Fion Construction is continuing work to improve facilities at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre near Fort William.

A new 31-tonne all-abilities bridge has been successfully installed over the River Nevis adjacent to the Centre.

The structure, which has span of 42 metres, was fabricated by A.J. Engineering. Consulting engineers Wallace Stone worked alongside the council and other stakeholders to develop its design.

Having been lifted into place via a 750-tonne mobile crane, the new bridge replaced an older structure nearby which will now be removed.

Other improvements being carried out as part of the project includes upgraded access to the existing bridge at the youth hostel and upgraded paths to provide an all-abilities riverside walk between the visitor centre and youth hostel.

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The council is also contributing £35,000 towards the refurbishment of the visitor centre, which will provide new and informative displays including vital mountain safety information for those venturing to the summit of Ben Nevis.

Overall, the scheme is being delivered by Highland Council and Nevis Landscape Partnership, and is funded by The Highland Council, Heritage Lottery Fund, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Rural Development Programme and Sport Scotland.

Cllr Thomas MacLennan said: "Lochaber is very much a year-round holiday destination with more and more visitors arriving each year so it is great news that these improvement works are well underway. The new all-ability bridge will make a big difference by allowing a far wider range of visitors the chance to access and explore the splendid scenery of this iconic glen than ever before."

Alex Farquhar, Chair of the Nevis Landscape Partnership, added: "The placing of the new footbridge is a highly visible reminder of the work done by the Nevis Landscape Partnership in ensuring continued access to Ben and Glen Nevis for visitors and local people alike. We thank the contractors for their work over the winter months to get the bridge in place and look forward to the completion of the upgraded paths over the coming weeks."

The project is due to be completed by mid-March.

(LM/CD)