Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch has welcomed the confirmation from Transport Scotland that a number of improvements are to be made to the A87 at Breakish.

Mr Thompson has also written to the Transport Minister, Keith Brown, to ask for additional funding to be made available to Transport Scotland to undertake engineering work that would enable a walkway along the A87.

Dave said: “I am pleased that following the Public Meeting in March Transport Scotland have undertaken to carry out a good number of improvements which will help improve safety for pedestrians and drivers on the A87. I have also written to the Transport Minister to make the case for funding which would deliver a walkway along the side of the A87."

Transport Scotland have confirmed that they will work with BEAR Scotland to clear vegetation from the verges and begin a programme of filling deep ditches which should improve the surface of the verges. Other improvements to be undertaken in the short term include; reviewing the existing warning signs, double yellow markings and the direction signs at Sleat Road Junction, look into the installation of priority signage at the two bridges and carry out speed surveys.

Dave added: “While the short term improvements outlined by Transport Scotland are welcome, the best result for the community would be the development of a walkway along the side of the A87. This is the main road through Skye and is frequently used by tourists who are not familiar with the local geography. It is important that we ensure the area is safe for those walking at the side of the road."

Notes:

The reply Dave received from Transport Scotland detailing the improvements.

Below is the letter he sent to the Minister.

Dear Keith,

I am writing to you to ask for a meeting to discuss the need for improvements to the A87 at Breakish.

In March I wrote to Transport Scotland to ask for funding to be allocated to urgently develop a footpath on the A87 at Breakish, which presently does not have one. Transport Scotland have responded and committed to a number of welcome smaller improvements, but unfortunately do not have the resources to develop a footpath at this time.

I recently attended a public meeting which was attended by a quarter of the Breakish population, which highlighted the safety issues on the road, which is the main road through Skye and is used by many tourists. I would like to meet with you to discuss how we can secure funding for this critical development, which would deliver a huge boost to road safety in the area and also be extremely popular with the community.

Kind regards,

Dave Thompson MSP

Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch