Dave Thompson MSP

SKYE, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP Dave Thompson is to attend a public meeting about the closure of the Stromeferry Bypass on Monday at which he will press for a permanent solution to the high risk of rockfall on the route.

The road has been closed since shortly before Christmas because of a rockfall, forcing a 140-mile diversion by road, via Beauly and Drumnadrochit. The Highland Council plans to run a ferry service across narrows at Lochcarron and has called a meeting in Lochcarron Village Hall on Monday evening to update locals on longer term plans to stabilise a nearby hillside which has been struck by a series of rockfalls.

“This has been an ongoing problem for this area so it is vital that decisive action is taken to put an end to this huge inconvenience to the local community,” said Mr Thompson.

“The loss of a reliable road link means businesses losing trade, children facing problems getting to school and the local community being disadvantaged in many ways.

“That is why more importance must be given to providing a sustainable solution.”