£4 million of urgent work needed at Ramsey Cottage Hospital

Ramsey Cottage Hospital needs £4 million of work to tackle what Manx Care calls "critical issues". It’s published the results of a site survey by a specialist UK company which looked at problems at the Cumberland Road facility. It found serious and urgent problems with doors and windows, roofs, heating, water systems, as well as fire safety.

Today on the island

Overcast, 13°C (56°F), wind 7 mph

The local news that matters this morning

Here's all the news from our island from the past 24 hours, made easy to digest.

IoM Today · Health14:00 Mental health charity volunteers undertake specialist crisis training Our aim is to help others navigate the storms that life can bring through connection and conversation. The important follow-up is where the money goes, who benefits, and whether the project delivers something residents can actually use.

Manx Radio · Transport08:53 Two Island roads reopen following diesel spills Both the Mountain Road and the A1 between Union Mills and Ballacraine were shut for a time. Two major roads on the Island are currently closed because of diesel spills. The Mountain Road has been shut between Ramsey and the Creg Ny Baa.

Manx Radio · Politics06:13 Overspending and healthcare among concerns of Middle residents Constituents share their views ahead of General Election vote. Residents in Middle say issues around overspending and healthcare are some of their main concerns heading into the General Election later this year. The Island will go to the polls on 24 September to elect 24 MHK’s to the House of Keys.

IoM Today · Politics08:21 New video encourages young people to vote in September's Isle of Man General Election It is aimed primarily at first-time voters but may be of interest to anyone considering whether to vote later this year. For readers, the useful next step is to open the original report for the full detail, timing and any follow-up action that affects residents or businesses.

IoM Today · Health13:49 Isle of Man TT 2026: Public Health warns against taking risks’ during festival STIs have been a steady year-on-year increase since 2020’. The campaign returns after figures linked to TT 2024 showed a sharp rise in demand for services at the Manx Integrated Sexual Health Centre (MISH) in the weeks following the event. Visits to MISH increased by 217% after TT 2024, while sexually transmitted infections (STIs) rose by around 80% during the same period.

IoM Today · Island News13:40 Emergency services tackle fire inside shipping container Firefighters remained at the incident for around 90 minutes. The Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service said the incident was reported at 7.50pm on May 20, prompting the deployment of two major fire appliances, a water bowser and the duty officer. A breathing apparatus team was sent into action and quickly extinguished the fire, preventing it from spreading to nearby buildings.

3FM · Politics08:55 Chief Minister says government efficiency drive has saved £4 million so far Chief Minister Alf Cannan says an efficiency programme has already saved government £4 million out of its total budget of around £1.5 billion. In Tynwald this week, Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper asked about the amount of money the Efficiencies Programme had actually saved. Previous reports said up to £50 million in savings had been identified over the next five years.

IoM Today · Politics12:11 Potential by-election in Douglas as councillor steps down Former Mayor Janet Thommeny recently stood down after a decade representing North Ward. The follow-up to watch is what government does next, and whether the decision or report leads to a clear public outcome.

Manx Radio · Island News06:18 Campsites 'inundated' with bookings for TT 2027 Hospitality sector planning for next year whilst gearing up for 2026 event. Campsites on the Isle of Man say they’ve been inundated’ with bookings for TT 2027. And that’s before practice week for this year’s event has even started!

Manx Radio · Island News06:13 Marshal numbers 'looking pretty healthy' heading into TT 2026 Organisation also says more newcomers coming in to volunteer. Marshal numbers ahead of this year’s TT Races are looking pretty healthy. The Isle of Man TT Marshals organisation has told Manx Radio that despite having some vacancies they are on course’ to have the right amount of people to oversee qualifying and race sessions.

IoM Today · Health10:17 Hospital confirms medicinal cannabis rules for patients If the medicine is to be smoked or vaped, these forms are not supported. Responding to questions during Tuesday’s Tynwald sitting, Health and Social Care Minister Claire Christian said the policy, introduced in January 2025 and currently under review, outlines how patients prescribed medicinal cannabis products may continue treatment while in hospital.

3FM · Law16:50 Tributes paid to million-selling Island crime novelist Tributes are being paid to an Island writer whose work is being turned into a movie starring Martin Freeman this year. Alan Bradley passed away at the age of 87 this week. The Canadian-born author created child detective Flavia de Luce in his debut novel "The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie".

3FM · Transport13:37 FOI asks if new residents from the UK are immigrants Is someone who moved to the Isle of Man an immigrant if they have a British passport? That’s the question someone wanted answering through a Freedom of Information request - only to be told that’s not what the process is for. The request was submitted to the Cabinet Office, asking it to confirm whether they’re an immigrant if they move to the Island permanently.

