Supermarket giant Tesco has unveiled plans for its first store on the Isle of Skye.
The proposed development, tabled West Ranga Property Group and Lujo Properties, will be built in Portree, Skye's largest settlement.
It will comprise a 32,000 sq. ft. food supermarket together with Petrol Filling Station, service yard and customer car parking on a site off Drovers Way, previously designated by Highland Council for a new supermarket.
A public event will 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 and Portree Community Centre from 3pm to 6pm.
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West Ranga Property Group and Lujo Properties said the proposed store will see a multi-million-pound investment into the local area with the creation, of a number of local full and part time jobs when it opens.
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”.
Matthew Price, Tesco Development Executive, commented: “We are looking forward to feedback on the proposals to bring the first Tesco store to the Isle of Skye. We currently serve the island through our online business, and this new store will provide additional choice for residents in a central and well accessed location.”
The proposed development has been welcomed by Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, MSP for the area, who said: "I’m delighted to publicly welcome Tesco’s interest in opening a new store in Portree.
“A few months ago, I launched a survey for Skye and Lochalsh residents about their grocery shopping habits. Almost 2,000 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 Drew Millar added: “I welcome the news of having a Tesco on Skye in the near future, having been heavily involved many years ago in supporting the principle of choice for the residents of Skye by ensuring permission was granted at Home Farm for two sites. If this proposal receives planning permission it will mean more choice for residents, competitive prices and importantly well paid local jobs.”
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