Two major projects on Skye have been awarded substantial funding from the Scottish Government’s Islands Programme (IP), paving the way for essential infrastructure upgrades across the island.
The Highland Council successfully secured £350,000 from the Islands Programme to improve passing places at key locations including Claggan Road, Neist Point, and Glen Brittle, home to the popular Fairy Pools.
This funding forms part of a broader initiative to support the National Islands Plan, focusing on enhancing road networks strained by the increasing number of visitors, motorhomes, and tour buses flocking to Skye.
Councillor Ken Gowans, Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, expressed the Council’s delight at the much-needed funding, saying it will allow for vital improvements that will ease traffic congestion and enhance safety for all road users.
He also highlighted how the Islands Programme funding complements the Council’s ongoing Roads Maintenance Programme, which together with local contributions, underscores a collaborative effort to improve Skye’s infrastructure.
The funds will be allocated across several projects, including extending and adding new passing places on Claggan Road, at Neist Point, and along Glen Brittle, with a total cost of £150,000 each for Claggan Road and Glen Brittle.
In addition, the Staffin Community Trust has been awarded £409,258 to further the transformation of the newly community-owned Staffin Harbour, marking a significant milestone in the harbour’s major regeneration project.
Councillor John Finlayson, Chair of the Skye and Raasay Area Committee, praised the funding support, particularly for the development of onshore facilities at Staffin Harbour, which has already seen over £2 million of investment since 2022.
The funds will go towards constructing seven new business units at the harbour, offering rental opportunities that will create local employment and new business ventures.
Staffin Harbour will also benefit from the construction of a Harbour Facilities Building, complete with revenue-generating toilets, showers, and retail space, alongside a telehandler purchase to support sustainable harbour operations.
This investment is set to bring lasting economic benefits to the Staffin community, fostering local job creation, tourism, and wider socio-economic development.
As Skye continues to attract more visitors, these projects will ensure that both residents and tourists alike benefit from improved infrastructure, making travel safer and more convenient while supporting local economic growth.
