Planning permission has been granted for a new drive-through restaurant that would create up to 45 jobs in Lochaber.
A company which operates franchises for KFC – Kentucky Fried Chicken – has received planning consent for the development at Nevis Square in North Road, Fort William.
And the fast-food chain is hoping to have the new outlet up and running next year.
The move has been welcomed by Councillor Andrew Baxter, who is one of the members for Fort William and Ardnamurchan.
He said: “This is great news for the town.
“It’s another useful facility for both local residents and visitors and the extra jobs will be very welcome.
“I hope it proves very popular.”
Developer Herbal Eastern Ltd intends to demolish the existing premises on the site, which are currently used by Nevis Garden Centre and John Disher Floor Coverings, and to erect a new 315 square yard building, of which almost 120 square yards would be trading space.
There were no objections to the application, which has been granted by Highland Council officers under delegated powers.
Their decision notice states: “The proposals accord with the provision of the development plan and there are no material considerations which would warrant refusal of the application.”
The permission is subject to conditions relating to decontamination of the site, surface water drainage, the visibility splay of the access onto the A82 Inverness to Fort William road and the provision of appropriate parking spaces.
Full details of hard and soft landscaping must also be submitted to and approved by the council and a 6ft high “trespass proof” fence must be erected along the north-western boundary of the site to prevent unauthorised and unsafe access to the railway.
A spokeswoman for KFC said: “We are delighted to be opening a new drive-through in Fort William in 2015 and believe KFC will be a positive addition to the local community.
“The new store will create approximately 35-45 career opportunities in the area and we look forward to welcoming residents into the store.”