Skye and Lochalsh Enterprise's (SALE) popular winter training programme returns this year with even more courses on offer than before.

The programme begins in November and the local enterprise company has published its Link Brochure - a reference guide outlining the programme details - to help businesses decide which courses would best suit their training needs

It will be distributed to all businesses within the area over the coming weeks and gives a description of each course along with booking and price details.

This year, there are almost 40 courses on offer, covering topics such as customer service, tourism training, leadership and management, business and finance, retail, information technology, and community learning, with the average cost of a day's training being £25.

Over 350 people attend the courses last year, and Stuart Macpherson, SALE's skills development manager, hopes this year's range of classes will prove to be just as popular.

"Previous editions of the directory were very well received and prompted a huge interest in the courses," he said.  "Local businesses that realise the importance of investing in their staff should find it is a valuable tool when it comes to planning their training programme over the coming months.  The courses are also open to individuals who are interested in brushing up their skills in a particular area or are considering a career change.

"If people have training needs that are not covered by this winter programme they should let us know and we will try to accommodate them."

* Copies of the Link Brochure are available from Susan MacLeod from SALE on 01478 612841 or email susan.macleod@hient.co.uk