Skye and Raasay Future looks bright with Islands Infrastructure Fund receiving approval

Skye and Raasay Future received the green light by Members at yesterday’s (Monday 21 February 2022) Skye and Raasay Area Committee, where Members unanimously agreed Islands Infrastructure Funding for four projects based on local priorities, to sustain, enhance and develop transformational and critical infrastructure that align with the National Islands Plan (NIP) and its strategic objectives.

Within the Islands Infrastructure Fund, The Highland Council received an award of £510,000 to be allocated to deliver infrastructure projects across Skye, Raasay and the Small Isles. The deadline for drawdown of the funding is 31st March 2022; however, it is expected that future tranches of funding will be made available with a more achievable timeframe to allow for an open call for projects to be made.

Speaking on behalf of Members of the Skye and Raasay Area Committee, Chair Cllr John Gordon said: “Skye and Raasay Future plan comes one step closer to achieving its community led outcomes by utilising the Islands Infrastructure Fund allocation to provide the financial stability to allow a number of key projects across Skye and Raasay to go ahead and with gusto. Skye and Raasay Future are an overarching agent involving local communities, partners and stakeholders that over time, offer cost effective and collaborative use of resource and funding for the benefit of Skye and Raasay. The £380,000 awarded for Skye and Raasay will allow significant projects to get underway and make marked differences to the people of Skye and Raasay.” 

The four projects awarded Islands Infrastructure Funds are:

• Kilt Rock Car Park Extension – The Highland Council - £171,725

Creation of a larger car park with a more robust surface to allow for more cars, motorhomes and coaches, accompanied with a wider bell mouth entrance to ease congestion at the entrance to the site and on the A855.

• Elgol Toilets and Parking, Chemical Waste Unit - Broadford & Strath Development Trust - £48,923

New public toilets, realigned parking bays, 480m path linking the village to the parking and one waste disposal facility in a village which is popular with visitors and an increasing number of boat trips.

• Sleat Community Motorhome Facilities - Sleat Community Trust /Sabhal Mòr Ostaig - £109,992

Installation of a motorhome service point to include 8 electric hook-ups, a chemical waste disposal point, grey water waste disposal point, accessible showers / toilets and 8 overnight parking facilities at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig as a joint project between Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Sleat Community Trust.

• Raasay Road Infrastructure – The Highland Council - £49,360

Improvements to the road network on Raasay, out with the scope of works that The Highland Council have planned for 2022/23.