Bakkafrost Scotland employees John O’Hara, senior marine operative in Scadabay, Harris, left, and marine operative Arran Jaine, at the parking area on Scalpay.

Salmon farmer steps up to provide parking for island walkers

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Salmon producer Bakkafrost Scotland has helped provide a new car park on the Outer Hebridean island of Scalpay in response to rising visitor numbers.

The island is connected to the much bigger island of Harris and Lewis by a road bridge, and the popularity of the Scalpay Heritage Trail led to an 18% increase in the number of visitors to the island last year, with Scalpay’s distinctive red and white Eilean Glas lighthouse a particularly big draw for walkers. However, a lack of parking provision has posed a challenge, particularly as much of the island’s road network is single track.

North Harris Trust, which manages much of the land on behalf of the community, identified a potential parking area less than a mile from Bakkafrost Scotland’s shorebase at Cuddy Point and the salmon farmer stepped in to help fund the work and signage. Now complete, the public car park has space for up to seven vehicles.

Eilean Glas lighthouse, on the east coast of Scalpay, was first established in 1789 by Thomas Smith. It was one of the first four lighthouses to be built in Scotland and takes its name from Glas Island, Scalpay. The tower is painted with two broad red bands to distinguish it as a day mark. Learn more here.

Michael Hunter, manager of the North Harris Trust, said: “The growing popularity of Scalpay as a visitor destination, which has been driven to a large extent by the heritage trail, is obviously good news for the island. It is a very scenic walk and the lighthouse is a big draw for those who do it.

“However, a rise in visitor numbers has also highlighted the need for new parking provision. We are keen to avoid disruption to residents, so this new public parking area is very welcome. It includes a link to the Scalpay Heritage Trail and also encourages local access to a short scenic circular walk taking in Loch an Dùin.

“Bakkafrost Scotland is easily one of the two biggest employers on the island and we are very grateful for their support, both with the car park itself and signage. Having this new facility will help us be better prepared for the summer season.”

Bakkafrost Scotland area manager Hamish Maclean said: “It is important for us to help out with initiatives like this, which benefit all of us who live and work on Scalpay.

“The Heritage Trail allows more people to enjoy the island’s beautiful natural habitat which is so important to producing Scottish salmon. The enhanced parking provision means they can do so responsibly, without impacting on the local community.”

bakkafrost scotland scalpay heritage trail north harris trust salmon farming news