3FM · Island News13:15 TT legend honoured in new Isle of Man stamp collection Isle of Man Stamps & Coins has released a special set of stamps, celebrating motorcycle legend John McGuinness MBE. Marking 30 years since his first TT appearance, McGuinness has achieved 23 TT victories and numerous podiums across his career. The collection of six stamps, created with McGuinness and featuring photography from Pacemaker Press and Dave Kneen, also highlights his success at the North West 200 and Macau Grand Prix.

3FM · Transport06:55 Police ask 'How Will Your TT End? You Choose...' Police have launched a new TT 2026 road safety campaign urging riders to make responsible choices on the Island’s roads. The campaign, titled How Will Your TT End? You Choose, encourages road users to ride safely and think about the consequences of their actions.

IoM Today · Island News12:47 Post Office celebrate Isle of Man TT legend with new set of stamps The journey isn’t over yet but it feels great to have these stamps to mark the 30th milestone. It also gives a quick marker of how Island teams and competitors are faring when they travel into regional competition.

IoM Today · Weather12:12 Isle of Man TT 2026: Met Office gives verdict on weather for races Forecasters warn conditions could become more unsettled later in race week. Whether true or not, there is a long-held perception that the weather breaks just as the Isle of Man TT begins, with rain and strong winds arriving at the worst possible moment. Last year’s event was heavily disrupted by poor conditions, with several sessions affected and the programme ultimately ending in disappointment after the Senior TT was cancelled.

IoM Today · Island News11:23 Charity promises new routes and obstacles for 'revamped' Tough Mucka event It’s one of those brilliant events that really shows our island at its best...’. The obstacle course event will take place on Sunday, September 27, and will once again raise funds to support Isle Listen’s mental health education work across the Isle of Man. Now entering its fourth year, Tough Mucka has become a regular fixture in the Isle of Man’s fundraising calendar and challenges individuals, groups and businesses to tackle the physically demanding challenge in aid of a good cause.

IoM Today · Island News09:00 Charity launches first dedicated guide to Isle of Man butterflies Free copies of the guide will be distributed to Manx schools and public libraries. The important follow-up is where the money goes, who benefits, and whether the project delivers something residents can actually use.

IoM Today · Island News08:47 Isle of Man charities invited to apply for international development grants Charities can apply for grants of between £10,000 and £50,000. The funding supports projects in vulnerable communities around the world. Successful past initiatives delivered by Isle of Man charities include improving access to clean water in Mozambique and Nigeria, supporting education in remote Nepal, and preventing children from drowning in Bangladesh.

IoM Today · Island News08:07 Isle of Man war memorials receive enhanced legal protection The island is home to nearly 300. War memorials in the island will benefit from stronger legal protection after Tynwald approved the move on Wednesday. The War Memorials (Planning) (Amendment) Order 2026 corrects gaps and inconsistencies in existing legislation.

Manx Radio · Island News12:50 £4 million needed to address critical building and infrastructure issues at RDCH Independent survey finds 'immediate investment' is needed. An independent survey’s found Ramsey and District Cottage Hospital needs around £4 million of immediate investment to address critical building and infrastructure issues. Several services have been relocated from the site since last year after ’significant issues’ with the building were discovered whilst tackling a pest infestation on Martin Ward.

Manx Radio · Island News11:44 'Leave your sausage at home' this TT Ban on imports of meat and dairy products remains in place. Overseas visitors for the TT are being reminded of the ban on bringing dairy and meat products to the Island - especially from the EU and European Economic Area. The rules were brought in last April to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease.

Manx Radio · Island News10:47 Car dealer raises more than £26,000 for Rebecca House Van Mossel Jacksons has supported the charity since 2022. More than £26,000 was raised for Rebecca House Children’s Hospice last year by a local car dealer. Since 2022, Van Mossel Jacksons has donated £30 for every car sold to the charity, while inviting customers to match the contribution.

Manx Radio · Island News06:18 Heritage groups call for historic property to be saved from demolition Westhill House in Castletown under threat. There’s growing opposition to the proposed, imminent, demolition of an historic building in Castletown. Westhill House is a Georgian property built in the early 1800s and became the home of the Buchan School in 1940.

Manx Radio · Island News06:33 New chair of Ramsey Commissioners says she has 'best interests' of ratepayers in mind Sandra Cottam-Shea believes she has a lot to learn over the next 12 months. The new chair of Ramsey Commissioners says she has ’best interests’ of ratepayers at heart, and the board is ’ready’ to listen. Sandra Cottam-Shea, who was elected at the local authority’s AGM, believes she still has a lot to learn but wants the best for the ’fabulous people’ of Ramsey over the next year.

