On Monday 21st September a gathering of around sixty people assembled at Sligachan to witness the cutting down of the last hydro pole which had been part of a group of poles which cut across the river in front of the Cuillin, one of Scotland's most famous views.

This significant event had come about after years of planning and discussion involving alocal community group and Scottish and Southern Power Distribution.

It also marked the  launch of a worldwide appeal to raise funds to build a sculpture of two climbing pioneers,local man John Mackenzie and his well travelled climbing companion, Norman Collie.

It was a wee bit wet!

The Cuillin were not visible due to the mist and horizontal rain so onlookers could only imagine what dramatic improvements to this famous vista the removal of the poles would bring Luckily there was other business to conclude indoors at the hotel, and the Patron of the Collie and Mackenzie Sculpture Group, Nigel Hawkins, launched a worldwide appeal to raise funds to build the
sculpture of both men and carry out associated landscaping works.

Amongst those present were descendants of John Mackenzie and representatives from primary schools from various parts of the island.

Portree Primary School were presented with a certificate for donating 150gms of bronze towards the sculpture.

The Stein Inn, Waternish, was the first local business to donate with 100grams of bronze, and also received their certificate.

Scottish and Southern Power Distribution were presented with a special certificate to mark their invaluable contribution in undergrounding the electricity supply at the sculpture site, and removing five hydro poles, greatly improving the environment. This work was estimated to be around £65,000.

Climber, author, and broadcaster, Cameron McNeish was also present with a film crew as he was filming for a production about Skye which will be broadcast around Christmas time. He was presented with a certificate for donating 150grams of bronze