A87

A87 is a road designation used for a major route in Scotland’s trunk road network. The principal A87 runs from Inverness on the Moray Firth coast, across the northwest Highlands, to Kyle of Lochalsh, where it crosses onto the Isle of Skye via the Skye Bridge. On Skye, the A87 continues as the island’s main east–west corridor, connecting communities and access points for ferry terminals. The route traverses varied landscapes, including lochs, glens, and coastal scenery, and serves a mix of rural settlements and tourist destinations.

The A87 has undergone numerous upgrades and is maintained by Transport Scotland as part of the national trunk road network. A defining feature of the route is the Skye Bridge, opened in 1995, which transformed the former ferry crossing between Kyle of Lochalsh and Skye into a fixed-link connection and significantly impacted travel times and regional accessibility. Prior to the bridge’s opening, crossings relied on ferries and longer detours.

The A87 is one of several A-class roads in Scotland and represents a key linkage for the western Highlands and the Isle of Skye. It supports local traffic, tourism, and freight, and its routing reflects the region’s geographic and economic needs. Like many rural Scottish A-roads, the A87 comprises a mix of single and dual carriageway sections, with varying speed limits and ongoing maintenance to address safety and reliability for through-traffic and local users alike.