Soaring numbers of visitors to Skye will be discussed at high level talks between a Scottish Government minister and the local MSP.
Tourism Secretary Fiona Hyslop agreed to the meeting with local representative Kate Forbes to consider potential infrastructure improvements on the island.
The talks were arranged after the Press and Journal revealed this month that traffic on the Skye Bridge increased by about a third in recent years.
Official data from Transport Scotland, released under freedom of information legislation, showed that average daily traffic flows on the route had risen from 3,135 vehicle movements in 2006 to 4,194 in 2014.
Business leaders and politicians on the island put the increase down to a surge in visitor numbers and more use of the bridge by local residents, and they predicted that traffic volumes would continue to rise.
Ms Forbes used questions at Holyrood to request a meeting with Ms Hyslop to discuss the impact of the increase on local infrastructure, and the pair are now due to hold talks on Thursday.
Last night, the MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch said: “Skye is the jewel in the crown of Highland tourism and the numbers of tourists are growing exponentially year on year, putting huge pressure on infrastructure.
“It is important that we plan ahead well in advance of another bumper year for tourism.
“Obviously, most of the issues with infrastructure are managed by Highland Council but I am pleased that the cabinet secretary is willing to meet with me to discuss ways to ensure that services and infrastructure can meet the demand.”
The Skye Bridge opened in October 1995 and its controversial tolls were scrapped in December 2004.
Ms Forbes added: “It’s clear that since the bridge first opened, and then when the tolls were removed, the amount of traffic on the bridge escalated enormously.
“This isn’t just visitors during the summer – I think it also indicates that Skye is a very desirable to live and work and more people are choosing to make Skye their home.
“I’m very aware that this has implications for our infrastructure, as the increased traffic on roads, which are already feeling the strain, has got to be factored in by those tasked with maintaining the roads.
“It’s worth noting too that tourists come in waves and, whilst there have been several great summers for hoteliers, tour operators and restaurants, we must ensure that visitors want to return.”