The financial support from the Islands Programme will enable major essential infrastructure improvements in Staffin as well as community and public access improvements on routes at key locations across Skye.

The Highland Council led on a bid for passing place improvements at Claggan Road, Neist Point and Glen Brittle (Fairy Pools) which has been awarded £350,000.

Councillor Ken Gowans, chair of the economy and infrastructure committee, said: “he Highland Council are delighted that the Scottish Government has awarded much needed funds via the Islands Programme (IP) to essential projects that will improve routes that have seen an increase in road use capacity over the years, causing significant disruption.

“The funds give the Council the opportunity to extend passing places and create new ones in parts of the road network that are now used more frequently by motorhomes, tour buses and visitors to the Island.

“The focus of the Islands Programme funding on passing places allows the Council to fully utilise its Roads Maintenance Programme, which along with support from local Members disaggregated budgets, demonstrates the partnership commitment to continuing to improve the road network for all users.”

Staffin Community Trust has been awarded £409,258 to deliver new onshore facilities at Staffin Harbour.

Councillor John Finlayson, chair of the Skye and Raasay area committee, said: “I am pleased to see support given to key projects on Skye, including the newly purchased and community owned Staffin Harbour, in the northeast of Skye, which is currently undergoing a major transformation with an investment of more than £2million since 2022 – which has included the construction of a 3,000 sq onshore hardstanding area, an upgraded access road and the provision of electricity for the first time.

“The Islands Programme funding awarded to the Staffin Community Trust will enable the construction of much needed onshore facilities, such as businesses units available for rent, harbour facilities with income generating toilets and showers and the purchase of a new telehandler to enable sustainable community management at the new harbour, safeguarding and creating employment alongside wider socio-economic benefits to the local community via spend locally.”