A major partnership project improving parking infrastructure in Portree
Quick Facts
Time frame: 2018 – Present
Funding: The Scottish Land Fund £86,590, The Scottish Land Fund (second award) £52,241, Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund £300,000
Partners: The Highland Council
Project Background
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.
In response 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 purchase land from the Fearann Eilean Iarmain estate and expand the existing, council-owned carpark in the Bayfield area.
With the support of local stakeholders, the Portree and Braes Trust pursued this opportunity and, between 2018-2019, succeeded in securing funds from the Scottish Land Fund to purchase the available land. The first land purchase was the site of a derelict squash court and overgrown tennis court extending to 0.50 acres. The second purchase comprised two pieces of amenity land running parallel to Bayfield carpark, one extending to 4,050 square meters and the other to 3,975 square meters.
In partnership with the Highland Council the Trust was delighted to secure £300,000 from the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund. The award was invested to increase the existing carparking capacity, create dedicated motor home parking, improve access for pedestrians and wheelchair users and install a new waste disposal facility. A deal was agreed whereby The Highland Council would manage the operation of the parking while the Trust, as landlord, would receive rent and a proportion of income based on the number of car parking spaces developed on the community owned land. This project now secures a sustainable income for the Portree and Braes Community Trust and is the first step in the longer-term regeneration of the Portree waterfront area.
Car and Motorhome Parking Information
- The West Bayfield parking facility is managed by The Highland Council. For details of a local parking permit please see The Highland Council website here .
- For up-to-date parking charges see the Ringo app. Bayfield car park is 23490. Adjacent Lisigarry Court car park is 23487.
- Overnight motorhome parking is currently not permitted.
- There is a £3 charge for use of the waste disposal facility. Card payments only.
- The waste disposal facility is suitable for disposing of black water waste only. The facility is not suitable for disposing of grey water waste.
- A water supply is also available at the waste disposal facility. Please note this is not drinking water.