Plans unveiled for £3.2m harbour development on Skye

Ambitious plans for a £3.2m harbour development on Skye have been unveiled.

Upgrading Staffin Slipway has been a local priority for some time to provide safe, sheltered berths and basic amenities such as water, power and storage facilities.

Staffin Community Trust secured a £969,000 grant last year to build a new breakwater, upgrade the existing pier and install pontoons, and increase parking.

Work is now progressing towards planning and marine licence applications later this year.

A project team led by Affric Limited is showcasing details.

Trust director Donald MacDonald said: “Since the trust was formed in 1993, there have been three consultation exercises to ascertain what key projects the community wished to see delivered.

“The redevelopment of the slipway was the top priority by far.

“This vital upgrade will make the harbour safer, provide jobs, create opportunities for local business development as well as being an important economic and social driver for the community.”

A new breakwater would create a sheltered haven that could be used by local and visiting boats, all year round.

A new slipway, built over the existing one, would be longer and wider. The gradient would be steeper to make it easier to launch and recover boats.

Residents have been invited to respond to the proposals which have been presented online.