High Life Highland’s work across libraries, leisure, culture and music has been praised after councillors heard that more people than ever are using the services delivered on behalf of Highland Council in Skye and Raasay.
The update came to the Isle of Skye and Raasay Committee on 1 December, with the latest report showing customer numbers rising by 23 per cent compared to 23–24.
The figures include a 51 per cent increase in digital services accessed through the Skye and Lochalsh Archive Centre, steady growth in library use in Broadford and Portree, and a 15 per cent rise in young people taking music tuition in local schools.
High Life Highland was created in 2011 to deliver culture, leisure and sport services on behalf of the council while protecting and developing provision in local communities, and the latest data shows continued progress across the ward.
Chair of the Skye and Raasay Committee John Finlayson said the impact of the organisation was clear in the day to day life of the communities it serves.
“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.”
High Life Highland delivers these services as an Arm’s Length External Organisation, a structure that saves Highland Council around £2.5 million each year through non domestic rates relief.
The organisation has also returned significant savings for the council over the past five years, averaging £1.55 million annually through income generation and efficiencies while minimising reductions in service.
Its role has continued to expand over time, with 43 additional services and facilities taken on since 2011 at the request of the council.
Director of Strategy and Performance at High Life Highland Douglas Wilby said the organisation remains focused on the needs of rural communities.
“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.”
Plans for sport development in 2025–26 will focus on removing barriers to participation, increasing girls’ involvement in sport, creating a new Skye and Lochalsh sport and physical activity network, and expanding leadership and coaching opportunities for young people.
