The Scottish Conservative's Shadow Business Minister Jamie Halcro Johnston has welcomed the potential of a community-led project to develop the harbour at Staffin in Skye.
The project, which includes a new access road, slipway and breakwater will improve accessibility for boats to berth at the harbour all year round.
The Highlands and Islands MSP made his comments after a recent visit to Staffin where he met members of the Harbour Steering Group and discussed how the project could lead to new businesses being created in aquaculture, fishing and marine tourism.
Mr Halcro Johnston said: “This is an important project - driven forward by the local community - which seeks to create new economic activity by drawing on the natural strengths and resources of the area.
“Initiatives like this, which strengthen the local infrastructure, point towards a better and more sustainable future for rural areas like Staffin by giving businesses the confidence to invest.
"That investment can then create new jobs and support other local service providers, creating a virtuous circle of investment which drives further growth.
“My congratulations go to the team for the progress that they have made already. I am now working with colleagues to see where our support can help this project develop further.”
