Kilbeg – a 21st century village development on Skye

Highland Councillors have given enthusiastic  support for the planned development by Sabhal Mor Ostaig of a new 40-acre village at Kilbeg, Sleat in the south of Skye.

They have endorsed and supported a bid by Sabhal Mor Ostaig for European Reaional Development Funding; agreed to consider the scope for financial support for proposed affordable housing and sports facilities; and agreed to be represented on the Sabhal Mor Ostaig funders group.

The key elements are:

• 93 new homes
• New college buildings for residences, research and teaching;
• A new conference facility/events venue;
• Enterprise units/workshops;
• Accessible housing units
• Hotel accommodation, a retail outlet and café bar
• Sports facilities – gym/sports barn and pitches
• Central green, public open space, path and cycle networks
• A comprehensive landscape framework

In a report to the full Council on Thursday, Director of Planning and Development, Stuart Black said: “A well educated local workforce with affordable housing opportunities and first class community facilities will contribute to the remarkable economic growth that has characterised Sleat in the three decades since Sabhal Mor Osstagig was established.”

Convener Jimmy Gray said: “This is an exciting and important project, not just for Sleat but the whole of the Highlands.”