Forestry and Land Scotland has begun tree felling operations on the steepest part of the hillside at Loch Ness-side.

Part of FLS’ long-term steep ground felling work along the length of the A82, the next phase of work, which will run from April until the end of June, will see large trees being removed from a slope that in places is 80-90 per cent sheer.

FLS Planning Manager Ian Allsop, said: “This is without question the most challenging phase of the work that we have undertaken.

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“Harvesting is generally a hazardous business. Factor-in bad weather and it becomes trickier still. But add to that some incredibly steep ground and you are faced with a job that needs to be done slowly, with exceptional attention to detail and by people who are absolutely at the top of their game.

“Safety precautions are always in place and of the highest standard no matter where on the hillside we have been working.

“This continues to hold true for the work our team will be doing over the next few months. However, the only thing that will affect road-users will be the ongoing traffic management, which is a key element of our safety measures.”

The latest phase of forestry operations – again between Drumnadrochit and Invermoriston – is the first time this year that FLS and its specialist contractor, Duffy Skylining, will have carried out felling work on site.

Delays to the programme have arisen because of bad weather, safety inspections and work to stabilise the hillside.