Further delay to work to build Portree's link road

The link road has been proposed to ease congestion from Portree town centre

Plans to build Skye's Portree Link Road have been delayed.

Highland Council previously said work on the route was due to begin this month, but has confirmed no contract has been awarded for the project.

The road has been proposed to ease congestion around Portree town centre, with the Scottish government providing a loan to help cover the initial £1.6m cost.

The route would link the A87 and A855, two key routes in north Skye, and has been part of the local development plan since 2019.

Highland Council said the tender was still under consideration, with an update to be provided "as soon as possible".

The link road, which could take up to 26 weeks to construct, is also designed to open up land for new housing developments.

Highland Council had previously hoped the new link could be constructed in 2022.

In a report previously put before councillors, officials said developer contributions would pay off the loan costs over a number of years.

A spokesperson said: "There has been no award of contract for the project, and the tender is still under consideration.

"The council can confirm that the works will not commence this month and have been delayed. An update on the tender outcomes will be provided as soon as possible."