Donald from Skye: Meet the animated character created to help tourists visiting popular Scottish island

“Without a word of a lie, I’m Donald from Skye”

 Meet the animated character created to help tourists visiting popular Scottish island

Visitors to the Isle of Skye will now be welcomed by Donald, who will answer their questions and give them important information whilst staying on the island. The creation of local businessman Calum MacDonald, it is hoped that Donald from Skye will act as a friendly face for the island and even build up his own following with his trademark ginger beard, kilt and quirky catchphrases.

Donald from Skye is an animated character and the star of a short film about the island. Donald, assisted by his trusted companion Fergie the Tractor, tells visitors to Skye all they need to know – from where to stay and what to do, to how to drive safely on the roads and where to park.

Visitors can ask Donald any questions they have about their visit and a short animated film of Donald from Skye will be available on Donald’s YouTube channel; acting as a unique and informative source for anyone wishing to visit Skye.

Commenting on the launch, Donald from Skye said: “Without a word of a lie, I’m Donald from Skye! I’m here with my pal Fergie the Tractor to help anyone who’d like to visit this beauty of an island that I’ve called home all my life. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to get a tasty meal or have a wee dram; looking for a tour from a local like me; or need somewhere to rest your wee head for a few nights – I’m the man for the job and can tell you everything you need to know.

“I’ve got my own short film, giving information on Skye, and, can you believe it, I’ve even got a range of merchandise! Have a wee look at my YouTube channel and go to the website to ask me anything about the island. Fergie and I hope to see you soon on Skye!”

Creator Calum MacDonald was inspired by a previous drawing by his niece, Sadie MacDonald.

Calum said: “In November 2017, following on from Skye receiving negative publicity during that summer, I was inspired by a drawing my niece had drawn of her family. I came up with the idea of creating a character from Skye, acting as a friendly face for the island and having him help solve the problems Skye was facing.

“Since then Donald has developed into an animated character and is the star, along with Fergie the Tractor, of his own animated film. Donald and Fergie answer any questions visitors might have about Skye on the website and we hope to add further episodes of Donald from Skye soon.

“The Donald from Skye website acts as a hub of information for visitors, with business listings, a ‘recommended by Donald’ list and clips of Donald and Fergie. Donald from Skye is also on social media, allowing visitors to see updates and recommendations from Donald directly on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.”

“I hope Donald from Skye will be informative and entertaining for both tourists and locals, and enhance their experiences on this beautiful island.”

 Media enquiries

 Please contact Muckle Media [email protected] or 01463 572 333 and ask for Eilidh Marshall or Helen Ross (07936 162 063).

 About Donald from Skye

 Launched in November 2018, Donald from Skye is the new face of the Isle of Skye.

Donald from Skye is an animated character that answers the questions of tourists and visitors to the island, providing recommendations of what to see and do. Donald is accompanied by Fergie the Tractor, and it is hoped that Donald and Fergie will help counteract any negativity surrounding the recent boost in visitor numbers to Skye, by providing advice and tips for tourists.

The Donald from Skye website and YouTube channel will host the Donald from Skye film. The website will also feature business listings and a live chat function for visitors looking for information on the island.

Donald from Skye has been created by local businessman Calum MacDonald, who sought a way to address any issues caused by increased tourist numbers to Skye. Donald was inspired by a drawing created by Calum’s niece, Sadie MacDonald, and has since developed into an animated character, with his own range of Donald from Skye merchandise.