THE road to the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye is to close for improvement work next week with people encouraged to avoid the area.
Only residents will be allowed access to the Merkadale to Glenbrittle road while the scheduled work takes place.
Tourists who wish to visit the famous location will need to come back either when the road reopens after 6pm on Friday, November 15, or in the evenings when work for the day has stopped.
The road will be closed from 8.30am until 6pm while the work is carried out. Over the summer months, tour operators and visitors reportedly found themselves waiting hours to get in and out of the road to the Fairy Pools.
There have been calls for improvements to the roads to the tourist hotspot from locals, businesses, and tourists.
The Highland Council confirmed in September that improvements to the road would be made, with funding from the Scottish Government confirmed in October.
The two weeks' worth of roadwork is the first stage of planned improvements as more work is scheduled for next year when the “weather is better”.
One local man, who asked not to be named, told the Press and Journal: “This summer has been particularly difficult if you live or work along the Glen Brittle road.
“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.”
When asked by the P&J 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.
He added: “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.”
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 spokesperson 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.”
