It’s full speed ahead for a drive to place a full-size bronze replica of the Ford Model T that conquered Ben Nevis in Fort William town centre.
In January last year, the Ben Nevis Bronze Ford Committee launched an appeal to raise £85,000 for the project.
And now the group now submitted a planning application for permission to erect the sculpture in Cameron Square.
The proposed location on High Street is close to the spot where Henry Alexander set off in the original car for his epic attempt on the UK’s highest mountain in 1911.
Chris Robinson, of the Ben Nevis Bronze Ford Committee, said the ascent of the 4,412ft peak, which took almost a week, was considered “a great feat of man and machine”.
Mr Robinson, who is also a trustee of the West Highland Museum, said the project was “ticking over well”.
He added the cost had gone up to £89,000 since they launched the fundraising campaign as the ground works would cost another £4,000.
“It seemed like an enormous amount to raise at the start, but we’ve now reached almost £50,000 so applying for planning permission is the next step.
“We didn’t want to leave it until the last-minute so that, as soon as we’ve raised the funds, we will be ready to go ahead.
“And some grant providers insist on planning permission before they will consider an application for funding so it will enable us to submit applications to them,” said Mr Robinson.
He added that the Model T cast in bronze would be a permanent fixture in the High Street and said he was sure it would attract more visitors.
The bronze replica will have Mr Alexander at the wheel, but the front passenger seats and back seats will be left empty, with the back door ajar, to allow visitors to climb in for photographs.
He said: “We’ve raised about £15,000-16,000 locally, but the bulk of the money has come from Model T enthusiasts, mainly in the UK, but also some from abroad.
“We’ve been to a number of local events and will be doing more this year, including the Scottish Six Days Trial next month and the 10 Under the Ben cycle event and Fraserburgh Car Rally in June.”
Anyone wishing to make a donation should contact Mr Robinson on 01397 702866 or by e-mail at creakingshelves@btinternet.com
