Glenfinnan speed limit cut at monument sites

As thousands of visitors flock back to Glenfinnan in the wake of the easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions, Transport Scotland this week confirmed the implementation of a new 40mph speed limit on the A830 where it passes the iconic monument to the 1745 Jacobite Rising, writes Mark Entwistle.

A Transport Scotland spokesperson told the Lochaber Times: ‘The new 40mph speed limit came into force on the A830 at Glenfinnan on July 21.

‘This was required to be in place prior to installation of the pedestrian crossing at the National Trust for Scotland Visitor Centre, which is currently programmed to take place later on this financial year.’

Transport Scotland bosses had originally intended the new speed limit to be in force by the end of March after agreeing to implement local MSP Kate Forbes’s request to reduce the 60mph speed limit on the section of road, which lies sandwiched between

MSP Kate Forbes is delighted at the change to the speed limit.

two of Scotland’s most famous visitor attractions – the Glenfinnan railway viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter movies, and the 1745 monument.

Along with Glenfinnan Community Council, Ms Forbes campaigned for months to see a reduction on safety grounds.

Speaking after visiting Glenfinnan on Monday, Ms Forbes told the Lochaber Times: ‘At the very first meeting I had with the Glenfinnan community group, they asked for a reduction in the speed limit.

‘I’m so delighted that Transport Scotland has now agreed to the reduction, has implemented the reduction and now has put up the signs.

‘This will be helpful to the community’s aspirations for a new car park to make the road safer. There is still some way to go, but it’s good to step the first improvement in road safety implemented.’