A meeting at the ancient stronghold after which Fort William is named may change the course of its history.
The fort was built in 1654 by Oliver Cromwell to keep his troops safe from the troublesome locals.
Its remains lie buried beneath the earth but that may soon change, with local campaigners hoping they can secure backing for a £2.3 million project that would include the creation of a new visitor attraction.
Members of Friends of the Old Fort met Historic Environment Scotland’s (HES) director of heritage, Barbara Cummins, to discuss the site’s future.
Past meetings have not always been positive but chairman Norrie MacLean believes they gave HES plenty to think about.
He is hopeful that, in time, that could lead to funding and excavations to uncover the fort once more.
Mr MacLean said: “Some years ago we asked Historic Environment Scotland if we could remove some of the earth around the fort.
“This would have exposed the ancient walls and it would have kept children safe as the drop is eight metres at the moment.
“Instead we were told that Transport Scotland would erect a fence and since then talks have gone back and forth.
“Recently we have all felt like throwing in the towel but then we saw HES was actually wanting to give away £10m to support historic projects.
“We put together plans for a visitor centre with parking and access to the beach.
“A quantity surveyor has told us it would cost £2.3m.
“In the beginning, all we wanted was to expose the stones of the fort, but we all think a proper visitor centre is what the town needs.”
Joining the group for their meeting was Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP Kate Forbes.
She said: “The Friends have been campaigning for years to clean up the Old Fort and then to have it restored to its original state.
“That’s why I invited Historic Environment Scotland to come and visit the site and meet with members to draw up a plan.”
A Historic Environment Scotland spokesman said: “We had a very interesting and constructive meeting with the Friends and MSP Kate Forbes.
“We look forward to working with them in the future.”
