Plans to create new mobility hubs around Portree have moved a step closer after receiving provisional backing from members of Highland Council’s Isle of Skye and Raasay Committee.

The proposals were discussed at a committee meeting on 1 June and form part of wider efforts to tackle congestion, improve public spaces and support active travel in the island’s largest town.

A report presented to members identified a number of potential locations for mobility hubs that could support future park and ride schemes around Portree.

The hubs would be designed to reduce vehicle movements in the town centre while providing parking facilities, bus connections and cycle storage.

Under the proposals, the hubs would provide around 160 parking spaces for motorised vehicles, double the number expected to be removed from the town centre as part of wider redevelopment plans.

The proposals are linked to the Portree Active Travel Masterplan, published in 2022, which identified a need for mobility hubs around the town.

The masterplan also includes plans for improvements to Somerled Square, the harbour area and Wentworth Street, where some existing parking spaces could be removed.

Committee members agreed that further work is needed before any decisions are made and asked officers to continue exploring the options before bringing a report back at a future meeting.

Roads and infrastructure investment also featured heavily during the meeting.

Members heard that £300,000 will be invested in village roads and footpaths in Portree as part of a wider Skye and Raasay capital programme worth more than £3.1 million for 2026 and 2027.

Recent projects have been completed in Portree and Armadale, while work continues on road improvements at Carbost and Fiskavaig.

The committee also heard about a recent ward forum involving community councils, councillors and officers which focused on roads, funding allocations and planned projects across Skye and Raasay.

Community funding was another key item on the agenda.

Portree Community Centre Association, on behalf of Portree Amateur Dramatics Society and the Portree Community Panto Group, was awarded £39,493.16 through the Community Regeneration Fund.

The funding will be used to provide modern lighting and sound equipment for the community centre, improving facilities for performances and community events.

Following approval of the grant, more than £261,000 remains available within the Isle of Skye and Raasay Community Regeneration Fund budget.

Additional support was also approved for projects including Glendale Film Show and Archive Event, Feel Heal Real Food and Young Woman in Radio.

Committee Chair Councillor John Finlayson said:

“I am encouraged by the work that goes on across the ward to respond to local priorities, and support our communities.

“The roads update shows us that our roads allocation is being spent across many locations, and this issue was discussed with local representatives from community councils last week at a positive and constructive ward forum meeting.

“Credit must go to the local road teams for all their efforts as we continue to strive to improve infrastructure for Skye and Raasay using the resources available to us.

“It was also encouraging to hear that ongoing recruitment is taking place to further strengthen the work that requires to be done in the ward.

“The work on the mobility hubs is worthy of further exploration.

“It offers us a chance to address some long standing concerns about parking and congestion in Portree, especially during the busy summer months, as well as to help to improve public spaces and encourage active travel, supporting healthier lifestyles and a more climate friendly approach to transport.

“I am also delighted to see funds approved to better equip the Portree Community Centre, enhancing the space for all performances and supporting the local groups who rely on this valuable facility.”