A Highland exhibition dedicated to the perilous wartime Arctic convoy missions is due to move home next month.
Local authority planning officials have given the Russian Arctic Convoy Project the go-ahead to relocate to a former butcher’s shop in Aultbea.
The group hopes to complete the switch from its current site at Inverasdale School in time for an official opening during the Loch Ewe WWII Festival on May 7.
Nineteen of the Russia-bound convoys departed from Loch Ewe in Wester Ross to deliver vital supplies to the Soviet Union during World War II.
Described by Winston Churchill as the “worst journey in the world”, more than 3,000 UK sailors perished in the operations.
There was a large military presence in the remote Highland region during the period, outnumbering the locals three to one.
Their operations left a mark on the landscape – wartime bunkers and gun emplacements are still scattered around the loch.
The new museum will be open six days a week during the tourist season, and will have a spacious shop and exhibition area at the rear.
Approving the change of use for the building, Highland Council officers said: “The reuse of this vacant building is welcomed.
“The establishment of an exhibition space dedicated to the Artic Conveys is considered to accord with the aims and objectives of the development plan particularly in relation to tourism facilities.
“The proposal will result in an increase in vehicles and pedestrians to the building, which shares a boundary with a dwellinghouse to the south.
“However the visitor parking will be located along the road frontage and access to the building will be from the existing entrance which also faces the road.
“It is considered therefore that the change of use will not have a significant impact on the amenity of the neighbouring property particularly when compared to the previous use of the building as a shop.”
The Loch Ewe World War II Festival will take place on May 6 and 7 to mark the 75th anniversary of the first convoys leaving Loch Ewe.
Military re-enactments, music and a movie night are among the events planned for the festival.
