Portree Harbour phase two upgrade delayed until autumn 2027
Written by MartyM on 12 November 2026
Portree Harbour phase two upgrade delayed until autumn 2027
11 NOVEMBER 2026
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The second phase of repairs to Portree Harbour won’t begin until next autumn.
The work was previously expected to be completed by March 2027, according to a Highland Council report published in August.
Local councillors say they were unaware of the change until papers were published ahead of today’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee meeting.
The first phase of repairs, carried out by Mackenzie Construction, began in March and is expected to finish this month.
It includes work to the metal supports along the edge of the pier and its concrete surface.
Phase 1 was originally due to finish in September.
The expected cost has risen from £1.25 million to around £1.3 million.
The second phase will involve repairs to the harbour’s stonework, along with improvements to fencing and railings.
At Thursday’s committee meeting, Councillor Drew Millar said there was significant unease in the community and among local councillors.
Mr Millar also raised concerns that the Thomas Telford wall is bulging, and asked for reassurance that it would remain stable until repairs could begin.
Council officer Malcolm Macleod acknowledged there had been a breakdown in communication and said lessons would be learned.
Mr Macleod also pointed to an increase in costs for phase one and said the delay will ensure the cruise ship season is avoided when the work is carried out.
Councillor Chrissie Gillies was also in the chamber and asked officials for more information on the matter.
Plans for major improvements at the site date back to the early 1990s.
In 2022, Highland Council unsuccessfully bid for £50 million in UK Government funding for a larger project, which included a marina and a new harbour building.
The current repairs form part of a more limited programme to maintain the existing infrastructure.
Highland Council has been approached for comment.
