Quick Facts
Partners: The Highland Council
Time frame: 2018 – Present
Funders: The Scottish Land Fund £86,590, The Scottish Land Fund (second award) £52,241, Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund £300,000,
A major partnership project improving parking infrastructure and securing an income stream for the Trust
In 2018, it was recognised that the parking capacity during the peak tourism season in Portree had become insufficient and that this lack of provision was having a detrimental effect on local businesses and residents.
As a result, a study was commissioned by The Skye And Lochalsh Housing Association to explore potential solutions. The study presented several recommendations including a previously muted opportunity for the Trust to take available land into community ownership and expand the existing, council-owned carpark in the Bayfield area of Portree.
With the support of local stakeholders the Portree and Braes Trust persued this opportunity and, between 2018-2019, succeeded in securing funds from the Scottish Land Fund to purchase the available land. The first purchase extended to 0.50 acres and sited the derelict squash courts and an overgrown tennis court. The second purchase comprised two pieces of amenity land which run parallel to Bayfield carpark, one extends to 4,050 square meters and the other to 3,975 square meters. The land was bought from Fearann Eilean Iarmain estate who purchased 23,000 acres of land on Skye from MacDonald Estates in the 1970’s and who were keen for the land to be utilised for community benefit.
In partnership with the Highland Council the Trust was delighted to secure £300,000 from the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund which was used to expand the existing carpark and create motor home parking and waste disposal facilities. A deal was agreed whereby The Highland Council manage the operation of the parking while the Trust, as landlord, receives rent and a proportion of income based on the number of car parking spaces developed on the community owned land. This project has secured a sustainable income for the communities of Portree and Braes and is the first step in the longer term regeneration of the Portree waterfront area.
The parking facility is managed by The Highland Council. For details of a local parking permit please see The Highland Council website here or the Ringo app for up to date parking charges – Bayfield car park is 23490 – adjacent Lisigarry Court car park is 23487. Overnight motorhome parking is currently not permitted.