LOCALS have been left reeling by the idea of a new motorway when their idyllic tiny village is already overrun by campervans and tourists.
The Isle of Lewis, a picturesque Outer Hebrides island in the northwest of Scotland, could be the new site for a huge main road much to the dismay of locals.
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There are only 80 people living in Gearrannan Blackhouse Village on the Isle of Lewis next to the only road, which is already congested with holidaymakers.
Fears that the peaceful scenery and tranquil climate could be interrupted are rising as tourism is already at an increase.
Chairman of the Airidhantuim Community Council Roddy Martin, said: “I have visitors from Canada just now, and our roads are like a sidewalk to them. They have massive highways. Do we want that? I don’t think so.
“Over-tourism’ is impacting the island and taking its toll on the roads. It’s the same in other parts of the country.”
The motorway was proposed as a way to make the 683 square mile island more accessible and upgrade transport infrastructure in the area.
This was due to the spike in visitors during the summer months, which has already been described as “horrendous”, with the single track road barely coping with the number of cars, motorhomes and tour buses.
With it’s unspoilt sandy beaches it’s no wonder travellers flock from all over the globe, bringing with them a sea of holiday traffic.
This boost in tourism has its perks for the holiday hotspot, but locals are not so sure.
The small island is part of a chain of over 40 that make the Outer Hebrides, with only a few of them occupied.
Locals claim it’s this quiet serenity that makes the Isle of Lewis so special.
One villager said: “A lot of these things are what keeps the island unique – it’s part of its character.
“If you change it too much, people won’t see the appeal to come.”
This view isn’t shared by Conservative councillor for Sgir’Uige agus Carlabhagh Ranald Fraser who approves of the influx of visitors.
He said: “This also means that the infrastructure leading up to it needs vital upgrades to cope with the demand.”
The controversial road extension is said to be funded by local authorities despite the backlash, according to an answer to a parliamentary question in September.
Any further decisions on the motorway is down to the local council and not that of Scotland’s national transport agency, Transport Scotland.
A Transport Scotland spokesperson told The Sun: “There are no trunk roads on the Isle of Lewis and hence Scottish Ministers have no locus here.
“All roads on the island are the responsibility of Western Isles Council and any decision to upgrade this road would be for the council to make.”
The local council Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar has told the Sun there are some adjustments being made to the road, including assessing place stepping points, but there will not be a full motorway.
A spokesperson said: “Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has used limited available funding to make improvements to passing places and pedestrian step-off points on the Gearannan road.
“Constraints on the Comhairle’s capital budget and the unavailability of alternative funds do not currently allow for the progression of further improvements to the road.”
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