Like a phoenix rising out of the flames the Glendale Toy Museum is soon to reopen after being gutted by fire in May 2002.

The Talisker Award winning Glendale Toy Museum first opened in 1987 with help from the local enterprise company Skye and Lochalsh Enterprise (SALE).  The popular tourist attraction was destroyed by fire in May 2002 and although the toy collection was rescued it was badly damaged and the business ceased trading.

After 14 months the building was reconstructed and some of the toy collection was restored.  The owners have now moved back into their house and plan to reopen the museum by Easter.  SALE is assisting the restart with a business grant of £3,500.

Museum owner Terry Wilding said: "In our last full year of trading we had over 5000 visitors, which was our best year ever.  I hope that once we get the museum up and running again it will prove as popular as ever with locals and visitors to the area.

"I have managed to save much of the original timber from the house and have recycled it for shelving and display cabinets for the toys.  The support I'm receiving from SALE is invaluable in getting the museum up and running again and for that I am very grateful.

"I'd also like to give my thanks to Skye and Lochalsh Arts and Crafts Association and Dunvegan and North West Skye Craft Group for running an appeal which funded replacements for many of the destroyed toys."

Calum Macpherson, head of development with SALE said: "The Glendale Toy Museum was a very popular attraction for a number of years in Skye.  I am hopeful that with some support the business will be able to re establish itself and become as successful as ever."