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The initiative to refurbish the Helipad at Sluggans, Portree was first considered at a Multi-Agency Meeting of the Skye and Lochalsh Community Safety Group in 2002. It was agreed that the then Skye Emergency Services Association would develop and progress the initiative. The Skye Emergency Services Association comprised of members from the Police Service, Fire Service, Ambulance Service, H.M. Coastguard, Royal National Lifeboat Institution and Skye Mountain Rescue Team, their support groups and retired personnel.

 

Following a two-year funding initiative, the Helipad at Sluggans, Portree was dedicated and subsequently opened on Saturday 30th October 2004. The land on where the Helipad is sited was gracious donated by the MacSween Trust and monies in excess of £25,000 was raised from donations from Awards for All, Skye and Lochalsh Enterprise, Highland Council and Portree League of Friends. Dances, children’s disco’s and sponsored walks were undertaken by members of the public and helped swell the coffers.

 

Following the demise of the Skye Emergency Services Association in 2015 the lease of the Portree Helipad was entrusted to the Portree and Braes Community Trust as was the monies held for any future Helipad development or upgrade.

 

Portree and Braes Community Trust have undertaken a substantial upgrade of the Portree Helipad and with financial assistance from the charity HELP (Helicopter Emergency Landing Pads) Appeal, this has brought the landing site up to current Civil Aviation Authority standards. This upgrade allows all types of helicopters to land day or night (weather permitting) and greatly assists in the medical evacuation of casualties from the north end of Skye.

 

Portree Helipad has over the years undoubtedly helped save the lives of many and given the current issues regarding hospital provision in North Skye and the lack of emergency facilities at Portree Hospital this asset is now needed more than ever

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The lights now have the ability to be switched on remotely by visiting pilots. To do so, transmit 3 clicks on 122.95mhz. 

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The pad can be used for non emergency landings but Pilots should remain with any Helicopter on the Pad to move if required for any Emergency Service.

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To contact the Trust regarding the Helipad email info@portreeandbraes.org . 

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