Skye and Raasay Quiet Route pilot projects to commence July 2023

Skye and Raasay Area Committee met today (Monday 22 May 2023) and approved the introduction of two quiet routes - ‘Armadale to Tormore Quiet Route’ and the ‘Raasay (Inverarish) Quiet Route’. An 18 month pilot project that will commence for both projects from 1 July 2023 and will facilitate an active travel link between Armadale and Tormore Community Forest and on Raasay from Inverarish to Raasay Ferry Terminal and Pictish Stone to provide an active travel route between the settlements Clachan and Inverarish.

Skye and Raasay Area Committee Chair, Cllr John Finlayson said: “The Committee unanimously support the introduction of both the ‘Armadale to Tormore Quiet Route’ and the ‘Raasay (Inverarish) Quiet Route’ pilot projects which aims to provide a safe low-traffic route that encourages more people to consider active travel for everyday journeys.

“The speed limit will be reduced on both pilot routes from 60mph to 40mph (existing 30mph speed limits within settlements on both routes will be unchanged) to encourage and build confidence in people to use the route for active travel such as walking, cycling and horseback activities, it also aims to preserve the natural beauty of rural areas, whilst supporting access to the outdoors for everyone.”

Gateway signage, gateway repeater signs, 40mph roundels, road markings, warning signs and surface treatments are to be implemented within the scope of the project to raise awareness of active travel and benefit road safety.

Monitoring will take place during the first 3 months of the projects going live, between July and September 2023 and traffic data will also be collected in September/October 2023, to replicate where possible consultation, community engagement and traffic data collected around the same time in 2022. This will allow changes in travel behaviour to be measured and an assessment of the road’s suitability as a permanent Quiet Route to be recorded for further consultation.

The budget for the Quiet Routes Pilot Project including consultation, implementation, roads furniture/signage and project monitoring is provided in full by Transport Scotland. The project is being managed by HITRANS and supported by The Highland Council.