Campaigners are celebrating after transport bosses agreed to slash the speed limit and install a crossing on a busy Highland tourist route.
After two years of campaigning, Transport Scotland agreed to a 40mph limit on the A830 Fort William to Mallaig road to make the route safer for the increasing number of tourists who visit Glenfinnan each year.
While the area is steeped in Jacobite history, it has come to even more prominence in recent times thanks to starring roles in Harry Potter films and the popular TV series Outlander.
The National Trust has a centre at Glenfinnan with its own small car park, to see the monument, visitors must walk along and cross the busy A830, which until now has a 60mph limit.
Schoolchildren must also wait at the side of the road for their school bus pick-up point.
Glenfinnan Community Council and MSP Kate Forbes have been campaigning for months to see a reduction on safety grounds.
News of a speed limit reduction to 40mph and the installation of a controlled pedestrian crossing was confirmed this week.
Transport Scotland explained a pedestrian survey that had taken place in August 2018 had shown it was “sufficient to merit a controlled crossing”.
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In order for that crossing to be in place, a 40mph limit was required on the A830.
Fiona Gibson, secretary of Glenfinnan Community Council, said: “We are very pleased that Transport Scotland plan a 40mph speed limit and a controlled pedestrian crossing point on the A830 by the National Trust for Scotland visitor centre.
“The village receives ever increasing numbers of visitors from all over the world and their safety as well as local road users has been a long standing item on our agenda.”
Saying the campaign by the local community had gone on for two years, Kate Forbes MSP said: “This is the latest step in making visitor access to Glenfinnan easier, safer and more welcoming.
“After a lot of correspondence, a few meetings and continued pressure, I am delighted to see that Transport Scotland have agree to lower the speed limit.
“As we enter the tourism season again, I hope this means its much safer for visitors and locals alike.
“It’s another example of community campaigning and sheer determination paying off.”
Transport Scotland expect the new road speed limit of 40mph to be advertised in May.
