☂️ ISLE OF SKYE TOURIST BOARD — RURAL DEVELOPMENT UPDATE

NEW EDINBANE WOOL INNOVATION CENTRE ANNOUNCED One of the long-standing problems facing Skye crofters is the remarkably low value of raw sheep wool. In some cases, the cost of shearing, handling and transporting the fleece can exceed what the wool itself is worth. So, naturally, somebody formed a committee. Following an extensive feasibility study, plans are now being developed to convert the former Gesto Hospital at Edinbane into the new Skye Wool Innovation & Visitor Product Centre. The building was selected because it is centrally located, has excellent transport links, and — unusually for a major Skye infrastructure proposal — it already exists The aim is to create new uses for locally produced wool while providing employment, supporting crofters and developing high-value products for the visitor market. Or, as local crofter Donnie put it: “Make something folk’ll actually pay good money for.” The first product has now been unveiled. THE SKYE WOOLLEN UMBRELLA. Made from 100% locally sourced sheep wool and developed specifically for Highland conditions, the umbrella represents a bold new approach to sustainable tourism. Early testing at Edinbane has been extremely encouraging. In light rain, it absorbs approximately three litres of water. In moderate rain, it doubles in weight. In persistent rain, the user begins to smell reassuringly local. The former hospital laundry has been identified as the ideal drying facility. Current estimated drying time: April. 🌧️ WATERPROOFING Several people have asked whether the wool will be treated to make it waterproof. No. This was discussed, but consultants felt making a woollen umbrella waterproof would remove much of the authenticity. Instead, the umbrella has been designed to retain Skye rainfall. Visitors can therefore take a small quantity of genuine island weather home with them when they depart. 💨 WIND TESTING Wind performance has proved slightly more challenging. At 20mph, the umbrella remains broadly umbrella-shaped. At 35mph, it becomes a directional device. At 50mph, ownership transfers automatically to the inhabitants of Raasay. Visitors are advised not to pursue it. 🐑 LOCAL PRODUCTION Each umbrella uses approximately one sheep’s annual fleece. The sheep remains available for future production. A Premium Double-Fleece Edition is also being developed. It contains twice as much wool. Absorbs twice as much rain. And remains exactly as useless in a gale. Donnie MacLeod was shown the first prototype. He examined it carefully. “That’s just a wet blanket on a stick.” Product Development have asked Donnie to stop attending meetings until such time as he has something more constructive to add. 💷 PROPOSED RETAIL PRICE Standard Skye Woollen Umbrella — £49.95 Premium Double-Fleece Edition — £79.95 Replacement following loss to Raasay — £49.95 Collection from Raasay — weather permitting, and whether the ferry is running. The Edinbane facility is expected to create new employment, support crofters and develop an entirely new market for a product Scotland already has in considerable quantities: Wet wool. THE SKYE WOOLLEN UMBRELLA Locally sourced. Sustainable. Reassuringly heavy. Keeping you dry was never specifically part of the brief. 😐☂️🐑🏔️