3FM · Island News14:43 Prom to close for TT funfair on Monday Part of Douglas Promenade will close on Monday as the traditional TT funfair arrives! The Department of Infrastructure says the stretch between Granville Street and the War Memorial will shut from midday on Monday, May 25. It’ll reopen again at 11am on Thursday, May 28 after the fair has set up.

3FM · Culture11:35 Unplanned TT pregnancies spark "ride safe" message If you're getting into the TT festival spirit this year, wear a condom! So say Public Health and Manx Care, who’ve launched a sexual health campaign for this year’s TT with the headline ’You wouldn’t ride without a helmet… don’t take the risk. They’re urging people to practise safer sex, get tested regularly and seek advice when you need it.

3FM · Island News10:25 Beavers need you! 1st Rushen Scouts looking for new leaders First Rushen Scouts are on the hunt for new volunteer leaders to support its Beavers section. The group needs help as current leaders move away from Scouting. The Beavers program focuses on fun, friendship and adventure, helping young people develop essential life skills.

3FM · Politics07:55 Infrastructure Minister cannot say when delayed landlord law will begin Infrastructure Minister Tim Crookall says he doesn't know when five-year old laws governing landlords will come into force. In Tynwald this week he faced questions from Gary Clueit MLC about when the Landlord Registration Act 2021 would come in to regulate private landlords. Mr Crookall said his department was discussing the law with the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.

3FM · Island News07:25 Isle of Pride event cancelled after commissioners request date change Organisers of a Pride event in Onchan say they were forced to cancel this year's event because of a late change of heart by commissioners over dates. The event, which was due to be held in August, was expected to attract around 1,500 people. However, organisers say they were forced to scrap the celebration after Onchan’s local authority asked them to consider an alternative date.

IoM Today · Island News14:00 Taxa Genomics launches biodiversity grant to support conservation projects We want to provide professional-grade genomic analysis to projects that have the local knowledge and the motivation. The important follow-up is where the money goes, who benefits, and whether the project delivers something residents can actually use.

IoM Today · Business13:38 Onchan technology firm creates five new jobs after expanding business The Acantha Group has launched Acantha Print, which will offer print, scanning and document‑workflow services. For readers, the useful next step is to open the original report for the full detail, timing and any follow-up action that affects residents or businesses.

IoM Today · Island News11:56 Probus Club of Douglas welcomes new president Several new members have also joined the organisation. During the meeting, outgoing president Eddie Fisher formally handed over the chains of office to incoming president Robin Rae, who will now lead the club into its next chapter. In one of his first duties as president, Mr Rae welcomed five new members to the organisation as part of an ongoing recruitment drive aimed at attracting retired and semi-retired professionals from across the Island.

IoM Today · Island News10:25 Club plans to place traditional bowling pavilion at park The application also includes floodlights. The local authority has lodged a planning application for the facility on behalf of North Ramsey Bowling Club, arguing the current buildings are outdated and no longer suitable for the club’s needs. In the accompanying design statement, the applicant says the new pavilion would help the club grow while improving facilities for both players and visitors.

What's on: next 14 days

Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre first, then all 121 fetched events in the next 14 days.

Today · 22 - 23 May · Gaiety TheatreCirque De Danse

Today · 22 May · Villa Marina Prom SuiteEd Force One Live

Tomorrow · 23 May · Villa MarinaIOM DTA Ballroom Dancing Competition

Thu 28 May · Villa MarinaEd Gamble’s Comedy Pit Stop

Public tenders & procurement

A compact supplier watch: deadlines first, then newly posted In-Tend opportunities. Use the portal for registration, documents and final deadlines.

Closing in the next week

Newly posted

Source: Isle of Man Government In-Tendhttps://in-tendhost.co.uk/iomg/aspx/Tenders/Current

Resident pulse

Questions from today’s Tynwald updates and next-meeting calendar, with enough context to make each vote useful. Pick the answer you most want followed up in plain English.

Three Island Amazon finds

Rotating Isle of Man and Manx book/product searches.

Island Amazon pick 1

Isle of Man history book

Local-history reads beyond the day’s headlines.

View on Amazon UK →

Island Amazon pick 2

Isle of Man TT annual review book

TT review books and archive racing reads.

View on Amazon UK →

Island Amazon pick 3

100 Years of the Isle of Man TT book

A race-history coffee-table search.

View on Amazon UK →

From the Manx oral tradition

A small Manx fact

Mooragh Park: Ramsey’s lake and parkland are a northside landmark. It carries a layer of Viking, Gaelic, Victorian or maritime influence.

The shape of the day ahead

Overcast, 13°C (56°F), wind 7 mph. Highs of 14°C. Check A18 Mountain Road status before travelling.