Hotels, guest houses and bed and breakfast businesses in Skye and Lochalsh are the latest to benefit from training courses run by Skye and Lochalsh Enterprise (SALE).

The Link training courses which SALE run offer businesses the opportunity to benefit from a range of quality training delivered locally.  Workshops are designed to meet the needs of businesses in Skye and Lochalsh and are delivered by well respected trainers.

One of SALE's key priorities as a development agency is to ensure that local people have the opportunity to keep their skills up to date.  Training can play a vital part in helping businesses to remain competitive.  The importance of training and learning new skills can sometimes be under estimated but it is absolutely vital.

Claire Campbell, development manager with SALE, said: "We run these courses to improve tourism businesses by helping proprietors and managers to operate professionally and successfully.  We want to maximise the opportunities offered to tourism operators."

One of the new courses run by SALE - 'How To Run a Successful and Profitable Hotel' - is delivered by Denise Drummond, a skilful and experienced trainer who is a current hotel owner as well as having previously owned and managed several other tourism businesses.

Talking about the course Denise said: "I am passionate about customer service in the hospitality industry.  I believe the key to success in tourism is quality, service and value for money no matter what your target market is and this comes from leading from the front and investing in your staff.

"I think the courses supported by SALE are invaluable to business people in this area and provide an excellent opportunity for experienced or new hotel owners and managers to take a professional approach to leading their team to long term success."

MacKinnon Country House Hotel in Kyleakin was one of the businesses to benefit from advice from the Local Enterprise Company (LEC).  Manager Ian Tongs said: "I found the course really helpful.  The five days training were spread over three weeks and looked at many of the issues you face every day when running a hotel.  It gave really valuable advice on how to improve quality and service in very practical ways."

Anne Gracie, co-owner of Toravaig House Hotel, who also took part in the course, endorsed Ian's comments and added: "I found the exchange of ideas with other hoteliers most helpful.  And being able to share Denise's financial projections for her own hotel business.

"The course was run with flair, imagination and much humour.  I gained a lot personally and I am grateful to SALE for organising this valuable course in Skye and Lochalsh."

Manager of Skeabost Country House, Graham Harris also participated.  He said: "We have been encouraged to keep in touch with the others who took part in the course so we can continue to learn from one another.  As more people get this training the contacts will increase and hopefully we will be able to set up a network where we can share best practice across the area."

For further information about courses or to book a place call SALE on 01478 612841 or visit www.hie.co.uk/sale