Road safety works restart at Glenfinnan

Construction work on new road safety measures at a Lochaber tourist hotspot has restarted this week following the easing of lockdown restrictions by the Scottish Government.

As well as new signs on the A830 at Glenfinnan to lower the speed limit from 60mph to 40mph through the village, it is hoped a new pedestrian crossing will be installed before the end of the year.

Tens of thousands of tourists flock to Glenfinnan each year via the A830 to see the iconic viaduct, which featured in the Harry Potter films, as well as the monument which honours fallen Jacobite clansmen. Because the Glenfinnan monument, cared for by the National Trust for Scotland, does not have its own car park, visitors must walk along and cross the A830 to gain access. Local children must also wait at the side of the road for their school bus pick-up.

Ms Forbes joined forces with Glenfinnan Community Council to successfully campaign for the speed limit to be reduced from 60mph to 40mph on safety grounds.

She told us: ‘Originally Transport Scotland had hoped to have new speed limit signs in place by the end of March, but this wasn’t possible because of the lockdown restrictions.

‘It’s great to see work restarting and I hope this will significantly improve road safety at one of the most popular tourist attractions on the West Coast.

‘Having spoken to Transport Scotland this week, I understand that the new pedestrian crossing should be in place before the end of the year.

‘Both of these measures will help make visitor access to Glenfinnan easier, safer and more welcoming and are a fantastic example of community initiative.’