Step 2 - Gather your data and identify your stakeholders

The most significant current data is the existing list of Primary Destinations, which was published by Department for Transport in 1994 in LTN 1/94.

The addition of the Skye Bridge to the network, and the extension of the A87 trunk road through the Isle of Skye to Uig, is the only development to the trunk road network affecting island communities which has been identified as requiring a change to the published list of Primary Destinations, which is the sole purpose of the proposals.

Other relevant data sources include:

• The current signing on the A87, which has been installed since the Skye Bridge opening.
• Feedback received on clarity of signing (e.g. from the public and road operating companies)

The existing list in LTN 1/94 includes Kyle of Lochalsh. At time of publication in 1994 Kyle of Lochalsh was the end point of the A87 trunk road, and a main ferry port for the Isle of Skye. This is no longer the case. The proposed change is therefore to:

• Remove Kyle of Lochalsh from the list of Primary Destinations,
• Add Uig to the list, as the end point of the A87 and a significant ferry port serving the Outer Hebrides,
• Add Skye Bridge to the list, as a significant node point on the A87 journey, linking the Scottish mainline with the Isle of Skye (and effectively replacing Kyle of Lochalsh).

This would result in the Skye Bridge being the target destination (the top destination listed) identified on northbound A87 road signs from the Scottish mainland, and on southbound A87 road signs within the Isle of Skye. Uig would be the target destination on northbound road signs within the Isle of Skye.

The current situation on the A87 illustrates quite an inconsistent picture, which demonstrates the benefit of updating the guidance on the Primary Destinations. Diagrams presented in Appendix A indicate:

• inconsistent inclusion of Skye Bridge on signs
• inconsistent inclusion of Gaelic language versions of Skye Bridge
• inconsistent ordering of destinations
• inclusion of Skye Bridge tourist sign (at Invergarry) to mitigate non-inclusion on the advance direction sign

The proposed change would clarify the advice, secure the Skye Bridge as a gateway to the Isle of Skye to be included on direction signs, and potentially reduce size sign and clutter by removing Kyle of Lochalsh as a requirement (though it could still be included where deemed appropriate). It is not intended that all trunk road direction signs will be updated immediately to align with the list, but a relevant and current list will allow new and replacement signs to be provided in a consistent way.

While the clarity and inclusion of destinations on road signs is a common line of communication in public queries to Transport Scotland, little has been identified on this issue around Skye (or access to the islands more generally).

Due to the modest nature of the proposals relating to what should be identified as a “Primary Destination”, and the limited impact on the public, it was decided that a public consultation was not necessary. A targeted consultation relating to these proposals identified suitable stakeholders to include local authorities, trunk road operating companies, strategic transport partnerships, public transport and road haulage representatives, National Parks, Visit Scotland and Historic Environment Scotland.

Additionally, Transport Scotland contacted the Scottish Government Islands Policy Unit to discuss the proposals, which in turn led to correspondence with Ainmean-Àite na h-Alba relating to Gaelic language versions of proposed new “Primary Destinations” on the relevant routes (particularly Uig and Skye Bridge).