diff --git a/ovos_workshop/skills/mycroft_skill.py b/ovos_workshop/skills/mycroft_skill.py
index 114ff936..ca587290 100644
--- a/ovos_workshop/skills/mycroft_skill.py
+++ b/ovos_workshop/skills/mycroft_skill.py
@@ -23,6 +23,18 @@
 from ovos_workshop.skills.base import BaseSkill
 
 
+def is_classic_core():
+    try:
+        from mycroft.version import OVOS_VERSION_STR
+        return False
+    except:
+        try:
+            import mycroft
+            return True
+        except:
+            return False
+
+
 class _SkillMetaclass(ABCMeta):
     """
     This metaclass ensures we can load skills like regular python objects.