MSP KATE Forbes is exploring the possibility of Skye being given ‘protected status’ to ensure the tourist hotspot remains unspoiled.
Writing on the issue of tourism pressures on the island, Ms Forbes also called for Skye to have a shared transport system for ‘time-poor’ tourists to ease pressure on the island’s creaking roads infrastructure.
Over the past few months the Skye MSP has been discussing the issue extensively with tourism groups, including SkyeConnect, as well as other local businesses and residents and recently spent a week on the island as part of her summer tour. The island’s 10,000-strong population is reported to have grown at least six-fold during the height of the current summer season, exacerbating problems with basic amenities such as toilets, parking and litter bins.