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LIFE MEMBER
... for long-awaited essential repairs
by Louise Glen
November 2 2024, 2:42 pm
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The Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye. Image: Jason Hedges/DC Thomson.
Long awaited road works at the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye are finally due to start on Monday at 8.30am.
During the works – which are programmed for two weeks – it will be residents’ access only on the Merkadale to Glenbrittle road.
That means tourists wanting to visit the iconic location in the daylight will need to come back when the road reopens after 6pm on Friday November 15.
Over the summer months, tour operators and tourists found themselves waiting hours to get in and out of the road to the Fairy Pools.
Many urged for urgent action to improve the road.
Highland Council confirmed in September that road improvements would be made, and further cash from the Scottish Government was confirmed in October.
One local man, who asked not to be named, said: “This summer has been particularly difficult if you live or work along the Glen Brittle road.
Traffic chaos at the Fairy Pools on Skye. Image: supplied.
“At times we have been unable to get in and out of the road, and in some instances, people could not get to work, or attend medical appointments because the road was jammed from morning until night.”
Asked if he thought the roadworks would bring any improvement, he said: “It is true that anything to improve the road is welcome, and I hope that it will ease some traffic pressure.
“But the fact of the matter is until the number of people visiting the Fairy Pools is regulated, then we will likely be in the same position year after year.”
Sandy Bloomer of the Scottish Independent Tour Operator Association (SITOA) said: “The investment is a positive step, ensuring that further damage to the road is reduced.
“However a longer-term infrastructure plan for hotspots on the Isle of Skye is required to ensure that the island can cope with local and tourist traffic in the future.
“Based on available data, 2025 is going to be even busier than 2024.
“We want to be able to offer visitors and locals a sustainable and high-quality experience on Skye and across the country.
Adding: “We call on Scot Government to continue the dialogue with industry representatives for the future and commit to further long-awaited improvements across the Highlands and Islands.”
“While there will be some inconvenience for road users, as far as possible non-essential users should avoid the area as much as possible.”
A spokeswoman for Highland Council said: “The road will restricted to essential local access only – during amnesty periods – and be closed to all other traffic to allow the works to progress safely.”
“During the restrictions The Highland Council will undertake urgent remedial works, passing place extensions and resurfacing.
“The works will commence at 8.30am until 6pm so evenings will be unaffected.”
“The local roads team asks non-essential visitors to avoid the area while repair works are being carried out on the road.”
From the Press & Journal
Visitors to Fairy Pools on Skye urged to ‘avoid the area’ for two weeks
Roadworks will close the Glen Brittle road between 8.30am and 6pm each day.by Louise Glen
November 2 2024, 2:42 pm
Share0Comment
The Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye. Image: Jason Hedges/DC Thomson.
Long awaited road works at the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye are finally due to start on Monday at 8.30am.
During the works – which are programmed for two weeks – it will be residents’ access only on the Merkadale to Glenbrittle road.
That means tourists wanting to visit the iconic location in the daylight will need to come back when the road reopens after 6pm on Friday November 15.
Fairy Pools road will be restricted to local access only
During the works, the road will be restricted to local access only.Over the summer months, tour operators and tourists found themselves waiting hours to get in and out of the road to the Fairy Pools.
Many urged for urgent action to improve the road.
Highland Council confirmed in September that road improvements would be made, and further cash from the Scottish Government was confirmed in October.
One local man, who asked not to be named, said: “This summer has been particularly difficult if you live or work along the Glen Brittle road.
Traffic chaos at the Fairy Pools on Skye. Image: supplied.
“At times we have been unable to get in and out of the road, and in some instances, people could not get to work, or attend medical appointments because the road was jammed from morning until night.”
Asked if he thought the roadworks would bring any improvement, he said: “It is true that anything to improve the road is welcome, and I hope that it will ease some traffic pressure.
“But the fact of the matter is until the number of people visiting the Fairy Pools is regulated, then we will likely be in the same position year after year.”
Sandy Bloomer of the Scottish Independent Tour Operator Association (SITOA) said: “The investment is a positive step, ensuring that further damage to the road is reduced.
“However a longer-term infrastructure plan for hotspots on the Isle of Skye is required to ensure that the island can cope with local and tourist traffic in the future.
“Based on available data, 2025 is going to be even busier than 2024.
“We want to be able to offer visitors and locals a sustainable and high-quality experience on Skye and across the country.
Adding: “We call on Scot Government to continue the dialogue with industry representatives for the future and commit to further long-awaited improvements across the Highlands and Islands.”
Road will restricted to essential local access only
Councillor John Finlayson, Skye and Raasay area committee chairman said: “While some works will take place just now other works will take place next year when better weather permits surfacing works.“While there will be some inconvenience for road users, as far as possible non-essential users should avoid the area as much as possible.”
A spokeswoman for Highland Council said: “The road will restricted to essential local access only – during amnesty periods – and be closed to all other traffic to allow the works to progress safely.”
“During the restrictions The Highland Council will undertake urgent remedial works, passing place extensions and resurfacing.
“The works will commence at 8.30am until 6pm so evenings will be unaffected.”
“The local roads team asks non-essential visitors to avoid the area while repair works are being carried out on the road.”
