The Skye's got cheaper
Tuesday, 21 Dec 2004 16:30
Wales are sometimes sighted off Skye
Visitors to the Scottish highlands and islands are in for a New Year treat - all tolls have been scrapped for journeys over the bridge into
Skye.
The toll to cross the privately built bridge was first imposed in 1995, and frozen at £11.40 per return journey in 2000.
It has long been a source of complaint for locals and the tourist industry who argue that the bridge has paid for itself many times over by
the money collected.
Today the Scottish Executive announced that the toll would be scrapped with immediate effect, and it would formally take over operation of the
bridge in January.
Around £27 million will have to be paid to the private operators of the bridge.
Announcing the decision, First Minister Jack McConnell said: "As an Islander, I am delighted that today marks the end of the discredited toll
regime on the Skye Bridge.
"This is the start of a new era for Skye. Instead of the Bridge being a symbol of controversy - it can now be a symbol for growth and
prosperity.
"A toll-free bridge will boost tourism and commerce - to the benefit not only of the Skye and Lochalsh economy, but also across the Highlands
as a whole."