Decision imminent on Ross rockfall route

ROSS-SHIRE school children could enjoy a long lie and start classes later next week – if a main road remains shut following a rockfall.

A decision on whether the A980 Lochcarron to Kyle road at Stromeferry can reopen is expected to be made tomorrow (Fri).

Consultant engineers are currently assessing the condition of the rockface.

It comes after more than 100 tonnes of rock fell from a netted rockface on December 22 and a large quantity of unstable rock was identified.

The closure has left residents with a 130-mile detour via Drumnadrochit and Muir of Ord but the rail service has not been disrupted.

Councillor John Laing, the local authority’s transport, environmental and community services committee, said it had discussed several options to ensure pupils can travel to Plockton High School next week and open up the route for motorists, should the closure continue.

“The best case scenario is the rock face is more stable and is safe,” he said. “The worst case scenario is that there is still danger and it has to remain shut. I am hopeful that we will find out in the next day.”

Councillor Laing (Eilean a’ Cheò) said the local authority could hold talks with ScotRail about taking children to school via rail when the school resumes after the festive break on Monday (9.1)

“The pupils could take the train at 11.16am and home at 5.16pm,” he said. “The school said it would be able to compensate for the two periods lost at the start of the day by the pupils staying longer.”

Councillor Laing said sleepers could also be placed over the train track – which is adjacent to the road – to allow traffic through, which has happened before following previous closures.

A passenger ferry with capacity for up to 50 people could also be employed with shuttle busses laid on.

He added the Glenlelg car ferry, which is not used in the winter, was another option.

Councillor Laing said there was an understandable level of local concern but not many complaints because people understood the situation.

Ross MSP Rob Gibson this week called for the ferry service at Strome to be reopened in light on the closure.

More on this story in this week's Ross-shire Journal.