Two lay-bys are to be introduced on a vital economic and community lifeline for the West Highlands.

Transport Scotland has invested a further £239,000 to provide two lay-bys on the upgraded A830 between Arisaig to Loch nan Uamh.

Work is nearing completion on the £23m project, which has seen almost five miles (7.7km) of the A830 - the last remaining section of single track trunk road on this route - upgraded to two lane status.

This stretch of trunk road forms part of the Road to the Isles linking Fort William to Mallaig and is a key tourist route.

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Once completed, the upgraded A830 will significantly improve safety, traffic flow and journey times and result in better links with Mallaig's ferry connections to Skye, strengthening connections for the area's businesses.

Transport Scotland Project Manager Graham Porteous said: "It is clear the local community was firmly in favour of provision of lay-bys on this route and we have listened to their views on this matter.

"This is an area of great visual beauty and we are conscious that road users may want to stop to enjoy the scenery. However, it was important we conducted a thorough road safety evaluation of the site and the impact on road safety of providing lay-bys was properly evaluated."

Contractor Morrison Construction is nearing completion of the scheme.

The provision of lay-bys along this stretch of the A830 will not impact on the timescale for opening of the road and it remains on target to open in spring 2009.

(GK/JM)