I just bought an octavia VRS which has through up an the engine light. The car was driving ok bit slow to boost but after a long run the engine light came on and the car now seems to boost too well. It also makes a hissing noise.

Any ideas? before I get to look at it properly/ plugged up to vagcom.

Split boost/vacuum pipes are notorious on VAG 1.8T's. Hissing is a dead give away. Small braided pipes around the inlet manifold, & the S pipe under the inlet manifold are usually the prime suspects.

Exactly so. Take note that these pipes are so awkward to see that you need to actually feel for the crack(s) in some of them.

Cheers lads. Does anybody know if its a skoda part fix or is there any better aftermarket alternative?

You can go silicone hoses, just match up diameters and some are purpose made/shaped (creations motorsport). To be fair though you'll get plenty of life out of straight replacements. See which pipe/s it is first. Paul and Ken have got you in the right direction for which pipes are most likely culprits.

If you can't see any obvious splits get a smoke test done, won't be too expensive and you'll find all the leaks. Could try a scan as the EML came on but often with leaks the code isn't particularly helpful.