Question reference: S6W-24746
- Asked by: Donald Cameron, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 24 January 2024
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Current status: Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 2 February 2024
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to improve transport infrastructure in the Isle of Skye, in light of reports that the level of traffic crossing the Skye Bridge rose by 11% between April and September 2023.
Answer
The Isle of Skye remains one of Scotland’s most popular tourist destinations. The increase in traffic over the Skye Bridge, which is part of the A87 trunk road, is reflective of its continuing popularity and as a route for those travelling to the Western Isles and to the Island of Raasay by ferry.
This government recognises that increased traffic also creates challenges. That is why, along with maintaining and ensuring resilience of the trunk road, we are upgrading the A87/A855 junction in Portree. This aims to improve safety for all road users, with work due to commence in this financial year. More widely we are investing approximately £4.65 million in 2023-24 on maintaining the A87 trunk road, which includes the section from the Skye Bridge to the port of Uig.
Longer term, the second Strategic Transport Projects Review recommends that investment on the A87 and wider trunk road network is targeted at maintaining a network of roads which are safe, resilient and adapted to deal with the impacts of climate change.
Improvement to local roads and transport infrastructure remain the responsibility of the Highland Council.