A north MSP has issued a plea for greater protection for an Inverness beauty spot which is regularly closed by flooding.
The Ness Islands were closed after being flooded at the weekend and frequently have to close due to high water.
And now, David Stewart MSP has called for flood protection works to be extended beyond the city centre to take in the islands, which sit in the River Ness.
However, Highland Council said the islands are “very unlikely” to feature in any future flood works, with new schemes more likely to be built to protect businesses and buildings.
Mr Stewart said: “Questions have to be raised about what Highland Council is doing to ensure the security of such a popular and beautiful part of the city – a spot where people regularly walk, run or cycle and an area where many events are held.
“It is not only a question about the area being closed on a regular basis, but about the frequency that footpaths are being flooded when the islands are open.
“I am also concerned about the erosion caused by flooding in the area.
“It would be a shame to see the islands deteriorate due to inaction.
“What’s needed is a survey to look at the risk to the river bank and to see what will secure the islands for future generations.”
A council spokeswoman said that it has worked with the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency on flooding issues for the Highlands, with a new national strategy on the issue due to released before the end of the month.
She added: “The flood strategy is focused on areas that are defined as potentially vulnerable areas and the consideration of measures to alleviate flooding within these areas.
“This strategic approach will seek to prioritise schemes which provide the maximum benefits to the local community, but this will be concentrated on the protection of residential and business properties.
“Protecting amenity areas such as Ness Islands are very unlikely to feature in any strategy for flood alleviation monies, and no plans exist to protect the islands, although the area upstream of Ness Bridge, to alleviate flooding to residential and commercial properties, is programmed for further investigations.
Whilst it is appreciated that in flood events access to this area will be lost – it is hopefully recognised that flood alleviation should be targeted towards areas where significant financial losses can be avoided.”