The Isle of Skye is set to benefit from a raft of Highland Council infrastructure and service upgrades now progressing across the island, councillors heard on Monday.

An update on five schemes, representing investment approaching £50 million, was presented to Highland Council's Skye and Raasay Committee. Alongside roads, education, office and harbour projects, members were told the Council's Old Man of Storr initiative has delivered another strong year.

The Storr now supports seven full-time posts and recorded a £470,274 surplus, with annual visitor numbers exceeding 300,000. A second phase of works, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, has also been completed, adding space for retail, community events and weddings.

Councillors welcomed progress on new primary schools at Broadford and Dunvegan; Tigh na Sgìre, a shared services hub in Portree; the Portree Link Road; and repairs to Portree Harbour.

Chair of the Skye and Raasay Committee, Cllr John Finlayson, said: "These projects all carry enormous benefits for education, transport, the economy and our communities in general. It is really encouraging to see the progress that is being made.

"In the next year we'll have a brand-new primary school in Broadford, with another underway in Dunvegan. The link road in Portree will be complete, opening up a range of opportunities for housing and other amenities, while the refurbished Tigh na Sgìre will establish a modern and much-needed hub building shared by various public bodies, the Highland Council Service Point and other council services.

"We've also seen work to improve the harbour, while the Storr project goes from strength to strength, with income streams supporting investment in local infrastructure while also creating good local jobs and supporting a wide variety of other local businesses and suppliers.

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"This level of investment is transformational and will leave a legacy of enhanced services, improved facilities and strengthened communities across the ward."

Broadford Primary School (total cost £21 million): Construction began in May 2026 with Morgan Sindall appointed as contractor. The build remains on programme for completion in December 2027 and is within the approved budget.

Dunvegan Primary School (estimated cost £18 million): Planning consent is in place and a Pre-Construction Services Agreement has been signed with Morgan Sindall. Work is due to start in November 2026, with the new school scheduled to complete in April 2028. A coordinated approach across the Broadford and Dunvegan projects is enabling shared learning, procurement and contractor engagement to support efficient delivery.

Community benefits: Both schools will provide modern, sustainable learning environments, showcasing the Council's ambitions for energy efficiency and reduced running costs. Broadford will act as a community hub with a games hall, a Highland Council Service Point and a High Life Highland library, complemented by a community-developed sports pitch. In Dunvegan, a masterplan prepared with Lochalsh & Skye Housing Association includes adjacent housing and a new community sports pitch. An upgraded access road serving the wider Dunvegan development has been delivered by the Council's in-house roads team at a cost of approximately £2.6 million. Construction activity is also supporting local jobs.

Tigh na Sgìre, Portree (projected cost £5 million): Delivered as part of the Portree Demonstrator Project, this major public sector investment will bring together a range of public and third sector services — including Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Citizens Advice Bureau — in a single modern facility, improving public access. Completion is targeted for late 2026.

Portree Link Road (approximate cost £2.5 million): Work started in November 2025 and the road is expected to open in early October. The link connects the A87 Dunvegan Road with the A855 Staffin Road, forming a key component of Portree's long-term expansion by unlocking access to future development at Home Farm and Kiltaraglen. It is also designed to better distribute traffic and reduce congestion in the town centre.

Portree Harbour repairs (cost £1.9 million): Mackenzie Construction Ltd is delivering phased repairs to the commercial section of the harbour, including concrete deck works, refurbishment of hexagonal and berthing face piles, and cathodic protection of steelwork. Works that began in March are due to finish later in September. Design for a follow-on contract covering masonry stonework, fencing and remaining defects is under way, with tendering expected later this year and completion aimed for March 2027.

Full reports to the committee are available at: www.highland.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/5397/isle-of-skye-and-raasay-committee