Fresh plans for a canopy over the rainiest town square in the Highlands will be completed within months.
The local Town Team wanted to cover Cameron Square in Fort William in an attempt to keep cruise ship visitors and entertainers dry during the summer season.
But the original designs were torpedoed when local traders feared they would be obscured by the structure.
Now, the committee has gone back to the drawing board – and might even take inspiration from the past for their new design.
Sue Keen, Fort William Town Team secretary, said: “The council intended to install a canopy in the square when it was redeveloped around four years ago, but there was no agreement in time to get funding, which was a shame.
“We have discussed designs, one of which was for sail-like canvas structures by the Kierney Donald Partnership from around eight years ago as well as one which was suggested at the time Cameron Square was redeveloped. We have also considered a retractable design. There has been a lot of support for a canopy over the years, but we have until mid-December to resubmit a new one.”
Fort William and Ardnamurchan councillor, Brian Murphy, who was present at the Town Team meeting, said: “There just wasn’t enough funding for a canopy at the time the square was redeveloped.
However we did put down anchor points so that people could put up gazebos for entertainment etc to keep dry.
“The Town Team will be looking at other possibilities, but the design will have to be not only affordable, but pleasing to the eye.
“Also it is important that businesses and the museum in the square are not hidden from view.”
James Kennedy of the Fort William Marina and Shoreline Company who was also at the meeting added: “There was a huge amount of support for a canopy in the square, as it would encourage all sorts of people to use it.
“The design will have to be refined and hopefully we’ll get a permanent canopy there.”
A local resident said: “The square definitely needs a canopy of some kind when there is entertainment or different events going on there.
“It’s all very well having a gazebo or something like that, but what about the people watching? They can’t stand about in the rain.”
