OFFICIAL TRAVEL ADVICE

THE HIGHLAND POTHOLE IDENTIFICATION, CLASSIFICATION & VISITOR GUIDANCE The Isle of Skye Tourist Board wishes to reassure visitors that the island’s potholes are an established feature of the Highland road network and should not be regarded as evidence that something has gone wrong. In many cases, they have been there considerably longer than the road markings. We recognise that first-time visitors may find certain sections of the island’s roads unexpectedly undulating. This is perfectly understandable. Most visitors have previously encountered potholes individually. On Skye, they are occasionally available in groups. To assist motorists, we have prepared the following guidance. - RECOGNISING A HIGHLAND POTHOLE Highland potholes vary considerably in size, depth and ambition. Smaller examples may resemble ordinary imperfections in the road surface. Larger specimens can be mistaken for drainage works, abandoned archaeological excavations or the beginnings of a new loch. Visitors should exercise particular caution after rainfall, when potholes may become completely filled with water. Please do not assume that a puddle is shallow simply because a sheep is standing beside it. The sheep may know something you don’t. - OFFICIAL POTHOLE CLASSIFICATION For visitor information purposes, potholes have been divided into four categories: CATEGORY 1 — MINOR DEPRESSION A small irregularity in the road surface. Generally harmless, although capable of relocating loose change from the dashboard into the passenger footwell. CATEGORY 2 — ESTABLISHED POTHOLE A more substantial feature, requiring motorists to reduce speed and reconsider their chosen route through the available tarmac. Local drivers will generally know its position and approach with the familiarity of someone visiting an elderly relative. CATEGORY 3 — SIGNIFICANT ROAD FEATURE Large enough to warrant its own warning sign. Unfortunately, the warning sign may itself be located in a Category 2 pothole. CATEGORY 4 — POTENTIAL FRESHWATER HABITAT A substantial depression containing sufficient water to support independent ecological development. Visitors are advised not to approach without suitable footwear. Donnie says several examples could support trout. Murdo says the trout would probably complain about the roads. - LOCAL DRIVING TECHNIQUES Experienced Highland motorists will often appear to know precisely where every pothole is located. This is because they do. Many have spent years developing an instinctive understanding of the road surface. They may slow down unexpectedly, adjust their position within their lane or announce, without explanation: “Mind this next bit.” Visitors should take this seriously. The next bit may continue for some distance. Please reduce speed appropriately, remain alert and avoid sudden manoeuvres towards oncoming traffic. Under no circumstances should visitors attempt to drive around a pothole by entering a passing place at speed. The passing place may contain another pothole. This is not considered an improvement. - POTHOLE PHOTOGRAPHY The Tourist Board appreciates that certain potholes may be of interest to visitors, particularly those from countries where roads are repaired before developing permanent geographical features. However, motorists should not stop in the middle of the road to photograph them. If you believe you have discovered an unusually impressive specimen, please make a note of its location and continue to a safe stopping point. Donnie has suggested a dedicated Pothole Photography Trail. Murdo says that's just the A87. - REPORTING A POTHOLE Visitors wishing to report a pothole are encouraged to provide a clear description of its location. Please avoid descriptions such as: “The big one near Portree.” “The deep one after the bend.” “The one full of water.” These descriptions are insufficiently specific. Photographs may be helpful, although we appreciate that motorists may struggle to distinguish between the pothole they intended to report and the seven surrounding it. One recent report described a pothole as being “large enough to lose a small car”. Donnie asked for the make and model. - THE PROPOSED POTHOLE ADOPTION SCHEME In response to growing interest, the Tourist Board is considering an Adopt a Pothole initiative. Under the scheme, visitors would be invited to sponsor individual potholes and receive a certificate recognising their contribution to Highland infrastructure. Possible sponsorship categories include: £5 — Minor Depression £10 — Established Road Feature £25 — Significant Highland Excavation £50 — Named Freshwater Attraction Donnie believes the scheme could raise sufficient funds to repair several sections of road. Murdo has pointed out that repairing sponsored potholes would rather undermine the investment. Further consideration is required. - DONNIE’S PROPOSED SOLUTION Donnie MacLeod has suggested developing a mobile pothole repair unit using his Ifor Williams trailer, several bags of aggregate and a piece of equipment he believes is still in the shed. The initial demonstration was postponed after Donnie discovered the trailer was being used to store materials for the floating car park. He has therefore proposed incorporating the pothole repair programme into the floating car park development. Murdo has asked how a car park floating in Portree Harbour is going to improve the road to Dunvegan. Donnie says Murdo is failing to appreciate the wider infrastructure strategy. - A FINAL WORD FROM THE TOURIST BOARD We wish to reassure visitors that the island’s roads remain an important part of the Highland experience. Please drive carefully, allow extra time for your journey and remember that not every unexpected feature of the landscape requires a photograph. We are occasionally asked why certain potholes have not yet been repaired. Donnie says the process takes time. Murdo says there’s one near his house that was there when he bought the place. He’s considering leaving it to the grandchildren. - ISLE OF SKYE TOURIST BOARD "Come for the scenery. Stay because you've lost a wheel trim."