Forestry Commission Scotland is appealing to transport companies, tour operators, haulage contractors and all other road users to be aware of a proposed closure of the A82 south of Fort William in November or December.

The closure is necessary to carry out the controlled removal of a 200-250 tonne rock from the hillside above the road.

A potential public safety risk, geotechnical experts have advised that the rock should be removed before the winter when the risk of an unplanned fall could increase.

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The operation will entail protecting the road surface, bringing the rock down to the road level, breaking it up, removing it and then clearing up the road surface.

The Commission is working with Transport Scotland to plan the operation and the project leader, Mike Green, said that all options had been considered and expert advice sought.

Mr Green said: "To remove the rock we have no other option but to close the road for a weekend and get the job done as quickly and safely as possible.

"A fixed date can only be agreed once the contractor undertaking the work has fully assessed the job, decided on an appropriate technique and identified the resources necessary to complete the task. The date will be widely publicised as soon as it is agreed.

“We will work closely with Transport Scotland to ensure that advance warnings are provided to road users."

(JG/CD)