A remote island in the Outer Hebrides is at the centre of a local dispute over whether to improve its transport infrastructure. The sleepy coastal village of Gearrannan Blackhouse, located in a secluded bay in the district of Carloway on the Isle of Lewis, has a tiny population of just 80 people.
However, it’s been struggling with an influx of tourists causing traffic chaos on its single track road. Some locals have described the summer tourist rush as “horrendous” and are calling for action on the overwhelmed road.
But there’s also fear that modernising the route could attract even more visitors and change the unique character of the village. Conservative councillor Ranald Fraser told The Scotsman that while tourism was good for the village, the infrastructure needed vital upgrades to cope with demand.
Yet, other locals argue that the ‘olde worlde’ features of the village, including the road, are part of its charm and help draw in tourists.
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Roddy Martin, Chairman of the Airidhantuim Community Council, expressed his views on local infrastructure contrasting with global standards: “I have visitors from Canada just now, and our roads are like a sidewalk to them. They have massive highways. Do we want that? I don’t think so.”, reports the Express.
He also remarked: “‘Over-tourism’ is impacting the island and taking its toll on the roads. It’s the same in other parts of the country.”
Meanwhile, a resident of the village, who chose to remain anonymous, shared with the press: “A lot of these things are what keeps the island unique. It’s part of its character. If you change it too much, people won’t see the appeal to come.”
In administrative proceedings, a response to a parliamentary question last month confirmed that Holyrood is of the expectation that any road upgrades should be funded by local authorities. .
Scottish Conservative MSP for Highlands and Islands, Tim Eagle, raised questions regarding the state of communications between the Scottish Government and Western Isles Council about potential improvements for the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village road. The response from Scottish Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop clarified that Transport Scotland hasn’t engaged with the local council about this matter since it falls outside of their purview, not being a trunk road.
The SNP MSP weighed in on the affair: “Ultimately, it is for locally elected representatives to make local decisions on how best to deliver services to their local communities.”
The controversial decision now rests with the local council, who must decide whether upgrading the existing single track route is in the best interest of residents and the local economy.
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