View from the Chamber

FOLLOWING recent campaigns to raise the awareness of the poor condition and general unsuitability of the A82 for both business and tourism, Lochaber Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the summit announced for June 23 by Transport Minister Humza Yousaf.

The summit intends to discuss the future of the second longest road in Scotland.

However, disappointingly, the meeting is by invitation only and will serve to highlight existing works rather than a strategic review.

Lesley Benfield, chief executive of Lochaber Chamber of Commerce, commented recently: ‘ Lochaber is a vibrant area of the Highlands which is experiencing high levels of growth in tourism and business investment. While, on the face of it, the forthcoming summit falls short of our expectations, it is a good opportunity to get all the relevant stakeholders in one room and to be given the opportunity to be heard.’

She went on to say: ‘Our members will be well represented at the meeting and include Ferguson Transport and Shipping, BSW Timber, Shiel Buses and Liberty Smelter, all of whom have all recently announced major expansion plans in the area which will put the A82 under even more pressure.’