Fort William fast-food application

A fast- food chain has earmarked Lochaber for a drive-through restaurant that would create about 45 jobs.

A company which operates franchises for KFC – Kentucky Fried Chicken – has submitted a planning application for a site in Fort William.

Herbal Eastern Ltd wants to build the restaurant, with car parking, at Nevis Square in North Road.

A spokeswoman for the company said: “We can confirm that we’re looking to open a restaurant in Fort William to satisfy the demand from our fans. Anew restaurant would create around 45 career opportunities in the area. It's early days at the moment, but we hope to have some good news soon.”

Nevis Garden Centreand John Disher Floor Coverings currently trade from the site and it is under stood that Herbal would demolish the buildings to make room for the restaurant.

Herbal has also applied for permission to increase the number of parking spaces at the site from 15 to 26.

The site is owned by Glengask Limited, High Street, Fort William. A spokesman for the company yesterday confirmed that agreement had been reached with Herbal Eastern Ltd for the sale ofNevis Square in North Road.

He said: “There are several conditions attached to the sale and, as of this date, the purchaser has not intimated to this company whether or not they are satisfied on those conditions.

“Both Nevis Garden Centre and John Disher Floor Coverings continue to trade from the locale.”

Councillor Andrew Baxter said:“WithLochaber attracting many more visitors, we have to compete with other tourist destinations across the country. We should do everything we can to encourage companies that are prepared to invest in the area and provide the facilities that not only visitors but also local people would appreciate.”

The manager of Nevis Garden Centre last night said he did not wish to comment on the planning application.

Mr Disher failed to respond to a request for a comment.