Dozens of concerned locals gathered yesterday to oppose plans presented by the whisky firm Talisker to create a new cafe near the site of its world-famous Skye distillery.
Locals in Carbost are opposed to the proposed plans due to their location on a corner of road they have said is notorious and is “an accident waiting to happen”.
Talisker did alter plans last week to include a lower speed limit and redesigned road system – however, locals do not feel this has addressed the issue.
The distillery attracts approximately 75,000 visitors each year to its base on the shores of Loch Harport.
Concern has been raised that the increase in the volume of traffic will result in motorists mounting kerbs.
Murray Campbell, who lives in Carbost, said: “Road safety is the biggest concern.
“Directing visitors across this location will cause another bottleneck in the village where vehicles have already to mount the pavements to pass each other.
“The location to most of us is completely wrong. Diageo needs to out public safety before profit or we will have serious injury or worse.”
Locals have also said they feel the artist’s impressions distributed by Diageo do not accurately represent the area in which the new eatery would be located.
Diane Farrell, Talisker Distillery manager, said the firm has “engaged openly with the community throughout and we will continue to do so”.
She said the firm is “very happy” to meet with the community to hear concerns.
