Works are due to begin on a £100,000 project to enhance Fort Augustus village.

Funding has been allocated in The Highland Council’s Planning and Development Service capital programme towards the project which will focus on enhancements to the frontage of the main car park and the picnic area as well as up-grading Dr Kirkton's memorial viewpoint.

Project development has been undertaken in consultation with local Highland Councillors, Fort Augustus Community Council and the Business Initiative.

Proposals were presented at a Ward Forum in November 2008 and then prioritised according to available budget.

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The main car park acts as a visitor reception area and was identified as a priority for up-grading.

The scheme will aim to create a more attractive setting and includes new entrance walls and rails to the car park frontage, re-configuration of the bus lay-by and a larger Hi-trans bus shelter with lighting. Other aspects include new surfacing and seating to the picnic area and Dr Kirton’s memorial.

Highland Councillors for the Aird and Loch Ness Ward Helen Carmichael, Margaret Davidson, Drew Hendry, and Hamish Wood welcomed the start of the works which will vastly improve the first point of welcome that is provided for visitors to Fort Augustus. They hope that this will create a much improved village centre that will encourage people to stop on the A82; take a rest from driving and use the local facilities, attractions and services.

Pat Munro (Alness) Ltd has been awarded the project contract.

The Contractor will, at a later date, also undertake landscaping works to the frontage of the proposed new toilet block. The replacement block forms a separate contract to these works and the landscaping to the frontage will commence once the existing block has been demolished.

(GK/BMcc)