We would like to share an update on progress on our project to create a safe path for all between the Skye Bridge and Broadford.
We know that people throughout our community are eager to see the Skye Cycle Way built at soon as possible – evidenced by recent feedback on the Broadford & Strath Local Place Plan and the Paths for People project as well as earlier consultations.
We are working hard to progress things as swiftly as possible in a challenging climate. Our current focus is to prioritise the delivery of Phase 1 (Kyleakin to Ashaig) – see below for further details – in order to provide a safe active travel route alongside the most dangerous stretch of the trunk road.
It is good to see a strong commitment to active travel in the Highland the draft 2025-35 Highland Local Transport Strategy and we look forward to working with The Highland Council and others partners to ensure delivery of this much needed piece of infrastructure.
2024 progress
Design engineers SWECO have now completed Developed Designs, known as ‘Stage 3’ designs. This stage develops the earlier Concept Designs with more detailed construction specifications and engineering information, including bridges (repairs and construction) and culverts for drainage. This work built on the public engagement carried out in 2023 and previously.
We have divided the route into 3 sections or ‘phases’, which gives us the potential to progress at a different pace as funding allows. A location plan showing each section can be viewed on the our website project page, alongside a summary of public engagement.
The sections are:
- Phase 1 East: Kyleakin to Ashaig – a ‘shared use’ path alongside the A87 re-using the ‘old’ road where possible.
- Phase 2: Ashaig to Skulamus: A footpath for walkers and wheelchair users through Ashaig Common Grazings then alongside the ‘Committee Road’ in Breakish; cyclists to use the road (subject to agreeing a reduction in speed limit to 40 mph).
- Phase 1 West: Skulamus to Harrapool: Where the Committee Road re-joins the A87, a ‘shared use’ path along the side of the A87, ending at the 30 mph zone just beyond the Waterloo turning.
Planning applications for all 3 phases are currently under review by The Highland Council. (Phase 1 is a renewal of existing planning approval.)
Next steps
Our priority is to progress Phase 1, Kyleakin to Ashaig, when we have the ‘green light’ from funders and partners.
Project development to date has been supported by sustainable transport charity Sustrans, as part of the ‘Places for Everyone’ programme which is funded by Transport Scotland. This funding has been complemented by a significant input of volunteer time through Broadford & Strath Community Company.
From 2025, Transport Scotland’s funding mechanisms are changing and it is not yet clear what the new process will be. Landowner negotiation and detailed design are currently on hold while we await clarification. We also need to resolve issues relating to maintenance and land title with Transport Scotland. We are working closely with HITRANS, the Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership, who are best placed to facilitate these strategic level discussions.
When these issues are resolved we plan to proceed with Technical Design (‘Stage 4’) for Phase 1. This is the final design stage before construction is put out to tender. We also plan to further develop the Landscape & Placemaking elements for the whole route (signage, seating, etc.), noting input from the public consultations in 2023. We will continue to consult with the community on all aspects.
Thank you
Thank you to everyone who has supported and contributed to this project to date.
Project Officer John Phillips retired from the project last year and we would like to extend our thanks to him for all his work. The volunteer Working Group, reporting to the board of Broadford & Strath Community Company, will continue to oversee the project for the time being.
We would also like to acknowledge the contribution of working group volunteer Martin Hynd, who sadly passed away in November. Martin made a huge contribution to the project over many years and will be very much missed.
Keep in touch
We look forward to reporting on further progress in 2025. Please follow our Facebook page and the BSCC news & events pages for updates.
If you have a specific query you can contact the volunteer working group at: scw@broadfordandstrath.org.