TESCO have revealed plans for its first store in Skye, making it the second supermarket on the island.
The proposed development from the West Ranga Property Group and Lujo Properties includes a food supermarket with a petrol station, a service yard and customer car parking on a site off Drovers Way, previously designated by Highland Council for a new supermarket.
A public event is set to be held on Saturday, September 27, to outline the proposals, and get views from the local community.
The events will be held at:
- Broadford Village Hall from 10am to 1pm
- Portree Community Centre from 3pm-6pm
Planners hope to open the store in 2027, starting construction by next summer.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, the MSP for Skye, Lochaber, and Badenoch, welcomed the plans and urged residents to attend the meetings.
"I’m delighted to publicly welcome Tesco’s interest in opening a new store in Portree," she said in a statement adding: “A few months ago, I launched a survey for Skye and Lochalsh residents about their grocery shopping habits. Almost 2000 people responded, and I used the information to engage retailers, including independent retailers, to consider opening or expanding facilities.
"There is still an important planning process to undergo, which I don’t want to prejudge. It is important that everybody gets the chance to consider Tesco’s proposals for a site in Portree, so I’d encourage residents to attend the public drop in events in Portree and Broadford on 27 September."
Councillor John Finlayson, chair of the Skye and Raasay area committee, said: “The news about the proposals to open a Tesco store in Portree has been well received by residents on Skye as for many years issues have been raised about the availability of many goods for residents and visitors throughout what is now a 12-month, tourist season here on Skye and Raasay.
"The importance of hosting consultation events in both Broadford and Portree means that the opinions of people across Skye and Lochalsh can be heard which will ensure that before the project starts clear lines of communication are in place. I look forward to working with all stake holders including outlets that continue to serve our communities so well at present to ensure this new store complements what is already available in our area.”
Alastair Dickie, director of West Ranga/Lujo commented: “We are delighted to be bringing forward this pre-let food store to the Isle of Skye when choice, local shopping and accessibility are all at the forefront of modern retailing and development. Tesco will be a significant addition to the islands retail provision.
"We will submit a detailed planning application in quarter 4 of 2025 and are hoping to be on site in summer of 2026, with a projected store opening in late 2027, assuming planning consent is obtained within the normal timescales”.
