Improvement works have been completed on a section of Scotland's most popular long distance path, the West Highland Way.

The works took place on the Military Road south of Kinlochleven as part of the first phase of improvements from the north of the Devils Staircase to the junction between the old Military Road and the hydro track to the Blackwater Reservoir.

Highland Conservation upgraded the section with better drainage and cleared debris for a smoother route. Locally sourced stone material from under the vegetation was used.

The Highland Council and Scottish Natural Heritage part-funded the project, costing £40,000 for the first phase, with a second phase due to start in the autumn at a similar cost.

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Senior Long Distance Route Officer, Jock MacGillivray said: "I am very pleased with what the contractors have done. This type of work was done until very recently by hand and the machine operators have shown great skill and awareness of their environment."

Chair of the Lochaber Committee, Cllr Andrew Baxter, added: "Lochaber is very much a year-round holiday destination with many visitors opting to explore by foot so it is great news that these improvement works that have been completed will enhance their experience. This is a very popular route with a lot of foot traffic on the path so I'd like to thank the Council's Long Distance Routes team & Highland Conservation Limited for their work in making sure the access is maintained and the path can continue to be enjoyed by visitors and locals."

The West Highland Way starts at Milngavie, outside Glasgow, passes through Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, over Rannoch Moor, into Glen Coe and ends up in Fort William.

(CM/LM)