Working with partners to support infrastructure investment.
Project Background
Built by Thomas Telford in the early 19th century Portree harbour serves as a vital hub for industry, tourism and essential services. For decades however, it has been widely acknowledged that Portree Harbour is in need of significant investment; the pier itself is rapidly deteriorating and facilities for the local fishing fleet and visiting boats are primitive having not kept pace with other seafaring destinations on the west coast.
The first plans for a harbour that was “fit for the modern age” were drawn up in 1992 and since then there has been numerous attempts by the local authority, working in partnership with local groups and agencies, to develop a case for investment in this important local asset. Most recently, in late 2022, The Highland Council made a bid for £50 million to the UK’s Levelling Up Fund. This bid included a request for funds to create a southern access road, a marina and a new harbour building with modern visitor facilities. An award of this scale would have delivered transformational improvements for Portree with huge economic benefits for Skye extending across the west highlands. Unfortunately the bid was not approved and Portree Harbour is more in need of investment than ever before.
In support of the application PBCT helped to coordinate a community consultation event at the pier and collated letters of support from residents and business owners. Thank you to everyone in the community who participated in this process. It is disappointing that this bid was not successful however the Trust will continue to support any future applications and explore any opportunities for community ownership at Portree Harbour which arise .
The Masterplan Illustration, which shows all proposed improvements, and Portree and Braes Trust’s Vision for the Future of Portree Harbour are available from the download section of this page.
The photomontage demonstrating the vision for the future of the harbour can be seen below.
Portree Harbour Information
Portree Harbour is owned and managed by The Highland Council. The Portree Harbour webpage can be accessed here.
The Portree Moorings Association manage the moorings in Portree Bay. Their email address is portreemooringsassociation@yahoo.com
