PLANS have been unveiled by West Ranga Property Group and Lujo Properties for the build of Tesco’s first retail store on the Isle of Skye.
The proposals would see the build of a 32,000 sq.ft food supermarket, petrol station, service yard, and customer car parking at Drovers Way in Portree.
Representing a multi-million pound investment into the area, the developers added that the proposed store would see the creation of a number of local full and part-time jobs once it opens.
A public event will be held on 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-6pm.
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, added, “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 Kate Forbes MSP for Skye, Lochaber, and Badenoch and some local councillors. She 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.”
