Shields, 2006.
Most recent revision, 11 September 2006