A public exhibition is to be held in relation to plans to transform a former school site into new office accommodation.

The Highland Council has proposed regenerating the site of the former Fort William Secondary School into new main offices for the local authority.

The council-owned site on Achintore Road has lain empty for more than 25 years and is a listed building. It is understood the plans would see the development replace current council offices in Fort William at Lochaber House, Fulton House and Tweeddale.

Work on the site is expected to start later this year with the new council offices completed by Spring 2017.

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The public exhibition will be held on Thursday 19 March at the West End Hotel from 10.30am to 7.30pm. The plans will also be available to view, from 20 March, at the Highland Council Service Point at Lochaber House, from 9.30am to 4.30pm, Mondays to Fridays.

The deadline for responses to the consultation is 9 April 2015.

Councillor Thomas MacLennan, Lochaber Area Leader, said: "The proposal to redevelop the site means we'll be able to make savings by delivering our Services more cost-effectively and efficiently and at the same time new life is brought to a building near to the centre of the town which has lain in a derelict state for over 25 years.

"Providing a modern, flexible, accessible working environment will benefit staff and customers. The public exhibition is a chance for people to come along and look over the proposals for the development and give us their views and any feedback to the plans. I hope as many people as possible take up this opportunity."

(JP)