Strath Civil Engineering Ltd has been awarded the contract to build the Portree Link Road on the Isle of Skye.

The £1.9 million contract covers the final stretch of the northern distributor route around Portree and is due to get under way in 2026, funded by the Scottish Government and The Highland Council. The road is expected to open in autumn 2026.

The link road is a central component of Portree’s long-term strategic growth. It will serve the Home Farm development and connect the A87 Dunvegan Road with the A855 Staffin Road.

Completing the A87–A855 link is intended to improve traffic distribution and reduce the need for vehicles to pass through the town centre, cutting congestion there and at the harbour junction.

-- Advertisement --

Skye and Raasay Area Committee Chair, Cllr John Finlayson, said: "The awarding of this contract is really positive news, and I sincerely hope that it is now finally, all systems go on this key transport link.

"We are all eager to see work starting on this project which will open up a range of opportunities relating to housing, co-location of public services and other amenities, all of them vital to future development that will benefit Portree and the wider Skye area."

Skye and Raasay Area Committee vice chair, Cllr Drew Millar, said: "Having waited almost 30 years to see this project come to fruition I am delighted to see the contracted awarded.

"It represents a substantial investment into Skye infrastructure.

"As well as easing the pressure on traffic through the centre of Portree, and on Bosville Terrace in particular, this road offers the potential for a range of major regeneration opportunities for the area.

"I look forward to seeing the development taking shape in 2026."