It is one of the most famous landmark on Skye, attracting tens of thousands of visitors a year, but the popularity of the Old Man of Storr has been causing problems for the local community
However the Staffin Community Trust (SCT) has now formally submitted a bid to purchase local authority-owned land nearby so a new car park, public toilets and interpretation can be provided.
The SCT has lodged an Asset Transfer Request (ATR) with the Highland Council for a section of roadside ground. The ATR is one of the first submitted in the Highlands following the introduction of new Community Empowerment legislation in January by the Scottish Government.
It follows long standing local concerns about parking congestion and road safety at the busy site, which is off the A855 Portree-Staffin road. The lack of toilets has sparked public health complaints.
The number of visitors to the Storr have been increasing significantly with an estimated 150,000 people in 2016, an increase of 60,000 people from 2014’s total. Many undertake the two and a half mile walk up round the rocky outcrop which enjoys views across the Sound of Raasay.
SCT is confident that the site plan, which includes the construction of a new car park with more than 100 spaces, public toilets, tree planting and interpretation will create employment and a direct economic benefit to the north-east Skye community, and wider island. A fee for using the car park would be charged, a proposal which was supported by residents in the community consultation. The land in question has been valued at £1,000. The council has set aside £400,000 of development funding for car park improvements at the site.
If the ATR is granted, SCT will seek funding from a variety of sources to deliver the proposed site capital works, which are currently estimated at up to £900,000.
SCT chairman Sandy Ogilvie said: “This an exciting and important step forward by the trust and comes after a lot of work in the last few years. The Storr is a world-renowned landmark but also a key gateway to our community. Ownership could secure a range of benefits for local people and businesses while enhancing the visitor experience.”
Staffin residents had strongly backed the SCT managing or purchasing the site. More than 85 per cent of the responders to the January 2016 consultation supported the SCT’s direct involvement at the Storr
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