bring_to_front.scpt

#!/usr/bin/osascript
(* subroutine to bring an application to front. 
you could invoke it from an alias in your
~/.bash_profile, another script or an alfred workflow
*)

property default_app : ""

on bring_to_front(app_name)
    set res to false
    if app_name is not "" then
        try
            tell application app_name
                activate  # open the app even if not running yet
                reopen    # ensure minimized windows pop open
            end tell
            set res to true
        end try
    end if
    return res
end bring_to_front

bring_to_front("Skype")