Update on Portree link road

Councillors have been updated on the progress of the Portree Link Road, a key infrastructure project for Skye.

The Link Road connects the A87 Dunvegan Road with the A855 Staffin Road and forms an integral part of the long term and strategic expansion of Portree, providing access for future development at Home Farm and Kiltaraglen.

The update before members of Highland Council's Skye and Raasay Committee on Monday (1 September) stated that the Scottish Government Infrastructure Loan Fund will provide the initial funding to deliver the link road.

Developer contributions will then accrue to fund the project loan costs over time.

Skye and Raasay Area Committee Chair, Cllr John Finlayson, said: “We are all eager to see work starting on this project which will open up a range of opportunities relating to housing, co-location of public services and other amenities, all of them vital to future development that will benefit Portree and the wider Skye area.

“While I accept this update provides more positive news, there is frustration in the community about how long it has taken to get to this stage, and I sincerely hope that it is now finally, all systems go and I will be working with officers to make sure things progress.”

Tenders for the contract are due to returned by the end of September. The contract has been extended to 42 weeks, with an additional 16 weeks built in to limit risk associated with Scottish Water lead in time.

Completion of the route between the A87 and A855 will allow for better distribution of traffic in the area, avoiding the need to travel through the town centre.

The link road update report can be found here (item 11).